We live much of life amid unique choices. Joy is anchored in The One beyond our life. |
“There are times when solitude is better than society, and silence is wiser than speech. We should be better Christians if we were more alone, waiting upon God, and gathering through meditation on His Word spiritual strength for labour in his service. We ought to muse upon the things of God, because we thus get the real nutriment out of them. . . . Why is it that some Christians, although they hear many sermons, make but slow advances in the divine life? Because they neglect their closets, and do not thoughtfully meditate on God's Word. They love the wheat, but they do not grind it; they would have the corn, but they will not go forth into the fields to gather it; the fruit hangs upon the tree, but they will not pluck it; the water flows at their feet, but they will not stoop to drink it. From such folly deliver us, O Lord. . . .” ― Charles Spurgeon “Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strengths.” ― C. H. Spurgeon “Hope itself is like a star- not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity.” ― Charles Haddon Spurgeon “If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for.” ― Charles Spurgeon “A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” ― Charles Spurgeon “Visit many good books, but live in the Bible.” ― Charles Spurgeon “When your will is God's will, you will have your will.” ― Charles Spurgeon (Philippians 2:13, KJV) https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/2876959.Charles_Haddon_Spurgeon |
The pruners bring us more from less. The cuts don't bless. They feel abused, and wronged and used. But when the junk is fully gone the blooming swan is better far than hurts that mar. To grow beyond a moment's pain is wisdom's gain. A friend will harm releasing charm. by Jay O'Toole on January 21st, 2020 c:lgrey}Author’s Note: This was written for the January 2020 round of "Rhythm & Rhyme: Poetry/Lyrics Challenge" Day 2 Prompt: Create iambic meter within the Minute Poetry form **I spent three hours yesterday afternoon working in a friend's yard with multiple bushes, that needed some intense and often severe pruning to return the plants to good health. Were they able to speak, they would no doubt have questioned the integrity of my friendship with them and with their owner. However, surgery, whether the physical pruning of plants or the emotional surgery of telling a friend something he or she needs to hear, but probably doesn't care to consider at the moment, is the kindest thing a friend can do in order to improve the life of another. Iambic meter is a favorite of mine. It is probably the most used form throughout all the history of my poetry writing.** |