God’s heart of mercy provides for us not only pardon from sin but also a daily provision of spiritual food to strengthen us.
From 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Jim Cymbala (born 1942) is an American pastor and Christian author. He firmly believes that God will share His goodness in our lives.
Every . . . falling leaf
Reminder . . . winter’s coming—
Dreaming . . . spring’s rebirth
Winter’s silence speaks
Quiet trees withhold their joy—
Waiting for spring’s call
Tender seedling sprouts
Nature transitions again—
Life reawakens
You need a team. You need people to push you. You need opponents.
Jazz can show us how to work together, while also celebrating our obvious differences.
Wynton Marsalis (born 1961) is an American trumpeter and composer. He promotes both classical and jazz music, and he has spent numerous hours sharing his music and message with young people. He has received nine Grammy Awards.
Photo by Anastasiya Gepp on Pexels.com
Waiting for its urgent call
Winter’s snow waiting to strike
Where is winter hosting fun?
Playing games in the Klondike
School children watch outside
Dreaming of a snow day soon
School’s steady beat marches on
Soon, everyone sings a new tune
Weather forecast predicts snow
Snowplows prepare for battle
But, this storm slides to the north
Hmm, snow dumps on Seattle!
Outside, waiting for a call
Snow shovel dreams of snowfall
Originally published January, 2020.
Be confused, it’s where you begin to learn new things.
Be broken, it’s where you begin to heal.
S. C. Lourie is a British writer, poet, and artist.
From Isaiah 7:13-14: “Then Isaiah said, ‘Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals that you weary my God also? 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.'”
Seeing life’s uncertainty
Searching heavens far beyond
God’s love offers gift of peace
Sending to earth, Savior’s bond
Tracing roots of future Prince
Sensing blessed hope through time
Bethlehem stable breathes love
Transforming man’s paradigm
Bearing His Son, born this day
Filling Mary with God’s love
Angelic voices praising
Singing with joy high above
Lasting, grace-filled love shall save
Bringing wayward sheep back home
Good Shepherd walking this land
Gifting peace to always roam
Declaring new covenant
Shining with love’s promised peace
Joyous light born in manger
Blessing hope’s faithful, new lease
A contemporary Christian song, “When Love Crossed Over,” shares powerful and inspiring images during this Advent season.
If we are children of God, we have a tremendous treasure in Nature. In every wind that blows, in every night and day of the year, in every sign of the sky, in every blossoming and in every withering of the earth, there is a real coming of God to us if we will simply use our starved imagination to realize it.
From Isaiah 40:26: “Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because He is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing.”
Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was a Scottish evangelist and Christian teacher. Following his death from an illness while in Egypt during World War I, his wife took on the task of transcribing the detailed notes she had written from his lectures and sermons. Gertrude Hobbs Chambers’ efforts resulted in the publication in 1924 of MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST. I frequently read from this devotional, and it has greatly deepened my faith and understanding of God’s Word.
As Grandpa’s pick-up truck drove into the Gallatin National Forest, Lydia continued to remind him of Grandma’s instructions. Grandma expected them to return home with the most perfect Douglas fir tree for Christmas.
Seven-year old Lydia was excited to make her first trip into the forest to pick out a Christmas tree. Both she and Grandpa were dressed warmly in layers of outer clothing, snow boots, and stocking hats. The early December day was going to be snowy and cold.
Lydia’s family always used an artificial Christmas tree, which was better described by Grandma as a “fake” tree. Her eyes were filled with so much excitement, and her smile reminded Grandpa of the blessing of spending time with his beloved granddaughter.
With the tree permit in hand, Grandpa knew just the right place to find a tree in a dense grove of smaller to medium-sized trees. Grandma had sent along a delicious lunch of sandwiches and hot chocolate.
Upon finding their destination, Grandpa parked the truck along the road. The two of them would have to hike into the forest for about a mile or two.
Eventually their search found the special grove of trees. Lydia’s expression was priceless as she witnessed her first look at “real” Christmas trees.
Grandpa gave Lydia her final instructions. She needed to pick out a seven-footer, according to Grandma’s expectations. After about 20 minutes, she found just the right tree. Grandpa checked the measurements of the tree, and he was sure it would fit in the living room back home.
Crawling under the Douglas fir with his tree saw, Grandpa began to carefully cut the tree away from the frozen ground. He made certain to leave a short stump of less than six inches, just as the Forest Service expected him to do.
With Lydia’s help, they tied up the tree on a small sled that they’d brought. Now they could easily transport the tree back to the waiting pick-up truck.
Sitting in the warm cab of the truck, Lydia and Grandpa enjoyed some tasty sandwiches with hot chocolate. Their laughter and conversation kept them warm as well.
Soon it was time to drive back home with their treasured tree for Christmas. Lydia took a nap along the way, but she woke-up when Grandpa pulled the pick-up into the driveway.
Grandma stepped outside to see how the two tree hunters had made out. She called to Lydia, “How did you do?”
Beaming with her warmest smile ever, Lydia ran and hugged her, “We found the most perfect tree. Anything for Grandma!”
This informative post will be posted on Saturday along with my usual writing. You are invited to participate with the opening question.
What letter would come next in this sequence?
M, A, M, J, J, A, S, O, ___
(answer found at the end of this post)
James Monroe was the 5th American President (1817-1825). He became the fourth Virginian to serve as President (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison being the first three).
Here are a few interesting facts about this two-term President:
Two of the most significant accomplishments of the Monroe administration were the passage of the Missouri Compromise in 1820 and the establishment of the Monroe Doctrine. The Missouri Compromise redefined the division line between slave and free states in the Union. The Monroe Doctrine stated that no further European colonies would be allowed in the America’s while the United States would remain neutral in European affairs.
N–for November
Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame.
Fear God, and your enemies will fear you.
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was a Founding Father of the United States. He served his nation as a prominent statesman and effective diplomat.
Big Sky Buckeye 