Thursday, February 26, 2015

Monthly Book Giveaway--A Passion for the Impossible: The Life of Lilias Trotter

*For more information about Monthly Book Giveaways click here .




I am delighted to begin these Monthly Book Giveaways with one of my most favorite books, a book about a woman who lived a beautiful surrendered life, through the grace and power of Jesus Christ.



Lilias Trotter was an artist turned missionary -- From the wealthy class in England, she gave up a comfortable life, trusted her fragile health into the hands of her Mighty God, and turned her back upon a promising career as an artist to serve the Lord Jesus as a foreign missionary. This book is wonderfully written; Miriam Huffman Rockness does a magnificent job as the biographer of Lilias Trotter. I pray that this book will encourage you as it has encouraged me.  

From the back cover:


This is the story of the woman whose life of faith and devotion inspired the hymn "Turn your Eyes Upon Jesus". Although art critic John Ruskin enthusiastically proclaimed Lilas Trotter's potential as one of the best artists of the nineteenth century, her devotion to Christ compelled her to abandon the life of art, privilege and leisure she could have enjoyed.
Without knowing the language and without the sponsorship of any organization, Lilias left her London home of comfort for a modest dwelling in Algeria, where her love of literature and art became dynamic tools for evangelism, and where her compassionate heart captured the hearts of the people. For forty years, despite frail health and many obstacles, Lilias devoted herself to missionary service among the people of Algeria through her lifestyle of love and encouragement.

"(Christians') works do follow them." wrote Lilias. In writing of this truth, she prophetically supplied a perspective of her own legacy--and the legacy of all who invest in the kingdom of God.

"I am astounded by...the beautiful expression of who Lilias was and what her legacy teaches us. I couldn't put (the book) down, as they say, and I read it--devoured it--carefully, gladly, and with great blessing...a "drop everything book"!    --Elisabeth Elliot, author and speaker.

"Miriam Rockness (has done) a painstakingly superb job of researching original documents. Her book is (filled) with quotes that will challenge the reader's faith and obedience to God...a fresh look at another one of England's distinguished missionary pioneers..."   --Jim Reapsome, review for Evangelical Missions Quarterly



ENTER THE GIVEAWAY! :-)


You might find me on these link-ups:

Strangers and Pilgrims on EarthThe Modest MomWhat Joy is Mine, Yes They Are All Ours, Missional Call, A Mama's Story, Mom's the Word, Rich Faith Rising, Time Warp Wife, Cornerstone Confessions, Mom's Morning Coffee, So Much at Home, Raising Homemakers, Hope in Every SeasonA Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Woman to Woman Ministries, Whole-Hearted Home, A Soft Gentle Voice, My Daily Walk in His Grace, Messy Marriage, My Teacher's Name is Mama, The Charm of Home, Graced Simplicity, Children Are A Blessing, Mittenstate Sheep and Wool, Imparting Grace, Preparedness Mama, A Look at the Book, Essential Thing Devotions, Count My Blessings, Beauty Observed, Christian Mommy Blogger, Renewed Daily, Soul SurvivalGood Morning MondaysThe HomeAcre HopMommy Moments Link UpGrace and Truth LinkupFaith Filled FridaySaturday Soiree Blog PartyTell It To Me Tuesdays

24 comments:

  1. I have loved Elisabeth Elliot and also Sarah Edwards! :)

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    1. Elisabeth Elliot has been such an encouragement to me too, Katy! Sarah Edwards is such a wonderful example, too. I'm so glad that you stopped by; the Lord bless you! :-)

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  2. The woman of the past who has inspired me is probably Ruth - her submission, her service, her heart after God.

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    1. Yes; Ruth is such a beautiful example of a woman after the Lord's heart! Thank you for stopping by, Amanda; God bless you!

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  3. I love the hymn, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. I didn't know that it was inspired by the life of Lilias Trotter.

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    1. I didn't know either, Carol, until I read about Lilias Trotter! It is such a beautiful hymn. God bless you; I'm glad that you stopped by!

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  4. There are a few that inspire me. First is Ruth Graham Bell, then Ellsabeth Elliot, and Amy Carmichael.
    This books looks really wonderful.

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    1. Jeanna, it is a really encouraging book--I learned about Lilias Trotter through Elisabeth Elliot and reading more about her has been such a blessing to me. I am so glad that you stopped by! :-)

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  5. Elisabeth Elliot has been one of those women for me as has my mother, also a missionary. Amy Carmichael is right up there, too, though I disagree with some of her convictions.

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    1. Kim, yes; Elisabeth Elliot and Amy Carmichael are such strong examples of faith in the Lord and surrender . . .and it is a wonderful gift to have a mother who is a strong example of faith and obedience. Thank you for stopping by; have a blessed week. :-).

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  6. What a blessing these book giveaways will be. I had never heard of Lilias Trotter before. Her life story sounds like it would be very edifying to read. I love books that mentor and spur me on.

    Thank you for sharing the side note about the connection between Lilias Trotter and the hymn "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus". I have found great comfort meditating on the words of that hymn during anxious times.

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    1. Karen, I learned about her through Elisabeth Elliot. It seems like she was a "lesser" known missionary who had a rippling impact on so many (like Elliot, herself). Her writing and her paintings are so beautiful--true reflections of a life that was surrendered to the Lord through and through. I think that you would really enjoy reading her writings.

      "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" is such a comforting hymn!

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  7. What a wonderful sounding book. I'm adding it to my to-read list! Thank you for sharing this with us!

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    1. You're welcome! It is a wonderful book;it has really encouraged and challenged me. :-)

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  8. What a wonderful giveaway! I haven't read this book but it sounds inspiring! There are so many wonderful and encouraging Christian women but I would have to say I will choose Elizabeth Prentiss. Her writings have taught me to love and embrace and see opportunity for ministry at home. Thanks for sharing this opportunity on the Art of Home-Making Mondays :)

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    1. JES, it is a wonderful book and so encouraging and really challenging! I really, really enjoyed reading Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss years ago when a friend gave it to me. Her love for the Lord through affliction was so clear and beautiful.

      Have a blessed week, JES!

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  9. Rebekah, I love biographies. I will add this to my list of books to read sooner rather than later! Thanks for linking up with Mondays @ Soul Survival. Blessings!

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    1. That is great, Donna; I think that you would really enjoy it! Blessings to you also; have a wonderful week! :-)

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  10. Thank you for sharing this book review with us at Good Morning Mondays. It sounds like a wonderful story of devotion to our Lord and definitely one that should be read. Blessings to you.

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    1. You;re welcome, Terri! It is such an encouraging read . . . blessings to you, also! :-)

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  11. Honestly, I am not aware of women in the past to look up to other than the women in the Bible. I used to know quite few when I was in college. There was this woman though who wrote a book called MOre Than a Dozen that I look up to and I believe she has passed on. She never married or had kids but lived a life being a mom to the children and people in the village she ministered to. I can't remember her name and the book is in storage.

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    1. April, that sounds like a great book--I'm so glad that you stopped by; God bless you! :-)

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    1. Michelle; she is such a beautiful example of a woman of God; I love reading her writings and being challenged by her words. :-) I'm so glad that you visited; God bless you!

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