This is a favorite poem of mine. I memorized it when I was younger, and it has served me well over the years...
It Couldn't Be Done
Somebody said that it couldn't be done
But he with a chuckle replied
That "maybe it couldn't," but he would be one
Who wouldn't say so till he tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it!
Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that;
At least no one ever has done it;"
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat
And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.
With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.
There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
There are thousands to prophesy failure,
There are thousands to point out to you one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start in to sing as you tackle the thing
That "cannot be done," and you'll do it.
Edgar Albert Guest (1881-1959)
martedì, febbraio 22, 2005
domenica, febbraio 20, 2005
A Different Perspective on Death
BECAUSE I could not stop for Death,
He kindly stopped for me;
The carriage held but just ourselves
And Immortality.
We slowly drove, he knew no haste,
And I had put away
My labor, and my leisure too,
For his civility.
We passed the school where children played
At wrestling in a ring;
We passed the fields of gazing grain,
We passed the setting sun.
We paused before a house that seemed
A swelling of the ground;
The roof was scarcely visible,
The cornice but a mound.
Since then ’t is centuries; but each
Feels shorter than the day
I first surmised the horses’ heads
Were toward eternity.
~Emily Dickinson (1830–86)
He kindly stopped for me;
The carriage held but just ourselves
And Immortality.
We slowly drove, he knew no haste,
And I had put away
My labor, and my leisure too,
For his civility.
We passed the school where children played
At wrestling in a ring;
We passed the fields of gazing grain,
We passed the setting sun.
We paused before a house that seemed
A swelling of the ground;
The roof was scarcely visible,
The cornice but a mound.
Since then ’t is centuries; but each
Feels shorter than the day
I first surmised the horses’ heads
Were toward eternity.
~Emily Dickinson (1830–86)
venerdì, febbraio 18, 2005
The Christian Marriage
This is a pretty long writing by Charles Spurgeon, but is worth reading more than once.
Sometimes we have seen a model marriage, founded on pure love, and cemented in mutual esteem. Therein, the husband acts as a tender head; and the wife, as a true spouse, realizes the model marriage-relation, and sets forth what our oneness with the Lord ought to be. She delights in her husband, in his person, his character, his affection; to her he is not only the chief and foremost of mankind, but in her eyes he is all-in-all; her heart's love belongs to him, and him only. She finds sweetest content and solace in his company, his fellowship, his fondness; he is her little world, her Paradise, her choice treasure. At any time, she would gladly lay aside her own pleasure to find it doubled in gratifying him. She is glad to sink her individuality in his. She seeks no renown for herself; his honor is reflected upon her, and she rejoices in it. She would defend his name with her dying breath; safe enough is he where she can speak for him. The domestic circle is her kingdom; that she may there create happiness and comfort is her lifework; and his smiling gratitude is all the reward she seeks. Even in her dress, she thinks of him; without constraint she consults his taste and considers nothing beautiful which is distasteful to him.
A tear from his eye because of any unkindness on her part, would grievously torment her. She seeks not how her behavior may please a stranger, or how another's judgment may approve her conduct; let her beloved be content, and she is glad. He has many objects in life, some of which she does not quite understand; but she be believes in them all, and anything she can do to promote them, she delights to perform. He lavishes love on her, and, in return, she lavishes love on him. Their object in life is common. There are points where their affections so intimately united that none could tell which is first and which is second. To watch their children growing up in health and strength, to see them holding posts of usefulness and honor, is their mutual concern; in this and other matters, they are fully one. Their wishes blend, their hearts are indivisible. By degrees, they come to think very much the same thoughts. Intimate association creates conformity; I have known this to become so complete that, at the same moment, the same utterance has leapt to both their lips.
Happy woman and happy man! If Heaven be found on earth, they have it! At last, the two are so blended, so engrafted on one stem, that their old age presents a lovely attachment, a common sympathy, by which its infirmities are greatly alleviated, and its burdens are transformed into fresh bonds of love. So happy a union of will, sentiment, thought, and heart exists between them, that the two streams of their life have washed away the dividing band, and run on as one broad current of united existence till their common joy falls into the ocean of eternal felicity.
