Chapter Four- Could He Be the One?

The Story

Hi again, so we made it to chapter four... and so many more to go. I am very happy with the response these reviews have made on others. Please share them and feel free to respond as much as you can. I finally figured out how I can post in the rooms so I will be more active there also. I made the forum because I felt it could go off-topic on other forums. I was going to make a what kids think section but I didn't know if 12 year olds still liked being called 'kids'. That part of the forum is great for the younger ones to post their thoughts and will be monitored.
So when we last met the princess she was at the Spring fair and met a young knight. This chapter is titled Could He Be the One? I am assuming no (I have not read the chapter yet I read as I type). Why do you say I think he is not 'the one"? Well, because there are way too many chapters for this guy to be the one she will marry... although I haven't written the book... Sarah Mally did. Lets get started...
The princess has returned from the spring fair and she told her parents about the day. THEY (yes the mommy was there lol) smiled as she described her encounter with the friendly knight and reassured her that she had done the right thing. Her father said every true knight desires a rose that is pure and has kept itself closed. He advised her that she must not be deceived by fancy words but must learn to look at life, the actions, and the character of any prince who might seek her hand. Her MOTHER (I’m shocked) reminded her not to worry about it or wonder if she had offended him. I am going to type what the mother said because I'm shocked she has a speaking role, "You were not rude, so you must not be concerned about whether he felt welcome, appreciated, or hurt. Pleasing him is neither your responsibility nor your goal."
The Princess tried to forget about the knight but he seemed to be somewhat of a stalker because he was always there when she went to the village and began conversing with her. Even so it was a great surprise of both the parents and the princess when he showed up at the castle saying he wished for her hand in marriage! (What the heck people it does not happen that quick in 2009- I don't care if this is set in the middle ages! Oh wait isn't that what Josh did with Anna's father...) The king wanted to get to know him more so he invited the knight to spend the day with him. The knight upon closer scrutiny, it became obvious that he was not a real prince, although he might pass for one if seen walking down the road. His armor did not have a perfect fir- likely borrowed and not his own. It did not shine in the sun, and he was not accustomed to its weight. Nevertheless, the princess did find herself feeling comfortable in his presence, for he certainly made her feel important and gave the most diligent attention to her every need.
I guess his stories didn't measure up to being a real knight either. It seemed he might have been making them up. The knight kept going up to her saying he loved her and she went away and again meets the alligator. The gator is happy a guy came to ask for her hand in marriage and asked if she answered him yet. She said she hadn’t answered. The gator thought for sure she would say yes and wanted to be the first to offer her his congrats! I think the gator doesn't realize he is dealing with a fundamentalist princess and I feel bad for him. I think he would be better not to hang around her because you know what the princess said? "No, I cannot say yes to such a man" The gator was surprised and asked, "What, you would turn down such an opportunity?" The princess did not think of it as an opportunity but a trap. Okay I have to tell all young children that this princess is about to get violent. She tossed a few stones into the moat and watched the water ripple. SHE FELT LIKE THROWING ONE AT THE ALLIGATOR, but decided it wouldn't do much good. I'm sorry but princess by the end of this book is going to marry probably a controlling man and she will be put in her place. The gator ONLY was giving her another option. an option I'm not sorry to say isn't that bad because NOT EVERYONE WHO DATES GETS A DIVORECE SARAH MALLY! I'm sorry this book is just horrible!
The next paragraph I could write out but I'm not going to but the gator does say all the maidens in the village would give the world for such a prince and says her standards are too high and will regret her loss forever. That got me thinking I wonder if the girls ever Do regret it later. hmmm The princess said that her father says he is not really a real prince at all. The gator says that her father doesn't understand. He remembers only the old days and he doesn't know how things work in these modern times of change. He does not know the love you have in your heart for the knight. The princess then says she does not love him and the gator says,"How do you know? Perhaps you will not let yourself love him. But give him a chance. Surely you cannot expect your father to understand. There comes a time when you must decide for yourself. The choice is yours. The princess says it is her choice and she is choosing not to marry him. The gator says perhaps she is afraid and he understands she might feel timid because she has not had many experiences while hiding in the castle all of her life. He asks if she wants to remain in regret the remainder of her life. The Princess responds "No, and because I shall choose not to live in regret, my only option is to decline. In fact, Mr. Alligator, you have made my decision easier. I clearly see now that I would not be happy if I were married to such a man. I think I shall tell my father immediately. Good Evening!"
So the princess goes to her father and he is having a conversation with the knight. The king says he has a challenge for him and Sir Eloquence agrees. The king says, "my desire is as follows: I have been hearing reports of one Mr. Scornful who operates a store in the mountain village. It is said that he frequently travels from place to place-spreading slander and lies about the upright. His shameless attitude is both contagious and damaging. I would like my citizens to see a true cowardice. Therefore, I propose that you challenge him to a-" "A debate! What a splendid idea," Eloquence said excitedly forgetting that interrupting the king is not the most advisable thing to do. The king says no it will be a not a fight with words but a test of courage and skill. Let me stop again... I think it is RUDE for the king and princess to lead Sir Eloquence on. He still thinks he has hope with the princess!
I guess they are going to do a jousting match because Mr. Scornful boasts he is so good at it. Is anyone else yawning? This part of the story is boring me. Well I guess Sir Eloquence was nervous but said the plan was brilliant and he suggests one of the more noble knights- Sir Valiant, Knight Trueblood, or Prince Gallant. Enough with the names we all get they are better than the gator and Sir Eloquence. I guess Mr. Scornful talks the talk but can't walk the walk so the king says that suggestions are not needed. Whoever challenges him places himself in a most vulnerable position. Again rude! why doesn't the king just send him on his way instead of humiliating him! I'm not getting into the rest of it lets just say to cut the boring part short the king dismisses Sir Eloquence because he wanted to think more about it and I guess have confidence. He left and didn't really even say goodbye and didn't seem interested in winning her hand anymore. The princess was surprised but grateful that the incident had come to an end so quickly.
Again I'm stopping this story. Little children NEVER treat someone like that! That was just mean. Okay so back to the story. The princess sat outside on her stone bench at the edge of the garden. She watched the fireflies begin to appear and thought about the qualities she desired in a husband. Suddenly feeling a strong hand on her shoulder, the princess looked up and saw her father, his tender face illuminated by the bright moonlight. Those are Sarah's words- not mine I think he is a JERK. The king sat beside her and the princess said she was planning on saying no to him anyway. The jerk of a king already knew that but a smooth speech is not enough to win a princess. I guess the king set up Sir Eloquence because he would have never been harmed because Mr. Scornful would never have agreed to a jousting match. the king chuckled because Mr. Scornful often boasts of his skill; He is a coward at heart. I guess even if Mr. Scornful would have agreed to the match Sir Eloquence would have been in no danger. Now get this the last line of the chapter of the story The princess smiled, feeling more assured than ever she would wait for God's best and settle for no other.
My Thoughts- I don't like the king or princess and they are the main characters. The next chapter is called Romantic Dreams. Sarah will probably mess that chapter up too.

