Innocence
Born into this world
Gifted with abilities—
Using for goodness

Perseverance
Watching out for self
Keeping hungry wolves away—
Nourished in spirit

Incentive
Many roads ahead
Opportunity’s pathway—
Making wise choices

Born into this world
Gifted with abilities—
Using for goodness

Watching out for self
Keeping hungry wolves away—
Nourished in spirit

Many roads ahead
Opportunity’s pathway—
Making wise choices


Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com
When we realize that life’s journey leaves room for each tomorrow, we can appreciate how time offers goodness, filled with moments of joy.
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 July 22)

A great river is not aimless. It has direction and purpose. So also must a good life have a definite aim; all its strength and fullness must be turned in one direction.
Be grateful for the joy of life. Be glad for the privilege of work. Be thankful for the opportunity to give and serve.
Grenville Kleiser (1968-1935) was an American author. Many of his writings offered inspiration and guidance for personal development.

Sun sets on another day
Evening calls, wanting its way
Family gathers around
Home now, love and peace abound
Night sky envelopes the land
Stillness breathes on high command
Supper cooking, hunger calls
Mom’s spaghetti and meatballs
All hands on deck, helping mom
Frenzy soon returns to calm
Television calling out
Favorite show brings a shout
Mom crochets, sitting nearby
Dad reads book, about Shanghai
Final chores, homework to do
Soon slumber stirs up its brew
Before the last light goes out
Prayers praise God, so devout

Originally published November, 2020.

Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com
Time is such a precious commodity. With God’s encouragement, may our own use of it bring Him glory.
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 July 21)

We are weaving the future on the loom of today.
There are times when encouragement means a lot, and a word is enough to convey it.
Grace Strickler Dawson was an American poet.

Never-ending vistas
Discovering each keepsake
Nature’s promised grace
Harmony’s singing at daybreak
Majestic mountain peaks
Reaching to heavens above
Fields’ ripening grain
Easy to witness Creator’s love
Highway’s distant crossroads
Welcoming each blessed guest
Town’s main street alive
Hospitality at its best
Heart searches for its peace
Dreaming . . . now Montana bound
Precious adventures
Journey complete . . . Montana found

As of July 1, Colleen and I are beginning our travels from our home in central Ohio to Montana. The Big Sky Country is my native state, and we are eager to see family and friends. We will return in about 15 days.

Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com
When change arrives with an unfamiliar destination, God reminds us to trust.
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 July 1)

Tell me of that Treasure State
Story always new,
Tell of its beauties grand
And its hearts so true.
Mountains of sunset fire
The land I love the best,
Let me grasp the hand of one
From out the golden West.
Written by Charles Cohan, lyrics to “Montana.”
Yes, there’s no place like Montana,
The Big Sky country, my home.
A place to set my spirit free,
A Rocky Mountain melody,
These things are a part of me.
Written by Carleen and LeGrande Harvey, lyrics to “Montana Melody.”
From Romans 5:1-2: “Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God.”

Our sinful nature
Takes Christ to the Cross
God responds with love
Grace reaches across
Jesus defeats death
Living cornerstone
Sacred salvation
Grace comes to atone
Father’s gift of life
Receive daily bread
Through our faith alone
Grace walking ahead
Christ teaches of love
Shares His peace of mind
Hearts and minds now cleansed
Grace saving mankind
Never fear again
Look forward to peace
Fate sealed with God’s love
Grace, life’s Holy lease

From the words of American pastor and Christian teacher, Charles Stanley: “When facing painful trials, we may be tempted to doubt God’s love for us. Remember that God orchestrated the greatest demonstration of love possible–His Son’s death on the cross.”
Originally published November, 2020.