More Love to Thee

A Puritan Girl at Prayer

1. More Love to Thee ~ A Hymn
2. 
   
3. More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee!
   Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee;
   This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ, to Thee;
   More love to Thee, more love to Thee!
4. Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest;
   Now Thee alone I seek, give what is best;
   This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to Thee;
   More love to Thee, more love to Thee!
5. Let sorrow do its work, come grief or pain;
   Sweet are Thy messengers, sweet their refrain,
   When they can sing with me: More love, O Christ, to Thee;
   More love to Thee, more love to Thee!
6. Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise;
   This be the parting cry my heart shall raise;
   This still its prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to Thee;
   More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

by ~ Elizabeth Prentiss


(Press here for the tune of this hymn for extra inspiration as you read this.)

Biography of Elizabeth Prentiss
Nourishing Novels by Elizabeth Prentiss
Thoughts Concerning the King

Magnanimous Music

Girl with Guitar by Jennie Brownscombe

"Music is a gift from God and has an enormous power that can help lead us to virtue.

But in this fallen world, music- produced by sinners-

is often chaotic, menacing, or flippant, and can lead us to our own destruction.

You see children, music shapes us in its image."

~ Douglas Bond, Mr. Pipes And The British Hymn Makers

Music is a powerful tool for the follower of God but is just as powerful for the opposition... just like a knife can be used to prepare a nourishing salad or to harm a human. We need to be careful how we utilize the instrument.

Scripture gives us guidance in what kind of music to delight in…

"...but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God."

~ Ephesians 5:18-21

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

~ Colossians 3:16

We are to enjoy the music that glorifies God. It breaks my heart to get into a car with "believers" and then to hear them listening to music made by unbelievers. Do you think there is anything in secular music created to bring you closer to God? Music is the mind of man that has been packaged into a group of notes. If anything, the unbelievers music brings you into their world… "and friendship with the world means enmity against God" (James 4:4).

The kind of music you listen to is just as important as the shows you watch, the books you read and the people you keep company with. Music has a power that is all its own. Its influence can persuade people to do ungodly things that they otherwise would not do because of the mood it puts you in. It can almost clear the conscience and drown out the warnings of the holy spirit by the loudness of the disturbing lyrics, beats and tainting tunes. There are many studies about the influence of music that establishes this point.

Lucifer (Satan) was the musician in the heavens once upon a time…

You were in Eden, the garden of God; 

Every precious stone was your covering: 

The sardius, topaz, and diamond, 

Beryl, onyx, and jasper, 

Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. 

The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes 

Was prepared for you on the day you were created. 

~ Ezekiel 28:13

Your pomp is brought down to Sheol, 

And the sound of your stringed instruments; 

The maggot is spread under you, 

And worms cover you.’

~ Isaiah 14:11

Satan once used his talent to glorify God. Now, how do you suppose he is using that same talent in his new mission? Are you enjoying his latest tunes?

As a "Heroine of the Faith", who has the attention of your ears? Who is guiding what you hear? Is it placing you in the right direction towards your loving Saviour? For when you listen to godly music...

 Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,

      “This is the way, walk in it,”
      Whenever you turn to the right hand
      Or whenever you turn to the left."

~ Isaiah 30:21

Whose voice are you listening to?

Other paintings we viewed by Jennie Brownscombe in addition to this page:

Autumn Foliage

Ready for the Oven


Linked up to:
Far Above Rubies
Raising Homemakers
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Ready for the Oven ~ Preparing Pies

Ready for the Oven by Jennie Brownscombe

“Good apple pies are a considerable part of our domestic happiness.”

~ Jane Austen

Doesn't this painting put you in the pie baking mood? It suddenly seems relaxing. The last time we viewed a painting by Jennie Brownscombe was in Autumn Foliage. I love the red tone and woodwork on the hutch in her kitchen along with the pot of roses that greet her every morning in the window. 