Sarah's Advice
I am mad at Sarah Mally so this section might be brief or a rant. Sorry
The first section is called Not Every Knight Wears Shining Armor- I guess the first guy who comes up to your father and asks to court you might not be "the one" but I say how would you know that because the young girl won't date him her dad will tell her. This is the best part. Don't be an easy catch. How the heck can the girl be an easy catch? She can't laugh, smile or look at the guy. Any more rules Sarah? I'm sure she has MANY the book isn't even half done. Oh and if you can't say not to the guy, let your dad do it. WHAT THE HECK! The girl should learn how to say flippen NO what the heck will she do if she is ever being raped. I guess that would never happen in the fundamentalist’s world. He may be flattering but Satan will often bring along his "best" before God brings along HIS best. She says again to marry a STRONG Christian.
The next mini section is titles Be Not Unequally Yoked. Sarah goes on again how a Christian should only marry a Christian and puts bible verses II Cor. 6:14 and I Cor. 7:39. I wonder what happens if a girl marries a Christian and that man decides he wants to be a Muslim or a Jew. I'm bolding the next part. When you get married, your goal becomes to please your husband (I Cor, 7:34) He is your head, your leader, and your authority (Eph. 5:22-24) Think about what would happen if you married someone who was not a believer. How could you submit to a man who did not make his decisions based on the Word of God? What is your husband disliked church and refused to teach your children about Christ? Can you imagine how miserable it would be to use your life to serve someone who didn't have the same goals, the same priorities, or even the same basic foundation that you have?
The next section is called Marry a strong Christian- Didn't we already know this. Come on the girls who read this couldn’t be that stupid to have forgotten we JUST talked about this. It is just a story about Sarah and her sister Grace and how on the 4th of July someone told them they were very limited in guys to marry and she was happy they were limited. The story seems fake. Sorry I won't go on. If your dying to read it - purchase this book lol.
The next Section is Evaluate his Character and Direction. Sarah suggests making a list of the qualifications you are looking for in a husband. Okay there are two lists: a list of the essential qualities- things that you consider a requirement for marriage and a list of the desirable qualities- things that are important to you, though not necessarily a requirement. Then have your parents make two lists as well. Then compare notes.
The next section is (drum roll please) - Surely this Must Be the One- I Sam 16:6-7. I really don't know how to explain the first part of the chapter; She just says we should not want a Samuel like in the bible but a David. Cuz David's life was devoted to the lord than she lists 17 qualification to consider for the list which I'm sure you are all starting to do now to see if who you are dating/ married to or have yet to find is "the one". Also look for a guy who doesn't just SAY he serves the Lord but one who really does. He has to have the fruit in his life... If there already is fruit, then you know he's serious about his walk with the Lord (Matt. 7:16-20). Oh and he can't just have a cool bumper sticker saying he loves Jesus or a T-shirt with a cross. He has to have lasting fruit- fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). This might require a lot of waiting because a young man might change a lot between the ages of 18 and 23 (that sucks for Anna Duggar Josh is only 21). Oh wait Sarah is not saying that it is wrong to get married young. Her emphasis is not on AGE, but on SPIRITUAL MATURITY AND FRUIT. I guess we also shouldn't expect others to understand the commitments to which the Lord has led you. God's ways often seem foolish to the world- Love the people who misunderstand you.
The last section is Are You Ready for Marriage. If Your not ready for marriage there is no good reason to begin to develop a relationship leading in that direction. She has 14 questions to ask yourself if you are. I'm not listing them- sorry. All in all asking if you love the Lord and have a clear conscience, are a servant- stuff like that. Okay I read them and I am listing the last 4. ha-ha
Have I learned basic life skills, both educational ones and practical responsibilities?
Am I able to take care of a household? (in addition, you thought the Duggar girls were just sewing for fun or to save money- ya right. Don't even get me started on all the other household stuff they do)
Am I ready to be a mother?
Have I learned to be a giver, not a taker in relationships?
All in all have patience and pray Psalm 37:3-5. Wow hey when Jana signed my book (the Duggar one) She listed Psalm 37 3-7. Interesting...

Oh ya the Suggested Memory Verse is "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? (II Corinthians 6:14)
There is also a suggested assignment but reading this was enough homework for all of you :)