But when all is said and done, our earthly life is exposed to perpetual misery and contention! The utmost degree of peace we must expect to arrive at, does not consist in being free from injuries from others—but in bearing them with humility, and not being provoked to impatience and bitter resentments.
- A Treatise on Temper—its Use and Abuse
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
FRIENDSHIP QUOTES
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“Be slow to fall into friendship, but when thou art in, continue firm and constant.”
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“True friends are like diamonds, precious and rare; false friends are like pebbles, found everywhere.”
*
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“True friendship isn’t about being there when it’s convenient; it’s about being there when it’s not.”
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“One who looks for a friend without faults will have none.”
*
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“The best rule of friendship is to keep your heart a little softer than your head.”
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“He’s my friend that speaks well of me behind my back.” - Thomas Fuller
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“A false friend and a shadow attend only while the sun shines.” - Benjamin Franklin
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“Don’t flatter yourself that friendship authorizes you to say disagreeable things to your intimates. The nearer you come into relation with a person, the more necessary do tact and courtesy become.” - Oliver Wendell Holmes
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Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers. - Charles W. Eliot
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“Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms” - George Eliot
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Drop a pebble in the water
Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash, and it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea.
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.
Drop a pebble in the water: in a minute you forget,
But there’s little waves a-flowing, and there’s ripples circling yet,
And those little waves a-flowing to a great big wave have grown;
You’ve disturbed a mighty river just by dropping in a stone.
Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on.
They keep spreading, spreading, spreading from the center as they go,
And there is no way to stop them, once you’ve started them to flow.
Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute you forget;
But there’s little waves a-flowing, and there’s ripples circling yet,
And perhaps in some sad heart a mighty wave of tears you’ve stirred,
And disturbed a life was happy ere you dropped that unkind word.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash and it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn’t believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: in a minute you forget;
But there’s gladness still a-swelling, and there’s joy a circling yet,
And you’ve rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard
Over miles and miles of water just by dropping one kind word.
by James W. Foley
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea.
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.
Drop a pebble in the water: in a minute you forget,
But there’s little waves a-flowing, and there’s ripples circling yet,
And those little waves a-flowing to a great big wave have grown;
You’ve disturbed a mighty river just by dropping in a stone.
Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on.
They keep spreading, spreading, spreading from the center as they go,
And there is no way to stop them, once you’ve started them to flow.
Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute you forget;
But there’s little waves a-flowing, and there’s ripples circling yet,
And perhaps in some sad heart a mighty wave of tears you’ve stirred,
And disturbed a life was happy ere you dropped that unkind word.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash and it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn’t believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: in a minute you forget;
But there’s gladness still a-swelling, and there’s joy a circling yet,
And you’ve rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard
Over miles and miles of water just by dropping one kind word.
by James W. Foley
Monday, December 6, 2010
Crocheted lampshade cover
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Patience disposes a man to go on in the way of duty
“Patience is not an insensibleness of present evils, or an indifference for future good. Patience secures the possession of our souls in every circumstance that tends to discompose our minds. This is to possess our souls in any trial of patience; to continue in an even frame, and ward off all impressions which would ruffle our minds, or put us out of the temper befitting us as men and as Christians. Patience will prevent hasty and rash conclusions either from present troubles, or from the suspension of desired good. Patience will fortify against any unlawful methods for accomplishing our deliverance or desires. It is the work of patience to restrain from any sinful expedient which may seem to promise relief. The patient man resolves rather to bear any trouble, than go out of God's way to ease himself. Patience disposes a man to go on in the way of duty, whatever discouragements may arise from the pressure of his troubles, or the deferring of his hopes. Let us be solicitous to have this necessary principle daily strengthened, to exercise it upon every proper occasion, and that it may have its perfect work. The full work of patience is the highest perfection of a Christian on earth. And let there be a general exercise of this grace upon every occasion, in all the proper instances of it, however it may be tried; in great as well as in less trials, and in small exercises as well as in great; for sometimes impatience breaks out in men upon trivial occasions, after they have been signal for patience in great and shocking calamities, and in unusual trials, as well as in those to which we have been accustomed.'
“So, in common life, if a man boast of his patience, who never had it tried, he is as raw an ignoramus as he who boasts of his prowess in war, who yet never saw a field of battle. Experience is the best, and, indeed, the only school for patience. For this sentiment we have the highest authority: Paul writes expressly, 'Tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience.'“
from - A Treatise on Temper—its Use and Abuse
“So, in common life, if a man boast of his patience, who never had it tried, he is as raw an ignoramus as he who boasts of his prowess in war, who yet never saw a field of battle. Experience is the best, and, indeed, the only school for patience. For this sentiment we have the highest authority: Paul writes expressly, 'Tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience.'“
from - A Treatise on Temper—its Use and Abuse
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
When are we happiest?
When are we happiest, then? Oh, when resigned
To Whatsoever our cup of life may brim;
When we can know ourselves but weak and blind,
Creatures of earth! and trust alone in Him
Who gives, in his mercy, joy or pain—
Oh! we are happiest then!'
—M. A. Brown.
To Whatsoever our cup of life may brim;
When we can know ourselves but weak and blind,
Creatures of earth! and trust alone in Him
Who gives, in his mercy, joy or pain—
Oh! we are happiest then!'
—M. A. Brown.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
More than we deserve
Reflect, my reader, on the numberless blessings you enjoy, and do not imagine that you have nothing but troubles and misfortunes. We have all more than we deserve from that patient and gracious God, against whom we have so often and grievously sinned. Let us rather study to be content and thankful, and in all our troubles to resign ourselves under his mighty hand, and seek his strength. Reflect withal, that your present trouble is but for a moment; and if you are a Christian, there remains for you a rest, the very prospect of which should induce you to regard all your present crosses as perfectly insignificant.
- from A Treatise on Temper—its Use and Abuse
- from A Treatise on Temper—its Use and Abuse
Monday, November 15, 2010
SUPPOSE
“Suppose,” said I, “that you should see
A small boy tumble from a tree;
How would you tell that tale to me?”
“Why, dad,” said he, “I’d simply say,
I saw a fellow hurt today,
And two men carried him away.”
“How many injured would there be,” I asked?
“Just one, of course,” said he,
“The boy who tumbled from the tree.”
“No, no,” I answered him,
“That fall which hurt the lad brought pain to all,
Who knew and loved that youngster small.”
“His mother wept, his father sighed,
His brothers and sisters cried,
And all his friends were hurt inside.”
“Remember this your whole life through;
Whatever may cause hurt to you
Must hurt us all who love you too.”
“You cannot live your life alone;
We suffer with your slightest groan
And make your pain and grief our own.”
