Stepping Heavenward

I just finished reading Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss. I love reading books that make me want to be a better Christian, wife, mother, etc. when I am done. This one did that and also made me want to keep a journal.

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There is so, so much in this book. As you read it, it is as if you are reading the journal of a young woman in the 1800s, from her 15th birthday until she is in her forties. We get to see the ups and downs of her daily life as well as her overall growth as a believer.

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Woven into the book are themes such as sin, self-denial, commitment, love, death, marriage, parenting, prayer, worldliness, suffering, submission, joy, perseverance, salvation, sanctification, eternity, and more. We see the main character deal with all of these themes as she grows older and more mature.

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I read a biography of Elizabeth Prentiss about a year or so ago and so much of this book seems to be based on her own life. Her greatest desire was to love Christ more, and much of that love came as a result of her suffering. There is such a difference in the character's perspective from the beginning of the book to the end, but it is interesting that the change is gradual. She often feels as though she is making no progress in her walk with Christ, and yet overtime, it is clear that she loves Him more and more. What an encouragement!

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Though the book deals with heavy themes, it is a quick read. I plan to hang onto it and read it again at some point. Just wanted to recommend it in case you were looking for something else to add to your own book pile. ;) It's a new favorite for me.