Corrie ten Boom Quote

 

This precious quote by Corrie Ten Boom has been floating around on a sticky note in my bedroom for several years at this point, and it has never failed to minister to me at just the right times.  If you ever have the chance, definitely read any work by Corrie Ten Boom - it will truly change your perspective and your walk with the Lord. I have re-read "The Hiding Place" by her several times and it always moves me to tears.  To think that someone could go through something so awful, but still praise Jesus in the midst of it.  I hope this quote and her life inspires and encourages you as much as it does me!

"Kind is the New Classy" by Candace Cameron Bure

I have gone through a recent phase where I have been obsessed with listening to audiobooks.  As soon as I finished "Killing Jesus" by Bill O'Reilly, I immediately started "Kind is the New Classy" by Candace Cameron Bure.  I have always admired Candace, and enjoyed every book I have read from her - this one being no exception.  I have also always loved the Hallmark movies she has been a part of.  Candace is the epitome of kind and classy in a world that often doesn't appreciate Christian principles and morals.  Candace encourages Christian women to be, above all, kind in an unkind world.  Drawing on real-life examples, this book takes readers on a journey through the importance of treating others in a kind, Christian way.  I especially loved that the book so adamantly encourages the practices of prayer and journaling. If you are looking for the motivation to spread some kindness, this book will inspire you to do so!

"Killing Jesus" by Bill O'Reilly

Does anyone else out there love Biblical history but struggle to read through boring history books?  I admit to being one of those people who find dry history books to be a cure for insomnia. That's probably the main reason I put off reading "Killing Jesus" by Bill O'Reilly for so long.  When we used to frequent a little library by our home which no longer exists, I remember seeing "Killing Jesus" on the shelf and making myself a mental note to read it later on.  I placed this book in the same category as Mr. O'Reilly's other historical books I saw on the shelf such as "Killing Lincoln," and "Killing Kennedy" - books I would probably enjoy if I could make myself sit down for a historical read.  More exciting books always pushed "Killing Jesus" to the back burner and I read different books instead.  Fast forward many other books, a college degree, and a job later, I re-found this book and decided it was time to give it a go.  

Let me just say - wow.  I was expecting a fact-heavy, put-you-to-sleep, force-yourself-to-finish-what-you-started book, and I couldn't have been farther from the truth.  This book reads more like a fast-paced murder mystery - one where you are a fly on the wall and you know an ending that some of the characters don't yet know.  Of course, I enjoyed the chapters best that centered around Jesus, as the book goes into depth about other people as well.  Of note, this book goes into great detail about some gruesome details and chronicles the lives of people who led less than upstanding moral lives.  This didn't bother me, working in the medical field, but could be difficult for those with a super sensitive stomach or those not yet mature enough for a read of this kind.  Despite the aforementioned, I found this book extremely hard to put down and finished it very quickly. I learned a lot from this book about the culture in Jesus' time, as well as a lot about the Jewish law and context from the scriptures.  

Elisabeth Elliot Quote

"Where does your security lie?  Is God your refuge, your hiding place, your stronghold, your shepherd, your counselor, your friend, your redeemer, your savior, your guide?  If He is, you don't need to search any further for security." - Elisabeth Elliot

Elisabeth Elliot Quote

 

"I realized that the deepest spiritual lessons are not learned by His letting us have our way in the end, but by His making us wait, bearing with us in love and patience until we are able to honestly pray what He taught His disciples to pray: Thy will be done."

-Elisabeth Elliot

 *Isn't this the most beautiful painting by a sweet lady from church??  :)

Encouragement for Today

“God's viewpoint is sometimes different from ours - so different that we could not even guess at it unless He had given us a Book which tells us such things...In the Bible I learn that God values us not for our strength or our brains but simply because He has made us.”
― Corrie Ten Boom, The Hiding Place 

Surviving a Secular College as a Christian

Being a Christian while attending a secular college can sound like a daunting experience.  I know I had my hesitations about the environment I would be entering.  These are a few thoughts I have compiled below as I begin my eighth semester of college classes at a secular public university. 

Remember you are not alone.  Though they may be hard to find, there are people on campus who share your Christian beliefs.  I remember my first semester thinking I was literally the only person on campus who had a Christian worldview.  Fortunately, I was wrong. You may not meet every Christian student within the first week, month, or maybe even year.   It can feel very isolating, especially if you don't know anyone at first, but refuse to give up hope!  It may take time, but they are out there somewhere!   

Find a religious group to plug into.  I cannot emphasize this enough!  Look to see what type of Christian organizations are on your campus!  I was blessed enough to find TWO Christian groups that are full of loving, Godly people.  If there is not a Christian group already established, maybe God will lead you to start one.

