For what has been, thanks! For what shall be, yes!
From Proverbs 24:14: “Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, you will find a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”
Dag Hammarskjold (1905-1961) was a Swedish economist and diplomat. He served as the second Secretary-General of the United Nations (1953-1961).
Reflections from French Archbishop, theologian, and writer, Francois Fenelon (1651-1715): “Faith is letting down our nets into the transparent deeps at the Divine command, not knowing what we shall draw.”
A well-seasoned fisherman had been casting his nets throughout the night. Unfortunately for him and his family, there would likely be no fresh fish by morning.
As he gathered his empty nets, a light beam shone across the waters on the left side of his boat. He felt the Spirit’s quiet nudge, “Cast the net over here.”
The gentle man was suddenly filled with peace. Without hesitation, he cast his nets over the side of the boat. As the light receded, he felt the boat being drawn deeper into the waters.
Elated with his good fortune, he began pulling in nets heavy with a monumental catch. Indeed, there would be enough fish to feed his family for many days to come.
As he pulled in the final feet of net onboard, he was surrounded by a sea of fish. Filled with gratitude, his eyes moved to witness the rising sun, and he paused to pray to God above. His tone of thankfulness praised the Lord for His goodness.
From John 21:4-6: “Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, ‘Children, you have no fish, have you?’ They answered him, ‘No.’ He said to them, ‘Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish.”
Stepping
From shadows
Leaving enemy’s darkness
Christ rises for us
Trusting
Strengthening
Faith’s heart
Building core values
Discipleship in Christ matures
Following
Sharing
Infinite love
Flowing with grace
Christ’s own daily delight
Interacting
Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.
Hope is sweet-minded and sweet-eyed. It draws pictures; it weaves fancies; it fills the future with delight.
Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) was an American pastor and abolitionist.
Morning rendezvous
Meeting best friends for coffee—
Grace fills every cup
Daily morning breath
Coffee, you always do it—
Another cup please
Morning’s fresh muffin
Tasting sweeter with coffee—
Way over the top!
From the words of American pastor and Christian author, Charles Swindoll: “Thanksgiving is a time of quiet reflection . . . an annual reminder that God has, again, been ever so faithful. The solid and simple things of life are brought into clear focus.”
National tradition
Year’s intentional pause
Coming together as one
With purposeful cause
Nation’s heart now gathers
Thanksgiving welcomes all
Putting aside differences
Mercy’s blessed call
Family’s homeward steps
Cherished goodness brightens
Strengthening tomorrow’s bonds
Grace shall enlighten
Love fills another home
Peace refreshes outlook
Praying with one single voice
Heaven’s warm chinook
Harmony writes new psalm
Tranquility’s fellowship
Sharing gratitude today
Praise from every lip
From Revelation 7:12: “Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
Faith’s
Divine garden
Seeded without weeds
Nourished with Living Water
Maturity
Hope’s
Fertile soil
Cultivated with grace
Sunrise offers endless bounty
Harvest
Joy’s
Fruitful journey
Sustained with love
Sown with trusted hands
Gratitude
From John 15:10-11: “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. I have said these things to you so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
Rejoicing with Father
Peace quiets every storm
Joy’s spirit transforms heart
Nurturing, always warm
Learning from Father’s Word
Faith nourished, always trust
Joy sails on eagle’s wings
Bringing light, always just
Receiving Father’s grace
Precious gift of each day
Joy cascades from His love
Rising sun, never gray
Walking in Father’s steps
Hope breathes with every stride
Joy’s anticipation
Filling outlook with pride
Kneeling at Father’s feet
Gratitude sweeps ashore
Joy flowing with gladness
Entering Heaven’s door
From the words of American evangelist, Bill Bright: “The joy of God is experienced as I love, trust, and obey God.”
From Psalm 16:1-2: “Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.'”
Facing uncertainty
More questions than actions
Reaching out to Father
Love’s trusted interactions
Harboring inner doubts
Weakened by rising tides
Praying now to Father
Mercy brings answers to guide
Choosing to always trust
Assurance speaks to heart
Listening to Father
Grace nourishing faith’s fresh start
Tasting heavenly joy
Life’s outlook now renewed
Receiving from Father
Page turned, filled with gratitude
Rejoicing in hope’s light
Righteous path before thee
Conversing with Father
His peace calms as darkness flees
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.”
Books are like imprisoned souls till someone takes them down from a shelf and frees them.
Let us be grateful to the mirror for revealing to us our appearance only.
Samuel Butler (1835-1902) was an English novelist.
Big Sky Buckeye 