Books Worth Reading
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
January 29th, 2010 - 2:25 pm
Vanessa, wonderful post today! I deal with a great deal of pain myself on a daily basis, and the words you have written are very true. In the presence of an Almighty God, even pain can be accepted.
I just read a really good book called “Living With Pain” by Evangelist Sam Gipp. It was excellent, and very encouraging to me.
My little man, Isaac, is 9 now and lives with CP, epilepsy, asthma and several other diagnoses. His hip is becoming more and more displaced, and therefore, we are facing surgery soon. I would LOVE to hear what you have to say about hip surgery, from a nurse’s point of view. Feel free to email me if you wish to.
Thank you for your encouraging posts.
Alesha
[Reply]
Vanessa Reply:
January 30th, 2010 at 7:33 am
@Alesha, Oh, no, you don’t want to hear my hip replacement story!
It was bad, but usually things go much, much better! I’ve only dealt with orthopedic surgery in older people, and they have much different issues. My job involves a lot of physical therapy now, which is interesting. It’s hard work, though! May the Lord bless you and give you strength as you care for your son every day. Do you have any kind of in-home assistance?
[Reply]
Alesha Reply:
February 1st, 2010 at 6:22 pm
@Vanessa,
No, we don’t have any assistance. they tell me that Isaac would be approved for a nurse or cna, but we live in a very small house (less than 800 square feet) and my hubby just can’t bear the thought of a “stranger” here with us. I know that it won’t be like that after we get to know the nurses, so I just keep praying that the Lord will give him peace about it when the time is right for us to have one.
thanks for stopping by my blog. so glad Isaac’s story was a blessing to you.
Alesha
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2010 - 6:57 am
Vanessa!
I appreciated this post SO much. Thanks for putting into words what I think about a lot. In times past, (when I had a large pt. load) I would tell some stories without names or identifying information…and may family would sit spellbound as I shared what I had done at work. But you’re right, so often we can’t talk about it. It kinda makes nursing a “mystery”…and that can be lonely for the nurse at times.
Suffering–yeah…that’s what almost every single procedure I’ve done as a nurse has attempted to alleviate. I understand how some nurses become calloused to the pain around them, I have been tempted at times to do the same. Responding to suffering in a loving way can be so hard…but I think that’ why God called me to be a nurse.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Vanessa. I hope you are doing well. God bless you!
~Kippany
[Reply]
Vanessa Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
@kippany, Thanks for your comment! There are so many things we have to deal with as nurses that only God understands, I think. And that’s OK.
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