Rely on relationships from your family, friends, and church.  If you're attending college away from home, find a church home for the time you're there.  Someone from the church will likely be willing to pick you up and drop you off if you don't have transportation. 

Be the one to reach out to others.  It is more blessed to give than to receive, and truly he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.  The world is full of broken souls who need to be reminded that they are valued, loved, and needed.  

Be confident in your faith.  Read an apologetics book if it'll help you be more comfortable with your responses to tough questions.  I really liked "The Case for Christ" and "The Case for Faith" by Lee Strobel.  Never apologize or be embarrassed to confess your faith.  Your beliefs are just as valid as anyone else's, and you have every right to them.  

Keep up your Bible reading and prayer time. Life gets super busy with college classes, so keep your time with God a priority.  As Corrie ten Boom says, "Don't pray when you feel like it.  Rather, have an appointment with the Lord, and keep it!" Pencil it in your schedule if it'll help you keep your appointment.  As wonderful as outside Christian friends, groups, and churches are, they cannot take the place of your personal time alone with the Lord.  

Be rooted in your beliefs, but have an open mind.  I started college with the mindset that I had to shield and protect myself from everyone and everything that I might come into contact with because it would go against my beliefs.  I am blessed to say this has not been my experience.  I've had my share of outspoken atheistic professors, but the good far outweighs the bad and they did not succeed in pushing their beliefs on me. 

Remember God is with you ALWAYS (Matthew 28:20).  You are never alone because God is with you and has gone before you.  He is the One who will give you strength and keep you safe in His loving arms.  Rest in the promise that He will never leave you or forsake you.  

Blessings,

Emily

"You Redeem"

This year has robbed us of many things: traditions, vacations, time with family and friends, work, school, and maybe even some of the people we love the most. It is easy to dwell on what we have lost, instead of what we have or will gain from this trying season. A song below by Aaron Shust entitled “You Redeem” speaks to the reminder that whatever we face God can redeem and use for good.

Resting in the peace that God will redeem all that was lost makes everything a whole lot sweeter and easier to bear. It may not be this week, this month, or even this century, but God knows and will redeem in His perfect and holy timing. He is not blind to our suffering and feels our pain when we are walking through tough times. We often ask why it feels like God is silent and distant when we are suffering, but I read a beautiful analogy recently that noted the teacher is always silent during the test. Is the teacher still there during the test? Absolutely. The teacher is watching us maybe even more closely than usual during the exam and ready to respond to our needs. Teachers cannot give us the answers during the test, but they are right there with us during them. So reach out to God and know that He is still there and has not forgotten or abandoned you - He is right there in the midst of everything with you. 

 

“You redeem, You redeem

You restore what’s been stolen from me

You reclaim, You release

You rebuild with the words that You breathe

You redeem”

-“You Redeem” by Aaron Shust

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NIV

"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” - Colossians 1:13-14 NIV

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” - 1 Peter 1:18-19 NIV

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” - Ephesians 1:7 NIV

My Favorite Authors

I am often asked who some of my favorite authors are, so I compiled a list of those I turn to again and again.  I find works by these following authors to be so rich and full of wisdom - I could probably never tire of their works. 

Photo via Pinterest

Elizabeth Prentiss - "Stepping Heavenward" is one book I have read over and over again through the years. She also has beautiful poetry that points you towards Christ.

Elisabeth Elliot.  So many amazing works by this great lady of faith.  Her example is very inspirational!

Corrie Ten Boom.  Wow.  Just wow.  "The Hiding Place" is one of those few books that will rock you to your core.  I am continually amazed and blessed by this woman's astounding faith in the Lord.  "In My Father's House" is another one of my favorites by her.  

Andrew Murray.  If I had to choose only one word to describe this man, I would have to choose "humility."  Actually, he has a book of that same title!  His books are so packed full of wisdom and truths that they take a while to read, and sometimes I reread several times before grasping everything packed into his chapters.

Janette Oke.  As far as fiction goes, Janette Oke is one of my favorites.  Her books have Christian themes throughout and are very refreshing.  The Love Comes Softly series is my personal favorite, but you can't really go wrong with anything by her.

Ben Carson.  Great inspirational author!  I read many of his books in high school and always found them to be very motivating.  I enjoy the medical themes interwoven with life truths. 

What authors do you find yourself returning to again and again?

Corrie ten Boom's Words for Today

Beautiful sunsets recently!

