A Sweet Fragrance

    ~Recent Reads~

    Elsie's Girlhood by Martha Finley

    Discipleship which means Discipline (Dohnavur Fellowship tract)

    But (Concerning the criticism of others) by Godfrey Webb Peploe

    Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young

    Walker of Tinnevelly by Amy Carmichael

    Books Worth Reading

    Vanya by Myrna Grant
    The story of a young Russian soldier whose faith did not die in the face of torture and martyrdom. The amazing miracles God did through his life fanned the flames of Christianity in Russia.

    A Day's Time-Table by E. S. Elliott
    Written over a century ago, this simple tale of one day in a young unmarried woman's life incorporates and reveals powerful truths concerning the relevance of God's Word to every detail of our lives. This fictional story is written in the style of a novel, yet is full of Scripture. God's design for womanhood flows throughout the book, untainted by modern feminism.

    Let Me Be a Woman by Elisabeth Elliot
    A collection of letters written to the author's daughter on the meaning of womanhood.

    No Graven Image by Elisabeth Elliot
    The fictional story of a young single woman missionary who is given the enormous task of starting a work among the Quichuas of the high Andes. As she begins her life as a missionary, she quickly learns that she is supposed to project an image of herself as a successful, spiritual missionary. Then something happens that shatters that image and she learns to put no created image, no matter how "spiritual", in the place of God.

    Thoughts Concerning the King by Elizabeth Prentiss
    Originally published in 1890, these selections from Elizabeth Prentiss' private papers represent the cream of her thoughts and relationship with the Lord. While simply a collection of quotes and poetry, the depth and insight of these quotations make this book a treasure indeed.

    The 1599 Geneva Bible
    The original 1599 Geneva Bible with notes written by the reformers. Nothing has been updated except the spelling. This translation is characterized by simple and beautiful language that is surprisingly understandable even to modern readers.

    Aunt Jane's Hero by Elizabeth Prentiss
    The heartwarming story of a Christian couple seeking to establish a home whose happiness flows from a beautiful relationship with the Lord Jesus. Biblical truths about marriage and family life are interwoven throughout this lovely story.

    Gold Cord by Amy Carmichael
    The story of the Dohnavur Fellowship in Amy Carmichael's own words. An amazing testimony of the work of God.

    They Found the Secret by V. Raymond Edman
    This is a book about the exchanged life, the life that is of Christ. This collection of 20 short biographies of men and women who discovered the power of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit will increase your desire to experience the power of the Holy Spirit in your own life. The Christian life is, first and foremost, about a mighty, resurrected Lord whose Spirit can indwell and completely transform those who surrender to Him.

    Edges of His Ways by Amy Carmichael
    Selections from the notes of Amy Carmichael arranged in a daily devotional style.

    Toward Jerusalem by Amy Carmichael
    A collection of poetry and songs written for those who are about the King's business.

    His Thoughts Said. . .His Father Said . . . by Amy Carmichael
    The thoughts of a child of God are often troubled and questioning. The Father has an answer to all of them.

    Thou Givest They Gather by Amy Carmichael
    Gleanings from the previously unpublished writings of Amy Carmichael arranged in daily devotional readings.

    A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael by Elisabeth Elliot
    My favorite biography of Amy Carmichael. Full of excerpts from Amy's writings, this well-researched book gives us a glimpse into the life of one of the great lovers of God.

    Love to the Uttermost by F. B. Meyer
    An exposition of John 13-21. The author digs deep into the events of Jesus' last hours in order to bring us to a closer, passionate devotion to the Messiah.

    God's Missionary by Amy Carmichael
    "The Cross is the attraction." This fiery little book reveals Christ's standards for the true soldiers of the Cross.

    Testament From Prison by Georgi Vins
    A collection of personal testimonies, stories, sermons, letters, and poetry written by Georgi Vins, his family, and other persecuted Russian believers.

    Children of the Storm by Natasha Vins
    Natasha Vins tells the story of life as the daughter of the persecuted Russian pastor Georgi Vins.

    Release the Power of Prayer by George Muller
    George Muller testified that he had received at 50,000 specific answers to prayer. Read the powerful testimony of a man who looked to God for all needs and believed that God delights in the prayers of His children.

    Studies In The Sermon On The Mount by Oswald Chambers
    The Sermon on the Mount would bring us to despair apart from the work of the Holy Spirit. Oswald Chambers expounds on the meaning of these commands of Christ and shows us that Christ enables us to follow His teachings.

    Mimosa: A True Story by Amy Carmichael
    A young Indian girl one day heard of a Savior who loved her and from then on she chose to worship only Him even though for many years she could not remember His name. This story reveals the amazing power of our Savior's love.

    If by Amy Carmichael
    If I covet any place on earth but the dust at the foot of the cross, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
    This convicting book, in short, pointed sentences, reveals the true meaning of Calvary love.

