Dreams

If you have ever watched a Disney movie, what is the one thing they all have in common? Dreams come true.
But, what does that mean for a Christian? Does it mean anything? Is God standing by, waiting to grant our wishes, so we can have a happily ever after like in the movies? God wants us to be happy, right?
Growing up I had a VHS tape player and a modern CRT Television. For my younger readers, those were the TVs we had before flat-screen TVs. Eventually, my parents got me a CRT TV VHS combo, where the tape player was built-in to the TV. That was really cool. Anyway, I would watch old Disney cartoons on that TV. Peter Pan, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, etc. For years I dreamed of magic, love, beauty. I knew all the songs by heart. "If you keep on believing, the dreams that you wish will come true."
All my life I would wish for dreams to come true. When I was older and became a Christian, I would pray for the things that I wanted to happen. Sometimes my dreams did come true. But a lot of times dreams did not come true. As I got even older, I would have bigger dreams, and more often the dreams would fail.
Recently, I would grow discouraged, lose hope, and become depressed. Especially after family medical issues happened and never went away, even though a hundred people every day prayed for healing. I graduated from high school with no possibility of owning a car. I would see friends left and right dating, getting engaged, married, and having children, all while I'm stuck in fast food service, with still no car. I had dreamed of having my own family for as long as I could remember. When I played with my Barbie dolls growing up, there would always be some tragic romances, beautiful families, and strong marriages. But there I was, three years out of high school, just starting college for the first time, still no car, and never been on a date.
Two years later, I have graduated from college, still no car, and still not one single date. Why aren't my dreams coming true? I have waited so long, and so many around me, even people younger than me, are getting married. Where is my happily ever after?

Let's rewind two months. I'm in the middle of my final college semester, so many things going on at school. Piles of homework are overshadowing every part of my life. I need a break, even though I really can't afford one. I hadn't even been to church in a month. But, at least they keep me in the loop because Fall Retreat was coming up. I knew, no matter what, I needed to go on that retreat.
October 25th came and I went. I was so excited. We were going to Fort Lone Tree, a camp that hosts church groups. I was excited because it is perfectly situated in the Capitans of New Mexico. Last year was our first time to go to that place. When we had arrived then, there were real clouds rolling over the tops of the mountains. I live in flat west Texas. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Texas, but this was really something.
This year, as my carpool drove up to the camp, there was not a cloud to be seen in the whole blue sky. Ouch. But, I was going to enjoy this weekend no matter what, and maybe God would refresh my heart somehow.
On the trip there, I realized later, that God had already started working on my heart. I was reading a book by Tenth Avenue North's own Mike Donehey, Finding God's Life for My Will. I was reading about how Mike had dreams to be an athlete, but a car wreck kept him bedridden for weeks. He picked up a guitar to pass the time. He continued to play sports, but it wasn't his calling. Then he attempted to be a stage actor. He even went to college for acting. But he could never get into the big roles. It wasn't till later that he found his true calling, to be a singer. To help people worship God through music. Boy, am I glad that he followed that calling. But, the point was his first dreams did not come true. Instead, he got something better.
That touched me, but it wasn't too significant to me till later. In addition to reading this book, my car buddies wanted to listen to Disney music, of all things, and again I heard the familiar lyrics about love and dreams.
Later at the retreat, the speaker talked about how to deal with stress by spending more time with God. Then he talked about how to carve out time for God in the midst of a busy day. Then, out of the blue, like he didn't even plan to say it, and it sure didn't quite seem to fit with what he was just talking about, he said, "You gotta let your plans get swallowed up by the plans of Jesus." It was like the Lord was speaking directly to me. He said a few more sentences that led to what we see as a victory, may not be the victory that Jesus has planned. I wanted to run to my cabin room and ball. God had been trying to tell me for a long time to let my dreams go, but I would tune Him out. Now He was going to speak and I had to listen.

God loves you like a father. And just like a father, He wants what's best for you. And just like a father, He knows what's best. However, what He knows is best may not look like what we think is best. Let me unpack that.
The retreat speaker (We'll call him G) said that his father began losing his eyesight when G was a kid. The doctors couldn't do anything to reverse the problem. G prayed for healing for his dad, but God said no. However, because of his blindness, G's dad was able to talk to more people about Jesus than ever before. The victory, though G realized it years later, was not what anyone thought it would be.

