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) |
The welcome door, an open space, a swirling cloud of fragrant beans. I glide the floor to my first place to order best within my means. "A macchiato by my trow with almond milk, and make it hot." A blest momento I'll soon know to fly away, the day forgot. The wondrous foam, the temp so fine, espresso beans steeped mellow rest. It's acrid mist as the finest wine, now soothes my soul from each daily test. Though barely sipped, the piping foam escorts me hence to realms apart. The ambiance of living tome restores me best at first cup's start. With quiet like a library the bookish stroll the nearest shelf, but some, as I, the mind to free are struck by one, lone, seated elf. The welcome hand of twinkling lights doth bid me come to restful glow. I sit awhile as day meets night, a-shedding burdens I oft know. The waning cup as candle melts. It bids adieu to silent stares. My spirit helps my soul now telt, that hope has come to lift my cares. Return I do to order fresh a half-caff brew to walk me home. A tear now shed in this modern creche, a stable mood is rare to come. I pause within the open door to wistful wave barrista's way. We've done this dance so oft before, "Goodnight, Dear Patron, 'til the day." I sip through now two dozen steps to build resolve for homeward trek. How soon may I return here next as trudging, broken, solemn wreck? The days of life make magnet strong this happy place of moments' bliss. My heart will lift its silent song of pleasant scents with peace to kiss. Through warmth of cup, and rest for mind, I find again my lasting truth. He made me see, who once was blind to rest in Him these years from youth. No doubt the reader will recognize the allusion in verse #5 as being a reference to the tradition found on this website. Enjoy. https://elfontheshelf.com/christmas-tradition/ Coffee & Christmas are two important respites in this writer's life. I hope in yours as well. by Jay O’Toole on August 27th, 2021 |