Big Sky Buckeye

A writer's journey continues

Finding Encouragement

Posted on June 14, 2023 by bigskybuckeye

From Joshua 1:9: “I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

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Challenges rolling in

On waves of ceaseless tides

Searching for faithful hope

Jesus shall be thy guide

Universe seems empty

Darkness never takes rest

Seeking encouragement

Jesus hears each request

Faith walking toward light

Hope growing from His love

Filling heart with fresh grace

Jesus comes from above

Optimism descending

Day’s outlook shining bright

Finding encouragement

Jesus shares trusted light

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From Romans 15:5-6: “May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Charles Swindoll Quote

Posted on June 14, 2023 by bigskybuckeye

The only way to find happiness in the grind of life is to do so by faith.

From 2 Corinthians 5:6-7: “So we are always confident, even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord—for we walk by faith, not by sight.”

Monday Memories: Living Hope

Posted on June 12, 2023 by bigskybuckeye

Reading through the last four entries in my journal, God brought inspiration to bring this praise to Him. There entries provide the bulk of the this poem, along with a few selected writings of Apostle Peter. I hope this poem sustains hope in you during your daily journey. During Lenten season, we are reminded of the hope we receive through Jesus’ walk to an old rugged Cross.

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With God’s truth leading us

Our faith growing each day

Fueled by our Lord above

Hope responds, let us pray

God guides with steadiness

Navigating our ship

Through ever-present storms

Safe on our Lord’s flagship

Life-giving hearts may hide

Our emotional selves

Yet, other times we find

God’s Word within ourselves

Sometimes, life proclaims

Our “red badge of courage”

Straight into inner souls

Our faith will encourage

Much like a frigid wind

Freezing our tender face

Life challenges us to bear

Torment covered by grace

Through our Father’s mercy

A new birth, a living hope

Jesus . . . Resurrection

Life viewed through His new scope

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From 1 Peter 1:3-5: “Blessed be the God and Father our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

Originally published April, 2020.

Challenges Overcome

Posted on May 14, 2023 by bigskybuckeye

From Psalm 34:6: “This poor soul cried and was heard by the Lord and was saved from every trouble.”

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Desiring smoother path

Journey faces pitfalls

Stressful days wait ahead

Darkness erecting walls

Showing what’s possible

Spirit lights Father’s way

Humbly see and follow

Walls crumble, new causeway

Turning toward Father

Life surrendered to Him

Troubled times diminished

Days no longer as grim

Tasting acts of goodness

Challenges overcome

Father’s peace now descends

Doubts reduced to breadcrumbs

Walking in Father’s love

Mercy remains steadfast

Every promise trusted

Faith transformed, hope recast

From Psalm 34:19: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them from them all.”

Going Forward

Posted on May 11, 2023 by bigskybuckeye

Usually on most days

Life’s journey moves along

Solving another maze

Each answer never wrong

Hourly reality check

Simple truths always guide

Avoiding any wrecks

Every step filled with pride

Tomorrow will bring change

Certain as each sunrise

Stirring thoughts to exchange

Nothing waits in disguise

Goodness set to deploy

Positive always leads

Going forward brings joy

Lasting happiness freed

No Longer

Posted on March 30, 2023 by bigskybuckeye

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Facing life’s challenges

Decisions needing to be made

Stepping with confidence

No longer feeling afraid

Listening to own heart

Negative thoughts fading away

Taking positive steps

No longer leading astray

Flexing new attitude

Tomorrow inviting fresh start

Letting yesterday go

No longer filling sad heart

Leaving darkness behind

Choices finding healthy outlets

Loving new direction

No longer bringing regrets

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First Steps

Posted on March 25, 2023 by bigskybuckeye

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Experiencing lifetime of first steps

Beginning with toddler’s curious try

Tumbling down to earth from frequent missteps

Inquiring mind looking skyward to fly

Growing up quickly, ready for life’s prep

Entering grade school doors, stepping right in

Navigating each year, planting more steps

Looking always forward, career begins

Living life, one year follows another

Challenging new steps arriving each day

Recalling advice from caring mother

Stepping out, traveling each new highway

Remembering this life’s countless missteps

Smiling at grandchildren’s beginning steps

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Monday Memories: Winter’s Arctic Grip

Posted on March 20, 2023 by bigskybuckeye

man in brown parka jacket walking beside woman in maroon coat

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Bone-chilling winds turn life upside down today

Delivering frigid, Arctic storms to every town

Thickening ice, spreading across the lake’s bay

People running straight into gusts, heads down

Wind chimes endlessly sing a winter-filled blast

Watching the thermometer effortlessly dive

Wondering, how long will this deep freeze last?

Somehow, everyone remains warm and thrives

The townsfolk cope, accepting winter’s greed

Facing long, harsh winters, most every year

Helping others to survive, when one’s in need

Winter’s severity never brings about fear

Finally one day, the wind changes its sound

Pitching warmer air, by way of a chinook

Lightening the load for everyone around

Smiles arrive, from every cranny and nook

Spring will soon send out her welcoming band

Replacing life’s burdens, with warmer wishes

Surviving winter’s struggles across the land

Winter to spring, life crosses familiar bridges

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Originally published February, 2020.

Another Day (Haiku Series #218)

Posted on February 21, 2023 by bigskybuckeye

Quiet Perseverance

Reasons to finish

Overcoming challenges—

Never giving in

Yesterday’s Peace

Time’s quiet moments

Opening each memory—

Never forgotten

Treasures Waiting

In searching life’s depths

Finding intended nuggets—

Few others shall see

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Confident Voices

Posted on February 4, 2023 by bigskybuckeye

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Somewhere stands a vacant, empty building . . .

Sometimes wondering

Seeking out hidden voices

Still trying to hear

Holding out, few choices

Listening closely

Imagination unlocks

Now discovering

Shifting life’s gearbox

Another room calls

Peeling paint covers each thought

Wisdom speaking out

Taking another shot

Draining time’s hourglass

Final hours, dreadful waiting

Still so much to share

Speaking words, dictating

Eager wrecking ball

Setting to flatten each room

Confident voices

Transferring to courtroom

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Quiet Perseverance

Yesterday’s Peace

Treasures Waiting

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