Sunday, July 15, 2012

Ordinary Work

"Ordinary work, which is what most of us do most of the time, is ordained by God every bit as much as is the extraordinary.  All work done for God is spiritual work and therefore not merely a duty but a holy privilege." 

Elisabeth Elliot

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Ordinary Things

"The person who is faithful in little things is also faithful in big things"  (Luke 16:10).

"It's the bits and pieces put together year after year that count.  Sometimes we don't see meaning in the little things and we are not conscious of how it all works together to create a powerful image.  The little things we do at home ... putting wildflowers in a vase ... an old photograph tucked into a frame, a lullaby each evening by the bedside ... are the putty that holds the mosaic together."   Ingrid Trobisch


"There is no act too trifling to be made by God the first link in a chain of blessing."  Sarah W. Stephen

"Lord, give us a sense of satisfaction at the end of this day's work.  Let us be able to look back on it, whatever its successes or failures ... with the knowledge that it was worth doing and that we did our best."  Marjorie Holmes 

"Perfection in outward conduct consists not in extraordinary things; but in doing common things extraordinarily well.  Neglect nothing ..." Mere Angelique Arnauld

"It is easy to make great sacrifices when God does not ask them, but to give up our own will in each detail of life is something far harder.  And this is what he does ask.  To hold ourselves ever in readiness for His bidding -- to count no token of it too slight -- such is His call to each."    Hetty Bowman

"I felt very inadequate to do anything for the Lord, but one day I heard someone say that God does not expect us to be spectacular, He only asks us to be faithful.  He needs us in all the little shattered corners where there are people hurting, needing encouragement.   This is the beautiful part about ministering for Christ -- we do not have to depend on our ability, strength or wisdom ...He will be there to enable us."
Sara Abram







Sunday, July 1, 2012

How can you say NO?

The Creator of the universe
wants to meet with you alone daily.
How can you say no
to such an opportunity?
Emilie Barnes

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Contemplative Hour at Home

"How can a single weekly hour of church, helpful as it may be, counteract the many daily hours of distraction that surround us?  If we had our contemplative hour at home we might be readier to give ourselves at church and find ourselves more completely renewed ... Quiet time alone ... prayer ... a centering time of thought or reading ..."

Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Really Listen

"I still believe that the planning, preparing, fixing, and organizing is important ... After all, I am trying to be faithful to do well the tasks He has set before me.  I need to remember, though, that by far the most important thing I can do is to take the time to sit at Jesus' feet and really listen."

Mary Hampton

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Silence of Your Soul

Think not again the wells of Life to fill, 
By any conscious act of your own will; 
Retire within the silence of your soul,
And let God's Spirit enter, and control.
The springs of feeling which you 
thought were stilled,
Shall so be deepened, sweetened,
and refilled.
Anna J. Granniss

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Quiet Times

"Jesus got up very early ... and went to pray where there were no people" (Mark 1:35).

"You cannot expect to be victorious, if the day begins only in your own strength.  Face the work of every day with the influence of a few thoughtful, quiet moments with your heart and God ...Meet Him alone.  Meet Him regularly.  Meet Him with His open Book of counsel before you, and face the regular (and irregular) duties of each day with the influence of His personality definitely controlling your every act."

Mrs. Charles C. Cowman