
If you stop to be kind, you must swerve often from your path.
Saddle your dreams before you ride them.
Mary Webb (1881-1927) was an English romance novelist and poet.

If you stop to be kind, you must swerve often from your path.
Saddle your dreams before you ride them.
Mary Webb (1881-1927) was an English romance novelist and poet.
I keep a daily journal of “take-aways” from my devotional readings. This poem was crafted from some of my February entries.

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Sitting alone and hopeless
Faith’s shadow, covered in rust
God awakens mind and soul
In His Spirit, words bring trust
Turning to God, always there
His footprints walking ahead
Through life’s hefty challenges
Our Lord brings our daily bread
Reading from His Holy Word
Always giving thanks and praise
Marvelous things, God has done
Our hope alive and ablaze
Growing in faith, from our woes
Therefore, pray . . . listen . . . follow
Righteous life following Christ
Savior’s hope, never hollow
Facing temptation each day
Alignment with Son of God
Blood and body shed for us
Boldly fleeing evil’s fraud

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From Galatians 6:1-2: “My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Originally published May, 2020.

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Our Father continually sees life’s Big Picture, which our tiny lens can never fully appreciate.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you or adding so much to my journal.
(Updated December 18)

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When we humble our imperfect thoughts before God, He will open another page of joy.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you or adding so much to my journal.
(Updated December 17)

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Spending time outdoors with nature’s harmony makes life seem more comfortable when we just go with its flow.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you or adding so much to my journal.
(Updated December 16)


Things that make us alike are finer and stronger than the things that make us different.
The good we secure for ourselves is precarious and uncertain until it is secured for all of us and incorporated into our common life.
American activist Jane Addams (1860-1935) was the second woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. Her accomplishments are many as she labored as a reformer, social worker, and author. She was a timeless voice for world peace and women’s suffrage.

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When we are able to humble the ego within, we will be better prepared to persevere as we build the necessary discipline in our daily lives.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you or adding so much to my journal.
(Updated December 15)

The right thing to do with habits is to lose them in the life of the Lord, until every habit is so practiced that there is no conscious habit at all.
From Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was a Scottish evangelist and Christian teacher. Following his death from an illness while in Egypt during World War I, his wife took on the task of transcribing the detailed notes she had written from his lectures and sermons. Gertrude Hobbs Chambers’ efforts resulted in the publication in 1924 of MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST. I frequently read from this devotional, and it has greatly deepened my faith and understanding of God’s Word.

Nestling with Christmas warmth
Dreaming of winter’s snow
Gliding down peaceful slopes
Beside lofty chateau
Sleeping with cherished peace
Hearing each silver bell
Waiting expectations
Mystery’s carousel
Ringing red kettle’s bell
Giving from grateful heart
Letting go of some cash
Someone’s life will restart
Quickening steps now stop
Finding one final gift
Sharing love with others
Purchase completes this shift
Gazing into night’s sky
Drifting, tiny snowflake
Inviting even more
Ground swells from snowy quake
Blessing midnight’s entrance
Painting whitest landscape
Witnessing lighted tree
Christmas dreams taking shape

The Christmas season can mean different things to many people, but residing in its heart just might be these words as written by American Congressman William Carey Jones (1855-1927): “The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each other’s burdens, easing others’ loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas.”

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May each of us wrap the gifts of Christmas around those we greet. Hope, peace, joy, and love breathe alongside us every day.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you or adding so much to my journal.
(Updated December 14)