I had to think about that. My family medical problems had not gone away after several years, and I still could not see the victory. I dreamed of finding true love, but that was far out of sight. If I couldn't have those, why couldn't I just have a car? When will I get to move out of my parents' house? When can I write full time? When can I have my own kids to love and nurture in the love of Jesus? All my dreams did was make me impatient and sad. I was so sure that God had these plans for me as well. I felt Him place it on my heart many years ago to adopt children once I could start my own family. But when was that going to happen? These dreams became more like a contract with God. My thoughts went along the lines of, God wants this of me, therefore, I know He will make it happen, and soon. I just can't wait. But lately, God had been trying to tell me to let go of those dreams, to stop holding onto them so tightly.
I took that another direction before the retreat. I thought, if I let go, they'll get here faster. But That didn't work out so well either. The expectations became excruciatingly difficult to suppress because then I was making a deal with God, waiting for Him to keep His end of the bargain.
But at the Fall Retreat, I knew what I had to do. When I had some free time, I went to my cabin room, got out a pen and some paper, and wrote down all my dreams, even old ones that had never gone away. I prayed over the list and gave them all to God, to keep, or to give back, that it was entirely up to Him. Then on the back of that list, I wrote down my prayer, dated it, and put it in the back of my notebook. I was scared that He would never give any of them back, but I also felt relief, like a tiny weight had been lifted off my heart.

This was something that was a long time coming. However, it never ended. The fight to let go of my dreams still continues. I have to surrender every day, knowing that God's victory is going to be so much better than I can imagine. I still like to sing those old Disney songs, and I still have hope for some of my dreams, but I continue to surrender them to my Lord, not allowing them to control my mood. And sometimes, that's what gets me through another day without a car and a boyfriend.
Now that I'm graduated, I can look for a car paying job, while I'm surrendering and trusting Jesus.

I hope this story encourages you to listen to God's pull on your heart, whether it's to give up your dreams, or something else. The thing is, God doesn't give us true love, fame, and fortune as the end-all, be-all to our happiness. God wants our hearts. When we surrender our hearts to Him He fills us with peace and joy. That's the best kind of happiness.

-Elizabeth
Jesus Loves You!

Jesus Wept

Jesus wept. This simple phrase has an entire verse dedicated to it. John 11:35- "Jesus Wept." Why does the Bible have such a peculiar message tucked inside its hundreds of pages? Its thousands of verses? Its millions of lessons? I think this picture sums it up.

Photo credit: Holy Sews, Inc. Facebook page - 12/7/2019

We, as believers in Jesus Christ, have hope in the promise that life on Earth is not all there is. That one day we will be with God in Heaven, and that all brokenness, sin, and death will be gone forever. But that doesn't mean we can't be sad. That doesn't mean we can't cry.
As humans, we experience intense emotion. We feel happiness, excitement, love. But we also feel sadness, depression, heartbreak. These are all a natural part of life. Jesus experienced this.
Even as a human on Earth, Jesus knew everything, because He was still God. He knew what was coming, He knew the love in the present, and the triumph in the future. He knew that Lazerus was coming back to life. But He still cried.
If the Creator of the universe can cry when someone dies, would it not seem perfectly fine for mere mortals, created in the likeness of the Creator, to also cry? And not just in death, but when someone hurts you, when it was a horrible day at work, when that relationship ended. You may realize at the time, a few days later, a few years later, that those things were temporary, and were so small compared to what lies ahead. But that doesn't mean you can't feel the pain now, that you can't mourn now, that you can't cry in the moment, because it does hurt. There's no getting around the pain, you always have to go through it (Ps. 23:4a).
There is nothing more comforting to a hurting heart than someone who will cry with you. Jesus knew this. He cried with Mary and Martha. He felt the sting of the death of His friend, but He also felt the pain it caused the others who also loved Lazerus. Jesus reminded the others of the coming glory, but He also took the time to mourn with them, just as it says in Romans 12:15 - "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep."
If you see someone else hurting, just weep with them.
If you are the person that is hurting, and you feel like it's a small thing, but you just feel the pain of it, it's okay to cry. It's okay to feel the pain, even if you know it will go away.

Just some thoughts...

Have you ever loved to do something so much, you wanted to do it all the time? But then you got busy, and other things took priority, and that activity that brought you so much joy was thrown to the wayside.
This happened to me. When I was thirteen, I started to discover things, things that quickly became my passions. I found history, reading, and writing. I was obsessed with these three things the most, with a few other interests gaining momentum.
But life happened when I was about sixteen. Suddenly those things didn't matter as much as what was going on in my family. As the years passed, my love for the 3 (history, reading, writing) never died out. They were a quiet part of me, waiting for their time to shine again.
A little over a year ago I rediscovered these passions. It started with reading about history, then expanded into writing, and then back into reading. Now I can't imagine giving them up ever again.

What are some passions you have? Are they healthy or helpful? Why do you think you have these passions?

