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) |
Granddaddy took the butt of a gun upon his forehead bare, and somehow lived to tell the tale, a metal disc placed there. Suspicious of a covered bridge, Pap slipped down 'neath his horse. The swishing of machetes affirmed he chose the sanest course. Pap rode up San Juan Hill, he said with Teddy in the lead. They won the victory that day. He lived to tell the deed. So many years ago he lived. I never got to meet my granddaddy of told exploits, to sit down at his feet. I just have Dad's accounts to tell. No facts can I confirm. His dates of life are close I know, like one great river's berm. Granddaddy died some twenty years before I came to Earth. I have just pictures and Dad's words, recalling his great worth. Whatever way he served and fought is truly good by me. He was a stone in that great wall we call Sweet Liberty. by Jay O’Toole on November 29th, 2024 Lines: 28 |
Thank You, Lord, for hopeful days, even though the year has brought us greatest wind displays, and tempted us with fear. Thank You, Lord, the family's home, and didn't take the trip, but heal my wife her sickness from, which gave her health the slip. Thank You, Lord, for Salvation's Hope, You gave because Your Son has come to live, die, live that "soap" would cleanse in Victory won. Thank You, Lord, for those, who came so many years ago. The pilgrim sailors sought no fame and hardships they did know. Thank You, Lord, they desired to live, where they could serve You best. 'Twas this new country You would give, protecting through each test. Thank You, Lord, for each new day, life, and joy, and liberty. All we do, and all we say are best when these are given to Thee. Thank You, Lord, for You are wise, and know what next to do. Your Kingdom's Day beyond our Whys. The Gift forever, You. by Jay O’Toole on November 28th, 2024 |
What a gift of thankfulness to share this lovely day! What a time of joyfulness with wondrous words to say! What a time of gathering with family, friends, and all! What a time to laugh and sing when those we love do call! What a time to start the days of Christmas season's bliss! What a time of light displays, and mealtimes blest like this! What a moment just to wait to see what God will teach! What a Light, that's never late! His Gentle Hand will reach. What a time for looking out to see those, who have needs! What a time for helps about the ones, who need our deeds! Someone may feel they're just less. They're losing health and friends. Some with seeing eyes may bless, with chicken soup attends. One may feel, that it's a day of long and lonely hours without a friend to talk and play in sadness rather dour. But when we lift a burdened heart, we drop our sadness, too. We bring some hope and newly start our life when we are through. by Jay O’Toole on November 27th, 2024 |
Some days when the body's need is rest to overcome some sickness or some other test, good sleeping is the sum. Desire to keep on going stops the time to better get. Productiveness, it always drops with body weakness debt. The rest will help us take the time to heal, and be our best, restoring us to living prime, now hopeful and so blest. The poetry may suffer some when minds are heavy, sick. It's rest we need, and when it comes we'll light creation's wick. by Jay O’Toole on November 26th, 2024 |
Through the night the lights are bright in colors of such hues, a wondrous sight of white so right as Santa makes the news. Warm the glow seen through the night in yellow, blue, and red. The colors of the rainbow bright as joyous words are said. Through the eve the glowing lights push back the darkness cloak. Decorations, blessed sights with Joy for all the folk. Sweetly bright the lights this night, I stop and ponder God. He's rightly white and veiled from sight. We praise Him and applaud. by Jay O’Toole on November 25th, 2024 |
A happy birthday to my wife. This year it's fifty-eight. She adds so much to my blest life. She is a gift, that's great. So many years of married days, and she's still quite the youth. Her artful hands in sweet displays show giftings of a truth. A month away from Christmas time, November 25, her day of birth in bliss sublime, my friend, who truly thrives. Need a painting? Hers to make. A bauble for the tree? A tree itself for hanging's sake through Christmas nights of glee. So, "Happy Birthday, My Wife Dear!" Your years are such a gift. These days of hope are free and clear. My heart you always lift. by Jay O’Toole on November 24th, 2024 |
The time between two holidays is a little over a month. Thanksgiving to the Joyous Day with lots of timely funth. This year it's less than four short weeks to party and to shop. That special gift, that needs our "seeks" requires some brisk, quick stops. The decorations should have been in place by All Saints Day, but now, if not when the turkey's seen when will the bliss display? Hobby Lobby's been my go-to for my Christmas these months six, but Spring's upon the shelves before the trip of Old Saint Nick. The Joys of Christmas starting now are over in a breath, like summer plants in frosty bow, before the English Heath. by Jay O’Toole on November 22nd, 2024 |
Lights dancing oft. Hearts are aloft. Christmas season begins bright. Nights need lighter moods. Season's calling card, lighting's hard, Dudes. by Jay O’Toole on November 21st, 2024 |
Christmas lights around the room, through the window, in the yard. Wondrous feelings all in bloom, hopefulness when times are hard. Christmas lights 'mid season's bliss, brighter through the darkest night. Keeping hope in ways, like this. Childlike joy at this great sight. Christmas lights, and more quite soon. Put them up, and night will glow. Happiness is its great boon. Peaceful times we'll often know. by Jay O’Toole on November 20th, 2024 |
grayish white and still variations float above day gently says, "'bye" by Jay O’Toole on November 19th, 2024 |