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Sabbath Keeping

by Sandra Bennett
Sabbath Keeping· TCF

18 Sep
“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.
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.
~ Within Our Reach: Joy by Fra Giovanni Giocondo (c. 1435-1515) ~

“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 ~

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13 Comments

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Comments

  1. Catherine says

    September 22, 2011 at 7:47 am

    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.
    I hear you will are expecting 3 little visitors sometime in the near future : ) Much love Catherine

    Reply
  2. My Farmhouse Kitchen says

    September 21, 2011 at 4:12 pm

    happy to stop by today…and happy to see you at farmhouse kitchen, my friend

    kary and teddy
    xx

    Reply
  3. Cloudia says

    September 21, 2011 at 3:15 am

    Amen.

    Yes, please

    Warm Aloha from Waikiki;

    Comfort Spiral

    > < } } ( ° >

    ><}}(°>

    < ° ) } } > <

    Reply
  4. T.O. Geezer aka ~Ron says

    September 20, 2011 at 7:15 pm

    Hi Sandra

    Joy is not the absence of suffering is often difficult to understand but is oh so true.

    God bless and have a great week 🙂

    ~Ron

    Reply
  5. Nancy @ A Rural Journal says

    September 20, 2011 at 8:50 am

    Beautiful photo! 🙂

    Reply
  6. Carol............. says

    September 19, 2011 at 5:25 pm

    I enjoyed reading the poem you posted. I copied it and put it on a stickie on my computer's desktop.

    The story about your dad is great…Happy late birthday to your dad!

    Reply
  7. Deborah says

    September 19, 2011 at 3:33 pm

    "The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our reach is Joy — Take Joy." So important to remember.

    Reply
  8. Anonymous says

    September 19, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    Your header photo is really, really, really gorgeous!!

    Reply
  9. Timi says

    September 19, 2011 at 9:09 am

    Thank you for this post!
    Specially what Robert Schuller said…!

    Reply
  10. LindaSueBuhl says

    September 18, 2011 at 11:56 pm

    the joy is tucked into everyday moments – and resting in His promises.

    Reply
  11. Becky says

    September 18, 2011 at 9:25 pm

    I love today's thoughts. Joy is indeed waiting in all things. Thanks for sharing.

    Becky

    Reply
  12. Debbie says

    September 18, 2011 at 7:42 pm

    That was pleasant. So little is nowadays. Thank you, Debbie

    Reply
  13. Jane and Lance Hattatt says

    September 18, 2011 at 7:05 pm

    Hello Sandra and Dave:
    May you both also have much Joy in knowing how much Joy you give so generously to others.

    Reply

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