I am grateful for being alive today. It is my joy and pleasure to live another wonderful day.
Love is the great miracle cure. Loving ourselves works miracles in our lives.
Louise Hay (1926-2017) was an American author and motivational speaker.
Since God has rescued us from the bondage to sin, forgiven us, and brought us into His family, grateful obedience should be our response.
From Acts 5:17-21: “ Then the high priest took action; he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), being filled with jealousy, arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, brought them out, and said, ‘Go, stand in the temple and tell the people the whole message about this life.’ When they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and went on with their teaching.”
Every thought we think is creating our future.
My day begins and ends with gratitude and joy.
Louise Hay (1926-2017) was an American author and motivational speaker.
Navigating stormy seas
Hazardous, rocky shore
Hidden perils loom ahead
Darkness waiting to score
Facing overwhelming odds
Danger swarms all about
Faith’s ally always waiting
Rescue coming, no doubt
Searching for safety’s refuge
Lighthouse offers assist
Brighter than any moonlight
Mercy found in its midst
Steering away from trouble
Calmer waters ahead
Eerie sky shines like daylight
Promised beacon’s night thread
Arriving at safe harbor
Harm retreating away
Gratitude’s voice welcomes home
Sunrise blesses this day
It is very easy to overestimate the importance of our own achievements in comparison with what we owe others.
From 1 Peter 5:5-6: “And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time.”
German-born Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) was a Lutheran pastor, theologian, and anti-Nazi dissident. Many of his writings express the role of Christianity in mankind’s daily lives. He paid the ultimate price for his activism against the Nazi regime during World War II.
Dance with the waves, move with the sea. Let the rhythm of the water set your soul free.
Begin each day with appreciation because this life you’re living is your own creation.
Christy Ann Martine (born 1972) is a Canadian writer who shares poetry and short stories.
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.
From Psalm 107:8-9: “Let them thank the Lord for His steadfast love, for His wonderful works to humankind. For He satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry He fills with good things.”
Transitioning days
Rustic colors filled with hope—
Consumed with their joy
Bountiful harvest
Labors of love wrapping up—
Another clean field
Final leaves dropping
Filling climatic, last breath—
Winter’s patience waits
Photo by Katie E on Pexels.com
Beautiful melodies
Cellos and violins
Stirring memories
New lives, set to begin
Father with daughters
Growing up with each one
Precious treasures to bless
Through Father, Holy Son
Music playing, forevermore
Images of each step
Laughter filling their rooms
Love knocks at our doorstep
Afternoon tea parties
Playing games, singing songs
Favorite storybooks
Life perfect, never wrong
Seeing their eager eyes
Savoring school’s first day
Playing in autumn’s leaves
Days never seem too gray
Watching each girl mature
Life’s incredible ride
Graduation moments
Wedding days at their side
Playing in the background
Peaceful serenity
Past, special moments
Father’s identity
My life has been blessed with a splendid and loving trio of daughters who have made fatherhood a true blessing. I was listening to a rendition of Johann Pachelbel’s “Canon in D Major” as I wrote this poem. I especially enjoy strings or piano (all three of my daughters are accomplished piano players). Here is a sample of the music. Enjoy!
Originally published May, 2020.
America’s observation of Veterans Day lies ahead on November 11. As a nation gathers to honor anyone, past or present, who has served in uniform, may we remember and embrace our nation’s past.
Gathering for common good
Willing to make each sacrifice
Citizens answer country’s needs
Giving of themselves, any price
Putting aside differences
Deflating emotion’s sandbag
Spirit of Founding Fathers calls
Rallying around nation’s flag
Responding with efforts as one
Replenishing each empty soul
Tattered Old Glory proudly waves
Serving abroad, endless patrols
Overcoming every challenge
Witnessing each morning sunrise
Fears replaced with collective faith
Rising freedom fills daily skies
Bridging Lexington to Yorktown
Stepping up at Gettysburg’s fight
Battles from Marne to Normandy
Leading democracy’s daylight
Big Sky Buckeye 