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.
The flame of testimony burns brightly when fed with the oil of grace.
From Psalm 23:5-6: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Harry Ironside (1876-1951) was a Canadian-born pastor, theologian, and Christian author. This renowned Bible teacher wrote over 100 books, booklets, and pamphlets.
From Ephesians 1:4-5: “Just as He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before Him in love. He destined us for adoption as His children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will.”
Father’s divine design
Anchored in His love
Through our Lord Jesus Christ
Grace shines from above
Father showing mercy
Love’s eternal gift
Patient kindness sending
Life-changing airlift
Father guiding all things
Built around His love
Sending His only Son
Hope reigns from above
Father always believes
Love’s goodness in man
Rejoicing in His truth
Redemption’s firm plan
Father’s forgiving act
Filled with lasting love
His wisdom and insight
Praise His glory above
From 1 Corinthians 13:4-6: “Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable; it keeps no record of wrongs; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth.”
Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.
From Romans 8:28: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.”
Desmond Tutu (1931-2021) was a South African Anglican bishop and Christian theologian. He was perhaps best known for his efforts as a human rights activist in dismantling his nation’s system of apartheid.
Love cannot be forced, love cannot be coaxed and teased. It comes out of heaven, unasked and unsought.
To serve is beautiful, but only if it is done with joy and a whole heart and a free mind.
American writer and novelist, Pearl S. Buck (1892-1973), spent much of her early life in China as a missionary. She was widely heralded for her book, THE GOOD EARTH, which was published in 1931. She garnered the Pulitzer Prize in 1932 and later the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1938.
Big Sky Buckeye 