Think I'm In Love With You (ACL Live 2024) - Chris Stapleton & Morgane S...

In the end

 

In the end, I chose to build a wall, around my once fragile heart. Not to forget, but to protect the remains of myself that are still intact.

Stone by stone, I piled up the wounds and lessons. Every crack in the wall is a story that I no longer want to hold.

However, if one day there is a patient hand that knocks without breaking, maybe this wall will slowly collapse. And I will learn to open my heart once again, without fear of being hurt.

Source: Facebook - Hafez Poetry

...the memories that I love and know

 

KENTUCKY

I'm going down to ol' Kentucky

the place where all my family's from

The birthplace of my papaw

and his daughters and his sons

A little spot northeast of Pineville

a holler down in Stoney Fork

All the family sticks together

the coal mine's where the men folk work

The very best southern fried chicken

biscuits and gravy every day

In the evening sip some "lightning"

to help your worries go away

Sit back on the front porch

an old guitar and a dobro

The women teach the young girls

how to quilt and how to sew

Drinking a mug of fresh made homebrew

as the train keeps rolling by

I try to soak it all in

before that way of life has died

They trace our family back to Ireland

a bible holding the old names

Not to mention photo albums

telling who each one is by name

Most everyone that I once knew

has died some time ago

But I still have the cherished memories

the memories that I love and know

Original poem by Tim Stultz

Cambridge Maryland poems and short stories

Source: Facebook - Laurel River Lake Lovers by Diana Gooden [I'm not sure if she altered Tim Stultz's original poem]

Facebook Memory

 

This is the Eastern Kentucky Hollywood doesn’t mention in their scathing documentaries about my birthplace… the beautiful Eastern side of our state is often shown to be inhabited by poor, helpless, down on our luck do nothings who are in constant need of saving by outsiders.

Well here’s one part of the Appalachian mountain side of our beautiful Commonwealth that Hollywood won’t show you… our giving spirit and our ability to do for ourselves and for others.

Yesterday, those “poor do nothing” Appalachians were part of a collective of KY counties responsible for delivering some one hundred buses and trucks from Eastern KY school districts, all loaded with clothes, supplies and toys to our western KY neighbors in need.

This is Kentucky helping Kentucky. This is my Appalachia- we are more than Hollywood would have you believe. Appalachian Proud.

Source: Facebook - Gen Coleman [originally published December 21, 2021]

This came up in my FB memories today and as I read it again I became somewhat emotional, a tiny lump building in my throat. I am most definitely Appalachian Proud! I will always be proud of my heritage.

Coldplay - ALL MY LOVE (Official Video)

Lyrics

We've been through low
Been through sunshine, been through snow
All the colors of the weather
We've been through high
Every corner of the sky
And still we're holding on together

You got all my love
Whether it rains or pours, I'm all yours
You've got all my love
Whether it rains, it remains
You've got all my love

Until I die
Let me hold you if you cry
Be my one, two, three, forever

'Cause you got all my love
Whether it rains or pours, I'm all yours
You've got all my love
Whether it rains, it remains
You've got all my love

La-la, la-la, la, lay
Whether it rains or pours, I'm all yours
La-la, la-la, la, lay
That's all, all I can say

Ooh, you got all my love
Oh, for now and always, 'til the end of my days
You got all my love
You've got all my love

NEW ° Marmalade — Reflections Of My Life Old Footage Restored Stereo

And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:10

Sometimes it’s hard to look at ourselves, all the hardships we’re mired in, and see anything that’s good. But we might return to the story of creation and see God’s view of us: “In the image of God he created them” (v. 27). Let’s pair that with another divine-eye view: “For God so loved the world” (John 3:16). Today, remember that God created you, sees the good despite the sin, and loves the you He created.

