Horse Sense

I love the public library and all that it offers.  Having worked in that most wonderful atmosphere, I have benefited from its wide variety of blessings.  Now, as a volunteer and patron, I enjoy browsing the stacks and discovering new offerings and, sometimes, old favorites. My selections are most often for my own reading pleasure, but I also have the privilege of introducing good books to children.  A number of years ago, I was facilitating a book club for young girls.  We were exploring the oldies but goodies...the classics.  It was while reading one of these that I found the quote below.

Now, something one must never, ever do is underline a word, a sentence or a passage in a library book.  That is where my little quote book comes in handy.  Every once in a while, on the page of a good piece of fiction, a bit of wisdom jumps out, resonates strongly and demands to be remembered long after the book is returned to the library.  Jotting it down in my quote book insures that it will not fade away and gives opportunity to share it with others.

Yesterday, while enjoying the company of a dear friend, our conversation turned to appreciation for the good folks God has put into our lives.  We voiced our gratitude for His hand of blessing and provision, for where He has led us and for the wonderful people He has placed on our paths....for our homes and families, for our churches, for kindred spirits.  We spoke of the unexpected pleasure found in those little conversations with a stranger in line at the grocery store, where God seems to open a door to speak a word of encouragement or comfort.  We reminded one another of how often we are blessed through the friendly faces, smiles and words of people we meet in ordinary places.   I was instantly reminded of the following quote, shared it with my friend, and knew it would be my next entry on this blog.

"It is good people that make good places."  ~      from Black Beauty, by Anna Sewell

More Rainy Day Thoughts

Another rainy day.  It has been one of those off and on again rains, more on than off.  A good day to stay home, dry and warm.  My thoughts have been on so many little things that bring comfort.  Warm chocolate cookies, comfy clothes, soft socks, a book to read, vanilla scented candles burning, the tea kettle always ready, a sleepy, lazy dog curled up close, a phone call from a friend.  It is one of those days where the luxury of having nothing urgent on the to-do list gives permission to just live in the day.

This is an atmosphere that encourages gratitude for these small pleasures....and memories.  The sound of rain falling on the camper roof.  Or better yet, drumming softly on the tent.  Storms that brought power failures, along with candlelight.  A trip to the Jersey shore, interrupted by a rainstorm, but punctuated with a gorgeous rainbow over the ocean. 

I think it is time for another cup of tea, accompanied by memories, raindrops, and comfort. 

"Small comforts help to soften large griefs." ~  unknown ~



Light Hearted!

There is something so very wonderful about a rainbow.  It is always a surprise and a delight.  After the rain, when the air seems to have that certain almost-glow, I usually dash outside to check.....maybe, just maybe there will be a rainbow.  Last evening there was.....and it was spectacular! 

The thrill of that rainbow is still on my mind.  It seems that sunlight is actually made up of different colors, but in the sunbeam we can only see white light.....until it hits the raindrops at a particular angle.  Then...we see its colors in the form of a rainbow.  Amazing! 

And as if the rainbow wasn't joy enough, there was a full moon last night!   The sky cleared after the rain and there was the moon, reflecting the glory of the sun. 

I pray that my life might be a reflection of God's mercy, grace, love and compassion.....just as the moon's shining only reflects the sun's light, may my life overflow with Sonlight.  May my heart, like the raindrops, catch the color of God's amazing promises and faithfulness.

The following quote, one of my favorites, is from a little book entitled "Diary of an Old Soul".  I've read it as a devotional and have found wonderful nuggets of truth within those pages.

"Lord, make my mirror-heart Thy shining place."   ~  George MacDonald

A Blessing in a Book

Every once in a while, I come across a work of fiction that becomes a source not only of reading pleasure, but of unforgettable characters and wonderful gems of wisdom and insight.  One such character is Father Tim, author Jan Karon's central figure in her "Mitford Years" series.  Father Tim is a lovable Episcopal pastor who is a wise, gentle, caring man.  The following quote is from "At Home in Mitford", the first book in the series.  If you haven't already become acquainted with these books, please do yourself a favor and add them to your summer reading.  I revisit Mitford every so often and am always glad to be turning the pages there.

"He had just come from the hospital, where he had put his arms around a very ill patient, doing for someone else what God had so often done for him." 

~ "He", of course, is Father Tim  ~

Spring Rain

It is one of those gentle rains.  I love sitting at the window, listening to the raindrops falling onto the patio and watching the birds enjoying their bath.   A good day to stay home and be quiet.  This will be a good day for the flowers, the grass and the potted plants, too.  God's provision. 

It is a good day for thinking.  I am mulling over yesterday's sermon, a very heavy one.  It came from the lips of a guest preacher, one who has known much pain in his life and has allowed God to use the  hurtful things he experienced as a youth to feed a ministry to young people who desperately need someone who understands and comes along side to help carry the load.

I am thinking about forgiveness, trust, mercy.....God's grace, raining down and transforming lives, bringing beauty from ashes.  A good day for gratitude, for prayer, for thinking.

"Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it."  ~  Mark Twain

A Definition of Faith

I read the following quote on the jacket of a music CD and it brought to mind two Scriptures that have been so meaningful to me during difficult and challenging times.  The first is Psalm 40: 1-3 where David speaks of the Lord lifting him and setting his feet upon a rock.  The second is found in  Isaiah 40. At the end of that chapter we are told that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength and will soar on wings like eagles.  This quote points beautifully to these two truths.

"Faith is coming to the edge of all you know and trusting God will give you something to stand on or you will be taught to fly." ~ Mark Schultz

Let's Get Started!

Life can seem overwhelming at times, both in the mountain and the mundane.  This advice from the past applies so well to those times when we just don't know quite where or how to start. 

Attempting to acquire a new discipline?  Packing for a trip?  In need of forgiving someone who has wronged you?  Spring cleaning?  Stepping into a new chapter in your life?  I hope this simple advice encourages you today!

"Start small, but begin." ~ Puritan saying