“If you should do one shameful thing,
You would not bear alone the sting;
We’d spend our years in suffering.”
“How many hurt?” We cannot state.
There never falls a blow of fate
But countless people feel its weight.
- Edgar A. Guest
A small boy tumble from a tree;
How would you tell that tale to me?”
“Why, dad,” said he, “I’d simply say,
I saw a fellow hurt today,
And two men carried him away.”
“How many injured would there be,” I asked?
“Just one, of course,” said he,
“The boy who tumbled from the tree.”
“No, no,” I answered him,
“That fall which hurt the lad brought pain to all,
Who knew and loved that youngster small.”
“His mother wept, his father sighed,
His brothers and sisters cried,
And all his friends were hurt inside.”
“Remember this your whole life through;
Whatever may cause hurt to you
Must hurt us all who love you too.”
“You cannot live your life alone;
We suffer with your slightest groan
And make your pain and grief our own.”
“If you should do one shameful thing,
You would not bear alone the sting;
We’d spend our years in suffering.”
“How many hurt?” We cannot state.
There never falls a blow of fate
But countless people feel its weight.
- Edgar A. Guest
Monday, November 8, 2010
Legalized adultery
“Look at the legalized adultery that we call divorce. Men marry one wife after another and are still admitted into good society; and women do likewise. There are thousands of supposedly respectable men in America living with other men’s wives, and thousands of supposedly respectable women living with other women’s husbands.” - R. A. Torrey in How to Pray p. 94-95
“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. . . .Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.” Mark 10:7-12
“Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.” Luke16:18
“For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.” Romans 7:2,3
“The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 7:39
“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. . . .Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.” Mark 10:7-12
“Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.” Luke16:18
“For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.” Romans 7:2,3
“The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 7:39
Monday, November 1, 2010
Loyalty
He may be six kinds of a liar,
He may be ten kinds of a fool,
He may be a wicked high flyer
Beyond any reason or rule;
There may be a shadow above him
Of ruin and woes to impend,
And I may not respect, but I love him,
Because-well, because he’s my friend.
I know he has faults by the billion,
But his faults are a portion of him;
I know that his record’s vermilion,
And he’s far from the sweet Seraphim;
But he’s always been square with yours truly,
Ready to give or to lend,
And if he is wild and unruly,
I like him-because he’s my friend.
I criticize him but I do it
In just a frank, comradely key,
And back-biting gossips will rue it
If ever they knock him to me!
I never make diagrams of him,
No maps of his soul have I penned;
I don’t analyze-I just love him,
Because -well, because he’s my friend.
- Berton Braley
“Duty,” said Robert E. Lee, “is the sublimest word in the English language.” Second to it, I think, may be “Loyalty.” I like the loyalty toward a friend which is symbolized in this poem. However, in the strictest literal reading of the words, it can be taken too far. Loyalty to my supreme Friend, Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour, sometimes demands a separation from friends, grievous as it is, if they go the way of the wicked and un-godly. Yet, so long as it is not disloyalty to Christ to stick loyally by a friend, whatever else he may be - well, he’s my friend.
He may be ten kinds of a fool,
He may be a wicked high flyer
Beyond any reason or rule;
There may be a shadow above him
Of ruin and woes to impend,
And I may not respect, but I love him,
Because-well, because he’s my friend.
I know he has faults by the billion,
But his faults are a portion of him;
I know that his record’s vermilion,
And he’s far from the sweet Seraphim;
But he’s always been square with yours truly,
Ready to give or to lend,
And if he is wild and unruly,
I like him-because he’s my friend.
I criticize him but I do it
In just a frank, comradely key,
And back-biting gossips will rue it
If ever they knock him to me!
I never make diagrams of him,
No maps of his soul have I penned;
I don’t analyze-I just love him,
Because -well, because he’s my friend.
- Berton Braley
“Duty,” said Robert E. Lee, “is the sublimest word in the English language.” Second to it, I think, may be “Loyalty.” I like the loyalty toward a friend which is symbolized in this poem. However, in the strictest literal reading of the words, it can be taken too far. Loyalty to my supreme Friend, Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour, sometimes demands a separation from friends, grievous as it is, if they go the way of the wicked and un-godly. Yet, so long as it is not disloyalty to Christ to stick loyally by a friend, whatever else he may be - well, he’s my friend.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Woodburned service sign
A woodburning I recently burned on request. The Airborne insignia is on one end the bronze star on the other.
Monday, October 25, 2010
The inefficiency of impatience
We have a fine instance of patience in the late venerable Thomas Scott: “Having gone on a voyage when it did not sail at all punctually to the time which had been named, he sat down to read in the cabin. A gentleman, who had expressed much impatience and displeasure at the delay, at length addressed himself to him, observing that his quietness was quite provoking; that he seemed ready to put up with anything. His reply was, 'Sir, I dare say I shall get to the end of our voyage just as soon as you will.’”
- from A Treatise on Temper - its Use and Abuse by a Staffordshire Curate, October 1837
- from A Treatise on Temper - its Use and Abuse by a Staffordshire Curate, October 1837
Monday, October 18, 2010
What can I do today?
"What can I do today?
Not gold, or ease, or power, or love, to gain,
Or pleasure gay;
But to impart
Joy to some stricken heart;
To send some heaven-born rays
Of hope, some sad, despairing
Soul to cheer;
To lift some weighing doubts;
Make truth more clear;
Dispel some dawning fear;
To lull some pain;
Bring to the fold again
Some lamb astray;
To brighten life for some one.
Now and here
This let me do today."
- Author unknown
Not gold, or ease, or power, or love, to gain,
Or pleasure gay;
But to impart
Joy to some stricken heart;
To send some heaven-born rays
Of hope, some sad, despairing
Soul to cheer;
To lift some weighing doubts;
Make truth more clear;
Dispel some dawning fear;
To lull some pain;
Bring to the fold again
Some lamb astray;
To brighten life for some one.
Now and here
This let me do today."
- Author unknown
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Two bears
Two bears must be kept in every home in order to have love and peace - bear and forbear. - R. T. Cross
Bear and forbear is no prohibition against needful correction. But correction without discretion is only brutal passion. - A Treatise on Temper - its Use and Abuse
Bear and forbear is no prohibition against needful correction. But correction without discretion is only brutal passion. - A Treatise on Temper - its Use and Abuse
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Manly or Godly?
“It is related that a gentleman once went to Sir Eardley under the impression of great wrath and indignation at a real injury he had received from a person high in power, and which he was meditating how to resent in the most effectual manner. After relating the particulars, he asked Sir Eardley if he did not think it would be manly to resent it? 'Yes,' said the Christian knight, 'it will be manly to resent it—but it will be God-like to forgive it.' This had such an effect upon the gentleman that he came away quite a different man, and in a very subdued temper from that in which he went.”