Here's the thing about my love of writing: I started at a very young age. My mom boasts about a time I made up some stories about twin egg brothers from a small children's TV show. She wrote down the stories and I drew the pictures. But it wasn't till I was much older that it became something I truly understood and desired. People that have read some of my writing tell me I know how to tell a story, and that I have a unique way with words. I don't fully comprehend what they mean. All I know is that I have the most wonderful feeling deep down inside when I write.
All I can say is that God has given me this gift to write. I must write for His glory, and not my own. It is very easy to take the compliments and move on feeling good about myself, but the truth is I need to start giving God the glory for this gift He has given me.

What about the gifts you possess? Do you feel something deep down inside that makes you happy when you use these gifts? From my experience, this is a special gift from God. Thank Him for it, and use it to His glory.

~Elizabeth :)
Jesus Loves You! <3

Just Listen

What do you do when someone shares their sorrow with you?

While no one has shared their deepest darkest sorrow with me, they have hinted to their feelings. Usually, I'm at a loss about what I'm supposed to do. Should I pray with them? Should I change the subject to a happier one? Should I say I know how they feel, or share a similar experience?

I think part of this is our culture's need to react or respond quickly. Sometimes the best thing we can do is just listen. Don't try to fix their problems. Just listen. Hold their hand, cry with them.

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." Romans 12:15

I usually don't think about being quiet and listening. Sometimes someone else's problem may not seem like a big deal to you. The thing is, they are in a dark moment. Be in the moment with them, for just a second. If you were in their shoes, you would feel the weight of the sorrow they are currently experiencing.

If you were in a dark place, and you shared your pain with someone, wouldn't you want them to just understand for a minute? They want the same thing, even if it's something silly.

After they come out of that dark place, after all the fear and sorrow is over, they will look back and realize either it wasn't that bad after all, or they will just be happy they made it through. But the one thing they will remember the most is not what you said, but how you treated them, how you sat beside them, held their hand, listened, and cried with them. That is a better comfort, a better gift, than anything you could say.

~Elizabeth :)

Jesus Loves You! <3

School Update!

In my post "It's been a while...", I mentioned that I was taking four Summer classes. For those of you that don't know, Summer college courses are condensed from their normal semester schedules of 16 weeks down to 5 weeks. Summer is also divided into two sessions, Summer 1 and Summer 2. The school only allows a student to take two classes a session because of the crammed schedule. I took two classes during both Summer 1 and 2, for a total of four classes. Each session only had a day between for rest, and then a week before the Fall semester starts.
I was very nervous, to say the least. As far as I know, no one ever takes four Summer classes. I did this because it meant I could graduate with my degree this December, on time with the program. Otherwise, it would be another semester before I could look for a job. I knew this was the right course of action, but I was feeling terrified that it would be too much, that I would somehow fail. I couldn't afford to fail.
But everything fell in place. I easily signed up for the classes and the schedule worked. I had to remind myself what I had decided almost two years ago, a month before classes started, that I was going to fully trust God with my education. I would leave it in His hands, and I wasn't going to freak out and quit.
Classes started, and it felt like a whirlwind. I was constantly at my computer day and night. If I took a day break and did my homework at night, I ended up staying awake all night long to catch up. The first five weeks certainly taught me how to better manage my time. I needed to start earlier in the day or I was going to keep making myself sick catching up.
That one day between the Summer sessions was wonderful! I relaxed and caught up on sleep. Then I got back to work the next day, implementing the time management skills I had learned just a couple of days before.
Now, here I am, at the end of the off week between Summer and Fall. I look back now and I think, that wasn't so bad after all. In the moment it was highly stressful. But now I'm thankful I went through with it. God was certainly there by my side, because I was somehow able to finish with flying colors.

Now I just have the final semester to complete. My final Jedi trial, if you will, is Portfolio. This class is all about time management, with over 20 projects and one deadline that closes the semester, it has been described by all upperclassmen as the hardest class of the program. In addition to this class and the other two, less stressful, required classes, I have to take a remedial math course with College Algebra.
However, I am ready. I am excited about the upcoming final semester. I can think of several reasons why I'm excited about school starting Monday morning when everyone I know is stressing hard: it's the last semester, and I have some high goals; it means I'm just four months away from looking for a job and buying my first car; there's just something about this school that I like, and I am probably going to miss it.
It's an exciting time in my life, and I am so thankful I decided to trust God with all of it!

~Elizabeth :)
Jesus Loves You! <3

It's been a while...

A quick note regarding the post below:
I wrote this post you are about to read in May, but I never got around to posting it. Here it is now. Be sure to come back for more very soon.
-
It has been quite some time since I wrote anything on here, and it's probably because I really don't know what to write about.

