On Wednesday nights, me and a few girls meet and have sort of an accountability group. But recently we decided to start reading a book together, so we chose, "Calm My Anxious Heart" by Linda Dillow. I've only read the first chapter, but so far I really like it! In the book, there is a story about 2 monks that I especially liked, so I'm going to share it:
"I need oil," said an ancient monk, so he planted an olive sapling. "Lord," he prayed, "it needs rain that its tender roots may drink and swell. Send gentle showers." And the Lord sent gentle showers. "Lord," prayed the monk, "my tree needs sun. Send sun, I pray thee." And the sun shone, gilding the dripping clouds. "Now frost, my Lord, to brace its tissues," cried the monk. And behold, the little tree stood sparkling with frost but at evening it died. Then the monk sought the cell of a brother monk, and told his strange experience. "I, too, planted a little tree," he said, "and see! It thrives well. But I entrust my tree to its God. He who made it knows better what it needs than a man like me. I laid no condition. I fixed not ways or means. 'Lord, send what it needs,' I prayed, 'storm or sunshine, wind, rain, or frost. Thou hast made it and Thou dost know.' "
I would totally write my little commentary on that, but I think the story really speaks for itself. It leaves a lot to think about, and I really like that!
So, some good news: my plane ticket is bought and paid for (for the most part--just waiting for the bank to officially clear the purchase on my debit card). Who would have though? I mean, seriously.
And a little more good news! I've finally realized that I need to live for today. I mean, I've known that for a long time, but in light of this trip and DTS and everything, I've been SUPER focused on the future. It's like I've been forgetting that each day when I wake up, God has a specific purpose for me. Knowing that I have the opportunity each day to please my Savior, gives me much hope! I only have 53 days left here, I need to remember that.
*"Never dwell on tomorrow--remember that [tomorrow] is God's, not our's."
(a line from "Daily Strength For Daily Needs" but actually a line from "Calm My Anxious Heart"!)
"I need oil," said an ancient monk, so he planted an olive sapling. "Lord," he prayed, "it needs rain that its tender roots may drink and swell. Send gentle showers." And the Lord sent gentle showers. "Lord," prayed the monk, "my tree needs sun. Send sun, I pray thee." And the sun shone, gilding the dripping clouds. "Now frost, my Lord, to brace its tissues," cried the monk. And behold, the little tree stood sparkling with frost but at evening it died. Then the monk sought the cell of a brother monk, and told his strange experience. "I, too, planted a little tree," he said, "and see! It thrives well. But I entrust my tree to its God. He who made it knows better what it needs than a man like me. I laid no condition. I fixed not ways or means. 'Lord, send what it needs,' I prayed, 'storm or sunshine, wind, rain, or frost. Thou hast made it and Thou dost know.' "
I would totally write my little commentary on that, but I think the story really speaks for itself. It leaves a lot to think about, and I really like that!
So, some good news: my plane ticket is bought and paid for (for the most part--just waiting for the bank to officially clear the purchase on my debit card). Who would have though? I mean, seriously.
And a little more good news! I've finally realized that I need to live for today. I mean, I've known that for a long time, but in light of this trip and DTS and everything, I've been SUPER focused on the future. It's like I've been forgetting that each day when I wake up, God has a specific purpose for me. Knowing that I have the opportunity each day to please my Savior, gives me much hope! I only have 53 days left here, I need to remember that.
*"Never dwell on tomorrow--remember that [tomorrow] is God's, not our's."
(a line from "Daily Strength For Daily Needs" but actually a line from "Calm My Anxious Heart"!)
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