"The Reckoning" by MaryLu Tyndall

A book review of "The Reckoning" by MaryLu Tyndall

You know when you pick up a historical novel and you travel back in time? How you wish you were actually there? From the moment I had heard that MaryLu Tyndall had written a novel based on time travel back to the 17th century, I couldn't wait to read it. I mean, someone from the 21st century having to live in a time without electronics and modern medicine, surrounded by pirates and trying to absorb the culture. MaryLu didn't disappoint. A captivating read!

Morgan Shaw

She had it all. Rich parents, a good job, a handsome boyfriend. But did she really have it all? When she gets some devastating news that shakes all that she knows, she feels even more lost and alone than she ever had before. Dragged by her friend onto a pirate ship replica in San Diego harbor during a festival, she wanders to the depth of the ship to be alone, and suddenly finds herself transported back in time. Or is she? Morgan thinks her father has payed for an extravagant distraction, and is thoroughly convinced that everyone on the pirate ship is under her father's employ. Will something happen to her due to naivety, or will she find out that everything is real, and discover she has no way to return back home? Plagued by fears and anxiety, will Morgan ever learn to trust God the way she needs, and what will happen to this growing attraction to the devilishly handsome pirate that she seems to have no fears of?

Rowan Dutton

Rowan, having stolen a ship from his sister, has become a pirate and roams the seas looking for ships to plunder. Everything seems to be going perfectly, when he discovers a stowaway on his ship. Who is she and what is she doing on his ship? With a strange way of speaking, ridiculous male clothes, and speaking to a mysterious father in thin air, Rowan fears she is either crazy or possessed. No longer believing in the God who made him, his goal in life is to become rich, famous, and to eventually reconcile with his sister. As time goes on he begins to wonder if that will ever satisfy him. What is Rowan supposed to do with this mysterious woman, and what will happen when his womanizing ways catches up with him?

Morgan and Rowan. Two completely different people from two different worlds. One, a pirate and womanizer, and the other a software engineer who seems destined to fall for the wrong guys. Will Morgan learn to ever trust Rowan, and put her faith in God, and will Rowan ever learn to love one woman and to put aside his pride and reconcile with his family?

From the first moment I picked up the novel I felt a connection to Morgan. I mean, a distant father, a mother distracted by life and fears, the discovery of an illness that pushes all her fears to the forefront, and a penchant for dating all the wrong men. I loved how MaryLu Tyndall input all of her characteristics at the beginning. Some characters you slowly learn more about throughout the novel, but Morgan I felt I understood and got from the very beginning. I felt myself nodding or remembering times in my life when I felt the same as her, I may have even cried at one point in the novel. 

I never considered how difficult it would be to write a time travel book, but as I was reading the more fascinating I found it to be. MaryLu meshed the two worlds perfectly, catching everyone's confusion over the simplest of terms that we use today. Too often you read an historical fiction novel and the speech that you and I use today is the speech that they use, which bothers me because it makes it seem less real. Somehow MaryLu captured both modern language and 17th century lingo, meshing it so well that you truly felt you had been transported through time along with Miss Shaw.

A book of sacrifice, of courage, love and redemption. A book where you realize your dreams of living in the past may not be as easy as you always thought. Do you have the courage to step into a world of vicious pirates?  If you do, I recommend picking this phenomenal book up. Preorder today!

-- I received a copy of this book from the author and was asked for my honest opinion. I am under no obligation to give a good review of this book --

"Abandoned Memories" by MaryLu Tyndall

A book review of "Abandoned Memories" by MaryLu Tyndall

The third book of MaryLu Tyndall's series "Escape to Paradise" won't disappoint with its incredibly gripping tale. Set in 1866, the newly settled colony of New Hope can't seem to catch a break with disasters striking from all sides, and old memories seeming to take form before their very eyes.

Angeline Moore
Although she seems like the epitome of a perfect lady, something dark and sinister remains hidden from sight. She is running from the past and from the law, and with New Hope being her last hope, Angeline is desperate to reshape who she is before her secrets are found out and she is once again an outcast. With Wiley Dodd's repulsive glances and strange visions from her past, Angeline's new life is threatened more than she thought possible. Will she be able to turn to God and allow His forgiveness to make her clean, or will she be forced to leave her new home behind and return to the filthy streets of her past.