I could talk about how I'm rediscovering my love of reading, writing, and drawing. I haven't done any of them in quite some time, but, pretty soon I'm going to be doing a lot of that, I don't know if I'll really want to though (because it'll all be for school).

I could talk about how much I have learned about interdependency and how people need each other, and it's a shame when people don't help each other or allow someone to help them.

I could talk about how I'm terrified about my upcoming classes. I'm registered for four Summer classes (a full load) and the final semester which may include College Algebra. I'm terrible with math! There are other things I have to consider when deciding what to do with my math requirement, but that's all a story for another time.

In light of the previous paragraph, I could also talk about how I'm having to remind myself that God has been in control of all my recent higher education.

I could talk about my first discussion about Jesus with an Atheist. This conversation was a long time coming, and I feel that there's more to come.

I could talk about how financial struggles are reigniting themselves just as they were becoming controllable.

I could talk about all these things, and more. But I'm not going to. The thing is, I really didn't realize all these things I just mentioned were going on at the same time until I started writing this post. Now I know why I've been so tired, sick, and just downright stressed. And I could continue by saying what I usually always say, "It's ok, God's got this. He's got me and my family in His hands. Just give it all to Him." Then I could go on, smiling, feeling good about myself and how I encouraged my readers. But the thing is that is usually easier said than done.

The thing is my priorities are jumbled and I don't always have it together. No matter how much I try I will always fall short of the goal. I will always forget what I tell others. I am not good enough for anything. I am insufficient on my own. And that's the point. It's not about me. I'm not supposed to check off an item from my holy checklist each day and feel satisfied in my self-righteousness. I pursue things that I probably shouldn't. Spend money I probably shouldn't. And these make me feel inadequate for everything when I fail at one thing. But in the end, it's not about me and what I have learned. It's about God and what He's done.

I came on here with the intent to talk about how I'm sticking it out with school, even if it means what I thought the plan was is not what it actually is. And I may talk later about each of the aforementioned thoughts later. But, as I started typing, I felt like I just needed to be more real for a moment. I'm in a season of my life where I feel kind of stuck in the middle. I'll have a high point where I made straight As. And then I'll have a low point where I can't pass a math test for the second time. I'll have a high point where I talked about Jesus with a non-believer, and then I don't make the time to study my Bible.

I am very human, just like you, and just like you, I need Jesus every day. He's the ONLY one keeping me from falling apart. And I just want you to know Him like I do. He loves you and is waiting for you to respond to His calling. There will be good days and bad days. There will be days that are neutral. But what they all have in common is that God is in each one of them, and He's right beside you through it all, even if it doesn't seem like it. And that's the point. Jesus is the point in everything.

~With Love, Elizabeth

I was invited to write for the NaNoWriMo Blog!

I was invited to write a blog post for this session of Camp NaNoWriMo! Check it out!

Thank you to the awesome NaNoWriMo team for all that they do to inspire creative writing and allowing me to be part of their work.

Part 5 Review

Where was God in all of Inette's heart ache? Right by Inette's side.
Do you remember what Captain Reigner did before he talked to Inette? He prayed to God, asking Him to give him the words to speak, and that Inette would listen. Right after that he was simply there for her, and didn't speak. Sometimes the best comfort you can give a person is just to sit quietly with them.
Letting someone know you are praying for them is great too, and sometimes it's even better to pray with them.
Inette gave up her fear and sadness to God. And He will always answer you the same way He did Inette. With a peace no one can explain. He may not prevent the hurt, and He may not cure the hurt, but He will always be by our side.
It's okay if you have questions for God, it's okay to pray without words. All He wants is your heart, so He can heal it like nothing else can.

Thank you for reading Inette's Sanctuary! I hope you enjoyed it! Please leave a comment, follow by email for more, and share with your friends and family!

-Elizabeth
Jesus Loves You!

Inette's Sanctuary: Part 5

Inette grieved deeply over the loss of William. After two weeks William was buried, and his death became all too real. Inette knew now that he was never coming back.

She secluded herself from everyone. She would talk to neither father nor mother. She would stay by the river’s bank long after sunset, frightening her parents more than once. She hardly ate, and never saw a stranger’s face.

She cried to God. “Why?” She sobbed. “After all that he did for me, why did You take him away?”

Inette saw no light, no shred of hope. She had opened her heart, and now it hurt. This was worse than anything she ever feared. Her best friend she ever had was gone, and she didn’t even know him for very long.

Her parents tried talking with her, but she would not heed their words. They turned to the only other person she trusted for help.

Captain Reigner knew that if he could not reach her, she would be lost forever. Praying for the right words and a listening ear, Reigner ventured into Inette’s sanctuary.

He walked up to her side and sat down. He said nothing. After a moment, Inette leaned against him and wept.

