
When two interesting people have a conversation, they completely forget to talk about themselves.
Before you take on the world, go to war with yourself and win.

When two interesting people have a conversation, they completely forget to talk about themselves.
Before you take on the world, go to war with yourself and win.
Totally absorbed
Where did the afternoon go?
Reading a new book

Tuesday afternoon
Never missing preciousness—
Granddaughter’s tea time

Friday afternoon
Seconds, minutes, hours announce—
Five o’clock somewhere


The secret of every discord in Christian homes and communities and churches is that we seek our own way and our own glory.
From Romans 12:15-17: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.”
This poem, written in May of 2019, again brings a message which has been part of some recent devotionals and Bible readings. May all believers continue to reach out to others with the message of God’s grace and peace. He never grows weary of gathering the Lost to hear His Word.

Walking down an empty sidewalk all alone
Feeling lost when no one calls his phone
Facing the final sunset of a life
Remembering past sinful strife
Rubbing together his chilly, worn hands
Warming a cold heart of a humbled man
Recalling a strong home built brick by brick
Wiping away tears when she became sick
Losing his loving bride to illness
Asking, “Why God, is this meant?”
Battling the raging, turbulent cosmic powers
Creating lonely darkness that sadly towers
Living without a daily dose of hope
Trying to understand his life’s scope
Reciting scripture as Christ says, “I am with you”
Witnessing the bloody Cross, coming into view
Testing his faith, builds continued endurance
Removing sinful chains at every occurrence
Loving us, God guards our hearts and minds
Smiling, the old man knows he has more time
Bringing Salvation, our Savior conquers the Cross
Blessing another life, this man no longer feels lost


That we may not complain of what is, let us see God’s hand in all events; and, that we may not be afraid of what shall be, let us see all events in God’s hands.
From Proverbs 27:1: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”
From Isaiah 6:3: “And one called to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory.'”

Expecting our best
God shall never rest
God’s future glory
Becomes our story
Adopting each child
Life now reconciled
What’s lying ahead?
God’s plan weaves its thread
Life fosters trials
Coming with each mile
His Word, guidance, love
Shining from above
God’s sacred fitness
Our constant witness
Daring to dream now
God’s mercy allows
Caring, righteous Lord
Trusting His accord
Patience encouraged
Waiting with courage
Together working
Blessed networking
Humbleness fills life
Removing all strife
Sowing fertile seeds
Harvest’s bread now feeds
Called by Jesus Christ
His blood sacrificed
Glory fills God’s name
Building each life’s frame

From 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.”

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
There is one Advocate we all need–one who represents sinners like us in the highest of all places–the presence of God: “Jesus Christ, the righteous.” What a great promise!
From 1 John 2:1-2: “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”

Welcome to “Behind the Scenes.” Today, we have returned to visit with Richard, the creative voice behind the writing journey of Big Sky Buckeye.
Welcome back Richard. It is a pleasure visit with you again.
You have been writing and blogging for two years. What have you treasured most from this experience?
One of the gems I have enjoyed most is exchanging comments and thoughts with other bloggers and writers. When I first arrived at WordPress, I didn’t expect to establish dialogues with so many wonderful people.
Here are a series of short questions. We are sure your readers would enjoy learning a bit more about you.
Favorite Book
One of my favorite books is Blind Your Ponies by Stanley Gordon West. The fictional story is set in a small town in southwestern Montana. Having lived and taught in some smaller communities in Montana, I can identify with the setting and the surrounding area.
Favorite Music
I still enjoy much of the music from my youth (60s and 70s oldies). Current music tends to be pop or country.
Favorite Architectural Marvel
Growing up in Billings, Montana, I was always in awe of the Moss Mansion, which was built in 1903 by businessman P. B. Moss. His last remaining family member was still living in the house during my high school years. The home is mentioned in a feature published earlier in: Visit the Magic City.
Favorite Quote
From a high school commencement from many years ago, the keynote speaker left a treasure with the graduates: “Promise less, deliver more.”
Grade School Memory
In the 6th Grade, my teacher (Mike Hink) required his students to write with a fountain pen. He even refilled our empty pens with more ink when needed.
Favorite Spot to Hangout
With my enjoyment of coffee and books, I have always welcomed a visit to Barnes and Noble.
We have appreciated spending time with Richard from Big Sky Buckeye. Look for more “Behind the Scenes” in future postings.

Be patient. God is using today’s difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who makes things grow will help you bear fruit.
From 2 Peter 1:5-7: “For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love.”
Wind
Blowing chimes
Hearing musical notes
Nature’s symphony plays again
Flawlessly

Forest
Autumn’s arrival
Colorful landscape beckons
Cascading leaves quickly flee
Transformation

Wintertime
Skiers delight
Let it snow!
Mountaintop covered powder white
Paradise
