A Blessing in a Book

Every once in a while, I come across a work of fiction that becomes a source not only of reading pleasure, but of unforgettable characters and wonderful gems of wisdom and insight.  One such character is Father Tim, author Jan Karon's central figure in her "Mitford Years" series.  Father Tim is a lovable Episcopal pastor who is a wise, gentle, caring man.  The following quote is from "At Home in Mitford", the first book in the series.  If you haven't already become acquainted with these books, please do yourself a favor and add them to your summer reading.  I revisit Mitford every so often and am always glad to be turning the pages there.

"He had just come from the hospital, where he had put his arms around a very ill patient, doing for someone else what God had so often done for him." 

~ "He", of course, is Father Tim  ~

Spring Rain

It is one of those gentle rains.  I love sitting at the window, listening to the raindrops falling onto the patio and watching the birds enjoying their bath.   A good day to stay home and be quiet.  This will be a good day for the flowers, the grass and the potted plants, too.  God's provision. 

It is a good day for thinking.  I am mulling over yesterday's sermon, a very heavy one.  It came from the lips of a guest preacher, one who has known much pain in his life and has allowed God to use the  hurtful things he experienced as a youth to feed a ministry to young people who desperately need someone who understands and comes along side to help carry the load.

I am thinking about forgiveness, trust, mercy.....God's grace, raining down and transforming lives, bringing beauty from ashes.  A good day for gratitude, for prayer, for thinking.

"Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it."  ~  Mark Twain

A Definition of Faith

I read the following quote on the jacket of a music CD and it brought to mind two Scriptures that have been so meaningful to me during difficult and challenging times.  The first is Psalm 40: 1-3 where David speaks of the Lord lifting him and setting his feet upon a rock.  The second is found in  Isaiah 40. At the end of that chapter we are told that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength and will soar on wings like eagles.  This quote points beautifully to these two truths.

"Faith is coming to the edge of all you know and trusting God will give you something to stand on or you will be taught to fly." ~ Mark Schultz

Let's Get Started!

Life can seem overwhelming at times, both in the mountain and the mundane.  This advice from the past applies so well to those times when we just don't know quite where or how to start. 

Attempting to acquire a new discipline?  Packing for a trip?  In need of forgiving someone who has wronged you?  Spring cleaning?  Stepping into a new chapter in your life?  I hope this simple advice encourages you today!

"Start small, but begin." ~ Puritan saying

A trained mind

I am so thankful for Christian radio stations. I have access to great teaching and encouraging messages at any time of the day or night.  What a blessing!  I also like to get on the websites of various ministries and often find words full of wisdom for living.  Just the other day, I was browsing the website of one of my favorites, "Truth for Life", and found the following quote.  I believe it is quite profound.

" A Christian way of thinking is not just thinking Christian thoughts, singing Christian songs, reading Christian books, going to Christian schools; it is learning to think about the whole spectrum of life from the perspective of a mind that has been trained in truth."  ~ Alistair Begg

A Simple Formula for Happiness

I'm not sure where I read or heard this quote, but its simplicity still gives food for thought.

"Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for."  ~ Joseph Addison

What next?

I love Elisabeth Elliot's writing.  I have great admiration and respect for this godly woman who models courage, strength and wisdom.  I imagine most of you know her story, but if not, please do yourself a favor and get acquainted with her work.

Years ago, at a conference where she was speaking, I heard her reference an old Saxon legend and a poem that had been written about the legend.  Within that poem are words that have been of great help to me at various times in my life.  Here is the poem:

"From an old English parsonage, down by the sea,
There came in the twilight a message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, as it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the hours the quiet words ring,
Like a low inspiration -
Do the next thing.

Many a questioning, many a a fear,
Many a doubt hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrow, child of the King.
Trust them with Jesus -
Do the next thing.

Do it immediately; do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care.
Do it with reverance, tracing His Hand
Who placed it before thee
With earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence,
Safe 'neath His wing,
Leave all resultings -
Do the next thing.

Looking to Jesus, even serener,
Working or suffering, be thy demeanor.
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance be thy psalm.
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing,
Then, as He beckons -
Do the next thing.


I am particularly touched by the second stanza of this old poem....the writer has reminded me once again of the "quieting" of fears and doubts....the quiet heart that is mine when I am abiding in the presence of my King.

                              "Do the next thing." ~ Elisabeth Elliot, quoting from the poem.