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) |
Interesting this year in May are temps below the norm. It makes things cool. What can I say? Unusual its form. 'Tis often, e'en from March right on the heat of summer comes. It lasts until the autumn's gone when winter chills it sum. What will this summer's heat be like in the days of June, July? Will Hot its overmuch, then strike to leave us wondering "Why?" For now, enjoy we coolish temps as pansies grow and thrive as these May Days in blest attempts keep Winter's blooms alive. by Jay O’Toole on May 3rd, 2023 |
The days of strength will wax and wane, before we reach the goal. Some wounds and pains we all must gain, before we are made whole. Some days we wonder 'bout the worth of taking one more step when pains of neck, back, and thoughts' birth all scream, "Not one more rep!" When going on is not a thing we easily can do, we then with Samwise Gamgee sing, "I'll go there, Sir, with you!" The burden of the ring of Truth (John 3:16) weighs heavy on the heart. We look to finish what from youth (Romans 1:16) the Lord did then impart. "I can't go on," says Frodo's pate. His strength had given out, but Sam did wisely say of late, "Let's descend this hill of doubt." The greatest friends we'll ever have don't shame us in our pain. They start our hope to fully calve, before the last drop of rain. The forward march must move each head, and move the heart alike, before our story's been full read, like Pilgrim's Progress' hike. by Jay O’Toole on May 2nd, 2023 |
The days of knights and castle moats are way too far beyond the memory of my lasting notes 'bout family hopes and bonds. Yet, days of Yore for childlike me were simple days of play when phones were not so fancy-free, and life was "come what may." We'd often see the sun decline behind the line of Earth, and play our instruments in line, a band of local worth. I'd ride my bike, and feel the wind, that tousled up my hair. Emotions that could always mend with hands-free riding flair. The weekends were so lasting long. We'd breathe relief at last. to run out in the yard with song. Our burdens quickly cast. by Jay O’Toole on May 1st, 2023 |