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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)    |
| The flora, that I love so much, is hibiscus, and its myriad attendants. What a beautiful flower, plant, and entourage! Hibiscus's colors are vibrant, often red, yellow, and/or orange like the sunset at the end of a long day. Hibiscus plants love the heat and humidity, which is so prevalent in Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Hawaii. Any state or country, that has a preponderance of beaches, oceans, and hot & cold environments dancing to make airborne moisture, no doubt grows hibiscus plants in abundance. Since flora deals with the region and environmental habitat, where I live, we may consider Georgia, USA to be tropical, or the cusp between tropical and temperate. Hibiscuses thrive here during the summertime of every year as a rule, but they must be kept in a greenhouse to overwinter, or they will die. Since Georgia deals with subfreezing temperatures at least a few days every year, hibiscuses are treated as annuals, unless fervently cared for by gardeners, like me, who love them. However, I am glad to say their resiliency has amazed me, during the past six months. Christmas Eve 2022 hurt my hibiscus plants in the greenhouse with a 10-degree freeze, that seemed to kill them all. Yet, this summer more than one of these wonderful plants have grown out from the roots. Boy, am I ever glad! Attending plants in this flora regional habitat, include caladiums, hostas, lantanas, ferns, begonias, and dianthuses. Caladiums, hostas, and ferns are most notable for their leaves, which are green in most cases, but the variations of cool colors are enhanced by the additional shades of red with the caladiums. Lantanas, begonias, and dianthuses, also, have wonderful green leaves, but their claim to fame is the glorious variety of flowers in their ranks. The Lantana bush has small blooms of orange, red, and yellow or mixed varieties. Begonias often have pink or red flowers. Dianthuses have red and white blooms with variations of pink or purple in their wonderful spiky crowns, like Jesus' crown of thorns, making this plant a great illustration around Resurrection Sunday. Tropical flora do well in the summertime environments of nearly tropical lands, but unlike tropical climes, these plants may survive winters out-of-region, only through the watchful care of loving gardeners. Hibiscuses, ferns, and begonias will often die in a hard freeze. Caladiums, hostas, and lantanas consistently die back in a hard freeze but return in the spring by growing out from their roots. There is one caveat emptor. Caladium bulbs must be dug up each year, and overwintered inside of the gardener's house in a dry environment, usually stored in plastic grocery bags (at least, that's how I do it.) However, Dianthuses are the hardiest plants in this flora regional habitat. I have witnessed Dianthus plants survive the coldest of the cold and the hottest of the hot in our area. At times only the greenery of the dianthus is showing as it seems to be reserving strength to stay alive, but now in the heat of the summer in south Georgia, USA, the Dianthus plants are in full bloom. by Jay O’Toole on June 30th, 2023  |
To struggle with a newer thought is just like pulling teeth. The Novocaine is shot and bought, then dizzy is the wreath. The thought of using little "toys" to talk across the Earth requires some numbness for lost joys, like twirling phone cord mirth. The newer types of music bring some sadness to this "youth." The Carpenters would wondrous sing with harmony to boot. To Google everything makes weak the brain, that needs to search. Like pulling teeth, through books, we'd seek for Everest or perch. We'd kick the ball or toss it long as sun set in our yard, not craning neck at screentime's song, that vertebrae be marred. But getting older's now the chore we battle day by day. The shoes require us to bend o'er to tie with breath's dismay. Today, the Novocaine was real. The big tooth had its "dance," and, now, this pain I firmly feel marks aging's long advance. Line Count: 28 by Jay O’Toole on June 29th, 2023 |
| For more than 60 years, I've lived on Planet Earth working, loving, eating, and sleeping. Having been born at a very early age much of my first five years is not easy to recollect. However, those years, that begin with first grade have been filled with hills and valleys of emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual progress. Most notable are high school and university graduations with various honors, marriage to my college girlfriend, and the birth of our only child about 20 years ago. Every life needs a good foundation, which is a rock upon which to stand. This is a big part of my life's story. God opened my mind, even as a small child, to realize, that life with Jesus of Nazareth would answer life's greatest question, "How shall I live throughout the entirety of my existence?" Obviously, these are not the words I used back then, but I knew enough to know, "I need protection now, and I want to be protected forever when I leave this life." In simplicity as a child, growing into more complex thoughts as an adult, my one continuous desire has been to know Jesus as my personal Saviour. Friendship is one of the greatest gifts a life can know. Meeting the young lady in college, who has become my wife of nearly 37 years is this blessing of friendship in my own life. Steering the ship of life with my longtime friend has been a source of joy for me. The gales have threatened to capsize us. Yet, with God's Help, still we sail. Calm seas and gentle pools