Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Who?


My daughter got me an early birthday present last week when she visited. My other broom was 70’s green and bristle free—received as a wedding shower gift thirty years ago. I’m still amazed how much better the new one works. Makes me wonder why I didn’t care enough to replace it sooner.


Makes me also wonder why I don’t care enough to replace some of my bad habits I’ve hung on too for thirty years as well.


Like worrying when I pay the bills. Or worrying when I see my husband look sad over his situation. Or worrying when I can’t find a job to apply to and the phone doesn’t ring with offers.


How come I can’t sweep away those bad habits like I can the dirt on my kitchen floor?


Sassy Granny sent me a book called Hinds’ Feet on High Places where the lead character is called Much-Afraid. At first, I thought, this is not my kind of book. It’s too hard. But I persevered because it was a gift, you know, and she loved it.


The other night when I woke at 3am and started to worry about paying this month’s bills, I thought of Much Afraid. She was crossing the desert and going past the lonely lake but she knew the mountains were ahead of her and the Shepherd would take care of her. I actually found my fears disappearing all because of a story.


The next morning I checked when the book was published thinking it must be one of those really old classics. 1987. For me, that’s not that old. My daughter was three years old then. The author was writing a book that would minister to me 22 years later while I was teaching my daughter how to dress herself mornings.


Think about the book you’re writing today. Who do you hope will read it? What do you hope they will get from it when they do?


I don’t know if Hannah Hunard is alive or dead today, but I want to say Thank you. Thank you for thinking of me to take the time to write.
Update--I read a little more and found out she died in 190 but wrote the original copy in 1955--even more wonderful--the year I was born! 1987 was the American version.

15 comments:

Janna Leadbetter said...

These are awesome thoughts you've had; to connect when and where she wrote with what you were doing, and then recognizing how you're affected by it today.

Melissa Amateis said...

I have heard of that book - I think my mother had it. I need to read it, sounds like.

Yolanda said...

How incredible...I was thinking the other day if my granddaughter some day, would want my bible and my journals....pondering.

Love,
Yolanda

Angie Ledbetter said...

I often think about the people who've read our inspirational book and written a note about what they enjoyed or were inspired by. I pray everyone who reads it find some moment of joy or nugget of grace.

Loved your clean sweep today. Cleaning the temple... ;)

Jenni James said...

Awww.. Cinderella. All your dreams will come true. I promise. I'm sending extra good karma sprinkles your way. Love the story and post! Jenni

Kathleen said...

I KNEW you'd be blessed! Good writing, like a warm spring breeze, has a way of getting past our objections to envelope the heart with a fresh perspective.

The Lord must have some pretty awesome plans for you, or you wouldn't be travelling the shadowed course. I can hardly wait to see what they are!

God bless you, my friend.

Kathleen

Donna M. Kohlstrom said...

Love the idea about sweeping away your worries. As long as they're swept out the door and not into a corner to be swept back into the house!

I hope that my writing gives others, especially women, hope, motivation and comfort.

Robin Lambright said...

Hey there!, I was just doing some catch up reading. I was so wrapped up in other things over the last few days. I just love it when something that seems unimportant at the time turns out to be a message from our Heavenly Father.

For me, what prompts me to write is is very similar. There are moments when an experience or something I see will wash over me and I truly feel God's nudging to place something down on paper.

Sometimes the lines of communication are free flowing and then there are time when I feel as if there is something in the way and most of the time that obstacle is me...

I enjoyed my catch up reading, you go girl....

I will be praying for better time for both you and your husband and I hope you are feeling better.

Blessings
Robin

Jessica Nelson said...

Yikes! You're broom was thirty years old? LOL
I hope women read my books and remember what it's like to be truly in love, and also that the spiritual threads woven through the romance will touch their hearts. :-)

Walk said...

Thanks for reminding me of this book. It has been years since I've read it so it's time to reread it.

1955 huh? It was a very good year, my mom would tell you her baby boy was born then. Both Terry/Terri also. Scary! :>)

Anonymous said...

I LOVE that book. I read it as a young adult and cherished each page. It would definitely be a great read again!

Speaking of books, have you ever read The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom? Amazing story of God's faithfulness. I had many a sleepness night last week reading it - I just couldn't put it down!

Anonymous said...

A timely post for me indeed! I, too, struggle with fear in terms of finances, as well as health. I've learned that the detours in my life serve to nudge me into a deeper trust and dependence on God. Not always easy for an independent gal who seems to carry responsibility for far too many people on her shoulders.

Greg C said...

Hello Terri
I hopped over here from Carmen's blog. I have to say that I was shocked when your page opened for several reasons. First off, you have a twin in SC. At first I thought I had stumbled upon a good friend's blog. Maybe I did.

I was born in Florida and I too enjoy writing although I have had very little published.

I too was born in 55 and may have to find the book you wrote about. I try not to worry but sometimes I still do.

When I read about your broom, all I could think about what that swiffer comercial and the song "Baby come back" It always cracks me up.

Great post.

Greg

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Terri, I've been learning to walk out of fear myself over the years. And like you, I so enjoyed meeting Miss Much Afraid (I think I first came across her in the '70 or early 80's). I yearned to experience her freedom, and I can say that I have and I am.

One of the the keys to my becoming fear-free (and yes, I'm seeing it's possible, even in this hour and time in our lives).... is to to keep turning my focus back on Jesus, to the One who promised never to leave me nor forsake me.

A story's been told that Martin Luther once had a real encounter with the Enemy himself. He came to him in the night, and when Luther turned in his bed to see who was bothering him, Luther was said to have said to satan, "Oh it's you." And turned his 'insubordinate rear' -- Luther's words, not mine -- and went back to sleep.

Whether or not the story actually happened, I have taken much comfort in knowing that we too can turn our back on our enemy and face our God instead.

Hope that sparks some joy your way!

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Terri, I've been learning to walk out of fear myself over the years. And like you, I so enjoyed meeting Miss Much Afraid (I think I first came across her in the '70 or early 80's). I yearned to experience her freedom, and I can say that I have and I am.

One of the the keys to my becoming fear-free (and yes, I'm seeing it's possible, even in this hour and time in our lives).... is to to keep turning my focus back on Jesus, to the One who promised never to leave me nor forsake me.

A story's been told that Martin Luther once had a real encounter with the Enemy himself. He came to him in the night, and when Luther turned in his bed to see who was bothering him, Luther was said to have said to satan, "Oh it's you." And turned his 'insubordinate rear' -- Luther's words, not mine -- and went back to sleep.

Whether or not the story actually happened, I have taken much comfort in knowing that we too can turn our back on our enemy and face our God instead.

Hope that sparks some joy your way!