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Keep a Quiet Heart
Peace and quiet--to many of us they're just words. Somehow we have allowed the frenetic pace of life to rob us of the quiet, restful moments with God we so desperately need. Keep a Quiet Heart features the rich devotional musings of one of America's favorite authors and points the way to a deep experience with God, away from the unsettling distractions of day-to-day living.
280 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
629 people are currently reading
5903 people want to read
About the author
Elisabeth Elliot
177 books2,271 followersFrom the Author's Web Site: My parents were missionaries in Belgium where I was born. When I was a few months old, we came to the U.S. and lived in Germantown, not far from Philadelphia, where my father became an editor of the Sunday School Times. Some of my contemporaries may remember the publication which was used by hundreds of churches for their weekly unified Sunday School teaching materials.
Our family continued to live in Philadelphia and then in New Jersey until I left home to attend Wheaton College. By that time, the family had increased to four brothers and one sister. My studies in classical Greek would one day enable me to work in the area of unwritten languages to develop a form of writing.
A year after I went to Ecuador, Jim Elliot, whom I had met at Wheaton, also entered tribal areas with the Quichua Indians. In nineteen fifty three we were married in the city of Quito and continued our work together. Jim had always hoped to have the opportunity to enter the territory of an unreached tribe. The Aucas were in that category -- a fierce group whom no one had succeeded in meeting without being killed. After the discovery of their whereabouts, Jim and four other missionaries entered Auca territory. After a friendly contact with three of the tribe, they were speared to death.
Our daughter Valerie was 10 months old when Jim was killed. I continued working with the Quichua Indians when, through a remarkable providence, I met two Auca women who lived with me for one year. They were the key to my going in to live with the tribe that had killed the five missionaries. I remained there for two years.
After having worked for two years with the Aucas, I returned to the Quichua work and remained there until 1963 when Valerie and I returned to the U.S.
Since then, my life has been one of writing and speaking. It also included, in 1969, a marriage to Addison Leitch, professor of theology at Gordon Conwell Seminary in Massachusetts. He died in 1973. After his death I had two lodgers in my home. One of them married my daughter, the other one, Lars Gren, married me. Since then we have worked together.
Our family continued to live in Philadelphia and then in New Jersey until I left home to attend Wheaton College. By that time, the family had increased to four brothers and one sister. My studies in classical Greek would one day enable me to work in the area of unwritten languages to develop a form of writing.
A year after I went to Ecuador, Jim Elliot, whom I had met at Wheaton, also entered tribal areas with the Quichua Indians. In nineteen fifty three we were married in the city of Quito and continued our work together. Jim had always hoped to have the opportunity to enter the territory of an unreached tribe. The Aucas were in that category -- a fierce group whom no one had succeeded in meeting without being killed. After the discovery of their whereabouts, Jim and four other missionaries entered Auca territory. After a friendly contact with three of the tribe, they were speared to death.
Our daughter Valerie was 10 months old when Jim was killed. I continued working with the Quichua Indians when, through a remarkable providence, I met two Auca women who lived with me for one year. They were the key to my going in to live with the tribe that had killed the five missionaries. I remained there for two years.
After having worked for two years with the Aucas, I returned to the Quichua work and remained there until 1963 when Valerie and I returned to the U.S.
Since then, my life has been one of writing and speaking. It also included, in 1969, a marriage to Addison Leitch, professor of theology at Gordon Conwell Seminary in Massachusetts. He died in 1973. After his death I had two lodgers in my home. One of them married my daughter, the other one, Lars Gren, married me. Since then we have worked together.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews
February 9, 2023
In some ways this book is dated and that makes it all the more valuable for us. To step out of the stale air we breath and remember how God worked In Elisabeth’s life is refreshing in every way. Her example and honestly truly continue to speak to us today.
January 4, 2009
This is one of those books I go back to several times a year for wisdom. It has been a life changing book for me. A quiet heart is something I still long for and pray for.
If you also long for one you need to read this book.
