Sunlit Stream of Water

  Winter Blues Old age has dawned. It’s the winter of a long life. So, it’s wise to be careful. This is a personal responsibility.   Older people huddle at home. Venturing out during winter is risky. So, they decide to dwell mainly indoors. Thus, they will be avoiding the snow.   The elderly homes are heated for comfort. Trips to stores have become limited. People know driving in snow is dangerous. That’s why at this time many have the blues.   Most elders may have no one to help them. It becomes hazardous when the snow piles up. They may step outside to clear the sidewalks. But many risk their lives by suffering from falls.   It’s good if the elderly can turn to family members. They can help them obtain the essentials of life. Still, there are those that are able to rely on neighbors. At an older age many people dear to them have died.    

  Lucky Bets What does it mean to be lucky? Many gamblers see themselves this way. But what happens when the tables turn? The results can be devastating.   Whether you are betting on slots, Blackjack, horse racing, or sports You should be careful. Never lose more than you can afford.   There are always the enticements to bet big. But you should stick to your plan. This is a lesson a wise gambler knows. Don’t be swept up by the mood at the racetrack.   There are stories of players who have won. It may be hundreds or thousands of dollars. Yet, it’s known that the House is often the winner. Many carelessness and recklessness players Don’t prevail when it comes to betting   Remember most people are betting to have fun. So, don’t let your bets bankrupt you. Betting may be a major risk you are taking. Remember, try your best to control this pastime This enjoyment may well turn into a habit That you may greatly wish to kick    

  Nature of Life Some Virginians are older now. Their lives are gradually ebbing. Is this the end of a well-lived life? No one really knows.   Fleeting years have passed them by. Where has all this time gone. They are no longer vibrant and young. Their faces are wrinkled with old age.   How do they feel about living? Some may find it rather depressing. They will rather take to their bed for comfort. But most will prefer to rally on than to give up.   This condition is definitely a new reality That’s in the second half of an older life. It’s an experience of shattered dreams and pain. Nevertheless, a Virginian mind may be clear.   Virginians view such a setback as a mountain. Yes, at times they have fallen down as they ascend. Yet, they know the resilience in their hearts live on. They will strive and pull themselves up once more. This is the condition of their luminous sadness. It’s the discovery of the inevitable nature of an older l

  Thanksgiving for All God's Creation   A pediatric surgeon Bernie Siegel (b. 1932) said, “God wants us to know that life is a series of beginnings, not endings.  Just as graduations are not terminations, but commencements.  Creation is an ongoing process, and when we create a perfect world where love and compassion are shared by all, suffering will cease.”   Inevitably, Siegel was putting his trust in mankind to create a perfect world.  But our world is broken because of our sinful ways.  Christians believe it will only be transformed through a belief in Jesus Christ.    How should people live in this world?  They have to use their imagination, and ask God to guide them in their daily lives. George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950), an Irish playwright and critic wrote, “Imagination is the beginning of creation.  You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.”   Believers will know God by meditating on his Word.  They will be touched by his

  Wild Horses Corolla wild horses are hardy. They have adapted on the Outer Banks To winter by living in the wild They are able to do so, By growing thicker coats, And eating a modified diet They are able to survive the cold.   Cold is dangerous for horses. But these wild ponies Have lived through snowstorms, And whipping frigid winds They know how to adapt Because of centuries living in the wild   These wild horses spend their time On the banks in the maritime forests By fresh water marshes With a leader of the pack This stallion leads the mares Through the winter months By eating dry winter grass And stalks of sea oats on the dunes.

  Embracing Your Passion What are you meant to do? Do you know your life’s goals? What do these gifts mean? And where are you heading?   Life is like an obstacle course. People are tossed in many directions. Some may think that they have arrived. Then, a brand-new perspective appears.   Learn if a path is right for you. Test the waters by asking hard questions. Just don’t settle on the first answer. At times, it’s good to look at the pros and cons.   Let what you love doing be your guide. But even this can be tricky at times. Do you keep returning to a special choice? Ponder this thought in a variety of ways.   Know you have arrived when there’s a click. You don’t feel pressure doing what you love. Inevitably, it seems as though time stands still. This is when you are embracing your passion.  

  Living on a Farm What is a life well-lived? What is a farmer’s roots? What motivates a farmer? And when does farming end?   People explore their farming lives. Their journeys are in biographies. They speak frankly about their tasks. Dreams come alive in marvelous ways.   Growing up as a youth is challenging. It’s an early experience of a farmer’s life. Living in a rural community was best. A farmer’s life was an ideal experience.   Raising animals kept the family on its toes. Sheep, goats, cows, and chickens to feed. Expensive veterinary bills had to be paid. Often, their kids helped at the crack of dawn.   But it was quite cold during the winter months. The animals’ pens would always be heated. Yet, it was delightful to have wool from the sheep. And fresh milk and eggs would all make it worthwhile.  