By Kenneth Petersen

Source: Our Daily Bread email December 19, 2024

Lyrics:

The changing of sunlight to moonlight
Reflections of my life
Oh, how they fill my eyes

The greetings of people in trouble
Reflections of my life
Oh, how they fill my eyes

Oh, my sorrows
Sad tomorrows
Take me back to my own home

Oh, my crying (oh, my crying)
Feel I'm dying, dying
Take me back to my own home

I'm changing, arranging
I'm changing
I'm changing everything
Everything around me

The world is
A bad place
A bad place
A terrible place to live
Oh, but I don't want to die

Oh, my sorrows
Sad tomorrows
Take me back to my own home

Oh, my crying (oh, my crying)
Feel I'm dying, dying
Take me back to my own home

Oh, my sorrows
Sad tomorrows
Take me back to my own home

Inner Peace

 

Make peace with whatever is happening in your life right now. Acceptance and surrender to the present moment, gives us a newfound sense of inner peace which gently expands, radiating outwards, sending positive energy into the world, drawing all good things towards us and creating opportunities for wonderful new and endless possibilities within our lives and the lives of all. 

Source: Facebook ~ Mary Anne Byrne ~ Spirit of a Hippie 

~ Art 'Inner Peace' by Miriam Bouwens

Note: What pulled me to this post was this beautiful artwork!

Find Peace in the Stillness

 

Find Peace in the Stillness

There’s a profound stillness that speaks louder than words, a quiet invitation to let go of the chaos we carry. In moments like this, the world reminds us that peace isn’t something we must chase—it’s something we allow ourselves to feel.

The beauty of stillness isn’t in its emptiness, but in its fullness—the way it holds space for reflection, gratitude, and renewal. It’s where the soul breathes, where time softens, and where we remember that life’s most meaningful moments often come in its simplest forms.

Let this be a reminder: no matter how turbulent the journey feels, there is always a place of calm within you, waiting to be rediscovered. All you need to do is pause, look around, and let it find you.

Source: Facebook - Etheric Echoes

Art: Etheric Echoes

Will you just be here?

 

Ernest Hemingway once said: In our darkest moments, we don’t need solutions or advice. What we yearn for is simply human connection—a quiet presence, a gentle touch. These small gestures are the anchors that hold us steady when life feels like too much.

Please don’t try to fix me. Don’t take on my pain or push away my shadows. Just sit beside me as I work through my own inner storms. Be the steady hand I can reach for as I find my way.

My pain is mine to carry, my battles mine to face. But your presence reminds me I’m not alone in this vast, sometimes frightening world. It’s a quiet reminder that I am worthy of love, even when I feel broken.

So, in those dark hours when I lose my way, will you just be here? Not as a rescuer, but as a companion. Hold my hand until the dawn arrives, helping me remember my strength.

Your silent support is the most precious gift you can give. It’s a love that helps me remember who I am, even when I forget.

Source: Facebook - Angels Are Near

Portal 31 Coal Mine in Lynch, Kentucky

One of Kentucky’s most eerie yet historic experiences is touring the old Portal 31 Coal Mine in a rail car. Portal 31 Coal Mine in Lynch, Kentucky, offers a unique underground tour that takes visitors deep into the historic mine by rail car. On the tour, you’ll explore the old mine tunnels while animated exhibits showcase the life and work of the coal miners that once worked here. The experience provides a vivid glimpse into the mining industry’s past. The site also features a walking tour of historical buildings like the 1920s lamphouse and bathhouse, as well as a museum.

