God has some extremely exciting things in mind for His children. He knows exactly where He’s taking us. Our job is to obey.
From Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with My victorious right hand.”
Charles Swindoll (born 1934) is an American pastor and Christian author.
The tomato is native to the Americas. The ancient Aztecs and Incas cultivate and harvest them over 1,300 years ago. These wild tomatoes carry a strong smell and acidic taste. They are small with a nearly hollow inside.
The Spanish bring tomato seeds back to Europe. Spain, Italy, and other Mediterranean neighbors enjoy them. Because of its supposed special powers, the French call the tomato “The Apple of Love.” The English believe they are poisonous. English colonists who sail to North America bring this myth with them.
In 1870, an American farmer cultivates and methodically develops the first commercially successful tomato variety in the United States. Alexander W. Livingston (1821-1898) owns and manages the Buckeye Farm near Reynoldsburg, Ohio. He transforms an ugly duckling of horticulture into the prized tomato that the world knows today.
Beginning with his first tomato, the Paragon, Livingston continues to experiment with the development of more than 30 varieties. By 1910, half of the tomatoes grown in the United States trace their lineage back to Livingston’s seed company. Some of Livingston’s early varieties include Acme, Beauty, Buckeye State, Dwarf Stone, Golden Queen, and Perfection.
One of Livingston’s most memorable accounts comes when he is ten years old. He discovers a small garden with tomatoes near his home. Here are his words:
“. . . quickly gathered a few of them in my hands, and took them to my mother to ask, ‘What they were?’ As soon as she saw them, she cried out, ‘You must not eat them my child. They must be poison, for even the hogs will not eat them.’”
In 1965, the Franklin County Historical Society recognizes Reynoldsburg as “The Home of the Tomato.” An annual Tomato Festival starts up in 1966, and it continues to this very day. Scheduled in early August, the festival offers tasty food, live entertainment, and wholesome family fun. A Car & Bike Show features classic cars and motorcycles.
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As any culture moves into tomorrow, it needs to keep its dynamic pulse beating with dreams filled with innovation.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
(Updated August 30)
There are no secrets to success. It is only the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.
If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters.
Colin Powell (1937-2021) was an American army officer and diplomat.
Stumbling
Through darkness
Sin’s fading shadow
Witnessing light at Calvary
Rising
Rising
Morning’s faithfulness
Father shares blessings
Word nourished with prayer
Leading
Leading
With righteousness
Shepherd’s steady voice
Bringing to tranquil waters
Trusting
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As faith matures with each faithful step, our trust in God’s wisdom grows with hope’s every breath.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
(Updated August 29)
God brings men into deep waters not to drown them, but to cleanse them.
From Hebrews 10:22-23: “Let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who has promised is faithful.”
James H. Aughey (1828-1911) was an American minister. During the Civil War, he was imprisoned and scheduled to be executed for his anti-Secession and pro-Union beliefs. Fortunately, he was able to escape from his Confederate captors and reached the lines of the Union army.
Gentle morning clouds
Gather above lofty peaks
Valley awakens
From nightly mystique
Misty rain drops in
Moisture covers quiet fields
Valley’s sunrise climbs
Rainbow’s blessed shield
Lake’s tranquil waters
Every fisherman’s delight
Valley smiling back
Trout ready to bite
River’s pace slows down
Dam hidden at canyon’s gate
Valley sings with joy
Faith’s daily soul mate
Creator shares peace
Small town’s unflappable pace
Valley’s spirit leads
Witness morning’s grace
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God’s unconditional love fills every valley and scales every mountaintop.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
(Updated August 28)
Though leaves are many, the root is one.
Hammer your thoughts into unity.
William Butler Yeats (1865-1939) was an Irish writer. As a poet, he was one of the most influential of the 20th century. In 1923, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Big Sky Buckeye 