"On earth we serve God -- in heaven we praise Him."

I just finished reading the biography of Ann Judson entitled, My Heart in His Hands, by Sharon James. It is a "must-read". It reads very easily, and is much shorter than A Chance to Die!

Ann and her husband Adoniram Judson were among the first American missionaries sent out. They went to Burma. Ann's story is remarkable and inspiring.

Here is how the back of the biography reads:
"In October 1810 a twenty-year-old girl in the quiet New England town of Bradford wrote the following words in her journal: 'If nothing in providence appears to prevent, I must spend my days in a heathen land. I am a creature of god, and he has an undoubted right to do with me, as seems good in his sight... He has my heart in his hands, and when I am called to face danger, to pass through scenes of terror and distress, he can inspire me with fortitude, and enable me to trust in him. Jesus is faithful; his promises are precious. Were it not for these considerations, I should sink down with despair...' Ann Hasseltine had received a proposal of marriage from Adoniram Judson, who was shortly to leave for Asia as one of America's first overseas missionaries. And thus commenced one of the great dramas of church history--a saga of love, courage, suffering and perseverance."

oooo! Doesn't it sound good? If you don't already want to read it, here are a few more quotes:

"But God has taught us by afflictions, what we would not learn by mercies--that our hearts are his exclusive property, and whatever rival intrudes, he will tear it away" --Ann Judson upon the death of her baby boy (86).

"May we make it our great business to grow in grace, and to enjoy closet religion [personal devotions]. Here is the place for us to prepare for usefulness" (131).

"My chief happiness now consisted in contemplating the moral perfections of the glorious God" (27).

The language used in this book is truly beautiful. It reminds me a lot of A Severe Mercy, which is another "must-read."

Christmas is coming up, this would be a great book to wish for!