Sitting on Pinnacles

Continuing to read and glean from Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss. Written in journal form, it begins with Katherine’s (Katie’s) 16^th birthday and follows her maturing into womanhood. I read a few entries in the evenings and ponder its pages--filled with food for thought. Want to share another brief excerpt with you.

October 30--I'm sure I don't know what I was going to say when I was interrupted just then. Something in the way of self-glorification, most likely. I remember the contempt with which I looked after Amelia as she left our house, and the pinnacle on which I sat perched for some days, when I compared my life with hers. Alas, it was my view of life of which I was lost in admiration, for I am sure that if I ever come under the complete dominion of Christ's gospel I shall not know the sentiment of contempt. I feel truly ashamed and sorry that I am still so far from being penetrated with that spirit.

....... My pride has had a terrible fall. As I sat on my throne, looking down on all the Amelias in the world, I felt a profound pity at their delight in petty trifles, their love of position, of mere worldly show and passing vanities. 

There was a terrible struggle in my soul. I saw that instead of brooding over the display I had made of myself to Dr. Cabot, I ought to be thinking soley of my appearance in the sight of God, who could see far more plainly than any earthly eye could all my miserable pride and self-conceit.

...At last I sent the children away, and knelt down and told the whole story to Him who knew what I was when He had compassion on me, called me by my name, and made me His own child. And here I found a certain peace. Christian, on his way to the celestial city, met and fought his Apollyons and his giants, too; but he got there at last! 

~ Elizabeth Prentiss, Stepping Heavenward, 1869

Painting ~ A Friendly Call, William Merritt Chase 1849-1916
Creative Commons 2.0 Generic

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Today I join others at The Simple Woman’s Daybook, a weekly journal page that focuses on simple thoughts and simple living.  My leads are somewhat similar to others in the group, but somewhat different as well. You may also want to read what some other simple women are saying and doing these days.  

Outside my window....

A beautiful sunny day with temperatures in the upper 50s. Almost all of the snow is gone, except for the huge piles that will take until spring to melt. Daffodils are peeking out of the ground. It won't be long until spring!

Thankful for....

A special friend to walk and talk with, drawing one another Godward. We met at the cemetery for an afternoon walk today. 

A Peek Into My Week…

A walk in the cemetery. It's a good place to get some aerobics-- flat if you want flat, and varying inclines that can challenge. This hill was much more challenging after being indoors for so many weeks. (It's steeper than it looks!) After going up this one, I knew I couldn't do the steeper ones. Huff and Puff!! Gotta get out there more for sure!

Noticing the sound of ….

The clock--tick tock, tick-tock. We need to put on some music. 

I am going….

To stay in for a couple of days, tend to things around the house, and sewing. More rain coming, so I did the grocery shopping this morning. I'd rather do that on Tuesdays for the senior discount, but don't like to shop on rainy days. I put that and coupon savings toward my fabric stash. Makes me not dread grocery day. :-)

Learning…

That I prefer spray basting a quilt sandwich rather than sew basting or pin basting. Spray basting makes the top lie down more smoothly all over.

Pondering…

Been reflecting today on Sunday evening's church service. March is missions month, and yesterday several folks in the church gave reports on their mission endeavors. We've been going to this church only a few months, and it's been good to so many people involved in so many ministries--in the church and out of it, near and far. It's not a large church, maybe 150-200, but their desire to spread the gospel and love one another is very evident.

In the kitchen...

Skinny Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese  

from Skinnytaste.com

A tasty meal for 315 calories / 8 Weight Watchers points plus

Click on the pic to go to the recipe. There's a much better picture there. 

 

Around the house…

Pictures on the piano

Thinking…

I hope they never forget.

 
The fruit of my hands …

Hand appliqueing some blocks in the evenings for a quilt for Anna. I just might finish it in a couple of years!

(Still) Reading....  

Stepping Heavenward 
I like to read just a few journal entries and reflect. 

A brief excerpt of counsel to Katie in her struggle...

Go home and say to yourself, ‘I am a wayward, foolish child. But He loves me! I have disobeyed and grieved Him ten thousand times. But He loves me! I have lost faith in some of my dearest friends and am very desolate. But He loves me! I do not love Him, I am even angry with Him! But He loves me!

~ Elizabeth Prentiss

Available from Grace and Truth Books. Just click on the pic to go there.

Is It All You Do It For?

Stepping Heavenward, Elizabeth Prentiss, 1869

The title of this book caught my attention. It’s written in journal form, beginning with Katherine’s (Katie’s) 16^th birthday and follows her maturing into womanhood. This is one of Elisabeth Elliot's favorite books, and she writes, “This book is a treasure of godly and womanly wisdom, told with disarming candor and humility, yet revealing a deep heart’s desire to know God.”

A journal excerpt:

July 30 – I met Dr. Cabot [pastor] today, and could not help asking the question: “is it right for me to sing and play in company when all I do it for is to be admired?”

“Are you sure it is all you do it for?” he returned.

“Oh,” I said, “I suppose there may be a sprinkling of desire to entertain and please, mixed with the love of display.”

“Do you suppose that your love of display, assuming you have it, would be forever slain by your merely refusing to sing in company?”

“I thought that might give it a pretty hard blow,” I said, “if not its death blow.”

“Meanwhile, in punishing yourself you punish your poor innocent friends,” he said laughing. “No, child, go on singing; God has given you this power of entertaining and gratifying your friends. But pray, without ceasing, that you may sing from pure benevolence and not from pure self-love.”

“Why, do people pray about such things as that?” I cried.

“Of course they do. Why, I would pray about my little finger, if my little finger went astray.”

I looked at his little finger, but saw no signs of its becoming schismatic.