Big Sky Buckeye

A writer's journey continues

Marching With Our Lord

Posted on March 29, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

From the quiet darkness, the Enemy lurks and waits

Waiting with his empty promises, fills him with hate

Our Lord God brings much strength and power

Preparing us for battle with a Spirit that towers

An exalted, mighty fortress our God builds for us all

Defending us behind stout walls that will never fall

God prepares us to be warriors standing tall

Defeating forces of spiritual evil is God’s call

Nothing shall ever overcome God’s master plan

Remaining faithful to His word, we humbly stand

Now dressed mightily for battle with God’s sacred tools

Wearing God’s armor, we will always march to His rule

Fasten on the belt of truth that God dictates we wear

Wear the breastplate of righteousness that we bear

Carry the shield of faith always in God’s name

Strap on the helmet of salvation that we claim

The crafty Enemy desires to rule over God’s creation

Arming ourselves with the Spirit’s sword brings elation

God will triumph through us at our call

Causing the Enemy to tremble afterall

God’s chosen ally will always march at our side

Sending Christ to keep the road open and wide

The Enemy’s darkness will be penetrated by God’s light

Retreating from our Savior, who prevails with His might

God’s awesome kingdom will proudly reign for all eternity

Prevailing in His Spirit and abiding in Truth brings victory

The text references for this poem come from two sources (each is linked): Ephesians 6:10-17 written by Apostle Paul, and the hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” written by Martin Luther.

Nocturnal Beauty

Posted on March 28, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

Photo by Egor Kamelev on Pexels.com

A magnificent oak tree stands center in a park

Waiting with quiet majesty in the solitary dark

The blackness of night only adds to the scene

Bringing tranquility and peace, free and clean

Trees with fruit blossoms, in full view even at night

Sending forth a fragrance, invigorating and right

Tiny green leaves are growing out on the tall trees

Waving from a gentle breath of the wind with ease

In the distance, glowing lights enhance a background

Providing a reverent atmosphere without any sound

A bit of shining moonlight fashions extra to see

Moving and playful shadows amongst the trees

Even at night, God’s creation sparkles all new

Painting for each evening, a breathtaking view

The eastern light rises to create the dawn

Crooning birds welcome a newborn fawn

The stillness begins to wake-up from its rest

Leaving its nocturnal beauty, always the best!

We Have a Friend

Posted on March 26, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

Photo by Min An on Pexels.com

Yes, we have no better friend than you

What we have is special and very true

We possess a dear friend in Jesus, our Savior

He comes down to us, bringing abundant favor

Our Lord descends to earth with His human face

His Son comes to bring salvation from rich grace

Yes, we have no better friend than Christ, the King

He washes white our sinful nature that now stings

God’s son walks ahead of us to the solitary Cross

His journey brings generous hope for all of the lost

He heals the sick and His words speak truth

His family tree goes through David and Ruth

Yes, we have no better friend than Jesus

His wise words reach out to each of us

Today we bow down and take a knee

Our Father offers His grace for free

We all take up our own Cross and follow Christ

His salvation comes from God, filled with might

Yes, we have no better friend than our Lord

His rich blessings will bring all of us on board

As Christians, we most certainly have no better friend than Jesus, our Savior. What inspires you to walk each day with our Lord?

Spring Arrives

Posted on March 24, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The calendar affirms that spring has arrived

Why then did the weather take a snowy dive?

Heavy, wet snow arrives overnight

Is this some terrible joke, not right?

Instead of spring, we now experience deep snow

Where is the snow shovel when we need it now?

Well . . . Have no concern at all, for you see

A poet can write about most anything to be

Thankfully, there is really no snow to spoil spring

When will warmth replace winter’s frosty sting?

Even the songbirds remain quite bunched up for now

On powerlines high above, they sing and take a bow

Again, the calendar sets the date of a new season

Why should we believe the date for any reason?

This past winter has indeed soured our attitude

When will Mother Nature give us some latitude?

Haiku Series #8

Posted on March 22, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

grayscale photography of man sitting on grass field

Photo by Flickr on Pexels.com

Remember NUTPOP

Never underestimate

The power of prayer

Blessed acronym

Photo by bruce mars on Pexels.com

When is Enough?

Morning coffee cup

Waiting to be filled again

What? No more coffee!

