[JustAmy]

11-19-04
Graphic by Billie

Leisure

A boulevard of graceful trees,
A life of leisure, if you please,
Why do we think of long ago,
When into kitchens you might go,

Or into pantries, and the hall,
Whose closets -- We have filled them all!
With magic things, machines and such,
Mylady may need only touch,

A button here, a lever there,
And quickly from the merest air,
A demon vaults to do what’s bid,
Which moments ere was safely hid.

And to her bidding doth he spring,
In midst of which, the phone may ring.
The work delayed, all is not lost,
The time we saved is worth the cost.

So we have more of it right now,
We’ll find a way to spend somehow.
We’ll chatter endlessly anon,
And soon enough, the day is gone.

We have so much, we choose to waste,
Our lives in ever growing haste.
The drive-thru near the mall is slow,
So quiet meals we must forego.

The labor-saving that we do,
Was meant to trim an hour or two,
Instead of time in which we thrive,
We spend it in the “Rush Hour” drive.

NicknamedBob . . . . November 17, 2004
© 2004

[Darkchylde]

Hi. How's your morning been?

[The Mayor]

November 19, 2004

Joyful Trials

Read: James 1:1-12

Count it all joy when you fall into various trials. —James 1:2

Bible In One Year: Ezekiel 11-13; James 1

---

The Bible tells us to respond to difficult circumstances in a way that is directly opposed to our natural tendency. One of the most challenging of those commands is this: "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials" (James 1:2).

Other translations speak of viewing our difficulties with pure joy, considering ourselves happy—not resisting trials and temptations as intruders but welcoming them as friends. I don't know about you, but that's not the first thing that pops into my mind.

This outlook would seem absurd and unattainable if not for the reason behind it: "knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience" (v.3). An attitude of joy is not based on what we feel but on what we know of God and His work in our lives. Therefore, a painful process that yields a desired goal can be welcomed as a friend.

It's not the testing of our strength but the trying of our faith in Almighty God that develops our endurance. Through it all, the Lord promises wisdom for today (v.5) and a crown of life for those who persevere (v.12).

My natural response to difficult circumstances is "Oh, no!" The Lord wants me to see what He can accomplish through them and say, "Oh, yes!" —David McCasland

The deeper meaning of my trials
O Lord, You've kept from me;
But some small part of Your great plan
I pray, Lord, help me see. —D. De Haan

Joy in trials comes from knowing that the outcome will be good.

[international american]

Good morning you two. I am beginning to think NnB may indeed have some talent:)

[Conspiracy Guy]

Excellent. Would love to chat. Got to run! ; )

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin', everybody ! Happy Friday! TGIF!!

Have a cup while you Freep !

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank y'all so much for the precious poem and graphic!