"In thy presence is fullness of joy."
~ Psalms 16:11 ~
"Heaven, the everlasting treasury of joy." ~ Shakespeare ~
There is nothing I can give to you which you do not already have.
But there is much, very much more, that while I cannot give, you can take...
But there is much, very much more, that while I cannot give, you can take...
No Heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in today -- Take Heaven.
No Peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present little instant --
Take Peace.
The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our reach is Joy -- Take Joy.
There is radiance and glory in the darkness, could we but see, and to see, we have only to look -- I beseech you to look.
Life is so generously given, but we,
judging its gifts by their covering,
cast them away as ugly or heavy or hard.
judging its gifts by their covering,
cast them away as ugly or heavy or hard.
Remove the covering and you will find beneath it a living splendor,
woven of love by wisdom with power.
Welcome it, grasp it and you touch the angel's hand that brings it to you.
Everything we call a trial, a sorrow, or a duty, the Angel's hand is there.
The gift is there.
And the wonder of an overshadowing Presence -- our joys too -- be not content with them as joys -- They too conceal more divine gifts.
Life is so full of meaning and purpose, so full of beauty -- beneath its covering -- that will find earth but cloaks your Heaven.
Courage then to claim it, that is all --
But the courage you have; and the knowledge that we are pilgrims together -- wending through unknown country home.
"Joy is not the absence of suffering. It is the presence of God." ~ Robert Schuller ~
"And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God,
and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."
~ John 17:3 ~
If you'd like your name added to the prayer list, please let me know.
Prayer Keeping ~ Geoffrey ~ Terry ~ Angela, Penny and family ~ Daniel ~ Morgan ~ Meredith ~ Susan ~ Stephanie ~ Winnie ~ Wanda ~ Steve ~ Leslie ~ William and Catherine ~ Becky ~ Rick ~ Misha ~ J ~ Linda and Skip ~ Ryan ~ Roy ~ Tonya ~ Dave ~ me ~
Hello Sandra and Dave:
ReplyDeleteMay you both also have much Joy in knowing how much Joy you give so generously to others.
That was pleasant. So little is nowadays. Thank you, Debbie
ReplyDeleteI love today's thoughts. Joy is indeed waiting in all things. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBecky
the joy is tucked into everyday moments - and resting in His promises.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post!
ReplyDeleteSpecially what Robert Schuller said...!
Your header photo is really, really, really gorgeous!!
ReplyDelete"The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our reach is Joy -- Take Joy." So important to remember.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading the poem you posted. I copied it and put it on a stickie on my computer's desktop.
ReplyDeleteThe story about your dad is great...Happy late birthday to your dad!
Hi Sandra
ReplyDeleteJoy is not the absence of suffering is often difficult to understand but is oh so true.
God bless and have a great week :-)
~Ron
Amen.
ReplyDeleteYes, please
Warm Aloha from Waikiki;
Comfort Spiral
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happy to stop by today...and happy to see you at farmhouse kitchen, my friend
ReplyDeletekary and teddy
xx
Thank you for sharing this beautiful quote. I read it to Rob this morning (along with the Ark above) & then several times more through the day. Just what I needed.
ReplyDeleteI hear you will are expecting 3 little visitors sometime in the near future : ) Much love Catherine