Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Why My Lamp Doesn't Go Out at Night ;)

I spend a lot of my late evenings reading in bed with my lamp on. It just seems like the perfect time for that because all of my responsibilities for the day are complete and I can focus my mind better on what I'm reading.

I've always loved to read! My favorite kind of books are the ones I can learn from and/or be encouraged by spiritually. I really love true stories... especially ones that involve missionary experiences, because I find it exciting to read about situations where God has worked miraculously in people's lives! Here are few of my top favorites:


Bruchko by Bruce Olsen; Faith Like Potatoes by Angus Buchan; The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson; Peace Child by Don Richardson; God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew; & Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot

I have to say, though, that my most favorite book of all is definitely the Bible. It contains some of the greatest missionary stories, and I certainly do benefit from it the more than any other book! :)I'm so glad that God allows us to learn from and be encouraged by stories of prayer and faith in Jesus Christ. The six previous books I mentioned may have been written by human hands, but we all know who the real Author is. :) God is the one responsible for those stories--and that's what makes them so worth reading to me!
It's also amazing to think that God's story and plan for our lives is being carried out with each and every moment that passes. As the Bible says in Hebrews, He is the author and perfecter of our faith. "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." (Hebrews 12:2) It's comforting to know that He has our story all planned out and nothing that happens (good or bad) comes as a surprise to Him. I know my life story has been filled with all kinds of action so far, and the neat thing about it is that I know what happens in the end. :) I may not know what's going to happen in between but I do know that one day, after my life here on earth is done, I will be with my Lord and Savior--forever praising His name!
I'm so glad that Jesus is the author of my life.
PRAISE THE LORD ALL THE EARTH!!
Picture credit: Google Images, unless otherwise noted. :)

8 comments:

Hannah said...

I am a late night reader too :D
I love books! Bruchko is a favorite book of mine. I want to read it again thought because it has been some years. And I like God's Smuggler- another amazing story! I have never read the others although I have heard of some of them.

Hannah said...

So is your name Sharon Taylor then?
I saw that it was written in the top corner of the lamp picture and I am assuming you took it. It is a nice picture :)

Lindsay said...

Oh, I loved this post, Taylor!! That
first picture is just perfect for it. :-)

Unknown said...

Wow, Taylor! I absolutely love missionary stories too! Out of the books you've mentioned, I've read Bruchko, The Cross and the Switchblade, God's Smuggler & Through Gates of Splendor! They are all great stories of God is working through the lives of willing men & women. I'll have to check out the other two. Blessings!

Fidelia said...

Amen sister! I've read Bruchko, and God's smuggler. There awesome, but I definitely agree that the bible is the best book EVER!

~*~Poppy~*~

Taylor said...

Hannah: Thanks! Yes, you're right "Sharon Taylor" is my first and middle name together... Although, I've always gone by "Taylor". ;)

-----------------------------------

Lindsay: Thank you! I thought that picture went pretty well with this post too! :)

-----------------------------------

Eden: Wow, you've read almost all of them! You really should check out the other two books as well... They're very good and I'm sure you'll enjoy them!! :)

-----------------------------------

Poppy: Thanks for commenting! Yep... the Bible is definitely the best! ;D

-----------------------------------

Thanks for your comments, girls!

Blessings,
~ Taylor

DONNA said...

Taylor
Hi this is a wonderful post. I just came across your blog through someone else's blog. I love the picture of your lamp. I must tell you that I have experienced the book on the "Cross and the Switchblade" which was written by David Wilkerson. I don't know if you know it or not which you probably do that David Wilkerson founded the organization of "Teen Challenge" back in the late 50's. Anyway I was blessed to go through that discipleship program was I was 18. They also have a ministry school that I attended and graduated. I also have worked at Tenn Challenge for several years. It is a very unique ministry which really you could say that I was a missionary in the United States through that organization. I went through the program in Chattanooga, Tn and also Nashville, TN. I have worked at the centers in Nashville, Tn and also one in Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama. So I have been able to travel and be a part of that organization. It is a very good ministry for teens and also adults as they do have centers for adults as well. Actually they have more centers for adults than teens for different reasons. Anyway I will be coming back to your blog. As much as I have read you are an excellent writer. May God richly bless your life and all your endeavors.
His servant,
Donna

Taylor said...

Donna: That is so neat! Thank you so much for sharing all of this with me. :) I really enjoyed reading what you had to say, and I'm so glad that you like my blog! I do hope you'll come back. ;)

May the Lord bless you and keep you as well!

Blessings,
~ Taylor