God knows, right down to the final nub, exactly where you are in life. He sees. He cares. He is aware. And best of all, He is touched by it.
From Exodus 3:7: “Then the Lord said, ‘I have observed the misery of My people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings.'”
A bird doesn’t sing because he has an answer–he sings because he has a song.
Color is something we see with our eyes, but love is something we see with our heart.
Joan Walsh Anglund (1926-2021) was an American poet as well as a writer and illustrator of children’s books.
I am grateful for being alive today. It is my joy and pleasure to live another wonderful day.
Love is the great miracle cure. Loving ourselves works miracles in our lives.
Louise Hay (1926-2017) was an American author and motivational speaker.
College basketball star and high school majorette
Growing up under Montana’s brilliant Big Sky
Destined to raise this band of brothers as their sons
Rearing five boys, better than any Fourth of July
Household of boys born over a span of twelve years
Perhaps their father dreams of a basketball team
While their mother nurtures with love and care
Quintet of brothers’ thoughts filling with biggest dreams
Brothers grow up, facing life’s many challenges
Inspired by a father with amazing courage
Battling back from near-fatal car crash in his youth
His steadfast work ethic always encourages
These driven brothers discover their niche at school
Excelling with their academics in the classroom
Competition fuels a welcome outlet through sports
Lives mature too quickly, future destinies zoom
This family story would never be complete
The boys’ mother remembers God’s lovely bouquet
These five brothers always cherish their one sister
Believe it or not, she’s born on Valentine’s Day
This poem gives you a quick glimpse into my childhood family. Growing up under Montana’s Big Sky was a blessing for my brothers and sister. The memories will last a lifetime.
Originally published July, 2020.
There is an enduring tenderness in the love of a mother to a son that transcends all other affections of the heart.
There is an emanation from the heart in genuine hospitality which cannot be described, but is immediately felt and puts the stranger at once at his ease.
American Washington Irving (1783-1859) ranks as one of his country’s most renowned authors. His amazing short stories of “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleeping Hollow” remain all-time classics. Ironically, his final resting place is at the Sleeping Hollow Cemetery in New York state.
There is always a gift in any challenge.
The only true thing that brings out the best in anyone is love.
Bronnie Ware (born 1957) is an Australian author and songwriter.
Selected verses from Psalm 122 bring inspiration for this poem. America, as a nation, needs healing and reconciliation. The two verses of Scripture take us on a journey from where we have been to where we wish to go.
From Jeremiah 6:14: “They have treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.”
Praying for peace in our city
Loving Jesus takes center stage
Welcoming peace into all hearts
Hearing love of God over rage
Listening to cries of anguish
Walking with Jesus protects all
Showing empathy for neighbors
Sharing His peace at every call
Stepping forward with trusting words
Treating these wounds with Jesus’ care
Saying “peace, peace” with conviction
Lifting hands high, love fills the air
Standing and feeding His lost flock
Replacing discord, Jesus comes
Proclaiming a new dawn today
Following Grace-filled, beating drum
From Isaiah 57:19: “Peace, peace, to the far and the near, says the Lord; and I will heal them.”
Originally published June, 2020.
Approaching
Faith’s crossroads
Forsaking enemy’s promises
Accepting Father’s heavenly truths
Peace
Powering
Toward Father
Rock of ages
Trusted love always defends
Faith
Father’s
Blessed revelation
Eternal grace breathes
Risen from death’s tomb
Son
Disney’s 1942 animated feature film, “Bambi” features a timeless story which relates to adults and children in human-like ways. Here are a couple of quotes from the film.
I’m always with you. Even when you can’t see me. I’m here. (Bambi’s mother speaking to him)
If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say nothing at all. (Thumper, the rabbit)
From 1 Peter 2:25: “For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels.com
Like sheep, we wander astray
Turning away from our Lord
Feeling harassed and helpless
Sheep lost, by our own accord
God lays a new cornerstone
Our Good Shepherd, Holy Son
Calling us, hearing His voice
His work will never be done
Leading us, on this right path
Following His voice, love flows
With Him, we shall never want
Restoring souls, we all grow
Good Shepherd, loving His sheep
Bringing comfort, rod and staff
Green pastures, nourishing us
Still waters, on our behalf
Jesus, loving Good Shepherd
Unblemished, Lamb of God casts
Body and blood on that Cross
Risen Savior, His hope lasts
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
From Christian author, W. Phillip Keller: “It takes some of us a lifetime to learn that Christ, our Good Shepherd, knows exactly what He is doing with us.”
Originally published May, 2020.
Big Sky Buckeye 