The spiritual warfare! Gosh, I need to be reminded of these things on a regular basis - especially the fact that the options for approaching it are more than with Peretti sensationalism or nothing. It's real, but so is Christ in us.
Yes, it’s hard to maintain an accurate view of it! You don’t want to ignore it, or be obsessed because they’re almost equally self defeating. “Sober minded and vigilant” right?
This is so timely- thank you! I'm teaching at a ladies retreat tonight and of course today we lost power for the afternoon because a tree fell across the road, homeschool struggles abounded, AND I got stung by a bee that was in the fingertip of my work glove that I was putting on to go help remove the tree (see above).
I finished rereading the Hobbit lately and I was struck by the comment that Bilbo's greatest heroic act wasn't fighting the dragon, but simply going forward in the dark. "He fought the real battle in the tunnel alone, before he ever saw the vast danger that lay in wait." Oh, to have the courage to keep walking in the dark!
Ah, that sounds like just the kind of afternoon! I have been thinking about this and wondering if I really need to engage in some more proactive prayer around things like my writing, because it is so often these areas of gifts and blessing that we meet so much resistance, right?
So relevant to my life at the moment and so encouraging (in the empowering way that makes me also start singing “we’re not gonna take it” and head off to open my journal to the prayers I have written for my husband and kids)
I have been reminded this week again that obedience through habit is what carries us when we are not “feeling it” or when we are exhausted and can’t motivate ourselves; but it was good to be reminded of the Spiritual realm, which is more active than I often think. There is power in “Standing firm”. Thank you!
This is very timely, and I’m going to have to chew on it for a while; thank you!
Your reference to asking boys “what are you thinking?” made me remember when my brother was about 3 or so (I’m 10 years older, so remember this age well). You would find him doing something dangerous and reflexively say “what are you doing??” and he would answer you 😂. What he was doing was usually something that involved a three-year-old’s unrealistic understanding of physics, of course.
I’m the same way with audiobooks. I actually find that re-reading via audio works best for me, or listening in the car (though that doesn’t work as well when you’ve got kids along, obviously). Otherwise, I stick to print.
You’re welcome 😉 (I have too haha). I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one seeing LOTR around every corner. It has been so long since I read the books and there are so many amazing nuggets tucked into them.
This is really encouraging! I just attended an event where a speaker told Bonhoeffer’s story, which was of course quite dramatic (he was involved in a plot to assassinate Hitler), but also pathetic (they failed and Bonhoeffer was executed). Often our lame attempts to resist the dark powers seem like failures. But the day after Bonhoeffer was executed, the Americans came and liberated all the prisoners in the camp. He didn’t live to see the victory but there was one nonetheless, and he was part of it. That story and your essay with all its good allusions were both good reminders to be obedient to God whether or not I see tangible results.
I also really struggle with audiobooks. I can’t pay attention with audio for longer than say 30 minutes. It would be easier and cheaper, but I just can’t do it. I also don’t like reading on a Kindle and want an actual book (I’m basically 80).
I really wish I knew what it was — I can’t say focused. I love podcasts and can retain information well that way, so my best guess is that it’s a syntax difference between reading & speech.
So so good and spiritual warfare is so real but I don't often think of it, but you're so right! Gonna share this with my husband who is strugglng with the sleep deprivation parenting brings while having a large workload ATM and needs the reminder that what he's battling is Satan who wants us to be discouraged and to give up. Also finally reading LOTR and it's such a beautiful story full of truth!
Inspiring and encouraging! How is it that I forget these solid and poignant reminders through my days!?
I’ve caught a bug, which is crazy because I only get sick every couple years! The to do list is lagging, my head is still foggy, I’m short tempered… everyone’s a little on edge.
Reading this gave me goose bumps and the reminder I needed to pray harder. Simple, not easy. Thank you for writing!
The spiritual warfare! Gosh, I need to be reminded of these things on a regular basis - especially the fact that the options for approaching it are more than with Peretti sensationalism or nothing. It's real, but so is Christ in us.
Yes, it’s hard to maintain an accurate view of it! You don’t want to ignore it, or be obsessed because they’re almost equally self defeating. “Sober minded and vigilant” right?
I agree with what you said regarding spiritual warfare and having to remain strong in the face of it ❤️
Thanks for reading, Mackenzie!
This is so timely- thank you! I'm teaching at a ladies retreat tonight and of course today we lost power for the afternoon because a tree fell across the road, homeschool struggles abounded, AND I got stung by a bee that was in the fingertip of my work glove that I was putting on to go help remove the tree (see above).
