Big Sky Buckeye

A writer's journey continues

Love’s Destiny

Posted on June 25, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

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Waking up early on a cold December day

Love fills a man’s heart with much to say

Driving for hours down a solitary highway

Love travels along in an encouraging way

Discovering ways, over the months, of staying close

Love opens up ways to correspond, making the most

Sending beautiful notes, cards, emails, and more

Love delivers its delightful words—ready to soar

Receiving a call at pre-arranged times

Love melts the distance, always fine

Pulling into the Bismarck airport, ticket in hand

Love boards an airplane, heading to a new land

Flying east through endless, friendly skies

Love reminisces with a smile, as time flies

Transferring to one more flight, halfway there

Love paints with color, adding magic and flair

Landing in Columbus, awakens anxious emotion

Love lights up, presenting its passionate devotion

Waiting for luggage, eyes intently searching wide

Love waits for a woman to appear from the side

Meeting at long last, up close and personal today

Love radiates between two souls, with lots to say

Loving each other, despite the great distance

Love creates a spark, more than an instance

Witnessing love through God’s guiding hands

Love finds a way to a pair of wedding bands

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This story is true. The love expressed between two people conquered the miles between Ohio and Montana. Now you know the rest of the story. My bride and I recently celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary.

Music Comes Alive

Posted on June 24, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

2019 June 8 Buckeye Music Superfest 008.JPG

Country music fans assemble at the “Shoe”

Sitting in Ohio Stadium offers quite a view

Buckeye Country Superfest fills the place

Hungering for “Country”—ready to taste

Football won’t be on the agenda this Saturday

Filling the Horseshoe with music and fun today

Pleasurable, comfortable June weather arrives

Assuring five performers will sing, full and alive

Raelynn, Midland, and Chris Janson arrive here

Adding their unique music for everyone to hear

Blake Shelton and George Strait close out the night

Singing memorable hits under the stars, what a sight

Aspiring, fresh talent Raelynn launches the show

Sharing her lovely voice, with music ready to go

Midland’s Texas honky-tonk excites the crowd

Harmonizing and powerful performers—Wow!

Their astounding ability to entertain and sing

Recognizing this trio possess talent to bring

Rising star Chris Janson comes out on the stage

Energizing, bold music thrills people of any age

He humbling witnesses about his rich Christian faith

Gathering his incredible voice, what music he makes

The evening definitely isn’t ready to stop, not at all

Waiting in the wings, the biggest talents stand tall

Blake Shelton performs an array of hit after hit

Pumping up the crowd to a frenzy, few ever sit

He turns the stadium into a church with “God’s Country”

Blessing an audience in the middle of Buckeye Country

Blake prepares the gathering for the “real” King

Walking out now, George Strait steps up to sing

The King of Country Music sings to everyone

Witnessing his classic tunes is so much fun

His band “Ace in the Hole” adds to the grand night

George sings “Amarillo by Morning” . . . Goodnight!

Precious Day

Posted on June 23, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

Photo by Josh Willink on Pexels.com

God’s eyes see every precious delight

His creation fills us up with vivid light

God’s steadfast love remains precious to one and all

Seeking refuge with Him, when we stumble and fall

Each day is precious, my mother reminds

Sort of makes one desire to hit “rewind”

Others bring us much, much happiness

Every day is precious, without sadness

Our own blood is precious in God’s sight

Living together in unity, pleasingly right

Life is more precious than any jewels we wear

Our Lord’s actions and words convey His care

Witnessing births of three daughters bring charm

Asking God to protect each from any and all harm

Finishing a fulfilling teaching career, on that final day

Never imagining becoming a writer with much to say

We appear amazingly precious in God’s eyes

Placing value in us, as much as the blue sky

Coming to Him with a genuineness of faith

More precious than gold, He guides our fate

Waiting for the arrival of day, with its humble form

Experiencing these moments, becomes the norm

Producing the most from God’s hallowed favors

Even sour lemons make great lemonade to savor

With grandchildren, lunch and bookstore visit

Feeling the love . . . just enjoy, wait, and sit

Summertime in Montana, with Big Sky style

Spending precious time together for awhile

Nature offers a view of God’s creative mind

Discovering precious days, forever to find

Jesus brings us Salvation, we honestly never deserve

This sturdy cornerstone of our faith, humbly we serve

full length of man sitting on floor

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You may notice a few of my personal reflections in this poem. There are many more to add, but these few will last for a lifetime.

Big Sky Moments

Posted on June 21, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

Wedding 2018 February 002.JPG

Waking up on a cold, frigid, winter morn

Looking like one more day with a storm

Pulling the warm covers over my bare head

Let’s fast forward to a new season instead

Always dreaming big at night

Never alone, perfect delight

Fast forward to a hot summer day

Sensational, unblemished blue sky

Feeling an urge to jump up, shout and say

Have you ever seen a more beautiful sky?

