Today’s Quote

“Learn from history or be doomed to repeat it… but don’t let it define your peace and joy today. Yesterday’s foibles need to stay in yesterday.” -Daddyo

Sacrifice, Revised

“Maiorem hac dilectionem nemo habet ut animam suam quis ponat pro amicis suis.”

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
-The Vulgate as translated by Jerome

The differentiating element of the Christian faith, which is the basis of my deepest convictions, lies in the character of our triune God. Among His perfect qualities—omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence—there is an incredible capacity to love, the fullness of which cannot be completely grasped by the finite human mind.

The Son of God demonstrated this to us in scripture by laying down His life for us and becoming our propitiation from the wrath of God against our sin. In doing this, He broke the precedents of expectation for how a divine being is to interact with mortal men. The earliest stories and religious traditions paint for us images of gods who were jealous, manipulative and vengeful. Never before, in ancient tales and folklore, had a god shown such compassion towards mankind.

This quote defines the standard of love that we must attempt to reach. Love, as defined and exemplified by God, must be patient, enduring, humble and willing to give when no praise or return will be offered. A measure of creative thinking may be required to anticipate another’s needs beyond what they express. This type of sacrificial love is radical and challenging to our current culture. It is evident, from its liberal use within popular literature and music, that the depth of the meaning of the word “love” has languished greatly. It is frequently reduced to describe confused emotions, or a burst of passion.

For a human being, whose most natural propensity is to be self-seeking, an act of sacrifice demonstrates love at its highest. From the four-year-old ponderously weighing the decision to share, to the weary soldier, prepared to offer his life in the “last full measure of devotion”, sacrifice yet remains one of the few inspirational things left in the world. These examples of sacrifice are just shadows of Christ’s perfect love towards us through His death on the cross. Since I am commanded to follow His example, I must endeavor to make the core and essence of my faith as well.

-my NLE Essay 2008

Contentedness

Two men looked out of prison bars.
One saw mud, the other, stars.

-Author unknown

Prayer Requests

Hello all,

I just have a quick couple of prayer requests to mention for those who still stop by. We recently found out that my grandfather has cancer. It looks like something the doctors will be able to tackle, but please pray that all goes as well/better than hoped.

One of my mother’s best friends was also diagnosed with cancer a few months ago and due to its rapid spread, has now been given a week or so left. Please pray for her as well. She is a wonderful woman of God and very dear to our family.

Thank you so much!
May inexplicable peace and joy of our Savior abound in your home this Christmas.

Lady Carmen Quixote

Hello Lord

Hello Lord, it’s me your child
I have a few things on my mind
Right now I’m faced with big decisions
And I’m wondering if you have a minute, cause
Right now I don’t hear so well
And I was wondering if you could speak up
I know that you tore the veil
So I could sit with you in person
And hear what you’re saying but
Right now, I just can’t hear you.
I don’t doubt your sovereignty
I doubt my own ability to
Hear what you’re saying
And to do the right thing
And I desperately want to do the right thing
But right now I don’t hear so well
And I was wondering if you could speak up
I know that you tore the veil
So I could sit with you in person
And hear what you’re saying but
Right now, I just can’t hear you.
And somewhere in the back of my mind
I think you are telling me to wait
And though patience has never been mine
Lord, I will wait to hear from you
Oh Lord, I’m waiting on you
Right now I don’t hear so well
And I was wondering if you could speak up
I know that you tore the veil
So I could sit with you in person
And hear what you’re saying but
Right now, I think you’re whispering

-by Sara Groves

Beauty

I love this picture. I think this is what a mallorn tree would look like if they existed.

T-Day Survival

Have a good one!

Caution, Rain is Wet

It’s not my picture, but I did see a “Caution-Wet Floor” sign on one of our rain-drenched sidewalks this morning. Funny Friday.

Growing Up

After a recent trip to the grocery store, I have determined that I am at a very unusual stage of life.

As we walked back from the grocery store we were momentarily detained at the playground by an inviting set of swings. I set my bag of oatmeal and soup cans on the rocks nearby. While swinging, I accidentally kicked the bag open, sending the boxes and cans rolling and bouncing across the ground. I was just sort of tickled by the scenario… Who faces such a problem? I’m old enough to purchase my own groceries, but swings are not yet past me. I hope they never will be.

Here’s another momentous occasion: My first carton of eggs. Organic nonetheless.

…and these are just some happy pictures of September-nothing to do with growing up.

Aspen, We Share a Secret

written with music

Aspen, I know your secrets
and I saw you on that day
when they asked me
if this could be my home
where the wild grasses sway

I think… that you love the wind
when it’s raging through your leaves
and I know that
you adore the tempest
more than all the other trees

Rain drops… may as well not fall
if they drip a soothing rain
but a sprinkle
Lest they’re pounding hard
and they’re pouring down the panes

You love… the imbrifero
At its overpow’ring best
It incites you
and you invite the storm
as it thunders in your chest

Aspen, when the clouds have passed
I could never even tell
but your branches
as they quiver softly
say you love the calm as well