In 1917 the U.S. Coal & Coke Company, a subsidiary of U.S. Steel, built the community of Lynch, Kentucky, then the world's largest coal camp. The coal camp was built on part of the 19,000 acres the company had purchased in the southeastern tip of Harlan County, near the Virginia border. The lynchcamp's population peaked at about 10,000 persons but the reported figures vary because of the transient nature of the miners and their families at that time. One thousand company owned structures provided housing for people of 38 nationalities, the most prominent of which were Italian, Spanish, Czech, Polish, English, Welsh, Irish and Scottish. By the 1940s this mining complex employed more than 4000 persons above and below ground. The public buildings were constructed of cut sandstone, and included a company commissary, post office, theater, hotel, hospital, churches, and schools. Many company buildings were built of stone as well, such as the offices, bath house, power plant and lampportal31-1a.jpg (143733 bytes) house. In the 1920s U.S. Coal & Coke owned the world's largest coal tipple with a capacity of 15,000 tons. On February 12, 1923 the world's record for coal production in a single 9 hour shift was achieved when miners operating 40 shortwall cutting machines produced 12,820 tons of coal, filling 256 railcars. While considered one of Appalachia's model coal camps due to its' company provided health care, education, churches, housing, social services, wages and benefits and recreation, it was still a closed community where the company carefully controlled all aspects of the political and economic process. The company had their own police force and it was used to keep union organizers out of the coal camp and to intimidate miners who tried to join the Portal 31-1926union. Throughout the 1920s and well into the 1930s the company along with many Kentucky coal producers did everything in their power to prevent unionization. This action by the coal companies and the actions of the miners earned Harlan County the name of "Bloody Harlan". All the coal produced at Lynch by U.S. Coal & Coke Co. was "captive coal", meaning it was all produced by U.S. Coal & Coke Co. for U.S. Steel consumption, and was produced from drift mines. All coal was shipped from Lynch to U.S. Steel plants via the L&N (Louisville & Nashville) Railroad. Coal was mined from the 56" Elkhorn C Seam, 56" Keokee Seam, 50" Kelioka Seam at the company's No. 30 and No.31 Mines at Lynch. U.S. Coal & Coke also mined coal at Gary, Thorpe, Elbert, and Filbert, West Virginia. Today many of the company's buildings, including a tipple, and a mine portal are part of a coal mining museum complex at Lynch. In the 1950s the company began selling homes to individuals and the town was incorporated, thus allowing for an elected mayor and town council, although still heavily influenced by the company. Incorporated as a fifth class city, it had a population of 1,517 in 1970, 1,614 in 1980 and 1,166 in 1990.

U.S. Coal & Coke Co. 1 cent exploder certificate.	United Supply Co. 1 cent scrip certificate.

 

U.S. Coal & Coke Co. $2 scrip certificate

Source: https://www.portal31.org/history_of_portal_31.htm

As it lies within me.

Patience visited me
And it reminded me
That good things take time to come to fruition
And grow slowly with stability

Peace visited me
And it reminded me
That I may remain calm through the storms of life
Regardless of the chaos surrounding me

Hope visited me
And it reminded me
That better times lay ahead
And it would always be there to guide and uplift me

Humility visited me
And it reminded me
That I may achieve it
Not by trying to shrink myself and make myself less
But by focusing on serving the world and uplifting those around me

Kindness visited me
And it reminded me
To be more gentle, forgiving and compassionate toward myself
And those surrounding me

Confidence visited me
And it reminded me
To not conceal or suppress my gifts and talents
In order to make others feel more comfortable
But to embrace what makes me me

Focus visited me
And it reminded me
That other people’s insecurities and judgements about me
Are not my problem
And I should redirect my attention
From others back to me

Freedom visited me
And it reminded me
That no one has control over my mindset, thoughts and wellbeing
But me

And love visited me
And it reminded me
That I need not search for it in others
As it lies within me.

-unknown
Artist unknown
Source : Facebook - Still Standing Magazine

Shift your focus...

 

The Most Beautiful "Amazing Grace" I've ever heard

THIS MORNING

THIS MORNING

This dawn's too precious for old shadows—
So rise, and let your light unfold.
Give your time to those who see you,
Leave yesterday's weight untold.

Trust that each breath has purpose,
Even in the morning haze.
If something shifts your spirit,
Welcome how it rearranges.

No one claimed the sun would lift you
Gently from your rest.
They only whispered softly
That waking makes you blessed.

Source: Facebook -Etheric Echoes
Art: Me

When Everything Feels Heavy

To those whose hearts feel heavy tonight,
Whose shoulders carry mountains,
Whether love has left you breathless,
Or work has dimmed your fountains,
Or life itself feels overwhelming—
Remember this gentle truth:
Be soft as moonlight with yourself,
Let each moment breathe anew.
The world can wait while you gather strength,
While dawn breaks through.
Your spirit knows the ancient way
Through storms and shifting tides.
Take each breath as victory,
Let peace be your guide.
One heartbeat at a time, dear friend.
You've got this more than you know.

~ 'When Everything Feels Heavy' by Etheric Echoes ~ Etheric Echoes
~ Art 'A Boat To Float In' by Josie Wren

Source: Facebook - Spirit of a Hippie

New Testament Books

The Bible is a collection of 66 books, each with its own unique story and purpose, yet all intricately connected as part of God’s grand narrative of redemption. Divided into two main sections—the Old Testament and the New Testament—the Bible contains a variety of genres, including history, poetry, prophecy, and letters, providing a rich tapestry of spiritual truths and wisdom.