If you also long for one you need to read this book.
April 27, 2023
Sometimes a little dated, but still good, practical daily reading. I was impatient and read the last three articles this morning.
March 10, 2025
I started reading this newly postpartum, and it was a good reminder to point me towards Christ. Elisabeth touches on a variety of subjects, but throughout I felt like I was constantly being reminded that Christ is my greatest treasure.
August 14, 2017
In Keep a Quiet Heart, Elisabeth Elliot shares articles from her newsletters. It's a collection that encourages you to know God better. You can find Him best when your heart is quieted, and that is what we as Christians should strive for.
"A quiet heart is content with what God gives. It is enough."
"A Quiet Heart", Keep a Quiet Heart
There are countless lessons to be heard in this volume, if you're looking for them. As Elliot prescribes, stillness of mind, quietness of heart, can lead you to God. How accurately she wrote about this subject for modern times... and this was decades ago when she penned it! It's true, busyness takes up so much of ours lives – whether you're involved with extra church, school, and work opportunities, or just taking care of your family – we're often so busy that our hearts are screaming out with worry, despair, and unsatisfactory feelings about our lives. Enter the idea of stilling the loud “noises” in life that interrupt the contentedness of your soul. Because, even unknowingly, it's those “noises” that are breaking up your communication with the Almighty.
"Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy."
"Waiting", Keep a Quiet Heart
A wide range of subjects are covered in Keep a Quiet Heart. I think a lot of them are geared towards women, but anyone can listen and hear the truth behind Elliot's words. Sometimes she shares a special story from her own life and ministry, sometimes about a trial that a friend went through, or we even hear from her own readers. At other times she'll share a devotional on a variety of topics, which could be anything from prayer, peace, culture, marriage, parenting (even about homeschooling!), and more. Always it's an encouragement and inspiration.
Perhaps the chapters that pertained to subtopics under marriage and parenting didn't always apply to my own life right now, but for the most part, I still enjoyed even those areas in the book. Because some of these topics (and others) are covered though, I would best recommend the book for adults.
The message that blessed me the most is one that negatively affects the heart's quietness: giving yourself too many tasks and too little time. One of Elliot's stories in particular was about a time in her life where she was stressed about hitting certain deadlines, and the dread of knowing she wasn't finishing in time. Yet, she's the one who made these deadlines, and became stressed when other elements in life appeared out of the blue, knocking her off a predetermined schedule. Well, this happens to us all, and certainly to myself. Do you know why it happens to me? It's my fault. I tell myself way too often that I need to accomplish this, this, and that by week's end, and (guess what!) many times I'm unable to finish every bit of it. This, of course, irks me, right where it hurts, in my unsettled, unquieted heart. Elliot's example showed me, that quality of work is often better (and safer on your heart) when you get things done as needed, and trim out unneeded deadline worry. Already, my days seem a little easier, when I don't have to be quite so focused on the timeliness of my actions.
"Let's never forget that some of His greatest mercies are His refusals. He says no so that He may, in some way we cannot imagine, say yes."
"Lost and Found", Keep a Quiet Heart
Overall? It's a good book. You should read it. I guarantee it will help you find balance in a crazy busy life.
"A quiet heart is content with what God gives. It is enough."
"A Quiet Heart", Keep a Quiet Heart
There are countless lessons to be heard in this volume, if you're looking for them. As Elliot prescribes, stillness of mind, quietness of heart, can lead you to God. How accurately she wrote about this subject for modern times... and this was decades ago when she penned it! It's true, busyness takes up so much of ours lives – whether you're involved with extra church, school, and work opportunities, or just taking care of your family – we're often so busy that our hearts are screaming out with worry, despair, and unsatisfactory feelings about our lives. Enter the idea of stilling the loud “noises” in life that interrupt the contentedness of your soul. Because, even unknowingly, it's those “noises” that are breaking up your communication with the Almighty.
"Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy."
