Thursday, July 03, 2008

Ocean in a Teacup

I've been enjoying Anne's book, Disciplines of the Beautiful Woman and admit to reading ahead much farther than I've taken time to write about. Her style is so personable and relevant. It's like she is talking specifically to the reader. The first chapter is about making important life decisions and then using the disciplines of Christian maturity to reach goals set as a result of them. Anne speaks of becoming thirstier and thirstier for God in her life. She read Ephesians 3:19, "That you might be filled up to the fullness of God." That scripture spoke to her heart and she writes "How can you put the ocean in a teacup? What you haven't experienced, you never understand." A little farther along in the chapter she compares her life to the planets that revolve around the sun, desiring that Jesus be central to her life with all her actions and thoughts revolving around Him as centerpiece. From her 21 year old son she was reminded that only Jesus satisfies and his comment drew her to this verse: "I will give you abundant water for your thirst and for your parched fields. And I will pour out my Spirit and my blessings on your children. They shall thrive like watered grass, like willows on a river bank. I am the Lord's, they'll proudly say." Isa. 44:3 - 5 TLB. Anne concludes that Spirit-motivated disciplines facilitate the Christian walk; that the disciplines of life are what get you to where you want to go.

May your day be blessed and happy! I'm off to water the herbs and plant some new flowers today.

5 comments:

  1. Anonymous10:48 AM

    Blessings on your day, too. That is a book I'd like to read. I will add it to my wish list.

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  2. Hi, I own this book by Anne Ortland. I have read it several times, usually skipping ahead in several sections, like you said. You reminded me that I should read it again. I remember so many important things she discusses in the book, yet forget so many as well. Especially about taking care of one's self. With a houseful of young children, I forget sometimes that I exist. Which only leads to on unhappy and depressed mama. Thank you for your posts. I will be back again to read.

    Amy B.

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  3. I am loving these excerpts fron Anne's book...I am finding IF I don't spend time in God's WORD, nothing goes right, it is like running on fumes in my car.....I love how HIS WORD comes alive and it applies to all situations in life.
    God is Good and I am thankful for HIS Mercy and Grace.
    Deby

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  4. Delightful post! Thank you for sharing this section of her writings. I am going to have to re-read it this summer. . . thanks for reminding me of this book.

    Denise

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  5. I came back to say "hi" and found your entry about Anne Ortlund's book. I have had her books for years and keep them as treasures to read over and over. Some of us think we can't change...but Anne offers such wisdom to bring us into a better understanding of who we are in Christ and how He does help us. Thank you once again!

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