You were created to add to life on earth, not just take from it.
From 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.”
Rick Warren Quote
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Author Archives: bigskybuckeye
America’s Renewed Declaration
From John 8:32: “And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
Blessed land stretching from ocean to ocean
Spacious skies wink at fields of abundant grain
Framed in by towering, majestic mountains
God’s Grace covering the land like fruitful rain
Lady Liberty extends her message of hope
Calling out, only demanding to breathe free
Ensuring freedom for the huddled masses
Keeping her torch lite, from sea to shining sea
Asking God to mend a nation’s ills and flaws
Lifting praises up to the Father above
His glory be forever praised here below
Liberty and freedom shall ring, filled with love
Forgiving our nation’s errors and transgressions
Healing hearts of discord, peace now safeguarded
Leading this nation out of its dark wilderness
Remembering an old path, long discarded
Nation founded from scratch, with lasting vision
“All men are created equal” crying out
Endowed from the Creator, come certain rights
Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness shout
“America the Beautiful” is a beloved song. You are invited to listen to this familiar song, as sung by Lee Greenwood
Ansel Adams Quotes
A true photograph need not be explained, nor can it be contained in words.
A photograph is usually looked at–seldom looked into.
Nature’s Gifts (Haiku Series #84)
Sweet Fragrance
Nature sending love
Despite social distancing—
Smelling sweet flowers
Concert in the Pines
Deep in the forest
Harmony reigns over all—
Are we listening?
Catch Us—If You Can
One, two, three, four, five
Their heads bobbing up and down—
Turkeys in tall grass
James Earl Jones Quotes
If you expect someone else to guide you, you’ll be lost.
You don’t build a bond without being present.
Changing Times
Good morning neighbor! I’ve been struggling with this rapidly changing world of ours. So, I hope you are doing better than me.
I have been deeply pondering the way words keep changing in meaning. If it is hard for me to understand, just imagine how Merriam and Webster are doing.
ZOOM used to refer to a camera lens moving in for a close-up. Now . . . it refers to some type of online meeting. Since I don’t have one of them fancy phones, I guess no will invite me to attend.
HOARDERS used to refer to people who collected everything under the sun as they filled up their basements, garages, and sheds with memories and junk. Now . . . it refers to anyone who creates a home warehouse for toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and disinfectants. Now I know why Bobby always has his garage door closed.
CASH used to refer to a time when we paid for things with currency, you know, the green stuff. Now . . . who can even remember the image on a $10 bill or a $20 bill?
FACE MASK used to refer to a part of an American football player’s helmet. Now . . . it refers to a way to protect yourself and show love to your neighbor at the same time. Hmm, are you on the same page with me? How do I look?
WHOPPER used to refer to one of the biggest and grandest of the burger world (and you could have it your way). Now . . . it refers to a “meatless” burger. Can you hear Clara Peller (from a competitor’s old TV commercial) shouting, “Where’s the beef?”
SOCIAL DISTANCING used to refer to the proper distance between a boy and a girl at a middle school dance. Now . . . it refers to a way to stay healthy and safe. I guess I’m all in with this new logic. How about you?
CURBSIDE PICKUP used to refer to a trash truck picking up some oversized items in the neighborhood. Now . . . it refers to a new way to buy groceries, without ever entering the store. Hmm, I hope the store’s gopher didn’t squeeze the Charmin (God Bless Mr. Whipple).
Now before I go, will you help me understand one more new word, VIRTUAL? We never witnessed this word much in the 20th Century, but now it is mentioned with everything . . . online classrooms, work from home, political campaigns, and even vacations.
These changing times are almost too much for a man of my age to fully understand. Well, I guess I can always rely on my grandchildren for some help. They don’t think I’m “over the hill” quite yet.
In all seriousness, I encourage all of us to be safe and stay as healthy as possible. Remember to wash your hands, wear a mask, and practice social distancing.
Charles Swindoll Quote
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
Personally, I think a healthy sense of humor is determined by at least three abilities:
- The ability to laugh at our mistakes
- The ability to accept justified criticism–and get over it
- The ability to interject (or at least enjoy) wholesome humor when surrounded by a tense, heated situation
From Proverbs 15:13: “A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.”
Living with Confidence
A very early poem of mine was entitled “Still a Desperate Man” which was inspired by Eric Church’s top country music hit of “Desperate Man.” If you missed the earlier poem, follow the link. I want to thank Jim Borden of Borden’s Blather for encouraging me to write this sequel. I encourage you to check out Jim’s blog with its wonderful and inspiring variety of posts.
Waking up each morning, right on time
My alarm clock allows this day to climb
Feeling happiness—this life now rhymes
Driving to work in a brand new set of wheels
With low monthly payments, my wallet squeals
Feeling joy—kicking up these dancing heels
Returning from work, this day’s in the books
Satisfied with how that hefty, new raise looks
Feeling elation—inviting a new life’s chinook
Opening up the fridge, filled with favorite delights
Dinner tonight, taking taste buds to new heights
Feeling serenity—life marches in bright lights
Opening the mail one quiet afternoon
My love’s note makes this heart swoon
Feeling peace—love takes us to the moon
Looking forward to seeing her this weekend
Her love will always be a blessed godsend
Feeling humility—life no longer at loose ends
This incredible life now follows a new game plan
Sailing calm waters aboard life’s catamaran
No longer will I ever feel like a desperate man
Jim Cymbala Quote
We urgently need people who encourage and inspire us to move toward God.
From Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Values of a Nation (Elfchen Series #20)
Common Ground
Freedom
Many examples
Sheltered from fear
Basic human need for
All
Working Together
Liberty
Different meanings
Across a nation
Finding common ground as
One
Moving Forward
Trust
Competing views
Seeking the light
Finding balance for a
Nation
The German-inspired poetry style of Elfchen (or Elevenie) contains five lines of poetic verse, usually without the use of rhyming verses. A total of 11 words are used with a sequence of one, two, three, and four words before ending with a single word in the final verse.