By Charles H. Spurgeon
An excerpt from Poems for Patriarchs, Compiled and Edited by Douglas W. Phillips
Sometimes we have seen a model marriage, founded on pure love, and cemented in mutual esteem. Therein, the husband acts as a tender head; and the wife, as a true spouse, realizes the model marriage-relation, and sets forth what our oneness with the Lord ought to be. She delights in her husband, in his person, his character, his affection; to her he is not only the chief and foremost of mankind, but in her eyes he is all-in-all; her heart's love belongs to him, and him only. She finds sweetest content and solace in his company, his fellowship, his fondness; he is her little world, her Paradise, her choice treasure. At any time, she would gladly lay aside her own pleasure to find it doubled in gratifying him. She is glad to sink her individuality in his. She seeks no renown for herself; his honor is reflected upon her, and she rejoices in it. She would defend his name with her dying breath; safe enough is he where she can speak for him. The domestic circle is her kingdom; that she may there create happiness and comfort is her lifework; and his smiling gratitude is all the reward she seeks. Even in her dress, she thinks of him; without constraint she consults his taste and considers nothing beautiful which is distasteful to him.
A tear from his eye because of any unkindness on her part, would grievously torment her. She seeks not how her behavior may please a stranger, or how another's judgment may approve her conduct; let her beloved be content, and she is glad. He has many objects in life, some of which she does not quite understand; but she be believes in them all, and anything she can do to promote them, she delights to perform. He lavishes love on her, and, in return, she lavishes love on him. Their object in life is common. There are points where their affections so intimately united that none could tell which is first and which is second. To watch their children growing up in health and strength, to see them holding posts of usefulness and honor, is their mutual concern; in this and other matters, they are fully one. Their wishes blend, their hearts are indivisible. By degrees, they come to think very much the same thoughts. Intimate association creates conformity; I have known this to become so complete that, at the same moment, the same utterance has leapt to both their lips.
Happy woman and happy man! If Heaven be found on earth, they have it! At last, the two are so blended, so engrafted on one stem, that their old age presents a lovely attachment, a common sympathy, by which its infirmities are greatly alleviated, and its burdens are transformed into fresh bonds of love. So happy a union of will, sentiment, thought, and heart exists between them, that the two streams of their life have washed away the dividing band, and run on as one broad current of united existence till their common joy falls into the ocean of eternal felicity.
By Charles H. Spurgeon
An excerpt from Poems for Patriarchs, Compiled and Edited by Douglas W. Phillips
martedì, febbraio 15, 2005
Benjamin Franklin's Plan of Conduct
We would all do well to apply these four principles (though there are many others I can think of to add!)...
1) It is necessary for me to be extremely frugal for some time, until I have paid what I owe.
2) To endeavor to speak truth in every instance; to give nobody expectations that are not likely to be answered, but aim at sincerity in every word and action -- the most amiable excellence in a rational being.
3) To apply myself industriously to whatever business I take in hand, and not divert my mind from my business by any foolish project of growing suddenly rich; for industry and patience are the surest means of plenty.
4) I resolve to speak ill of no man whatever, not even in a matter of truth; but rather by some means excuse the faults I hear charged upon others, and proper occasions speak the good I know of everybody.
This is also a great quote to keep in mind:
"Sin is not hurtful because it is forbidden
But it is forbidden because it's hurtful.
Nor is a duty beneficial because it is commanded,
But it is commanded, because it's beneficial."
-Benjamin Franklin
lunedì, febbraio 14, 2005
A Living Chalice
Below is a short, yet profound quote about the gift of motherhood. It is an excerpt from an article that one of my guy friends wrote on the different roles of ladies and gentlemen. It portrays a concept which I have always embraced, yet I have never heard stated in this precise way. I had to read it slowly a few times before it really sunk in.
"Ladies, understand that you are a living chalice created to someday bear souls for which Christ died. There is no greater calling and gift than that."
-Joshua Zurengue, Knights and Princesses
Written on St. Valentine's Day, 2002
"Ladies, understand that you are a living chalice created to someday bear souls for which Christ died. There is no greater calling and gift than that."
-Joshua Zurengue, Knights and Princesses
Written on St. Valentine's Day, 2002
Valentines Day
1 Corinthians 13:4-13
Love is patient; love is kind. Love does not envy; is not boastful; is not conceited;
does not act improperly; is not selfish; is not provoked; does not keep a record of wrongs;
finds no joy in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth;
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for languages, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end.
