I really think this whole book was horrible. It took me forever to even get through it. Towards the end I didn't even want to write about it anymore. Seriously I feel horrible for the Duggar girls and anyone else who is brought up to believe that they can't go to college or live on their own before marriage.
I follow the Bible but I don't pick and choose what suits me best. I take the Bible figuratively. It was just so hard to read.
That being said- I really would love to give a few suggestions about some books I love for young girls and teens
Meg Cabot writes the Princess Diaries series (You may have seen the movie) This was a great series.
She has started writing to young girls 8-11 now. I like those books too and she also writes adult novels.
All her books are great- they are fun and although sex is talked about in some of her young adult books if the character DO decide to 'have sex' it isn't rushed it is talked about and never really happens underage. But really you know that is what the world is now. Teens and 18 year olds have sex with their boyfriends. I choose to not have sex before marriage but you can sure as well know I will read a book with it in and NOT feel guilty.
Sarah Mally makes these girls feel like everything they do or think is wrong and I'm sorry I do not support her and will never ever read another book she wrote again. That being said if anyone wants to read Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends by Sarah Stephen and Grace Mally go right ahead and write a review- I will not. It is 272 pages :)
Anyway. I hope you liked my reviews I am tired I wanted to get these done before I left for the weekend.
God Bless and remember God loves you even when you makes mistakes- like kiss before marriage ;)
Friday, July 17, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Epilogue: After Years of Imagining
The Story
The day was beautiful- it was the kind of a day for the princess. The princess was returning from one of her frequent trips to the various villages where she joyfully and kindly met the needs of many who were fainthearted, poor, injured, and troubled. She paid a special visit to Maiden Flirtelia and given counsel and encouragement to a girl named Simplicity whom she had met along the way. She did more but really we all know she is perfect.
When she came to the castle her father was waiting for her. Nothing was wrong all was well. She started talking about her day but the king wasn't listening. He was smiling, Someone had inquired of her. well guess what it was Sir Valiant. The princess felt a shiver surge through her. "yes, thou knowest I have met him several times" The king asks what she thinks of him and she said she never thought of it because he didn't want to be consumed in a dream. He asks again and she went on to say stuff like he is the bees knees or the bomb. I'm sorry that was the world talking. She said we was kind and stuff. Oh I'm cutting to the chase. I'm so sorry everyone of my readers but I can't do this anymore it is just so STUPID. I tried really They talk highly of the knight and Gods perfect timing. The gator wonders what is up and she said she really can't talk because she has much to do and doesn't need advice.. I think but I can't be sure but I think she implies that the gator is a cousin to the dragon. I don't know though.
The contest was a success and the king talked about the engagement at the concluding feast. The sward was won by Sir Honor.. Skip ahead again the princess and Sir Valiant arrived him from their honeymoon- even though they were a little warn out from the trip they were excited as ever. They talk about how God's timing was right They reminisce of what we all read already. Apparently it was love at first sight for the two of them. Because they chose to wait many other young maidens and squires chose to follow the example of Sir Valiant and his bride.. The story ends with this line-
And the alligator? Well he was not invited to the wedding.
I am leaving my thoughts on a new post.
Thanks for reading everyone :)
The day was beautiful- it was the kind of a day for the princess. The princess was returning from one of her frequent trips to the various villages where she joyfully and kindly met the needs of many who were fainthearted, poor, injured, and troubled. She paid a special visit to Maiden Flirtelia and given counsel and encouragement to a girl named Simplicity whom she had met along the way. She did more but really we all know she is perfect.
When she came to the castle her father was waiting for her. Nothing was wrong all was well. She started talking about her day but the king wasn't listening. He was smiling, Someone had inquired of her. well guess what it was Sir Valiant. The princess felt a shiver surge through her. "yes, thou knowest I have met him several times" The king asks what she thinks of him and she said she never thought of it because he didn't want to be consumed in a dream. He asks again and she went on to say stuff like he is the bees knees or the bomb. I'm sorry that was the world talking. She said we was kind and stuff. Oh I'm cutting to the chase. I'm so sorry everyone of my readers but I can't do this anymore it is just so STUPID. I tried really They talk highly of the knight and Gods perfect timing. The gator wonders what is up and she said she really can't talk because she has much to do and doesn't need advice.. I think but I can't be sure but I think she implies that the gator is a cousin to the dragon. I don't know though.
The contest was a success and the king talked about the engagement at the concluding feast. The sward was won by Sir Honor.. Skip ahead again the princess and Sir Valiant arrived him from their honeymoon- even though they were a little warn out from the trip they were excited as ever. They talk about how God's timing was right They reminisce of what we all read already. Apparently it was love at first sight for the two of them. Because they chose to wait many other young maidens and squires chose to follow the example of Sir Valiant and his bride.. The story ends with this line-
And the alligator? Well he was not invited to the wedding.
I am leaving my thoughts on a new post.
Thanks for reading everyone :)
Chapter Twelve- Know that God Arranges Marriages
There was a girl following my blog for like a day- She was a Fundamentalist and Before You Meet Prince Charming was her #2 fave book... sorry to scare you away dear but at 18 you should read critical reviews too. Anyway... we are all sad to see her go.
The Story
Sir Gallant is talking to the king about how many knights have been noticing his daughter because she is just so attractive, mature, friendly and ... unmarried. He suggests a contest to win her hand. It would be for loyal knights of the kingdom who prove himself worthy of her of course. We wouldn't want anyone actually just somewhat worthy. can't have a towns person. Hey not to go off topic but who was that kid the one with the sword? Everyone thought he was never going to pull it out of the stone and low and behold... ahhh can't think about Wart (the kid) and the sword in the stone. That would throw this story and Sarah's theory out the window.
The king paced back and forth and thought about it. Okay now this guy changed his mind and said it would be open to everyone of the kingdom. I'm all confused let me reread. I'm sorry I'm nearing the end of this story and I personally am confused. Yep Sarah changed it on the next page. Before it was for the worthy knights- one who would make a husband of stature and leadership. Oh well. Anyway they are going to have a contest with all forms of combat, many skills of the farm and craft, the ability to debate and concluding with a jousting match. Then there will be a great feast where the king will announce the winner. I wonder if the contest will have cotton candy. I love cotton candy. Do you think the princess eats cotton candy? Wow this story is getting to me. I also apologize I am no longer going word for word but I only have but a chapter and a epilogue and chapter 11 was stupid and I'm loosing interest. I personally can't wait to return this book back to this library and move on with my life.
The king said he would think about it overnight. At dinner, when the king told the idea to everyone the servants were intrigued, the princess was resistant and the queen was horrified. In the morning he said the contest will be held but the victor shall receive a silver sword with a golden hilt. The hand of the princess, however, shall be reserved for one of God's choosing. The contest was scheduled for the summer and there was interest all around the kingdom. There was one knight who was too busy and did not plan to participate. He also wasn't seeking recognition or fame.
So later in the summer the same knight who wasn't going to participate was riding his white horse with dignity and he meets up with the gator. The gator wants to know who he is and where he came from and the knight was all like are you the castle receptionist. What a jerk- the gator was NEVER mean to these people and they treat him like crap. Love all God's creatures my butt. It seems Gators are treated like junk. I cry for Steve Irwin. In fact NEVER give this book to Bindi Irwin who is turning 11 this month. Anyone know if she is a fundamentalist? I highly doubt it but PLEASE DON'T GIVE THIS BOOK TO BINDI!
They go on this thing about how there are no giants in the kingdom because the gator didn't see any and a dragon or two have visited on occasion. I have a question and maybe someone can answer it for me. I tried googling it. Are gators and dragons (Which there are not any only lizards called dragons- but we won't tell Sarah that) alot similar because Sarah must think they are. I know they are like in the same category but even a wild cat would eat a house cat ya know. Anyway the gator says the princess is a hopeless case if he is coming to win her hand ha ha. The gator also says that the knight should leave the dragons alone because they intend no harm and the knight says that reminds him of the dragon himself.
Anyway the knight goes into the courtyard and retreated to a private conference with the king to discuss the kingdom at length. They talk but he also had another matter he wanted to bring up with the king- the princess. I guess he always wanted to talk to her without disclosing his personal interest. He asked if her daughter would be at the upcoming contest. The king says she finds it an item of amusement but not of serious interest but needs to spend time in the villages because she knows there will be a war and that they will be under siege by an unseen enemy (?) Ummm okay then...
The knight gets all nervous and the king can sense it. Sir Valiant goes on about how there are lots of men in the kingdom interested in the princess. He said he is not as experienced, skilled, or noble as many other a knight but not to be too bold he wants to express interest in his daughter. He asks if he will accept his request and ask for her hand. The king is all like why ask for her hand. The knights goes on about how wonderful the princess is- you have all heard it before. So he talks to the queen and they decide there is no better knight.
Sarah's Advice
But How Will it Work for Me?
"How will I ever going to meet someone? How will we get to know each other? How will I know he is the right one?" Sarah has exciting news- God has a unique plan- you might call it an adventure-for each individual. It is a journey into the unknown. There are dangers; yet, as we have already discussed, there are saf
eguards. An adventure has a clear objective and destination, but the path to get there is uncertain and calls for careful navigation. It requires wisdom, skill, courage, faith, pain, hard work, and patience. every journey is different and in the same way is meeting Mr. Right. How you get to know him or even if it is God's will for you to marry at all is God's will. But that's what makes it exciting. The Lord loves to surprise us! His plan will most likely be different than what you have expected-but one day you'll be able to look back and see that it was perfect in every way
The Story
Sir Gallant is talking to the king about how many knights have been noticing his daughter because she is just so attractive, mature, friendly and ... unmarried. He suggests a contest to win her hand. It would be for loyal knights of the kingdom who prove himself worthy of her of course. We wouldn't want anyone actually just somewhat worthy. can't have a towns person. Hey not to go off topic but who was that kid the one with the sword? Everyone thought he was never going to pull it out of the stone and low and behold... ahhh can't think about Wart (the kid) and the sword in the stone. That would throw this story and Sarah's theory out the window.
