I’d like to share several things, mostly from fellow #write31days bloggers. They may or may not connect, but all have been impactful for me.
Beth, of Simply Beth, writes:
God does only good things. Although this is true, He will use our hardened hearts as an opportunity to demonstrate His power and to bring glory to His name. He will use everything to bring glory to His name.
She refers to the story of Moses to show how God accomplishes His purpose, even with stubborn people.
~~~
Jennifer Neyhart has blogged about C.S. Lewis this month. While Jennifer and I connected over a discussion on Eustace Scrubb, it was this post on longing in The Weight of Glory that really got to me. She quotes Lewis:
If we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at sea. We are far too easily pleased.
Jennifer concludes:
We were made for a whole, complete relationship with God, lacking nothing! So of course our heart aches for more than this fallen world can offer. And we know that God has set eternity in our hearts; he put the desire there so we would long for him and not be satisfied by lesser things. Praise be to God!
~~~
(Jennifer’s mention of Eustace, from The Voyage of The Dawn Treader, reminded me of a post I wrote on the stripping off of some sinful thoughts and behaviors – Stepping out of your skin.)
~~~
And on the waiting, Cheree Hayes reminds us:
Right now, things are not right.
Right now, things are broken…so broken.
Right now, you live here – on this fallen, muddy earth.And right now, by grace through faith, you are also “seated with Christ in heavenly places.” You wait for His kingdom to come make its home on earth. You wait with Jesus in tears and groaning prayers, longing… You seek the things that are above. You are a citizen of the Kingdom. It’s who you are now. So you wait, eager for your faith to be made sight.
~~~
I hope you find some encouragement from these bloggers as I did.
I’m blogging on Crushing your kingdoms this month.
Bonnie Burgamy
/ October 23, 2014What a nice tribute to these beautiful writers…beautiful just like YOU! What a great way to celebrate others and share encouragement! Thank you for highlighting what has spoken to you and for sharing your own words through this 31 days writing challenge! I needed to hear all of this today! Thank you!
claygirlsings
/ October 25, 2014Sometimes I find my own words won’t suffice and I get so inspired by what others say. Thanks for reading.
Laura
/ October 23, 2014What a wonderful collection of quotes to contemplate. Now I also would love to go read The Voyage of the Dawn Treader again!
claygirlsings
/ October 25, 2014Yes – I’ve been considering reading through the whole series again soon. Such good stories.
Faith Raider
/ October 23, 2014What a great idea! Loved those quotes. I’d heard the C.S. Lewis one before- LOVE it still.
Martha
/ October 23, 2014What a great idea to highlight other bloggers on the 31 day challenge. I love Weight of Glory I’ve been meaning to go back and read that again. Need those reminders! thanks!
sarahmariekc
/ October 23, 2014I love the nod to other dedicated, hard-working, inspirational bloggers in this challenge! Very cool of you. You pulled some great, thought-provoking quotes, too. Thank you for sharing.
Julie Kieras (@happystronghome)
/ October 23, 2014what lovely passages from these bloggers – thank you for sharing – I had only come across ONE of them so far in this series so this is a good introduction!
Natalie Busch
/ October 23, 2014Yes, very encouraging. I love this idea!
Simply Beth
/ October 25, 2014Thank you so much, Janice, for sharing a quote from my post. What a pleasant surprise. I will need to check out the other blog links you have shared. I’m really enjoying your series. Blessings.
claygirlsings
/ October 25, 2014I enjoy your writing so much, I had to share it.
BTW, the video of your husband coming home is so awesome! I just loved seeing the joy on your face. So glad you get to reconnect now.