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Every man’s life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another.
Ernest Hemingway Quote
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Author Archives: bigskybuckeye
Monday Memories: Buckeye Football Fans
Here is another installment of Monday Memories. This poem was first published back in October during the middle of the college football season. He enjoys following and cheering for his two favorite college football teams
Filling the huge Horseshoe in their scarlet and gray
Cheering on their beloved Buckeyes each Saturday
Watching mascot Brutus fire up the thousands of fans
Experiencing tailgate parties from the back of a van
Sitting elbow to elbow in the bleacher seats
Seeing that the Buckeyes are hard to beat
Experiencing another remarkable Michigan victory
Wondering what Coach Woody would want to see
Go Buckeyes Go!
Conquer another foe!
Special Note: The reference to Coach Woody honors the greatest of all Buckeyes’ football coaches, Woody Hayes. He coached the Buckeyes from 1950-1978. His teams won five national championships and 13 Big Ten conference titles.
Another college football season is upon us. Now you know where my football allegiance stands: Montana State Bobcats and Ohio State Buckeyes. I need to hurry along now to stay ahead of rivals Montana Grizzlies and Michigan Wolverines.
Max Lucado Quote
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What makes a Christian a Christian is not perfection but forgiveness.
From Matthew 18:21-22: “Then Peter came and said to Him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but I tell you, seventy times seven.'”
My Lovely Lady
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Each morning, she waits with calmness
Her attitude reflects poise and kindness
She cherishes conversation, sitting at my knee
Listening attentively, she enjoys being with me
Her appearance shows off beauty and her shape
Inviting me to meet her for another special date
She has become an independent thinker
Dreaming of new adventures, she tinkers
She doesn’t mind others taking a mid-day nap
Sleeping for a few winks, she’s out in a snap
She welcomes the weather on sunny days
Frowning when rain clouds gather to stay
She looks forward to sweet morning walks
Experiencing nature, she seldom ever talks
Sometimes at dusk, she lets out a fright
Watching out a window, deer in her sight
Allow me to introduce this loyal and lovely lady
She’s been a perfect friend, her name is Sadie
Sadie is an English Lab, and she is a dear friend to her family. Sometimes, I am invited to help watch her when family is away. As you can see, she loves her nap time.
Here is a link to the first poem featuring Sadie. It was published back in November.
Warren Wiersbe Quote
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“If the Lord will” is not just a statement on a believer’s lips; it is the constant attitude of his heart.
From Psalm 43-10: “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Let your good spirit lead me on a level path.”
Morning Praise
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From Proverbs 3:26: “For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.”
This early morning time
Brings moments of praise
Spirits gather to climb
Warmed by the sun’s rays
God’s Word speaks out
With wisdom and clout
Another day appears ready
Feet will not stumble
God’s Word marches steady
Never afraid to tumble
God’s Word speaks out
With wisdom and clout
For the humble receive
God’s favor and love
Avoid those who deceive
Look to Heaven above
God’s Word speaks out
With wisdom and clout
Arise, prepared for the Lord
He’s endlessly in control
Arming all with His sword
Leading us out on patrol
God’s Word speaks out
With wisdom and clout
This morn sings a song
Filling with God’s praises
One cannot be wrong
With Salvation, He raises
God’s Word speaks out
With wisdom and clout
Nourish us right now
God’s manna is ready
Take a knee and bow
He keeps us steady
God’s Word speaks out
With wisdom and clout
Our day comes alive
From God’s trusting light
Allowing us to thrive
‘Til day becomes night
God’s Word arrives at dawn
Always full, never gone
Charles Swindoll Quote
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The fruit of the Spirit is self-control. Self-control frees us from slavery. Self-control stops bad habits. It checks us. It halts us.
From Galatians 5:25: “If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.”
3-2-1 Quote Me Challenge
Quote
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I appreciate Dawn from Drawing Closer to Christ for inviting me to participate in the 3-2-1 Quote Me Challenge.