The king paced back and forth and thought about it. Okay now this guy changed his mind and said it would be open to everyone of the kingdom. I'm all confused let me reread. I'm sorry I'm nearing the end of this story and I personally am confused. Yep Sarah changed it on the next page. Before it was for the worthy knights- one who would make a husband of stature and leadership. Oh well. Anyway they are going to have a contest with all forms of combat, many skills of the farm and craft, the ability to debate and concluding with a jousting match. Then there will be a great feast where the king will announce the winner. I wonder if the contest will have cotton candy. I love cotton candy. Do you think the princess eats cotton candy? Wow this story is getting to me. I also apologize I am no longer going word for word but I only have but a chapter and a epilogue and chapter 11 was stupid and I'm loosing interest. I personally can't wait to return this book back to this library and move on with my life.
The king said he would think about it overnight. At dinner, when the king told the idea to everyone the servants were intrigued, the princess was resistant and the queen was horrified. In the morning he said the contest will be held but the victor shall receive a silver sword with a golden hilt. The hand of the princess, however, shall be reserved for one of God's choosing. The contest was scheduled for the summer and there was interest all around the kingdom. There was one knight who was too busy and did not plan to participate. He also wasn't seeking recognition or fame.
So later in the summer the same knight who wasn't going to participate was riding his white horse with dignity and he meets up with the gator. The gator wants to know who he is and where he came from and the knight was all like are you the castle receptionist. What a jerk- the gator was NEVER mean to these people and they treat him like crap. Love all God's creatures my butt. It seems Gators are treated like junk. I cry for Steve Irwin. In fact NEVER give this book to Bindi Irwin who is turning 11 this month. Anyone know if she is a fundamentalist? I highly doubt it but PLEASE DON'T GIVE THIS BOOK TO BINDI!
They go on this thing about how there are no giants in the kingdom because the gator didn't see any and a dragon or two have visited on occasion. I have a question and maybe someone can answer it for me. I tried googling it. Are gators and dragons (Which there are not any only lizards called dragons- but we won't tell Sarah that) alot similar because Sarah must think they are. I know they are like in the same category but even a wild cat would eat a house cat ya know. Anyway the gator says the princess is a hopeless case if he is coming to win her hand ha ha. The gator also says that the knight should leave the dragons alone because they intend no harm and the knight says that reminds him of the dragon himself.
Anyway the knight goes into the courtyard and retreated to a private conference with the king to discuss the kingdom at length. They talk but he also had another matter he wanted to bring up with the king- the princess. I guess he always wanted to talk to her without disclosing his personal interest. He asked if her daughter would be at the upcoming contest. The king says she finds it an item of amusement but not of serious interest but needs to spend time in the villages because she knows there will be a war and that they will be under siege by an unseen enemy (?) Ummm okay then...
The knight gets all nervous and the king can sense it. Sir Valiant goes on about how there are lots of men in the kingdom interested in the princess. He said he is not as experienced, skilled, or noble as many other a knight but not to be too bold he wants to express interest in his daughter. He asks if he will accept his request and ask for her hand. The king is all like why ask for her hand. The knights goes on about how wonderful the princess is- you have all heard it before. So he talks to the queen and they decide there is no better knight.
Sarah's Advice
But How Will it Work for Me?
"How will I ever going to meet someone? How will we get to know each other? How will I know he is the right one?" Sarah has exciting news- God has a unique plan- you might call it an adventure-for each individual. It is a journey into the unknown. There are dangers; yet, as we have already discussed, there are saf
eguards. An adventure has a clear objective and destination, but the path to get there is uncertain and calls for careful navigation. It requires wisdom, skill, courage, faith, pain, hard work, and patience. every journey is different and in the same way is meeting Mr. Right. How you get to know him or even if it is God's will for you to marry at all is God's will. But that's what makes it exciting. The Lord loves to surprise us! His plan will most likely be different than what you have expected-but one day you'll be able to look back and see that it was perfect in every wayComing Together
Okay this next part has a chart and it is pointless in this book but for you all here is Sarah's theory. Even though God has a plan for us he also has foundational principles that we can follow. Here is the chart:
We are spirit, soul and body. The spirit and physical are rivals (Gal. 5:16-17). The physical always wants to take charge and control us, but we must not let it dominate-especially in this area of relationships. The joining together of two people in marriage needs to happen in proper order: spiritual first, physical last. In the American system of dating as we know it today, young people think they can start with the physical. Often such relationships don't even get to the spiritual dimension at all. As you can see by the chart, God's ways and the world's ways are exactly opposite.
Now let's take this concept-of spirit first, then soul, then body-and think about how it might work as we come together with a life partner. Keep in Mind that the following suggested sequence is not a formula or a recipe, but simply a general guideline.
Here we go
Observe- As the Lord brings someone into your path who is of interest to you, your first step is not to show interest or get excited about him, but just to observe. It's good when parents can help with this too.
Acquainted as Casual Friends- If God desires to bring two people together, He will give opportunities for them to get to know each other in natural settings-at church, school, work, homes of friends, conferences, camps, Christian organizations, ministry projects or in one of God's other creative match-making situations (like a store or a ... Bar ha-ha). You don't need to date to get to know a person. You learn more about a person in real life situations. Anybody can act mature, romantic, and considerate on a date. (and of course Sarah would know this by all her many dates WHATEVER she never even went on a date!)
Young Man Takes Initiative- Okay don't laugh but it says when a young man (or a young man's father0 expresses interest, a new phase of the adventure suddenly begins. WOW a young man's father... interesting. Parents now play a key role in protecting your emotions They get to know the young man first. This will be a safeguard for your emotions. Sarah reminds us again that it is not an arranged marriage. Trust your parents- Sarah Mally trusts hers.
Okay Sarah says that men take the initiative because Christ sought the church to be His bride not vice versa. and in scripture men took wives. Women were given in marriage by their fathers. The man is to be the leader in the household. Women were created for man (I Cor. 11:9) So if the young man passes the test you now can build your friendship. It is ideal for the two families to becomes friends too.
Close Friendship- This is the exciting part of the adventure-but one still requiring much discernment, caution and patience. It is tempting to rush but don't do it! Keep your emotions in check until you really determine this man is the life partner God has for you. have convictions in place. Still talk to parents. Allow this phase to take as much time as necessary. It is important to know each other well. Do ministry jobs together. Discuss during the courtship period: your purpose in life, your future ministry goals, your doctrine, your convictions, your views of family and child raising, and your spiritual walk. But it is still best to avoid intimate talks until there is official engagement
Engagement- This is the home stretch toward marriage. Spend time together- you need to have long talks that engagement requires. Don't put yourself in tempting situations. There are lots of opportunities to be together while just going about normal daily activities. Continue to maintain close accountability with your parents, and purpose to avoid even the appearance of evil. Spend time in prayer. Note the chart.
Marriage- God's amazing plan, the two become one. As women, we were created to be our husbands' helpmeets. We need to remind ourselves frequently that our purpose in getting married is not to get, but rather to give. We can be assured that, as we follow God's calling and honor His design, His plan is what will bring us ultimate fulfillment and joy.
Bumps in the Road- I wanted to sum this up for you but I was confused and just well all I got out of it was not to avoid pain. We just want to avoid unnecessary pain-the kind that results from the dating system. She quotes Psalm 119:71)
Back to the Here and Now
What is the next step we take as we wait for Prince Charming? First of all, we should prepare ourselves to be future wives. and secondly, we should be focusing on our present ministry assignments.
Prepare
Sarah quotes II Timothy 2:20-21. the point of II Timothy is that if we cleanse our lives of what is common and dishonorable, we will be clean, useful, and prepared for the work God has for us. We will be the crystal and china-ready for the Master's special purposes!
How does this relate to marriage? Well, God is continually raising up new generations of men and women who are His servants, through whom He is accomplishing His work in the world. Even though they probably won't make many history books, they will be the truly great people in the world- and they will be in God's history book! Sarah mentions Hebrews 11. God wants to give great wives to great men.
Focus on Ministry- We have heard this a millions times and she quotes Matthew 6:33
I guess Sarah has observed dozens of young people who did not follow the world's system of dating. She talks abut them and their wonderful lives- she gives two testimonies and says she knows of other couples. I think the dozens is stretching it a bit sad to say. Sarah believes that the very best place for a single young lady to be is at home, under her fathers authority and direction. The world's system that encourages a time of "Independence" for young ladies is a dangerous and unbiblical idea. it makes the transfer from the "freedom" of singleness to the "responsibilities" of marriage strained and difficult
Poor Duggar girls :(
Sarah quotes Jer. 32:27
She goes on to say not to be discouraged and repeats herself a lot.
The suggested memory verse is
"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)
There is a Suggested Assignment
ONTO THE EPILOGUE!