- from A Treatise on Temper -- its Use and Abuse by a Staffordshire Curate, October 1837
- from A Treatise on Temper -- its Use and Abuse by a Staffordshire Curate, October 1837
Monday, September 27, 2010
It’s Fine Today
Sure, this world is full of trouble-
I ain’t said it ain’t.
-- I’ve had enough and double
Reason for complaint;
Rain and storm have come to fret me,
Skies are often gray;
Thorns and brambles have beset me
On the road-but say,
Ain’t it fine today?
What’s the use of always weepin’
Making trouble last?
What’s the use of always keepin’
Thinkin’ of the past?
Each must have his tribulation-
Water with his wine;
Life, it ain’t no celebration,
Trouble?-I’ve had mine-
But today is fine!
It’s today that I am livin’,
Not a month ago.
Havin’; losin’; takin’; givin’;
As time wills it so.
Yesterday a cloud of sorrow
Fell across the way;
It may rain again tomorrow,
It may rain-but say,
Ain’t it fine today?
- Douglas Malloch
I ain’t said it ain’t.
-- I’ve had enough and double
Reason for complaint;
Rain and storm have come to fret me,
Skies are often gray;
Thorns and brambles have beset me
On the road-but say,
Ain’t it fine today?
What’s the use of always weepin’
Making trouble last?
What’s the use of always keepin’
Thinkin’ of the past?
Each must have his tribulation-
Water with his wine;
Life, it ain’t no celebration,
Trouble?-I’ve had mine-
But today is fine!
It’s today that I am livin’,
Not a month ago.
Havin’; losin’; takin’; givin’;
As time wills it so.
Yesterday a cloud of sorrow
Fell across the way;
It may rain again tomorrow,
It may rain-but say,
Ain’t it fine today?
- Douglas Malloch
Thursday, September 23, 2010
True Nobility
Who does his task from day to day
And meets whatever comes his way,
Believing God has willed it so,
Has found real greatness here below.
Who guards his post, no matter where,
Believing God must need him there,
Although but lowly toil it be.
Has risen to nobility.
For great and low there’s but one test:
‘Tis that each man shall do his best.
Who works with all the strength he can
Shall never die in debt to man.
- Edgar Guest
And meets whatever comes his way,
Believing God has willed it so,
Has found real greatness here below.
Who guards his post, no matter where,
Believing God must need him there,
Although but lowly toil it be.
Has risen to nobility.
For great and low there’s but one test:
‘Tis that each man shall do his best.
Who works with all the strength he can
Shall never die in debt to man.
- Edgar Guest
Monday, September 20, 2010
Rose and heart painted tin
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
THE OBLIGATION OF FRIENDSHIP
You ought to be fine for the sake of the folks
Who think you are fine.
If others have faith in you doubly you're bound
To stick to the line.
It's not only on you that dishonor descends:
You can't hurt yourself without hurting your friends.
You ought to be true for the sake of the folks
Who believe you are true.
You never should stoop to a deed that your friends
Think you wouldn't do.
If you're false to yourself, be the blemish but small,
You have injured your friends; you've been false to them all.
For friendship, my boy, is a bond between men
That is founded on truth:
It believes in the best of the ones that it loves,
Whether old man or youth;
And the stern rule it lays down for me and for you
Is to be what our friends think we are, through and through.
Who think you are fine.
If others have faith in you doubly you're bound
To stick to the line.
It's not only on you that dishonor descends:
You can't hurt yourself without hurting your friends.
You ought to be true for the sake of the folks
Who believe you are true.
You never should stoop to a deed that your friends
Think you wouldn't do.
If you're false to yourself, be the blemish but small,
You have injured your friends; you've been false to them all.
For friendship, my boy, is a bond between men
That is founded on truth:
It believes in the best of the ones that it loves,
Whether old man or youth;
And the stern rule it lays down for me and for you
Is to be what our friends think we are, through and through.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
A Child’s Prayer
God make my life a little light,
Within the world to glow;
A tiny flame that burneth bright
Wherever I may go.
God make my life a little flower,
That giveth joy to all,
Content to bloom in native bower,
Although its place be small.
God make my life a little song,
That comforted the sad;
That helpeth others to be strong,
And makes the singer glad.
God make my life a little staff,
Whereon the weak may rest,
That so what health and strength I have
May serve my neighbors best.
- M. Benthan-Edwards
Within the world to glow;
A tiny flame that burneth bright
Wherever I may go.
God make my life a little flower,
That giveth joy to all,
Content to bloom in native bower,
Although its place be small.
God make my life a little song,
That comforted the sad;
That helpeth others to be strong,
And makes the singer glad.
God make my life a little staff,
Whereon the weak may rest,
That so what health and strength I have
May serve my neighbors best.
- M. Benthan-Edwards
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Lee, a Life of Virtue - book review
Out of the three books I have reviewed from the Thomas Nelson company, Lee, a Life of Virtue by John Perry, is the first one I consider a “keeper.” Though it can be enjoyed by a serious researcher, this book is not designed for heavy in-depth study. There are no footnotes in the book and comparatively few direct quotes. It is an easy read, plenty to learn for those who know little about General Lee, yet not boring to someone who has read a fair amount about him.
As the title “A Life of Virtue” suggests, this book emphasizes Lee’s noble motives in life and his one compelling force - duty. From caring for his invalid mother in youth, to resigning from the US military and fighting for the Confederacy, to saying “it is our duty to live” at a time when death would have been more welcome, Mr. Perry keeps before the reader how Robert E. Lee did what he believed to be his duty despite what personal deprivations it cost him.
The final chapter closes with part of a letter General Lee’s wife wrote on the day of his death, “. . .I pray that his noble example may stimulate our youth to a course of uprightness which never wavered from the path of duty at any sacrifice or ease or pleasure, & so long too has the will of God been the guiding star of his actions. . .”
As the title “A Life of Virtue” suggests, this book emphasizes Lee’s noble motives in life and his one compelling force - duty. From caring for his invalid mother in youth, to resigning from the US military and fighting for the Confederacy, to saying “it is our duty to live” at a time when death would have been more welcome, Mr. Perry keeps before the reader how Robert E. Lee did what he believed to be his duty despite what personal deprivations it cost him.
The final chapter closes with part of a letter General Lee’s wife wrote on the day of his death, “. . .I pray that his noble example may stimulate our youth to a course of uprightness which never wavered from the path of duty at any sacrifice or ease or pleasure, & so long too has the will of God been the guiding star of his actions. . .”