Dawn’s blog brings out her Christian faith in thoughtful discussions and testaments. Her own words proclaim her blog’s mission: “Trusting the Love of Jesus Christ, One Day at a Time.” Visit her site and experience her deep faith in God’s Word: Drawing Closer to Christ
The rules for this “chain-letter” are quite simple:
1. Thank the selector
2. Post two quotations for the dedicated “Topic of the Day” (in this case, “happiness”)
3. Select three bloggers to take part in “3-2-1 Quote Me
Here are my two quotations dealing with Happiness!
Eleanor Roosevelt
Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product.
Mahatma Gandhi
Happiness is when “what you think, what you say, and what you do” are in harmony.
I nominate the following incredible bloggers to participate, if you wish. All of you are awesome, and all readers are invited to check out their sites.
Vickie’s Book Nook and Meditation Corner
Ralph Waldo Emerson Quote
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Curiosity is lying in wait for every aspect.
Diabetic Shadow Crushed
I have previously discussed the initial part of my Type 2 Diabetic condition as well as the progress during the first couple of years. Here are links to these past postings:
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Here is the final update about my progress with Type 2 Diabetes. As discussed earlier, I was diagnosed with this condition in February, 2016.
As of January, 2019, I am no longer considered pre-diabetic (based upon my last three A1C tests). Here are all of my lab tests from 2014 through 2018, with the final three tests highlighted in bold text.
| Date | Cholesterol | HDL | LDL | A1C |
| 2014 | 218 | 42 | 154 | NA |
| 2015 | 222 | 41 | 162 | 6.4 |
| Feb, 2016 | 249 | 42 | 179 | 7.5 |
| Aug, 2016 | 173 | 46 | 112 | 6.6 |
| Feb, 2017 | 155 | 38 | 105 | 7.4 |
| Aug, 2017 | 182 | 60 | 111 | 6.1 |
| Feb, 2018 | 177 | 57 | 111 | 6.1 |
| Aug, 2018 | 198 | 58 | 129 | 6.2 |
I have made substantial progress in improving my critical numbers dealing with A1C, Cholesterol, HDL, and LDL. I hope to see improved numbers for Cholesterol and LDL at my next set of lab tests (to be taken in early 2020).
What has led to this positive new direction in my health? These three key points lead the way.
- New Commitment
- Lifestyle Changes
- Positive Attitude
I have made a new commitment to improve my health.
- Make my health a top priority
- Exercise at least six days per week (walking or indoor biking)
- Eat healthy (reduce sugar and monitor carbs)
A daily exercise regime is scheduled for at least six days per week. I take a brisk one-hour walk for about four miles (sometimes longer) in the morning. When the weather keeps me inside, I crush carbs on my indoor bike as I cover about 6.5 miles in 20 minutes.
An updated and healthy lifestyle now reflects major changes that have significantly improved my health.
- Make my commitments part of a daily routine
- Keep a log of my daily carbs consumption (make myself accountable)
- Understand this lifestyle change is permanent
Here is a sample of the journal used each day to track my carbs. Even though my numbers have improved, I still fill this out daily to hold myself accountable.
With greater scrutiny, I pay a great deal of attention to labels on anything that I eat. Two nutritional facts are always front and center: sugar content and amount of carbs. Instead of sugar-based snacks, most of mine are low in sugar and carbs: cheese and nuts. Stevia is my coffee sweetener, which is one of the healthiest ones around.
I have a well-documented chocolate addiction, which is under control. Sometimes certain recipes offer a healthy alternative such as one I use for Carbs Bomb (chocolate and peanut butter cups). Here is a link to the previously published recipe: Carbs Bomb.
I try to maintain a positive attitude about my health.
- Using humor to keep my mind balanced and inspired
- Be willing to talk and write about my health
- Share what I have learned with others
I am truly thankful for my improved health. I am blessed to have received a wake-up call from my doctor, and my family has encouraged me to tackle this challenge. I intend to be around for many years to come.
Several readers have offered prayers, and I appreciate each of you. If you are praying, include all people afflicted with any form of Diabetes. They all need our thoughts and encouragement.
Big Sky Buckeye 