From My Journal (5/13)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

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From Big Sky Buckeye

When we understand how our character walks in the door ahead of us, the results experienced will often reflect a more positive outcome.

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 May 13)

Booker T. Washington Quotes

top:  Booker T. Washington.  bottom:  Tuskegee University.  (Photos courtesy of Pinterest)

Character, not circumstances, makes the man.

Those who have accomplished the greatest results are those who never grow excited or lose self-control, but are always calm, self-possessed, patient, and polite.

Booker T. Washington (1856-1915) was an American educator, author, and orator.  He was the founder of Tuskegee University (originally named Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute) in the state of Alabama.

Monday Memories: Anthem of Grace

From Hebrews 11:1:  “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

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Weary times, filled with quiet tears

Witnessing mankind’s cruelest hurts

Hate, division, violence, fears

God’s grace, peace, love . . . never deserts

 

When witnessing injustice, stand

Lift up voices, sing with passion

Offer a loving, helping hand

Filled with oneness and compassion

 

No longer sit with thoughts muzzled

Liberty-filled harmonies ring

God’s grace flows, days never puzzled

Loud as roaring seas, let us sing

 

God’s Word lighting eternal fires

Inside our faith, unwavering

Hope fills each heart, never expires

Teachings of Jesus, favoring

 

Jesus always front and center

Faithfully walking as His feet

Loving as His hands, our mentor

Marching on, His grace ever sweet

 

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From 1 John 5:3-5:  “For the love of God is this, that we obey His commandments.  And His commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world.  And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith.  Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

Originally published October, 2020.

From My Journal (5/12)

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From Big Sky Buckeye

When we have a voice that shares our compassion about life, we offer a vital conduit for others to join in.

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 May 12)

Albert Schweitzer Quote

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The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.

From Romans 15:2-3:  “Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor.  For Christ did not please Himself, but, as it is written, ‘The insults of those who insult you have fallen on Me.'”

Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) was a French-born theologian, writer, humanitarian,  philosopher, and physician.

With Each Sunrise

From Psalm 118:21-22:  “I thank you that You have answered me and have become my salvation.  The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.”

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Reminded with each sunrise

Praise Resurrection’s light

Redemption rises with Christ

Witness empty tomb at daylight

 

Gates of righteousness opened

Rejoice, be glad in it

Salvation’s final answer

At Calvary, Christ’s love submits

 

Freed from sin by Savior’s blood

Spirit stirs within man

Nourished with His mercy’s peace

Promises fulfilled through God’s plan

 

Each step, filled with repentance

Mercy always present

Believe in faith’s risen Lord

Gathered in prayer, as He meant

 

Follow Shepherd’s tender voice

Path ahead, filled with love

Grace shall cleanse, power to free

Truth speaks from Heaven’s throne above

 

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From John 20:26-27:  “A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them.  Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’  Then He said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see My hands. Reach out your hand and put it in My side.  Do not doubt but believe.'”

From My Journal (5/11)

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From Big Sky Buckeye

Risen from the Resurrection, its light forever illuminates Christ’s righteous path.  May our eyes ever be heaven bound.

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 May 11)

Charles Swindoll Quote

Courtesy of Pinterest.

Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” will be nothing compared to the myriad of angels who will sing in antiphonal voice as we join them in praises to the Lamb of God.

From Revelation 5:11-12:  “Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!'”

Charles Swindoll (born 1934) is an American pastor and Christian author.

Trivia’s Facts and More (5/10)

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This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

What has keys but cannot open locks?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Related to the squirrel, one of America’s smallest mammals is the diminutive chipmunk.  Its chipper and speedy presence can be found in many neighborhoods, woodlands, and shrubby deserts.

Here are a few interesting facts about chipmunks:

  • Body length:  4-7 inches
  • Tail length:  3-5 inches
  • Diet:  (omnivorous) insects, nuts, berries, grains, seeds
  • Lifespan:  2-3 years

Chipmunks are terrestrial, which means they generally live on the ground.  However, they are agile tree climbers.   Their quick, chirping sounds call out warnings to other chipmunks.

Chipmunks are easily distinguished from squirrels by their varying black and white strips, which run down their backs and on their faces.  Their body is colored gray or brown, and it is accented with a slightly bushy tail.

Being quite adaptable to a variety of habitats, chipmunks prefer areas with an undergrowth of vegetation cover.  Their homes include underground burrows, hidden nests beneath vegetation, or in fallen logs.

Much of a chipmunk’s daylight time is spent finding and storing food for their long winter’s semi-hibernation.  Their cheek pouches can expand to three times their head size, and this enables them to carry and store the food they find. 

Chipmunks are most active in the cooler hours during the warmer months–especially in the early morning and late afternoon.  During the winter, they may hibernate intermittently, but they are much less active than normal. 

Both males and females work together in raising their pups.  The most common time of year for another life cycle to begin is the spring.  Litters generally consist of 2-8 pups.  

Chipmunks have to be on the lookout for several predators.  These include carnivorous mammals such as weasels and foxes.  Large snakes and birds of prey also hunt chipmunks.

various photographs of chipmunks (in the top row, note the baby pups held in human hands).  (Courtesy of Pinterest)

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

A piano.

From My Journal (5/10)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com

From Big Sky Buckeye

Our Master Gardener promises to always be near when our imperfect actions and thoughts require His green thumb.

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 May 10)