On this page, you can dive deeper into each book of the Bible. Click on any book to learn more about its author, historical context, and key themes. You’ll also find a summary for a quick overview and access to read the entire text of the book directly.

New Testament Overview

The New Testament unveils the life of Jesus Christ, the birth of the Church, and the hope of eternal life. It is divided into the following sections:

• Gospels: The first four books—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—provide distinct perspectives on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• Acts of the Apostles: This book recounts the formation of the early Church and the spread of the Christian message after Jesus’ ascension.
• Pauline Epistles: Letters attributed to the Apostle Paul, such as Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, and Galatians, address doctrinal issues and offer guidance to early Christian communities.
• General Epistles and Revelation: This section includes letters like Hebrews, James, and the epistles of Peter and John, concluding with Revelation, an apocalyptic vision of the end times and God’s ultimate victory.

New Testament Books

Matthew

Matthew's main purpose in writing his Gospel (the "good news") is to prove to his Jewish readers that Jesus is their Messiah. He does this primarily by showing how Jesus in his life and ministry fulfilled the Old Testament Scriptures.

Mark

Since Mark's Gospel (the "good news") is traditionally associated with Rome, it may have been occasioned by the persecutions of the Roman church in the period c. A.D. 64-67. Mark may be writing to prepare his readers for such suffering by placing before them the life of our Lord.

Luke

Luke's Gospel (the "good news") was written to strengthen the faith of all believers and to answer the attacks of unbelievers. It was presented to debunk some disconnected and ill-founded reports about Jesus. Luke wanted to show that the place of the Gentile (non-Jewish) Christian in God's kingdom is based on the teaching of Jesus.

John

John's Gospel (the "good news") is rather different from the other three, highlighting events not detailed in the others. The author himself states his main purpose clearly in 20:31: "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."

Acts

The book of Acts provides a bridge for the writings of the New Testament. As a second volume to Luke's Gospel, it joins what Jesus "began to do and to teach" as told in the Gospels with what he continued to do and teach through the apostles' preaching and the establishment of the church.

Romans

Paul's primary theme in Romans is presenting the gospel (the "good news"), God's plan of salvation and righteousness for all humankind, Jew and non-Jew alike.

1 Corinthians

The first letter to the Corinthians revolves around the theme of problems in Christian conduct in the church. It thus has to do with progressive sanctification, the continuing development of a holy character. Obviously Paul was personally concerned with the Corinthians' problems, revealing a true pastor's (shepherd's) heart.

2 Corinthians

Because of the occasion that prompted this letter, Paul had a number of purposes in mind: to express the comfort and joy Paul felt because the Corinthians had responded favorably to his painful letter; to let them know about the trouble he went through in the province of Asia; and to explain to them the true nature (its joys, sufferings and rewards) and high calling of Christian ministry.

Galatians

Galatians stands as an eloquent and vigorous apologetic for the essential New Testament truth that people are justified by faith in Jesus Christ—by nothing less and nothing more—and that they are sanctified not by legalistic works but by the obedience that comes from faith in God's work for them.

Ephesians

Unlike several of the other letters Paul wrote, Ephesians does not address any particular error or heresy. Paul wrote to expand the horizons of his readers, so that they might understand better the dimensions of God's eternal purpose and grace and come to appreciate the high goals God has for the church.

Philippians

Paul's primary purpose in writing this letter was to thank the Philippians for the gift they had sent him upon learning of his detention at Rome. However, he makes use of this occasion to fulfill several other desires: (1) to report on his own circumstances; (2) to encourage the Philippians to stand firm in the face of persecution and rejoice regardless of circumstances; and (3) to exhort them to humility and unity.

Colossians

Paul's purpose is to refute the Colossian heresy. To accomplish this goal, he exalts Christ as the very image of God, the Creator, the preexistent sustainer of all things, the head of the church, the first to be resurrected, the fullness of deity (God) in bodily form, and the reconciler.

1 Thessalonians

Although the thrust of the letter is varied, the subject of eschatology (doctrine of last things) seems to be predominant in both Thessalonian letters. Every chapter of 1 Thessalonians ends with a reference to the second coming of Christ.