We have certainly seen our world fall apart over the last months.  Every source of stability seems to have been pulled out from underneath us.  I have always loved quotes by Corrie ten Boom, but recently they are speaking to me even more than ever.  I encourage you to google Corrie ten Boom quotes and see what wisdom can be gleaned from her.  This quote by her has such relevance lately:  "If you look at the world, you'll be distressed.  If you look within, you'll be depressed.  If you look at God you'll be at rest."  Reading the news headlines produces all kinds of feelings and emotions the past months: fear, frustration, disappointment, questions...the list trails on and on.  "When will things go back to normal?"  "Will we live this way forever?"  "When will a stranger be able to see my smile without a mask?"  "When will I be able to hug the elderly at church?"  Every influence is telling us to worry, but Corrie reminds us that "Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength - carrying two days at once.  It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time.  Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength."   Worry and fear are pervasive these days, but fear is the opposite of faith.  We are reminded in second Timothy 1:7 that "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."  Even when the world goes crazy, our God stays the same and is still there for us to run to.  He listens to our worries and cares, reminds us that He is the one in control, and He is the One reigning on the throne.  Praise the Lord for this truth!

"Time-Out"

In the Medical-Surgical nursing class I’m taking this semester, we are each assigned a day to observe in the operating room.  It was an interesting experience and I got to see an intense surgical procedure.  One thing in particular that I saw stood out to me: before the first tool was touched or the first incision made, the nurse called what they identified as a “Time-Out.” This involved ensuring they were operating on the right patient, performing the right procedure at the right site, and identified allergies and other important data. It was a moment to pause and receive affirmation they were doing the right thing before proceeding on.  Of course, you know I love finding parallels.  So here it is: in our fast-paced, goal-oriented lifestyles today, we seldom take the time to pause and ensure we are doing the right thing and making the right decisions.  I for sure am guilty of this!  This OR experience made me ponder: Do I call my own “time-out” and seek God’s wisdom before I plunge ahead with something important or risky?  Or do I blindly trust my own knowledge, experience, emotions, and understanding of the situation?  Unfortunately, I often pick the latter.  How many mistakes would we save ourselves from if we paused for a moment before acting?  Probably quite a few.  With this “time-out” in mind, I am reminded of Corrie ten Boom’s wise words: “Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?”  

"Footprints" Poem

Photo via Pinterest

"One night I dreamed a dream.

As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.

Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.

For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,

One belonging to me and one to my Lord.

After the last scene of my life flashed before me,

I looked back at the footprints in the sand.

I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,

especially at the very lowest and saddest times,

there was only one set of footprints.

This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.

"Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,

You'd walk with me all the way.

But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,

there was only one set of footprints.

I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me."

He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you

Never, ever, during your trials and testings.

When you saw only one set of footprints,

It was then that I carried you."

Though published many, many years ago, this beautiful poem still speaks to people today.  I have loved this poem as long as I can remember.  It's so easy to feel we are alone when faced with difficulty, but we must always remember He is still there with us, and it is Him who carries us through.  I hope this poem gives you as much hope as it has given me over the years. 

Thank God for Little Things

Poetry by Helen Steiner Rice is just beautiful.  Her poems so sensitively capture the heart and soul of a believer.  My sister has several books of her poetry and I love reading and rereading my favorites.  Thinking of the "little things" mentioned in the poem below, there are so many little blessings from God that we take for granted or completely fail to recognize.  This poem is so special and I knew I had to share it.
  

                                      

Thank You, God, for little things

that often come our way-

The things we take for granted

but don't mention when we pray-

The unexpected courtesy,

the thoughtful, kindly deed-

A hand reached out to help us

in the time of sudden need-

Oh, make us more aware, dear God,

of little daily graces

That come to us with "sweet surprise"

from never-dreamed-of places.

- From Heart Gifts by Helen Steiner Rice

Summer 2020 Book List

I always look forward to when school lets out and I can begin books I have been desiring to read.  I read so much for school that when I do have free time during the semester I don't feel like using it to read for fun.  Tragic, I know!  This summer will be a bit different as I am taking a research class online and working.  However, I know I will take the time to enjoy some of these books this summer:

1. The Story of My Life by Helen Keller.  Helen Keller was someone who always fascinated me when I was younger.  I read every book the library had about her at the time, and then reread them again and again.  Something about her story and obstacles really caught my attention.  For a while, I was even trying to teach myself to read Braille because of her.

2. Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung.  This tiny little book intrigues me and I now want to read it! 

3. These Happy Golden Years by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  I was obsessed with Laura Ingalls and her prairie life when I was younger.  I watched all the TV episodes and read all the books up until this one for some reason.  Though it seems silly, I want to read this one and the last one ("The Last Four Years") for closure all these years later.  This should be a quick read, and everyone needs one of those every once in a while!

4. The Confessions of Saint Augustine.  Interestingly, the back cover of the book notes that this is the first autobiography ever written.  That's pretty neat!

5. The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis.  I read this book for a Classic Christian Literature class during high school and really enjoyed it.  It is written from such an interesting perspective.  A Bible Study group I'm in mentioned it and it made me want to read it all over again!