Chapter Eleven- Delighting in the Lord
The Story
There isn't much to this story. I can sum the 4 pages up in a paragraph.The gator asks the princess how she is doing lately. He apparently was ignored lately. The princess was sent flowers but not by Sir Eloquence but someone very special. I guess this secret man has been sending them to her nearly everyday now. The gator asks how they met and she said she has known Him for a very long time and they had a lovely time together today. She hasn't seem him today but she talked to him and he talked with her. She reminded Him that her life was committed to Him and that her heart belonged to Him. The gator asks if they are engaged and the princess says "Yes! I guess so!" the gator asks when the wedding is and the princess says that is for Him to decide. The princess has pledged her love to Him with her own free will. Okay let me cut to the chase of this whole back and forth chat. He sent her a love letter and He gave his life for her. Yes fellow readers the princess is in love with Jesus AKA God. Ya anyway so God sends her all the good stuff. An example is the love letter means the Bible. The princess goes on about how she was foolish to listen to the gator and that the gator lied to her about being alone forever. The princess goes on to say she is already deeply in love. The gator thinks the whole thing is nonsense-utter nonsense. The princess says not to seek out the temporary but what is eternal. How exciting this story is getting isn't it fellow readers ...
Sarah's Advice
The One Who is Sufficient
Sarah says whatever we desire in marriage, we have completely in the Lord. She gives us a list of the ways that the marriage relationship parallels and pictures the relationship God has designed for us to have with Christ:
- Both relationships are permanent.
- Both are intimate.
- Both require waiting-waiting for a wedding, waiting for Christ's return.
- Both are based on love and commitment.
- In both, the two become one-husband and wife become one flesh; those who are saved become members of Christ's body (Eph. 5:29-31, John 17:21).
- Both are covenants and formed by vows Marriage- "I do" Salvation-"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus (Rom. 10:9)
- Both are exclusive. They are not shared by another-no adultery, no idolatry.
- Both have a starting moment. When you were born in the world, you were neither married nor saved. Marriage requires a ceremony; salvation requires a decision.
- Both relationships make us complete
- Both have a wedding/marriage supper-a wedding banquet on earth, the marriage supper of the Lamb in heaven (Rev. 19).
- Both are sealed with a sign-marriage with a ring, salvation with the Holy Spirit.
- Both have an authority structure, a head to the relationship to whom the other desires to submit-the wife submits to her husband as the believer submits to Christ.
- In both, even though there is an authority structure, the relationship is based on a friendship-" I have called you friends" (John 15:15)
- In both, the groom must leave his home. Christ left His Father in order to come to earth and win His bride. A man will leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife (Eph.5:31)
- In both relationships, the head is the initiator.
- Both require a sacrificial love on the part of the head. A husband is commanded to love as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it (Eph. 5:25)
- In both, the head is the provider and protector.
- In both, the husband prepares a residence-a man provides a home on earth, Christ provides a home in heaven.
- In both relationships, the bride becomes beautiful by a submissive spirit and inner qualities of godliness (I Peter 3:1-6)
- In both, the bride's exclusive desire is to please and serve her head.
- In both, the bride becomes radiant with joy
- Both relationships grow sweeter with time.
- In both relationships, each owns the other. "I an my beloved 's and my beloved is mine" (Song of Sol. 6:3, I Cor. 7:4)
- In both relationships, each fills the other's heart (Psalm 139:17, Col. 1 :27)
- Both relationships provide a "satisfaction" that can be found nowhere else. We are satisfied by a relationship with God and by being in His presence. Likewise, we are satisfied by our spouse, even just by being in their presence.
Sarah goes on to say we dream of our wedding day but the Lord continues to remind us we should be excited about Him-knowing, serving, and being with Him. Then she quotes Tit. 2:13.
How to Fall in Love with Jesus
Spend Time Alone with Him- Spend time alone with Jesus and you will experience the joy of falling in love with Him. Arrange time alone with him like the princess did. The princess spent the afternoon fellowshipping with her heavenly Father. Pour out your heart to the Lord and listen to what her says. She quotes Psalm 27:4)
Learn to Get to Know Him- She quotes Jer. 9:23-24), Seek to know the ways of the Lord. Learn to love what He loves and to hate what He hates. Be interested in the things He tells you. Never forget He delights in your prayers and that He is concerned about the smallest detail of your life.
Treasure His Love Letter to You-God's Word is more valuable and precious than any earthly love letter. Read it every day. Re-read it. The letter gets better every time! Memorize it. Meditate on it day and night. Apply it to your life. She quotes Psalm 119:97, 103.
Understand What He has Done for You- I'll sum this up ;) Jesus died for us and that is cool. Jesus rescued us! Col. 1:13-14 is quoted.
Frequently Tell Him of Your Love- God loves to hear your voice! Remind Him often of your love and desire to always be loyal to Him. Of course he already knows, but tell Him anyway. Talk to him every chance you get. She quotes Proverbs 15:8
Demonstrate Your Love by Your Actions- Sarah quotes I John 3:18. If we truly love Him, we will obey His commandments. We will joyfully pour out our lives for His sake, and our deepest desire will bring Him glory.
Tell Other About His Greatness- Tell everyone of Christ's greatness and if someone says something bad about him- defend him. She quotes Psalm 71:15
Worship Him- Psalm 29:2 and Psalm 16:11 are mentioned pretty much says it all in the title worship him :)
Be Attentive to The Gifts He Gives You- Jas 1:17 is quoted. Don't take Gods blessings for granted. take time to notice God and his loving kindness. Give thanks
Keep Journals of you Times Together- Write letters and songs to the Lord Write how awesome he is and stuff- Psalm 103:2 is quoted
Run into His Arms Whenever You Need Comfort- Is. 30:18 and Psalm 63:8 The struggles and hurts we have are there to direct us to the Lord. He longs to comfort you. Learn to run into his open arms and find love, security and intimacy for which you long.
Sarah says this is all so delightful to the Lord and quotes Psalm 73:25
The Memory Verse is "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart" Psalm 37:4
There is a assignment and testimony
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Chapter Ten- Reserved for One
The Story
"Well, Well. Here is the pitiful little princess coming back from the village," the alligator's cocky voice rang out as he sunned himself on the shore. "Pitiful? Is that what thou thinkest of me?" asked the princess as Victory came to a stop. " I may be an acorn who needs to learn to die, and a rose who must stay closed until the proper time, but you do not need to feel sorry for me. If I could plan my own life, I would choose it to be no other way." "You will continue, then to tolerate your predicament of peril and distress?" questioned the alligator. The princess is confused by what the aligator means by peril and distress and the gator answers that it is the state of all unwed daughters. The gator then smirks.
The princess neither answered or smiled so the gator continued: "When your nonexistent hero does show up, he will think that because you have never been kissed, never been loved, never been swept off your feet, that apparently you are not worth the effort. No one has sought after you before-so why should he? Thou wilt be looked upon as a second-class, unwanted maiden."
"As far as I am concerned, any fellow who thinks that way may just as well go after some other maiden who is more loveable, more popular, more easily caught- and who already has given her heart to a dozen other Prince Charmings," she said stroking Victory's mane. " Listen to me for once," said the alligator in a more serious tone."You say you will be pure-and perhaps you will be, living in this sheltered little prision. But, I tell you, your dreams will be shattered when you learn the magnificent knight hath not done the same. Do you see? You live in a changing world; there is not even one man alive who has saved himself for you. Search the whole world and I guarantee it, you will not find a single one." "Even if you prove to be right, even if no true gentlemen yet exist, I still choose that way of purity. It is not an earthly knight for whom I ultimately save myself, but a heavenly One." "Fine with me. Why should I care?" retorted the gator. "I am going swimminh."
The princess then went inside and sat down on the velvet cushion in her favorite window seat and opened her Bible. The sun shown on itas she opened to Psalms and tried to read but she soon found herself daydreaming of Prince Charming. She wondered if he would ever come, or if the gator was right, or if no godly man exist. Unable to concentrate she closed her bible and went about her normal activities. That night she lie wide awake. Even though she knew the gator was a lier, she could not seem to forget his words, and fearful thoughts about her future floded her mind. Signing deeply and wiping a tear from her eyes, she decided to talk to her parents. Sometimes she felt uncomfortable discussing her struggles with them, but she always felt better afterwards. I'm not going to really go into too mcuh detail because Sarah explains the scenes and what the princess is dressed in. I personally could care less the story needs to finish sometime so anyway she goes to ses her parents and the guard smiles at her (why did that need to be added? because she is so loved?) Her parents have their own quarters and when she got there they were still awake talking (Is this what it is like in the Duggar home when the children come in to share their hearts?) Her parents are wondering if something is bothering her because she was quiet during dinner. The princess tells her parents about the recent chat with the gator. The king says there are many lies from many voices and not to listen to him. Thats what I don't get either. Why does the princess CONTINUE to go to the gator if he is telling her lies? I mean really if she doesn't like her FRIEND the gator sdhe should just stay away. Am I right? The king says something about I Kings 19: 14-18. The princess thinks the liers are hiding because she has not met many knights. The queen tells her not to be discurraged by all the imperfect young men because after all it takes only one to get married. They continue saying the gator is lying about a knight not wanting a pure princess. But I guess a knight does a true gentleman wants to your hear. He does not want a princess to come running up to him and pour out freely. He wants to earn respect and admiration, but you must give him the chance to try.
The queen then says "It is not such a changing world as the gator wants you to believe. Wickedness has thrived since the beginning of history. Young ladies have been trying to chase after boys since the time of Genesis. By their anxiousness, they drive away the very men they would most like to catch. But the ones who are patient-who are willing to be soght after, who are willing to be a rosebud closed until the proper time-they are the most appealing, the most beautiful, the most treasured."
"And it is the same way for the men," her father added. "We must show patience as well. Think of how utterly foolish it would be if one went through the whole garden opening flowers one by one, trying to enjoy the fragrance of all of them, and pulling apart each bud. Would they not be ruined?"