"Waiting", Keep a Quiet Heart
A wide range of subjects are covered in Keep a Quiet Heart. I think a lot of them are geared towards women, but anyone can listen and hear the truth behind Elliot's words. Sometimes she shares a special story from her own life and ministry, sometimes about a trial that a friend went through, or we even hear from her own readers. At other times she'll share a devotional on a variety of topics, which could be anything from prayer, peace, culture, marriage, parenting (even about homeschooling!), and more. Always it's an encouragement and inspiration.
Perhaps the chapters that pertained to subtopics under marriage and parenting didn't always apply to my own life right now, but for the most part, I still enjoyed even those areas in the book. Because some of these topics (and others) are covered though, I would best recommend the book for adults.
The message that blessed me the most is one that negatively affects the heart's quietness: giving yourself too many tasks and too little time. One of Elliot's stories in particular was about a time in her life where she was stressed about hitting certain deadlines, and the dread of knowing she wasn't finishing in time. Yet, she's the one who made these deadlines, and became stressed when other elements in life appeared out of the blue, knocking her off a predetermined schedule. Well, this happens to us all, and certainly to myself. Do you know why it happens to me? It's my fault. I tell myself way too often that I need to accomplish this, this, and that by week's end, and (guess what!) many times I'm unable to finish every bit of it. This, of course, irks me, right where it hurts, in my unsettled, unquieted heart. Elliot's example showed me, that quality of work is often better (and safer on your heart) when you get things done as needed, and trim out unneeded deadline worry. Already, my days seem a little easier, when I don't have to be quite so focused on the timeliness of my actions.
"Let's never forget that some of His greatest mercies are His refusals. He says no so that He may, in some way we cannot imagine, say yes."
"Lost and Found", Keep a Quiet Heart
Overall? It's a good book. You should read it. I guarantee it will help you find balance in a crazy busy life.
February 18, 2021
A compilation of articles that Elisabeth Elliot wrote for her newsletter. Filled with practical wisdom, encouragement from scripture and even current events from the 1980s. I'll definitely be revisiting this book.
March 19, 2017
We all need to be exposed to the influence of godly women like Elisabeth Elliot in our lives.
(2017) I am so grateful for the many books E.Elliot left for us to read. She has been -without a doubt- a great influence in my life.
(2017) I am so grateful for the many books E.Elliot left for us to read. She has been -without a doubt- a great influence in my life.
July 31, 2020
My mom gave me this book several years ago and I just got around to reading it. I feel awful rating it below, but it’s explained in my system for rating Christian nonfiction books:
1. Is the writing professional, understandable, and entertaining? No. This book is divided into many 1-3 page little sections of various things EE writes about. Many of them are repetitive, come to illogical conclusions, or are obvious conclusions with no new ideas.
2. Are the author’s ideas well organized and thought out? No. As mentioned above, the sections either just repeat one another or are totally unrelated. There is no clear structure to this book and absolutely no focus or main idea. Often she will reference a letter or email she’s received from somebody who had a legitimate question, and then go on a tangent on something only semi-related. I also struggled with MANY things that she said in her book because her theology is NOT what I agree with personally and her ideas I’ve found to be relatively toxic to Christianity. For example, she has MANY sections where she talks about marriage and homemaking being the absolute highest calling for women and the disgrace of working outside the home. She explicitly says that EVERYONE is commanded to pursue marriage (NOT TRUE) and then afterwards have children. Otherwise, they are disobeying God’s calling apparently. To women who haven’t found a husband, she gives this solution in reference to encouraging more men to get married: “I’ll tell you what would change things fast- if all women decided they would not ‘give out’, I mean give men what they’re looking for but are unwilling to make a commitment for.” Okay is that REALLY how you want to find a man? Sure, more men would get married (which according to EE is the ultimate good thing for a Christian to do) But it’d be for all the wrong reasons, and who really wants to marry someone that only marries them for those benefits!
