Remember that your mind is like a parachute–it only works when it’s open.
Knowledge x Action = Power
Jim Kwik (born 1973) is an American entrepreneur and author. He is well-known for his speed-reading and memory techniques.
From Psalm 23:1-3: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for His name’s sake.”
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Walking lost in the still darkness of night
Realizing the Lord delivers His might
Knocking at the door of life, He arrives
Granting a safe place, helps us to survive
Finding lasting peace in His Holy verse
Quenching our parched thirst, like a caring nurse
Coming with righteousness, Christ our Shepherd
Refueling us today, always treasured
Re-energizing empty hearts and souls
Blowing away blackest clouds, God controls
Lighting our way, God’s eternal love shines
Breathing His Word, offering faithful signs
Facing life’s challenges, Christ walks with us
Giving Grace, His way never brings a fuss
Guiding us to the Promised Land, Christ leads
Saving us from sin, from a Cross which bleeds
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If you would test the character of anything, you only need to enquire whether that that thing leads you to God or away from God.
From James 1:2-4: “My brothers and sisters, whenever you face various trials, consider it all joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and whole, lacking in nothing.”
Watchman Nee (1903-1972) was a Chinese church leader and Christian teacher. He authored a collection of Christian books, and he endured persecution for his beliefs. Ultimately, he died while being imprisoned for the final twenty years of his life.
Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character.
Moral cowardice that keeps us from speaking our minds is as dangerous to this country as irresponsible talk.
Margaret Chase Smith (1897-1995) served in the United States House of Representatives (1940-1949) and the United States Senate (1949-1973). She was the first woman elected to both houses of Congress. In her 1950 speech, “Declaration of Conscience,” she challenged and condemned the tactics of Senator Joseph McCarthy’s anti-communist witch hunt.
Christ’s
Central command
Love, care, feed
Shepherd’s hands at work
Disciples
Life’s
Puzzle pieces
Scattered and lost
Shepherd finds each one
Savior
Hearing
Shepherd’s calling
Following in faith
Spirit leads our way
Believing
This series of poems (written in the German-inspired style of Elfchen or Elevenie) shares a total of eleven words in each poem, with a sequence by line of one, two, three, four, and one words.
Guilt is a gift that leads us to grace.
From Colossians 3:1-2: “So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.”
Fred’s backyard shed is filled with his treasures. When he is busy tinkering and grooming his immaculate yard, he is often seen heading to his shed to find another tool or implement of some kind. Because he works from sunup to sundown every weekend, he is known around the neighborhood as “Farmer Fred.”
His next door neighbor, Milt, is a sociable and friendly sort of guy. However, he has one irritating flaw. He doesn’t own too many tools and such to help with his own yard work. And of course, he feels a need to keep up with Fred’s pristine garden oasis.
Every day or so, Milt walks over to Fred’s backyard. With a smile and a familiar voice, he calls out, “Hey neighbor!”
He asks Fred if he can borrow one of his precious tools from the shed. Fred always gives Milt the “okay” and watches him take it back to his place.
Over the next several days, Milt borrows a nearly endless list of Fred’s treasures . . . shovel, rake, wheelbarrow, trimmer, and even his brand new lawnmower.
On Saturday morning, Fred walks out to his nearly empty shed. He thinks to himself, “Yes sir! Milt has just about taken every piece of my valuable equipment and more to his place.”
With a scowl hidden by his ever-present smile, Fred swiftly marches over to Milt’s yard.
“Hey neighbor!”
A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.
To reach a port we must set sail. Sail, not tie at anchor. Sail, not drift.
Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) was the 32nd President of the United States (1933-1945). Both of these quotes were spoken during one of his “Fireside Chats” on April 14, 1938. Roosevelt used these radio addresses to rally America during the Great Depression and World War II.
From Nehemiah 1:3: “They replied, ‘The remnant there in the province who escaped captivity are in great trouble and shame; the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been destroyed by fire.'”
Shining locomotive churning along
Life ascending every mountain peak
Suddenly, trusty light turns to darkness
Disappointment abounds, whom shall we seek?
Loyal tracks of faith, now wrecked and ruined
Trusting walls of protection, now in shambles
Shepherd’s gate to heaven, forever crushed
Life in darkness, attempts to unscramble
Season of discouragement, shrouds small faith
Eyes filling with tears, overwhelming scene
Kneeling below bloody, Golgotha cross
Prayer fills with forgiveness, hope blooms green
God’s attentive ear, mercy listens in
Rebuilding life within Christ, faith’s linchpin
From Nehemiah 1:11: “O Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and to the prayer of Your servants who delight in revering Your name. Give success to Your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man!”
Circumstances occur that could easily crush us. Unexpectedly, they come. Immediately we have a choice to make . . . an attitude choice.
From Psalm 107:43: “Let those who are wise pay attention to these things and consider the steadfast love of the Lord.”
Big Sky Buckeye 