Doing the Next Thing

Since reading is my absolute favorite hobby, I have several books going at any given time. Books for fun; books to inspire me as a homemaker; books to grow me in my faith; and books to stretch my brain. I wrapped up several books in the last few weeks and decided to share a few thoughts from each. So here goes... Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. I've been a longtime fan of Austen's works, but had somehow never read this one. Since I absolutely love the film version (the one directed by Ang Lee, starring Emma Thompson) I decided it was high time I read the novel. All of my favorite Austen elements are there: witty dialogue, clever prose, humor, good characterization (especially Elinor, who you can see from my sidebar reminds me of myself,) true love that almost escapes. However, while S & S was a very enjoyable read, Pride & Prejudice remains my favorite of Miss Austen's novels. I can read P & P over and over again. Gold Cord: The Story of a Fellowship ...

Those words are the title of an essay in Elisabeth Elliot's book The Music of His Promises . I've been feeling overwhelmed lately with the busy-ness of December - in spite of all my efforts to keep it un -busy. This entry I read during my quiet time really struck me. Elisabeth says... To be busy is to be engaged in an occupation which makes it inconvenient to be disturbed. [Jesus] was at the disposal of His Father at all times and therefore at the disposal of all whom the Father sent to Him. There was never a sign of moodiness, selfishness, offense, boredom, or busyness...We can learn to see every minute of our day as His, not ours...Knowing where we come from and to Whom we are going relieves us of the anxiety that makes us so fussy and so hard to live with. ( The Music of His Promises (2000 edition), pp 158-159) I have been very fussy and hard to live with these last few days. My mind is full of all the things I have to do to prepare for Christmas. Mind you, nearly all the t...

"Real trust yields utterly to the one trusted. All desire is turned over to that one, believing his ability to manage, control, and finally accomplish what is best. When we pray, we should beware lest we line ourselves up with the mockers of Jesus -- "If You do such and such, then I will trust You!" We need to learn rather to let God rescue us in His own way. Lord, teach me this trust." -- Elisabeth Elliot, The Music of His Promises, p. 9 I see this trust in the heart of my own little girl (whose middle name is Elisabeth, after my hero in the faith.) Though she will have chronic medical issues her whole life, she knows that God is good no matter what He does. May we all have faith like a child!