Democracy’s Daylight

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.

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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

 

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Monday Memories: Passing the Torch

man wearing gray and brown hat with eyeglasses

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Watching Saturday’s unhurried sunrise

Feeling gratefulness, spirit shall arise

 

Being retired, life moves at much slower pace

Realizing, there’s no need to win life’s race

 

Remembering grandfathers, crisp and clear

Teaching life lessons, steady and sincere

 

Growing up, learning from their example

Tasting life with every new sample

 

Loving family, with kindness and care

Treating marriage, with love beyond compare

 

Passing on wisdom, making good choices

Sitting here now, hearing cherished voices

 

Accepting their torch, these years move along

Being a grandfather, where love belongs

 

Filling up life, grandchildren sharing love

Joining other grandfathers, fits like a glove

green lit torch

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Originally published April, 2020.  Edited September, 2023.

Harry Ironside Quote

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We would worry less if we praised more.

From Psalm 28:7:  “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him.”

Harry Ironside (1876-1951) was a Canadian-born pastor, theologian, and Christian author.  This renowned Bible teacher wrote over 100 books, booklets, and pamphlets.

Daily Devotions (Elfchen Series #160)

Witness

Praising

From whom

Every blessing flows

Our Lord, our Creator

Gratitude

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Proclaim

Maturing

In Christ

Hope’s eternal message

Walking in His light

Faith

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Rejoice

Transforming

Spirit’s presence

Love never ceases

Grace arrives from above

Reverence

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Doris Day Quotes

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The most important thing in life is just living and loving.

Gratitude is riches.  Complaint is poverty.

Doris Day (1922-2019) was a renowned American actress and singer.  She also dedicated much of her life to being an animal rights activist.

Lifetime of Lessons (Haiku Series #182)

Reaching Out

Express gratitude

Sincere appreciation—

Send handwritten note

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Evening to Morning

Night’s quiet moments

Preparing for tomorrow—

Embrace our blessings

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Wisdom’s Endurance

Life’s endless highway

Patience and perseverance—

Journey of waiting

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Amy Collette Quote

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Gratitude is as powerful catalyst for happiness.  It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.

From Colossians 3:16-17:  “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.  And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Praise and Gratitude

From Psalm 92:1-2:  “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night.”

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Filling every day with praises

Praying daily, words of gratitude

Hailing heavenly Father’s mercy

Fueling our continued fortitude

 

Declaring steadfast love of Father

Remembering lasting faithfulness

Thanking Him for eternal goodness

Rescuing from evil’s dark abscess

 

Hearing angelic music above

Singing with steady, heartfelt voices

Trusting Father’s spiritual message

Inspiring life with better choices

 

Proclaiming with praise and gratitude

Flourishing with Father’s thanksgiving

Producing blessed fruit in His name

Pointing toward Calvary, forgiving

 

Refreshing moment with our Father

Trumpeting His everlasting name

Scaling summit of faith’s righteous rock

Lighting up grace, heaven’s brightest flame

 

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From Psalm 92:14-15:  “In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap, showing that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”

Taken From a Church Sign

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Let our hearts be filled with thanks and giving.

From 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:  “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”