Category Archives: Timeless Wisdom

An Advent Prayer: Rejoice!

Posted on December 20, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

“Let the just rejoice, for their Justifier is born. Let the sick and infirm rejoice, For their Saviour is born. Let the captives rejoice, For their Redeemer is born. Let slaves rejoice, for their Master is born. Let free men … Continue reading →

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An Advent Prayer: A Pledge of Peace

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

“The feast day of your birth resembles you, Lord, Because it brings joy to all humanity . . . Your day is a means and a pledge of peace. At your birth heaven and earth were reconciled, Since you came … Continue reading →

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An Advent Prayer: Awake to Righteousness

Posted on December 18, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

“Stir our hearts, we beseech you, to prepare ourselves to receive your Son. When he comes and knocks, may he find us not sleeping in sin, but awake to righteousness, ceaselessly rejoicing in his love. May our hearts and minds … Continue reading →

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God’s Anger

Posted on September 21, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

“When we see the darkness of our sin, we fear the storm of your wrath. But just as in truth rain brings new life to the Earth, so you rain down mercy on our sinful souls, bringing forgiveness and peace.” … Continue reading →

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Slow to Anger

Posted on September 18, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

Old Testament wisdom from Solomon: Ecclesiastes 7:9 (ESV) Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools. New Testament wisdom from the Apostle James: James 1:19-20 Know this, my beloved brothers: let … Continue reading →

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Waking and Sleeping

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

“Thou my best Thought, by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.” Eleanor Hull Be Thou My Vision, 1912 (similar to a 6th century Irish poem “Rop tú mo Baile”)

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Labor with Love

Posted on September 3, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

“We ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed.” Brother Lawrence (1614-1691) The Practice of the Presence of … Continue reading →

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Directions Count

Posted on August 31, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

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History Counts

Posted on August 30, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

We don’t think of the Bible as a history textbook, but history is woven through its pages: history of the world history of mankind history of the Jewish people In the words of this old hymn, the Bible is: “Mine … Continue reading →

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The Quiet Soul

Posted on August 22, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

John 10:27 (NIV) My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. It is best to learn to silence the faculties and to cause them to be still so that God may speak. John of … Continue reading →

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