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 https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/2876959.Charles_Haddon_Spurgeon (Philippians 2:13, KJV) |
Conceived in pain of loss by viral ghost, you languored on a bed of distanced hearts. Silent cries unheard through face unseen. Gestation filled with lies and angry words have caused us to seek your birth with all our fleeting hopes. You must be better than the fading womb. The fireworks of your first angelic cries will give us measured hope, that good has come, but then we'll know when lover's day is here. Oh, Afterbirth begone by blooming shoots. Thy bum be cleaned when roses fully smile, and health return before the rains of spring. The son of pain need not be pain himself for many painful births are long forgot, but called upon to bring us hope, today. The Towers bowed in Judgment's painful birth. The Arizona sank into a salty pool, and 2020 floundered of health and well-being. May God bring Hope amid uncertain birth. May Joy restore your name and days anew. May the newborn year be what we long to see. by Jay O'Toole on December 29th, 2020 |