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The right way for a Christian to live
The right way for a Christian to live is to do what his Master bids him, leaving all consequences to the Almighty. If I am willing to do what God tells me, as he tells me, when he tells me, and because he tells me, I shall not turn back in the day of battle. - C. H. Spurgeon
Monday, August 16, 2010
Day by Day the Manna Fell
Day by day the manna fell;
Oh to learn this lesson well!
Still by constant mercy fed,
Give us, Lord, our daily bread.
“Day by day,” the promise reads,
Daily strength for daily needs;
Cast foreboding fear away,
Take the manna of today.
Thou our daily task shalt give:
Day by day to Thee well live:
So shall added years fulfill--
Not our own, our Father’s will.
-- Josiah Conder
Oh to learn this lesson well!
Still by constant mercy fed,
Give us, Lord, our daily bread.
“Day by day,” the promise reads,
Daily strength for daily needs;
Cast foreboding fear away,
Take the manna of today.
Thou our daily task shalt give:
Day by day to Thee well live:
So shall added years fulfill--
Not our own, our Father’s will.
-- Josiah Conder
Saturday, August 14, 2010
All Things Decreed
There’s not a sparrow nor a worm
But’s found in God’s decrees;
He raises monarchs to their thrones,
And sinks them if he please.
If light attend the course I run,
’Tis he provides those rays;
And ’tis his hand that hides my sun,
If darkness cloud my days.
When he reveals the Book of Life,
O may I read my name
Among the chosen of his love,
The followers of the Lamb!
- Isaac Watts
But’s found in God’s decrees;
He raises monarchs to their thrones,
And sinks them if he please.
If light attend the course I run,
’Tis he provides those rays;
And ’tis his hand that hides my sun,
If darkness cloud my days.
When he reveals the Book of Life,
O may I read my name
Among the chosen of his love,
The followers of the Lamb!
- Isaac Watts
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Braided wool rug
She seeketh wool. . .and worketh willingly with her hands. Proverbs 31:13
A braided scrap wool rug I finally finished.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Up-Hill
Does the road wind up-hill all the way?
Yes, to the very end.
Will the day’s journey take the whole long day?
From morn to night, my friend.
But is there for the night a resting-place?
A roof for when the slow dark hours begin.
May not the darkness hid it from my face?
You cannot miss that inn.
Shall I meet other wayfareres at night?
Those who have gone before.
Then must I knock, or call when just in sight?
They will not keep you standing at that door.
Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak?
Of labour you shall find the sum.
Will there be beds for me and all who seek?
Yea, beds for all who come.
- Christiana Georgina Rossetti
Yes, to the very end.
Will the day’s journey take the whole long day?
From morn to night, my friend.
But is there for the night a resting-place?
A roof for when the slow dark hours begin.
May not the darkness hid it from my face?
You cannot miss that inn.
Shall I meet other wayfareres at night?
Those who have gone before.
Then must I knock, or call when just in sight?
They will not keep you standing at that door.
Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak?
Of labour you shall find the sum.
Will there be beds for me and all who seek?
Yea, beds for all who come.
- Christiana Georgina Rossetti
Monday, August 2, 2010
I am still sadly deficient in practice!
Alas! Though I know in theory what a Christian should be—I am still sadly deficient in practice! I am a poor creature, and see much to be ashamed of every day, and in every circumstance. Yet, though sin will distress—it cannot condemn, those who believe in Jesus! "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus!" Romans 8:1 Letters of John Newton
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Walking Bibles
Determine to practice whatever you read. Christians should be walking Bibles, living the truths written. The Word is not only a guide to knowledge, but a guide to obedience. A holy reading of God’s Word, results in our fleeing from sins, and practicing the duties commanded. - Thomas Watson
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
O Thou Who Dry’st The Mourner’s Tear!
Oh, Thou, who dry'st the mourner's tear,
How dark this world would be,
If, when deceived and wounded here,
We could not fly to Thee!
The friends, who in our sunshine live,
When winter comes, are flown;
And he who has but tears to give,
Must weep those tears alone.
But Thou wilt heal that broken heart,
Which, like the plants that throw
Their fragrance from the wounded part,
Breathes sweetness out of woe.
When joy no longer soothes or cheers,
And e'en the hope that threw
A moment's sparkle o'er our tears
Is dimmed and vanished, too,
Oh, who would bear life's stormy doom,
Did not Thy wing of Love
Come, brightly wafting through the gloom
Our Peace-branch from above?
Then sorrow, touched by Thee, grows bright
With more than rapture's ray
As darkness shows us worlds of light
We never saw by day.
--Thomas Moore
How dark this world would be,
If, when deceived and wounded here,
We could not fly to Thee!
The friends, who in our sunshine live,
When winter comes, are flown;
And he who has but tears to give,
Must weep those tears alone.
But Thou wilt heal that broken heart,
Which, like the plants that throw
Their fragrance from the wounded part,
Breathes sweetness out of woe.
When joy no longer soothes or cheers,
And e'en the hope that threw
A moment's sparkle o'er our tears
Is dimmed and vanished, too,
Oh, who would bear life's stormy doom,
Did not Thy wing of Love
Come, brightly wafting through the gloom
Our Peace-branch from above?
Then sorrow, touched by Thee, grows bright
With more than rapture's ray
As darkness shows us worlds of light
We never saw by day.
--Thomas Moore
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Whatever Is - Is Best
I know, as my life grows older,
And mine eyes have clearer sight,
That under each rank wrong somewhere
There lies the root of Right;
That each sorrow has its purpose,
By the sorrowing oft unguessed;
But as sure as the sun brings morning,
Whatever is - is best.
I know that each sinful action,
As sure as the night brings shade,
Is somewhere, sometime punished,
Tho’ the hour be long delayed.
I know that the soul is aided
Sometimes by the heart’s unrest,
And to grow means often to suffer-
But whatever is - is best.
I know there are no errors,
In the great Eternal plan,
And all things work together
For the final good of man.
And I know when my soul speeds onward,
In its grand Eternal quest,
I shall say as I look back earthward,
Whatever is - is best.
- Ella wheeler Wilcox
And mine eyes have clearer sight,
That under each rank wrong somewhere
There lies the root of Right;
That each sorrow has its purpose,
By the sorrowing oft unguessed;
But as sure as the sun brings morning,
Whatever is - is best.
I know that each sinful action,
As sure as the night brings shade,
Is somewhere, sometime punished,
Tho’ the hour be long delayed.
I know that the soul is aided
Sometimes by the heart’s unrest,
And to grow means often to suffer-
But whatever is - is best.
I know there are no errors,
In the great Eternal plan,
And all things work together
For the final good of man.
And I know when my soul speeds onward,
In its grand Eternal quest,
I shall say as I look back earthward,
Whatever is - is best.
- Ella wheeler Wilcox
Monday, July 12, 2010
Life’s Scars
They say the world is round, and yet
I often think its square,
So many little hurts we get
From corners here and there.
