"All Day I Did the Little Things ..."

 

// photo credit //

 

 

The Blue Bowl

All day I did the little things,
The little things that do not show;
I brought the kindling for the fire
I set the candles in a row,
I filled a bowl with marigolds,
The shallow bowl you love the best --
And made the house a pleasant place
Where weariness might take its rest.

The hours sped on, my eager feet
Could not keep pace with my desire.
So much to do, so little time!
I could not let my body tire;
Yet, when the coming of the night
Blotted the garden from my sight,
And on the narrow, graveled walks
Between the guarding flower stalks
I heard your step: I was not through
With services I meant for you.

You came into the quiet room
That glowed enchanted with the bloom
Of yellow flame. I saw your face,
Illumined by the firelit space,
Slowly grow still and comforted --
"It's good to be at home," you said.

   - Blanche Bane Kuder

 

 

Some days we never finish all that we intend to do. But the reward of a husband returning home -- one man happy to be in the embrace of his woman, content to sleep under faded comforters and eat simple meals -- seems to make every chore, every project, every list worthwhile and even enjoyable.

 

A dear friend of mine shared this poem -- I couldn't help but fall in love with it.

 

Love and blessings,

Faith, Feelings and C.S. Lewis // Coffee Series

Happy Friday, sweethearts!

 

Hoping this day is lovely for you -- full of quiet joys, peace and freedom to love and be loved!

 

Recently, someone shared a this quote from C.S. Lewis' book Mere Christianity; I was encouraged, inspired and motivated I thought it the perfect thought to share this Friday. Savor, relish and enjoy the fact that faith doesn't have to be based on feelings -- and live this moment by feeding your faith through God's Word, promises and prayer! With love to you!

 

"Now Faith . . . is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods. For moods will change, whatever view your reason takes. I know that by experience. Now that I am a Christian I do have moods in which the whole thing looks very improbable: but when I was an atheist I had moods in which Christianity looked terribly probable. This rebellion of your moods against your real self is going to come anyway. That is why Faith is such a necessary virtue: unless you teach your moods 'where they get off', you can never be either a sound Christian or even a sound atheist, but just a creature dithering to and fro, with its beliefs really dependent on the weather and the state of its digestion. Consequently one must train the habit of Faith.

 

The first step is to recognize the fact that your moods change. The next is to make sure that, if you have once accepted Christianity, then some of its main doctrines shall be deliberately held before your mind for some time every day. That is why daily prayers and religious readings and church-going are necessary parts of the Christian life. We have to be continually reminded of what we believe. Neither this belief nor any other will automatically remain alive in the mind. It must be fed."

Little Pleasures // Homelife

 

 

Simple little pleasures like adorable eggs, soft cartons and sunshine in apartment windows are making my days sweet and nice.

 

It's our second April together as a married couple and it has been so sweet.

 

And just like Anne said, it isn't about the splendid or wonderful; it's more about the little pleasures which sweeten each day. Be sure to tell of your little joys -- I'd love to hear them!

 

Blessings and love and coffee,

                  

He Has Triumphed (And You Should Too) // Coffee Series

 

Hello and happy Friday to you!

Today is the perfect day for giving yourself a fresh reminder of God's great love and sovereign care -- grab yourself a mug of goodness and join me in something special.

For some of us Christians sin is a word that plagues us, weighing us down in depression and shame. I am a believer and follower of Jesus Christ yet I still struggle with trusting in His forgiveness of my sins. It's not that I don't believe in His forgiveness ... it's that I don't feel it. Instead of feeling, trusting and rejoicing in God's forgiveness I feel shame, regret and sorrow.

And I don't think that's how God intends for His children to live.

I don't think God wants you to live that way.

Last Sunday our pastor shared some thoughts I'd like to share ... I learned so much from his simple reminder.

God's grace is bigger, greater and more efficient than our shame and sin.

"And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it."

If you are a believer and follower in Jesus Christ then you, my dear, can count on four (FOUR) wonderful things:

1. You have been made alive (meaning you are definitely not who you used to be ... dead ... a spiritual corpse ... of no ability to live ...)

