Thorns or Treasure?

I stood a mendicant (beggar) of God before His royal throne
And begged him for one priceless gift, which I could call my own.
I took the gift from out His hand, but as I would depart
I cried, "But Lord this is a thorn and it has pierced my heart.
This is a strange, a hurtful gift, which Thou hast given me."
He said, "My child, I give good gifts and gave My best to thee."
I took it home and though at first the cruel thorn hurt sore,
As long years passed I learned at last to love it more and more.
I learned He never gives a thorn without this added grace,
He takes the thorn to pin aside the veil which hides His face.

By Martha Snell Nicholson

Sanctity of Life Day

(Edited to add: I had this post written a week ago, but totally forgot to post it on Sunday!)

I don't remember where I first heard about this video or how I ran across it, but I do vividly remember the face of Eliot and the joy of his special parents. Abby remembers too. She took a break from playing one day last fall to come check on me (she often does that) and found me sitting in front of my computer with tears streaming down my face. "What's the matter, Mommy?" she said, patting my arm. I couldn't even speak being so choked by the beautiful short life on the screen. I hugged my daughter and she too watched the video about this precious life. She remembers Eliot even months later. She still asks about him and wonders if she will get to see him in heaven.

In celebration of Sanctity of Life Day today, I wanted to share this powerful tribute to life and joy in hopes that if you have doubts that every human life is precious and valuable, you may be swayed to reconsider.

Spring Will Come

I dearly love having all the seasons (though summer could be shortened to a couple weeks and I'd be fine with that!), and even winter is enjoyable for me. Despite my love of winter though, I was excited to see our crocus bulbs that we planted last fall pushing their way to the surface today. There is just something special about the promise of Spring. Maybe it's because it reminds me of the new life I've been given through Christ, the new creature He's made me and the promises that go with that. Whatever the reason, seeing those small green sprouts sticking up through the mulch gave me such a thrill and peace knowing that God is faithful and the Spring will come again, just like it always does.

"While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, And cold and heat, And summer and winter, And day and night Shall not cease." Genesis 8:22

Lessons for Mommy

As part of his daily schooling, Ryan reads aloud to me one chapter of a book from our chosen curriculum. His latest book is called Little Prudy's Dotty Dimple and was written in 1865 by Sophie May. Today's chapter had the oldest two girls (nine and six years old) being humiliated and embarrased by their littest sister's naughty and rude behavior (three years old). I had to smile at the end of the chapter when the oldest said,

"I've been thinking it all over," replied Susy, "and I've made up my mind that God allows her to mortify you and me. You know we must have some kind of a trial, or we shouldn't grow gentle and sweet tempered."

"As mother is," added Prudy.

After having an especially trying morning with one of my darling children, this was a gentle nudge from the Lord for me. It's a wasted "trial" if I am not changed by it, not more dependant on Him because of it, and not growing more "gentle and sweet tempered" through it.