Teacups and Inkwells
Teacups and Inkwells
‘You can never get a teacup large enough,
nor a book long enough to suit me.’
C. S. Lewis
There is nothing like a fragrant, steaming cup of tea to induce you to pick up a book. Whether it be a collection of old ballads or a fine piece of prose, teatime demands a calming but engaging read. Why not try these old-fashioned favorites?
Mother, Kathleen Norris
Ugly little Weston has a narrow horizon for an ambitious young schoolteacher, and Margaret Page is beginning to feel cramped in her home with six siblings. When a bewildering whirl of events sweeps her to New York as secretary of the distinguished Mrs. Carr-Boldt, Margaret thinks it's a dream come true. In this bright and busy new world, she comes to imagine that motherhood and keeping home is drudgery and a wasted life. Only God can dramatically change her heart and show her that wealth and independence are illusory and enslaving. Margaret realizes that the greatest woman she has ever known is her mother. Now she longs for home and for motherhood.
"When Queens Ride By," Agnes Slight Turnbull
Jennie Musgrave is a tired, bitter woman. Once, when she was young and newly-wed, she had envisioned a lovely home, ironed linen, tasty meals, and well-dressed children; but, after slaving for years with John to help pay the mortgage on the old farm, Jennie has given up her old dreams in the despair of daily drudgery. Then, a beautiful stranger appears and, sensing Jennie's need, shares her own story. Jennie is skeptical. Is it true that John needs her more in the house than in the fields? Written in the 1800s, this is my favorite story and is the basis for the award-winning play of the same title. The entire text can be read here: When Queens Ride By.
Winter's Folly, Mrs. O. F. Walton
Mrs. O. F. Walton is my favorite authoress, and this is one of her best books. This is a wonderful, endearing story that you will laugh with and cry over. It tells of two young girls who learn that shedding tears for hurting people is not enough - they must go to them with the healing power of God. Even young children are capable of making a huge impact in a person's life, as Myrtle and Ivy did in the life an old, impoverished man with a secret past. A beautiful surprise ending to a story that you will cherish and want to read again and again!
Miss Dee Dunmore Bryant, Isabella Alden
Daisy Isabella Bryant is the youngest of a widowed mother trying to make ends meet. Although Daisy loves "Arabella Aurelia" (the name lovingly given to a broken chair-arm), what she most longs for is a "really, truly dolly." This seems an utter financial impossibility, but through truly wonderful circumstances Daisy becomes the mother of - not one - but thirty-five dollies! What's to be done? Meanwhile, brother Ben struggles with the biggest question of life, sister Caroline struggles with discontentment, and Mother shepherds her little family in the narrow path, even through the difficulties. This heartwarming story will bless those of all ages.
Five Little Peppers and How They Grew, Margaret Sidney
The five happy little Peppers are steady Ben, industrious Polly, playful Dave, mischievous Joey, and charming little Phronsie. This book is sweet with accounts of how the Pepper children seek to bless their poor and widowed "Mamsie" in all things. Through almost tragic circumstances, the Pepper family makes friends with Jasper, the grandson of wealthy and irascible Mr. King. This friendship will change their lives forever, and a surprising discovery is thus uncovered.
Hinds' Feet on High Places and Mountains of Spices, Hannah Hurnard
This beautiful allegory tells the story of Much-Afraid, a crippled and fearful young shepherdess escapes from her Fearing relatives and journeys to the High Places, where "perfect love casteth out fear." She must learn to accept the guides that the Chief Shepherd has chosen for her - Sorrow and Suffering - and resist the attempts of her kins-people Pride, Bitterness, Resentment, Craven, and Self Pity to take her back to the Valley of Humiliation. The inspiring sequel, Mountains of Spices, continues the story as Much-Afraid, now Grace and Glory, returns to minister to her relatives in the Valley of Humiliation. In the midst of her work among the Fearing family, she is taught by the Shepherd about the fruits of the Spirit, as compared to the spices in Songs of Solomon. Hurnard's works are full with beautiful imagery and insightful symbolism that truly brings the Christian walk to life.
The Best Loved Poems of the American People, compiled by Hazel Felleman
This is the volume that inspired my love for fine poetry. With such favorites as "Touched by the Master's Hand," "Home, Sweet Home," "The Blue Bowl," "To My Unborn Son," "My Mother's Garden," and "The Worried Skipper," this old book is absolutely chock-full with jewels to uncover through many a contented hour. Indulge your taste for romance, inspiration, whimsy, and humor.
Text: Teatime Reading. © Handmaidens of the Shepherd, September 2007.
Photograph: Teatime Reading. © Handmaidens of the Shepherd, July 2007.
Friday, September 7, 2007