But one great truth in life I’ve found,
While journeying to the West-
The only folks who really wound
Are those we love the best.
The man you thoroughly despise
Can rouse your wrath, ‘tis true;
Annoyance in your heart will rise
At things mere strangers do;
But those are only passing ills;
This rule all lives will prove;
The rankling wound which aches and thrills
Is dealt by hands we love.
The choicest garb, the sweetest grace,
Are oft to strangers shown;
The careless mien, the frowning face,
Are given to our own.
We flatter those we scarcely know,
We please the fleeting guest,
And deal full many a thoughtless blow
To those who love us best.
Love does not grow on every tree,
Nor true hearts yearly bloom.
Alas for those who only see
This cut across a tomb!
But, soon or late, the fact grows plain
To all through sorrow’s test:
The only folks who give us pain
Are those we love the best.
- Ella Wheeler Wilcox
I often think its square,
So many little hurts we get
From corners here and there.
But one great truth in life I’ve found,
While journeying to the West-
The only folks who really wound
Are those we love the best.
The man you thoroughly despise
Can rouse your wrath, ‘tis true;
Annoyance in your heart will rise
At things mere strangers do;
But those are only passing ills;
This rule all lives will prove;
The rankling wound which aches and thrills
Is dealt by hands we love.
The choicest garb, the sweetest grace,
Are oft to strangers shown;
The careless mien, the frowning face,
Are given to our own.
We flatter those we scarcely know,
We please the fleeting guest,
And deal full many a thoughtless blow
To those who love us best.
Love does not grow on every tree,
Nor true hearts yearly bloom.
Alas for those who only see
This cut across a tomb!
But, soon or late, the fact grows plain
To all through sorrow’s test:
The only folks who give us pain
Are those we love the best.
- Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Friday, July 9, 2010
He takes away our props
Oh, what a mercy to have a throne of grace, and a tender, compassionate, loving Christ to go to at all times, and under all circumstances! A genuine welcome; no frown to fear; no distant look. Oh that we all might live upon Him, moment by moment! For this reason He takes away our props, that we might lean fully upon Himself. - Mary Winslow
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Clothing bag
Friday, July 2, 2010
An amazing and humbling difference
“There is an amazing and humbling difference between the conviction we have of the beauty and excellence of Divine truths--and our actual experience of their power ruling in our hearts. We are poor inconsistent creatures, and find we can do nothing as we ought--but only as we are enabled by God's grace.”- John Newton’s letters
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Going Back
Verse: 1
Whatever happened to “death do us part,”
does the home reflect the heart?
Parents faces tell of worried minds,
while children search, but can’t seem to find,
it’s time we took a closer look,
get back to living by the holy book,
no compromise without getting slack,
you see, we will go forward if we’ll just go back.
Chorus:
We’ve got to go back to living true,
we’re going back to the absolute,
back to where the church stands strong,
back to where there is right, there is a wrong,
back to where it’s black or white,
you see the difference is like day and night,
we’re going back to things above,
we’re going back to our first love.
Verse: 2
We’ll know the tree by the fruit we see,
serving God has no in between,
we’re either cold or we’re hot,
he said lukewarm will have no part,
it’s coming down to the end of time,
there’s no time for playing around,
we’re going back to lost or found,
we’re going back to stand our ground.
Verse: 3
Then we’ll rise like a sleeping giant,
standing tall on God’s strength and might,
the power we’ve claimed for so long,
you see, it’s returning, we’re being made strong,
we’re not looking to the right or the left,
our eyes are spirit led,
we’re going back to truthful thoughts,
church we’ve got to go back to Calvary’s cross.
Whatever happened to “death do us part,”
does the home reflect the heart?
Parents faces tell of worried minds,
while children search, but can’t seem to find,
it’s time we took a closer look,
get back to living by the holy book,
no compromise without getting slack,
you see, we will go forward if we’ll just go back.
Chorus:
We’ve got to go back to living true,
we’re going back to the absolute,
back to where the church stands strong,
back to where there is right, there is a wrong,
back to where it’s black or white,
you see the difference is like day and night,
we’re going back to things above,
we’re going back to our first love.
Verse: 2
We’ll know the tree by the fruit we see,
serving God has no in between,
we’re either cold or we’re hot,
he said lukewarm will have no part,
it’s coming down to the end of time,
there’s no time for playing around,
we’re going back to lost or found,
we’re going back to stand our ground.
Verse: 3
Then we’ll rise like a sleeping giant,
standing tall on God’s strength and might,
the power we’ve claimed for so long,
you see, it’s returning, we’re being made strong,
we’re not looking to the right or the left,
our eyes are spirit led,
we’re going back to truthful thoughts,
church we’ve got to go back to Calvary’s cross.
Monday, June 21, 2010
I asked the Lord
I asked the Lord that I might grow,
In faith and love and every grace,
Might more of His salvation know,
And seek more earnestly His face.
It was He who taught me thus to pray,
And He I trust has answered prayer.
But it has been in such a way,
As almost drove me to despair.
I hoped that in some favored hour,
At once He'd answer my request.
And by His love's constraining power,
Subdue my sins and give me rest.
Instead of this, He made me feel,
The hidden evils of my heart.
And let the angry powers of hell,
Assault my soul in every part.
Yes, more with His own hand, He seemed,
Intent to aggravate my woe.
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.
"Lord, why is this?" I trembling cried.
“Will You pursue Your worm to death?"
"This is the way" the Lord replied,
"I answer prayer for grace and strength."
"These inward trials I employ,
From self, and pride, to set you free;
And break your schemes of earthly joy,
That you may find thy all in Me."
—John Newton
In faith and love and every grace,
Might more of His salvation know,
And seek more earnestly His face.
It was He who taught me thus to pray,
And He I trust has answered prayer.
But it has been in such a way,
As almost drove me to despair.
I hoped that in some favored hour,
At once He'd answer my request.
And by His love's constraining power,
Subdue my sins and give me rest.
Instead of this, He made me feel,
The hidden evils of my heart.
And let the angry powers of hell,
Assault my soul in every part.
Yes, more with His own hand, He seemed,
Intent to aggravate my woe.
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.
"Lord, why is this?" I trembling cried.
“Will You pursue Your worm to death?"
"This is the way" the Lord replied,
"I answer prayer for grace and strength."
"These inward trials I employ,
From self, and pride, to set you free;
And break your schemes of earthly joy,
That you may find thy all in Me."
—John Newton
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
A Summer Secret by Kathleen Fuller - Book Review
A Summer Secret is written for youth probably in the twelve to fifteen year-old ages. The setting is in Middlefield, Ohio, an Amish community. The main character is thirteen year-old Mary Beth along with her twin brother Johnny.
