Blog Archives

THE DEWS OF OCTOBER 544

10/21/2018

   THE DEWS OF OCTOBER 544

"The greatest operations, both in nature and
grace," wrote Richard Cecil, "are the most silent and
fury is soon exhausted, and its effects are but
partial and soon remedied."

"But, the dews, [though small, revive] the very life
  of large portions of the earth."

Oh, that we could learn a lesson from the soft silent
dews of an October morn... Giving life and refreshment,
struggled through the summer months to survive the
parching rays of the summer months.

Talk about revival! Silently, gently, majestically,
the moisture arrives daintily on tiptoe, reviving
  and revitalizing the sod... In quietness and in reverence...
of God. The dews of October.

(First published on October 31, 1978. Some revisions
on October 21, 2018)

15 ROUNDS 542

10/21/2018

15 ROUNDS

     "Feeling," wrote Libbie Fudim, "is a thought
that delivers a body blow."

Life is a fifteen-round Championship bout
  in which many blows to the head and body
  are given and received.

In every round, the challenger keeps coming
  at us with a devastating barrage of thoughts
  and feelings that contINuously batter us,
  and tangle us up in the ropes.

Fortunately, there's Someone in our corner
who is an experienced pugilist. He is willing
  to act as our manager, our trainer, and even
  our sparring partner when necessary.

If only we would listen to his advice as we sit
in our corner and gasp for fresh air in between
rounds.

He can show us how to roll with the punches.
He will encourage us to keep our guard up and
to hang in there... and to give it all we've got
  until the end of the fight... that we might win the
prize... of eternal life.

(First published on October 26, 1978 #542)

ISAIAH 47:4

10/14/2018

ISAIAH 47:4

As for our redeemer,
the Lord of hosts
is his name,
the Holy One
of Israel

OUT OF THE DUNGEON 541

10/14/2018

OUT OF THE DUNGEON 541

It was the famed Scottish minister, George
MacDonald who said that...

"The love of one's neighbor is the only door out
of the dungeon of self."

Have you ever noticed how many of us,
imprison ourselves within the solid walls of self?

Fame, fortune, wealth... all seem to have as
their aim... the enhancement of self.

Early in our lives, we fetter ourselves with so
many vain ambitious that by our middle years
we oft find time ourselves in solidarity confinement.

May we, from this day forth, have greater
trust in The One who opens every prison door and
sets every captive free...free to love our
neighbors... genuinely.

(First published on October 22,1978)

ANOTHER BEND IN THE ROAD

10/14/2018

  ANOTHER BEND IN THE ROAD

It looks as though I may be near
the end of the road
though I'm not entirely sure
I could be greatly mistaken
you see
For there just might be
another bend in the road
and then another and another
and another
perhaps way past
the century mark

I've been blessed
with great family and friends
with dozens of twists and turns

Yesterday was good
Today is great
And I believe
in a grand tomorrow
after today
is through

Quiet now, quiet
let my soul rest
as I canvas my past
It appears to me
that every road's bend
has been my friend
and I've picked up
a flower or two
and I shall think
kind thoughts
until my journey's
   through

(Written on October 9, 2018)

BLUSTERY WINDS

10/14/2018

   BLUSTERY WINDS

Blustery Winds
swept down
our street
today
Instantly turning
tree leaves
from ivy green
into beaver brown
and shining gold
With the wind
and rain heavily
   bearing down
there was more
than a hint
that many a tree
would soon be bare

(Written October 7, 2018)

ISAIAH 46:3,5,9,13

10/7/2018

ISAIAH 46:3,5,9,13

Harken to me, O house of Jacob
and all the remnant of the house
of Israel

To whom will ye liken me
and make me equal
and compare me
that we may be like

Remember the former things of old
for I am God
and there is not else
I am God
and there is none
like me

I bring near, my righteousness
It shall not be far off
and my salvation shall not tarry

And, I will place salvation in Zion
for Israel, my glory

SUN STAND STILL 169

10/7/2018

  SUN STAND STILL 169

                              While attending a banquet in the grand city
                              of Versailles, Ben Franklin listened to the British
                              Minister propose a toast to King George, III, in
                              which he likened the king "to the sun," and then
                              listened as the Minister proposed a toast to
                              King Louis, XIV, comparing him to "the moon."

                              Then, the great statesman, Franklin, arose and
                              offered this toast: "George Washington, Commander
                              of the American armies, who like Joshua of old,
                              commanded the sun and moon to stand still, and
                              they obeyed him."

                              Through the centuries, many have given Washington
                              and the Founding Fathers much honor and praise,
                              which they richly deserved. They brought forth this
                              nation, while promising life, liberty, and the pursuit
                              of happiness. These were truly great statesmen.
                              We shall forever be in their debt.

(First published on May 23, 1976)

THE DAY AMERICA WON (AGAIN!)

10/6/2018

   THE DAY AMERICA WON (AGAIN!)

On October 6, 2018, Judge Brent Michael
Kavanaugh, was legislatively approved and
confirmed (50-48) as the newest Associate
  Justice of the Supreme Court of the United
  States of America.

Because of our constitutionally mandated
process and because of those brave souls
in the U.S. Senate who were willing to abide
  and carry out that lawful process...

The due process of law has continued
to be honored
The rule of law still holds sway
The principle of presumption of innocence
(without a doubt) still precedes and
overrides the verdict of guilty until the
  accused is so proven and is judged guilty
by a judge or a jury of her peers

Senatorial debating and voting showed
it's mettle and it's ability to ignore and overcome
the rousing noise of unruly, disruptive, hateful
mobs and politicians.

There was a reaffirmation of the brilliancy
of the U.S. Constitution with its Bill of Rights

Our Republic remains strong and well

(Written on October 7, 2018)

WHAT WOULD YE? 551

10/5/2018

WHAT WOULD YE? 551

What would Ye have us say
This day, O Lord
To the pilgrims we meet
Along life's perilous way?

Where would Ye have us go
This day, O Lord
Which dark streets should we go down
With the lights from the gospel's glow?

What would Ye have us do
this day, O Lord
To redeem our allotted time
To show our love for you?

Who would you have us be
This day, O Lord
Give us sight that we may see
Thy atonement has set us free.

(Written on November 17, 19798)