Photo by Jaymantri on Pexels.com

Ice Jam

Thick river ice sheet

Shifting ice begins to thaw

Nervous wait downstream

Elfchen Series #2

Posted on March 22, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

2018 August Montana Trip 212.JPG

Novelist

Mark Twain

Classic American Literature

Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn

Extraordinary

Walking

Former homesite

Peaceful hilltop garden

Chestnut Ridge beckons hikers

Ohio

Both of the photographs were taken in 2018. The river scene is from the Mississippi River along the Illinois-Iowa border. The homesite is from the top of a ridge at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park in central Ohio. I enjoy using some of my photography with my writing.

Midnight Walk

Posted on March 21, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

afterglow backlit beautiful crescent moon

Photo by luizclas on Pexels.com

Stirring from my deep sleep at midnight

Seeing someone moving in the dim light

Hearing a gentle voice whispering my name

Calling out, “Missing you has been a shame”

Recognizing that her gentle voice is familiar, not new

Appearing now, my beloved Grandma comes into view

Walking towards me, she carries no fear

Listening to a voice so true and very dear

Saying again that I’ve been deeply missed

Bowing down, my forehead receives a kiss

Remembering previous days with her brings a smile

Telling me kindly, let’s walk together now for awhile

Asking her a question, “Is it now my time?”

Replying back, “No, but you must climb”

Facing a wall that records each of my sins

Condemning me, comes Darkness again

Reaching down comes a firm, strong hand

Grabbing hold, my feet flee sinking sand

Gazing upward, my Grandma has departed and left

Taking her place arrives Christ, raised from death

Running in Life’s Marathon

Posted on March 20, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

runners-silhouettes-athletes-fitness-39308-e1552926379153.jpeg

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Some equate dealing with this life to running a race

Of course, sometimes we pause and turnabout face

Wise people say, “Persistent and steady wins the race”

Better than hurrying to eat dinner without saying grace

Others encourage with, “Hurry up and build it now”

Oh my! Can’t one stop to relax and take a bow?

Another calls out, “Experience it today works best”

What about using tomorrow—no worries one jests!

All of the above wisdom may be honest and true

But God will wait patiently until we are all through

We are all imperfections in God’s all-seeing eyes

Life will bring new challenges as each year flies

There is always another hill to climb so we can see

The greener grass sometimes turns brown for thee

Life throws “stuff” along our way, not always good

Sometimes we lack courage to go when we should

It is time to finish the big race and succeed

Anything less sells us short of our final deed

All should count their blessings—so many

God fills us up with much joy for all and any

Life’s journey seems like a marathon run

Take it one day at a time, enjoy the fun!

Sunrise

Posted on March 18, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

Walnut Woods Sunrise

Walking in the morning pre-dawn light

Waiting for the sun to resume its flight

Hearing the birds chirping familiar tunes

Feeling happy that spring will arrive soon

Stepping briskly along the charming path

Anticipating the sun bringing a warm bath

Seeing the shadows change and dance

Clearing a mind from its dormant trance

Witnessing God’s immense creation at dawn

Blessing with unique images that it spawns

Dashing in front goes a frightened rabbit

Making his morning visit a welcome habit

Dreaming of walking here each and every day

Picturing a scenic sunrise so appealing to say

Lifting above the distant horizon to bring a delight

Radiating sunrise brightens the morn with its light

The photo was taken at sunrise last fall at Walnut Woods Metro Park in central Ohio. I am looking forward to witnessing more sunrises in the coming weeks as the spring weather allows me to walk outside more often.

Do you enjoy a favorite time or place to walk and experience God’s creation?

It Takes a Village

Posted on March 17, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

A child is born into a world foreign and new

Arriving today with a brighter future to view

Long before a child enters school year number one

Blessings come from many for a daughter or a son

Parents bring the beginning of learning home each day

Offering nurturing love and teaching with plenty of play

Others step in to provide valued assistance along the way

Teaching from grandparents and others with much to say

A book becomes a timely, precious, and vital gift

Learning to read will open up a life—never adrift

The pre-school years finally arrive and go

Seeking ways to seek, discover, and grow

A Sunday school teacher speaks of God’s love

Enriching a young heart with Spirit from above

Kindergarten and elementary school now await

Inspiring and faithful teachers remain at its gate

Yes, it always takes an entire village to teach a child

Educating a young mind each day, makes God smile

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Remember NUTPOP

When is Enough?

Ice Jam

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