Reigner held her tight. “There, there,” he whispered. “Let it go. Let it all out.”

Inette drenched the Captain’s coat with her sobs.

Reigner lifted the girl’s chin and said, “Look at me. Nothing I can say will ever take away the heart ache. I know you loved him, and I have a feeling you never fully realized it yourself before now.”

Inette turned her eyes downward.

“I also know that William loved you. And if he could speak to you now, he would not want you to grieve as you do. I have had the privilege of watching you grow up, and I have never been prouder of you then I have been these past several months since you met William. You have fought to conquer your fears and leave your comfort zones. I hate to see you give up now, and I know William would not have wanted you to give up either.”

Inette pulled out a bundle of letters from the pocket in her cloak. She laid them out and said, with a hiccup, “I know.”

Inette let Reigner look at her letters, and though he didn’t know how deep their relationship had grown, he could see its evolution with each piece of paper.

“Cherish your friendship,” Reigner said. “God gave you William when you needed him most. Don’t let the lessons you learned from him die with his body. For he is with Jesus now, and I know they are watching over you. I love you, my dear, and I’m praying for you.”

Reigner kissed Inette on the forehead and left her alone.

Inette knew all that Captain Reigner said was true. Though she loved William, she knew that God loved her more. All that she ever believed was being tested now. She knew what she had to do.

Inette got down on her knees and prayed to God saying, “I am afraid. I admit it. Help me to conquer my fear. I know You haven’t left me, and You took William home. Help me follow your will for my life, and give me strength… and comfort.”

The last word she sobbed, and the rest of her prayer was poured out from her heart without words. When she was finished, a soft wind blew over her, and she felt peace.

From that day forward she took up William’s dream as her own. She sailed across the world, meeting new people, and sharing her renewed faith in Jesus. She found her greatest comfort and sanctuary in her Savior. She eventually married and had two children of her own. Though she still needed a retreat from time to time, she no longer consumed the bread of idleness, and worked to preserve the memory of her dear friend.

Just like William had wished, Inette found the place she loved the most and stayed after she was satisfied with her travels. She returned home to her parents and Captain Reigner, for there was no place she loved more.

Part 4 Review

Is William really dead? Poor Inette! What will she do now? All her progress was made because of her new friend. But... Did she place all her hope and trust in the wrong thing?
People will always let you down, whether on purpose, or without realizing it. Bad things will happen, and there is nothing we can do about it. But God will never let you down! He is forever faithful, and never leaves your side, through the good times, and the bad times. So... Where is God in all of Inette's heart ache?
Find out in the conclusion to Inette's Sanctuary, Part 5, available to read a week early on April 13th.

-Elizabeth
Jesus Loves You!

Inette's Sanctuary: Part 4

The next day brought Inette a note telling her that William was planning an evening of either quiet solitude, or more exciting circumstances. Whichever she chose. As long as she was happy, and they got to spend time together before he left.

Inette’s mother, so curious about what was happening, asked Inette why she blushed as she read the note.

Inette said nothing, and let her mother read it for herself.

“You are going to see him again?”

“It seems so,” Inette answered.

“You like Captain William, don’t you?”

“I find his company agreeable, and his convictions convict me.”

“I’m happy to see you happy, my dear. What will you choose?”

“I’m not sure.”

Inette took the note back and reread it several times as she walked to her river spot. She thought that, since William had only accompanied her in quiet places so far, that she ought to try things his way.

That night Inette dressed her finest, and William his best. He escorted her to an opera, a fine dinner, and a festival. These activities involved many crowds. Inette was quiet and shy, but she managed well, enjoying the evening.

As William walked her home, he told her that he had a splendid time.

“I did as well,” Inette smiled softly.

“I hate to have to leave you so soon,” William continued. “I hope that we may keep a correspondence.”

“I should like that.”

William kissed Inette’s hand again and told her goodbye, then left her safely at her house.

Inette could barely sleep. She swayed and danced in her room, thinking of her time with William. Then she got an idea. She figured that the first step she could take in changing her ways was to limit her retreat to the river to every other day. This would force her to become more sociable, and work harder to keep from running and hiding.

She tried this plan of hers for many weeks. It was hard at first, and she could not resist running to her retreat on a day she was not supposed to more than once. After the first three weeks she was able to hold to her resolve. Once she became comfortable with her new schedule, she changed it to every two days. This, she believed, was as far as she would go.

In the meantime, she wrote letters to William. William would write to her about his adventures, and praise her for her new resolve, and challenged her, encouraging her, to push herself further from her comfort zones.

Over time their letters became more intimate, expressing their growing desires to be together soon.

After six months Inette stopped receiving letters from William. The letters would pause for a week while William was on the sea, and then continue once he was on land again. But this time, the week passed, and there was silence. Inette waited another week, and still nothing.

