CHRISTmas

We talk glibly of the "Christmas spirit," rarely meaning more by this than sentimental jollity on a family basis. But...the phrase should in fact carry a tremendous weight of meaning. It ought to mean the reproducing of human lives of the temper of him who for our sakes became poor at the first Christmas. And the Christmas spirit itself ought to be the mark of every Christian all the year round.
J.I. Packer, Knowing God

Merry CHRISTmas!!!!

Excerpt from Tree in the Trail by Holling C Holling

The Tree in the story has lived a long life and when a twister destroys it, it is made into a yoke.

'Seems funny not to see her spreadin' above us, don't it?" said Jed. 'But if a tree could think, I'll bet she's mighty glad to be a yoke, swingin' along, tinklin' pretty. That tree was too held down. Always pointin' as if she wanted to follow us on the Trail (Santa Fe Trail). Now she can go beyond her hill, away out yonder-- father than she ever dreamed.

Maybe it's that way with people, sort of. They git rooted down, too. Along comes some disaster, or what looks like it, an' they feel lost. But, maybe, if they only knew-- all that's happened to 'em is that they've been freed. Freed to go farther than they ever thought. Maybe they's bells waitin' for them, too. Bells that will tinkle inside 'em somewhere...'

Thomas a Kempis, The Imitation of Christ Ch 3

"Happy is he whom truth by itself doth teach, not by figures and words that pass away; but as it is in itself (Psalm 94:12).

Our own opinion and our own sense do often deceive us, and they discern but little...It is folly to neglect the things that are profitable and necessary, and give our minds to that which is curious and hurtful: we have eyes and see not.

...Who hinders and troubles thee more than the unfortified affections of thine own heart?

...This ought to be our endeavor, to conquer ourselves, and daily wax stronger and to make a further growth in holiness. All perfection in this life hath some imperfection mixed with it; and no knowledge of ours is without some darkness."