I finished rereading the Hobbit lately and I was struck by the comment that Bilbo's greatest heroic act wasn't fighting the dragon, but simply going forward in the dark. "He fought the real battle in the tunnel alone, before he ever saw the vast danger that lay in wait." Oh, to have the courage to keep walking in the dark!
Ah, that sounds like just the kind of afternoon! I have been thinking about this and wondering if I really need to engage in some more proactive prayer around things like my writing, because it is so often these areas of gifts and blessing that we meet so much resistance, right?
So relevant to my life at the moment and so encouraging (in the empowering way that makes me also start singing “we’re not gonna take it” and head off to open my journal to the prayers I have written for my husband and kids)
I have been reminded this week again that obedience through habit is what carries us when we are not “feeling it” or when we are exhausted and can’t motivate ourselves; but it was good to be reminded of the Spiritual realm, which is more active than I often think. There is power in “Standing firm”. Thank you!
I’m so glad it was encouraging! It’s a pep talk to myself as much as anyone; a little preaching to the mirror.
This is very timely, and I’m going to have to chew on it for a while; thank you!
Your reference to asking boys “what are you thinking?” made me remember when my brother was about 3 or so (I’m 10 years older, so remember this age well). You would find him doing something dangerous and reflexively say “what are you doing??” and he would answer you 😂. What he was doing was usually something that involved a three-year-old’s unrealistic understanding of physics, of course.
I’m the same way with audiobooks. I actually find that re-reading via audio works best for me, or listening in the car (though that doesn’t work as well when you’ve got kids along, obviously). Otherwise, I stick to print.
“A three year old’s understanding of physics”. Yes, I am familiar with this 😝.
I’m glad I’m not alone in the audiobook thing, but it is frustrating! It would be amazing to multitask my reading a bit more.
Right? I will say that I find nonfiction easier to do on audio than fiction; it’s closer to listening to a podcast, I guess.
I’ve had the song stuck in my head since reading this morning, thankyouverymuch 😉
But also… such a pertinent and well-timed post! Our kids, too, are currently obsessed with LOTR and I can’t help finding parallels everywhere I look!
You’re welcome 😉 (I have too haha). I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one seeing LOTR around every corner. It has been so long since I read the books and there are so many amazing nuggets tucked into them.
You made me laugh, then cry a little, raise a small battle cry, then laugh again. So good job and thank you ; )
Amazing, just what a writer wants to hear! :)
This is really encouraging! I just attended an event where a speaker told Bonhoeffer’s story, which was of course quite dramatic (he was involved in a plot to assassinate Hitler), but also pathetic (they failed and Bonhoeffer was executed). Often our lame attempts to resist the dark powers seem like failures. But the day after Bonhoeffer was executed, the Americans came and liberated all the prisoners in the camp. He didn’t live to see the victory but there was one nonetheless, and he was part of it. That story and your essay with all its good allusions were both good reminders to be obedient to God whether or not I see tangible results.
Yes, we’re just not always privy to the larger plan, right? We have this teeny tiny perspective on this huge story, so we get bogged down so quickly.
Baby under the table reading. Love it. One of the better things I’ve seen in a while.
It’s pretty precious! They’re so fun to watch when they are absorbed in their own play.
Great post, Annelise! Am a fan of Peretti and Tolkien for sure. Love Eowyn's passion. That is our enemy's fear.
Thanks, Ron. I love Eowyn too :)
Love it!!
I also really struggle with audiobooks. I can’t pay attention with audio for longer than say 30 minutes. It would be easier and cheaper, but I just can’t do it. I also don’t like reading on a Kindle and want an actual book (I’m basically 80).
I really wish I knew what it was — I can’t say focused. I love podcasts and can retain information well that way, so my best guess is that it’s a syntax difference between reading & speech.
So so good and spiritual warfare is so real but I don't often think of it, but you're so right! Gonna share this with my husband who is strugglng with the sleep deprivation parenting brings while having a large workload ATM and needs the reminder that what he's battling is Satan who wants us to be discouraged and to give up. Also finally reading LOTR and it's such a beautiful story full of truth!
Inspiring and encouraging! How is it that I forget these solid and poignant reminders through my days!?
I’ve caught a bug, which is crazy because I only get sick every couple years! The to do list is lagging, my head is still foggy, I’m short tempered… everyone’s a little on edge.
Reading this gave me goose bumps and the reminder I needed to pray harder. Simple, not easy. Thank you for writing!