Inette told her father about the strange silence, and he said he would look into it.

Inette continued bravely, hoping that William was simply too busy at his latest port to write.

She continued to persist in her resolve to change her idle hands into working hands. She shopped for her mother, entertained dinner guests, and began making bigger plans in her head to travel and see the world.

Inette’s mother came to her one day and said, “I am so proud of you, my dear. You are conquering your fears, and growing stronger, braver, and more beautiful every day.”

“Thank you, mother,” was all Inette said, for she was still a girl of few words.

A couple of days later, Inette’s father brought her news of William’s condition. He told her to sit down, and brought in her mother as well.

His face was very grave, and his hands trembled.

“Is everything okay?” Inette asked.

“I’m afraid it’s not,” Inette’s father said, his voice faltering.

“Captain William’s ship was caught in a storm a week ago. Of the forty crew members, only five survived.”

Inette’s hands jumped to her mouth.

“And the Captain?” Inette’s mother asked.

“He died saving the five.”

“No!” Inette cried. She fell to the floor, raining heavy tears onto the red carpet beneath her.

Part 3 Review

Inette and William's relationship seems to be blossoming quickly!
What do you think about Inette feeling ashamed that she doesn't do many things? I think we could all reexamine our daily tasks. What is important to you? What is the least of your worries? Are these priorities correct? But most significantly what is important to God? What kind of changes can you make to your lifestyle to bring glory to God?
What will happen next in the relationship of Inette and William? Part 4 will be available April 6th!

-Elizabeth
Jesus Loves You!

Inette's Sanctuary: Part 3

Inette knew it was a possibility that she would see William again if she made her daily appointment with her haven. This was both exciting and upsetting. She did want to hear what else William had to say about being brave and free. But she was worried that she would have to speak.

Nonetheless, she kept her ritual, especially after her mother’s tea party. Inette could not resist the solitude she longed for, even if there was a threat of interruption.

She kept a watchful eye out for the captain, while soaking in all the solitude she could. All day she wondered if William might come. To her disappointment he never did, and she felt silly for the strange desire on her heart.

The next day she resolved to forget the young man and go back to life as always. But she was disappointed once again. Once her trip to the river was complete, she found William sitting on her log.

She stood silently pondering whether she should go or stay, but William saw her before she made a decision.

“I suppose this is becoming a habit. You were telling the truth when you said you are here all the time.”

“I never lie.”

“Of course.”

“Do you mock me, sir?”

“No. I’m sorry. This is your home, and I am intruding. I will leave now.”

“No, wait!” Inette burst out, to the surprise of William and herself. “I mean…”

“What is it?”

“I… I…” Inette blushed in embarrassment.

“I will stay if you wish it…”

“No,” Inette answered swiftly.

“I am confused.”

“Not here. Just the two of us.”

William thought a moment, attempting to understand what it was Inette tried to say.

“We shouldn’t be alone.”

“We shouldn’t?” William asked. “What should we be?”

“I don’t know.”

William thought some more and then said, “Will you accompany me to lunch in town?”

Inette was astonished. Did he just ask her on a date?

“Unless you…”

“No! I mean yes! I mean…”

“You will?”

“If my father permits it, of course.”

“I would not ask anything less.”

William accompanied Inette back to her house to ask her father for his permission on their going out. While Inette’s father hesitated, her mother readily agreed. Thus, her father consented and sent a maid to accompany them. But her mother told the maid to simply watch from a distance.

William attempted to get Inette to talk, but somehow, without words, Inette persuaded him to talk almost the whole time. He told her of the places he had travelled to, the people he had met. And while the list of places was small, the adventures were immense. Inette began to wish she was there with him. Everything sounded so exciting. She imagined the buildings, streets, smells, sounds, and colors of all that William described.

“I didn’t know there was so much out there in the world,” Inette said. “How could you have done so much in so little time? Isn’t it exhausting?”

“I love it!” William answered with renewed enthusiasm. “One may tire after a long day of hard work, but a good night’s sleep always sets me straight for new adventures.”

“I wish sleep was as beneficial to me.”

“With all due respect, you do not do enough in a day. Sleep won’t help if you court idleness.”

Inette turned her eyes to her feet. She felt ashamed of herself, thinking of the bread of idleness she had indulged herself of. She needed to change something.

William took her back home, telling her he wished to see her again before he left on his voyage. She readily agreed to the invitation, then he kissed her hand and left.

God WILL Give You More Than You Can Handle!

Do what? What do you mean God will give me more than I can handle? Don’t people always say that He won’t give me more than I can handle?

Here’s the thing, the Bible does not say this anywhere!

