possibilities

In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities. In the expert's mind there are few.
--Shunryu Suzuki (1904-1971)

dazzlement

Statistically the probability of any one of us being here is so small that you would think the mere possibility of existence would keep us all in a contented dazzlement of surprise.
--Lewis Thomas (1913-1993) physician, author, educator.

determination

It's the constant and determined effort that breaks down resistance, sweeps away all obstacles.
--Claude M. Bristol (1891-1951) author

sparkles

To the dull mind all nature is leaden. To the illuminated mind the whole world sparkles with light.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American author and philosopher.

opportunity

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
–Thomas Edison (1847-1931) American inventor, scientist and businessman.

fear factor

The worst of all fears is the fear of living.
--Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) 26th US President

impatient companion

Patience is the companion of wisdom.
--St. Augustine (354-430) Theologian and Bishop

do more

Do more than belong: participate.
Do more than care: help.
Do more than believe: practice.
Do more than be fair: be kind.
Do more than forgive: forget.
Do more than dream: work.
--William Arthur Ward (1921-1994) author.

attitude

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.
--Herm Albright (1876-1944) German-born American artist.

by faith alone

If, on a quiet sea, toward Heaven we calmly sail,
With grateful hearts, O God, to Thee,
We’ll own the favoring gale. 

But should the surges rise, and rest delay to come,
Blest be the tempest, kind the storm,
Which drives us nearer home. 

Soon shall our doubts and fears all yield to Thy control;
Thy tender mercies shall illume
The midnight of the soul. 

Teach us, in every state, to make Thy will our own;
And when the joys of sense depart,
To live by faith alone.

--Augustus Montague Toplady (1740-1778) Hymnist. 

"If, On a Quiet Sea" is not especially well known, I don't even think it makes it into most hymnals today, but it's one of my favorites.

Relax!

The man who doesn't relax and hoot a few hoots voluntarily, now and then, is in great danger of hooting hoots and standing on his head for the edification of the pathologist and trained nurse, a little later on.
--Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915) American author. 

The Mountain Magnolia Inn is a beautifully restored 1868 Victorian mansion in the quaint mountain village of Hot Springs, NC. Located on 3 1/2 acres, the Inn features lodging and fine dining (dinner only, reservations recommended). The Inn, originally known as Rutland, was the home of Colonel James H. Rumbough and his wife Carie and their eight children. Pictured to the right is the foyer and the parlor (click to enlarge). For more information, photos and directions, click here.

crayola sky

Artists are just children who refuse to put down their crayons.
--Al Hirschfeld (1903-2003) American caricaturist

house of prayer

 

The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.
--Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) Danish philosopher, theologian and author.

Above: 'Primitive Baptist Church' (built 1887) located in Cades Cove within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  To the right is a view inside (click to enlarge).

rejoice!

We consider Christmas as the encounter, the great encounter, the historical encounter, the decisive encounter, between God and mankind. He who has faith knows this truly; let him rejoice.
--Pope Paul VI (1897-1978)

Above: Stained glass window, Hopwood Memorial Christian Church, Milligan College, TN.

Merry Christmas!

If Everyday was like Christmas

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
--Charles Dickens (1812-1870) English novelist. 

 Above: The beautiful Saint John's Church (dedicated in 1862) in Valle Crucis, NC.

Click here to listen to Elvis sing "If Everyday was like Christmas".