Welcome blessed child
May you taste world’s endless gifts—
Vision awakens
Eyes find breath of peace
Embracing each precious day—
Experience counts
Remembering youth
Innocent times of learning—
Treasures of friendship
God’s creation under the Big Sky
Treasured landscape covers this vast land
Immense prairies flow into mountains
Few places on earth looking this grand
Rugged backbone of the continent
Chiseled spine of the Rocky Mountains
Stray mountain ranges dotting the plains
Cascading streams flowing as fountains
Three distinct rivers form its headwaters
Mighty, boundless Missouri River
Eastward, collecting the Yellowstone
Precious mountain rains move downriver
White-tail and mule deer camp in thickets
Pronghorns graze in the midst of grasslands
Mountain valleys gather elk and bears
Ducks and geese pilot into wetlands
Frequently titled the Treasure State
Montana shines under its Big Sky
People flocking to witness its gems
You just might meet a Buckeye nearby
I could probably write something about my native state of Montana every day. It will always be a very special place to me. Watch out, you just might run into a Buckeye returning to the Big Sky.
Originally published December, 2020.
From Deuteronomy 31:8: “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Always going before us
Seeing every tomorrow
Faith’s steadfast anchor
Courage, buoyed by Spirit’s shadow
Every moment in prayer
Feeling His daily kinship
Peace shared from Father
Grace sails, with encouragement’s ship
Journey’s turbulent moments
Shrinking in Calvary’s light
Christ wins each battle
Enemy’s darkness, taking flight
Imperfect oceans of faith
Sailing upon trusted rock
Redemption in Christ
Mercy’s strength, brings to Heaven’s dock
From 1 Corinthians 16:13: “Keep alert; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
Receiving
Lord’s calling
Trusting His Word
Journey filled with blessings
Strength
Embracing
Lord’s righteousness
Strengthening spiritual muscles
Faith built upon truth
Persistence
Accepting
Lord’s assurances
Persisting through grace
Light witnessed at Calvary
Promises
Sunset’s closing breath
Daytime’s curtain descends
Witness tranquility
Where peace shall never end
Sunset’s horizon
Evening darkness transcends
Witness each gentle breeze
Where beams of moonlight bend
Sunset forgotten
Night sky never pretends
Witness galaxy’s flight
Where creation intends
Sunset holds spirit
Until new day begins
Witness pre-dawn’s glimmer
Where morning will call in
Sunrise renews light
Daytime’s curtain ascends
Witness glorious grace
Where each breath welcomes friends
From James 1:5: “ If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.”
Life’s distant horizon
Questions sometimes remain
Seeking direction from God
His Word opens wisdom’s lane
Tomorrow’s shadows wait
Doubts filling empty heart
Nourishing grace sustains faith
God’s wisdom offers fresh start
From waves of churning seas
Promised answers shall rise
Embracing God’s blessed love
Wisdom colors daily skies
More struggles shall arrive
Faith’s endurance shares light
Trusting to always just ask
God’s wisdom remaining bright
From the words of American Christian writer, John Eldredge: “Notice that we must ask. And we will sometimes struggle to hear and struggle with what we hear. But personally, it’s worth it. I’m after the path of life–and He alone knows it.”
Before sun comes up
Immersed in Scripture’s blessings—
Faith rises with Son
Quiet morning time
Spent with Father in prayer—
Meaningful minutes
Sun always rises
Truth found in Spirit’s presence—
Prepared for this day
From Isaiah 61:10: “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God.”
Promised love, Holy Grace from God
Rejoice with glory to the Lord
His glad tidings unite our faith
Not forsaken, never ignored
Our Father’s Word offers new life
His caring hand touches each lamb
Rejoicing with Holy goodness
Everlasting joy, sweetest jam
Foundation of life, through our faith
Sharing the mantle of God’s love
Deliverance heals our spirit
God’s Glory, rejoicing above
Every breath exalts the Lord
Clothed in garments of salvation
Covered by robe of righteousness
Rejoice in Christ’s coronation
From Philippians 4:4-5: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.”
Originally published December, 2020.
From Colossians 3:1-2: “So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.”
Resurrection’s breath
Eternal truth above
Joining hands with Savior
His light calls out with love
Good Shepherd’s clear voice
Every lamb follows Him
Praising new life in Christ
Journey no longer grim
Today’s stumbling steps
Faith’s imperfect avenue
Revealing Christ’s mercy
Spirit carries one through
Clothed in righteousness
Forgiven of one’s sins
Accepting Savior’s grace
Heaven’s joy, hope shall win
Trust welcomes Christ’s Word
Darkness leaving each heart
Tasting His peace at last
Eternity’s fresh start
From Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Take a look around your life.
Tell me what you see.
Do you have a future?
Are you living free?
Perhaps you haven’t seen the time
you had to make a choice.
Will you choose to follow them,
or listen to another voice?
Make a vow unto yourself.
Let the whole world see.
Make a choice for yourself.
Be the best that you can be.
Be sure you know what you’re doing.
Stand up and shout it out loud.
Know where your life is going.
Choose to know Jesus, be proud.
Take a look around your life.
Tell me what you see.
Can you see the future,
where you’re living free?
Perhaps you know that He loves you.
He gave His life for all.
Will you listen to the world,
or listen to our Savior’s call?
Make a vow to yourself.
Let the whole world see.
Make a choice for yourself.
Be the best that you can be.
Be sure you know what you’re doing.
Stand up and shout it out loud.
Know where your life is going.
Choose to know Jesus, be proud.
Today’s poem is selected from Colleen Peterson’s recently published book. Her book is dedicated to themes of Family and Christian life.
My wife accumulated countless thoughts and writings over the years while her two daughters were in their childhood. Eventually, these treasured bits and pieces formed the foundation of her book.
Here are some of Colleen’s thoughts about the book:
Bits ‘N’ Pieces Of My heart contains stories, devotions and poetry for the adults, activities to do with your children, and fun little songs. The devotions and poetry will strongly open up your faith walk to more of God’s light. Doing the fun activities and singing little songs with your children will bring smiles to everyone’s heart.
More information is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and several other platforms.
Big Sky Buckeye 