I think people are getting this widely used saying confused with what 1 Corinthians 10:13 says:

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

This verse says that we will not be TEMPTED beyond what we can bare. If you are being tempted to do something that you know is wrong, you are strong enough to say no. And if you say yes, God still extends His mercy to you so you can be forgiven of giving in to the temptation. But this doesn’t mean that God will not ask you to do something impossible.

If God told you to pack up and travel to China and proclaim the gospel out loud in the center of the busiest city, knowing you could die on the spot, could you handle it? If you lost everything, home, money, clothes, food, and family, in a natural disaster, could you handle it?

God never intended you to handle anything on your own! He’s there in the heart ache and failure, as well as the triumph and success. God wants you to trust in Him, to give Him all your fear and pain, as well as the praise and glory. When He calls you to do something, He will provide protection. He loves you and doesn't want anything bad to happen to you. But what about when bad things do happen? He didn't abandon you. He wants to lighten the burden for you. You just have to surrender.

To explain what I am saying, I will share with you some scripture:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many. For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you. '

2nd Corinthians 1:3-4, 8-12

1. God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation…

God is a God of comfort. He gives us inexplainable peace in troubling times. This cannot be mimicked by any earthly substitute. It comes only from God, and is not found within our own will.

2. We were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. …

Paul and Timothy were writing a letter to the Christian church in Corinth. That particular church was small and facing much trouble. They were probably being told the same thing, that they could handle it. But Paul and Timothy came near death, saw death, and experienced all kinds of cruel hatred, so that they didn’t even want to live anymore. If someone tries to tell you that God will make your life perfect, you tell them about what Jesus said in John 15:20:

“‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.”

3. We should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead…

We are not strong enough to handle anything the world will throw at us. We are incapable of standing against the devices of the Devil’s attacks. We cannot trust in our own strength, but only in the power of the God who created us, the God who raised Jesus from the dead, the God who parted the Red Sea, the God who provides redemption from death incurring sin.

4. Together in prayer…

God has called his people to pray. And not only to pray, but to pray together. For where two or three are gathered together in the name of Jesus, He is there in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20)

5. Not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God…

Do not forget God’s law, but let your heart keep His commands; for length of days, long life and peace they will add to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the first-fruits of all your increase. Do not detest the correction of the Lord; for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son he loves. The Lord by wisdom, understanding, and knowledge founded the earth and established the heavens. Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught. (A paraphrase from Proverbs 3)

In conclusion, God will give you more than you can handle, and no amount of human understanding will help you get through it. Only God’s strength is sufficient, and more than enough. You are not meant to carry your burden alone!

-Elizabeth :)

Jesus Loves You! <3

Part 2 Review

A lot happened in that last part of Inette's Sanctuary!
Do you think Inette will overcome her fear? Will her relationship with William grow?
What do you think about what William said? He said, "I believe that life is precious, and we should do all that we can with this gift God has given to every living person."
Do you believe life is precious? Jesus thinks your life is precious enough to die for. What will you do with your gift?
Part 3 will be available March 23rd.

-Elizabeth
Jesus Loves You!

Bible Verse

Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

I have been seeing this verse a lot lately... What's God up to?...

Inette's Sanctuary: Part 2

Inette’s mother’s words repeated in her head over and over. “Your father and I won’t be around forever to protect you.” And “the sooner you admit you’re afraid, the sooner you can conquer your fear.”

Inette knew her mother was right. She would not be under their protection forever. But being afraid? Never! She only, as she said, grew tired fast. It’s hard work to talk to people, to say and do the right things; to not let them see you for who you are for fear that- No, not fear. For worry, yes, that is the word, she thought, worry that they would not like who you truly are. But, did she know who she truly was?

She loved the river. She loved the animals. She loved her parents, and Captain Reigner. These were the only people in the world who saw her for herself, and loved her. But to everyone else, she cast them off. Was this all there was to her?

Her feelings of inadequacy filled every aspect of her thoughts, and she was lost deep within them when she became disturbed at the sound of an unwelcome voice.

“Forgive me,” said Captain William. “I Only meant to see if the peace of this place was as true as yesterday. I didn’t know you would be here.”

“I am here every day, at all hours,” Inette replied.

“I see. I can find another place, if you wish to be alone.”

“That is the wish of my entire existence.”

William, grinning in amusement, said, “Surely not.”

Inette only showed resolve in her statement.

William became serious and asked why.

“Do I need a reason?”

“I believe you do. You are so young, how could you cast off the world so easily?”

Inette moved her eyes about the scenery that surrounded her, looking for an answer. “Is it so wrong to want to be alone?” she asked.

“I think so.”

“What is it you wish for?” Inette asked, hoping to find a fault in the captain to reproach him with.