in the rivers have given restoration to hearts in need of rest. Friendship with this dear sister, who also knows the saving Lord brings peace to my heart since our friendship can last beyond this life. The future of every life deals with both the temporal and the eternal. We've been blessed with an amazing daughter, who has been given to us as a hope for both of these needs. What a pleasure it has been to watch her grow from a small child to a talented adult lady! If my life follows the normal path, I will be able to leave the world in her hands to be well cared for. Since she has expressed my same desire to know the saving Lord, then I may rest confident, that our friendship, too, can last beyond this life. My life knows few of the successes touted by Society at large. Gold has been minimal in my purse, but why should I focus on gaining Heaven's paving material? (Revelation 21:21, KJV) I've known some acclaim, locally as a singer and actor on our community stage, but now I work as a janitor. Fame is fleeting. (Proverbs 22:1, KJV) Years ago I wrote for a newspaper in a state capital, but now I am challenged to publish a book. What is my life's value? I have a saving Lord, Who died, was buried, and rose again to secure my place with Him forever. I have a wife and daughter, who know the same saving Lord, that we may serve Him together forever. I'm convinced, that my life is a Success. by Jay O’Toole on June 28th, 2023 |
| Creation started with a song. His wondrous words of "Let there be." Perfect in making, nothing wrong, 'twas sinless, blessed, full, and free. Account by Moses, He spake it all, but Lewis thought He must have sung. Wonder, could words spoken, fall upon this canvas, noteful wrung. Making all by strength so grand, there must be One, Who lives Above. Thoughts of randomness are bland, but not the thoughts of Divine Love. Aslan's song was notes of bliss. In six short days, he made it all. Jesus is The One we kiss His lovely Hand, before Him fall. by Jay O’Toole on June 27th, 2023 |
| Jesus, Savior, Lord of all, Infant in the manger once. Heed His Message, loving call 'fore He all the world doth 'vince. Jesus, Lord of ev'ry man seems so old in this new world. When it ends by His long Plan, Banner His will be unfurled. Jesus made Creation blest when He spoke or sang it all. Daily strength past ev'ry test is His Alone. We 'fore Him fall. Jesus, Everlasting Lord, reigns upon His pure white Throne. Now, confess His blessed Word. Truth is He, forever shown. ---------------------------------------------------------- The word, "sang" in verse three is a reference to Aslan's Song in the book, The Magician's Nephew of The Chronicles of Narnia series, written by C. S. Lewis. ----------------------------------------------------------- by Jay O’Toole on June 26th, 2023 |
"The many times, that life is touched by good or bad," we often say, "The stuff of Earth so very much. We need His strength as we obey." He gives today, a gift of joy. Tomorrow is not promised e'er. Each living skill we do employ to help the ones for whom we care. I need the Savior for my sin. I have no goodness Him to give. Salvation for me He did win. He died and rose to ever live. by Jay O’Toole on June 23rd, 2023 |
| The job was going as it often goes. To pull the trash and clean the bathrooms sweet. The pallet jack was called, and now I know each change we make becomes a learning treat. Many tasks, little time, finish well, lose no place. Some help was given by a newish man. Each task removed, then gave my heart some peace. The shift was finished with the body tired. The job was going as it often goes. by Jay O’Toole on June 22nd, 2023 |
Seeing Truth, He is The One, "who saved a wretch like me." The risen Lord, God's Only Son, Who died, and lives to free. "I am the way, the truth, and life. No man can to Him go, except the one through me has come." Christ gives him faith to know. (John 14:6, KJV) The Word of God is lasting firm. No man can add one word. From "jots and tittles" ev'ry term have His children's spirits stirred. "No man can come to me, the Blest, except The Father bids, I'll raise at the last day," says The Word, that truly is. (John 6:44, KJV) "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me (of Truth,) and him, that cometh here to me, I will ne'er cast him out." (John 6:37, KJV) by Jay O’Toole on June 21st, 2023 |
This life is far from static good. It takes us by surprise. The pine, it seemed such solid wood, until it browns and dies. The day, so bright with joy and cheer, becomes a cloud of black. The tempted heart may lose to fear, and focus on its lack. The child, that seemed to so safe within her carseat blest cocoon is driving in the world of men as growing up so soon. "Take heart, Dear Normal Hov'ring Dad. The Lord is bigger still. He knows your child, and is so glad to keep her in His Will." The twists and turns of earthly days will not be always doubt. The Sovereign Lord of Heaven says, "Trust me to work it out." (John 14:6, KJV) by Jay O’Toole on June 20th, 2023 |
The endodontist saw the tooth, and told me what was wrong. He charged me not a cent. That's truth, and now I have a song. "It's split. The root, and now the doc must take it, and replace the tooth, which needs decay to lock, while keeping Chomper's space." I've had some tears about this thing, but when the pain is gone I'll have some joy to cause me sing when we make right the wrong. The life we live in older years hath aches and pains a bit, but God hath strength beyond our fears to make our trembling quit. by Jay O’Toole on June 19th, 2023 |
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