2. He has forgiven your sins ... of that lie, gossip, pornography, affair, greed that you committed.

3. And then nailed that sin debt to the cross which held Jesus.

4. Finally, our Abba God disarmed Satan and the power sin has (the power to control, the power of shame ...) and, according to my thoughts, He danced in victory over them. Jesus was triumphant and you, dear one, are free to live!

Next time you feel overwhelmed by the shame of your past (confessed and forgiven) sins comfort yourself with the words of Colossians 2:13-15. Stop punishing yourself and start living in the freedom God's amazing grace offers.

 

I promise that God's grace will always be bigger, greater and more efficient then the past shame and sin you are reminded of.

 

You are loved, free and special,

Springtime Home

 

Home, the spot of earth supremely blest,
A dearer, sweeter spot than all the rest.

 Robert Montgomery

 

Home is such a special, special place. A place for laughter, sleep and cozying up with loved ones. In springtime home is even more warm despite the chilly March breezes. What is your favorite part of spring? Do tell, dear one.

 

Love and blessings!

             

Following God as Dear Children // Coffee Series

It's 9:30 am and glorious.

 

With birds singing, sun shining and a cup beside me I can't help but rejoice (even though I just dribbled coffee like a sprinkler down my dress and recliner ... woopsie!)

 

Above all the beauty and joy which I have described I am most thankful for the love of God. Often, I struggle with worry and fear; I introvert too much and spend days wondering if I am doing enough,  loving enough and following enough, if my walk with God is enough. Can you relate?

 

After weeks of fretting I began to ask God to work in me; to show me His love, to lead me away from any sin and to create in me a heart that loves Him. And while I feel that I'm not where I should be He has answered my prayers.

 

 

Being followers of Christ isn't about being good enough. For "Christ's sake, I am forgiven."

 

Loving the Heavenly Father isn't about following hard rules, strict obedience and bowing down to a wrathful judge (although obedience and justice is involved). It's about "walking in love, as Christ loved us."  

 

We're called to be followers of God, as dear children. A long time ago, I wrote a little piece on the definition of the word dearheart. As I look over it I see the phrase, "Highly valued; greatly beloved; cherished; precious." Following God isn't about following hard rules; it's about following Him as highly valued, greatly beloved children. If you are a follower of Christ, you are cherished, precious and your Heavenly Father will equip you to follow His ways fully and in love.

 

And that is the greatest reason for being happy today. The springtime weather, fresh coffee and singing birds are lovely, but having a God Who has forgiven me fully, loves me as a dear child and equips me to follow Him is why I sing today.

 

What lessons have you been learning lately? Do you ever struggle with introspective thoughts and have you found freedom in looking to Christ? I would love to learn from my fellow sisters and brothers in Christ. :)

 

With love, blessings and an (empty!) mug of coffee,

Ordinary, Simple Love

 

This.

This devotional is key to life and life abundantly.

I know it's long, sweet one, but if you have the time you must read. Did you know that you can offer gifts to our King of Kings? Did you know that He delights in our offerings?

Whatever season of life you are in I encourage you to offer gifts of love to your Heavenly Father. If you're too busy to read this post because you've got a million assignments due and haven't slept in a long time because college is demanding you can offer a gift of love. If you're newly married and busy with settling your home and tending to other small tasks, offer Him a gift. If you're busy wiping peanut butter and jelly from your children's small faces, offer Him your gift. If you're sun-spotted beautiful and preparing to welcome grandchildren, offer Him your love.

You, sweet, wonderful one, have so much to offer Him.

It doesn't have to be big but it has to be done in love. It won't be noticed, praised or honored but it will bring a smile to the Maker of smiles.

And you will have life abundantly.

With love, smiles and an (empty) cup o' coffee,

 

Meg + John | Really in Love and Really Realistic

 

 

I'm not sure if there is a more enjoyable, entertaining group of words than Louisa May Alcott's description of Meg and John's first home. Join me in laughing over this descriptive, life-like look into a first home. ♥♥♥

 

"... And speaking of sentiment brings us very naturally to the `Dovecote'.