The story begins with Mary Beth seeking peace, quite and solitude from her three aggravating brothers in an old dilapidated barn. One her parents had warned her to stay away from. This first act of disobedience would start a trail of further disobedience, secrets, and lying throughout the book as one lie lead to another.
She and her brother discover an un-happy orphan whom they endeavor to help. Only they go about trying to do right, in a wrong way. Near the end, their hidden ways and un-trust-worthiness is found out. Like most story books, things are smoothed out and it has a happy ending.
If stars could be halved, I’d rate this book at about two and a half stars. It is basically a clean book, no swearing and such. Since it is designed for youth, it is free from a lot of the things which permeate books for older young people. Yet it is weak in a good moral point to inspire youth to higher living.
This book was a complementary copy from the Thomas Nelson to read and review. There was no obligation to give a favorable book review.
The story begins with Mary Beth seeking peace, quite and solitude from her three aggravating brothers in an old dilapidated barn. One her parents had warned her to stay away from. This first act of disobedience would start a trail of further disobedience, secrets, and lying throughout the book as one lie lead to another.
She and her brother discover an un-happy orphan whom they endeavor to help. Only they go about trying to do right, in a wrong way. Near the end, their hidden ways and un-trust-worthiness is found out. Like most story books, things are smoothed out and it has a happy ending.
If stars could be halved, I’d rate this book at about two and a half stars. It is basically a clean book, no swearing and such. Since it is designed for youth, it is free from a lot of the things which permeate books for older young people. Yet it is weak in a good moral point to inspire youth to higher living.
This book was a complementary copy from the Thomas Nelson to read and review. There was no obligation to give a favorable book review.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
God’s will about the Future
"Men and women don’t know what a day may bring forth, but Jehovah knows the end from the beginning. There are two great certainties about things that will come to pass -- one is that God knows, and the other is that we do not know." - C. H. Spurgeon God’s will about the Future
“So for tomorrow and its need
I do not pray,
But keep me, guide me, hold me, Lord,
Just for today.”
“So for tomorrow and its need
I do not pray,
But keep me, guide me, hold me, Lord,
Just for today.”
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Spring blouse
Many years ago (that makes me sound ancient), one of my friends and I made matching skirts. Some of the cloth has been left all this time. Recently, I took it out and decided to make a blouse out of it to go with the skirt. It was just enough to make the blouse, just enough including having to cut the collar out twice because *someone* cut it out wrong the first time. You’d think anyone who has sewn for ten years would know when a pattern piece says, “place on fold,” you have to place that end on the fold, not the opposite end. Of course, I’m sure that *someone* did know, so I don’t know why it was not done right the first time, but I was not in the least surprised. Anyway, it turned out all right, with no extra cloth to spare. It was the same blouse pattern as this one, only I did not do the gathered sleeves.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Worth While
It is easy enough to be pleasant,
When life flows by like a song,
But the man worth while is one who will smile,
When everything goes dead wrong.
For the test of the heart is trouble,
And it always comes with the years,
And the smile that is worth the praises of earth
Is the smile that shines through tears.
*
It is easy enough to be prudent,
When nothing tempts you to stray,
When without or within no voice of sin
Is luring your soul away;
But it’s only a negative virtue
Until it is tried by fire,
And the life that is worth the honor on earth
Is the one that resists desire.
*
By the cynic, the sad, the fallen,
Who had no strength for the strife,
The world’s highway is cumbered to-day;
They make up the sum of life.
But the virtue that conquers passion,
And the sorrow that hides in a smile,
It is these that are worth the homage on earth
For we find them but once in a while.
*
- Ella Wheeler Wilcox
When life flows by like a song,
But the man worth while is one who will smile,
When everything goes dead wrong.
For the test of the heart is trouble,
And it always comes with the years,
And the smile that is worth the praises of earth
Is the smile that shines through tears.
*
It is easy enough to be prudent,
When nothing tempts you to stray,
When without or within no voice of sin
Is luring your soul away;
But it’s only a negative virtue
Until it is tried by fire,
And the life that is worth the honor on earth
Is the one that resists desire.
*
By the cynic, the sad, the fallen,
Who had no strength for the strife,
The world’s highway is cumbered to-day;
They make up the sum of life.
But the virtue that conquers passion,
And the sorrow that hides in a smile,
It is these that are worth the homage on earth
For we find them but once in a while.
*
- Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Book Review
I have joined Book Sneeze a site which sends you free books to review in exchange for a book review posted on your blog and consumer website. The following book was a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson to read and review.
Essentials for Life: Your Back-to-Basics Guide to What Matters Most by Marcia Ford
The first and biggest disappointment of this book was the heavy use of many different “versions of the Bible.” Of the seven different versions, hardly any, if even one, were KJV. Throughout the whole book these slaughtered translations were so different it was hard to tell if it was just a quote or something supposed to be from the Bible without looking at the reference.
Other than that, at first the book seemed too basic. For someone used to deep reading, the book can appear shallow. Further progressing in the book it became a bit more interesting. It gave some good simple reminders of basic principles. There are fifty short topics in the book and some are more interesting than others. Overall it would not make it on my list of great books to read, but if it happened to fall into your hands, something can be gleaned from it.
The book is laid out with side note of interests, “scripture verses,” and quotes. I generally greatly like quotes though the ones in this book were not amongst the best. There were a couple of gems worth finding though.
Essentials for Life: Your Back-to-Basics Guide to What Matters Most by Marcia Ford
The first and biggest disappointment of this book was the heavy use of many different “versions of the Bible.” Of the seven different versions, hardly any, if even one, were KJV. Throughout the whole book these slaughtered translations were so different it was hard to tell if it was just a quote or something supposed to be from the Bible without looking at the reference.
Other than that, at first the book seemed too basic. For someone used to deep reading, the book can appear shallow. Further progressing in the book it became a bit more interesting. It gave some good simple reminders of basic principles. There are fifty short topics in the book and some are more interesting than others. Overall it would not make it on my list of great books to read, but if it happened to fall into your hands, something can be gleaned from it.
The book is laid out with side note of interests, “scripture verses,” and quotes. I generally greatly like quotes though the ones in this book were not amongst the best. There were a couple of gems worth finding though.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
If We Knew
If we knew the woe and heartache
Waiting for us down the road,
If our lips could taste the wormwood,
If our backs could feel the load,
Would we waste the day in wishing
For a time that ne’er can be?
Would we wait in such impatience
For our ships to come from sea?
If we knew the baby fingers
Pressed against the windowpane
Would be cold and stiff tomorrow-
Never trouble us again-
Would the bright eyes of our darling
Catch the frown upon our brow?
Would the print of rosy fingers
Vex us then as they do now?
