Book Review - Stones of Fire

"At the end of the earth, where mountains are flung peak upon peak as if they were discards of the Creator, piled together chaotically, the Salween River carves its way through granite masses making a canyon thousands of feet deep. For unknown centuries the Lisu tribespeople have plowed these perpendicular hillsides into cornfields and reaped a bare, rough living. This is the true story of Mary, a young Lisu tribeswoman. See God transform her from a common stone into a rare gem, a precious opal, a stone of fire."                        (From the back of the book)

In the early decades of the 20th century, Isobel Miller was living life in all its "glory", utterly destitute of any relationship, or desire for one, with God. Through prayer, divine encounters, and the crush of betrayal in her love life drove her to the brink of desperation and there she called upon God (see By Searching for Isobel's complete testimony). After graduating from Moody Bible Institute in preparation to serve in the lands of China, she sailed around the world where she married John Kuhn, and together they faithfully served their Savior through hardships, separation, and World War 2, until they were forced out of China by the communists in 1950. Taking up new work with the people of northern Thailand, the Kuhn family ministered there until returning to the United States after Isobel was diagnosed with cancer in 1954. She completed her faithful race in 1957. Isobel had an incredible gift for writing and in her later years, she began recounting and writing about her own spiritual journey, their ministry, and the people of China, especially the dear Lisu tribespeople who held her heart for so long. 

I have been blessed reading several of Isobel's books, but this one especially was a sweet read. The story recounts "Mary's" journey as an unbelieving young woman, her salvation, her sweet, quiet romance, her trials, victories, and finally her homegoing. The principles and their applications are a blessing to the heart and the story itself is sweet and touching. 

Recommendation scale 1-10: 9 

Favorite quote: "A stone is the last embodiment of principle-hard and cold. Fire is the essence of passion-warm and energizing. Put the two together, and we have stones-principle; fire-passion; principle shot through with passion, passion held by principle." 

Book Review- Introduction

Throughout my formal schooling years, I was not known for a great love of reading. I read the books that were part of the school requirements and there were a few rare exceptions that struck my interest higher than usual, but for the most part, I left the avid reader title to my older sister, Emma. It became my desire though to change that and to form the discipline of becoming a better, more well-read young lady. When I began to implement this discipline into my life regularly, I discovered how much I enjoy reading and the evenings became special as I would, after all the hubbub of the day had subsided, I would find a comfortable spot somewhere and curl up to read before calling it a day. 

It is my desire to begin writing book reviews for books that I have read or as I complete them, both to share the literature that I read and to encourage positive and uplifting reading material for other young ladies. What we read, and what we put our minds upon are very important and have such a long-lasting, even eternal influence on our lives. Would this area of our lives be surrendered and honoring to the Author of all good things. 

See my "Recommended Resources" page for a larger list of books I have read (or listened to on audiobook)

Spring Devotional- Waiting on the Lord

 "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." Psalm 27:14

  

 To wait- resting in Him, looking to Him, approaching honestly, and being confident of acceptance. Laying my head upon Him, quietly resting my eyes upon Him, awaiting direction. Living in restful readiness to move or return, but my heart has never left its resting place of peace. Eagerly anticipating the work done in me and through me. Not easily distracted or worried, but gracefully, faithfully trusting that each wave of sorrow is sent to thrust my feet deeper into the Rock on which I am set (Psalm 27:5). Being aware of spiritual warfare, but not allowing that to cripple me, but steadfastly sitting in Christ (Ephesians 1:6). 

    What shall separate me from the love of Christ? Shall grief or tribulation or persecution or famine? Shall being misunderstood or singleness or infertility or ill health? What about being displaced or sin or pain or being alone? No! For in all these things, I am more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ, Who has given me all things in the heavens. So in hope, I wait, not with anxiety or a troubled heart, but with a calm expectancy of delight that wherever the path goes, I am in Christ, not approaching the mountain that burns with fire, but the mount of promise, The New Covenant. Being saved by hope, I look forward in hope, trusting all to Him that judgeth righteously. Amen and blessed be His name forever and ever.