3. Are the main points supported with scripture or reliable sources? No. If she used scripture at all, it was out of context and super americanized into the context she wanted to apply it. NOT good hermeneutics. I felt like most of her content was based on her own opinions and creates an appearance-based Christianity that does not care about the heart or the grace of God.
4. Did the content make the think critically (whether or not I agreed with it?) This is where my one star rating came in! Although I disagreed with most of the content, I would underline things and write in the margins to try to think through exactly why things didn’t sit right with me and come up with my own personal arguments and beliefs. So yes, this book made me think critically.
5. Would I reread this book or want to own it? No, I would not.
1. Is the writing professional, understandable, and entertaining? No. This book is divided into many 1-3 page little sections of various things EE writes about. Many of them are repetitive, come to illogical conclusions, or are obvious conclusions with no new ideas.
2. Are the author’s ideas well organized and thought out? No. As mentioned above, the sections either just repeat one another or are totally unrelated. There is no clear structure to this book and absolutely no focus or main idea. Often she will reference a letter or email she’s received from somebody who had a legitimate question, and then go on a tangent on something only semi-related. I also struggled with MANY things that she said in her book because her theology is NOT what I agree with personally and her ideas I’ve found to be relatively toxic to Christianity. For example, she has MANY sections where she talks about marriage and homemaking being the absolute highest calling for women and the disgrace of working outside the home. She explicitly says that EVERYONE is commanded to pursue marriage (NOT TRUE) and then afterwards have children. Otherwise, they are disobeying God’s calling apparently. To women who haven’t found a husband, she gives this solution in reference to encouraging more men to get married: “I’ll tell you what would change things fast- if all women decided they would not ‘give out’, I mean give men what they’re looking for but are unwilling to make a commitment for.” Okay is that REALLY how you want to find a man? Sure, more men would get married (which according to EE is the ultimate good thing for a Christian to do) But it’d be for all the wrong reasons, and who really wants to marry someone that only marries them for those benefits!
3. Are the main points supported with scripture or reliable sources? No. If she used scripture at all, it was out of context and super americanized into the context she wanted to apply it. NOT good hermeneutics. I felt like most of her content was based on her own opinions and creates an appearance-based Christianity that does not care about the heart or the grace of God.
4. Did the content make the think critically (whether or not I agreed with it?) This is where my one star rating came in! Although I disagreed with most of the content, I would underline things and write in the margins to try to think through exactly why things didn’t sit right with me and come up with my own personal arguments and beliefs. So yes, this book made me think critically.
5. Would I reread this book or want to own it? No, I would not.
May 12, 2025
Second reading, 11 May 2025.
Some good stuff in here. I like Elisabeth Elliot's writing.
Her views on hitting children still make me angry and nauseous though.
4 star rating.
I am so thankful for Elisabeth Elliot's refreshingly honest and often pithy viewpoints. She is among a dying breed of Christian women. When you read her work, you can tell that this is a woman who has put in years of time spent on her knees worshiping God and that she's known pain and difficulty.
Her essays and thoughts have MUCH depth to them. I find it difficult to read many of the popular blogs of Christian women because they lack this sort of intellectual depth and experience.
This book was a compilation of essays from her long running newsletter - which I'm sorry I didn't know about till now...she no longer writes these newsletters but they can all be found online on her website - so I look forward to sampling those as well.
I would have given this a 5 star rating, but out of stubbornness, I cannot. Elisabeth is vocal about her viewpoints on spanking and disciplining children which is the one thing about her writing that irks me.
Some good stuff in here. I like Elisabeth Elliot's writing.
Her views on hitting children still make me angry and nauseous though.
4 star rating.
I am so thankful for Elisabeth Elliot's refreshingly honest and often pithy viewpoints. She is among a dying breed of Christian women. When you read her work, you can tell that this is a woman who has put in years of time spent on her knees worshiping God and that she's known pain and difficulty.
Her essays and thoughts have MUCH depth to them. I find it difficult to read many of the popular blogs of Christian women because they lack this sort of intellectual depth and experience.
