Sweeter than honey

One of the reasons by blogging has been neglected of late, is the corresponding increase in my reading (which is a good thing!).  As my two bigger ones grow in their affection for books, I have found myself reading along - sometimes to voice a "yeah" or "nay" or to test their comprehension, and sometimes just to have something else to talk about with them.  So Alyssa and I have recently started the Elsie Dinsmore series by Martha Finley.  I realize we're pretty late to the party as they were originally published between 1867 and 1905, but to us they are a new-found treasure!  Honestly, I think I'm more taken with the sweet innocence and steadfast faith of little Elsie than Alyssa is at this point, but I'm hoping she'll fall for her soon.  In the meantime I thought I'd share my favorite passage thus far, a conversation about my favorite Book, and perhaps your favorite too...

"Do you really love it so?" asked Adelaide, lifting her eyes to her friend's face with an expression of astonishment.  "Do tell me why?"

"For its exceeding great and precious promises, Adelaide; for its holy teachings; for its offers of peace and pardon and eternal life.  I am a sinner, Adelaide - lost, ruined, helpless, hopeless - and the Bible brings me the glad news of salvation offered as a free, unmerited gift.  It tells me that Jesus died to save sinners - just such sinners as I.  I find that I have a heart deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.  And the blessed Bible tells me how that heart can be renewed, and where I can obtain that holiness without which no man shall see the Lord.  I find myself utterly unable to keep God's holy law, and it tells me of One who has kept it for me.  I find that I deserve the wrath and curse of a justly offended God, and it tells me of Him who was made a curse for me.  I find that all my righteousnesses are as filthy rags, and it offers me the beautiful, spotless robe of Christ's perfect righteousness.  Yes, it tells me that God can be just, and the justifier of him who believes in Jesus."  ... "Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift!"