"God created mysery," explained her mother, as she gently pushed back the hair that was falling in the princess's face. "Things must be discovered. The most valuable treasures come through waiting. The mystery is part of the excitement. Many young ladies are far too ready to open their hearts before the time is right." "Wait for the one who will fully appreaciate the gift you have saved for him," the king advised.
"Guard your heart until you find the one to whom it may be wholly entrusted, "The queen added. "Allow your hero the privilege of winning thy hand. In the end, he will value you more." "And remember," said her father, placing his arm around her shoulders, "that you are set aprat, first and foremost, for your heavenly Father-who loves and treasures you more than any knight ever could. Continue to delight thyself in His love."
Sarah's Advice
A Purity So Bright the World Marvels
Sarah tells a story about how her mom said how wonderful it would be to save her first kiss for her wedding day. She wishes she did. So that what Sarah is doing-savig her first kiss for her wedding- just like Josh and Anna. Sarah says that your first kiss is one of the most valuable gifts you can give. Save it. Treasure it.
The Cake
There a story of a cake and someone taking a piece from it... it is now ruined...
Sarah then brings up Proverbs 31:12. She says one of the best ways that you can do good to your future husband today, even if you don't know him yet, is by protecting your heart so that it will be completely his. Your heart is a priceless treasure that you are saving foe one. How will your future husband feel is you have already given pieces of your heart to others and can offer him only a party-eaten cake? (It is not a real cake it is a medafor) He wants a cake baked just for him, not one with pieces missing that others have tasted first. He wants the whole thing-not just part. One day you will long to gi
ve him your whole heart-but in order to give it later, you must protect it now.
Emotional Purity
I am putting in a disclamir again. This book is repetitive so excuse me if I do not write out every thought Sarah has but just give you the just. I feel bad but it is nearing the end and I don't want carpel tunnel haha.
Being reserved for one includes not only physical purity but emotional purity as well. This reqires guarding our hearts, our minds, our thoughts, our words, our emotions, and our eyes. It means saving that close, intimate friendship for one man only, avoiding premature emotional attachments, and staying free from the intimate binds that can form so easily, but are painful to dissolve. Emotional purity includes guarding our eyes from those "fun" romantic glances and stares, keeping our hearts from being poured out until the right time, and taking captive thoughts that want torun wild with fantasies and dreams.
Sarah says we see this concept throughout the Bible. Holiness means "being reserved for one." She then goes on to alk about Rebekah reserving her heart for Issac the way the church does for Christ in Genesis 24:16. I'll do the King James Version And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up. and then if that made no sense here is the New American Standard Version The girl was very beautiful, a virgin, and no man had had relations with her; and she went down to the spring and filled her jar and came up
Just for your reference.
Emotional Purity is hardly even considered possible in our present society. But think of it this way: How would your future husband feel if he knew that some other guy had known your deepest thoughts, dreams, fears, and emotions? What would he think if some other man had known you even better than he himself knows you? Or how would you like if some other girl had dozons of long, deep, intimate conversations with your husband and knew pratically everything there was to know about him? Sarah says to save all your "firsts" not just your first "kiss". Some girls think casually and think they might be having fun now but how will that affect their marriages later? Her eis a list of some meaningful "firsts" that could happen and should be shared with that special someone:
Does it Belong to You?
Many young people ask if "such and such" kind of affection is okay. Sarah thinks the question ought to be "Does this affection belong to me? If they are not married, the answer is no. It is not theirs to give or theirs to recieve. It does not belong to them. Sarah asks, "Did you know that we do not own ourselves?" We belong to two individuals: to God and our mate, or our future mate (I Cor. 6:19-20,7:4). She goes on to say kissing a boy is taking something like stealing. stealing a first you are stealing away from future wives and husbands. Deb Her you go this is what she says next The Bible calls this defrauding. (I Cor. 7:1), I Thess. 4:1-7)Defrauding is decieving or taking advantage of someone. Young people do it all the time in their dating relationships. Sarah gfoes on to say "we as young ladies do exactly the same thing. We are flattered when a young man gives us attention and are often tempted to lead him on even when we know we'd never be interested in marrying him. Defrauding can also take place when we dress in a way to get attention for ourselves. We most likely don't intend any harm to guys; we;re simplyy following the patternes of the world. Yet many of the fashions of the world are sensual and immodest. By dressing immodestly and causing him to notice us, we are stirring up desires in him that we are not able to righteously fulfill. This is defrauding. It is selfish. It is the opposite of true love.
The Bigger Picture
We as humans frequently make the mistake of basing our actions on our present feelings than thinking of the future outcome. This can have lifelong consequences. We should step back and look at the big picture. It takes some effort and a lot of patience, but the rewards are worth it.
But Can it Be Done?
Purity is possible! God always gives the power and stength to fulfill His commands. Some people save their first kisses and even their first touch and everyone Sarah has talked to has said "it was worth the wait" Sarah wants to explain one more thing about pupose of
purity. She has meantioned the pain and heartache but our goal in life should not be simply to avoid pain. Our primary motivation must be to please God. Immorality os sin. We must have a resolute commitment to purity because God commands it (I Cor. 6:18-20) We will stand before God one day and it should be our deepest desire to please him. The second reason we should desire purity is not to avoid loss, but to achive gain. Of course it's difficult. But think of what you will gain. Imagine the rewards> Here are just two of the incredible treasures attained by purity:
She gives TONS of Bible examples-
Some crap about tooth decay. I'll get to the point. Sarah suggests you examine your life for any decay that needs to be removed. If you have sin you have been hiding from your parents, confess it.
To be a vessel the Lord can fully use, our relationship with him must be unhindered. We are in a spiritual war. The enemy is prowling around as a hungry lion seeking those he must destroy. We must be on our guard, allow no compromise, and seek His best in every area. Sarah is writing this book believing that you are one who has chosen the way of wisdom. Proverbs exhorts us that it is beneficial to instruct those who are wise because, even though it is difficult, they will be able to relieve instruction and increase in wisdom. The Lord never fails to give us strength.
Make a commitment that from this day forward you will keep yourself pure as a clean vessel of Jesus Christ. He is waiting for you to come to Him. He is ready to forgive and cleanse. He knows the plans He has for you- to bless you and to give you a hope and a future (Jer. 29:11, Rom. 8:32)
Suggested Memory Verse:
"For this is the will of God, Even you sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor" (I Thessalonians 4:3-4)
There is a suggested assignment and a testimony... on to Chapter 11
"Well, Well. Here is the pitiful little princess coming back from the village," the alligator's cocky voice rang out as he sunned himself on the shore. "Pitiful? Is that what thou thinkest of me?" asked the princess as Victory came to a stop. " I may be an acorn who needs to learn to die, and a rose who must stay closed until the proper time, but you do not need to feel sorry for me. If I could plan my own life, I would choose it to be no other way." "You will continue, then to tolerate your predicament of peril and distress?" questioned the alligator. The princess is confused by what the aligator means by peril and distress and the gator answers that it is the state of all unwed daughters. The gator then smirks.
The princess neither answered or smiled so the gator continued: "When your nonexistent hero does show up, he will think that because you have never been kissed, never been loved, never been swept off your feet, that apparently you are not worth the effort. No one has sought after you before-so why should he? Thou wilt be looked upon as a second-class, unwanted maiden."
"As far as I am concerned, any fellow who thinks that way may just as well go after some other maiden who is more loveable, more popular, more easily caught- and who already has given her heart to a dozen other Prince Charmings," she said stroking Victory's mane. " Listen to me for once," said the alligator in a more serious tone."You say you will be pure-and perhaps you will be, living in this sheltered little prision. But, I tell you, your dreams will be shattered when you learn the magnificent knight hath not done the same. Do you see? You live in a changing world; there is not even one man alive who has saved himself for you. Search the whole world and I guarantee it, you will not find a single one." "Even if you prove to be right, even if no true gentlemen yet exist, I still choose that way of purity. It is not an earthly knight for whom I ultimately save myself, but a heavenly One." "Fine with me. Why should I care?" retorted the gator. "I am going swimminh."
The princess then went inside and sat down on the velvet cushion in her favorite window seat and opened her Bible. The sun shown on itas she opened to Psalms and tried to read but she soon found herself daydreaming of Prince Charming. She wondered if he would ever come, or if the gator was right, or if no godly man exist. Unable to concentrate she closed her bible and went about her normal activities. That night she lie wide awake. Even though she knew the gator was a lier, she could not seem to forget his words, and fearful thoughts about her future floded her mind. Signing deeply and wiping a tear from her eyes, she decided to talk to her parents. Sometimes she felt uncomfortable discussing her struggles with them, but she always felt better afterwards. I'm not going to really go into too mcuh detail because Sarah explains the scenes and what the princess is dressed in. I personally could care less the story needs to finish sometime so anyway she goes to ses her parents and the guard smiles at her (why did that need to be added? because she is so loved?) Her parents have their own quarters and when she got there they were still awake talking (Is this what it is like in the Duggar home when the children come in to share their hearts?) Her parents are wondering if something is bothering her because she was quiet during dinner. The princess tells her parents about the recent chat with the gator. The king says there are many lies from many voices and not to listen to him. Thats what I don't get either. Why does the princess CONTINUE to go to the gator if he is telling her lies? I mean really if she doesn't like her FRIEND the gator sdhe should just stay away. Am I right? The king says something about I Kings 19: 14-18. The princess thinks the liers are hiding because she has not met many knights. The queen tells her not to be discurraged by all the imperfect young men because after all it takes only one to get married. They continue saying the gator is lying about a knight not wanting a pure princess. But I guess a knight does a true gentleman wants to your hear. He does not want a princess to come running up to him and pour out freely. He wants to earn respect and admiration, but you must give him the chance to try.
