If a window of opportunity appears, don’t pull down the shade.
Smile if it kills you. The physiology of smiling diffuses a lot of anger and angst. It makes your body and soul feel better.
Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) was an American naturalist, poet, and philosopher. Influenced by Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne, many of his writings reflected upon living in natural surroundings.
Things that make us alike are finer and stronger than the things that make us different.
The good we secure for ourselves is precarious and uncertain until it is secured for all of us and incorporated into our common life.
American activist Jane Addams (1860-1935) was the second woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. Her accomplishments are many as she labored as a reformer, social worker, and author. She was a timeless voice for world peace and women’s suffrage.
The real object of education is to leave a man in the condition of continually asking questions.
The desire of every man to have his own way becomes all the stronger when he knows that his way is a good way.
Mandell Creighton (1843-1901) was a British historian as well as a bishop in the Church of England.
From Psalm 31:24: “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.”
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Immense weight of the world
Resting on our shoulders
Crying out to our Lord
Pebbles fall like boulders
Darkest thoughts undermine
Harshest mental torment
Hidden physical foes
Hopeless, stuck in cement
Our Lord hearing, He cares
Listening to whole hearts
Filling with confidence
Piercing conflict, like a dart
Forever with our Lord
His refuge, without fuss
His righteousness delivers
Strong fortress, saving us
Cities under fearful siege
Virus shadows each street
Lord, lead us and guide us
Your goodness won’t retreat
Our Father’s steadfast love
Covers our affliction
Blessed be our Lord God
Faith, hope . . . our conviction
Trusting in the Father
Facing vicious disease
Your face shines upon us
We pray upon our knees
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From Psalm 3:8: “Deliverance belongs to the Lord; may your blessings be on your people.”
Originally published April, 2020.
Once we’re thrown off our habitual paths, we think all is lost, but it’s only here that the new and the good begins.
If you feel pain, you’re alive. If you feel another’s pain, you’re a human being.
Leo (Count Lev Nikolayevich) Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian writer. Many consider him to be one the world’s greatest authors of all-time.
It is true that we may desire much more. But let us use what we have, and God will give us more.
From 1 Peter 4:10: “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.”
Adoniram Judson (1788-1850) was an American pastor and missionary. He was one of the first Protestant missionaries in Burma, where he would serve for nearly 40 years.
From Psalm 86:5: “For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call on You.”
Life’s dark times gathering
Rolling in, blackest clouds
Walking in strength, with God
Steadfast hope flows unbowed
Troubles waiting ahead
Surrounding voices’ noise
Praying to God above
Steadfast mercy deploys
Stormy seas crashing down
Sailing through darkest days
Feeling safe in God’s hands
Steadfast faith finds His way
Evil setting its trap
Tempting with sinful fate
Trusting God, breaking free
Steadfast goodness checkmates
Alone, feeling afraid
Searching for safest place
Hearing God, calling thee
Steadfast love, full of grace
From Psalm 86:15: “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”
Children are very nice observers, and they will often perceive our slightest defects.
It is not enough to like good books. You must be a good book yourself.
Francois Fenelon (1651-1715) was a French theologian, poet, and writer. He has been widely remembered as the author of THE ADVENTURES OF TELEMACHUS.
Goodness is the only investment that never fails.
Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.
Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) was an American naturalist, poet, and philosopher. Influenced by Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne, many of his writings reflected upon living in natural surroundings.
It takes no more time to see the good side of life than to see the bad.
Breathe in, breathe out, move on.
Jimmy Buffet (born 1946) is an American singer and songwriter. He has also written three number-one bestsellers.
Big Sky Buckeye 