I decided to begin a new "series" on this blog called "admirable combinations" where I highlight a scrumptious treat and book I'm savoring at present. The title is inspired by C.S. Lewis' quote "eating and reading are two pleasure that combine admirably." Oh that Clive, he's so quotable.
The so-cute-you-feel-bad-about-biting-their-heads-off giraffe gingerbread cookies were made by our friend Charlene as a treat for Zade's birthday. She left them hung in a white paper bag on our doorknob - a fun surprise to come home to!
A Blossom in the Desert is
a compilation of Lilia Trotter's sketches and paintings paired with writing
excerpts from her diaries, journals, and out-of-print books.
She is truly one of my heroes of the faith. Her humility and submission to God kindles my soul. If we have a daughter I hope to name her "Lilias."
Below is an excerpt from her "Lesson of the Buttercup"...
"Look at this buttercup as it begins to learn its new lesson.
The little hands of the calyx clasp tightly in the bud round the beautiful petals; in the young flower their grasp grows more elastic - loosening somewhat in the daytime, but keeping the power of contracting, able to close in again during a rainstorm, or when night comes on. But see the central flower, which has reached its maturity. The calyx hands have unclasped utterly now - they have folded themselves back, past all power of closing again upon the petals, leaving the golden crown free to float away when God's time comes.
Have we learned the buttercup's lesson yet? Are our hands off the very blossom of our life? Are all things - even the treasures that He has sanctified - held loosely, ready to be parted with, without a struggle, when He asks for them?" - Lilias Trotter in A Blossom in the Dessert