 

 That was the name of the little brown house Mr. Brooke had prepared for Meg's first home. Laurie had christened it, saying it was highly appropriate to the gentle lovers who `went on together like a pair of turtledoves, with first a bill and then a coo'.

 

  It was a tiny house, with a little garden behind and a lawn about as big as a pocket handkerchief in the front. Here Meg meant to have a fountain, shrubbery, and a profusion of lovely flowers, though just at present the fountain was represented by a weather-beaten urn, very like a dilapidated slopbowl, the shrubbery consisted of several young larches,  undecided whether to live or die, and the profusion of flowers was merely hinted by regiments of sticks to show where seeds were planted. But inside, it was altogether charming, and the happy bride saw no fault from garret to cellar. To be sure, the hall was so narrow it was fortunate that they had no piano, for one never could have been got in whole, the dining room was so small that six people were a tight fit, and the kitchen stairs seemed built for the express purpose of precipitating both servants and china pell-mell into the coalbin.

 

 But once get used to these slight blemishes and nothing could be more complete, for good sense and good taste had presided over the furnishing, and the result was highly satisfactory. There
were no marble-topped tables, long mirrors, or lace curtains in the little parlor, but simple furniture, plenty of books, a fine picture or two, a stand of flowers in the bay window, and, scattered all about, the pretty gifts which came from friendly hands and were the fairer for the loving messages they brought."

 

Little Women, chapter 24

Submission + Freedom Go Hand-in-Hand

photo credit  ♥

photo credit  ♥

"Submission leads to the awareness that happiness should not be based on whether we get our way."

Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline

 

Happy is the woman who treasures what God treasures. As I strive to be a Proverbs 31 woman I am challenged to (truly) believe that submission is a beautiful trait God values. It isn't the crushing, negative loss we're led to believe ... it is the "freedom from the need to always get my way." And, sweets, isn't it nice to know that we are free to not always have our way? I don't know about you, but I have ruined enough days battling for what I want.

 

So here's to submission: may we see the beauty, radiance, and freedom this God-treasured trait grants. And may sunshine and love fill your hearts today.

 

 

Valentine's Coffee for You | Giveaway

Happiest hello's to you!

 

I have a little gift intended for one of you beautiful souls this Valentine's Day.

 

 

Together, One Cup Project and World Vision  are serving the world's poorest via our coffee cups ... our rather, your coffee cup.

 

If you enjoy award-winning brew (along with a beautiful, hand-carved, wooden scoop) I invite you to leave a comment below. Mention your favorite hot coffee/tea/beverage and, if you could choose anyone, who you would love to converse with while drinking that amazing drink.

 

For example, my favorite hot drink is a Screaming Monkey latte (yum!) and if I could choose any soul to share it with I would choose Corrie Ten Boom -- what a fun/amazing/blessed time I think I'd have!

 

On the 12th of February I will do an old-fashioned name draw and announce the happy soul. Lord willing, I'll have the package in the mail and (hopefully) ready to be opened the 14th! :)

 

With love, blessings, coffee and a happy Valentine's Day,

Gratitude + Flowers

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

The green beads were a clearance item I bought from a road side thrift store three years ago and the carnations ... well, they stole my heart last week while grocery shopping. I was thankful to see the flowers still in mint condition -- smelling fresh and creamy white. Since we were going out of town tomorrow (honeymooning!) I thought they would make the perfect thank-you for family  storing our car and sending us off at St. Louis' airport.

 

How do you like to show gratitude? Are you one who writes beautiful notes? Or maybe you find cookies to be an enchanting way of expressing gratitude. No matter what, I'd love to hear all about it!

 

Love, coffee, and tood-a-loo!

 

(As in, see you when I fly back to the Midwest!)

 

Exploring Children's Books | Angelina Series

 

 

 

Sometimes, a piece of fiction catches you by the elbow sleeve, pulls you into a crossed-leg sitting position on the library floor, and begs you to see the tiny details which make it a masterpiece. That's what happened when I stumbled across Katharine Holabird and Helen Craig's Angelina series.