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
But when the perfect comes, the partial will come to an end.
When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things.
For now we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, as I am fully known.
Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Love is patient; love is kind. Love does not envy; is not boastful; is not conceited;
does not act improperly; is not selfish; is not provoked; does not keep a record of wrongs;
finds no joy in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth;
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for languages, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end.
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
But when the perfect comes, the partial will come to an end.
When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things.
For now we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, as I am fully known.
Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
sabato, febbraio 12, 2005
The Need of the Hour
What does our country need? Not armies standing
With sabers gleaming ready for the fight;
Not increased navies, skillful and commanding,
To bound the waters with an iron might;
Not haughty men with glutted purses trying
To purchase souls, and keep the power of place;
Not jeweled dolls with one another vying
For palms of beauty, elegance, and grace.
But we want women, strong of soul, yet lowly
With that rare meekness, born of gentleness;
Women whose lives are pure and clean and holy,
The women whom all little children bless;
Brace, earnest women, helpful to each other,
With finest scorn for all things low and mean;
Women who hold the names of wife and mother
Far nobler than the title of a queen
Oh! These are they who mould the men of story,
These mothers, oft time shorn of grace and youth,
Who, worn and weary, ask no greater glory
Than making some young soul the home of truth;
Who sow in hearts all fallow for the sowing
The seeds of virtue and of scorn for sin,
And, patient, watch the beauteous harvest growing
And weed out tares which crafty hands cast in.
Women who do not hold the gift of beauty
As some rare treasure to be bought and sold,
But guard it as a precious aid to duty-
The outer framing of the inner gold;
Women who, low above their cradles bending,
Let flattery's voice go by, and give no heed,
While their pure prayers like incense are ascending
These are our country's pride, our country's need.
-Ella Wheeler Wilcox
From: Verses of Virtue Compiled and Edited by Elizabeth Beall Phillips
What does our country need? Not armies standing
With sabers gleaming ready for the fight;
Not increased navies, skillful and commanding,
To bound the waters with an iron might;
Not haughty men with glutted purses trying
To purchase souls, and keep the power of place;
Not jeweled dolls with one another vying
For palms of beauty, elegance, and grace.
But we want women, strong of soul, yet lowly
With that rare meekness, born of gentleness;
Women whose lives are pure and clean and holy,
The women whom all little children bless;
Brace, earnest women, helpful to each other,
With finest scorn for all things low and mean;
Women who hold the names of wife and mother
Far nobler than the title of a queen
Oh! These are they who mould the men of story,
These mothers, oft time shorn of grace and youth,
Who, worn and weary, ask no greater glory
Than making some young soul the home of truth;
Who sow in hearts all fallow for the sowing
The seeds of virtue and of scorn for sin,
And, patient, watch the beauteous harvest growing
And weed out tares which crafty hands cast in.
Women who do not hold the gift of beauty
As some rare treasure to be bought and sold,
But guard it as a precious aid to duty-
The outer framing of the inner gold;
Women who, low above their cradles bending,
Let flattery's voice go by, and give no heed,
While their pure prayers like incense are ascending
These are our country's pride, our country's need.
-Ella Wheeler Wilcox
From: Verses of Virtue Compiled and Edited by Elizabeth Beall Phillips
How Christ Taught Us Honor
It was on the cross that Jesus paid his last tribute of love and honor to his mother. The nails were in his hands and feet and he hung there in agony. He was dying in deepest shame. The obloquy of the world was pouring its blackest tides upon his head. In the throng below, his eye fell on a little group of loving friends, and among them he saw his mother. Full as his heart was of its own anguish, it was not too full t give thought to her.
She would have no protector now. The storms would beat in merciless fury upon her unsheltered head. Besides the bitterness of her bereavement there would be the shame she must endure on his account, the shame of being the mother of one who died on a cross. His heart felt all this and there, in the midst of his own agony, he made provision for her, preparing a home and shelter for her. Amid the dark scenes of the cross his example shines like a star in the bosom of the blackest clouds, saying to us, "Honor thy father and thy mother."