This book was a compilation of essays from her long running newsletter - which I'm sorry I didn't know about till now...she no longer writes these newsletters but they can all be found online on her website - so I look forward to sampling those as well.
I would have given this a 5 star rating, but out of stubbornness, I cannot. Elisabeth is vocal about her viewpoints on spanking and disciplining children which is the one thing about her writing that irks me.
February 6, 2015
This was so, so good, I never wanted it to end. It encouraged me, challenged me, and helped deepen m understanding of God.
October 19, 2024
Keep a Quiet Heart has lived on my nightstand for about a year and I've read it bit by bit. Wow. There are some amazing articles in here: words on surrendering individual will, singleness, missions, and at the end some extremely practical tips on motherhood and raising/discipling kids. I'll definitely be returning to this! When I read Elisabeth Elliot, I hear my mother, and her mother, and the generations of women before me who love Jesus and are not afraid to do the simple, humble, dirty work of homemaking. Thank God for women like that!
The book ends with, "I want to learn, too, that it is not an extraordinary spirituality that makes one refuse to do ordinary work, but a wish to prove that one is not ordinary—which is a dead giveaway of spiritual conceit. I want to respond in unhesitating obedience as she [Mary] did: Anything You say, Lord."
The book ends with, "I want to learn, too, that it is not an extraordinary spirituality that makes one refuse to do ordinary work, but a wish to prove that one is not ordinary—which is a dead giveaway of spiritual conceit. I want to respond in unhesitating obedience as she [Mary] did: Anything You say, Lord."
November 30, 2023
This book is full of timeless truths. I read it meditatively each morning and would do so again. I came to the end and wanted to put it back on the stand by my Bible to start all over again the next morning. She takes the form of a Titus 2 mentor through this book. Highly recommend to all women.
January 2, 2025
First book of 2025…. Five star. Wow… I see why so many people have given this one such high remarks. Adding it to one of two of the most life changing books I have ever read.
“Let all that I am wait quietly before the Lord. Anything for you, Lord. “
“Let all that I am wait quietly before the Lord. Anything for you, Lord. “
October 1, 2011
There is scripture on keeping a quiet heart. "But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price" I Peter 3:4. Elisabeth Elliott takes many topics from faith, Why God, Suffering,work, prayer, marriage, abortion, children, and with a story and scripture, how our hearts can be quiet and surrender to God's sovereignity in our lives. I loved her candor, the simplicity and the need for the quiet heart in our walk with the Lord. My favorite was "rest comes by His sorrow, life by his death. His purpose in dying for all was that men, while still in life should cease to live for themselves and should live for him who for their sakes died and was raised to life...Any message that makes the cross redundant is anti-christian... How can we survey the wondrous cross and at the same time feed our pride?. It is a daily struggle but it is the only way for true rest.
July 28, 2021
One of the most meaningful and impactful books I've ever read.
January 9, 2025
I enjoyed this book a little more than usual of Elisabeth Elliot’s books. Many chapters covering a variety of topics, but my favorites are the ones on “keeping a quiet heart” and pausing enough to adore the presence of our Savior. I also enjoyed the chapters on the home and raising children. Several chapters towards the end of the book I found extremely heavy , but they do give good information on gruesome subjects such as abortion.
A few quotes I enjoyed:
“Fulfillment is not a goal to achieve, but always a byproduct of sacrifice.”
“Choose love and not to fear. The will of God always involves risk and cost, but he is there to help with grace in time of need.”
“Real godliness is self denial”
How refreshing to hear, and comforting to put self back in its place.
I love how she lives by the principle to bring everything to the straightedge of Scripture, and there He can show us what we need, we need only ask. ♥️
A few quotes I enjoyed:
“Fulfillment is not a goal to achieve, but always a byproduct of sacrifice.”
“Choose love and not to fear. The will of God always involves risk and cost, but he is there to help with grace in time of need.”
“Real godliness is self denial”
How refreshing to hear, and comforting to put self back in its place.