The queen then says "It is not such a changing world as the gator wants you to believe. Wickedness has thrived since the beginning of history. Young ladies have been trying to chase after boys since the time of Genesis. By their anxiousness, they drive away the very men they would most like to catch. But the ones who are patient-who are willing to be soght after, who are willing to be a rosebud closed until the proper time-they are the most appealing, the most beautiful, the most treasured."
"And it is the same way for the men," her father added. "We must show patience as well. Think of how utterly foolish it would be if one went through the whole garden opening flowers one by one, trying to enjoy the fragrance of all of them, and pulling apart each bud. Would they not be ruined?"
"God created mysery," explained her mother, as she gently pushed back the hair that was falling in the princess's face. "Things must be discovered. The most valuable treasures come through waiting. The mystery is part of the excitement. Many young ladies are far too ready to open their hearts before the time is right." "Wait for the one who will fully appreaciate the gift you have saved for him," the king advised.
"Guard your heart until you find the one to whom it may be wholly entrusted, "The queen added. "Allow your hero the privilege of winning thy hand. In the end, he will value you more." "And remember," said her father, placing his arm around her shoulders, "that you are set aprat, first and foremost, for your heavenly Father-who loves and treasures you more than any knight ever could. Continue to delight thyself in His love."
Sarah's Advice
A Purity So Bright the World Marvels
Sarah tells a story about how her mom said how wonderful it would be to save her first kiss for her wedding day. She wishes she did. So that what Sarah is doing-savig her first kiss for her wedding- just like Josh and Anna. Sarah says that your first kiss is one of the most valuable gifts you can give. Save it. Treasure it.
The Cake
There a story of a cake and someone taking a piece from it... it is now ruined...
Sarah then brings up Proverbs 31:12. She says one of the best ways that you can do good to your future husband today, even if you don't know him yet, is by protecting your heart so that it will be completely his. Your heart is a priceless treasure that you are saving foe one. How will your future husband feel is you have already given pieces of your heart to others and can offer him only a party-eaten cake? (It is not a real cake it is a medafor) He wants a cake baked just for him, not one with pieces missing that others have tasted first. He wants the whole thing-not just part. One day you will long to gi
ve him your whole heart-but in order to give it later, you must protect it now.Emotional Purity
I am putting in a disclamir again. This book is repetitive so excuse me if I do not write out every thought Sarah has but just give you the just. I feel bad but it is nearing the end and I don't want carpel tunnel haha.
Being reserved for one includes not only physical purity but emotional purity as well. This reqires guarding our hearts, our minds, our thoughts, our words, our emotions, and our eyes. It means saving that close, intimate friendship for one man only, avoiding premature emotional attachments, and staying free from the intimate binds that can form so easily, but are painful to dissolve. Emotional purity includes guarding our eyes from those "fun" romantic glances and stares, keeping our hearts from being poured out until the right time, and taking captive thoughts that want torun wild with fantasies and dreams.
Sarah says we see this concept throughout the Bible. Holiness means "being reserved for one." She then goes on to alk about Rebekah reserving her heart for Issac the way the church does for Christ in Genesis 24:16. I'll do the King James Version And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up. and then if that made no sense here is the New American Standard Version The girl was very beautiful, a virgin, and no man had had relations with her; and she went down to the spring and filled her jar and came up
Just for your reference.
Emotional Purity is hardly even considered possible in our present society. But think of it this way: How would your future husband feel if he knew that some other guy had known your deepest thoughts, dreams, fears, and emotions? What would he think if some other man had known you even better than he himself knows you? Or how would you like if some other girl had dozons of long, deep, intimate conversations with your husband and knew pratically everything there was to know about him? Sarah says to save all your "firsts" not just your first "kiss". Some girls think casually and think they might be having fun now but how will that affect their marriages later? Her eis a list of some meaningful "firsts" that could happen and should be shared with that special someone:
- First expression of interest
- First words of affection or love
- First gift given or recieved
- First romantic look into his eyes
- First trip together
- First special song, place, event, or memory
- First ring
- First dinner date
- First personal letter expressing emotions
- First "I love you"
- First piece of your heart given
- First serious or ongoing correspondence with a young man
- First special affectionate nicknames or actions
- First kiss
That is not a list of rules but a list to make you think. Many young people seem to want to get close to the line as possible and still remin pure. But looking atr the big picture of our livesought to motivate us to have the opposite perspective. The question is how much can I save foe him, how many little specialand meaningful "firsts" will I have to share with him? It is not that we are mearly trying to avoid the worst, but rather that we desire to achive the best!
The Gift
Sarah has to continue to drill it in our heads to remain pure so she has this what if story about the king giving you gift that you have to be careful with. You have to give the gift to someone special, at the right time and it is easily damaged. You notice others are not doing what the king has told (the servants no doubt). This other dude is protecting his gift and you exchange yours and it was meant for you two all along. The "gift" is "the first time". It is all the many different assortments of "first times" that are part of a romatic love relationship that God brings together for marriage. "First times" are special, but a "first time" ocurs only once. This gift is also called purity. Purity is destoyed by the premature use of "first times," and with it is lost the very best gift one can ever give a spouse.Does it Belong to You?
Many young people ask if "such and such" kind of affection is okay. Sarah thinks the question ought to be "Does this affection belong to me? If they are not married, the answer is no. It is not theirs to give or theirs to recieve. It does not belong to them. Sarah asks, "Did you know that we do not own ourselves?" We belong to two individuals: to God and our mate, or our future mate (I Cor. 6:19-20,7:4). She goes on to say kissing a boy is taking something like stealing. stealing a first you are stealing away from future wives and husbands. Deb Her you go this is what she says next The Bible calls this defrauding. (I Cor. 7:1), I Thess. 4:1-7)Defrauding is decieving or taking advantage of someone. Young people do it all the time in their dating relationships. Sarah gfoes on to say "we as young ladies do exactly the same thing. We are flattered when a young man gives us attention and are often tempted to lead him on even when we know we'd never be interested in marrying him. Defrauding can also take place when we dress in a way to get attention for ourselves. We most likely don't intend any harm to guys; we;re simplyy following the patternes of the world. Yet many of the fashions of the world are sensual and immodest. By dressing immodestly and causing him to notice us, we are stirring up desires in him that we are not able to righteously fulfill. This is defrauding. It is selfish. It is the opposite of true love.
The Bigger Picture
We as humans frequently make the mistake of basing our actions on our present feelings than thinking of the future outcome. This can have lifelong consequences. We should step back and look at the big picture. It takes some effort and a lot of patience, but the rewards are worth it.
But Can it Be Done?
Purity is possible! God always gives the power and stength to fulfill His commands. Some people save their first kisses and even their first touch and everyone Sarah has talked to has said "it was worth the wait" Sarah wants to explain one more thing about pupose of
purity. She has meantioned the pain and heartache but our goal in life should not be simply to avoid pain. Our primary motivation must be to please God. Immorality os sin. We must have a resolute commitment to purity because God commands it (I Cor. 6:18-20) We will stand before God one day and it should be our deepest desire to please him. The second reason we should desire purity is not to avoid loss, but to achive gain. Of course it's difficult. But think of what you will gain. Imagine the rewards> Here are just two of the incredible treasures attained by purity:- The conditions for the best marriage!
- A powerful testimony! In this generation of darkness, you will be a shining example of the purity God intends. Your bright light will not go unnoticed.
What is I Already Messed Up?
Even if you screwed up all things are possible with God. The God we serve is a God of forgiveness and a God of second chances. He is able to heal the deepest wounds and change the hardest hearts. Many have failed but who have truly and fully repented of their sin are now the ones who have the strongest testimonies and the most powerful life messages to others. I know a number of couples who, despite many past scars, have wonderful marriages today (Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar)She gives TONS of Bible examples-
- Woman who was caught in adultery (John 8:1-11)
- Samaritan woman (John 4:39)
- Mary Magdalene (John 20:1-18)
- Bathsheba (II Sam.11) (Prov. 1:8; 4:3-4) (Proverbs 31)
- Rahab (Josh. 2-6)
- Ruth- Boaz was a descendant Matthew 1:5 part of the royal line
She then quotes II Cor. 5-17. I'm sorry I wasn't going to type the 1 1/2 page summary of the stories and her fundamentalist view of it. Sarah says to repent
Tooth DecaySome crap about tooth decay. I'll get to the point. Sarah suggests you examine your life for any decay that needs to be removed. If you have sin you have been hiding from your parents, confess it.
To be a vessel the Lord can fully use, our relationship with him must be unhindered. We are in a spiritual war. The enemy is prowling around as a hungry lion seeking those he must destroy. We must be on our guard, allow no compromise, and seek His best in every area. Sarah is writing this book believing that you are one who has chosen the way of wisdom. Proverbs exhorts us that it is beneficial to instruct those who are wise because, even though it is difficult, they will be able to relieve instruction and increase in wisdom. The Lord never fails to give us strength.
Make a commitment that from this day forward you will keep yourself pure as a clean vessel of Jesus Christ. He is waiting for you to come to Him. He is ready to forgive and cleanse. He knows the plans He has for you- to bless you and to give you a hope and a future (Jer. 29:11, Rom. 8:32)
Suggested Memory Verse:
"For this is the will of God, Even you sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor" (I Thessalonians 4:3-4)
There is a suggested assignment and a testimony... on to Chapter 11
Chapter Nine- Dreams Must Die
The Story
I was worried about reading this chapter actually. I have a few more chapters and then the epilogue. I work the next 3 days but I really want to get these done so they might get done sooner than you think :) Keep checking back I can't tell anymore on TWOP or the Discovery website that I updated. They get mad.