Autumn Activity for Mothers and Maidens:

Fall is full of inspiration for projects of days gone by. Apple pies and pumpkin pies truly enhance the season with their aroma from the kitchen. What memories that scent will embed in the hearts of your loved ones! Why not bless your family with some fresh from the oven? Be a provident woman and make a large batch... some to freeze for the future and some to give to those in need (Proverbs 31:20).  If you are a mother, now is the perfect time to teach these skills (even a two year old loves to roll out the scrap dough) and if you are a maiden, now is the time to perfect them. I posted an "easy as pie", printable pie crust recipe on my sister site if you would like to try your hand at making four crusts at once.

Ode to Beautiful Girlhood

Silver Bells

When I first saw these paintings by the English-born, American painter, Pati Bannister, I was immediately in love with her renditions of girlhood. The dresses on these girls are dreamy, the hairstyles are classical and lovely (you may want to try some out) and the backgrounds are beautiful. I just had to share some of my favorites and hope that these landscapes of life will inspire you to live in pure and peaceful surroundings.  You may not own the land but you can have the gentle ambiance within the walls of your own, home-sweet-home...

Show and Tell

The Cottage Garden

Puddings and Pies

Rose Garden

Emily

Promises

Crowning Glory

Jasmine

Quiet Corner

Sisters

Sunday Afternoon

Wedgwood

Peace

Buttons and Bows

Red, White and Blue

White House

Goldfish

The Swing

Crystal Bowl

Morning Mist

Rambling Rose

Cuckoo Clock

Lilies of the Field

Lily

Parasols

Paradise Cove

Seascapes

Crossroads

Flowers, tea and dresses along with girls in beautiful tresses…

Sigh!

(Photos Courtesy of: Pati Bannister official site)

Tamar's Tears

The Desolation of Tamar

After reading, 2 Samuel, Chapter 13:1-19, my heart was burning from the incident. This passage perfectly illustrates the topic of lust verses love for our daughters. I know it is a harsh situation but when your daughter is of age to understand this topic, read the following with her. If you are a maiden then I pray these words convict your heart…


For he thought he loved her...

"1: And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her. 

2: And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her. 

3: But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man. 

4: And he said unto him, Why art thou, being the king's son, lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister. 

5: And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it at her hand. 

6: So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick: and when the king was come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar my sister come, and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat at her hand. 

7: Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon's house, and dress him meat. 

8: So Tamar went to her brother Amnon's house; and he was laid down. And she took flour, and kneaded it, and made cakes in his sight, and did bake the cakes. 

9: And she took a pan, and poured them out before him; but he refused to eat. And Amnon said, Have out all men from me. And they went out every man from him. 

10: And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother. 

11: And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister. 

12: And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly. 

13: And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee. 

14: Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her. 

15: Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone. 

16: And she said unto him, There is no cause: this evil in sending me away is greater than the other that thou didst unto me. But he would not hearken unto her. 

17: Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her. 

18: And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her. 

19: And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying." 

~ 2 Samuel, Chapter 13:1-19

What happened to his "vexing" love?...

Our daughters must be told that some men will declare their lust in the name of love, they will declare their admiration in the name of love and they may even declare their false intentions to spend their life with you in the name of love, but until they have sought a true, God honoring relationship and dedicate their life to you in the form of a God ordained marriage, then such a love does not exist yet...

Young ladies, guard your hearts and your bodies as the living temple for once these men receive that special part of you, most are through with their so called love as Amnon illustrated to us in the tragic tale of Tamar… He only THOUGHT he loved her… and a HATRED greater than that so-called "love" replaced it.


God's way of purity is a protection for the maiden… It safeguards her heart for the one worthy of her life and love. Poor Tamar! If only King David was not so lax in his child-rearing! He should have protected her from those closed quarters! Dear maidens, do not despise the wise counsel of your parents in this area for their desire is to prevent a similar fate!

"True love" will spend time to get to know you, your plans, your relationship with God. True love will respect you and walk you up the isle nobly with your hand in his, like a treasure he intends to protect.

