
The first hour of the morning is the rudder of the day.
The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world’s joy.
Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) was an American pastor and abolitionist.

The first hour of the morning is the rudder of the day.
The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world’s joy.
Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) was an American pastor and abolitionist.

Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action.
Pessimism leads to weakness. Optimism leads to power.
Williams James (1842-1910) was an American psychologist and philosopher. He has often been referred to as the “father of American psychology.”

Appreciation, applause, approval, respect–we all love it.
The greatest difficulty in the world is not for people to accept new ideas, but to make them forget old ideas.
Tom Peters (born 1942) is an American writer. Much of his work deals with business management practices.

Fortune is the prize to be worn. Adventure is the road to it. Chance is what may lurk in the shadows of the roadside.
Most wonderful of all are words, and how they make friends one with another.
O. Henry, the pen name of William Henry Porter (1862-1910), was an American writer who mastered the art of crafting short stories.

I love the challenge. It’s one of the greatest joys of my life, but does it fill the deepest wants and desires of my heart? Absolutely not.
From Ecclesiastes 2:11: “Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had spent in doing it, and again, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.”
Scottie Scheffler (born 1996) is an American professional golfer. He has often given testaments that his Christian faith is more important than his golf career. This quote came from an interview with Scheffler.
From John 15:10-11: “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. I have said these things to you so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

Rejoicing with Father
Peace quiets every storm
Joy’s spirit transforms heart
Nurturing, always warm
Learning from Father’s Word
Faith nourished, always trust
Joy sails on eagle’s wings
Bringing light, always just
Receiving Father’s grace
Precious gift of each day
Joy cascades from His love
Rising sun, never gray
Walking in Father’s steps
Hope breathes with every stride
Joy’s anticipation
Filling outlook with pride
Kneeling at Father’s feet
Gratitude sweeps ashore
Joy flowing with gladness
Entering Heaven’s door

From the words of American evangelist, Bill Bright: “The joy of God is experienced as I love, trust, and obey God.”

The greatest use of a life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.
The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.
Williams James (1842-1910) was an American psychologist and philosopher. He has often been referred to as the “father of American psychology.”
Uncertainty stirs
School bell rings with excitement–
Hello Mister Hink

Listening to tunes
“Please put your device away”—
Back in the saddle

“Hurry Doug, hurry”
Yellow bus driving away—
“My record’s perfect”


Stormy clouds gather
Today’s outlook dims
Covered now in darkness
Patience ready to swim
Challenges remain
Compassion checks in
Peace about to arrive
Patience blending within
Course change encouraged
Navigation set
Calm breath’s steady compass
Patience erases threat
Progress comes about
Horizon lightens
Ember of thankful grace
Patience’s fabric brightens
New day beginning
Each hour flying by
Tomorrow just ahead
Patience fills endless sky


Nothing happens unless first we dream.
Life is like an onion; you peel it off one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep.
Carl Sandburg (1878-1967) was an American writer and journalist. Many of his works centered around poetry (he preferred “free verse’) and writing biographies. One of his most well-received biographies was about American President Abraham Lincoln. He received three Pulitzer Prizes (two for poetry and one for his Lincoln biography). Sandburg was born in Galesburg, Illinois.