Isn’t that an absolutely beautiful statement about the purpose of a life? It’s from Ann Voskamp and you can read more here: “The Way to Really Conduct a Life?”
Category: Voskamp, Ann
“Be all here: and be holy”
Sometimes I feel almost the same way about Ann Voskamp as I do about Amy Carmichael: “I just have to share this with you!” Today’s post is full of her wonderful photos and, as always, makes a very important point–one we do so need to hear in the midst of this potentially very busy season. I hope you can take a moment and read this: “The most important place to be . . . “
“Keep Calm and Count On”
As Thanksgiving approaches, I think it only appropriate to direct you today to Ann Voskamp’s blog since it was her book that changed my life this year, for which I am very thankful. May she inspire you as well: “The Real First Thanksgiving.”Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving!
“One thing that helps any relationship”
A guest post from Ann Voskamp for those of you who struggle with a relationship with a family member: “One thing that helps any relationship”
“If we don’t take breaks, we break”
The title for today’s post comes from a post by Ann Voskamp: “How to live in this economy”. In it she makes the very important point of the necessity of rest even–especially–when we are pressed because of economic times. A most worthy read.
In another form
Ann Voskamp, in her book One Thousand Gifts, writes about how important it is for us to have God’s perspective concerning all the events in our lives: “Can it be that that which seems to oppose the will of God actually is used of Him to accomplish the will of God? That which seems evil only seems so because of perspective, the way the eyes see the shadow above the clouds, light never stops shining.” Amy Carmichael tackles this issue as well:
Mark 16.12 After that He appeared in another form.
John 16.23 And in that day you shall ask Me nothing.
“We always expect the Lord to come to us in a joy. Instead of that He sometimes appears in another form, He comes in a big disappointment.
“In the day that we see Him all will be clear. The mysteries which now perplex us will be illuminated. One day we shall see the glory to our glorious God and the good to all of us contained in the disappointment we cannot understand.
“So let us live as those who believe this to be true. Let us praise before we can see. Let us thank our Lord for trusting us to trust Him.” (Amy Carmichael)
Doing the next thing
Sometimes the best thing you can do to love the Lord is to just do the next thing. Ann Voskamp, in her usual honest and beautiful way, shares about not wanting to get out of bed one morning: When perfectionism and to-do lists overwhelm.
“Figuring out how to forgive {your parents}”
I want to refer you all to another excellent post by Ann Voskamp where she wrestles so honestly with forgiving her father. I would add that it’s really also about forgiving yourself. You can read it here.
“I simply am”
I have been mulling over these lines at the end of Ann Voskamp’s post yesterday:
“I stay for a long time at the river’s edge. I simply sit. I simply am. He is I AM — the only One who exists to hold it all together– not me. The water fall sings. Only when we rest do we relinquish our ambitions to be like God.“
That can be one of the hardest things to do–at least for me–to simply sit, to simply be, to not worry about what I am or am not. What a wonderful reminder, that first and foremost, “only when we rest do we relinquish our ambitions to be like God.”
“What He Gives in the Dark”
A story that lifts my heart: “The Importance of Family: What He Gives in the Dark” Have a great day. If you’re in the dark, may you perceive His hand giving to you in the darkness.
Witnesses to Hope 