 

Be still my little heart.

 

Angelina, a tiny, white mouse, is a handful. When she isn't tipping over pies in her mother's kitchen she may be crashing her ancient, albeit beloved, bike racing her best friend.

 

Holabird's words are perfect for young readers and Craig's pictures ... well, they are simply delightful.

 

I brought home several of the Angelina books for inspiration (and also because I occasionally keep three little girls who love to be read too).  

 

Is there a child's book you can't put down? Or maybe you've found inspiration in the artwork of kiddie novels? I'd love to hear your thoughts ... I may even look them up next time I visit the library shelves.

 

With love, hot coffee, and a chocolate chip cookie!



Tuesday Events

“Jo had learned that hearts, like flowers, cannot be rudely handled, but must open naturally…” 

 

Little Women

 

It's one of those beautiful, sunny winter days that beg for you to come out and explore. While the eastern side is being snowed in (cuddle up with some cocoa and Scrabble away safely, dear ones!) my beloved and I are enjoying a day off.

 

I stumbled out of bed, hair awry, and together (its funny the things couples can do together) we made a cup of coffee. After omelets and left-over cornbread soaked in milk, we went off for our weekly grocery shopping trip/date. I say date because shopping with Dalton is a lot of fun.

 

At Aldis, I discovered this yellow primrose for $ .39! What a price for such a beauty! I decided to toss the dying and diseased succulents and planted our new friend in the pretty white pot I bought before we were married. I also gave the last two succulents new homes and moved the trio to the windowsill for fellowship and sunshine -- two things none of us can live without! :)

 

 

 

 

 

While the husband watched a documentary and took a midmorning snooze (he's so cute) I've occupied myself by filling out an "intent to graduate" form, checked on favorite blogs, and enjoyed some relaxing, classical music. Later, we may wander out to the library for Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events and explore the river landing we haven't been to yet.

 

It really is a beautiful day. What is keeping you occupied this fine Tuesday? Whatever it is, I pray that you, dear reader, are filled with beautiful peace and the joy of the Lord.

 

Love and blessings!

Pregnancy Tests and Baby Blues

It can be a very personal subject and one I haven't known how to discuss. Pregnancy troubles. Or, more specifically, struggling to get pregnant. 

It's been a hard journey to be on and one I hesitate to share with others; I've only been married for ten months, have not dedicated myself to certain timing methods, and am very healthy and well. I've been afraid to share because we haven't visited a doctor or even bought prenatal vitamins -- but when you're as newly married, healthy and young as we are sometimes doctor visits don't seem appropriate yet.

But, regardless of the circumstances, it has been hard.

And I want to talk about it because I think it will help.

This past week I had been hope-filled and dreamy-eyed. I thought I was pregnant. Nearly every classic symptom of pregnancy appeared to be taking its course so, with a hop and a skip and a merry heart, I bought two pregnancy tests.

The boxes tell you not to read the test after ten minutes but my sister, who has a beautiful 5 month bouncing, baby boy, read a positive only after the set time limit. So I assumed it was okay. Ten minutes after the timeline, a faint positive became visible in the tiny, plastic circle and with the visibility my heart leapt. I had thought I was pregnant at 3 different times within our short marriage so I was used to disappointment. But this time was different. I had a teeny-tiny-faint positive.

And my heart secretly soared.

I waited till the end of the week to try the second test. Like the first, it came out negative; in an effort to move on from my sadness I busied myself with prayer and tidying our house. Twenty minutes later I returned to find that a huge, big blue positive line had appeared. I began to plan how I was going to tell my husband the special news and began to put baby names together.

And then the bleeding began. I told myself it was simply the implantation phase; the natural process of the fertilized egg nestling into its new home. Natural. Good. Expected.

After waking up to the beginning of a normal period, I spoiled the surprise, nervously dressed, held hands with my steady man while picking out three tests and headed home.

The reading?

Negative.

