There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.
You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try.
Beverly Sills (1929-2007) was an American operatic star with few equals during her performances from the 1950s into the 1970s.
While the novelist is banging on his typewriter, the poet is watching a fly in the windowpane.
The trouble with poetry is that it encourages the writing of more poetry.
Billy Collins (born 1941) is an American poet who served as America’s Poet Laureate from 2001 to 2003. He has published several collections of his poetry.
What you remember saves you.
We are asleep with compasses in our hands.
William Stanley Merwin (W. S.) was an American poet with over 50 books of poetry and prose. Over his lifetime (1927-2019), he was honored with numerous awards: including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry (1971 and 2009) and becoming United States Poet Laureate in 2010.
Photo by fauxels on Pexels.com
Jesus gathers up His apostles from humble ground
Making up God’s team, their witness shall abound
God’s Word oversees the performance of this team
Standing as chief executive, seeing holiest theme
The Holy Spirit earmarks the hearts and brains
Serving as the binding glue, better than chains
Returning to the beginning of God’s creative time
Transforming a land, His Word continues to climb
The Creator conceives of a perfect place for man
Placing Adam and Eve in Eden, always His plan
But, Adam and Eve journey on a sin-filled path
Leaving the ample garden, under God’s wrath
From this moment, God’s team stumbles and wanders
Facing estrangement from God, His people squander
Jesus comes to bridge what separates us from God
Sitting at the right hand, coaching a humbled squad
God establishes His expectations, perfectly high
Faltering and imperfect mortals, will never satisfy
The team continues to collapse over and over again
Forgetting God’s Commandments, sin seems to win
Many teams measure success by the flashy show
Works by themselves, will never add much glow
But, Jesus shepherds His team on a brand new track
Following by faith alone, Jesus always has their back
He reminds us to always love our God in Heaven’s seat
Loving each other as you have loved Me, always repeat
A bloody, criminal’s Cross summons all to take a knee
Accepting Jesus as Savior, teammates look up to see
Our Father orchestrates, with infinite patience and love
Creating and molding, the Great I Am looks from above
Jesus remains alert at the Creator’s side
Carrying keys to eternal life, all bona fide
As team members, we must trust, follow, and abide
Playing for Jesus, His coaching is forever our guide
Originally published January, 2020.
Be confused, it’s where you begin to learn new things.
Be broken, it’s where you begin to heal.
S. C. Lourie is a British writer, poet, and artist.
Between life and death, there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever.
Regrets don’t leave. They weren’t mosquito bites. They itch forever.
Matt Haig (born 1975) is an English writer and journalist. Much of his writing focuses on novels with fictional themes for adults as well as children stories.
A bright light at the end of a tunnel can seem warm and inviting, or it can seem mysterious and terrifying.
All good research–whether for science or for a book–is a form of obsession.
Mary Roach (born 1959) is an American author who specializes in writing with themes about science and humor.
From Job 19:25: “For I know that my vindicator lives and that in the end He will stand upon the earth.”
From Psalm 19:14: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Living in weakness
Walking this barren land
Redeemer Almighty
Searching for His hand
Feeling emptiness
Finding Gospel’s password
Redeemer Almighty
Feeding on His Word
Wandering journey
Hungering for His peace
Redeemer Almighty
Unlocking life’s lease
Accepting His grace
Hearing hallowed Good News
Redeemer Almighty
Stepping up to choose
Lasting faithfulness
Scaling redemption’s ridge
Redeemer Almighty
Building Heaven’s bridge
Welsh-born Methodist preacher William Williams (1717-1791) wrote the inspiring lyrics of the hymn, “Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer.” When one hears the verses, it is easy to appreciate his nickname, “Watts of Wales.” Some translations of the hymn are titled “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah.”
Day’s quiet journey
Focus on vision’s outlook—
Seeing tomorrow
One more obstacle
Slowing down, being patient—
Sometimes life just asks
Walking endless maze
Life’s evolving transitions—
New door opening
Youth teaches lessons
Time adding insight
Hours keep adding up
Answers feel just right
Journey never ends
One more mountain quest
Filled with adventure
Ready for each test
Years seem to shorten
Days grow longer
Stories warming heart
Now feeling stronger
Tomorrow teaching
Mature moments shine
Gray matter adds up
Life tastes like fine wine
Scrapbook completed
Clock waits, now reflect
Life filled, no regrets
Legacy connects
Big Sky Buckeye 