-An excerpt from the book Homemaking by J. R. Miller, 1882
She would have no protector now. The storms would beat in merciless fury upon her unsheltered head. Besides the bitterness of her bereavement there would be the shame she must endure on his account, the shame of being the mother of one who died on a cross. His heart felt all this and there, in the midst of his own agony, he made provision for her, preparing a home and shelter for her. Amid the dark scenes of the cross his example shines like a star in the bosom of the blackest clouds, saying to us, "Honor thy father and thy mother."
-An excerpt from the book Homemaking by J. R. Miller, 1882
venerdì, febbraio 11, 2005
Top 15
Well, as we all know by now, I will not be out done. Two of my friends today have posted their top 13 favorite fictitious characters. Since I don't know 13 fictitious characters that I like, I have decided to post the titles of my 15 favorite songs (in no particular order).
A waste of time to be sure, and probably interesting only to me....
Without any further ado:
1)I Can Only Imagine - MercyMe
2)Be Thou My Vision - Hymn
3)Spoken For - MercyMe
4)There is a Fountain - Hymn
5)Carrickfergus - A lovely Irish tune
6)You Raise Me Up - Especially when Selah or Josh Groban sing it...
7)This is Your Time - Michael W. Smith
8)Be Still, My Soul - Hymn
9)I Surrender - Leslie Ludy
10)In the Garden - A Family Favorite Hymn...
11)On My Cross - FFH
12)The Anchor Holds - Ray Boltz
13)I Promise - Jaci Valasquez
14)Were It Not for Grace
15)Give Me Jesus - Hymn
If there are any of these that you haven't heard yet, you are really missing out!
Saluti!
~Robin
A waste of time to be sure, and probably interesting only to me....
Without any further ado:
1)I Can Only Imagine - MercyMe
2)Be Thou My Vision - Hymn
3)Spoken For - MercyMe
4)There is a Fountain - Hymn
5)Carrickfergus - A lovely Irish tune
6)You Raise Me Up - Especially when Selah or Josh Groban sing it...
7)This is Your Time - Michael W. Smith
8)Be Still, My Soul - Hymn
9)I Surrender - Leslie Ludy
10)In the Garden - A Family Favorite Hymn...
11)On My Cross - FFH
12)The Anchor Holds - Ray Boltz
13)I Promise - Jaci Valasquez
14)Were It Not for Grace
15)Give Me Jesus - Hymn
If there are any of these that you haven't heard yet, you are really missing out!
Saluti!
~Robin
"It's all in a name"...or something like that
When trying to decide what name to use for my blog, I had many thoughts.
Most of them sounded positively horrible as a name, either because they made me sound arrogant or because they sounded just plain stupid.
The scripture came to my mind:
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
The word "wait" is used many, many times in the Bible. And of course, it has more than one meaning. I decided that the "wait" my name could fit either discription.
Waiting upon the Lord is a concept referred to often throughout scripture, specifically in Psalms, Proverbs and Isaiah.
So, I finally chose my name. One of the reasons being because it has a medieval feel (which, if you've ever read some of my writing, you'll find that I am quite attached to). For second, because I think that it portrays a concept consistent with scripture. Third, because it portrays who I am. I await many things, too many to count actually. But out of all of the things I am waiting for, the most important thing I await is the glorious return of our Lord.
Until that day, I remain,
A Maiden-In-Waiting
Most of them sounded positively horrible as a name, either because they made me sound arrogant or because they sounded just plain stupid.
The scripture came to my mind:
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
The word "wait" is used many, many times in the Bible. And of course, it has more than one meaning. I decided that the "wait" my name could fit either discription.
Waiting upon the Lord is a concept referred to often throughout scripture, specifically in Psalms, Proverbs and Isaiah.
So, I finally chose my name. One of the reasons being because it has a medieval feel (which, if you've ever read some of my writing, you'll find that I am quite attached to). For second, because I think that it portrays a concept consistent with scripture. Third, because it portrays who I am. I await many things, too many to count actually. But out of all of the things I am waiting for, the most important thing I await is the glorious return of our Lord.
Until that day, I remain,
A Maiden-In-Waiting
Joining the Club
Well, I don't consider myself to be one that is extremely influenced by other people. In fact, when I first starting getting e-mails from people telling me that they had started blogs, I vowed that I would not give in to their constant "Robin, you should get a blog too!" comments.
But here I am, starting my very own blog.
I haven't quite decided if this blog phase is group genius or group stupidity, but either way, I have officially joined.
Ciao!
~Robin
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