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Podcast EP 62: Gleanings from the Life of Susannah Spurgeon

by Marci Ferrell
Biblical Womanhood Book Reviews Christian Living Marriage Podcast Titus 2

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As a young Christian, I desired to read books from some of the “old guys” in the faith, but it was a bit intimidating. My first exposure to a “not so old guy” was Charles Spurgeon’s, Morning and Evening Devotional. I picked up Alistair Begg’s edited version, and it introduced me to a man who helped me to get a better understanding of what it meant to abide in Christ.

You can read the post below or listen in to the podcast where I share a bit more content:

 

Related Resources:

10 Lessons from the Life of Mary

Serving the Lord in Our Mundane Moments

Trusting God in Your Trials

Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon, wife of Charles H. Spurgeon by Ray Rhodes Jr.

 

Yours, Till Heaven: The Untold Love Story of Charles and Susie Spurgeon by Ray Rhodes Jr. 

 

Most of us have been impacted by the writings of Charles Spurgeon, whether it’s through books, his sermons, or even the many quotes we come across as we scroll through our social media feeds. Susannah Spurgeon is probably not as familiar to us except for the knowledge that we know she was married to Charles.

My first introduction to Susannah’s writings was in a favored devotional of mine called Seasons of the Heart. Susannah’s writings are appealing as Ray Rhodes Jr. explained so beautifully:

“for she brings her readers into her thoughts of her heart, as if she has poured a cup of tea for her guests, invited them to draw near to the fire, and engaged them in conversation. She respected her readers, treating them as friends.”

Reading Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon, wife of Charles H. Spurgeon, has made me feel as if I just got to spend time with a dear friend and I didn’t want our time to come to an end. It is a well written, complete biography filled with historical records, personal writings from the Spurgeon’s and wonderful testimonies from family and friends.

I had the opportunity to meet Ray in person at the G3 Conference last month and was so grateful for this opportunity to get a copy of Susie to review for my readers and to get to do a giveaway too! (Please note the giveaway has ended.)

Ray is a great storyteller, and the book was a page-turner and hard to put down. I loved the photos. Who doesn’t enjoy photos in a biography??

There were so many takeaways from the book, and I wanted to share some parts of Susie’s life that impacted me. Anytime I read a Christian biography the hope is it would help me, by God’s grace, to love and serve Him more. Susie was one of those books.

As I share these, please remember that we are not Charles and Susie and the Lord had a special purpose for their lives, but I do always believe there are things we can learn and glean from others in our walk with the Lord.

Gleanings from Susie’s Life:

Susie was raised in a home where the scriptures were most likely read and in a time and culture where the Bible was held in high regard. She didn’t come to faith until she was a young adult, but because of her early exposure to God’s Word, she had a good knowledge of God’s Word from her childhood.

She was an avid reader of solid theological books along with God’s Word. Because of this, she grew spiritually. Susie committed herself to practice the spiritual disciplines. She read through the whole bible yearly and was an avid reader of theological books. Susie meditated on the scriptures and had a good working knowledge of the Word. She is an encouragement for us all to seek out good, solid theological resources. Don’t settle for superficial material ladies. We don’t necessarily need to be reading the Puritans, (though that is a good thing to be reading) we have some great writers today but pray and learn to develop biblical discernment.

Her marriage was a priority to her. Susie was a wonderful helper to her husband and had a submissive spirit. They had a very romantic marriage. They wrote love letters to one another throughout their lives. They wrote like a young couple in love. They never got away from the romance of their relationship – it was beautiful. I love how she assured him even in her love letters that she was praying for him.

“God had certainly made them for each other. It was a love match, but also a spiritual partnership, as every true Christian marriage should be.”

-Ernest Bacon

There were many difficult trials and circumstances they dealt with that were ministry related over their years together and Susie remained stable and steadfast in her walk with the Lord through them. She had a trusting, strong faith in the Lord and was the right woman to stand by his side.

“Though we may not at the time, see His purpose in the afflictions which he sends us, it will be plainly revealed when the light of eternity falls upon the road along which we have journeyed.”