6. Love's Unfolding Dream by Janette Oke.  This is the next book in the Love Comes Softly Series for me. These remind me of a grown-ups version of Little House on the Prairie.  They are light reads and very enjoyable.

7. Meeting God at Every Turn by Catherine Marshall.  Catherine Marshall is the author of Christy - one of my favorite books of all time.  The inside cover of the book describes it as a "spiritual autobiography."  I'm excited to dig into this book and see what wisdom can be gleaned from Catherine Marshall's life. 

Time to grab a cool drink and get busy reading!  What does your summer reading list look like this year?

Quotes by John Bunyan

Below are a few quotes by John Bunyan, author of "The Pilgrim's Progress."  Words are so powerful!

"You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you."

"A man there was, though some called him mad, the more he gave the more he had."

"Pray often, for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for satan."

"In times of affliction, we commonly meet with the sweetest experiences of the love of God."

"The School" by Elizabeth Prentiss

This is a great poem by Elizabeth Prentiss.  I love it!



The School

We are all scholars, nothing but scholars,
Little children at school,
Learning our daily lessons,
Subject to law and rule.

Life is the school, and the Master
Is the Man Jesus Christ;
We are His charity scholars,
His the teaching unpriced.

Slowly we learn all His patience
Is hourly put to the test:
But often the slowest and dullest,
He pities, and loves the best.

Still, we sit at the feet of our Master,
Very low at His feet,
Study the lessons He sets us,
Sometimes lessons repeat.

Some of the lessons are pleasant,
Pleasant and easy to learn;
The page of our task-book simple,
Simple and easy to turn.

But anon the reading is painful,
Studied 'mid sighing and tears;
We stammer and falter over it,
Do not learn it for years.

Yet that is no fault of the Master;
All His lessons are good;
Only our childish folly
Leaves them misunderstood.

And still we go on, learning,
And learning to love our school;
Learning to love our Master,
Learning to love His rule.

And by and by, we children
Shall grow into perfect men,
And the loving, patient Master
From school will dismiss us then.

No more tedious lessons,
No more sighing and tears,
But a bound into home immortal,
And blessed, blessed years!

-Elizabeth Prentiss

Quote for Today.....

"Great faith is the product of great fights.  Great testimonies are the outcome of great tests.  Great triumphs can only come out of great trials."

~Smith Wigglesworth

Corrie Ten Boom Quote

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God." 

~Corrie Ten Boom

"Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris Review

One afternoon recently, I was flipping through a Christian Book magazine, and noticed a book I had never heard of before.  It was "Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris.  Intrigued, I decided to look it up on Amazon.  I read the sample provided, and knew I wanted to read it. When it came in the mail a few days later, I was ecstatic to begin reading.  "Do Hard Things" proved to be one of the best books I have ever read.  I loved reading a book from someone who has the same thoughts and views I do about young adults.  Alex and Brett Harris encourage teenagers to rebel - not against parents and other influences - but against our society's low expectations.  This radical way of thinking and living uses the teenage years for good, and things of lasting value.  As Christians, we shouldn't waste the teenage years, but use them for God's glory.  Included below is what the premise of the book is written on, "The Five Kinds of Hard," and a few quotes.  I highly recommend reading this book, and would also recommend encouraging others you know to do the same.

The Five Kinds of Hard:
-Things that are outside your comfort zone
-Things that go beyond what is expected or required
-Things that are too big to accomplish alone
-Things that don't earn an immediate payoff
-Things that challenge the cultural norm

"The teen years are not a vacation from responsibility.  They are the training ground of future leaders who dare to be responsible now."

"Where some might look down on or excuse young adults, God calls us to be examples.  Where our culture might expect little, God expects great things."

"Our trust is not in the greatness of our vision or the strength of our effort, but in the grace and wisdom and goodness of God.  Our reason for rebelling against low expectations in the world around us is that Jesus tells us He has overcome the world and through faith in Him - so can we."

"Complete in Him" a Poem by Elizabeth Prentiss

This is a beautiful poem I love by Elizabeth Prentiss.  Words of wisdom and power!


Complete in Him

Complete in Him! oh, Lord, I flee,
Laden with this great thought, to Thee,
With tears and smiles contending, cry,
Are words like these for such as I?

Complete in Him! No word of mine
Is needed, Lord, to perfect Thine;
Wise Master-Builder, let Thy hand
Fashion the fabric Thou hast planned.

Complete in Him! I nothing bring,
Am an imperfect, useless thing;
But human eyes shall joy to see
What God’s dear hand shall add to me.

Complete in Him! Oh, longed-for day,
When my poor, sinful heart can say,
Naught in myself, for ruin meet,
In Jesus Christ I stand complete.

~ Elizabeth Prentiss