2 Thessalonians

Since the situation in the Thessalonian church has not changed substantially, Paul's purpose in writing is very much the same as in his first letter to them. He writes (1) to encourage persecuted believers, (2) to correct a misunderstanding concerning the Lord's return, and (3) to exhort the Thessalonians to be steadfast and to work for a living.

1 Timothy

During his fourth missionary journey, Paul had instructed Timothy to care for the church at Ephesus while he went on to Macedonia. When he realized that he might not return to Ephesus in the near future, he wrote this first letter to Timothy to develop the charge he had given his young assistant. This is the first of the "Pastoral Epistles."

2 Timothy

Paul was concerned about the welfare of the churches during this time of persecution under Nero, and he admonishes Timothy to guard the gospel, to persevere in it, to keep on preaching it, and, if necessary, to suffer for it. This is the second "Pastoral Epistle."

Titus

Apparently Paul introduced Christianity in Crete when he and Titus visited the island, after which he left Titus there to organize the converts. Paul sent the letter with Zenas and Apollos, who were on a journey that took them through Crete, to give Titus personal authorization and guidance in meeting opposition, instructions about faith and conduct, and warnings about false teachers. This is the last of the "Pastoral Epistles."

Philemon

To win Philemon's willing acceptance of the runaway slave Onesimus, Paul writes very tactfully and in a lighthearted tone, which he creates with wordplay. The appeal is organized in a way prescribed by ancient Greek and Roman teachers: to build rapport, to persuade the mind, and to move the emotions.

Hebrews

The theme of Hebrews is the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ as revealer and as mediator of God's grace. A striking feature of this presentation of the gospel is the unique manner in which the author employs expositions of eight specific passages of the Old Testament Scriptures.

James

Characteristics that make the letter distinctive are: (1) its unmistakably Jewish nature; (2) its emphasis on vital Christianity, characterized by good deeds and a faith that works (genuine faith must and will be accompanied by a consistent lifestyle); (3) its simple organization; (4) and its familiarity with Jesus' teachings preserved in the Sermon on the Mount.

1 Peter

Although 1 Peter is a short letter, it touches on various doctrines and has much to say about Christian life and duties. It is not surprising that different readers have found it to have different principal themes. For example, it has been characterized as a letter of separation, of suffering and persecution, of suffering and glory, of hope, of pilgrimage, of courage, and as a letter dealing with the true grace of God.

2 Peter

In his first letter Peter feeds Christ's sheep by instructing them how to deal with persecution from outside the church; in this second letter he teaches them how to deal with false teachers and evildoers who have come into the church.

1 John

John's readers were confronted with an early form of Gnostic teaching of the Cerinthian variety. This heresy was also libertine, throwing off all moral restraints. Consequently, John wrote this letter with two basic purposes in mind: (1) to expose false teachers and (2) to give believers assurance of salvation.

2 John

During the first two centuries the gospel was taken from place to place by traveling evangelists and teachers. Believers customarily took these missionaries into their homes and gave them provisions for their journey when they left. Since Gnostic teachers also relied on this practice, 2 John was written to urge discernment in supporting traveling teachers

3 John

Itinerant teachers sent out by John were rejected in one of the churches in the province of Asia by a dictatorial leader, Diotrephes, who even excommunicated members who showed hospitality to John's messengers. John wrote this letter to commend Gaius for supporting the teachers and, indirectly, to warn Diotrephes.

Jude

Although Jude was very eager to write to his readers about salvation, he felt that he must instead warn them about certain immoral men circulating among them who were perverting the grace of God. Apparently these false teachers were trying to convince believers that being saved by grace gave them license to sin since their sins would no longer be held against them.

Revelation

John writes to encourage the faithful to resist staunchly the demands of emperor worship. He informs his readers that the final showdown between God and Satan is imminent. Satan will increase his persecution of believers, but they must stand fast, even to death. They are sealed against any spiritual harm and will soon be vindicated when Christ returns, when the wicked are forever destroyed, and when God's people enter an eternity of glory and blessedness.

Source: Bible Study Tools

https://www.biblestudytools.com/books-of-the-bible/