Seeing a Big Montana Sky

Morning sun climbs high

Traveling to Montana brings pure pleasures

Experiencing a saddlebag full of treasures

Shining high above, a cloudless view

Bringing a smile to God, always true

Always dreaming big at night

Never alone, perfect delight

Western hospitality, the Big Sky way

Filled with warmest smiles, no haste

Be certain to come back as we always say

Montana’s Big Sky, the Last Best Place!

Seeing a Big Montana Sky

Morning sun climbs high

Both photographs come from my private collection of images from southwestern Montana. Some of my readers have probably missed earlier posts about Montana, the Big Sky Country. Here are links to previously published posts about my native state. Enjoy!

From a poem, experience a ride on the train in southern Montana:

Riding the Train

Become better acquainted with Montana’s largest city:

Visit the Magic City

In poetic form, learn more about some of Montana’s history:

Spirits Haunt the Land

Here is a final poem about Native American history:

Final Battle

Capturing Courage

Posted on June 20, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

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From 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.”

Appreciate the substance and strength of courage

Witnessing acts of bravery that always encourage

History and the Bible endorse many courageous acts

Honoring men and women from these truthful facts

A lost and sinful world moves without direction

God offers a living sacrifice with His only Son

Witnessing mockery, death, and Resurrection

Dutch people step out from safe location

During a horrible world war’s persecution

Hiding people from arrest and deportation

God listens to His people in Egypt under bondage

Choosing Moses, He dispatches this man to deliver

Bravely leading Israel to freedom and a new age

In America, runaway slaves flee to seek new lives

A network of collaborators facilitate their escape

Following the Underground Railroad, they survive

The Philistines prepare Israel’s army for defeat

A young boy’s valor and faith astonishes everyone

With God, David brings down Goliath, at his feet

A young boy faces serious and critical circumstances

Cancer ravages and impairs his brain and small body

Facing pain-filled treatments, he accepts his chances

Saul persecutes Christians, constant and persistent

Jesus transforms him on the lonely road to Damascus

Apostle Paul moves forward as God’s faithful assistant

American soldiers confront an overwhelming fate

Fighting their way out at Korea’s Chosin Reservoir

Legendary deeds of bravery, they no longer wait

Jesus models the Spirit of God in humble, human form

He faithfully obeys His Father, towards a bloody Cross

Bringing Salvation to a world filled with endless storms

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Do you need more illustrations of courage?

Read and study the Bible
Visit those in your circle of family and friends
Seek out people in books and films
Interview a military veteran
Search the Internet

Trust in His Name

Posted on June 18, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

From Revelation 21:5: “And the one who was seated on the throne said, ‘See, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.'”

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Jesus is the way

The truth, the life

Expects us each day

To always be trustworthy

Jesus testifies with truth

Heed each spoken word

Faithfully accept His truth

Diligently study His Word

Our Savior asks us

Be followers of Him

Make never a fuss

Follow the Good Shepherd

Eternity awaits all believers

Accept Christ as Savior

Discipleship comes and delivers

Releases us from bondage

Placing trust in riches

Doesn’t promise us Eternity

Only brings selfish glitches

Place trust in Jesus

To enter God’s Kingdom

Requires faith and trust

Brings us Eternity’s freedom

From Christ’s precious blood

Back to the Garden

Adam and Eve swap

Satan’s lies—no bargain

God’s truth rings forever

As the Apostles write

Being stewards of truth

Painting with one coat

Love rejoices in truth

Walk with God’s Word

Never, never against it

Bringing a peaceful bird

Just as Noah witnessed

Follow all the commandments

Faithfully obey His Word

No idols or ornaments

Truth resides in Christ

Trust in our Father

Christ rises to life

We look no farther

Than Calvary’s rugged cross

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From John’s Revelation comes visions of a New Heaven and a New Earth where God makes all things new. His truth reigns for all Eternity.

Big Sky Buckeye enjoys creating Christian poetry. I appreciate all of your encouraging comments and views because they reinforce that many readers hunger to read more. Thanks be to God!

What If . . .

Posted on June 17, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

Photo by Chokniti Khongchum on Pexels.com

Life’s bucket fills with special moments

Sometimes, we want to repeat it again

But life doesn’t always repeat and begin

What if . . .

Life’s journey brings one to old friends

Haven’t seen some for so very long

Sort of like writing a joy-filled song

What if . . .

Discord, unrest, strife and endless wars

Lost forever, never to surface and return

Solving problems becomes our concern

What if . . .

Becoming an outstanding and skilled alpine skier

Takes one to a majestic, snow-covered summit

Witnessing a Big Montana Sky, as thee plummets

What if . . .

