I can not post anything better than what I posted yesterday.
I read Steph's comment out loud to Katie this morning and played Sara's lovely song again
and cried and cried.
She wondered why I was crying.
I said, 'it's so beautiful and Stephies words made me think differently.'
Here in the north, in the winter, when the skies are gray and the snow won't stop falling it is easy to fall into sadness and self pity.
(in which i blame the weather and not my sorry soul)
But I needed that gentle reminder.
as unto the Lord
Elisabeth Elliot reminded me of this very thing daily when I listened to her
on the radio and on the tapes I bought. I listened over and over and over.
Elisabeth scrubbed toilets to help pay for room and board when she was away at school.
She did it 'as unto the Lord'. (probably in a skirt and sweater set)
So I am looking up and not in and writing a new poem
driving driving
all for jesus
driving driving
i surrender
driving driving
home
We all need to get together, don't we?
One day we will have a QL meet up....
Encourage one another...you are all so good at it!
Donna Elsie
dad, sue, donna
california 1960
Years ago, my little sister wrote this poem when she was about 7. I've always remembered it, and it seems perfect for a cold, white, winter day:
ReplyDeleteDark and gloomy
sad and wet
was the day outside
But inside my heart,
everything was blooming...
You make my heart bloom with this sweet QL community.
hmbalison
what a brilliant poem :-)
Delete..."but inside my heart, everything was blooming..."
DeleteThis, combined with Donna's torn photograph has caused blooming inside my heart, today!
Thank you, both!
E.
Which sister was this, Alison?
DeleteDi
This was my little sister Dana. I'm afraid that she has long been out of touch with this side of herself, but I remember.
DeleteWhat a sweet and poignant poem from such a little girl.
ReplyDeleteThank you Alison
Oh, that picture!
ReplyDeleteI loved your post yesterday. What better place, than Quiet Life, for us to complain an little and then be reminded of the bigger picture!
Bridget in Minnesota
Just back from a haircut :-) And I was weak, and bought 3 products. Oh my lanta. Big bucks, people.
ReplyDeleteBut that is not important. This photo is a treasure. It just makes me smile.
I bought an Elisabeth Elliot book and left it in Chicago. Sigh.
A meet up would be heavenly. Til then, thank you for this corner of the world.
:: happy sigh ::
ReplyDeleteHello sweet Miz Boo!
ReplyDeleteI've been following along this little conversation of the past couple days, and I just gotta say....I love all you QL commenters! I'm only 15, but I love reading your blog and looking at all your pictures and words....and I always feel a little strengthened in my faith and walk with God after visiting over here.
Love you. Mean it! :)
~Sydney Ellen~
Dear Sydney,
DeleteThank you for visiting and leaving such a lovely comment. I am
Very happy to meet you!
Sydney - it's nice to "meet" you. You've really got it going on for a 15-year-old with your budding photography business (and oldest of 8!). So glad you're lending your voice to the conversation here.
DeleteOh, Sydney Ellen, I have so much more faith in the future when I'm reminded there are young people like you in our world! Bless you!
ReplyDeleteDonna, your new poem is a gem....as is the precious photo of you with two of your loved ones who are waiting for you in Heaven.
"Only Hope" is my mantra on days when I felt low. I love both the Mandy Moore and Switchfoot versions. "Add to the Beauty" will now be in the rotation, too. And I will be reminded of all these loving, caring QL commenters and this beautiful, supportive community.
Summer 2013 get together anyone?? :)
Mary Z
Hi Mary, I will be in Chicago either the beginning or end of September. Not determined yet. Would love to have a meet-up and will have a rental car. It would be a delight :-)
Delete(((LIKE))) :)
DeleteMary Z
Donna, a meetup someday would be wonderful. In the meantime, the support here is the bomb. Thank you so much for letting us see the real you and for allowing us to be just who we are as well.
ReplyDeleteLove the photo you've shared today; lots of memories there.
P.S. I already feel like I'm going through withdrawals. I've been called for jury duty next week which means no QL until evening. Bah!
