Welcome to "Quaint Words!”
These posts will contain thoughts, poems, and prayers from old books that I have found at antique stores, flea markets, and garage sales (with an occasional treasure from a bookstore).
I love the rhythm and sound of the older English language, and am blessed by other believers who have gone before me!
ONE BY ONE
One by one the sands are flowing,
One by one the moments fall,
Some are coming, some are going -
Do not strive to grasp them all.
One by one thy duties wait thee,
Let thy whole strength go to each;
Let no future dreams elate thee;
Learn thou first what those can teach.
One by one (bright gifts from heaven),
Joys are sent thee here below;
Take them readily, when given,
Ready too to let them go.
One by one thy griefs shall meet thee,
Do not fear an armed band;
One will fade, while others greet thee,
Shadows passing through the land.
Do not look at life's long sorrow,
See how small each moment's pain;
God will help thee for to-morrow -
Every day begin again.
Every hour that fleets so slowly,
Has its task to do or bear;
Luminous the crown, and holy,
If thou set each gem with care.
Do not linger with regretting,
Or for passion's hour despond,
Nor, the daily toil forgetting,
Look too eagerly beyond.
Hours are golden links, God's token,
Reaching heaven one by one;
Take them lest the chain be broken,
Ere the pilgrimage be done.
(From The Changed Cross, by Henry Altemus, c. 1897)
"No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." (Philippians 3:13-14, NLT)
*How will you spend your *moments* - one by one - in 2014?
BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"
WOW!! I have to copy that down. There is soooooooooooo much in that, that speaks to me. I still can't wrap my head around 2013 and here a new year is around the corner. Thanks...this was very inspiring and I am pondering on these words.
ReplyDelete"One by one thy duties wait thee,
ReplyDeleteLet thy whole strength go to each;
Let no future dreams elate thee;
Learn thou first what those can teach."
These lines are powerful - one by one, may God grant me full strength of mind, body, soul, and spirit, to attend to each moment and to do so all for his renown.
Words to live by, friend.
What a pretty poem. Happy New Year Sharon. Hugs. sandie
ReplyDeleteOh, love this!! I am smitten with the vintage! This will be a treasure Sharon, thanks for sharing!! Blessings friend, hope you are enjoying your holiday.
ReplyDeleteSharon, these words are so lovely. I know there is reason why we don't speak like this these days but sometimes I wish we did. Somehow, the words seem so much more important and powerful. Thank you so much for posting this beautiful, meaningful poem.
ReplyDeleteIt is so beautifully written! Makes you wonder in years ahead what people will think about the writings from our times!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
betty
"Take them readily, when given,
ReplyDeleteReady too to let them go."
That's not always easy for me (the "letting go" part) but I want to receive knowing that I will also release if necessary. Thanks for sharing this poem.
These are beautiful quaint words, Sharon. The truths they hold are fresh and unchanging. I would love to copy them and post them in my other blog, My Rehoboth, where I share some of my devotional thoughts. It always gives me a good feeling when I come and visit your blog. It's like coming over to visit a dear friend. I thought of you this morning, and here I am. Praying that your new year will be filled with grace, beauty, wonder and delight. Much love
ReplyDeleteLidia
What's true doesn't fade with time. Thanks.
ReplyDelete