    Rose from Brier by Amy Carmichael
    Written not from the well to the ill, but from the ill to the ill, this book contains the treasures of Amy Carmichael's spiritual life during the final years of her life. This collection of poetry, short stories, and encouragement for fellow-sufferers addresses many aspects of human suffering and points us to Calvary as the only source of peace and comfort.

    Set-Apart Femininity: God's Sacred Intent for Every Young Woman by Leslie Ludy
    In contrast to the shallow, selfish, pleasure seeking femininity found today, Set-Apart Femininity lays out a blueprint for life-changing, world altering femininity that is based on God's sacred call and purpose. This book calls young women to make an eternal impact on this world rather than indulge themselves in today's self-focused culture. Speaking forthrightly to the corruption of today's culture and its infiltration into the church, the message of this book drives deep into the heart of true set-apart femininity and the heart of God.

    To Have and To Hold by Mary Johnston
    A fascinating story from Colonial Jamestown. As a struggling colony faces the threats and dangers of the new world, a Godly soldier braves all odds to defend the sanctity of marriage. This is a story of courage, faithfulness, and total dedication to God's sacred laws.

    Golden hours: Heart-hymns of the Christian life by Elizabeth Prentiss
    In this book, Elizabeth Prentiss puts into verse her experiences of both intense joy and suffering. Born out of a time of the darkest pain, these poems reflect the lessons learned by a life consecrated to God.

    Essays on Various Subjects Principally Designed for Young Ladies by Hannah More
    Written over 200 years ago, this thought-provoking collection of essays expounds on various qualities that are unique to femininity. Chapter topics include conversation, meekness, education, and religion. This book affirms the God-ordained distinctions between men and women and encourages young ladies to pursue excellence. A very refreshing book for those who desire to return to a Biblical pattern for womanhood.

Year 2009 In Review

January 4th, 2010

     Compared to last year, this year was full of change and adventure. At the beginning of the year, I was still in the middle of my last year of nursing school. I was completely overwhelmed with homework and clinicals and was wondering if I would survive to the end. However, I did survive and graduate on May 9 – my birthday! That was definitely my second happiest day of the year.

     After having the huge stresses of school lifted off my back, taking the NCLEX was somewhat anticlimactic. Two days later I learned that I had passed (which was my third happiest day of the year), and within short order I was licensed and ready to go!

     Just three weeks after passing the NCLEX, I broke out my passport and flew back to Russia for a short trip to visit friends in Moscow and to participate in a medical ministry. The happiest day of the year for me was the day I saw Nastia again for the first time in almost four years.

     Nastia lived with me for a year when she was in kindergarten. We developed a special relationship. It was wonderful to see how she’s grown over the past few years.

     I was blessed to be able to fellowship with Christian friends again . . .

      . . . and see how my kids are growing up.

     I traveled to the Southern Urals to assist with a medical ministry team. It was a tremendous time of serving, learning, and fellowshipping with Russian believers.

     Immediately after returning to America, I left on an epic vacation (camping trip) all the way to the west coast and back. We stayed at various wilderness campgrounds and visited several national parks and monuments along the way.

     We explored caves . . .

      . . . hiked to Mount St. Helens . . .

      . . . got sprayed by geysers . . .

     . . . moved mountains . . .

     . . . dodged buffalo . . .

     . . . and generally enjoyed the experience.

     I gave my dad and brothers Russian T-shirts.

     Upon returning home, I applied for and was hired by Craig Home Care, a pediatric home care agency. I would say that was my fourth happiest day of the year! I was assigned to work nights caring for a child with major medical needs, and I’m really enjoying it. I work four nights a week, ten hour shifts. It’s an hour away from home, so I am spending a lot of time on the road this year. My job is obviously a large part of my life right now, but having three whole days at home each week gives me time to do things with my family.

     So that brings me to today. My life is much more peaceful now than it was a year ago. I’m very thankful that the Lord has provided for me. I have learned a great deal over this past year, but most of all I think I have learned to be grateful for the true riches the Lord has given me. He has brought me tremendously happy moments. He has also chosen to be silent about my future, and I am content with that. I am called to live a spiritual life, not a natural one, knowing that the invisible is far more real and permanent than that which is visible. His grace has and will be sufficient for me.

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Related posts:

  1. Sunday January 28, 2007
  2. The Year 2007
  3. Year 2008 in Review – Memorable Moments

3 Responses to “Year 2009 In Review”

  1. asha
    asha

    congratulations, its always been my dream to become a nurse. I hope you enjoy your new career. :) .

    [Reply]

  2. Shepherdsfold
    Shepherdsfold

    This going to seem very lame but I had know idea you were so young or at least I had parked that thought somewhere along the way reading here. You speak volumns to me so full and rich of wisdom so beyond your years. I pray this is not insultive for it is meant to say well done good and faithful servant. For you have truly followed Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,…….
    Thank you so much Vanessa for His Witness in you~

    [Reply]

    Vanessa Reply:

    @Shepherdsfold, You weren’t all wrong – I am in my late twenties. I was a non-traditional student. :)

    [Reply]

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