Sunday, January 9, 2011

Elisabeth Elliot

Years ago I had the privilege of seeing my mentor, Elisabeth Elliot, talk at a church. A sweet friend had invited me to ride with her. After several years of listening to Elisabeth on the radio, I was going to finally be able to see her in person. I was immensely excited! It was a sweet time. I remember her asking the audience if anyone used a clothes line. Maybe three people raised their hand, including me. She looked over at me in surprise and commented that it was nice to see someone young using one. My hand wouldn't go up if she asked today. My mom would often comment that I was born in the wrong era. Of course I know God has me here now for His purpose. She would say that because I loved to iron and was "old fashioned" in some of my thinking. Four kids later, I just throw a garment in the dryer for awhile to get the wrinkles out. Anyway, I found a paper with notes from that talk to us and I want to share some of it with you. Elisabeth talked about contentment.


Contentment:
What's given.
what's not given.
God gives us what we need!

A. Thank God for what we do have. Psalm 131:2. "But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me."

B. Learn to Trust.
Give to God what you are wishing for.
Psalm 16:5. "Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine."
He has assigned me what I have and am doing.
With acceptance comes peace.

1. Complain of NOTHING! Not even the weather.
2. NEVER picture yourself in which you are not.
3. NEVER compare your own lot with that of anyone else.
4. NEVER dwell on wishing this or that had happened or was otherwise
than it was.
5. NEVER dwell on tomorrow.

C. How much is enough?
Am I being a good steward to what God HAS given me?
Study and take inventory of everything in my house.
Get rid of things you aren't using and bless someone else with it.
She said that if she hasn't wore a particular article of clothing in a year, then she parts with it.

There is another sheet to the notes that I haven't been able to find. When I do, I'll post it here. I hope this is helpful to someone. I know it has helped me. She has many books that are worth the read. I am so thankful for wise christians we can gleen from. The heritage she comes from and the one she is leaving is rich in the Lord Jesus.


1 comment:

WJARVIS said...

I am so very proud to call you my wife!

Love,
William