This poem’s theme is inspired by Bob Hope, one of America’s greatest entertainers. He excelled in vaudeville, Broadway shows, radio, film, and television. He may be best known for the many shows he did for American troops overseas. In 1938, Hope and Shirley Ross performed the song “Thanks for the Memory” in the film “The Big Broadcast of 1938.” Adapting lyrics in future years as needed, the song became Hope’s signature song whenever he performed. Here are a few lines from “Thanks for the Memory.” Enjoy!
Thanks for the memory Of rainy afternoons, swingy Harlem tunes Motor trips and burning lips and burning toast and prunes How lovely it was Thanks for the memory Of candlelight and wine, castles on the Rhine The Parthenon, and moments on the Hudson River line How lovely it was Many’s the time that we feasted And many’s the time that we fasted Oh well, it was swell while it lasted We did have fun, and no harm done So thanks for the memory Of crap games on the floor, nights in Singapore You might have been a headache, but you never were a bore I thank you so much
From Isaiah 9:6: “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon His shoulders; and He is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Most of my years of teaching in Montana were in small towns, surrounded by a community of farms and ranches. Life during the wintertime was challenging, but the close-knit people looked out for each other.
Central Ohio received its first snowfall of the winter on the night of November 30. The transforming seasons always remind me of how our Lord transforms our lives, faith, and hope. May His grace and peace lead you on your journey.
From Psalm 80:1-3: “Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh. Stir up your might, and come to save us! Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.”
The Christian season of Advent begins with this final Sunday of November. For myself, this will bring a time of meditation and prayer . . . filled with the hope, peace, joy, and love of Christ, the Messiah.
Three different events are highlighted in this poem, with each one claiming a distinct place in America’s cultural perspective of life. The civil rights movement is greatly influenced the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. One of the greatest college sports upsets takes place in 1966 when Texas Western upsets Kentucky. While civil rights continues to move forward, the racial landscape of college basketball is forever transformed as Texas Western’s all-black line-up outplays Kentucky’s all-white line-up. The film “Forest Gump” touches countless hearts with its inspiring story.
Big Sky Buckeye 