The story starts up again with the Princess on her balcony taking several hours in thought and prayer. She had many memories of special times of prayer alone there on that balcony. Really I don't care do you? Lets get to the point of the story ha ha. As she listened to the birds and felt the gentle breeze, she was vividly reminded of what she already knew-that her life was not her own, for she had been bought with a price. As she sat there she made an important decision in her heart- regardless of the cost, she must take the higher road. With renewed zeal, she once again dedicated her life, her time, and her future to her heavenly father and whatever work He saw fit to give her. She couldn't wait to tell her father she had chosen not to go to the Merchants' Fest but serve her Master with greater fervor than ever before.
The princess had learned that when one struggle is overcome, the next one is usually around the corner. She was hurrying through the courtyard hopping to find her father but she encountered the last person she have ever expected- Sir Valiant. He just had a lengthy conversation with the king and was mounting his horse to depart from the castle. He was dedicated in his service to the king. The princess stopped suddenly and cheerfully exclaimed, "Oh, hello!" Though her voice was calm, her heart was trembling, and dozens of questions raced through her mind- what should I say? Shall I introduce myself? Why is he here? Does he know who I am?
Sir Valiant dismounted his horse and said, "Oh, and you must be the king's daughter? I have heard so much about you. Many in the village speak of thy virtue and kindness." Okay I personally think that the villagers don't speak highly of the princess behind closed doors. The princess laughed and replied, "Oh , well, I have heard about you as well. My father says thou art among his most trustworthy knights. He deeply values thy loyal service." So the princess thinks the knight is looking more handsome and radiant than ever as he stood in the bright sunlight. I guess Sarah says if the princess could see her own face she would see the brightness on her own face. Sarah thinks it is a good thing that the princess did not realize that her beauty was only becoming more and more radiant with time.
They didn't talk long but as the princess waved goodbye she felt as though her heart would burst, She had never felt that way before. She turned and went in the palace to see the king. So in her excitement she forgot to tell the king what she was going to tell him. Now she was having a host of new thoughts. She entered and saw the king talking to the queen. She asked a lot about Sir Valiant- like when he would be back and stuff. The king knew what the princess was thinking I guess just by the look on her face when she came in. She wanted to ask him all these other questions like how he would like him for a son-in-law but she thought she better not.
The princess was excited all week wondering when the knight would return and she would be able to get to know him better. But soon daily life had set in and she started to wonder why she was so quick to imagine that he was the one for her. Surly she had been foolish to entertain such thoughts. Okay I think it is FINE to have those emotions but whatever... I would be a villager.
Diligently, the princess gave herself to eternal things-sewing clothes for the poor, spending time with the orphans, representing her father at important gatherings, and providing much hospitality for guests and ambassadors visiting the castle. The princess again was getting tired of waiting. The months were dragging by and she was finding herself discouraged. She thought of what the gator said and wondered if her dream she was waiting for would ever come true.
After finishing dinner one cloudy evening, the princess decided to take a walk along the path that went past the courtyard, through the vineyard, and along the edge of the forest outside the castle. So many questions troubled her. So many fears found their way into her thoughts. She remembered the afternoon out on the balcony only six months earlier. She had been so excited about living each day to the fullest, so determined to be content, no matter what. Now it felt as if she had been waiting forever.
She thought the knight was so handsome and perfect how could she not notice him? All her dreams rushed back fresh and new- love letters, romantic walks by starlight, a diamond ring, a glorious wedding, staring into her princes eyes, being held tightly in his arms, being a mother, and oh, her longings were almost too overwhelming for her to bear. She then heard soft footsteps of her mother. The princess waited but said nothing, telling herself that she was determined not to start crying. Her mother knew exactly what she was feeling, as mothers usually do and gently asked if everything was alright. The princess goes on how she had decided years ago that she had a purpose in life much bigger than marriage and she would be gladly stay single if her heavenly Father asked that of her. She was praying to be patient and content and low and behold Sir Valiant came to visit and it made everything harder. She just can't understand why she can't learn to trust and why she is so easily distracted and why it has to be so difficult.
Her mother says that, "Struggles are a necessary part of life. They strengthen us and prepare us for new trials that lie ahead. When one struggle is overcome, another is often around the next bend. The princess goes on, "I suppose. But Mother, I feel like I am failing in each struggle, not overcoming them." The queen goes on to say that the princess is growing and learning. She tells her that the very things the struggle is designed to accomplish in your life. The princess shouldn't forget that except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringth forth much fruit." The princess says she wants to bear fruit and the queen then replied, "The your dream must die."
The princess then says, "But my dream is a good dream, not a bad dream. It is the dream God has given me. It is nothing wicked I desire, but only what is natural, wholesome, and beautiful. Why must it die?" Her mother stepped off the path, knelt down, picked up an acorn, and explained, "Observe this acorn, Perfectly designed for what it is intended to do-die. The acorn does not know why; the acorn does not understand what is ahead, but only if it is buried in the cold and dark earth-forgotten and left alone-does it fulfill its purpose and become what it was created to be. Would the acorn ever have imagined that it would become the beautiful oak tree you see before you? Not in its wildest dreams. when you admire the oak tree, do you morn the loss of the acorn? Of course not. By losing its life, the acorn becomes something so much greater, so much more beautiful, so much more valuable. The death is forgotten. The fruit is remembered. Nevertheless, death was required."
Sarah's Advice
*** There are no cartoons in this chapter- your dreams of seeing them on this page... must die :)
Intense Desires
The Lord has given young ladies the desire to be married. this is a good desire- a God-given desire. Most of us will get married someday, and we can be grateful that the Lord has given us a longing for the very thing He has called us to do. All the same, marriage is not our ultimate goal. A husband is not what will make us happy, and marriage is not what will bring true fulfillment in life. Even girls who are very young are often led to believe that a boyfriend is what will make them happy.
Sarah then tells a story about her friend She was 11 and the little girl was 9 and wanted a boyfriend. Sarah said even though she was young she knew her life was missing something. The little girl need to know that Jesus Christ was the only One who could fill that void i her heart. Sara goes on to say that in the same way, when we have unfulfilled longings in our lives, we often look in the wrong places for help. We think that happiness will be found when all our "wants" have been obtained. Thus, we spend our lives attempting to have our desires met, our dreams fulfilled, and our wishes come to pass. But instead of seeking after these "wants" the Lord gives us some radically different guidance. As usual, God's thinking and the world's thinking are exactly opposite. The World says, "follow your dreams. Seek whatever will make you happy." God says, "Surrender everything and count it gain" (Luke 14:33, 18:29-30). the world says, "You deserve to get what you want." God says, "Whoever loses his life, finds it" (Matthew 16:25).
As single ladies it's important to realize that a husband will not make us happy. Nor is marriage a right that God is "supposed" to give us. Marriage is a gift. Moreover, our purpose in getting married must not be to get, but rather to give. While we are on this earth, we will experience unfulfilled longings (Rom. 8:23). God intends for these desires to draw us to himself. The Lord knows that He is the only One who can satisfy our hearts. He completes us. He wants us to know and experience the reality that He is enough. He desires that we learn unconditional surrender.
The Greatest Exchange
Surrender is a daily part of the Christian life. The Lord is jealous for us with a godly Jealousy and desires to have first place in every area of our hearts (Ex. 34:14). He will quickly as us to surrender any possession, person, interest, career, activity, or dream that begins to take priority. Sometimes he gives our dreams back; sometimes He doesn't. It is His intense love, His desire for our ultimate happiness, and His understanding of what will bring forth the most fruit, that necessitates this pruning- which may appear to us unmerciful, unfair, and painful. Sarah wrote all her 'dreams' on pieces of paper, ripped them up, and surrounded them to the Lord. She quotes II Cor. 4:17-18 and Philippians 3:8.
Shattered Dreams
It is not only our sin and wrong desires that God asks us to give up. He asks for everything. Every part of our heart. Every Area of our life. Since he wants to have first place, the Lord will ask us to surrender anything that hinders our relationship with Him. It is not just the big areas He requests, but also the very smallest. A life of surrender is the sweetest one possible, while a life of stubbornness and unwillingness to yield is the most miserable. Yet, so many times we are slow to submit and enter into the freedom and rest God wants to give. When it seems hard pause and remember the One whom you are surrendering to. Don't dwell on the personal sacrifice, but rather consider the perfect faithfulness, loving-kindness, power and beauty of the One who alone can satisfy us completely. Consider what he has given for us and how much He deserves. When our mind is staying upon Him. surrender becomes an act of pure joy. She the quotes Mt 13:44.
When Dying is True Living
Sarah asks if you were willing to die for your faith, would you be willing to lay down your life? She assumes most of us would die for Christ but she fears that we are not so willing to live for Christ. If we died today we would never get married, raise a family or see any of our earthly dreams come to pass. We would understand this to be part of the sacrifice. We would be given our lives. That would mean everything. She asks then, "are we willing to live our lives on earth and still sacrifice these same dreams and desires? Are we willing to joyfully stay single if that is what God asks us to do? To die to self? to count everything a loss in order to gain Christ. Sometimes we are quick to surrender the big things but when it comes to the little, daily things, such as surrendering our friendships, forgiving a neighbor, or yielding what we want to do in order to serve others, we're not ready to submit. Any sacrifice we make to the Lord is not a loss but a gain. We have been called to die that we might truly live, to lose our life that we might win it, to decrease that He might increase, and to surrender that we might gain the ultimate victory. After all, we are not our own. We have been bought with a price. She quotes Romans 9:20-21 and John 12:24
The suggested memory verse is
"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it" (Matthew 16:25)
there is a suggested assignment... as always.
