More at Work Underneath

A few quotes from Shadow of the Almighty. I love this book so much...

"I have been thinking lately that life in the will of God is better in each phase that we enter, so I can say honestly today, 'This is the best year of my life." -Jim Elliot

"Too busy--cursed words, those. Father, forgive me for being so academic and material in my outlook, so much feeding of the mind and outer man, so little genuine concern for spiritual things." -Jim Elliot

"...We should love hard, and not casually; fervently, playfully, and simply, never heavily or slowly. Slovenly loving makes for wearisome living...If you ever love, Jane, love like a school girl with giggles and sighs, and keep love alive by consciously keeping wonder and surprise at the core of it. For many 'young-marrieds' get used to it after a year or two, because they think they have to. For me, I can't afford to with Betty. I've got to make it last and last. I have not found it hard, but I have found that love is not effortless. It needs control and direction." -Jim Elliot

"O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need for further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, that so I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, 'Rise up, my love, my fair one and come away." Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long. Amen." -A.W. Tozer


And a bonus quote from Tozer. All the ideas and feelings expressed in these quotes have been coming up in life right now. They are all very relevant--not only for me. I observe my friends and see similar feelings in them (whether they really know it or not). This is an exciting and trying time of life for the nineteen year old :). It's also a very scary time. God is mightily at work. As I have mentioned before, He is the greatest distraction of my life. This doesn't mean I am not distracted by other things...I most certainly am. But He is a constant presence, prodding me. He gently (but firmly) leads me into all sorts of situations. He is opening so many doors in my future--exciting! He is also closing doors--frightening!

I guess these are just thinking times. I learn so much when Jesus makes me think...I also have a hard time sleeping and so I feel extra tired all the time. I would appreciate your prayers. Many of you are in my prayers, also. It's exciting to hear how Christ is moving in the lives of friends. He moves in such mysterious ways.

I love you all oh so much!!