Landscape’s color wheel
Artist’s infinite choices—
Every brilliant shade
Quiet morning breeze
Punctuated with raindrops—
Perfectly designed
Empty canvas waits
Sketch’s anticipation—
Inspiration blooms
Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com
During winter, the buds of trees are gathering strength each day in anticipation of spring’s arrival.
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 December 24)
You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance.
Experience enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
Franklin P. Jones (1908-1980) was an American writer and humorist. He became well-known for his witty and insightful reflections about life.
Watch out:
The word of the world; yes it has much to say . . .
. . . You have planning, and shopping, and shopping some more.
Then comes cooking, and wrapping and baking galore.
It’s a hustle and bustle that grows every day.
The snowball grows larger and rolls where it may.
You just can’t stop it, so watch out . . .
GET OUT OF THE WAY!
Watch out:
The word of the Lord, yes it has much to say . . .
. . . Rest your body and spirit, and then rest in me.
There’s a reason and meaning, a meaning to see.
It’s not parties or Santa behind that one day.
Go slowly and stop now, the star leads the way.
Some may have missed it, so watch out . . .
HE SLEPT ON THE HAY!
Such a small gift; so humble and so dear.
Could you possibly give it?
Could you be that bold?
Such a rich gift; so special and so near.
Could you possibly share it?
Could the truth be told?
Watch out:
The word of your life, yes it has much to say . . .
. . . Wrap the gift of the baby who brought us God’s grace.
Give His love to the world and to all you embrace.
Tell the world that this baby grew to be the way.
Go slowly and stop now, to hear Jesus say.
Don’t let them miss it, so watch out . . .
MY CROSS WAS THE WAY!
Watch out:
The word of the world; yes it has much to say . . .
. . . Still the word of your life can be of much more worth.
If you share with the world to celebrate His birth
Tell the world it’s not Santa, but Jesus who says.
Go slowly and stop now at my cross today.
Salvation is there, accept it . . .
I LOVE YOU ALWAYS!
Such a small gift; so humble and so dear.
Could you possibly give it?
Could you be that bold?
Such a rich gift; so special and so near.
Could you possibly share it?
Could the truth be told?
(All photos courtesy of Pinterest.)
This republished guest poem is written by the real Mrs. Buckeye. My wife, Colleen, is the author, and this poem will be included in her upcoming book, Bits ‘n’ Pieces of My Heart. This Christian-based book is written for parents and grandparents of young children, and it will include stories, devotions, poetry, activities, and songs The final manuscript has been sent to the publisher, and the book will likely be available in February, 2025.
Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com
We learn from Jesus to trust His Father with uncompromising faith.
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 December 23)
Faith makes the discords of the present the harmonies of the future.
From Jeremiah 29:11: “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”
Robert Collyer (1823-1912) was an English-born pastor. Early in his adult life, he emigrated to the United States and would later resuming preaching after having done so in England.
From Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall name Him Immanuel.”
God’s plan of redemption
Viewed through love’s transforming scope
Faithful virgin shall bear His Son
Fulfilling flame of eternal hope
God’s warm heart offers love
Promised Prince at Heaven’s gate
Empty darkness shall fill with joy
Breathing from cold, humble stable’s fate
God’s peace nurtures man’s trust
Filled with mercy’s lasting grace
Sacred Word witnessed in Son’s flesh
Living waters share love to embrace
God’s creation speaks truth
Blessed news fills shepherds’ ears
Advent’s greatest virtue breathes love
Silencing night, morning’s sun appears
Light born in Bethlehem
Delivered hope sharing peace
Angels’ unbelievable joy
Praising Savior’s love, shall never cease
Advent Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we remember and reflect upon this Advent season, assist us in turning our hearts toward You as we approach the birth of Your blessed Son. Encourage us to celebrate the gifts received from that very first Christmas: hope, peace, joy, and love. Amen.
The final hymn of this Advent series comes from the inspiration of American pastor and Christian writer Phillips Brooks. Recalling his 1865 trip to Bethlehem, he wrote the lyrics for “O Little Town of Bethlehem” in 1868.
Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com
There will be moments when harmony’s carousel seems in need of a tune-up. Always in charge, God reminds us that He alone will calm the noise around us.
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 December 22)
For the Christ-child who comes is the Master of all; no palace too great, no cottage too small.
From Matthew 2:6: “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Phillips Brooks (1835-1893) was an American pastor and Christian author. He was remembered for his charismatic preaching as well as writing the lyrics of the beloved Christmas hymn, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”
This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one. You are invited to participate with the opening question.
Besides the most famous reindeer of all, Rudolph, can you name Santa’s eight remaining reindeer?
(answer found at the end of this post)
One of the most popular songs at Christmas is “Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer.” People know bits and pieces about the history behind the song; but, here is the rest the story.
In the late 1930s, American retailer Montgomery Ward was looking to create a nationwide marketing campaign for the month of December. They looked for help from their talented copywriter, Robert L. May.
As May crafted poetry to share the story of his newly invented character, Rudolph, he enlisted the help of Denver Gillen. Gillen worked in Montgomery Ward’s art department, and his illustrations would be featured in the short publication.
While Gillen envisoned Rudolph as a young deer with his big, red nose, May crafted rhyming couplets (a sample follows).
Twas the day before Christmas, and all through the hills
The reindeer were playing, enjoying the spills
Of skating and coasting, and climbing the willows
And hopscotch and leapfrog (protected by pillows)
Over 800 Montgomery Ward stores opted in to participate in the December promotion. Nearly two and a half million copies were ordered (at at cost of 1.5 cents apiece). The copies were given freely to children who visited each participating store.
Following World War II in 1949, Montgomery Ward decided to bring back their highly successful Christmas promotion, which again featured “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Over three and a half million copies were printed.
Eventually Montgomery Ward granted May the copyright privileges to “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” He shared his poetry story with his brother-in-law, Johnny Marks. Marks just happened to be a songwriter. With May’s approval, he adapted the story to lyrics of a Christmas song of the same name.
Actor and singing cowboy, Gene Autry, was signed to record the song, and it became a top hit in 1946. The lyrics featured an updated story about this famous reindeer. Later in 1964, television’s classic animated feature, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” was produced by Rankin/Bass.
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen
Big Sky Buckeye 