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Sometimes life’s most important things find inspiration in the hope of others.
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 January 15)
One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words.
As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) was a German polymath. He has been considered one of the most influential writers in the German language.
From Jeremiah 31:2-3: “Thus says the Lord: The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, the Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”
Brought out of wilderness
Darkness no longer speaks
Good Shepherd offers rest
Strengthened, no longer weak
Joyful journey of peace
Mountains singing with praise
Faith’s vineyards now planted
Harvest reaping God’s ways
Gladness fills every heart
Light rises to applaud
Good Shepherd gathers flock
Destiny’s Lamb of God
Redemption flows from love
Forgiveness sown from grace
Bethlehem bears God’s Son
Enemy gives up chase
Darkness replaced with hope
Mercy’s love fulfills peace
Good Shepherd quiets storm
Spirit transforms faith’s lease
From John 10:14-16: “I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.”
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The freedom promised through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior transforms the heart of a believer’s faith journey.
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 January 14)
Need direction? Look in God’s Book.
From Psalm 119:105: “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Wishing to dine out
Reservations all filled up—
Home’s dinner for two
Morning’s coffee spot
No longer waiting in line—
Brewing cup at home
Gift-wrapped retirement
Immersed in new adventures—
Life’s blessed pairing
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The smallest of details at the beginning of each day sometimes make the biggest impact on one’s outlook for the rest of the day.
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 January 13)
The first hour of the morning is the rudder of the day.
The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world’s joy.
Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) was an American pastor and abolitionist.
Pleasant, mid-winter day
Warm winds decide to stay
Touch of spring thaws the air
Ideal life, not a care
Hidden, in frigid North
Cold destined to call forth
Prairie living unaware
Grass uncovered, and bare
Few cowboys work the range
Life will soon see big change
Barren land, overgrazed
Cattle wander, unfazed
Calmness warns of trouble
Winter’s wrath comes double
Arctic-fed winds stir up
Wet snow creates pileup
Haunting storm now arrives
Few cattle will survive
Blizzard smothers this land
Conditions, out of hand
Cowboys wait out fierce storm
Snow and cold, nasty swarm
Waiting, hours become days
Prairie, now winter’s maze
Cattle’s cries go unheard
Snow-blinded, vision blurred
Storm’s cruel hand, plays its cards
Life stops, prairie graveyards
This poem attempts to capture the daunting winter of 1886-1887 on the prairies in the Montana Territory when the Open Range’s cattle industry collapsed from its near annihilation. Russell’s artwork says even more than words can describe.
Originally published January, 2021.
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Sometimes it takes some effort and perseverance to scale the weekly peak of another Hump Day.
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 January 12)
Big Sky Buckeye 