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) |
Back to work, and back to doing things, that need to be done. Back to starting, not just ruing the things we wish we'd won. Back to work, we may not like, until we find the way to find a job, and take a hike to what will make our day. Back to work, that pays our bills among our new, dear friends. Consistency may not be thrills, but doing our best oft mends. by Jay O’Toole on February 27th, 2023 |
waves all ebb and flow seas of fish move back and forth gentle parity by Jay O’Toole on February 22nd, 2023 |
Trust is riding on the waves with nothing underneath, except the One, Who broke the grave, the matchless Son bequeathed. Trust is riding on the tide. The brooding, roiling mass, from whence no man can ever hide, a date none e’er can pass. In trust we float from day to day. The Lord of HIStory’s ship doth move along. His Word doth say, “He takes from man no lip.” The curtain of this life’s lone end will shut the day, and ope the Door to the state no man can mend, unchanging pain or hope. Trust is riding on the waves. The water floats the boat. The Savior’s languished, empty grave has swallowed Sin’s dire load. by Jay O’Toole on February 20th, 2023 |
So many cars go zooming by upon this long white line. They seem aloft, to nearly fly, while navigating fine. The trees are marching briskly past, though moving not at all. So firm ensconced, and made to last, to stand, and not to fall. Bright sun shines down upon the way. It lengthens shadow’s mark. ‘Twill soon be done this driving day to find our rest, and park. The long white line’s a smooth dear path to get us to the end of journey’s way. We’ll eat and laugh by Christ’s good Hand to mend. by Jay O’Toole on February 17th, 2023 |
Time to rest, and see the sights, renewing time with friends. Time to rest through days and nights, restoring hearts will mend. Time to rest within a cloistered place, that time floats on. Time to rest, where work and toil are faced, and need be gone. Time to rest, reflecting where we've been, and need to go. Time to rest, while learning prayer with answers, He may show. Time to rest is time to be, unfettered by a "should." Time to rest with eyes to see. We're learning what is good. by Jay O’Toole on February 16th, 2023 |
Busy days can challenge us to find a sure foothold. Busy days are often thus to make us feel quite old. Busy days can come and go, but often leave a mark. Busy days declare it's so. Just stop ourselves, and park. Busy days are not so much a choice, that we would choose, but busy days keep us in touch with health, that we can lose. Busy days need help from One, Who always has our rest. Busy days remind each son to shelter through each test. by Jay O’Toole on February 15th, 2023 |
When hearts are warmed between two lives, we give our best as joys do grow. Our days are full as living thrives, and common paths we're blest to know. The One, Who gave us life at the first through hearts, that beat, and lungs, that breathe is still The One, Who quenches thirst. He keeps our way by Hands beneath. "I love you, dearest wife of mine. You've stayed with me for many days. Like vintage of the finest wine, your value grows, and the years do praise." The Lord has given love to Man to knit our hearts in one with Him. He knits two hearts in one by His Plan to fill their cup, o'erflow the brim. This Valentine's we seek The Rose, Who showed His Love by bleeding red. The third day after, He arose to cause lost souls no more be dead. When hearts aflame do burn as one, the golden life is purified. Each day of sweetness 'til all's done is wondrous as His lasting Bride. Each chosen heart receives His Grace, Salvation Love transformed within. For Jesus Christ in our lost place has saved His chosen ones from sin. by Jay O’Toole on February 14th, 2023 |
To care for plants in these the days of life is quite a gift. Their beauty blooms in great displays their human's heart to lift. To leave them then to fend alone for days can cause us pain for weather changes are quite prone to hurt as oft to gain. Some plants may thrive in coldest nights, yet others, warmest days. when both exist in shelt'ring sites survival can dismay. The best we e'er can hope achieve is find the middle ground, that tender plants can to life cleave, where hot and cold abound. "Dear Lord of all Creation fair, Please bless and moderate the place where we these plants do care to save in temps so strait. "If they should live, while absent we, 'tis by Thy loving Smile, that honors hopes, environs see, to make of temps an isle. "I bend my heart unto Your Grace. Protect these leafy friends, that when return we to this place, we'll have them then to tend in Jesus' Name, Amen." by Jay O’Toole on February 13th, 2023 |
This life is full of many steps by foot or by the clock, each day, an exercise's rep, each night, a charcoal smock. The life beyond is very real. We think, but cannot grasp. The Truth of it can harm or heal. Forever, it will last. "Where to from here?" we each intone, before we rest the pate. "Will crowds we know or be alone?" Decisions small and great. by Jay O’Toole on February 10th, 2023 |