-Susannah Spurgeon

She was committed to Charles and his ministry. She did not hinder him from his work in any way. She was well-loved and cherished by her husband. Her joy was promoting her husband’s gospel-centered ministry.

Susie was engaged in service even when she was afflicted. Her eyes were off herself and on others. She didn’t make excuses because of her affliction. She served God faithfully to the best of her ability.

There wasn’t evidence she was a complainer. She was honest about her afflictions and even the difficulties she faced after Charles died. She never doubted God’s faithfulness and His promises.

Her Legacy:

Susie accomplished much in her earthly life in addition to being the wife of the Prince of Preachers. She was an author, she started a book fund for pastors, planted a church, was a student of the Word, hiked the Swiss Alps, was the mother of twin boys, content in the shadow of her husband, served Christ faithfully, loved the gospel and provided a warm, loving home that was prayerful.

Susie’s life reminded me that every day is a gift and all is grace. God is good and faithful always. Suffering is part of our earthly life, and the hope is we will respond with faith and trust in our God with hearts that are joy-filled and thankful. Her story encouraged me of the importance of being a supportive and encouraging wife to my husband. I desire to be an excellent helper to him and not hinder the work of the Lord in his life but help flourish it in any way I can.

The book was edifying and challenging. You will be blessed by it, and if you enjoy Charles Spurgeon, it helps give a better picture of who he was through the life of his wife. Charles would not be Charles without Susannah.

“She loved her husband. She loved Jesus. And she had served God faithfully.”

What sweet, precious words we would all love to hear at the end of our days. 

More Information:

You can find Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon, wife of Charles H. Spurgeon here.

For more information on the book check out Ray Rhodes Jr's ministry website here.

I was provided with a copy of the book through Moody Publishing for an honest review. 

Resources shared in the podcast:

Truth for Life Ministry

G3 Conference

Spiritual Disciplines Series

 

 

Related posts:

  1. EP 51: Our Mundane Moments Matter
  2. Directly from the Father’s Hand – {Psalm 31:15}
  3. EP 15: Prioritizing God’s Word When Life is Busy
  4. 10 Lessons from the Life of Mary


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Comments

  1. Ben House says

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    I have enjoyed getting the know the author of the book in recent months. It is the classic story of “behind every great man stands a great woman.” More than that, it is the story of God’s grace.

  2. Herma says

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    This is really challenging to us as wives. To be who God wants us to be and yet be a perfect herlper to our husbands, and to have a delicate balance in both.

  3. Marci Ferrell says

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    We have a winner!! Thank you all for entering xoxo – Link to the winner is on my Instagram post – the blog comments did get added in the total and the winning comment number was selected through Random.org.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BuEKnUllEkU/

  4. Nicole says

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    This book looks so good!!

  5. Robin Spencer says

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    Thank you for the opportunity to win the book. It looks like a good one!

  6. Sarah says

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    It sounds like a great book that I would like to read. I love Spurgeon’s teachings, thank you for the giveaway!

  7. Jennifer Freeman says

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    I would love to read this book! I’m thinking about buying it, but I’ll see if I win first, lol.

  8. Chrissy says

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    There are so many things about the faith of this woman & the mother that she was that I would love to read more about & glean from!

  9. Sara Williams says

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    I was just looking at this book to add to my reading list! I really enjoyed reading your review!

  10. Rachel says

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    Oh! This is one I definitely have to get! Charles Spurgeon is my favorite and I’ve heard a few stories of his wife and their life together and have always been facinated by them! I’d love this♡

  11. Heather says

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    Would love to win my own copy!

  12. Deb says

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    Would love to read this book. What a godly lady to learn from.

  13. Kristy says

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    I can’t wait to read this book. It is on my “to read” list for this year.

  14. Wesley says

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    Would love to read!! Thanks for this post and opportunity.

  15. Faith says

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    I have been wanting to read this book!!

  16. Lesty says

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    Sounds like a really neat book!

  17. Crystal Plummer says

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    Wonderful giveaway! I would love to be entered (I do not have Instagram so need to enter here). Thank you and God bless!