I love how she lives by the principle to bring everything to the straightedge of Scripture, and there He can show us what we need, we need only ask. ♥️
June 22, 2025
This is one I keep in my rotation to read again and again. Timeless wisdom.
August 28, 2012
I feel honored to have spent a month or two with Elisabeth Elliot. This book was timely because we faced a severe grief this summer that made space for the mysterious, quiet heart of which she speaks (or better yet, the need of it).
Keep a Quiet Heart is a collection of her articles featured in her newsletter, which is printed six times a year. Reading this book is like coming to her kitchen each morning for a cup of coffee and a lesson in faith. Its central message is to know and love the Lord in all arenas of life. While admonishing believers onto faith, Elisabeth introduces other Christian saints like Dr. May Powell in her humble upstairs room in England, her own faithful grandparents and beloved mother who raised six children to love and fear the Lord, the great George MacDonald, Amy Charmichael, and others who have inspired godliness and faith. Elliot's words are full compassion and wisdom, which makes this book perfect as a daily devotional. Read one or two chapters a day and glean numerous faith-building truths and even practical applications for life, love, parenting, work, etc. It's wonderful, and I will come back to it again: in yet another season of faith, of life.
A favorite quote:
"It is through the tender austerity of our troubles that the Son of Man comes knocking. In every event He seeks an entrance to my heart, yes, even in my most helpless, futile, fruitless moments. The very cracks and empty crannies of my life, my perplexities and hurts and botched-up jobs, He wants to fill with Himself, His joy, His life...He urges me to learn of Him: 'I am gentle and humble in heart.'" (pg. 99)
Keep a Quiet Heart is a collection of her articles featured in her newsletter, which is printed six times a year. Reading this book is like coming to her kitchen each morning for a cup of coffee and a lesson in faith. Its central message is to know and love the Lord in all arenas of life. While admonishing believers onto faith, Elisabeth introduces other Christian saints like Dr. May Powell in her humble upstairs room in England, her own faithful grandparents and beloved mother who raised six children to love and fear the Lord, the great George MacDonald, Amy Charmichael, and others who have inspired godliness and faith. Elliot's words are full compassion and wisdom, which makes this book perfect as a daily devotional. Read one or two chapters a day and glean numerous faith-building truths and even practical applications for life, love, parenting, work, etc. It's wonderful, and I will come back to it again: in yet another season of faith, of life.
A favorite quote:
"It is through the tender austerity of our troubles that the Son of Man comes knocking. In every event He seeks an entrance to my heart, yes, even in my most helpless, futile, fruitless moments. The very cracks and empty crannies of my life, my perplexities and hurts and botched-up jobs, He wants to fill with Himself, His joy, His life...He urges me to learn of Him: 'I am gentle and humble in heart.'" (pg. 99)
June 5, 2025
(2025 Review) I’ve read this three times and every year the hard truths and convicting realities become more and more clear to me. Elisabeth Elliot has been a spiritual mother to me for years. I will forever be grateful for her boldness and clarity in speaking on difficult topics and doing it with so much grace.
My favorite quote this time around comes at the very end:
“I am thanking God that unto us a Child was born. I am thanking Him also that there was a pure-hearted woman prepared to receive that Child with all that motherhood would mean of daily trust, daily dependence, daily obedience. I thank Him for her silence. That spirit is not in me at all, not naturally. I want to learn what she had learned so early: the deep guarding in her heart of each event, mulling over its meaning from God, waiting in silence for His word to her. I want to learn, too, that it is not an extraordinary spirituality that makes one refuse to do ordinary work, but a wish to prove that one is not ordinary—which is a dead giveaway of spiritual conceit. I want to respond in unhesitating obedience as she did: Anything You say, Lord. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
—————————————————
(2024 Review) A reread, but felt like the first time. I just can’t express how incredible Elisabeth Elliot’s writings are and how needed they are in Christian circles today. Timeless, simple, practical, and biblical. A must-read!!!
“Lord, give to me a quiet heart That does not ask to understand, But confident steps forward in The darkness guided by Thy hand.”