James Callaway
A doctor, a preacher, a drunk? James is hoping to put his past behind him and become the spiritual leader of the colony, but with no other doctor around, he seems to be forced to fill a role that he no longer feels he can do, and his strange reactions to those situations is threatening the good opinions of those in the colony. James is determined to create a utopia in Brazil, an area without immorality that was on every street corner back home, and ruined his life, and he hopes to stay on the right track with Angeline Moore at his side; a refined woman. With the bizarre disasters that keep striking the colony, James is pushed to the limit to discover what spiritual forces are at work before it destroys them all. Will James be able to overcome his fear of doctoring, his fleshly weaknesses, and become the spiritual leader that he has failed to become before?

Angeline's opinion of James is uncertain, but James wants to change that. He doesn't understand her distrust of him, and why she keeps spurring his advances. When her secrets are threatened to be revealed; being the one thing that will turn James away from her once and for all, she resolves to never allow them to become involved, turning him away from her life forever.

Something is strangely amiss in New Hope, and is setting the colonists on edge: haunting visions, crypts with chains beneath an ancient temple, an archaic Hebrew book. With the murder of one of their own, the colonists begin to believe that they have been brought to Brazil to defeat an evil that is wreaking havoc on the colony and the place they have begun to call home. Are they right? Is there an ancient evil, that if released, will destroy the known world?

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I read MaryLu's latest book in one sitting... literally! I sat down after supper and didn't put it down until I had finished. For some reason all of her novels have affected me this way, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Once again MaryLu has created an amazing read, full of biblical truths and worldly issues that is absent in Christian fiction today. Too often I put down the book, wondering if the main characters are followers of Christ, or they are just Church goers in our world. I want to be challenged in my faith, given an example of how to live, and given biblical examples to compare my life to. I want to read a novel that challenges me to read more of my bible than I do of novels, which is hard to find now-a-days.

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Killer ants, mysterious wolves, flash floods, and visions seem the last of their worries when the colony is visited by pirates and the lives of those they love have suddenly been threatened with their lives. Definitely a book I recommend to read as you will have a hard time putting it down as you will find yourself relating to those in the book and  the struggles they face.

"Elusive Hope" by MaryLu Tyndall

http://marylutyndall.com/books/elusive_hope

A Book Review of "Elusive Hope" by MaryLu Tyndall

Nothing but sparks fly when Hayden Gale and Magnolia Scott are within a couple miles of each other. Two people who are seeking something completely different, but somehow find a way to work together out of desperation to achieve their goals.

Magnolia Scott
What is a Southern belle doing in the jungles of Brazil and what would her fiance think if he saw her now, perspiring and swatting flies? Yuck! Magnolia doesn't intend to wait to find out. She is bound and determined to make her way back to everything she deems important; stunning gowns, gorgeous balls, and marriage to the man she thinks will save her.

Hayden Gale
Nobody but Hayden knows what he is doing in Brazil, and he would like nothing better than for it to stay that way. He is bound and determined to find his father and make him pay for the life that Hayden has to live. Hayden is positive that his father murdered his mother, and will do anything to bring him to justice, or is it revenge?

MaryLu Tyndall has done it again, she has captured her audience with a gripping tale of two people that professed to despise each other, but in reality aren't that different after all. They are both in a desperate search to find someone, Magnolia her fiance, and Hayden his scoundrel of a father; both will do anything necessary to reach that goal, including lying or possibly even stealing.

The moment I started reading her book I couldn't put it down. I am not saying this because I like to read, or because all of MaryLu Tyndall's books have turned out to be fantastic reads with deep biblical messages. Just the opposite. I loved her other books, but when I read a book I look for a difference in characters and a connection to the reader. One thing that I despise most is when the hero of a book, or the main male character, is alway the same. He reacts the same, says the same things, or makes the same decisions. Hayden Gale is quite a different character. He does everything opposite of a gentleman, because in all honesty, he isn't one.

I can always count on MaryLu Tyndall starting a book off with a splash, and in Elusive Hope, the second book in the Escape to Paradise trilogy, it literally is a splash! Her words gripped me in this telling tale in Brazil... and when I say gripped, I mean it. I started reading right before I went to bed, and ended up not falling asleep until I was finished. Suffice to say, it was a good thing I didn't have to work the next day.

I don't know how she does it but I could feel the sweat dripping off my back and the flies buzzing around my head as I read Elusive Hope. She also brought me so much closer to my relationship with God, really bringing home the message that God is our father, and that He cares intimately for each and every one of us. Both Hayden and Magnolia had difficult lessons to learn about God and His saving power and grace; MaryLu Tyndall is one of the best at painting that trying tale.

