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) |
When the boat was tossing wild, Jesus took a nap. When the world shakes His own child, fear comes as a trap. Blessed Hope looks up above, past all worldly din. Face of Saving, Lordly Love, best of HIStory's men. Maelstrom 2024, not much left of peace. Holidays are at the door. Is there yet release? Storm the eyes, November grates. Our lives no anchors have. Mark the choice among the dates as Joy combats the grave. Blessed Hope, that Jesus soon will come to rest for aye the chosen ones, who know His boon in everlasting Day. A bird can nest in rocky crag. A whale retreats to the deep. A human can without a brag know The Savior's Arms, that keep. The storms of life are for a time. Rest not in circumstance, but in God's Word, His Truth sublime, determined, not by chance. by Jay O’Toole on September 20th, 2024 |
Sipping coffee in my nook, be it cold or hot, writing, reading in a book, troubles fast forgot. Gentle cup of cold brew now comforts from the heat. Thank The Lord in prayerful bow. This nook is my retreat. From my local coffee house did this cold brew hie. Wondrous gift from my dear spouse brought it tasteful nigh. Nook with coffee, blessed time when we moments spend. Gift of breathing in its prime with hopes to ever tend. End of summer colors fall with its whispered chill. Keep our evening cups so tall, peaceful nook my will. by Jay O’Toole on September 19th, 2024 |
"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" (I Corinthians 15:3-4, KJV) For I delivered unto you, that which I first received, how Christ has died for sin's own due when we were all deceived. He died for us as The Scriptures said. He was buried, then arose. 'Twas then again in The Word as read to save the ones he chose. "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:44, KJV) "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." (John 6:37, KJV) No man can come to me, but one drawn by The Father alone, and I will raise him up as son when the last day's sun is shone. The ones The Father gives to me shall come to me of truth, and I'll ne'er cast him out, you see. My Word's your needed proof. "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them." (Ezekiel 36:26-27, KJV) A new heart, also, I'll give you. A new spirit within, I'll take the stony heart of you, a fleshy heart is giv'n. I'll put my spirit within you, and cause you always walk in my blest statutes through and through, my judgments do and keep. "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13, KJV) For it is God, which works within you both to will and do of His good pleasure, free from sin, forever by Him new. by Jay O’Toole on September 18th, 2024 |
Sometimes they feel so far away, the restful times I need, but maybe it's just how today my body feels each deed. Life's restful moments in a chair as writing this day's thoughts. Life's hopeful times, some here and there need honor God as taught. Just stop and listen to the sounds of Nature made by God, and thank Him for the peace I've found. His goodness I applaud. The days of life are fewer now, the strength of body, less, but when before The Lord I bow, His Mercy I will bless. (Philippians 2:5-11, KJV) Life's restful moments share some tea with times within His Word. The times He gives are wondrous free for He Alone is Lord. by Jay O’Toole on September 17th, 2024 |
What is the word, that God hath sent to bring our hope to light? He is the Christ from Heaven lent to change to day our night. He lived for us the perfect life, that we could never live. He bore our sorrows and our strife, Salvation to us give. Christ died upon the cross one day, was buried, then arose, insuring, that the words He'd say, fulfilled the Choice he Chose. The Gospel is the best Good News. He died, was buried, 'rose. His life was perfect past reviews. Th'Elect are ones He knows. He is the Substitute we need. We cannot save ourselves. The Good News in His Word we read. It's no longer stored on shelves. by Jay O’Toole on September 16th, 2024 |
Jade is twenty-one, you see, time to drink or not. Happy now to be so free when drinking, there’s “forgot.” Jade is twenty-one, what else? The big Adult adult. No one can look down on her age. In this, we will exult. This Jade is twenty-one fore’er, until she’s twenty two, but age we quickly over there, until The Lord says, “Through.” Jade is twenty-one, of truth? My baby, yesterday. This growing lady from her youth doth love to sing and play! Jade is twenty-one, I know. I’m older it doth seem. I’m proud of she, whose beauty grows. She’s in my eyes the gleam. Jade is twenty-one, today, that little child no more, but as she grows to Christ obey, “I’m joyful in His store.” Jade is twenty-one, I’m glad. We are truly blest. When she steps out, I’ll be sad, but glad I did invest. by Jay O’Toole on September 13th, 2024 |
Turning twenty-one, you see, time to drink or not. Happy now to be so free when drinking, there’s “forgot.” Turning twenty-one, what else? The big Adult adult. No one can look down on this age, and here we will exult. This person's twenty-one fore’er, until they're twenty two, but age we quickly over there, until The Lord says, “Through.” Turning twenty-one, of truth? My baby, yesterday. This growing wonder from their youth doth love to sing and play! Turning twenty-one, I know. I’m older it doth seem. I’m proud of thee, whose beauty grows. Thus in my eyes the gleam. Turning twenty-one, today, that little child no more, but as you grow do Christ obey, “I’m joyful in His store.” Turning twenty-one, I’m glad. We are truly blest. When you step out, I’ll be sad, but glad I did invest. by Jay O’Toole on September 12th, 2024 |
Dainty threads upon the cloth. Trace a coffee cup or tea. Make a butterfly or moth. Give us something sweet to see. Dainty threads, embroidered gift to give to youth, who marry soon. Hopeful colors, hearts to lift 'fore they leave for the honeymoon. Dainty threads of needlepoint to leave the gift of part of me. Newest home to aye anoint, evermore in union be. Dainty threads a peaceful craft to lighten the heart, and rest the mind. Some day soon all joy, that laughed will pat the back in friendship kind. by Jay O’Toole on September 11th, 2024 |
His Face is like the sun in space. His Heart is liquid Joy. His Justice burns up all disgrace. He's pure without alloy. (Psalm 91:1-4) The feathers of His covering wings enclose His little child. His Voice, a harp, that daily sings, His Hands, so wondrous mild. The rough-hewn cross upon His Back He wore to pay my debt. The monster cave no torturous lack could His Blest Rising let. (Romans 10:9-10; John 6:37,44) The ring of His Salvation's oath is worn forevermore upon the finger, each day's growth of the Bride His Call implored. Secured by stalwart giant reach, redeemed by saving hands, thus kept by He, Whose Voice doth teach His daily Master Plan. by Jay O’Toole on September 10th, 2024 |
All the lights in readiness, decorations wait, Christmas Day will come to bless those, who find it great. Some day when The Lord returns we will celebrate. Will we see a table, wick, that burns, Christ with lasting Mate? Will we Christmas ever know in that Heavenly land? Will the Joy in Christ e'er grow as from the first he planned? Christmas is my favorite time. Will it be fore'er? Will the lights and notes, that chime keep us children there? by Jay O’Toole on September 9th, 2024 |