I was worried about reading this chapter actually. I have a few more chapters and then the epilogue. I work the next 3 days but I really want to get these done so they might get done sooner than you think :) Keep checking back I can't tell anymore on TWOP or the Discovery website that I updated. They get mad.
The story starts up again with the Princess on her balcony taking several hours in thought and prayer. She had many memories of special times of prayer alone there on that balcony. Really I don't care do you? Lets get to the point of the story ha ha. As she listened to the birds and felt the gentle breeze, she was vividly reminded of what she already knew-that her life was not her own, for she had been bought with a price. As she sat there she made an important decision in her heart- regardless of the cost, she must take the higher road. With renewed zeal, she once again dedicated her life, her time, and her future to her heavenly father and whatever work He saw fit to give her. She couldn't wait to tell her father she had chosen not to go to the Merchants' Fest but serve her Master with greater fervor than ever before.
The princess had learned that when one struggle is overcome, the next one is usually around the corner. She was hurrying through the courtyard hopping to find her father but she encountered the last person she have ever expected- Sir Valiant. He just had a lengthy conversation with the king and was mounting his horse to depart from the castle. He was dedicated in his service to the king. The princess stopped suddenly and cheerfully exclaimed, "Oh, hello!" Though her voice was calm, her heart was trembling, and dozens of questions raced through her mind- what should I say? Shall I introduce myself? Why is he here? Does he know who I am?
Sir Valiant dismounted his horse and said, "Oh, and you must be the king's daughter? I have heard so much about you. Many in the village speak of thy virtue and kindness." Okay I personally think that the villagers don't speak highly of the princess behind closed doors. The princess laughed and replied, "Oh , well, I have heard about you as well. My father says thou art among his most trustworthy knights. He deeply values thy loyal service." So the princess thinks the knight is looking more handsome and radiant than ever as he stood in the bright sunlight. I guess Sarah says if the princess could see her own face she would see the brightness on her own face. Sarah thinks it is a good thing that the princess did not realize that her beauty was only becoming more and more radiant with time.
They didn't talk long but as the princess waved goodbye she felt as though her heart would burst, She had never felt that way before. She turned and went in the palace to see the king. So in her excitement she forgot to tell the king what she was going to tell him. Now she was having a host of new thoughts. She entered and saw the king talking to the queen. She asked a lot about Sir Valiant- like when he would be back and stuff. The king knew what the princess was thinking I guess just by the look on her face when she came in. She wanted to ask him all these other questions like how he would like him for a son-in-law but she thought she better not.
The princess was excited all week wondering when the knight would return and she would be able to get to know him better. But soon daily life had set in and she started to wonder why she was so quick to imagine that he was the one for her. Surly she had been foolish to entertain such thoughts. Okay I think it is FINE to have those emotions but whatever... I would be a villager.
Diligently, the princess gave herself to eternal things-sewing clothes for the poor, spending time with the orphans, representing her father at important gatherings, and providing much hospitality for guests and ambassadors visiting the castle. The princess again was getting tired of waiting. The months were dragging by and she was finding herself discouraged. She thought of what the gator said and wondered if her dream she was waiting for would ever come true.
After finishing dinner one cloudy evening, the princess decided to take a walk along the path that went past the courtyard, through the vineyard, and along the edge of the forest outside the castle. So many questions troubled her. So many fears found their way into her thoughts. She remembered the afternoon out on the balcony only six months earlier. She had been so excited about living each day to the fullest, so determined to be content, no matter what. Now it felt as if she had been waiting forever.
She thought the knight was so handsome and perfect how could she not notice him? All her dreams rushed back fresh and new- love letters, romantic walks by starlight, a diamond ring, a glorious wedding, staring into her princes eyes, being held tightly in his arms, being a mother, and oh, her longings were almost too overwhelming for her to bear. She then heard soft footsteps of her mother. The princess waited but said nothing, telling herself that she was determined not to start crying. Her mother knew exactly what she was feeling, as mothers usually do and gently asked if everything was alright. The princess goes on how she had decided years ago that she had a purpose in life much bigger than marriage and she would be gladly stay single if her heavenly Father asked that of her. She was praying to be patient and content and low and behold Sir Valiant came to visit and it made everything harder. She just can't understand why she can't learn to trust and why she is so easily distracted and why it has to be so difficult.
Her mother says that, "Struggles are a necessary part of life. They strengthen us and prepare us for new trials that lie ahead. When one struggle is overcome, another is often around the next bend. The princess goes on, "I suppose. But Mother, I feel like I am failing in each struggle, not overcoming them." The queen goes on to say that the princess is growing and learning. She tells her that the very things the struggle is designed to accomplish in your life. The princess shouldn't forget that except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringth forth much fruit." The princess says she wants to bear fruit and the queen then replied, "The your dream must die."
The princess then says, "But my dream is a good dream, not a bad dream. It is the dream God has given me. It is nothing wicked I desire, but only what is natural, wholesome, and beautiful. Why must it die?" Her mother stepped off the path, knelt down, picked up an acorn, and explained, "Observe this acorn, Perfectly designed for what it is intended to do-die. The acorn does not know why; the acorn does not understand what is ahead, but only if it is buried in the cold and dark earth-forgotten and left alone-does it fulfill its purpose and become what it was created to be. Would the acorn ever have imagined that it would become the beautiful oak tree you see before you? Not in its wildest dreams. when you admire the oak tree, do you morn the loss of the acorn? Of course not. By losing its life, the acorn becomes something so much greater, so much more beautiful, so much more valuable. The death is forgotten. The fruit is remembered. Nevertheless, death was required."
Sarah's Advice
*** There are no cartoons in this chapter- your dreams of seeing them on this page... must die :)
Intense Desires
The Lord has given young ladies the desire to be married. this is a good desire- a God-given desire. Most of us will get married someday, and we can be grateful that the Lord has given us a longing for the very thing He has called us to do. All the same, marriage is not our ultimate goal. A husband is not what will make us happy, and marriage is not what will bring true fulfillment in life. Even girls who are very young are often led to believe that a boyfriend is what will make them happy.
Sarah then tells a story about her friend She was 11 and the little girl was 9 and wanted a boyfriend. Sarah said even though she was young she knew her life was missing something. The little girl need to know that Jesus Christ was the only One who could fill that void i her heart. Sara goes on to say that in the same way, when we have unfulfilled longings in our lives, we often look in the wrong places for help. We think that happiness will be found when all our "wants" have been obtained. Thus, we spend our lives attempting to have our desires met, our dreams fulfilled, and our wishes come to pass. But instead of seeking after these "wants" the Lord gives us some radically different guidance. As usual, God's thinking and the world's thinking are exactly opposite. The World says, "follow your dreams. Seek whatever will make you happy." God says, "Surrender everything and count it gain" (Luke 14:33, 18:29-30). the world says, "You deserve to get what you want." God says, "Whoever loses his life, finds it" (Matthew 16:25).
As single ladies it's important to realize that a husband will not make us happy. Nor is marriage a right that God is "supposed" to give us. Marriage is a gift. Moreover, our purpose in getting married must not be to get, but rather to give. While we are on this earth, we will experience unfulfilled longings (Rom. 8:23). God intends for these desires to draw us to himself. The Lord knows that He is the only One who can satisfy our hearts. He completes us. He wants us to know and experience the reality that He is enough. He desires that we learn unconditional surrender.
The Greatest Exchange
Surrender is a daily part of the Christian life. The Lord is jealous for us with a godly Jealousy and desires to have first place in every area of our hearts (Ex. 34:14). He will quickly as us to surrender any possession, person, interest, career, activity, or dream that begins to take priority. Sometimes he gives our dreams back; sometimes He doesn't. It is His intense love, His desire for our ultimate happiness, and His understanding of what will bring forth the most fruit, that necessitates this pruning- which may appear to us unmerciful, unfair, and painful. Sarah wrote all her 'dreams' on pieces of paper, ripped them up, and surrounded them to the Lord. She quotes II Cor. 4:17-18 and Philippians 3:8.
Shattered Dreams
It is not only our sin and wrong desires that God asks us to give up. He asks for everything. Every part of our heart. Every Area of our life. Since he wants to have first place, the Lord will ask us to surrender anything that hinders our relationship with Him. It is not just the big areas He requests, but also the very smallest. A life of surrender is the sweetest one possible, while a life of stubbornness and unwillingness to yield is the most miserable. Yet, so many times we are slow to submit and enter into the freedom and rest God wants to give. When it seems hard pause and remember the One whom you are surrendering to. Don't dwell on the personal sacrifice, but rather consider the perfect faithfulness, loving-kindness, power and beauty of the One who alone can satisfy us completely. Consider what he has given for us and how much He deserves. When our mind is staying upon Him. surrender becomes an act of pure joy. She the quotes Mt 13:44.
When Dying is True Living
Sarah asks if you were willing to die for your faith, would you be willing to lay down your life? She assumes most of us would die for Christ but she fears that we are not so willing to live for Christ. If we died today we would never get married, raise a family or see any of our earthly dreams come to pass. We would understand this to be part of the sacrifice. We would be given our lives. That would mean everything. She asks then, "are we willing to live our lives on earth and still sacrifice these same dreams and desires? Are we willing to joyfully stay single if that is what God asks us to do? To die to self? to count everything a loss in order to gain Christ. Sometimes we are quick to surrender the big things but when it comes to the little, daily things, such as surrendering our friendships, forgiving a neighbor, or yielding what we want to do in order to serve others, we're not ready to submit. Any sacrifice we make to the Lord is not a loss but a gain. We have been called to die that we might truly live, to lose our life that we might win it, to decrease that He might increase, and to surrender that we might gain the ultimate victory. After all, we are not our own. We have been bought with a price. She quotes Romans 9:20-21 and John 12:24
The suggested memory verse is
"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it" (Matthew 16:25)
there is a suggested assignment... as always.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Chapter Eight- Have a Life Purpose Bigger than Marriage
The Story
We continue the story with the gator and the princess. The gator informs us the princess did not go to the Merchants' Fest but has listened to her fathers old-fashioned ideas. He says he keeps trying to help her out but the princess is never willing to listen. He says she will be eighty years old still sitting around dreaming of her Prince Charming. The princess insists she is not listening to him and will not be governed by fear (but she will be governed by her father?) no matter how many fiery darts the gator throws at her, The princess makes the gator laugh because she is getting feisty. He asks her what she will do since she is not going to the Fest- "sit here and cry?" "I do not know," The princess signed.
