A trained mind

I am so thankful for Christian radio stations. I have access to great teaching and encouraging messages at any time of the day or night.  What a blessing!  I also like to get on the websites of various ministries and often find words full of wisdom for living.  Just the other day, I was browsing the website of one of my favorites, "Truth for Life", and found the following quote.  I believe it is quite profound.

" A Christian way of thinking is not just thinking Christian thoughts, singing Christian songs, reading Christian books, going to Christian schools; it is learning to think about the whole spectrum of life from the perspective of a mind that has been trained in truth."  ~ Alistair Begg

A Simple Formula for Happiness

I'm not sure where I read or heard this quote, but its simplicity still gives food for thought.

"Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for."  ~ Joseph Addison

What next?

I love Elisabeth Elliot's writing.  I have great admiration and respect for this godly woman who models courage, strength and wisdom.  I imagine most of you know her story, but if not, please do yourself a favor and get acquainted with her work.

Years ago, at a conference where she was speaking, I heard her reference an old Saxon legend and a poem that had been written about the legend.  Within that poem are words that have been of great help to me at various times in my life.  Here is the poem:

"From an old English parsonage, down by the sea,
There came in the twilight a message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, as it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the hours the quiet words ring,
Like a low inspiration -
Do the next thing.

Many a questioning, many a a fear,
Many a doubt hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrow, child of the King.
Trust them with Jesus -
Do the next thing.

Do it immediately; do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care.
Do it with reverance, tracing His Hand
Who placed it before thee
With earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence,
Safe 'neath His wing,
Leave all resultings -
Do the next thing.

Looking to Jesus, even serener,
Working or suffering, be thy demeanor.
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance be thy psalm.
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing,
Then, as He beckons -
Do the next thing.


I am particularly touched by the second stanza of this old poem....the writer has reminded me once again of the "quieting" of fears and doubts....the quiet heart that is mine when I am abiding in the presence of my King.

                              "Do the next thing." ~ Elisabeth Elliot, quoting from the poem.

A Few Words Can Say It All!

I'm not sure who actually entitled their sermon with the following quote....I've seen it attributed to a Pastor Samuel Lockridge and to Tony Campolo.  Whoever came up with it first found words that sort of sum up this Easter weekend and perhaps life itself!  How wonderful to remember, when going through the valley, that God has promised a far better day...in His time.

                                               "It's Friday....but Sunday's Coming!"

Refreshing!

What fun I had recently accompanying my grandchildren, their mother, and a dear friend on a field trip to a wonderful farm where we viewed newborn lambs, piglets and twin goats!  It was a joy to watch the delight on the children's faces as they took in the wonder of those tiny baby animals, so new to the world.  A recipe for a very refreshing day:  children, friendship, and the beauty of God's creation.

         "He is the God of the daisies and the lambs and the merry child hearts!" ~ Lilias Trotter

Weather

The following quote brought an attitude adjustment after my peaceful night's sleep was interrupted by thunderstorms. The sound of the birds' singing outside my window early this morning brought another reminder.....give thanks, in all kinds of weather!

"Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces up, and snow is exhilarating; there is no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather." ~ John Ruskin

An Easter "Yes!"

In just over a week, we will celebrate Easter!  The flowers, trees and birds seem to be shouting out "Yes!  We are alive!" Even though it has been unseasonably cold this spring, the signs of renewal and new life are everywhere.

For many, many years now, buying and wearing a new "Easter outfit" has not been a part of my plans for participating in Resurrection Sunday worship and celebration.....but this year I have had a happy desire to do just that....to wear something colorful and bright and new on Easter morning.  This yearning took me by surprise and I gave some thought to why it was happening and what it means.  Why?  The answer, I think, is that a burst of color reflects what is happening in my heart.

 We sing a song...."My hope is in You, Lord"....and there it is, the reason to celebrate, to sing, to dance, to worship with a joyful "Yes!"   My hope, my joy, my comfort, my strength, my life is in Him, and I look forward to Easter with a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation.  So I am going to wear something new and bright on Easter Sunday this year and try to keep myself from dancing up the aisle at church shouting my "Yes!" and "Alleluia!"  Christ is risen.  He is risen indeed!

                                            " Deck yourself with joy!" ~ Elisabeth Elliot