Tuesday, November 30, 2010

True Love - A way of life

Preface: I have been thoroughly enjoying studying through Testimony Treasures. I find the solid counsel and balanced approach to life refreshing and indispensable.
The following excerpts are taken from Volume I, p. 208 - 211.


True Love

True love is not a strong, fiery, impetuous passion. On the contrary, it is calm and deep in nature.

It looks beyond mere externals and is attracted by qualities alone. It is wise and discriminating, and its devotion is real and abiding. God tests us by the common occurrences of life. It is the little thing which reveal the chapters of the heart...

It will be found at last that the denial of self for the good and happiness of those around us constitutes a large share of the life record in heaven.

Love is power.

Intellectual and moral strength are involved in this principle, and cannot be separated from it.

Whatsoever is done out of pure love, be it ever so little or contemptible in the sight of men, is wholly fruitful; for God regards more with how much love one worketh than the amount he doeth.

Love is of God.

Love cannot live without action, and every act increases, strengthens, and extends it.

Love will gain the victory when argument and authority are powerless.

Love works not for profit nor reward; yet God has ordained that great gain shall be the certain result of every labor of love.

Love is diffusive in its nature and quiet in its operation, yet strong and mighty in its purpose to overcome great evils.

Love is melting and transforming in its influence, and will take hold of the lives of the sinful and affect their hearts when every other means has proved unsuccessful.

Pure love is simple in its operations and is distinct from any other principle of action.

Love should be cherished and cultivated, for its influence is divine.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

A few of my favorite things...

Getting toasty around the wood stove
Spiced cider
Having multiple quilting projects spread around the house and trying to get them all done...
Sneaking up behind my sister and giving her bear hugs
Brisk morning walks and runs at the state park down the road
Pouncing my little big brother in the mornings
Experimenting in the kitchen
Practicing for special music
Being read to
Appreciating my Grandma's genius for mending things
Listening to Papa's memories
Singing close harmony with my family
Visiting Ms. Tara
Finding thrift store deals with Shaila
Candles
Wood working
Sister sillies
Listening to our favorite Christmas Cantata
Playing the piano for hours
Stacking wood with Nathan
Dreaming


Sunday, November 21, 2010

Nana


Nana is an incredible blessing! And one of my heroes - or shall I say heroines? :)
This weekend I learned that she is quite the accomplished pianist!
I pray that God will grow me as gracefully has He has for her.

Cast Iron =


Delicious Fluffy Cornbread!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Thanksgiving


The Art of Sharing

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Balance

I pray that I will not be the limiting factor in God's equation.
I pray that I will sooner realize my limitations so He can work.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Interview

My God asks me the best questions:

Where are you?

What is in your hand?
What do you seek?

What did you go out into the wilderness to see?
Do you want to be made well?

Where may we buy bread that these may eat?
Do you also want to go away?

Do you see this woman?

Who do you say I am?

What is written in the law?
Which of these three was neighbor to him who fell among thieves?

Woman, where are those accusers of yours?

Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners then all other Galileans, because they suffered such things?

What is the kingdom of God like?
If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest?

Do you believe this?

Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?
Were there not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?

When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?

Why do you call me good?
What do you want me to do for you?
Why do you test me?

Whose image and inscription does it have?
Publish Post

Who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves?
Do you know what I have done for you?
When I sent you out without money bag, sack, and sandals, did you lack anything?

Will you lay down your life for my sake?
Why do you sleep?

Woman, why are you weeping?
Whom are you seeking?

Caitlin, do you love me?