I felt so stupid. How could I convince myself that I was pregnant after two originally negative tests and traditional pms symptoms? How could I be crying over my naivety? How could God have let me believe that I was pregnant? With the sweetness and goodness of a true man, Dalton held me, encouraged me, blessed me, and reminded me that birth is in God's capable, good hands. Of course, I knew that; I had faith in God and His timing.

But then I realized something very important.

Faith isn't faith unless it can withstand the valleys, mountains, and struggles.

Remember the Israelites and their journey through the desert? Very few of their company could be called men of faith; men of faith journeyed knowing that they would get to the Promised Land even when the food bags were sagging with emptiness and the last watering holes were three days backwards. Men of faith knew that the God Who had parted the sea would also keep His word. Men of faith didn't lose heart. And today, this very faith in God is demanded of us.

"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; " Hebrews 3

Doubt is a very natural response to life's struggles and I am thankful to know that even our Lord Jesus was tempted with it and understands us. There is no condemnation in struggling with unbelief; but, for me, I wasn't doubting God's ability or timing in giving us a baby. I was doubting His goodness and His love. My inner man cried out saying, "Why, when I am living a life following Him would He deny me my heart's desire?" And that is where I want to encourage you, sweet one, if you are in the same boat.

Remember that God is good. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him -- words the psalmist wrote long ago still ring true today. God is good even when life has disappointments and the way is long and the road full of pot-holes and steep ditches. He is good even when your pregnancy tests say positive but the science says negative and He is good even though your week-long dream becomes another example of your vivid imagination.

So yes, it has been a long journey.

A long, marvelous, God-filled journey.

And I am okay ... at least I will be.

I don't mean for this to be a sad tale or turn into a pity party; there are so many sisters in Christ who are struggling with this issue (and in much more painful ways). I also don't want to be accused of being foolish for not visiting a doctor. Like I said before, I am healthy and well and at this time I am more than okay with letting time take its course. I may change my mind but for now I am happy and content with that.

I just want to be able to talk about it and not feel silly. Because this pain I feel? It's real. And it affects both Dalton and I.

More than anything, I want it to be a growing experience. I want to walk away from these difficulties and be able to say that my faith grew, my heart expanded, and my love multiplied.

With love, blessings, and coffee,

p.s.

Sometimes learning to talk out your feelings can be embarrassing and really, really hard. Thankfully, I have an amazing husband ready to encourage my heart and dry my eyes, family who love no matter what, and friends like you ... who bring authentic sunshine into my life. :) Blessings to you!

Song of Solomon | My Brief Study

This morning I spent a few quiet moments reading the Song of Solomon. It was my first time since I kept it for the day when I too was in love and preparing for marriage. I rejoiced in the joy,  beauty, and love I found within this special book—it is no wonder Father God included it within His Holy Word.

While reading, I took snapshots of phrases and passages which stood out to me. I will probably continue sharing them as I try to finish within the next few days.

 His Banner Over Me Is Love | Loving Embrace

 

 

Heavenly Words | Jesus & My Groom | Shared Opinions

Manly Delight | Summer Time Talk

 

Unapologetic Reunion | Welcomed Home

What I learned:

-         Bold, unhindered love is admirable and desired

-         Over-praising your beloved is impossible

-         Physical love is a lovely thing—not to be feared are regarded as shameful

-         Take in the time with your beloved so that your reflection could resemble that between Solomon and his bride

-         It is okay to be sick with love :)

-         The love given me reflects the same love Jesus has for me

-         True gentlemen desire the same characteristics as Christ (thou art fair, there is no spot in thee)

-         Manly delight is a good thing, God given. It is meant to be received with joy and returned delight

-         Energetic love is a good thing—not be thought silly or childish.

-         Solomon liked turtles just as much as Dalton J

-         Bold, unapologetic love for my beloved is not wrong or idolatrous and is perhaps welcomed

-         Unashamed delight in the physical aspects of marriage and in the person himself (I brought him into my mother’s house, into the chamber of her who conceived me) is meant to be exactly that—unashamed delight.