There is only one way you can really dive into Elusive Hope, and that is to find it somewhere, whether that is in your public library, in a book store, online to order a paper copy, or even an eBook version. I'm telling you it will be worth it!

For now I'm signing out,
Not-So-Princess Lizzy

Moving Out, and Moving On

Alright, so I originally named this blog A Girl's Step Up because I wanted to move on from the past. Take the few steps needed to get out of the the garbage dump that had become my life. That was when I went to school... and after college I moved back home, I, for the sole purpose of assisting others, willingly jumped back into the mire. I felt God call me to be at home, and it was a learning process that I in turn was blessed by. The time came though, when my dad was released from prison into a halfway house an hour from where I lived with my mom and brother, that I knew it was time to move out and move on.

So what does that mean? Move out and move on. Sounds so final. So unforgiving. It wasn't that at all. I love my family, and even though they put me through hell, and have scarred me for life with issues that I will have to work through, I would move mountains for them.

In reality, all I mean by that statement is leaving the past in the past. Not allowing it to decide our future. My situation could have a double meaning as I did move out of my parents house, and am now living on my own, which I recommend for everyone to do before they decide to get married. I am also moving out of the mind set of accepting my life for what it was, and not actively pursuing a change. I had no idea the amount of damage I had hidden in my heart until I was forced to confront it. A really important person in my life pulled me aside and told me that they had to actively restrain themselves from getting mad at those in my family for the way they treat each other and me. I had no idea there was a better option. I didn't know my family could have tackled life differently.

I had grown up with the thought that people showed love through their love language (whatever that may be) and that they couldn't really change that. This person kindly, but forcefully showed me that I wasn't being met, I wasn't being filled because no one in my family was giving love to me in my love language. They were too caught up in accepting the love that they received to notice that they weren't returning the favor of stepping out of their comfort zone, and perhaps showing love in a way that was different for them.

The transition between Spring & Summer - reminding me that
when we move on, we get to see more beauty. Spring
is more than just cleaning, it is also a glimpse at the beauty
to come. 

This wasn't an easy process, and it can't say that my eyes stayed dry, or have been completely dry for weeks now. I decided to get a counselor, which has been so helpful! I have never been so challenged spiritually, emotionally, & relationally, as I have been the last few weeks working through issues that have plagued me my whole life.

I have been learning all over again that I really do need to give everything to God, and trust in Him. I need to find my encouragement in Him and to do that I need to work through the past and look to the future. As I am working through these issues, such as boundaries and abandonment, I am discovering more of who I am as a person, and what I want my future to look like. This verse really impacted me earlier when I read it, and I just wanted to share it with you guys.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints." - Ephesians 6:10-18

Satan will constantly strive to bring us down, to not let us MOVE ON, but we can't let him. We have to stand strong in God, and to do that we need to be prepared. So everyone, drop your past, your sins, your weights that are holding you back. See a counselor or someone that you can truly confide in if you need to, but you got to get rid of that extra baggage if you are going to be able to fight to the end, to finish the race strong.

Feelin' rejuvenated,
Not-So-Princess Lizzy

My Life Story - Part 2

Alright, so about a month ago I started telling you a little about myself. It is time to share a little more of my crazy, ridiculous, amazing story.

I'll recap from where I left off. My Dad was paying taxes for reasons explained earlier, and so our house got raided... and we moved out temporarily (us kids) to a friends house for a month and a half. This is where our story continues...

The Waiting

I don't know if I have ever told y'all, but I am an extremely impatient person! When I say impatient... I mean IMPATIENT!!! We were finally allowed to move back into our house, which I am extremely thankful for, because it was so hard to explain to everyone at school (I was in grade 10 at the time) why I wasn't getting a ride from my parents to school, why I couldn't have friends over, why I always needed rides for volleyball practices and games, why I only had about 10 sets of clothes, why I didn't seem like myself, etc, etc, etc. I could go on, but I won't. We eventually (Nathan, Caleb and I) moved back in to our house and everything seemed to go back to normal. 

You could almost say that we forgot what had happened, but we didn't. It was lurking in the back of our minds every day, wondering when the cops would come knocking with the verdict. Days went by, then weeks,  and soon months were zipping by and I couldn't stop them. I didn't want to ask my mom if she knew what was happening, and asking my dad was just not a smart idea because he was bitter and angry all of the time. I slowly began to shut down my emotions, especially where my dad was concerned.