Enter the king. He says to the princess (he couldn't help overhearing) her problem is her life is not filled with what is most important so she is falling into despair and self-pity. However, she should take courage for she is doing well. He goes on to say that she only has a short time of singleness life and she should use it wisely. The work she is doing is just as important as the work of the bravest knights in the kingdom only instead of using a sword of metal she uses one of gentle words and helpful hands. She should life up a banner of truth and conviction and it will attract the young ladies of honor. They are the princesses work. She should train the young ladies of the kingdom, the future mothers and wives-the heart, beauty, and soul of the kingdom. She should continue to charge and fight the good fight and not give up when it is hard. She should also persevere and never forget the One who is a rewarder of all who seek him. Okay I have to put my two cents in- this sounds like what Sarah Mally is doing herself- she is teaching the future mothers of the world.
The princess loves her fathers speech and thinks he should tell the whole kingdom. She smiles and says she will try to do as he says because it is truly her desire. She tries to tell the gator about his foolish threats but apparently he disappears whenever the king is nearby. Heck I would leave too and besides maybe the gator had a lunch appointment or something- gators are busy too! Okay sorry I just love that's gator
Back to the story a king's servant comes up and says that a knight is outside requesting to see him. WOW THAT WAS QUICK! The king says he will be happy to meet with him and the servant should escort him to the Great Hall.. The king gives her princess a hug and goes inside to meet the knight who is none other than- Sir Valiant (I really could not see this coming ha ha). I have to add this because I laughed. I don't know why I laughed... anyway. Sir Valiant respectful goes, "My lord, the king" and is on bended knee. I think the king will be impressed by that move. Pretty slick there Sir Valiant. The king is all happy to see the knight and wants to know why he is there. They talk a bunch of Old English and finally get to the point that the kingdom is in trouble because there is two enemies invading the land- a dragon and a giant. But they are no ordinary dragon and no ordinary giant. Sir Valiant is confident the king already knows of them (Then why is he telling the king if the king already knows? Lets read on and see...). I guess they will do great damage. The king who I said before is not the brightest crayon in the box wants to know which dragon and giant. Sir Valiant replies that it is the dragon called Lies and the giant names Temptation. The dragon's very breath is venomous. He lurks from village to village in the darkness, poisoning people with his deceptions. Some get eaten alive. Believing his words, they are straightway snatched in one bite between his sharp teeth. Others are not immediately taken in; nevertheless, sooner or later, because they do not resist him, they are squeezed in the coil of his tail. Many a village hath been set ablaze by his fiery words-coming from the flames of hell. They kindle false concepts in house after house, and as these spread through the village they leave whole families unprotected.
"If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" said the king , quoting the eleventh Psalm. Sir Valiant continues to talk about the giant. the giant is ruining entire towns with his lusts. He stirs up men's appetites during the day, and in the evening he swings his club. It is a magical weapon that appears not as a club but as many forms of enticing attractions. At first they are painless, but soon they bring grief, bitterness, guilt, and destruction. Sir Valiant thinks that although he has fought many enemies that the giant and dragon are formidable indeed and he has come for the kins counsel. The king paced back and forth while in deep thought and then spoke. "When the enemy attacks with force, a banner must be lifted up. A standard of truth, a banner of righteousness, a flag calling men to action. A standard to mobilize the men of conviction, the men of God." Sir Valiant replies that the dragon can't face truth and will flee and the giant loves darkness and will retreat from the light. He then says the kings counsel is good. The truth must be proclaimed. Leaders must be trained. Anyone else think this knight is a suck-up?
The king thinks that the knight is a faithful warrior and should be rewarded. The most able knights and squires will be found in the kingdom shall be at his command. Sir Valiant says he will go search out the best in the kingdom. There is this weird paragraph from the king about how he is brave and how he should train young men of the kingdom to be future fathers and husbands- heads of marriages, the foundation of families, and the strength of the kingdom. He says Sir Valiant should fight the good fight. It is pretty much what he told his daughter. This part of the story ends by Sir Valiant replying that the whole kingdom should hear his wisdom and he will do what the king commands.
Sarah's Advice
A Purpose Worth Living For
God does desire for us to be happy, but our focus should not be trying to be happy, but on doing God's will-which brings true happiness.. Don't focus on your own needs but others. AKA The O is J-O-Y.
The Potential of Your Youth
If your single years are spent simply waiting around for Prince Charming, feeling sorry for yourself, and dreaming of being married, your life will be miserable. But if your fays are spent serving the Lord, each day will only get sweeter as you abide in His presence, more joyous as you see His plans for you unfold, and the more fulfilling as you learn that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).
Teenagers today seem to have the idea that the teen years are a time when it's okay to be irresponsible. Many parents seem to expect that these years will be full of problems, rebellion, and struggles. This mindset is completely opposite to what the Lord desires our teen years to be like. She quotes I Timothy 4:12. The years of our youth are some of the most valuable ones of your life. If you catch a vision for how for how much potential these years have for the Lord, you will begin to feel that your life is a race-a race against time to accomplish as much as you possibly can for the kingdom of God. Once the years are gone- they are gone forever. Remember also that your youth will determine your future. The decisions you make now will affect your entire life. Not only are these years valuable, but they are also powerful. The world will often listen to young people more quickly than they will listen to adults. Mature and wise youths stand out in today's culture; They are noticed and their voice is heard. Devote yourself to the work of the Lord and realize your power. They do not yet have the responsibilities of marriage; you have energy; you have time. You will develop diligence. Learn to rise early, to establish good personal disciplines, and to use each minute wisely in order to do as much as you can to further Christ's kingdom! Do not waste this time of singleness! She quotes I cor. 7:34-35. Sarah was 26 when this book was written and she was enjoying her singleness then at 30 she still is. So what about those young girls who never marry? There is no need to fear a life of singleness. Rather, we can be excited to know that if it is God's plan for us to be single, He is calling us to some special ministry for the Lord. Therefore, in that sense, singleness is a gift that is very profitable and fulfilling. Remember also that many who are married are unhappily married. Marriage, in and of itself, is not what gives purpose and meaning in life, but rather fulfillment comes from walking with and serving the Lord.
Run the Race With Perseverance
Run the race for God's glory. Keep doing stuff for others. Time is short (didn't I read that before?") (Heb. 12:1-2, Eph 5:16. Acts 20:24). Have a plan if you don't you won't go anywhere, Don't give up. Fix your eyes on the finish line. She mentions Proverbs 24:10 and I Thess. 5:24 in this paragraph.
Your Life Purpose
Without a purpose in life we wander aimlessly, either allowing slothfulness to take control or finding ourselves "busy" but accomplishing very little. Maybe you are confused about your life and have no idea what the Lord's plan is for you. (isn't this book for pre-teens?). Walk by faith- trusting the Lord with all our heart, acknowledging Him, and knowing He will direct our Paths. It requires obedience on our part. Obey now and you will reap the rewards later. Even though most young ladies want to be mothers. Which is Nobel Sarah says you must have a life purpose bigger than marriage. If you don't, you won't be fully prepared for marriage. Of course, Sarah doesn't mean just any "life purpose". She is definitely not referring to seeking after a career. Our culture, driven by the modern feminist movement, is pressuring us as girls to be successful in the world's eyes, get graduate degrees, be independent, move up in the business world, have small families, and do men's work. This standard of success that the world pushes does not compare to the calling God has for our lives as wives and mothers. God made us to be helpers to our husbands and to bear and train little ones for the kingdom of God. This is far more important and fulfilling than any career could ever be. So what does Sarah really mean by "a life purpose bigger than marriage"? She means that our life purpose must be to serve the Lord, to give our entire lives to Him, and to bear much eternal fruit in order to bring God glory (John 15:8). Unless we are focused on this "great work" (Neh. 6:3) for god, we will never be fulfilled in either singleness or marriage. There are many people God brings into our paths each day who desperately need the gospel, teaching, and encouragement. Purpose to have a ministry mindset everywhere you go. We should minister to people through a tract, a smile, a kind word, a bible verse or a personal testimony
In conclusion to this chapter, here are five main points to remember:
- Your youth can be a productive time. When Jesus was twelve, He was already focused on being about His heavenly Father's business (Luke 2:49)
- Be Successful in singleness, how can you ever expect to be successful in the new trials and challenges that marriage will bring? (Mt. 25:23)
- Ministry will prepare you for marriage. In more ways than you can imagine, serving the Lord now will prepare and equip you one day to be a godly wife and mother.
- Experience in ministry will give you greater discernment. Ministering to others gives you a new ability to discern spiritual needs and develops the wisdom required to understand and evaluate a potential marriage partner.
- Put God's work first and He will take care of everything else.
Suggested Memory Verse: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33)
Then there is a assignment.
Everyone has been waiting for the next chapter- Dreams Must Die. Stay tooned.
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