Main lesson learned:

To be overcome with the man I marry is not wrong, foolish, silly or to be avoided. If I want a man who returns such excited delight than perhaps reaching out to him in such a exuberant, truthful manner would ignite such response. If I am too grown-up for affection or too mature to feel abundantly than I am too grown and  too mature and not resembling the characteristics of union within God's Word.

 

I love the Bible--how wonderfully it teaches and instructs in every part of life!

 

 

 

Needed to Hear This Tonight

"it is so easy to be sarcastic, bitter, cynical. to act tough, hard, and as if things aren’t your fault.

take the blame, accept the grace you know is there, and respond with kindness."

 --Katie from kvtes.tumblr.com

Of Danger and Joys and Trusting God

“She didn't need to understand the meaning of life; it was enough to find someone who did, and then fall asleep in his arms and sleep as a child sleeps, knowing that someone stronger than you is protecting you from all evil and all danger” 

― Paulo Coelho, Brida

Life isn't about being protected from all evils and danger. Just this past week I felt overwhelmed by such things: my first argument with my mom since I was 15, a flu which made me dream nightmares and lay in bed all day, financial woes, a beloved friend who shared with me her unwedded pregnancy, long-distance phone calls with D over a poor-signaled, static-y phone.

No, life isn't about being kept safe and protected. Lately, my relationship with God feels like the relationship between a circus acrobat and her high rope--shaky, undependable and unknown. It feels as if I'm walking through life with blinded eyes; where are You, God? Do You see the pain I'm going through? Why is it so hard?

To prevent further apathy on my part I pull out my Bible, dust off its covers and begin again. But I'm not reading or loving or living right because I'm living for my Savior. I'm doing good works --albeit vain works-- because I'm afraid. Afraid something is seriously wrong with my relationship with God. Like He's mad at me or something. I mean, if He and I were on the same page wouldn't life be peachy-keen?

No, not at all.

So what exactly should I do? Throw my hands up in the air, giving up on all that I hold dear? Sink deeper into my apathetic depression? No. Should I puff myself up with vain, religious words and prayers? Beat my selfish ways into submission? No.

 

I'm going to trust. Believe. Repent. Give thanks. Read. Learn. Love. Trust.

 

And then, as we all know, I won't be protected from evil and danger but I will be resting sweetly in the arms of the one who has defeated both.

 

With love,

Frannie

 

 

Love these prints? Me too! Find them at this ---> link.

 

Calvary Love

Calvary Love

by

Amy Carmichael

If I have not compassion on my fellow-servant even as my Lord had pity on me, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I belittle those whom I am called to serve, talk of their weak points in contrast perhaps with what I think of as my strong points; if I adopt a superior attitude, forgetting “Who made thee to differ? And what has thou that thou hast not received?” then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I can easily discuss the shortcomings and the sins of any; if I can speak in a casual way even of a child’s misdoings, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I find myself half-carelessly taking lapses for granted, “Oh, that’s what they always do,” “Oh, of course she talks like that, he acts like that,” then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I enjoy a joke at the expense of another; if I can in any way slight another in conversation, or even in thought, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I can write an unkind letter, speak an unkind work, think an unkind thought without grief and shame, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I do not feel far more for the grieved Saviour than for my worried self when troublesome things occur, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I know little of His pitifulness (the Lord turned and looked upon Peter), if I know little of His courage of hopefulness for the truly humble and penitent (“He saith unto him, Feed My Lambs”), then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I deal with wrong for any other reason than that implied in the words, “From His right hand went a fiery law for them. Yea, He loved the people”; if I can rebuke without a pang, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If, in dealing with one who does not respond, I weary of the strain, and slip from under the burden, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I cannot bear to be like the father who did not soften the rigors of the far country; if, in this sense, I refuse to allow the law of God (the way of transgressors is hard) to take effect, because of the distress it causes me to see that law in operation, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I am perturbed by the reproach and misunderstanding that may follow action taken for the good of souls for whom I must give account; if I cannot commit the matter and go on in peace and in silence, remembering Gethsemane and the Cross, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I cannot catch “the sound of noise of rain”* long before the rain falls, and, going to some hilltop of the spirit, as near to my God as I can, have not faith to wait there with my face between my knees, though six times or sixty times I am told “there is nothing,” till at last “there arises a little cloud out of the sea,” then I know nothing of Calvary love.