  18. Stephanie Henderson says

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    Great review. I would love to read this book.

  19. Sarah Mentzer says

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    I would love to read this book and be encouraged by her life and her faith.

  20. Brigid says

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    I love Spurgeon! I would love to read this book about his wife. Thank you for the thorough review. It’s counter-cultural to focus on how to be the godly wife in the shadow of an important man, so I’m looking forward to reading a book with that perspective.

  21. Lydia says

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    I was happy to see that you had shared your thoughts on this book, I’ve heard a lot of people say they liked it and it’s been on my mean to read list ?She sounds like a woman worthy of admiration.

  22. Katie Bollinger says

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    Sounds very interesting. I read 7 Women a while back and this sounds like it would be just as good!

  23. Eugenia McQueen says

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    Would love he opportunity to know more about Spurgeon and his godly wife.

  24. Shelby says

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    Charles Spurgeon is my husband’s favorite. I would love to win the book to add to our collection!

  25. Felicia says

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    Thank you for the review! I’ve seen this book around and really want to read it!!

  26. Valerie says

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    This sounds like a wonderful book to read. I am going to place this book on my booklist for this year. I love Charles Spurgen sermons and spiritual writings, so I know I will probably enjoy this book. Thank you for sharing.

  27. Amanda P says

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    This sounds like a very interesting book! I’m very much curious about it now, so winning a copy would be great, but I will look into it regardless. ?

  28. Sarah Currence says

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    I would love to learn more about her.

  29. Christine Tulledge says

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    Sounds like an engaging read for any point in your walk. Thanks so much!:)

  30. Vanessa says

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    What a wonderful opportunity to tead this book! I love Spurgeon, I have not read much about his wife but I would love to glean from her!

  31. Shannon Lucas says

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    I have had this on my Amazon wish list for a while. I love biographies. It doesn’t matter the time period we can learn so much from those who have gone before us. 🙂

  32. Laura Blair says

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    This book is on my wishlist!!

  33. Christy H says

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    What a wonderful giveaway! This looks like it would be a wonderful read.

  34. Kelly says

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    I know that I would be so encouraged to read about Susannah Spurgeon’s life. I would also love for my 17-year-old daughter to glean from her wisdom of spiritual disciplines.

  35. Sarah G says

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    My husband and I will listen to Spurgeon sermons on sermon audio at night every once in a while. It would be cool to hear about the woman who was his support.

  36. Alexandra V says

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    This has been on my reading list for 2019!

  37. Darilyn Cummings says

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    This book looks great!

  38. Jennifer Williams says

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    this sounds like such a great book! I’ve always loved reading Charles Spurgeon, but would love to read about his wife as well.

  39. Amy says

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    I would love a copy of this book!

  40. Julie B says

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    Thank you for the chance to win the susiespurgeonbook.

  41. Misty M says

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    I would so LOVE to win this book!

  42. Christa says

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    Would LOVE to read this book! I have only heard great things about it!

  43. Cristina Romero says

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    I would like to win the book. In our days we need women like Susie to inspire us to be a virtuous women .
    Thanks.

  44. Karen B says

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    This sounds like something my six girls and I need to read!

  45. Deborah Lewis says

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    Would love to win this!! Wanting to read more this year!!

  46. Maryanne says

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    Wow! What a blessing it would be to win his and read about the wife of such a tremendous preacher of the Word! Thank you, and I appreciate all by our posts ❤️

  47. Kellee Overholser says

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    I’ve had this book on my list for a while! It sounds like such. Great book!

  48. Teresa says

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    I’d love to read this book. Thanks for the chance.

  49. Amanda King says

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    Adding this to my “Books to read in 2019” list! Whether I win it or not, can’t wait to get my hands on this book!

    I don’t instagram…with littles in the house, social media apps caused too much distraction for me, so I no longer use them. Blessing and a curse ??‍♀️.

    Thanks for sharing this, Marci! Glad to have you back!

  50. Autumn Beck says

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    I am currently reading this and love it! I’d love to win so I could bless someone with it.

