Triple Blessings (Elfchen Series #127)

Blessed Conversation

Listening

Without ceasing

Holy heavenly Father

Sharing His lasting Word

Prayer

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Blessed Encouragement

Growing

Spirit within

Enduring with patience

Overcoming power of darkness

Hope

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Blessed Harvest

Praising

Savior Jesus

Living godly life

Bearing His divine fruit

Strength

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Harry Emerson Fosdick Quote

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It is magnificent to grow old, if one keeps young.

From Proverbs 16:31:  “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.”

Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878-1969) was an American pastor who was an influential voice in American Protestantism.

Democracy’s Open Door

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Challenges shall arise

Founding Fathers always knew

Banking on nation’s resilience

Diligence sees us through

 

Compromise offers path

Democracy’s open door

Common ground must be sown with faith

No longer keeping score

 

Nation’s tomorrow calls

Steering with imperfect hands

Leading always, “Of the People”

Across freedom’s great land

 

With each generation

Grateful nation never bends

Defending democracy’s quest

Freedom’s proud dividend

A shining example of a nation’s perseverance. U.S. Capitol Building’s dome was finished during the American Civil War. (Courtesy of Pinterest)

In his Gettysburg Address, President Abraham Lincoln immortalized the continuing spirit and faith in the American experiment of democracy with these words, “. . . that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Alexander Hamilton Quotes

Courtesy of Pinterest.

Those who stand for nothing fall for everything.

I would never expect a perfect work from an imperfect man.

Alexander Hamilton (1757-1804) was one of America’s Founding Fathers.  He served in the Revolutionary War and was the nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury.  He was an ardent supporter of the American Constitution.

Lasting Foundation

From Luke 21:17-19:  “You will be hated by all because of my name.  But not a hair of your head will perish.  By your endurance you will gain your souls.”

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Facing life’s trials

To whom shall we turn?

Walking every mile

Faith in God shall yearn

 

Fading sun grows dark

From whom comes next light?

Igniting faith’s spark

God’s mercy glows bright

 

Leading each nation

To whom shall we pray?

Lasting foundation

God’s faith never sways

 

Fleeing darkest flames

From whom comes safe place?

Living God takes aim

Faith’s grace-filled embrace

 

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From Malachi 4:2-3:  “But for you who revere My name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings.  You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.  And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the Lord of hosts.”

Oswald Chambers Quote

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We have all to find our niche in life, and spiritually we find it when we receive our ministry from the Lord.

From Acts 20:24:  “But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God’s grace.”

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.

Another Cup Please (Haiku Series #204)

Fall’s Annual Treat

Coffee drinkers smile

Autumn brewing each fresh cup—

“Welcome Home Pumpkin”

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Sticking to the Basics

Asking for black please

Lasting morning tradition—

Coffee without frills

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Over the Top

Black coffee now served

Adding sugar plus creamer—

Sweet, caffeine milkshake

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I usually drink my black coffee with a bit of Stevia sweetener in it, but I can handle black straight up as well.  If you are are a coffee person, how do you like your coffee prepared?

Stand-Up Comics Quotes

Don Rickles (1926-2017)

The old days were the old days.  And they were great days.  But now is now.

Bill Hicks (1961-1994)

Life is only a dream and we are the imagination of ourselves.

Don Rickles was a master of his comedic craft, but he was also known for his kindness and caring attitude.  He and fellow comedian and actor, Bob Newhart, were best friends.

Bill Hicks’ comedy frequently used satire with topics from philosophy, politics, and religion.  His life was sadly shortened by pancreatic cancer.

Monday Memories: Morning Praise

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From Proverbs 3:26:  “For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.”

This early morning time

Brings moments of praise

Spirits gather to climb

Warmed by the sun’s rays

 

God’s Word speaks out

With wisdom and clout

 

Another day appears ready

Feet will not stumble

God’s Word marches steady

Never afraid to tumble

 

God’s Word speaks out

With wisdom and clout

 

For the humble receive

God’s favor and love

Avoid those who deceive

Look to Heaven above

 

God’s Word speaks out

With wisdom and clout

 

Arise, prepared for the Lord

He’s endlessly in control

Arming all with His sword

Leading us out on patrol

 

God’s Word speaks out

With wisdom and clout

 

This morn sings a song

Filling with God’s praises

One cannot be wrong

With Salvation, He raises

 

God’s Word speaks out

With wisdom and clout

 

Nourish us right now

God’s manna is ready

Take a knee and bow

He keeps us steady

 

God’s Word speaks out

With wisdom and clout

 

Our day comes alive

From God’s trusting light

Allowing us to thrive

‘Til day becomes night

 

God’s Word arrives at dawn

Always full, never gone

 

Originally published August, 2019.

Dorothea Brande Quote

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Man’s mind is not a container to be filled but rather a fire to be kindled.

From Colossians 3:23-24:  “Whatever task you must do, work as if your soul depends on it, as for the Lord and not for humans, since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ.”

Dorothea Brande (1893-1948) was an American writer and editor.  From the 1920s and 1930s, her most sustaining works deal with beginning any writing enterprise.