*1Kings 18:41

If my attitude be one of fear, not faith, about one who has disappointed me; if I say, “Just what I expected,” if a fall occurs, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I do not look with eyes of hope on all in whom there is even a faint beginning, as our Lord did, when, just after His disciples had wrangled about which of them should be accounted the greatest, He softened His rebuke with those heart-melting words, “Ye are they which have continued with Me in My temptations,” then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I cast up a confessed, repented, and forsaken sin against another, and allow my remembrance of that sin to color my thinking and feed my suspicions, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I have not the patience of my Saviour with souls who grow slowly; if I know little of travail (a sharp and painful thing) till Christ be fully formed in them, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I sympathize weakly with weakness, and say to one who is turning back from the Cross, “Pity thyself”; if I refuse such a one the sympathy that braces and the brave and heartening word of comradeship, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I cannot keep silence over a disappointing soul (unless for the sake of that soul’s good or for the good of others it be necessary to speak), then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I can hurt another by speaking faithfully without much preparation of spirit, and without hurting myself far more than I hurt that other, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I am afraid to speak the truth, lest I lose affection, or lest the one concerned should say, “You do not understand,” or because I fear to lose my reputation for kindness; if I put my own good name before the other’s highest good, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I am content to heal a hurt slightly, saying “Peace, peace,” where is no peace; if I forget the poignant word “Let love be without dissimulation” and blunt the edge of truth, speaking not right things but smooth things, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I fear to hold another to the highest goal because it is so much easier to avoid doing so, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I hold on to choices of any kind, just because they are my choice; if I give any room to my private likes and dislikes, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I put my own happiness before the well-being of the work entrusted to me; if, though I have this ministry and have received much mercy, I faint, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I am soft to myself and slide comfortably into the vice of self-pity and self-sympathy; if I do not by the grace of God practice fortitude, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I myself dominate myself, if my thoughts revolve round myself; if I am so occupied with myself I rarely have “a heart at leisure from itself,” then I know nothing of Calvary love.

IF, the moment I am conscious of the shadow of self crossing my threshold, I do not shut the door, and in the power of Him who works in us to will and to do, keep that door shut, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I cannot in honest happiness take the second place (or the twentieth); if I cannot take the first without making a fuss about my unworthiness, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If, when I am able to discover something which has baffled others, I forget Him who revealeth the deep and secret things, and knoweth what is in the darkness and showeth it to us; if I forget that it was He who granted that ray of light to His most unworthy servant, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I cannot be at rest under the Unexplained, forgetting the word, “And blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in Me:’ of if I can allow the least shadow of misunderstanding, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I do not give a friend “the benefit of the doubt,” but put the worst construction instead of the best on what is said or done, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I take offense easily, if I am content to continue in a cool unfriendliness, though friendship be possible, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If a sudden jar can cause me to speak an impatient, unloving word, then I know nothing of Calvary love.*

*For a cup brimful of sweet water cannot spill even one drop of bitter water however suddenly jolted.

If I feel injured when another lays to my charge things that I know not, forgetting that my Sinless Saviour trod this path to the end, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I feel bitterly towards those who condemn me, as it seems to me, unjustly, forgetting that if they knew me as I know myself they would condemn me much more, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I say, “Yes, I forgive, but I cannot forget,” as though the God who twice day washes all the sands on all the shores of all the world, could not wash such memories from my mind, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If one whose help I greatly need appears to be as content to build in wood, hay, stubble, as in gold, silver, precious stones, and I hesitate to obey my light and do without that help because so few will understand, then, I know nothing of Calvary love.