Medical science discovers more cures

Eliminating major diseases and cancer

Let’s continue looking for these answers

What if . . .

Traveling bravely into the realms of space

Dreaming of one of life’s extraordinary goals

Makes one more excited than a newborn foal

What if . . .

One longs to visit family far away

At any particular day and time

Filling an empty heart of mine

What if . . .

Seeing former pupils from past teaching days

Sometimes wonder how their lives turned out

Bringing much happiness, without ever a doubt

What if . . .

All political strife would just disappear and leave

Citizens’ patience wears especially thin at times

Let’s put our “real” needs at the front of the line

What if . . .

Traveling back in time with an unspoiled reality

Experiencing history as it expresses to our minds

Beholding and learning from each moment in time

Life only allows so many years in one’s life

Rendering it necessary to experience more

Before our final breath closes these doors

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Seeking God’s Wisdom

Posted on June 15, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

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The text used for this poem is based upon Proverbs Chapter 10, with the 10th verse taking center stage: “The wise lay up knowledge, but the babbling of a fool brings ruin.”

Seeks God’s wisdom

His words bring wealth

A benevolent father

Welcomes a wise child

Virtue always delivers

Never going hungry

The judicious of heart

Follows the Commandments

Always walks in integrity

Makes for a secure life

Boldly calls out trouble

Brings peace to life

Use righteous words

Builds a fountain of life

Hate stirs up trouble

Love heals our offenses

Craves absorbing wisdom

Ignores a blathering fool

Leads an honorable life

Shuns sinful behaviors

Be prudent when speaking

Uses a blameless tongue

Seeks the Lord’s blessings

Comes in reverent prayer

Follows our heavenly Father

His stronghold protects us

Distant Beating Drum

Posted on June 14, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

One can hear a distant drum beating as Native American culture faces an neverending onslaught upon their way of life. It all begins in 1607 with the settlement of the Jamestown colony. Listen closely, do you hear . . .

Photo by Darcy Delia on Pexels.com

A distant beating drum . . .

Europeans sail to a pristine land

Fixated with ways of the Red Man

Ignoring these Native Americans

They push inland because they can

A distant beating drum . . .

Wealth and greed motivate the White Man

Appropriating riches found by his hands

Native Americans outnumber these men

Unaware of the many more to be sent

A distant beating drum . . .

Native Americans trade land for peace

Hoping the greed and violence will cease

A new American culture lusts for more

Their hunger for more continues to soar

A distant beating drum . . .

Slowly Native Americans sadly retreat

Heartbroken, their culture faces defeat

Maintaining their language and traditions

Now experiencing life with new conditions

Where has the silent beating drum gone?

selective focus photo of brown dreamcatcher

Photo by Artem Beliaikin @belart84 on Pexels.com

Native American culture struggles to hold on to its footprint of life in today’s world. In Maryland, the Choptank nation long ago assimilated into the European-based culture. Out West, a system of reservations have failed to provide a stable way of life. The lands set aside in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Oklahoma have created a setting for poverty and a lack of sufficient opportunities for the Native people.

If you enjoyed reading this poem and hunger for more about Native American history and the life out West, feel free to check out these previously published poems.

Final Battle
Guardian of the Range

Waiting and Ready

Posted on June 12, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

Sitting eerily silent after these forgotten years

The abandoned firehouse rests without fears

Remaining alive, vivid memories reign again

Quietly remembering all that had once been

Rising above a busy street, the firehouse stands

Firefighters arrive on deck, with powerful hands

Living quarters on the second floor make due

Firefighters’ labors never seem quite through

Recalling a flawless safety record that shines

Teamwork and training work together just fine

Feeling safe, homes and merchants live nearby

They all witness courage as every day races by

Filling the ground floor, two red engines wait

The ensuing alarm will signal their next fate

Waiting side by side . . . shiny, clean, and bright

Pumper and ladder engines, eager to take flight

Providing basic firefighting is the pumper’s place

While the ladder reaches high floors, just in case

Visiting a nearby grade school one October day

The ladder engine shows off in a marvelous way

Encouraging children ask the ladder to go high

Accommodating firefighters look prepared to fly

Returning to the firehouse, a calm and inviting sight

An alarm goes out, both engines prepare for the fight

Sliding down a pole, firefighters destined for action

Their special clothing assembled, ready in a fraction

Rolling out to the street, piercing sirens wail

These seasoned warriors intend never to fail

Weaving through traffic, the engines arrive in time

Quick response calms the fire before it can climb

Remembering the past, the excitement is long done

The old firehouse stands ready for one final, fire run

The fire house in the photograph is the former fire department headquarters in Cambridge, Maryland. It sits empty today, waiting for its next assignment.

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