My favorite quote this time around comes at the very end:
“I am thanking God that unto us a Child was born. I am thanking Him also that there was a pure-hearted woman prepared to receive that Child with all that motherhood would mean of daily trust, daily dependence, daily obedience. I thank Him for her silence. That spirit is not in me at all, not naturally. I want to learn what she had learned so early: the deep guarding in her heart of each event, mulling over its meaning from God, waiting in silence for His word to her. I want to learn, too, that it is not an extraordinary spirituality that makes one refuse to do ordinary work, but a wish to prove that one is not ordinary—which is a dead giveaway of spiritual conceit. I want to respond in unhesitating obedience as she did: Anything You say, Lord. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
—————————————————
(2024 Review) A reread, but felt like the first time. I just can’t express how incredible Elisabeth Elliot’s writings are and how needed they are in Christian circles today. Timeless, simple, practical, and biblical. A must-read!!!
“Lord, give to me a quiet heart That does not ask to understand, But confident steps forward in The darkness guided by Thy hand.”
May 14, 2024
Looking back, this book was the start of a huge change in my life. Elisabeth Elliot sheds more and more light on what it means to submit to the Lord, trusting Him in all things, big and small. It truly is the way to happiness. In one sense, it is all very simple. Yet, it has had profound impacts on my life in very practical ways- in my marriage, in relationships, in how I parent, in how I respond to trials, and how I view my duties for each day. I highly recommend this book, and I am so grateful for Elisabeth’s brave conviction to call believers to this, knowing it will only result in peace and joy in their lives.
I’d sum up the heart of this book with the children’s song that I think of all the time now,
“Trust and Obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, than to Trust and Obey.”
I’d sum up the heart of this book with the children’s song that I think of all the time now,
“Trust and Obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, than to Trust and Obey.”
April 21, 2025
I’ll be revisiting this one. A beautiful collection of snippets of wisdom from our dear Elisabeth.
“In every event He seeks an entrance to my heart, yes, even in my most helpless, futile, fruitless moments. The very cracks an empty crannies of my life, my perplexities and hurts and botched up jobs, He wants to fill with Himself, His joy, His life. The more unsatisfactory my “performance”, the more He calls me to share His yoke. I should know by now that mine makes me tired and overburdened. He urges me to learn of Him: ‘I am gentle and humble in heart.”
“In every event He seeks an entrance to my heart, yes, even in my most helpless, futile, fruitless moments. The very cracks an empty crannies of my life, my perplexities and hurts and botched up jobs, He wants to fill with Himself, His joy, His life. The more unsatisfactory my “performance”, the more He calls me to share His yoke. I should know by now that mine makes me tired and overburdened. He urges me to learn of Him: ‘I am gentle and humble in heart.”
June 12, 2012
I read this in conjunction with my morning quiet times, and I can't even express how blessed I was by it. Every morning I came away with a better understanding of my role in this world and, most importantly, God. I was refreshed, my heart was quieted, and my love for the Father grew. I highly recommend this for any woman at any stage of life, but particularly for married women and young mothers.
December 2, 2023
I listened to the Hoopla audiobook. It was beautifully narrated and really added to the experience. Although this is technically a collection of short devotional readings, they flow together pretty seamlessly and you could read or listen to it like k a full book. Elizabeth Elliot writes with such compassion and care, I feel like I know her! This was an experience and I really valued how thoughtful her approach is on difficult questions. And surprisingly, they are still so relevant years later. I would highly recommend this to anyone. I’ll leave you with these quotes:
“Spiritual victories are won in the quiet acceptance of ordinary events”
“Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy”
“Peace does not rest in outward things, but in the heart prepared to wait quietly and trustingly in Him who has all things safely in His hands”
“Spiritual victories are won in the quiet acceptance of ordinary events”
“Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy”
“Peace does not rest in outward things, but in the heart prepared to wait quietly and trustingly in Him who has all things safely in His hands”
April 16, 2019
This was a wonderfully encouraging and edifying read. It is a collection of short essays (1-5 pages each) that were originally published in newsletters Elisabeth sent out. They cover a variety of topics and are filled with scripturally based truth in love. It was quite easy to read and I enjoyed it far more than I expected.