If the care of a soul (or a community) be entrusted to me, and I consent to subject it to weakening influences, because the voice of the world – my immediate Christian world – fills my ears, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If by doing some work which the undiscerning consider “not spiritual work” I can best help others, and I inwardly rebel, thinking it is the spiritual for which I crave, when in truth it is the interesting and exciting, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If monotony tries me, and I cannot stand drudgery; if stupid people fret me and little ruffles set me on edge; if I make much of the trifles of life, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I am inconsiderate about the comfort of others, or their feelings, or even of their little weaknesses; if I am careless about their little hurts and miss opportunities to smooth their way; if I make the sweet running of household wheels more difficult to accomplish, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If interruptions annoy me, and private cares make me impatient; if I shadow the souls about me because I myself am shadowed, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If souls can suffer alongside, and I hardly know it, because the spirit of discernment is not in me, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If there be any reserve in my giving to Him who so loved that He gave His Dearest for me; if there be a secret “but” in my prayer, “anything but that, Lord,” then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I become entangled in any “inordinate affection”; if things or places or people hold me back from obedience to my Lord, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If something I am asked to do for another feels burdensome; if, yielding to an inward unwillingness, I avoid doing it, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If the praise of man elates me and his blame depresses me; if I cannot rest under misunderstanding without defending myself; if I love to be loved more than to love, to be served more than to serve, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I crave hungrily to be used to show the way to liberty to a soul in bondage, instead of caring only that it is be delivered; if I nurse my disappointment when I fail, instead of asking that to another the word of release may be given, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I want to be known as the doer of something that has proved the right thing, or as the one who suggested that it should be done, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I do not forget about such a trifle as personal success, so that it never crosses my mind, or if it does, is never given a moment’s room there; if the cup of spiritual flattery tastes sweet to me, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If it be not simple and a natural thing to say, “Enviest thou for my sake? Would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets,” then I know nothing of Calvary love.

IF in the fellowship of service I seek to attach a friend to myself, so that others are caused to feel unwanted; if my friendships do not draw others deeper in, but are ungenerous (to myself, for myself), then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I refuse to allow one who is dear to me to suffer for the sake of Christ, if I do not see such suffering as the greatest honor that can be offered to any follower of the Crucified, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I slip into the place that can be filled by Christ alone, making myself the first necessity to a soul instead of leading it to fasten upon Him, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If my interest in the work of others is cool; if I think in terms of my own special work; if the burdens of others are not my burdens too, and their joys mine, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If, when an answer I did not expect comes to a prayer which I believed I truly meant, I shrink back from it; if the burden my Lord asks me to bear be not the burden of my heart’s choice, and I fret inwardly and do not welcome His will, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I avoid being “ploughed under,” with all that such ploughing entails of rough handling, isolation, uncongenial situations, strange tests, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I wonder why something trying is allowed, and press for prayer that it may be removed; if I cannot be trusted with any disappointment, and cannot go on in peace under any mystery, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I make much of anything appointed, magnify it secretly to myself or insidiously to others; if I let them think it “hard,” if I look back longingly upon what used to be, and linger among the byways of memory, so that my power to help is weakened, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If the love that “alone maketh light of every heavy thing, and beareth evenly every uneven thing” is not my heart’s desire, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I refuse to be a corn of wheat that falls into the ground and dies (“is separated from all in which it lived before”), then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I ask to be delivered from trial rather than for deliverance out of it, to the praise of His glory; if I forget that the way of the Cross leads to the Cross and not to a bank of flowers; if I regulate my life on these lines, or even unconsciously my thinking, so that I am surprised when the way is rough, and think it strange, though the word is, “Think it not strange,” “Count it all joy,” then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If the ultimate, the hardest, cannot be asked of me; if my fellows hesitate to ask it and turn to someone else, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I covet any place on earth but the dust at the foot of the Cross, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

That which I know not, teach Thou me, O lord, my God.

It seems a little harsh, Miss Carmichael's words, grabbing my little, self-loving heart and shaking it about with truth. Yet, I want to know this Calvary Love--this love which is real and genuine and truly practical. Thank goodness, by His might, our Father continually seeks to lead us to this sort of practical, world-changing holiness.