On the Threshold (of a Proposal) by Edmund Blair Leighton

Books about purity and godly relationships…

Younger girls:

Princess & the Kiss: A Story of God's Gift of Purity by Jennie Bishop (picture book)

The Garden Wall: A Story of Love Based on I Corinthians 13 by Jennie Bishop (picture book)
The Three Weavers: A Picture Book, Retold by Mark Hamby (picture book)

Older girls:

The Three Weavers by Annie Fellows Johnston (allegorical novel)

Of Knights and Fair Maidens by Jeff and Danielle Myers (instructional book)

Linked up to:
Raising Mighty Arrows
Far Above Rubies
Raising Homemakers

Novels by Elizabeth Prentiss ~ A Regal Reading List

If you like to read novels but want something more "nourishing" for the soul, then Elizabeth Prentiss is the answer. What I really appreciate about her books is that she encourages women in their daily walk, routine and relationships. When reading her novels you think, "so I am not the only one with this problem and here is a way to conquer it!" Listed below are some of her writings that I recommend (and own) for women of different ages and stages in their lives:

Age 4 - 6 years

• Little Susy Stories (Read about five year old Susy and all her tutors in life such as Mrs. Love and Mr. Patience. A delight for little ones which gently instructs.)

Age 6 - 9 years

• Little Threads ("It was Mrs. Prentiss' intent that this little gem would be a tool for children to learn obedience. Read about the contrasting lives of Tangle Thread and Golden Thread (both young girls), one the cause of much grief for her godly mother, and the other the only bright spot in her poor mother's world." ~ Publisher)

Ages 13 - 99 years

• The Flower of the Family ~ A Tale of Domestic Life for Girls (If only I had read this as a young lady! Read how Lucy copes with her many struggles while growing up with the guidance of her parents and love of her God.)

Ages 16 - 99 years

• Stepping Heavenward ("Stepping Heavenward is an intimate journal of a young woman who struggles with ordinary daily life just as we do. Her life is a constant struggle to "step heavenward" as she deals with disappointment, heartache, and tragedy. You'll find it hard to believe that this journal has not be written with your own pen!" ~ Publisher) My favorite!

• Aunt Jane's Hero (This is a story of a young man in search of a bride and how God works in their marriage to bring them both closer to Him. This is another excellent novel! From the publisher; "Aunt Jane's hero, Horace Wheeler, was handsome, quick-witted and poor. Horace's one desire was to be in love, which lead him even into proposing. Aunt Jane was a sincere, kind-hearted Christian widow who was not always appreciated for her words of wisdom or her little "sermons". Those little sermons interfered with the good times Horace had with the less serious youth he kept company with. Horace's unfailing sense of humor and easy manner made him a favorite in his crowd. Aunt Jane's prayers continually followed Horace after enlisting in the Civil War where he became a different person; not only physically but spiritually. Aunt Jane's Hero is a well told Christian story of how God can work in the life of young people." ~ Publisher)

For Mothers

• The Home at Greylock (I am currently reading this book and am half way done so far. This novel is gaged toward child rearing and is a little different from her other novels. It is not a book that you devour quickly but rather a book that you read in short intervals. It does have some good insight though some might not agree with all her suggestions.)

Here is a sample quote from this book that I have appreciated thus far:

"Only I want to thank you for not plaguing me with exhortations. It wouldn't have done me any good. And I think a great deal more of how people act than of how they talk. One's words can cheat; one's life can't."

~ Elizabeth Prentiss, The Home at Greylock

Biography of Elizabeth Prentiss

More Love To Thee ~ Hymn

A Desire to Be Beautiful

A Beauty by John Everett Millais

"A desire to be beautiful is not unwomanly. A woman who is not beautiful cannot properly fill her place. But, mark you, true beauty is not of the face, but of the soul. There is a beauty so deep and lasting that it will shine out of the homeliest face and make it comely. This is the beauty to be first sought and admired. It is a quality of the mind and heart and is manifested in word and deed. A happy heart, a smiling face, loving words and deeds, and a desire to be of service, will make any girl beautiful."

~ An excerpt from Beautiful Girlhood by Mabel Hale