"Missionary life is simply a chance to die."

This book. Is amazing.

            Do you know that jittery excited feeling you get when something you read is so impactful and full of truth?  That’s how you feel when you read this book by Elisabeth Elliot. The life story of Amy Carmichael is so beautifully captured in this book that it kind of takes your breath away. And not only is it a narrative of her missionary work—it is also a way to be prayerful about your own spiritual journey.

 

   

Amy’s entire life was a witness to God. She was not perfect—in fact she often had doubts or made mistakes, but she openly admitted them and constantly sought Truth and Righteousness.

“Give me the Love that leads the way

The Faith that nothing can dismay

The Hope no disappointments tire

The Passion that'll burn like fire

Let me not sink to be a clod

Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God”

― Amy Carmichael 

 

One person who knew Amy well said: “Miss Carmichael was a blessing to all who came into intimate and understanding contact with her radiant life.  She was the most Christ-like character I ever met, and her life was the most fragrant, the most joyfully sacrificial that I have ever known."

      Amy was also humble and faithful.  God used her servant nature to work for others and He used her deep faith to move and inspire. Miss Carmichael started the Dohnavur Fellowship in India (which is still alive today--you can see their website here), she wrote dozens of books, became the mother to hundreds of children, and devoted 53 years of her life to missionary work without furlough. 

    

In so many ways I wish I could be like her, but then I tell myself: 'Laurel, all you have to do is believe with the same fiery devotion and then let God work through you.' That's all Amy had; her Faith and her Savior. But she built up a legacy and touched countless lives with her contagious love and compassion.

 

“There have been times of late when I have had to hold on to one text with all my might: "It is required in stewards that a man may be found faithful." Praise God, it does not say "successful.”

― Amy Carmichael 

“to the glory of His name let me witness that in far away lands, in loneliness (deepest sometimes when it seems least so), in times of downheartedness and tiredness and sadness, always always He is near. He does comfort, if we let Him. Perhaps someone as weak and good-for-nothing as even I am may read this. Don't be afraid! Through all circumstances, outside, inside, He can keep me close.”

― Amy Carmichael 

In closing, I urge you to pick up her biography (or perhaps one of her own writings.) Then you’ll see for yourself what wonderful things God wrought through her life!  

 

Other reading material on Amy Carmichael:

•  http://www.gfamissions.org/missionary-biographies/carmichael-amy-1867-1951.html
• http://www.historymakers.info/inspirational-christians/amy-carmichael.html
• http://www.corrinesimpson.com/amy-carmichael/
• http://www.youngandmarried.net/?s=amy+carmichael

ain't nothin' like....

Clara and I decided to make something with tomatoes yesterday. It was not only a delicious meal, it somehow turned into a video:)

 

{home sweet home}

      Well folks, I’m back from my summer escapades! It feels like I have been gone for years –has it really only been 5 weeks? Sheesh. My latest adventure was in Manhattan Kansas for POE where twelve students ranging from ages 13-18 gathered for a week of recitals, organ lessons, workshops, and numerous games of pool. It is such a rare and wonderful opportunity, that I am kind of sad I haven’t gone regularly in years past. To high school aged pianists--let me give you a word of advice: GO TO PIPE ORGAN CAMP!

 

 

Twice a day, students were split up into pairs for 2 hour sessions of lessons and practice time. These were my favorite times of the day when I was completely immersed in music and had nothing else to focus on except what I was being taught. “Feel the music!” my teacher said, “make it swing and dance under your fingertips.”

Teachers also took turns presenting workshops for the students. There were workshops on practicing efficiently, how to play hymns in church, how an organ works, performance anxiety, etc.  For one workshop, an employee from Quimby Pipe Organ Company came and let us crawl through the pipes chambers.

 

 

Do you see those boxes under the pipes? Those are wind chests. You have to scoot in head first on your back to see underneath the pipes. Then, someone locks the door behind you so wind won’t escape-- that way you can see how air passes through the pipes. After that claustrophobic experience, I now have a healthy respect for organ builders.  

            Halfway through the week the whole group of us drove to Lincoln Nebraska for some sightseeing. When 12 students are packed into a 15 passenger van, chaos inevitably ensues. Towards the end of our ride all of us were impersonating Sesame Street characters, listening to classical music, talking to each other in German, and looking at gifs. Ahhhhh—such good times!

            Once in Lincoln NE, we toured Bedient Pipe Organ Company. They were so encouraging and welcoming to all of us! Thank you for letting us get a glimpse of ‘behind the scenes’.  

            Next, three different churches generously let us invade and play their organs. Westminster Presbyterian had a wonderful Casavant organ: 

 

We also visited this beautiful monster, which was by far my favorite:

It’s a Schoenstein Organ in First Plymouth Congregational Church. That thing is intimidating. Not only is it huge, it can also control a second organ in the balcony.  

And last but not least we played an Italian style organ built by Bedient in St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Though it usually runs on electricity, there were bellows in the back which only the guys were brave enough to try their hand at.

 

 

 

At the end of the week all twelve students performed for teachers and parents in a recital. It was a wonderful way to end our time spent learning and exploring together. I honestly cannot wait till next year!

 

 

And storied windows richly dight,

Casting a dim religious light.

There let the pealing organ blow,

To the full-voiced choir below,

In service high, and anthems clear

As may, with sweetness, through mine ear

Dissolve me into ecstasies,

And bring all Heaven before mine eyes.

--John Milton