Ah! These little ice-cold fingers-
How they point our memories back
To the hasty words and actions
Strewn along our backwards track!
How these little hands remind us,
As in snowy grace they lie,
Not to scatter thorns-but roses-
For our reaping by and by.
Strange we never prize the music
Till the sweet-voiced bird has flown;
Strange that we should slight the violets
Till the lovely flowers are gone;
Strange that summer skies and sunshine
Never seem one half so fair
As when winter’s snowy pinions
Shake their white down in the air!
Lips from which the seal of silence
None but God can roll away,
Never blossomed in such beauty
As adorns the mouth today;
And sweet words that freight our memory
With their beautiful perfume,
Come to us in sweeter accents
Through the portals of the tomb.
Let us gather up the sunbeams
Lying all around our path;
Let us keep the wheat and roses,
Casting out the thorns and chaff;
Let us find our sweetest comfort
In the blessings of today,
With a patient hand removing
All the briars from the way.
- May Riley Smith
Waiting for us down the road,
If our lips could taste the wormwood,
If our backs could feel the load,
Would we waste the day in wishing
For a time that ne’er can be?
Would we wait in such impatience
For our ships to come from sea?
If we knew the baby fingers
Pressed against the windowpane
Would be cold and stiff tomorrow-
Never trouble us again-
Would the bright eyes of our darling
Catch the frown upon our brow?
Would the print of rosy fingers
Vex us then as they do now?
Ah! These little ice-cold fingers-
How they point our memories back
To the hasty words and actions
Strewn along our backwards track!
How these little hands remind us,
As in snowy grace they lie,
Not to scatter thorns-but roses-
For our reaping by and by.
Strange we never prize the music
Till the sweet-voiced bird has flown;
Strange that we should slight the violets
Till the lovely flowers are gone;
Strange that summer skies and sunshine
Never seem one half so fair
As when winter’s snowy pinions
Shake their white down in the air!
Lips from which the seal of silence
None but God can roll away,
Never blossomed in such beauty
As adorns the mouth today;
And sweet words that freight our memory
With their beautiful perfume,
Come to us in sweeter accents
Through the portals of the tomb.
Let us gather up the sunbeams
Lying all around our path;
Let us keep the wheat and roses,
Casting out the thorns and chaff;
Let us find our sweetest comfort
In the blessings of today,
With a patient hand removing
All the briars from the way.
- May Riley Smith
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Rest, in Meekness
"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”--Matthew 11:28-30.
“. . . If I actively labor for Christ I can only find rest in the labor by possessing the meek spirit of my Lord; for if I go forth to labor for Christ without a meek spirit, I shall very soon find that there is no rest in it, for the yoke will gall my shoulder. Somebody will begin objecting that I do not perform my work according to his liking. If I am not meek I shall find my proud spirit rising at once, and shall be for defending myself; I shall be irritated, or I shall be discouraged and inclined to do no more, because I am not appreciated as I should be. A meek spirit is not apt to be angry, and does not soon take offence, therefore if others find fault, the meek spirit goes working on, and is not offended; it will not hear the sharp word, nor reply to the severe criticism. If the meek spirit be grieved by some cutting censure and suffers for a moment, it is always ready to forgive and blot out the past, and go on again. The meek spirit in working only seeks to do good to others; it denies itself; it never expected to be well treated; it did not aim at being honored; it never sought itself, but purposed only to do good to others. The meek spirit bowed its shoulder to the yoke, and expected to have to continue bowing in order to keep the yoke in the right place for labor. It did not look to be exalted by yoke-bearing; it is fully contented if it can exalt Christ and do good to his chosen ones. . . .Your labor will become very easy if your spirits are very meek. It is the proud spirit that gets tired of doing good if it finds its labors not appreciated; but the brave, meek spirit, finds the yoke to be easy. . .”
Rest, Rest by C. H. Spurgeon
“. . . If I actively labor for Christ I can only find rest in the labor by possessing the meek spirit of my Lord; for if I go forth to labor for Christ without a meek spirit, I shall very soon find that there is no rest in it, for the yoke will gall my shoulder. Somebody will begin objecting that I do not perform my work according to his liking. If I am not meek I shall find my proud spirit rising at once, and shall be for defending myself; I shall be irritated, or I shall be discouraged and inclined to do no more, because I am not appreciated as I should be. A meek spirit is not apt to be angry, and does not soon take offence, therefore if others find fault, the meek spirit goes working on, and is not offended; it will not hear the sharp word, nor reply to the severe criticism. If the meek spirit be grieved by some cutting censure and suffers for a moment, it is always ready to forgive and blot out the past, and go on again. The meek spirit in working only seeks to do good to others; it denies itself; it never expected to be well treated; it did not aim at being honored; it never sought itself, but purposed only to do good to others. The meek spirit bowed its shoulder to the yoke, and expected to have to continue bowing in order to keep the yoke in the right place for labor. It did not look to be exalted by yoke-bearing; it is fully contented if it can exalt Christ and do good to his chosen ones. . . .Your labor will become very easy if your spirits are very meek. It is the proud spirit that gets tired of doing good if it finds its labors not appreciated; but the brave, meek spirit, finds the yoke to be easy. . .”
Rest, Rest by C. H. Spurgeon
Thursday, May 13, 2010
A Psalm of Life
*
Tell me not, in mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream!
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.
*
Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
“Dust thou art, to dust returnest,”
Was not spoken of the soul.
*
Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way,
But to act, that each to-morrow
Find us farther than to-day.
*
Art is long, and Time is fleeting;
And our hearts, though stout and brave,
Still, like muffled drums, are beating
Funeral marches to the grave.
*
In the world’s broad field of battle,
In the bivouac of Life,
Be not like dumb, driven cattle;
Be a hero in the strife!
*
Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant;
Let the dead Past bury its dead;
Act, act in the living Present,
Heart within and God o’erhead!
*
Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time;
*
Footprints that perhaps another,
Sailing o’er life’s solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.
*
Let us, then, be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.
*
- H. W. Longfellow
Tell me not, in mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream!
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.
*
Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
“Dust thou art, to dust returnest,”
Was not spoken of the soul.
*
Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way,
But to act, that each to-morrow
Find us farther than to-day.
*
Art is long, and Time is fleeting;
And our hearts, though stout and brave,
Still, like muffled drums, are beating
Funeral marches to the grave.
*
In the world’s broad field of battle,
In the bivouac of Life,
Be not like dumb, driven cattle;
Be a hero in the strife!
*
Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant;
Let the dead Past bury its dead;
Act, act in the living Present,
Heart within and God o’erhead!
*
Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time;
*
Footprints that perhaps another,
Sailing o’er life’s solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.
