Sometimes we get frozen into doing NOTHING.
But, we KNOW we should be doing SOMETHING!
What should our motto be at times like that?
This is mine...
~ Do The Next Thing ~
From an old English parsonage down by the sea,
There came in the twilight a message to me.
Its quaint Saxon legend deeply engraven
Hath it seems to me, teaching from heaven.
And all through the hours the quiet words ring,
Like a low inspiration, do the next thing.
Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from heaven,
Time, opportunity, and guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus, do the next thing.
Do it immediately, do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care.
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand,
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all results, do the next thing.
Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering be thy demeanor;
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance, be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing.
Then, as He beckons, do the next thing.
Author Unknown
Often quoted by Elisabeth Elliot
20 comments:
Hello Camille,
This is so beautiful!! He is all we need and I am thankful we can go to Him at any time and He is always there and ever faithful.
I love Elizabeth Elliot's books too and have a few of them.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings and husg.
Love this! Thank you for sharing.
Have a great weekend!
Blessings,
Jill
I have always enjoyed Elisabeth Elliot...and this poem was lovely!!!! Have a great weekend, Camille!!! Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)
Stopping in to visit my friend!
Thank you for coming by my blog and giving such a sweet comment to Cassaundra. I think she is going to start writing some posts as part of her writing instruction here at home.
I understand about doing nothing and feeling like I should be doing something. Why do we do that?
I usually have to write a list of things I have to do and then I am motivated to do the next thing. I guess you can say, I have too much to do. :)
I hope you have a great weekend with your family and a blessed Lord's day on Sunday.
Praying for you and your family,
Christa
Hello! You had posted on my blog awhile ago (Kitchen Floor Diaries), and it has been a pleasure following yours. You are a true role model for this young mom and homemaker! I especially liked today's post. I tend to get frozen into doing nothing because I feel I face such of mountain of things to do! My new mantra will be "just do the next thing!"
This post was wonderful...just what I needed at this moment as we just found out, we have to be moved out by Nov 1st...and we have no house yet.
Thanks for sharing this.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Lovely ~ such good advice. Blessings.
I have to really drink this one in.
Bless you, Camille.
I was bombarded with feeling overwhelmed this summer. I would freeze up as my "to do" list grew. The unknown overwhelmed my thoughts and I did not take them captive like I should have and stop worrying. In trusting God, doing the next thing, then the next...etc., was how I came back to a sound mind! He's still healing me from it, and I feel it. And this poem is lovelier than can be expressed.
And BTW, I got that Managers of Their Home (& Chores) and LOVE them!!! Thank you so much for recommending...it's been such a help already, and I haven't even finished my schedule. But I can see how it can really work for us.
Blessings & Love, my friend!
Tami
Dear Linda ~ Isn't Elisabeth Elliot a treasure? I'm so thankful for her steady influence over the years through her writing and talks. :)
Dear Jill ~ Isn't it a wonderful poem? One of my all-time favourites. :)
Dear Heather's Blog-o-rama ~ I do wish I knew who wrote this poem, but Elisabeth Elliot has quoted it for many years...that's where I discovered it...long ago in one of her newsletters, I believe. :)
Dear Christa ~ Your Cassaundra did a lovely job on that post...I think it's a great idea to get her doing writing assignments like that...wonderful! I rely on lists too...they really do help to keep me on track! AND...thank you SO much for your prayers!! :)
Welcome Cassie ~ It's so lovely to "meet" you! Thank you for your sweet and encouraging comment...may the LORD use it all for HIS glory!! And yes, just keep on doing the next thing...you will never run out of them. Enjoy every step of the journey. :)
Dear Treasures ~ We will pray for your house situation. What a blessing to know the LORD has already chosen a place for you. One time, many years ago, we didn't know where we were to be and only found the place to move into a week before we had to move! The LORD is faithful! Keep on looking to HIM. :)
Dear Patty ~ It's a good poem to refer back to every so often...such a blessing. :)
Dear Heather ~ Yes, I have to ponder it too...good food for thought. :)
Dear Tami ~ I'm so sorry you had such a trying summer...but what a wonderful testimony of God's goodness to you! HE is faithful and NEVER gives us more than we can bear...what an incredibly comforting thought! AND...I am so encouraged that you are being blessed by the "Managers of Their Homes" books...yippee!! :)
Blessings to you each one!
In His Love,
Camille
This is one of my favorite poems, Camille, and the thought of just doing the next thing comes to mind often when I stand paralyzed and overwhelmed.
Lovely poem. I choose to do something.
Dear Trisha ~ I know what you mean! How wise this person was, don't you think? Just do the next thing...never an end to those, is there? But each day has a fresh beginning...and fresh grace! :)
Dear Toyin ~ Yes...something, with the LORS's help day by day! :)
Blessings to you both!
In Him,
Camille
Beautiful Camille..
And so true.. some times we dont know what to do next..but we know the one who does..and if we be still and listen,, God will guide us..
Thanks for a great post..
Thanks for sharing this poem. It was an inspiration today. I needed it. I'm doing good and feel better now that things have calmed down with my schedule of being gone so many places. Thanks for commenting on my blog the other day....such a dear friend you are! Hugs and blessings.
Dear Karen ~ What a blessing that we do know the ONE Who holds the keys! One day at a time...step by step! :)
Dear Becky ~ I'm so glad things are settling down for you...keep on looking to the LORD...HE will give the daily grace. :)
Blessings to you both!
In Him,
Camille
Thank you for your prayers. We appreciate them very much...they are SO needed.
Have a blessed Lord's Day tomorrow.
Camille,
I am just catching up on your blog after a busy week...LOVED the post about dinner with your daddy. How precious. He has a jolly smile and I loved seeing the photo of you with him!
LOVED the ideas for quick dinners. I MUST be more disciplined in this area. I will go strong on cooking each meal at home and then have a week like last week - where it is busy and seems everything is falling apart, and I cave. And we get take out. I want to be more disciplined in that area - and I appreciate your suggestions.
And "Do the Next Thing." Oh yes, I need this encouragement, as well. To do the next thing!
As usual, you point me to the cross and I am thankful for you!
Have a wonderful Lord's day, sweet friend.
Beautiful poem and inspiring!
Dear Treasures ~ You are definitely being prayed for...and the LORD will definitely lead! HE is faithful! Hang in there. :)
Dear Jennifer ~ I *know* you are busy!! Just visit when it works into life...no worries!! Thank you for all your sweet comments on the various posts...you are a blessing to me. :)
Dear Jenn ~ Yes, it is a good one for me to think on every once in awhile. I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)
Blessings to you each one!
In His Love,
Camille
Post a Comment