When you focus on problems, you get more problems. When you focus on possibilities, you have more opportunities.
You were designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with the seeds of greatness.
Zig Ziglar (1926-2012) was an American author and motivational speaker. He inspired many with his wit, optimism, and Christian faith.
This poem features photos taken of a majestic American sycamore tree, which is found at Walnut Woods Metro Park. The tree is likely over a hundred years old. The location is part of an extensive network of nature parks in the central Ohio area around Columbus and Franklin County. These photos were taken during a series of walks that I’ve made over the past few years.
Far older than every one of the neighboring trees
Standing taller than many, all take notice and see
The prized King of Walnut Woods reigns today
Calling him Mister Sycamore, his subjects say
With branches elevating up towards the sky
Measuring his girth, takes many hands to try
Visitors pause to salute nature’s monarch
Standing in reverence as park’s landmark
The Woods change from season to season
Watching over all, is the King’s main reason
He holds on to his leaves longer in fall
Guarding the land in winter, always tall
His leaves take some time to fill out in spring
Providing ample shade in summer is his thing
His expansive canopy of branches spreads wide
Peeling off sections of bark, creates whitish sides
His heir, the Prince, waiting in the wings
Rising lean and tall by a creek, he sings
Farther away, a thick grove of younger ones wait
Dreaming who will grow to be the tallest, so great
Mister Sycamore loves many Bible stories
Lifting Jesus up in total and brilliant glory
The story of Zacchaeus climbing a Sycamore tree
Being much too short for Jesus to find, there he be
Ohio’s biggest recorded tree is an American sycamore found in Ashland County near Jeromesville. The tree is at least 200 years old, stands 88 feet tall, and measures 326 inches around its circumference.
Originally published September, 2019.
Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com
Our Creator offers us a daily view of His ever-changing, yet consistent canvas of nature’s sketches.
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 June 10)
What is really important in education is not that the child learns this and that, but that the mind is matured, that energy is aroused.
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.
Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) was a Danish theologian, philosopher, and poet. He was believed to be the one of the earliest existentialist philosophers.
From Lamentations 3:55-56: “I called on Your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit; You heard my plea, ‘Do not close Your ear to my cry for help, but give me relief!'”
Facing distant horizon
Lingering darkness ahead
Knowing Jesus always hears
Providing His daily bread
Thirsting for living water
Drawing drink from Jacob’s well
Knowing Jesus always hears
Giving thanks, gratefulness swells
Waiting follows each sunset
Rising sunrise, full of hope
Knowing Jesus always hears
Scaling Zion’s mighty slope
Kneeling at Calvary’s cross
Praying for redemption’s seed
Knowing Jesus always hears
Harvesting from tender reed
Seeking His mercy’s comfort
Looking to heavens above
Knowing Jesus always hears
Responding with steadfast love
From Lamentations 3:22-23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com
Jesus calls us to share a slice of His heavenly grace. Sometimes we may need to add a sprinkle of His patience.
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 June 9)
The confession of the thief on the cross was both a first and final one. But . . . Christ received it. Maybe you never heard your loved one confess Christ, but who’s to say Christ didn’t?
From 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.”
This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one. You are invited to participate with the opening question.
What three numbers will always give the same result whether multiplied or added together?
(answer found at the end of this post)
Ohio Republican Rutherford B. Hayes served as the 19th President of the United States for a single term from 1877-1881.
Here are a few quick facts about President Hayes:
Hayes gave many years of service to his nation as well as the state of Ohio. He served in the Civil War for its entire length of time (1861-1865). He rose to the rank of general of an Ohio-bred regiment. In 1862, he was seriously wounded at the Battle of South Mountain (Maryland), which occurred three days before the more famous battle at Antietam Creek.
Following the Civil War, he worked hard to establish a successful law practice in Cincinnati. Later, he served as Governor of the Buckeye state for two terms (1868-1872). He would again be elected to serve as Governor for a third term (1876-1877) until he was elected President of the United States.
In the Presidential Election of 1876, Hayes faced Democratic candidate, Samuel J. Tilden. Hayes was considered the underdog as he was a dark horse candidate who was attempting to follow in the steps of Republican President Ulysses S. Grant. The country’s patience with Reconstruction of the former Confederacy was wearing thin, and many voters were seeking a change in political leadership.
In a highly contested election, Hayes snatched victory away from Tilden in the weeks following the completion of voting. Votes were disputed in at least four states, and eventually Hayes won the Electoral College final tally 185-184. Tilden received a majority of the popular vote.
As President, Hayes followed through on his promise to only serve one term as President. He was the first President assigned Secret Service protection. He supported the ending of Reconstruction in the South. He signed a bill which allowed female attorneys to argue cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.
1, 2, and 3 (1 + 2 + 3 = 6 and 1 x 2 x 3 = 6)
Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com
Without people from different paths, no city, state, or country will breathe wih adequate nourishment.
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 June 8)
The President of the United States should strive to be always mindful of the fact that he serves his party best who serves his country best. [Taken from Hayes Inaugural Address on March 5, 1877]
The progress of society is mainly the improvement in the condition of the workingmen of the world.
Rutherford B. Hayes (1822-1893) served as the American President from 1877-1881.
Big Sky Buckeye 