  51. Hollie says

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    I would love to learn about her and have her inspire my walk!

  52. Theresa Rasmussen says

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    This book sounds fantastic! What an example to us all of loving God and our husbands. Thank you for sharing! Would love to win a copy to read on these snowy Wisconsin days that seem endless!

  53. Jerrie Denson says

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    I love to read Charles Spurgeon’s sermons, and would love to read about his wife, as well. Thanks so much for hosting the giveaway!

  54. Heather Findley says

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    Thank you for doing this giveaway. I would love to win! If I don’t, I will be sure to buy the book anyway ☺️.

  55. Stacie says

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    So excited that you’re hosting a give-away for this book. I love to win a copy!!!!

  56. Doris Feider-Schlenvogt says

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    Creative way to get good books into the hands of readers! Thanks!

  57. Emily Comings says

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    This sounds like a wonderful book!

  58. Michelle says

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    Sounds like a great book, would love to win it!

  59. Angie Reliford says

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    This is so exciting!! I would absolutely love to win this Suzanna Spurgeon book and glean from the writing of such a godly woman, who was the wife of the Prince of Preachers!! ❤ I’ve 5 children still at home, and I’d love to read this to them! ❤

  60. Katrina says

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    I would like to enter the giveaway. I really like Charles Spurgeon.

  61. Katherine Pope says

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    What a blessing it would be to have this book! Mrs. Spurgeon’s character truly reflects Christ.

  62. Ginger says

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    I would love to read this book ❤️ Thanks for sharing !!!!

  63. Sheila Gosney says

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    I would love this book!

  64. Rachel says

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    Sounds like a great read…
    Very nice giveaway.
    Blessings !

  65. Jenn Nilsson says

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    Would love to win this book! I am currently reading Morning and Evening by Spurgeon…would love to learn about his wonderful wife! Thank you for the opportunity to enter the giveaway, Marci!

  66. Danielle says

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    I love your posts! Looks like a great book!

  67. Dawn Alexander says

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    I’ve been seeing this book for some time now and would love to get my hands on it!! Thankful for your review and the reminder that, though we are not Charles and Susie, we can learn from other who’ve gone ahead of us!!

  68. LeeAnn says

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    Thank you for this book review. I would love to win it.

  69. JN McCary says

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    Would love to read this book!

  70. Staci says

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    I don’t have an Instagram, but I would love to still enter for a chance to win the book 🙂 Thank you for the review and for giving a copy of the book away Toby our readers! So fun.

  71. Michelle says

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    Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the opportunity to get a copy!

  72. Sharon Flores says

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    Thanks for sharing a review on this book! I’m always looking for inspirational reading to help me grow.

  73. Hannah H. says

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    Would love to win a copy! Thank you for doing the giveaway! Excited to read this!!!

  74. Wayne E. Tench says

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    Spurgeon has been an inspiration to me and our ministry for many years. I would love to know about his lovely wife and read her writings as well. I know for a fact that God puts couples together for ministry and in Christ they are complete. We need more Godly men an women today to inspire this generation.

  75. Marilyn Custis says

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    I did not know anything about Spurgeon’s wife. She sounds like a godly example, and I would love to read about her and read her words.

  76. gretchen says

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    They were a dynamic duo – made for each other. Would love to read her story!

  77. Lydia says

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    I really appreciate Spurgeon and would love to get to know his Godly wife through her writings.

  78. Kristan says

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    Constantly reaching to increase my understanding of the Word and how to be a blessing to my husband and family, I am hopeful to be encouraged by reading this book. Charles Spurgeon’s brilliance was inspiring and continues to Inspire to this day. To be touched by the heart felt words of the woman beside the man will surely be a gift to my ever pursuing soul. I look forward to this read!

  79. Nancy says

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    Looks really great! Thanks for the chance!

  80. Sarah says

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    I love his writings but know very little about his wife. Would love to read their love story.

  81. Stephanie Brady says

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    How wonderful she sounds! I would love the chance to read about her more. What an inspiration! Thank you for featuring her, so that we can learn more about her.