August 4, 2024
Comforting and edifying. I loved this collection of stories, essays, and musings on various topics relevant to Christian women. Elisabeth's firm but gentle temperament in her writing is exactly what modern Christian women need. She isn't afraid to say unpopular things for the sake of truth. Highly recommend!
March 12, 2025
My first experience with Elizabeth Elliot after having her writings recommended to me a billion times!! These are probably the most articulate and sincere meditations I’ve read on joyful self-sacrifice and humble work for the glory of Jesus. Many of the devos and newsletters on those themes realllly blessed and convicted me. She strikes right at the heart of things with a firmness that holds the reader to a high standard without condemnation. Stern but loving grandma vibes
I found her practical advice to be less impressive, maybe more influenced by the culture of her time and place (but what writing isn’t?). Definitely a staunch advocate for homemaking which challenges me, but I can appreciate that her arguments were well thought out and communicated. Occasionally failed to see those different from herself with the nuance owed. I guess we all do that, but it’s different when you publish those thoughts.
A favorite quote, on Elliot’s time with Amy Carmichael in India:
“There wasn't time for nearly all my questions, but in those hours I knew that I had been with a very great woman, one of God's hidden ones whose strength lies in nothing explainable by personality or heredity, but in Him who is Rock, Fortress, and Might, who is, ‘in the darkness drear their one true light,’ whose distant song of triumph steals on our ears sometimes and makes our hearts brave again and our arms strong. Praise to God for such living flames of His love.”
Minus one star for hating rock music (jk it just didn’t merit 5 in my eyes)
I found her practical advice to be less impressive, maybe more influenced by the culture of her time and place (but what writing isn’t?). Definitely a staunch advocate for homemaking which challenges me, but I can appreciate that her arguments were well thought out and communicated. Occasionally failed to see those different from herself with the nuance owed. I guess we all do that, but it’s different when you publish those thoughts.
A favorite quote, on Elliot’s time with Amy Carmichael in India:
“There wasn't time for nearly all my questions, but in those hours I knew that I had been with a very great woman, one of God's hidden ones whose strength lies in nothing explainable by personality or heredity, but in Him who is Rock, Fortress, and Might, who is, ‘in the darkness drear their one true light,’ whose distant song of triumph steals on our ears sometimes and makes our hearts brave again and our arms strong. Praise to God for such living flames of His love.”
Minus one star for hating rock music (jk it just didn’t merit 5 in my eyes)
January 30, 2022
Cartea emană înțelepciune și bunătate, lecții învățate în suferință. Ce alt lucru ne poate aduce pace și liniște decât îmbrățișarea suferinței și înțelegerea ei ca fiind parte dintr-un plan dincolo de noi?
April 1, 2025
"God is bigger than time, dates, and appointments. He wants you to move through this day with a quiet heart, an inward assurance that He is in control, a peaceful certainty that your life is in His hands, a deep trust in His plan and purposes, and a thankful disposition, toward all that He allows."
I think this book was meant to be more of a devotional than to sit and read large chunks at a time, and I would probably get even more from it if I read it that way lol. It didn't really have much of a main thread, just kind of thoughts on different subjects and how to walk obediently in all areas of life.
I think this book was meant to be more of a devotional than to sit and read large chunks at a time, and I would probably get even more from it if I read it that way lol. It didn't really have much of a main thread, just kind of thoughts on different subjects and how to walk obediently in all areas of life.
January 29, 2024
Great book, with short chapters, on an array of Christian living topics on how to live a Godly life in all circumstances.
March 19, 2024
This book is one of my favorites by Elizabeth Elliot! It is divided into daily devotions, the longest one probably being 4 pages or so. Highly recommend!!!
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