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Another book I read was for Mrs. Friedrich, but she doesn’t know it.

I’ve seen Stepping Heavenward in my CBD catalog for years. And even for the past year or so thought it something I would like to read. So, I ordered it, and this summer finally read it. What was I waiting for? Why had no one encouraged, nay, required me to read it years ago? I really really enjoyed this book. It was such an encouragement to see the unfolding of a woman’s sanctification, her struggles with sin and with growth, her love of her Father and of her family. I wasn’t even annoyed by the “cliffhanger” ending (and I hate cliffhangers) because there really was no cliffhanger. We knew how the story would end, just not when!

I liked the story written as a journal. I liked her writing style. I loved the letter from her childhood pastor:

You can will to choose for your associates those who are most devout and holy.

You can will to read books that will stimulate you in your Christian life rather than those that merely amuse.

You can will to use every means of grace appointed by God.

You can will to spend much time in prayer without regard to your frame at the moment.

You can will to prefer a religion of principle to one of mere feeling; in other words, to obey the will of God when no comfortable glow of emotion accompanies your obedience.

You cannot will to possess the spirit of Christ; that must come as His gift; but you can choose to study His life and to imitate it. This will infallibly lead to much self-denying work as visiting the poor, nursing the sick, giving of your time and money to the needy, and the like.

A good reminder to me, especially.

Anyway, if you haven’t read this book, it is $3.99 from CBD, and wholly worth that amount. I highly encourage you to read it, I couldn’t put it down.