  82. Rachel says

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    I love Spurgeon and would love to know more about his wife and their life together. I am in awe over the way she was able to support her husband and never hinder his ministry. I wonder if I could be that type of supportive wife in those circumstances or if I would have my let my selfish and self serving ways become a problem. It sounds like she definitely tried to live as an example of Christ for others!

  83. Idalia Sepúlveda says

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    How awesome! I love learning about the witness of honest/candid marriages in ministry. I look forward to reading and learning more from the Spurgeon’s. Thanks for the good share! 🙂

  84. Kayla Cruz says

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    She sounds like a very inspirational woman!!!

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Marci Ferrell
“Designed for good deeds. It’s as simple as th “Designed for good deeds. It’s as simple as that. It was God’s idea. He did the designing. He expects us to work, just as the designer of a precision instrument if he understands the principles involved and designs it accordingly, expects the thing to work. It is no great credit to the instrument if it does.”⁣
~ Elisabeth Elliot⁣
⁣
The quote is from EP 6: What Does Self-Discipline Look Like in Our Homes come listen in at the link in my profile @thankfulhomemaker (click on the link under the blue arrows and then this image)
Self Discipline is essential to spiritual growth a Self Discipline is essential to spiritual growth and it is useful in our lives in so many ways. Living lives that are disciplined means saying, “yes” to God in every area of our lives. Jesus is our ultimate example of what it looks like to live a disciplined life.⁣
⁣
Come listen to EP 6: What Does Self-Discipline Look Like in Our Homes? at the link in my profile @thankfulhomemaker (click on the link under the blue arrows and then this image)
One of my favorites from Corrie ten Boom:⁣ "Look One of my favorites from Corrie ten Boom:⁣
"Look around you and be distressed, look within you and be depressed. Look to Jesus, and be at rest." 🥰
Journaling is often viewed as just a way to rememb Journaling is often viewed as just a way to remember or keep track of life's events. Many people who aren't Christians keep a journal. As a Christian, I've been thankful to keep spiritual journals (consistently at times and inconsistently at times) because it has helped me see God's grace and mercy at work in my life over the years of walking with Him.⁣
⁣
Please read the rest of Journaling Tips from Elisabeth Elliot at the link in my profile @thankfulhomemaker (click on the link under the blue arrows and then this image)
“Journaling is a way of slowing life down for ju “Journaling is a way of slowing life down for just a few moments, and trying to process at least a sliver of it for the glory of God, our own growth and development, and our enjoyment of the details.” ⁣
~David Mathis⁣
⁣
Come listen to EP 57: Spiritual Journaling (Spiritual Discipline Series) at the link in my profile @thankfulhomemaker (click on the link under the blue arrows and then this image)
Spiritual journaling is a way to slow our lives do Spiritual journaling is a way to slow our lives down and ponder deeply over the events of the day. In my life journaling has helped me to grow spiritually by discerning my thoughts and motives. It has shown me areas where I need to give thanks and praise to the Lord. My journaling time has reminded me of situations or people I need to be in prayer for.⁣
⁣
Come listen to EP 57 on Spiritual Journaling at the link in my profile @thankfulhomemaker (click on the link under the blue arrows and then this image)
“True freedom from the bondage of technology com “True freedom from the bondage of technology comes not mainly from throwing away the smartphone, but from filling the void with the glories of Jesus that you are trying to fill with the pleasures of the device.”⁣
~ Tony Reinke⁣
⁣
Come listen to EP 33: Is Your Smartphone Changing You? at the link in my profile @thankfulhomemaker (click on the link under the blue arrows and then this image)
We're chatting about our use of technology on the We're chatting about our use of technology on the flashback episode and pondering the question: Do we master our smartphones or do they master us?⁣
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Please come listen to Is Your Smartphone Changing You at the link in my profile @thankfulhomemaker (click on the link under the blue arrows and then this image)
Christ will hold us fast. But we need gospel frien Christ will hold us fast. But we need gospel friends to hold us close.⁣
~ Albert Mohler⁣
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