10,000 Views — Thank You

~~ a short essay ~~

by tkbrown

Once again, I utter a resounding, “Thank You,” and humbly ask your continued support. I cannot tell you how surprised I was when I accessed my message from WordPress this past week. There are no words to describe how strongly I appreciate the continued support I receive from followers and from others. To have surpassed 10,000 Views of my website — tkbrown.org — is an amazing feat which has only been made possible by those who have and those who continue to support my authorship.

This is an Award I had actually never contemplated receiving. It tells me my writing touches some people strongly, and I appreciate that. Since I write in a variety of forms, my followers and readers are a diverse group. My goal has never been to appeal to only one group of readers. I hope to ultimately touch most readers on some level.

Whether you like what I write or dislike it, you have impacted my number of viewers, and I invite you to continue returning and reading my posts. One day, those of you who have not liked what I write may decide you do like a particular post. My goal is to continue attracting diverse groupings of readers and touching the hearts and souls of people everywhere.

I am now approaching 250 posts. I am not quite there, but I am closing in on it. So, if to date you have not found a post you like, please come back and sit a spell while you read from my various writing styles. I can almost guarantee you will eventually find something you like. When you do, don’t forget to scroll down and click on the “Like” button and “Share via Facebook and/or Twitter.”

I have made 230 posts on my website — tkbrown.org. I invite you to see what you think of them and let me know in the comments at the bottom of each posting.

Again, Thank You for such amazing support and loyalty to my site! I appreciate each of you!

Sincerely,
tkbrown

Peace . . .

~~ a devotional

by tkbrown

Philippians 4:6, 7 (NKJV)

  • 6 — “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;”
  • 7 — “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

These are trying times. The coronavirus pandemic has been with us now for one year, and with the new variants cropping up around the globe, predictions of another year are being tossed around–even as new vaccines are being approved. The recent snowstorms, Uri and Viola, blanketed the lower forty-eight of the United States more completely than any in recorded history. Only three states escaped being covered completely. We know the world is sharing our experience with Covid-19 and its variants. We also know the weather over the past year has presented many trials and tribulations around the world. Our daily prayers include YOU along with people in the United States.

Economies are suffering with no definitive relief in sight, and the home fires seem to be dimming for many. It is during times like these, God can work in our hearts and bring us closer to Him–if we let Him. The scripture above, Philippians 4:6, tells us to “be anxious for nothing, . . . ” This may seem a difficult task when we are uncertain what the months ahead hold, but with prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving we can tell God what we need, and He can lay upon us “His peace,” which “surpasses all understanding.” He “will guard you hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” The final phrase tells how God can fill us with peace during times like these. It says, “through Christ Jesus.” Thus, if we have put on Christ Jesus, we can be blessed with the peace that passeth understanding.

As a child, I remember singing a song in Summer Bible School and feeling my heart lifted from any sadness it might hold. The first verse of the song, “Down in My Heart” by George William Cooke, amplifies the “joy” we can hold inside if Jesus lives in our hearts. The second verse says, “I’ve got the peace that passeth understanding down in my heart, down in my heart to stay.” Thus, if we love Jesus and He loves us, and if He lives in our hearts, with prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving we can plea with God for this peace, and Jesus will provide it to us. In times of sadness, sorrow, and hardship, He will carry us–if we let Him.

My prayer today is that all will heed His calling and allow Him to provide the peace that passeth understanding in these trying times. I ask that He Bless YOU personally and guide you to this peace. Have a “peaceful” day! Stay well and Be safe!

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Photo Above: by Daniel_Mingook_Kim@Unsplash.com.

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Source:

Courtney. (8 September 2019). Write On My Heart Every Word. writeonmyhearteveryword.com. (28 February 2021). “I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart” – Write On My Heart Every Word.

Holy Bible. New King James Version (NKJV). Philippians: by the Apostle Paul. (28 February 2021).

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‘Old Souls’

~~ a Sonnet ~~

~~ by tkbrown
All of us are 'old souls' at heart--sometimes
--when we tire of tuning out mem'ry chimes
from days gone by when hearts and souls were young
with dreams where 'old souls' upon hopes were hung.
Our drift in night mist yields fleeting coup d'oeil.
Fetching rumination: "What is the deal?"
These souls--now old--wafting solo concept
of youthful observance fleetingly kept.
Just when we think we have accepted age,
up canters a grandchild--modern-day sage--
strumming and singing on our private stage;
reviving mem'ries from 'young souls' of yore
as magical wings proffer buoyant core
envisioning dreams, aspirations soar.

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Photo Above: freeimages.com

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Calendar Quindecims –November

~~ by tkbrown

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November
Thanksgiving vibes flow through our veins,
fill the atmosphere with celebratory strains.
Our hearts overflow with holiday cheer
as carols ring out in the blustery air.
Tinsels, lights and bows are strung
along the streets, in our homes are hung
as shoppers search for gifts far flung.
Christmas carols begin to be sung
by old and young and those in between,
and one can almost see a glistening sheen
as everywhere people cast doubt aside
and swear by His will they do abide.
Thanksgiving Day we'll offer up a prayer
for all the love, food and wealth we share --
the Spirit overcomes all we cannot hold dear.

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Photo above:
The First Thanksgiving -- by Bettman/Corbis @ Smithsonian.org,

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