ReplyDeleteI think- that is one of the loveliest pictures I've ever seen on your blog...
ReplyDeleteI always find so much encouragement here, a daily stop for me :)
I certainly don't want to scare anyone, but I have been waiting for the very entry you posted today, Donna. I swear - I say this to my husband almost daily: "someday it would be SO cool to gather all the friends that post to QL and have a girl's weekend".
ReplyDeleteI think I may be nuts to offer this, but if anyone is serious game, I'm in! I'll head up the planning.
Lord help me - what have I done?! B<0
Mary from wheaton
Oh my gosh!!!! You are a dear to offer.
DeleteI will tuck that away in my wee brain!!
Thank you!!
Donna, I found you through missing you at PW. I have to say this blog is such an incredible blessing to me to have found it. The words from yesterday...I so needed to hear them. My daughter is getting older and needing me less, and it's so easy to start to feel less useful or underutilized, I guess. I need to remember that this is my calling, whether it's as menial as folding laundry or waiting in the pickup line at school, or making sure everyone has what they need for the day. It's all done for Him, and He sees the value and worth even when I can't find it as easily or even when those I'm doing it for don't notice it as much as I'd like them too.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I just wanted to say I'm so glad I found you here--my day yesterday went so much differently than it would have had I not read what you posted and heard that awesome song. Thank you for that.
Donna,
ReplyDeleteYesterday's post was so encouraging -- just what I needed. I read it on my lunch break and meant to come back to write a comment in the evening, but never got the chance. I think I will copy some of your and Stephie's words from yesterday in my journal of quotations to remember :)
I used to listen to Elisabeth Elliot, too. I miss that radio show. I still have copies of the newsletter that she used to mail out once a month -- I need to go back and read those.
Thank you for this lovely community!
-- Krista W in Missouri
Donna, it's me again. I was re-reading this lovely post, and thought about how winter affects our thinking, can bring us low. Growing up in Alaska, I have a little experience with that.
ReplyDeleteIt stirs an appreciation for the Light! For longer days and sunshine; we do not take those things for granted after a long gray (and in your case snowy) winter.
This morning it was sunny here and I washed the windows in our main room (dining/living room) and it was such a joy to perform this menial task. To see the sun shining through the panes, without the grime, dust and smudges that come even in winter. Sadly, this afternoon the clouds gathered again and it sprinkled (at least it didn't snow!)but I also saw a crocus and snowdrops and the first primula :-)
Spring is coming!
Here's hoping you have beautiful sunshine this weekend. God bless.
I also loved yesterday's post: it reminded me that when I am teaching the high school students I teach everyday, I should be "singing with grace the song that The Lord calls us to sing during this particular season!
ReplyDeleteAnd your poem for today is delightful for the same reason! Thank you, Donna.
The post yesterday: Wow, Stephie, thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm at a loss for words. I just feel so thankful to be a part of this wonderful, sacred Quiet Life place.
I have been secretly hoping that someday we can all meet in person.
Sarah P. from my Aunt told me she saw a robin in Iowa. Spring is coming!!!!!!! I need flowers.
I didn't have time to comment on yesterday's post but read it and felt it move me. This blog is one I look forward to reading daily not just for what you bless us with but also for the lovely comments. There's so much in the blogosphere which can be discouraging and make me feel like my life isn't good enough or pretty enough or fillintheblank. But I am just so grateful for Quiet Life and the encouragement that real life is enough. Even if that means being a stay at home wife/soon to be mom, for me. Thank you for always sharing and be blessed! :)
ReplyDelete---real life is enough---
DeleteThat's SO good!!! Or as my hubby says,
That'll preach.
So true - these last few days, several comments would preach!
Delete
ReplyDelete* Donna, that pic of you and Sue and your dear dad? Makes me cry big ol' tears. His holding your hands, looking so amazingly buff, your reflections in the wet sand? Wow.