*
Let us, then, be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.
*
- H. W. Longfellow
Monday, May 10, 2010
Sausage Swirls
I found this recipe from the Tomato Soup Cake blog. It is fun and easy to make and best of all, freezes well. I like to freeze the whole roll slightly, then cut them into slices and tray freeze. That way, I can take out just the number needed on any given morning when there is not much time for cooking. The key to this being good, is good sausage. Make it with sausage that is not good and they will be awful; make it with sausage that is good, and they will be good. . . Don’t ask me how I know.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Hymn of Trust
*
O Love Divine, that stooped to share
Our sharpest pang, our bitterest tear,
On Thee we cast each earth-born care,
We smile at pain while Thou art near.
*
Though long the weary way we tread
And sorrow crown each lingering year,
No path we shun, no darkness dread,
Our hearts still whispering Thou art near.
*
When drooping pleasure turns to grief
And trembling faith is changed to fear,
The murmuring wind, the quivering leaf
Shall softly tell us Thou art near.
*
On Thee we fling our burdening woe,
O Love Divine, forever dear,
Content to suffer while we know,
Living and dying, Thou art near.
*
- Oliver W. Holmes
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him. Job 13:15a
O Love Divine, that stooped to share
Our sharpest pang, our bitterest tear,
On Thee we cast each earth-born care,
We smile at pain while Thou art near.
*
Though long the weary way we tread
And sorrow crown each lingering year,
No path we shun, no darkness dread,
Our hearts still whispering Thou art near.
*
When drooping pleasure turns to grief
And trembling faith is changed to fear,
The murmuring wind, the quivering leaf
Shall softly tell us Thou art near.
*
On Thee we fling our burdening woe,
O Love Divine, forever dear,
Content to suffer while we know,
Living and dying, Thou art near.
*
- Oliver W. Holmes
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him. Job 13:15a
Friday, April 23, 2010
When your Cheap Divorce is Granted
*
(From a Child in the Eastern States to her mother, temporarily absent from Home on a supposed visit to relative in the West.)
*
When your cheap divorce is granted,
Mother, and you leave the West,
Shall I stay with you or father?
Tell me, mother, which the best?
He'll be much surprised, I fear me,
When he knows what you have filed,
And, unless you hover near me,
He'll appropriate your child.
*
Mother, if the move was needful;
If the income you and he
Shared so long, at last has bred an
Incompatibility;
If you'll be his wife no longer,
When returning from the West,
Which am I to love the stronger?
Tell me, mother, which the best?
*
- Robert Henry Newell (1836-1901)
Monday, April 19, 2010
Covered kitchen stools
My mother has been wanting some kitchen stools for many years. I have long thought of painting or stenciling some for her and at long last got around to it recently. I was going to paint the legs white, but the raw wood matched so well with the kitchen wood that I ended up just putting a sealer on them. Instead of stenciling the tops, I covered them with the same fabric I used on the kitchen chairs. They are just simply done with a circle of batting and the cloth gathered around the top. There is no doubt a more professional way to do them, but me being me; . . .they are as they are.Monday, April 5, 2010
Love
To feel pride in your heart when you stand up and sing, that's not love.
To feel sad inside when the mourning bells ring, that's not love.
To enjoy your time when new places adorn, that's not love.
To feel fuzzy within when new life is born, that's not love.
To look in the eyes of someone adore, that's not love.
To feel the feeling you ne'er felt before, that's not love.
That's not love.
To free someone else and you pay the cost, that's love.
To show someone the way when you end up lost, that's love.
To give of yourself when it causes you pain, that's love.
To forgive someone else when they might do it again, that's love.
To give till it hurts, and then keep giving, too, that's love.
To give your own life to save one who hates you, that's love.
That's love.
© Daniel Lorimer - Used with permission.
To feel sad inside when the mourning bells ring, that's not love.
To enjoy your time when new places adorn, that's not love.
To feel fuzzy within when new life is born, that's not love.
To look in the eyes of someone adore, that's not love.
To feel the feeling you ne'er felt before, that's not love.
That's not love.
To free someone else and you pay the cost, that's love.
To show someone the way when you end up lost, that's love.
To give of yourself when it causes you pain, that's love.
To forgive someone else when they might do it again, that's love.
To give till it hurts, and then keep giving, too, that's love.
To give your own life to save one who hates you, that's love.
That's love.
© Daniel Lorimer - Used with permission.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Can anyone help me find “The First harsh Word”?
There used to be an excellent short article on Titus 2 Ministry entitled "The First Harsh Word." The article emphasized never saying the first harsh word in a marriage and how this would keep from a divorce. Titus 2 Ministry website was recently taken off the web and I know of no way of finding this article. If anyone has it and could send it to me, or could tell me the author and how to find it, I would be so very grateful.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The difference between "true love" and the "near-stuff"
"The difference between true love and the near-stuff is that true love goes out and gets a job when she finds that she has taken her husband for worse, while the near-article hustles to the divoce court." - Edgar A. Guest
Though I'm not in favor of any lady working a regular public job if she can avoid it, Mr. Guest has a thoughtful point. If a husband cannot work due to an accident, or if he refuses to work from laziness, a wife who possesses true love, Bible love, will do whatever is necessary without divorcing him. Being careful what work she did would be important since it is often the public work places where a woman meets someone to casue her to hustle to the divorce court. "True love" never fails; it is for better, for worse, forever.
Update 7/7/11 Linking to A Wise Woman Builds Her Home
Though I'm not in favor of any lady working a regular public job if she can avoid it, Mr. Guest has a thoughtful point. If a husband cannot work due to an accident, or if he refuses to work from laziness, a wife who possesses true love, Bible love, will do whatever is necessary without divorcing him. Being careful what work she did would be important since it is often the public work places where a woman meets someone to casue her to hustle to the divorce court. "True love" never fails; it is for better, for worse, forever.
Update 7/7/11 Linking to A Wise Woman Builds Her Home
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
True - - -
The shoemaker sticks to his last and he's right;
By divorce, though, we wouldn't be cursed,
If everyone else in this great world of ours
Would be willing to stick to his first.
*
----Edgar A. Guest
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Yet all is well since ruled by Thee.
"O let my trembling soul be still,
And wait Thy wise, Thy holy will!
I cannot Lord, Thy purpose see,
Yet all is well since ruled by Thee."
Monday, January 18, 2010
Rose embroidered hot-pad
I finished this embroidered hot-pad a month or so ago, but could not post it until now since was a gift for a friend. It was a scrap-bag project. I do not know what kind of cloth the back is, possibly a crape or rayon. I chose it because it was blue with small white roses and my friend likes roses and blue. The rose on the front is hand embroidered. Left over quilt batting is in the middle and it was machine quilted.
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