“To travel, and see all the world as it is now. Then travel again to see how it has changed. Then I want to settle down in the one place I shall fall in love with, and live there for the rest of my days.”

Inette was surprised by such a dream as this. Not knowing how to attack she only said, “That is quite an ambition.”

“I don’t think it’s half big enough.”

Inette showed confusion on her face.

“I believe that life is precious, and we should do all that we can with this gift God has given to every living person.”

Inette was cut to the quick. This man, not only believed in God, but lived his beliefs. His argument was strong, and Inette felt ashamed that she had not done more with her rich seventeen years.

She wanted to ask him how old he was, but she had already ventured from her comfort zone long enough. And if William wasn’t going to leave, then she would.

“Good day, to you, sir,” she said with a curtsy. Then she turned to walk away.

“Please, stay. I will leave,” said William.

“I must be getting home.” And without looking back, she continued on.

Inette thought about this conversation, in bed that night. How could he be so brave and fearless? Could she ever be like him?

The more she thought about William the more he became something of a fantasy to her. She could imagine him sailing across the sea, giving orders to his loyal men; his long strawberry blond hair blowing in the wind; his blue eyes focused on what was ahead; his strong body poised to stand against whatever would contradict his plans.

She then realized how easy it was to talk to him, even though she had only known him a couple of days. She felt a conflict rising between her thoughts and feelings. She wanted to see William again. But her worry said no.

Part 1 Review

What did you think of Part 1 of Inette's Sanctuary?
Do you think Inette's mother was right? Is Inette afraid of people? Or do you think it's as Inette said, that she only tires easily?
Do you think Inette will become friends with William? How does Captain Reigner fit into all of this?
Have you ever been afraid of something but didn't want to admit it? Did things get better when you did? God wants us to tell Him our troubles, to let Him handle them. You weren't meant to carry the burden alone.
Part 2 will be available for you to read a week from today, on March 9th. I hope to see you then!

- Elizabeth
Jesus Loves You!

Inette's Sanctuary: Part 1

Inette, a shy young lady, enjoyed the solitude of the forest river that ran through her father’s property. The daughter of a wealthy merchant, Inette was in every way an introvert, long before there was a name for such a state of character. She did not have many friends, but she enjoyed the company of a few furry critters. She found energy to face all her daunting tasks in the quiet of the river. She felt closer to God, and did not have to face her fear of people, which worried her mother and father very much.

One day, as she was sitting by the river, a young man intruded upon her sanctuary.

Inette, frightened by the stranger, bolted upward from her seat and pulled the hood of her cloak over her head. She glared at the man with a perturbed countenance.

“I apologize,” said the man. “I did not mean to startle you.”

Inette recognized the man as the newest member of her father’s fleet, Captain William. She said nothing.

“I am sorry to intrude, but your mother has sent me to bring you back to the house. You have a few guests for dinner, and she wishes you to be there.”

Inette continued to glare in silence, but obliged his endeavor, and walked with him to her house. William attempted conversation, but Inette remained ever silent.

“Are you well?” William asked.

“I am,” Inette answered, voice trembling.

“Do I scare you, ma’am?”

Inette wanted to say yes, but felt that it would be impolite. Instead she said nothing, the act of which only proved rude, and confirmed the young man’s suspicion.

“I do not mean to do so. But I am only doing what your mother asked of me.”

Upon returning to the house Inette’s mother invited William to stay for dinner, at which he heartily accepted. Inette was distraught! Another stranger for dinner, when there were already three other men under her father’s employ joining them. Of these three she only liked one. She was frightened of the other two because they were so rough and glared at her often. But Captain Reigner was kind to the girl from her youth, and she looked up to him as a grandfather. She sat next to him that night. Though little was said between them, Inette felt strong by his side.

As the guests were leaving, William thanked Inette’s mother for the food and said that he was delighted to meet all the family, giving a nod to Inette. Inette only politely curtsied and walked away.

Once the guests were gone Inette reproached her mother. “How could you be so indifferent to my feelings, mother?” she asked.

“Why do you persist in discourtesy?” Her mother returned. “You will never be married if you continue to hide from people.”

“I do not wish to marry. I wish to be left alone.”

“Your father and I won’t be around forever to protect you.” Inette’s mother burst out.

Inette was quiet.

“I know you are afraid of people. What sparked that fear I wish I knew. But you must overcome it, or you will never live a life worth living.”

Inette fought the tears welling in her eyes. “I’m not afraid,” she said.

“But you are. And the sooner you admit it, the sooner you can conquer it.”

“I only tire easily…”

“Oh, Inette.” Inette’s mother walked away, and Inette stood alone, ready to cry.