  A Parent’s Prayers A family is firmly built on love. Joy springs from their hearts. It’s the bedrock of what’s good. It’s one of nature’s best blessings.   What’s it like to have a father and mother? Imagine the happiness such a couple brings. Many children do see their parents as role models. This is because of the depth of love they share.   All children benefit from good parents. They are raised in abundant happiness. This is understandable with many parents’ sacrifices. These same kids grow up to be outstanding citizens.   Yet, there are some parents that are greatly challenged. They have to deal with wayward and rebellious kids. Still, they persevere in trying to raise them well. Most experience positive results with their persistence.   Over and over, a family’s prayers bombard the heavens. Parents hope that their petitions will bear good fruit. Many do attest that their lives with their children did change. These parents delight

Thomas Jefferson – President Jon Meacham’s Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power is a book that casts light on a rather complex man. Past historians didn’t view Jefferson favorably. Some thought among other things, he was paranoid about his ideas of the British monarchy. Meacham corrected this view, admitted that Jefferson had faults, but felt he still had to be ranked as one of America’s great presidents. In his early life Jefferson attended the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg. There he was educated and was known for his love of the English classics. He learned Greek, Latin, and French, and became versed in ancient philosophy. But on graduation he sought a political life, and was elected to the House of Burgess. Jefferson became prominent in Philadelphia, and active with the American colonies break from Great Britain. He was instrumental in writing the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson was later governor of Virginia at the time of the American revolution. Jefferson was S

  All About Time Time is of the essence. People live by it. They make major plans. It’s all based on their timing.   Where do people live? How do they pass their time? How much do they learn? Only time will tell.   To some, every second counts. Others look at minutes. But most live according to hours. They savor the seasons of the year.   At work it’s all about time. On trips a clock is important. Then, there’s some time to play. And glorious days often rush by.   But what should people do? Does time control their lives? Are they regulated by a clock? Time is ever-present in their lives.    

  Living with Hope What does it mean to suffer? How are you coping? Do you have a disability? What should you do?   Many people have these problems. It’s amazing how they cope. Some timid souls give up. Those who are strong persevere.   But why give up? Adversities are meant to be faced. So, make it your duty to move on. It isn’t the end of the world.   Some folks grow stronger by suffering. They come to see life differently. Every moment is precious in their lives. They are able to reach out to others.   These patients know how to live. They do their best to manage their pain. Yet, their spirits aren’t daunted. They give friends words of encouragement. For these afflicted ones live with hope.      

  A Grateful Heart Yes, we’re living in a new reality. Things aren’t what they use to be. We’re older and living in our homes And we now watch what we do. But still, we have grateful hearts.   Thanks for the gift of New Technology. We can keep in touch with friends. Often, we visit them on social media, Where we can pour our hearts out. “It’s a brand-new world,” our friends say. “Things have changed for the better.”   Fortunately, many of us have the means. We aren’t confined to assisted living homes. Or, live in nursing facilities for the aged. We’re fortunate to be living in our own homes.   We can therefore send cards to our dear friends, Contribute to various charities of our choice, And give a life line to the less fortunate. It’s definitely ideal, but still, we’re thankful, To be living in a country with such abundance.    

  The Indomitable Spirit Some people’s love runs deeply. It’s frosting on a beautiful cake. Imagine their gift of abundance. Their lives are unforgettable.   These people do amazing things. Their gifts are often celebrated. Yet, they tend to live simple lives. What blessings they are to society!   These individuals live around the world. Their talents are universally known. Many are celebrated in the arts. Some are revered in history books.   Others are well-known scientists. Some are practitioners of religious faiths. Their innovative ways have spread in the world. And many nations have these heroes and heroines.   What is the foundation of their creative gifts? Why is it these persons did accomplish so much? How do they have notable legacies that stand out? This story tells of the indomitable spirit of humankind.  

  The Earth of Life The earth lies beneath our feet. It spins in an abundant universe. This little ball is our loving home. And it’s a sustainer of life.   Where does people live? What do they do? Where do they go on this land? This earth holds all things together.   People live in a grand garden of hope. Flora and fauna grace its surface. In the air birds dart from tree to tree. Mountains and hills arise from the ground.   Water gushes all around this planet. Swimmers bathe in its lakes and rivers. Ships sail on the earth’s mighty oceans. And tourists delight in greeting foreign lands.   But the air blows that sustains life. People welcome these winds of change. At times there are storms across the land. Yet, the earth is always symbolic of life itself.