A great river is not aimless. It has direction and purpose. So also must a good life have a definite aim; all its strength and fullness must be turned in one direction.
Be grateful for the joy of life. Be glad for the privilege of work. Be thankful for the opportunity to give and serve.
Grenville Kleiser (1968-1935) was an American author. Many of his writings offered inspiration and guidance for personal development.
Messiah’s
Infant face
Witnessing Father’s love
Kingdom shall never end
Majesty
Mother’s
Ultimate favor
Bearing Father’s Son
Love filled with Spirit
Destiny
Savior’s
Humble Beginnings
Stable’s common feedbox
Angels praise Father’s joy
Light
Joy is the experience of knowing that you are unconditionally loved.
From John 3:16-17: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through Him.”
Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) was a Dutch priest, professor, writer, and theologian.
Parched landscape cries out
Relay of scattered showers—
Raining tears of joy
Darkness arriving
Gentle sunset’s fading light—
Landscape’s nightly peace
Precious resources
Stewardship of earthly gifts—
Tomorrow brightens
Witnessing God’s mercy
Praises of joy heard above
Rejoicing in His presence
Angels’ voices share love
Flowing with love-filled peace
God’s divine plan offers hope
Turning back enemy’s breath
Grace flows down Zion’s slope
Gathering Shepherd’s flock
Each sinner trusts light ahead
Exulting in God’s glory
Fed from love’s daily bread
Coming to Calvary
Christ bearing salvation’s key
Raising love beyond heavens
Debts nailed to brutal tree
Embracing righteousness
Darkness no longer pursues
Proclaiming risen Good News
Savior’s love, always true
Christians should reflect Jesus to the world so that all can share in the joy of salvation.
From Galatians 2:19-20: “For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Charles Stanley (1932-2023) was an American pastor and Christian writer. He was dedicated to leading a teaching ministry.
Joy, collected over time, fuels resilience.
Compassion is not a virtue–it is a commitment. It’s not something we have or don’t have–it’s something we choose to practice.
Brene Brown (born 1965) is an American researcher and author. Much of her work has studied courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy.
Distant memory
Winter’s breath melted away—
Rebirth springing up
Crisp April morning
Afternoon promises warmth—
Daffodils dancing
Sun’s setting calmness
Another night, nature rests—
Guaranteed sunrise
From Hebrews 11:1-3: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.”
Faith in future unseen
Trusting God’s divine Word
Tasting His every truth
Steps taken, hope conferred
Faith finds each tomorrow
Hearing Shepherd’s firm voice
Welcoming hope with love
Peace filling every choice
Faith follows righteous path
Holding hope’s precious grace
According to God’s plan
Enemy gives up chase
Faith moving beyond fear
Finding mercy’s new light
Grasping Savior’s fresh rope
Hope shines forever bright
Faith offers endless joy
Returning to God’s home
Praising as One Body
Destined hope freely roams
From Psalm 23:6: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.”
Each day, each moment is so pregnant with eternity that if we tune in to it, we can hardly contain the joy.
From Psalm 118:24: “Therefore the Lord has recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in His sight.”
Gloria Gaither (born 1942) is a Christian singer, songwriter, and speaker. She performed with the Bill Gaither Trio from 1965 to 1991.
Big Sky Buckeye 