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) |
For God so loved the world He made He gave His Only Son for us. In death and burial, He obeyed. He raised to give us One to trust. That whosoever believes in Christ would never live in the flames of Hell. Because He paid the greatest price eternal life would do us well. No good thing have I ever done, that I could buy that entrance, rare. My sins in this life would douse the sun, depriving me of hope and care. But God in Mercy saw my plight and made a way before my first breath. He sent His Son to make me right to give me life instead of death. The Gift of Grace did give me sight. The Gift of Mercy paid my debt for Christ, The Son, in all His might has saved my soul, beyond regret. by Jay O’Toole on May 31st, 2022 |
When days are gray without the sun, when evil deeds remain unjust, when villains boast, that they have won, the righteous bow, and seek a trust. When hope seems far away, and gone, when better days dissolve in fog, when weary souls resigned do yawn, the thirsty tongues are quenched with grog. Turn eyes above, despairing soul, and see The Rock, uncarved by hand. Though long may be, 'til right is whole, He holds Eternity's blest Plan. Be wise, and fall upon this Stone as broken, live, restored and blest, but stiff-necked souls will be His throne as crushed by Stone's great Justice test. The humble will be lifted up to know great honor in His Reign, but pride will bring the lost to sup in muddy wells of Judgment's rain. O, come to Him, and mercy find. He's waiting, watching, arms stretched out. Salvation is His Gift so kind, restoring souls without a doubt. Then days are bright with glowing sun, then evil deeds are gone as dust, the villains caught by God's own Son, find righteous bowed in joyful trust. Ecclesiastes 8:11, KJV Matthew 21:44, KJV II Peter 3:9, KJV by Jay O’Toole on May 30th, 2022 |
So many are the stones, that lie across the ruddy field. Each stone a soldier laid there by some cause his soul did yield. What days now gone, and times unknown, like births or wedding days. Their days before, so fast have flown, we're left with words of praise. The greatest gift each e'er could give, now graved in granite slab, while days of silence families live, and memories painful stab. As buttresses upon this House, each sacrifice makes strong. No Freedom's flame will aught e'er douse, while The Banner lifts their song. Some long away, though few just passed as memory stings the eyes, but bread upon the waters cast brings Hope's great lasting prize. (Ecclesiastes 11:1,KJV) by Jay O’Toole on May 27th, 2022 |
The days of youth have found a goal to reach as graduation is a marker, rare. Before the ceremony those, who teach have youthful souls of teens within their care. But what of teens beyond this stately day? Is there some magic making them adults? A child last week may wonder in dismay at new requirements, and their far results. A baby cannot walk when first its born, nor can a teen now launched excel in life, but parents, who bring milk each daily morn can guide the new adult away from strife. O, list still youthful heart to words of those, who love thee most, and life's experience know. by Jay O’Toole on May 26th, 2022 |
To make camellias with a thread requires a deft and patient hand. Its blooms emerge from springtime bed in fragrant bliss with friends, a stand. Yet, night by night the pattern planned takes shape to show the blooms a-pace. Each wondrous stitch makes picture grand. Each picture made, a thing of grace. by Jay O’Toole on May 25th, 2022 |
Know: certain statements are true without fault, existing outside of Time, beyond Space. Challenging Belief is part of its place. A truth that's true leaps the bar, curtains "No." by Jay O’Toole on May 24th, 2022 |
Hope is the light when the path is so dark, lifting the heart when the eyes are near closed. Hope is the grace, that secures where we park, telling the soul to now rest where we chose. Hope is the Lord, Who is sitting on High, writing His Tome with the coolest of Hands. Hope is the knowledge, that e'en when we cry, blessing is done by unchangeable Plan. Hope is Christmas 'mid summer's bleak heat, cooling the pate by Jesus' blest Face. Hope is now making a Win from defeat, giving us peace, and honorable place. by Jay O’Toole on May 23rd, 2022 |
greenery to hide verdant band for birds’ repose separation space by Jay O’Toole on May 20th, 2022 |
oft unseen, but close serving just the King of Kings keeping His dear sons by Jay O’Toole on May 19th, 2022 |
yellow golden hues faded now to bow and slump cherished beauty past by Jay O’Toole on May 18th, 2022 |