** QL meet up? Be still my beating heart. Wouldn't it be amazing?!?!
It seems to me that ever since you mentioned if you should keep blogging, this sweet oasis on the internet has expanded and deepened and become a more-than-special place. You're The Huge, Miz Boo.
Love,
DI
{{{LIKE}}}
Delete{{{DITTO}}} jep
Delete{{{LIKE}}}
DeleteDebbie Z.
Yup, me too. you have some amazing pics of you and your parents when you were little. I wish I had a pic of my dad holding my hand. I can only find a few pictures of me as a youngster and they are with my Grama, not with my parents.
DeleteOh, and just for the record, you are not the only one to "fall into sadness" in the middle of winter when the sky is gray and the snow falls. It happens to me at some point every winter.
You are a wonderful encourager, Donna!
Gah. I'm a mess. That PICTURE. oh, Donna. So much love and loss. It's all so sacred.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, in Asheville, I'm eating popcorn and watching west wing episodes. Sometimes I wonder about myself. Good grief.
Home tomorrow night.. This is The Last Trip for a bit. I'm pretty glad about that. Especially when I read posts like this one with commenters like these and see the vastness of relationship The Lord has put at my fingertips and eyeballs. Pretty darned awesome.
You're The Huge.
Stephie
Ps - you remember that I've led worship here for EE twice, I think -- it's been years- I was here the last time she came when she announced her TIA journey and that she wouldn't be speaking any more... It was truly the end of an era. There has not been one like her before or since. I'm hoping the Thursday morning girls will watch the movie in the next couple of weeks, Donna - I'll be sure you know when so you can come!
ReplyDeleteWonders upon wonders...a QL commenter get together in real life...Wow.
ReplyDeleteLOVE that picture. Makes me think of heaven...so beyond words, really!
Stephanie, you are such a great witness here for our Lord. So thankful for you and all QL commenters. This is a sacred place where I feel at peace. Thanks be to God for Donna B. and all you do to encourage! God is at work right here and using you.
Love and prayers, jep
Your pictures always make me cry.
ReplyDeleteI wish I were closer so I could meet up!
I am not sure why this comes to mind but thought I'd share: My sister had to memorize this in third grade. All the repetition of that meant that our WHOLE family memorized it. (My mom unexpectedly passed in Sept. and my heart is still raw and weak) I find solace here with your words. My BFF lives in Verona (shout out!) I'm a Wisco girl at heart, born and raised. I'm in IL now. You can find my words at http://www.mommysmissingpieces.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteFeed the birds when winter comes.
Help them find enough to eat.
Peanut butter, seed and crumb.
And suet for a special treat.
Thank you for the gentleness I feel when I visit.
xo
Tricia
Thank you for leaving your address and for the wonderful comment.
DeleteI'm sorry to hear about your mom. The time is never right is it :o(
I am an Illinois girl at heart. Been in Wisconsin for a long time now, tho.
If you come and visit your bff...we should go for coffee at the Sows Ear.
Really.
Sending a hug and prayer to you Tricia - and going now to visit your blog spot
DeleteAwww Love the beach family shot!!!
ReplyDeleteDonna, you are beautiful and I am blessed by each of your posts. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThat photograph is amazingly moving. So sweet and sacred. Have you seen the Dear Photograph website? I thought when I first saw your photograph that you were going to say that you had done this -- recreated it somehow. The website seems to make me cry every time with its moving images.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this wonderful little corner of the world you shepherd with such care. I love my daily visit.
amanda
amanda - thanks for the mention of Dear Photograph - what a wonderful site.
DeleteIt's such a sweet thing to come here on a Friday night after a long week and catch up a bit on the posts and comments. Always warms my heart a bit and I'm once again blessed by the fellowship :-)
ReplyDeleteHugs to you!
Blessings,
Tammy ~@~
This is a lovely place. And THAT is the truth.
ReplyDeleteI would like to leave a comment, but so many others have said all that needs to be said. So...I'll just be thankful that I get to be a part of it. :) And I have to warn you: if there is a get-together, I just might have to sneak in one way or the other. :)