In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.
For our own success to be real, it must contribute to the success of others.
Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) was a former first lady of the United States during her husband’s tenure as President (1933-1945). Her life was filled with many accomplishments and pursuits outside of her political involvement with her husband: diplomat (United Nations) and activist (human rights).
Adventure is not outside man; it is within.
The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice.
George Eliot was the pen name for Mary Ann Evans (1819-1880), who was an English journalist, novelist, and poet. She was an influential writer during the Victorian era.
Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.
From Psalm 16:11: “You show me the path of life. In Your presence there is fullness of joy; in Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) was a Dutch priest, professor, writer, and theologian.
Be kind. Always if you have a choice, be kind.
I think love can save the world. When we love, we completely recognize the value of the other.
Anne Rice (1941-2021) was an American author whose themes of fantasy and graphic horror filled many of her novels.
If you are going down a road and don’t like what’s in front of you, and look behind you and don’t like what you see, get off the road. Create a new path!
If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.
Maya Angelou (1928-2014) was an American author, poet, and civil rights activist. Her body of published work is found in autobiographies, essays, poems, and numerous credits in plays, movies, and television shows.
Compassion is not a virtue–it is a commitment. It’s not something we have or don’t have–it’s something we choose to practice.
What we know matters but who we are matters more.
Brene Brown (born 1965) is an American researcher and author. Much of her work has studied courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy.
Words used every day
Little or much to say
Used in positive ways
Conveying life’s essays
Mindful, powerful voices
Daily, humble choices
Impacting other lives
Celebrate with high fives
Disciplined purpose speaks
Positivity seeks
Sharing tender kindness
Truthful, without blindness
Careful to help and heal
Offering a square deal
Words paying it forward
True and straightforward
Thoughtful expressions said
Weaving with tender thread
Replace evil with good
Words plain and understood
Honest lyrics in song
Carried through all day long
Life unfolds from our text
Watchful where words go next
This poem was written several days before January 6, 2021. Its intention was to praise and encourage the positive power of words. The events taking place in Washington, DC on January 6 showed the negative power of words. How will our future words speak?
Originally published January, 2021.
Honesty’s
Blessed illumination
Trusting in God
Light synchronized through Him
Choices
Actions
Requiring God
Life’s daily calculations
Putting Him always first
Focused
Viewing
Earthly landscape
From God’s perspective
Nourished with heavenly grace
Patience
Choices are the hinges of destiny.
For all your ways, prepare. And meet them ever alike: when you are the anvil, bear; when you are the hammer, strike.
Edwin Markham (1852-1940) was an American poet. One of his most read poems was “The Man with the Hoe,” which shed light on the exploitation of poor laborers.
Take a look around your life.
Tell me what you see.
Do you have a future?
Are you living free?
Perhaps you haven’t seen the time
you had to make a choice.
Will you choose to follow them,
or listen to another voice?
Make a vow unto yourself.
Let the whole world see.
Make a choice for yourself.
Be the best that you can be.
Be sure you know what you’re doing.
Stand up and shout it out loud.
Know where your life is going.
Choose to know Jesus, be proud.
Take a look around your life.
Tell me what you see.
Can you see the future,
where you’re living free?
Perhaps you know that He loves you.
He gave His life for all.
Will you listen to the world,
or listen to our Savior’s call?
Make a vow to yourself.
Let the whole world see.
Make a choice for yourself.
Be the best that you can be.
Be sure you know what you’re doing.
Stand up and shout it out loud.
Know where your life is going.
Choose to know Jesus, be proud.
Today’s poem is selected from Colleen Peterson’s recently published book. Her book is dedicated to themes of Family and Christian life.
My wife accumulated countless thoughts and writings over the years while her two daughters were in their childhood. Eventually, these treasured bits and pieces formed the foundation of her book.
Here are some of Colleen’s thoughts about the book:
Bits ‘N’ Pieces Of My heart contains stories, devotions and poetry for the adults, activities to do with your children, and fun little songs. The devotions and poetry will strongly open up your faith walk to more of God’s light. Doing the fun activities and singing little songs with your children will bring smiles to everyone’s heart.
More information is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and several other platforms.
Big Sky Buckeye 