I know it sounds like a sad and horrible thing, to stop caring for your father, and at times I look back and wonder why I didn't notice what I was doing, but I guess I was too focused on forgetting the experiences and just wanted to move on. 

Waiting is just like winter... it never seems to end

A year went by and we were still left wondering if something bad was going to happen. I would find my mom sitting on her bed sometimes, just staring off into space, and I'd carefully crawl onto the bed, sit beside her, and just lean my head against her shoulder. We would just sit there, for 10 minutes, 30 minutes. However long it took for us to get back to reality. 

Throughout this waiting period I guess we almost forgot. Well at least I almost did. Not in the emotional sense, but just in how much I consciously thought about it. Don't get me wrong, it was always on my mind, but I just seemed to accept this anxious waiting as normal, and didn't notice how tense our house was constantly. 

This of course is when all the big problems with my older brother Caleb started. We argued constantly. I don't mean just arguing, but arguing to the point where one of us was choking the other, and punches and kicks were flying everywhere. I began to loose my focus on what family really looked like because our house was so tense that we couldn't get along worth beans. 

The Hiding Place

By February 2011, we almost expected nothing would ever happen with the paperwork they took from us. 

They had returned the boxes by then (all the stuff they took from my dad), and we all began to breath a little better thinking nothing would come of it. Suddenly everything took a turn for the worst!

I knew something was going on, because my mom was extremely upset, and my dad wasn't in the house at all. I was in my grade 11/12 year (I had enough credits, so I decided to graduate a year early from High School and just be done with the drama that came with it) and I was struggling with having extra courses on my plate. Eventually I went to my mom, after a couple days, and asked her what was going on. She gave me the scariest look... one I will never forget; one of absolute hopelessness.

She steered me to my room and shut the door. She then began to ask me if I remembered the "RAID". I told her yes, and she proceeded to tell me that her and Dad had received a summons to appear in court. Dad decided that they weren't going to, because he was listening to all these "WISE MEN" that told him he wasn't required to show up. A bench warrant was then issued, and the cops were on the lookout for both of them. At this my mom asked me to not tell Nathan (Caleb was in Bible School at the time), and  to keep it a secret for a while. 

After a period of time (I do not remember how long), the cops started to come by the house. The first time this happened was honestly so surreal that I felt like I was in a movie. We heard a vehicle pull up and we looked out the blinds. When we saw the two cop cars we got everyone together and hid so that we were not visible from any windows. I don't know how we did it, but the cops didn't see us and they proceed to knock for quite some time, demanding we open the door. After a while they left and we had to then discuss what we were going to do next. 

The cops proceeded to come quite often, coming during the day, and at night. We discovered that the best place to hide was in my bedroom because you could just see out the window enough to see the cops at the front door, and hear them talking, but we could stay hidden behind the blinds. There were times when the cops walked around the house, checking windows and doors, peering behind curtains with the flashlights. So many times they would almost catch a glimpse of us, and we would hold still, and hope that we weren't casting a shadow or breathing too loudly. 

Truffle, my dog (bichon-havanese) would bark like crazy because she knew something was wrong, and all I could do was hold her and calm her down. She would shake uncontrollably because she had no idea what was going on, but could sense our fear. There were many times I thought my heart would beat right out of my chest. This went on until the beginning of march... and this is where the next part comes into play. I'll tell you more about that later. 

Ever Hopeful,

Not-So-Princess Lizzy

Becoming a True Woman

Alright, for all you ladies out there, this is for you. I don't know or care if you are single, dating, or married. If you are young or old or straight up wrinkly all over. Our entire life is a struggle to become a True Woman of God, to become the women we all desire to be. I'm going to talk about what the Bible says about this, and maybe give a few pointers from what I have learned. I am also planning on doing a day by day study on Proverbs 31:10-31, a passage on what a "Worthy" woman looks like, and who we should strive to be in our relationships and marriages. 

So what do you think a beautiful woman looks like? Maybe a woman with perfect hair every day, or a stunning face, a perfect body? We define one of the most important terms for a woman with such derogatory and negative definitions, it's no wonder we are so broken and seek the wrong sort of men to make us feel loved.

I read a book recently by Chad Eastham called "The Truth about Guys". Yeah, I know, sounds cheesy, but I really wanted to hear what he had to say about why we think the way we do, and how we need to change our thinking before we find that "Dream Boat" guy us girls always wish for. I found the following excerpt extremely fascinating.

A Girl's Value Menu  If you could choose to be either of the following hypothetical girls, which one would you prefer?

