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 |    We live much of life amid unique choices. Joy is anchored in The One beyond our life. |
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“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)    |
days are warm and bright nights are chilly without frost plants surviving well by Jay O’Toole on April 16th, 2021 |
"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." (I Corinthians 13:12, KJV) -------------------------------------- This life is just a grand facade for all, that's really real. The One Unseen is truly God. His Hand doth daily heal. This life on Earth is but a doll's house compared to all, that exists. We leave our parents to live with the spouse. New life beyond the mist. The latest iPhone is two cups and string between them tied compared to the lasting life of sups in Christ, we will abide. "Come further up, come further in!" The joyful cries arise for in the land, that knows not sin the Lion is our prize. "At Home at last! My country true! Now, here I e'er belong. This is the land. I'm finally through. Ne'er knew I this great song." "Of Narnia. Of England's isle." "My country, 'tis of thee." The former gone, I'll be a while, throughout Eternity. "Dear Lewis, I would see thy face, but Jesus see I first. Imagination is thy grace, but The Savior is my thirst." "Eye hath not seen, nor ear hath heard, nor can the heart, yet, know the things, which God bespoke His Word to them, that love Him so." -------------------------------------- "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." (I Corinthians 2:9, KJV) -------------------------------------- “I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been looking for all my life, though I never knew it till now...Come further up, come further in!” ― C.S. Lewis, The Last Battle https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/1059917-the-last-battle -------------------------------------- by Jay O’Toole on April 15th, 2021 |
white petals around magenta, red, dark the mouth yearly blooms of joy by Jay O’Toole on April 14th, 2021 |
| "11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. 13 So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”" (I Kings 19:11-13, NKJV) --------------------------------------- "So many times I've looked for God in big things screaming loud. To have something to lift applause, remove depression's shroud. "Excitement comes and quickly goes, but still He will not speak. "Please, talk to me in what I know," but day by day it's bleak. "Where is this God I've heard about? Does He have time for me? No human patience solves my doubt. No microwave the key." "You're tired, Friend. Please, stop and rest. I'll help you see the light. My way's not heavy o'erflowed by test. Your future is so bright." "Who's speaking? I've a mind to tell you off, to scorch your 'brows." "Just rest. My love can make you well, and set you on the prow." "'Tis time to come apart, my friend, to be with me and rest. Relax 'neath gentle hands, that mend your heart to show you're blest. "I have my faith to give to you. With it receive my grace. Salvation is completely through. A smile will lift your face. "Let my Shalom rest on your head. Salvation's helmet wear. My Life will be your spirit's bread. My Banner you will bear." by Jay O’Toole on April 13th, 2021 |
| Windy, flying things Can't get my footing, near misses. Will it end? What to do? Where to go? Move. Where? How? My heart flutters Must string thoughts together. Lost a friend in the twists and twirls, but they're still alive. So am I. I think. Passing fancies, structured relationships, home, yard, environment. All need connection, consistency, hope. Finally, a foothold. Poetry, my gallant knight. Finally, thoughts find a voice. Cry, scream, sing, pray, hope, JOY. The ship has found a haven. Toss the rope, and tie it down. All rhymes and rhythms find a maven, here as crafted words abound. The shouting storm hears, "Peace. Be still." The silence deafens much as now I rest in lasting will and words, that heal by touch. The world of poetry creates a place of peace, where I can rest, and think, and heal. The silent moments fill my heart with grace, where I can breathe, and pause in silence deal. A cup of coffee in this little room distracts from all the pains of this new Earth. Just mollify with words to ope' the tomb. Refresh the soul, and give it daily birth. Each moment on this crag of distant view I close my eyes to find some fresh new sight. The words take off and find their course to you to lift our souls and make them once more right. The dark of life is lightened by a verse. To healing balm like this, I'm not averse. by Jay O’Toole on April 12th, 2021 |
Begins with a cry. We grow through our play. Love finds a dear match. Working our best years. Days slow, but love grows. What will come next? How do I hope? Why do I doubt? Is there a guide? Just this Earth? Just these days? Dearest Love exists in God. Life. by Jay O’Toole on April 9th, 2021 |
Nights of waiting, will they end? Dad and Mom have left the Earth. Will I e'er them see? Friends and family need the new birth. Blest eternally? Nights of waiting, darksome time. Tears now shed in earthly clime. Searching rhythms and each rhyme. Promises remain. Nights of waiting, hours of rest. Holding on, forever blest. Striving toward horizon's crest. Planting Hope as grain. Waiting in the soul's dark night. Forever near to touch. Faith is spirit's lasting sight. Worthy it, so much. by Jay O’Toole on April 8th, 2021 |
Athena came to live with us just five short years ago. This morning we in painful trust returned her to God, Who knows. She must have eaten something bad her tummy, it couldn't digest. For the hunter, she was, 'tis really sad. Our faces know fallen crests. A day ago our strongest cat, but now our parted friend. Each heart must process all of that as we now start to mend. by Jay O’Toole on April 7th, 2021 |
Quiet minutes. Fan blades dance. Night like blanket lies. Twinkle lights call, "More than a glance." Days of Time fly by. A stare into space. A brick wall at my back. The day seems bright and clear, Beyond it is clouds, a deck of cards stacked. What of the past held dear? Night still leaning by the wall. Light emits from bulbs. Cat curled up as sleep may call, darkness to the curb. "Silence seems confusing, Lord. Seems like You're not there. On the wall with bricks for words, I'm left to blankly stare. "Faith must trust when no one speaks. Faith is risky stuff. Others question what I seek, but You're still enough." by Jay O’Toole on April 6th, 2021 |
| Giving others hopeful hearts is our blessed task. Every day a new day starts. God’s the One we ask. |
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