Girl A: When a guy looks at you, he thinks most guys don't have a chance. Not because you are too beautiful or because you're mean, but because you don't seem interested in all boys. A guy sees you and knows it is going to take a lot of effort to develop a friendship with you. He's going to have to use his heart and his head if he's going to have a chance at any type of relationship with you. When a guy makes an effort to meet you, he stares into your eyes as though he is trying to see right into your heart. He's there to help you, not harm you. He wants you to know you are really important and he wants the best for you. He compliments you for no reason at all, and he doesn't require something of you at the end of the sentence... or the evening. He looks out for you, even when you aren't looking out for yourself. A guy who spends time with you wants to make you laugh and smile. Seeing you giggle when he looks at you makes him happier than most anything. He simply wants you to know you are wonderful, beautiful, and deserve nothing but the best, with no strings attached. And he doesn't want anything in return for this at all.

Girl B: A guy looks at you and thinks you are a mighty fine piece of meat. He thinks you look like someone that he can try some new stuff with. He knows he doesn't have to marry you in order to get you to do whatever he wants. He's determined to win you over tonight - and by "win" he's only thinking of his own satisfaction and pleasure. He doesn't really care about meeting your needs - especially not in the long run - as long as you can meet his. he wants something from you, and he figures that with minimal effort you'll probably give it to him.  

Drum Roll: ...Believe it or not, guys love friendships and relationships, with Girl A! The thing to note her is that you are the person who determines which girl you are seen as. Let me say that again. It's not up to anyone else to make that decision - it's up to YOU!

A girl who displays her sex appeal, a party girl, or a loud-mouthed, insecure girl who is craving a guy's attention all the time likely isn't going to be swept off her feet by a handsome prince who just wants to stare into her eyes all day. Not that you just want to be stared at, but you get the point

Likewise, a girl who doesn't use her body in sexual ways to get attention, one who cares about her reputation and has goals and relationship standards ahead of time, is not going to settle for anything less than someone who cares for her. She refuses to be seen as a target, so guys don't look at her and think she is prey. She has those rules written all over her. 

Guys see the instructions for girls ahead of time - before we get within twenty feet of them - so we know if we want to start out on their terms or not. Every girl may want to be seen as valuable, precious, and as someone to be treasured. But in reality, many girls who want to be treasures actually look more like targets; they just can't figure out why! 

 Remember: you have a heart perfectly designed for you by the greatest of designers. Your heart is there for you to take care of, so when you expose it, it will be cherished and taken care of in return. Allow your heart to be so wrapped up in God that a guy has to ask for directions to get to it 

The best guy in the world cannot give you everything you need. He can't be perfect. He can't fill your voids. Most important, none of that is his job. A guy doesn't want a girl who needs him to be her dad. A guy doesn't want to convince you that you are beautiful. He wants to sit in admiration of your beauty! But he can't do that unless you let him. And you can't let him until you believe it yourself!

 So what do you think? Is Chad right? Do we really need to project ourselves differently, because the way we act is drawing the wrong kind of guys? Are we looking to guys to fill our voids, and we are allowing them to see how broken we are, therefore they are better able to use us and abuse us?

I believe that Chad is completely right! He hit it on the spot. Girls always seem to be needy. We are never perfect enough. There is always someone better, and we are always comparing. Learning to be content with who we are is never easy, but if you want a healthy relationship with the "hero" of your life, that is what you need to do!

We need to search the scriptures, and find out what God desires us to be like, how we are to become a True Woman! Then, and only then, will we begin to see ourselves that way (not vainly, but with honesty)

1 Peter 3:3 says, "Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear."

Do you rely on outward things to feel beautiful? I was challenged last year to fast for a week. I decided that I didn't wish to fast from food, but from makeup. From then on, I have strived to be able to go a day a week, or at least one day in a month without makeup around a boyfriend, your best friends, your work, anywhere. Just go a day without. It may seem hard at first, but ti is so empowering, especially the more you do it. You learn to be beautiful for who you are internally, not just the beautiful on the outside.

On that note, another verse about inner beauty. Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Did you catch that? Christ lives in us, and there is nothing more beautiful or empowering than that. We have life because of Jesus' sacrifice. When we live to let him flourish within us, we glow like never before. It is time you let Christ shine through you!

Before I let you go for the day, I want you to read the following passage from Proverbs, and just study the words. They are powerful, and some might not make sense right now, but don't worry. I'll go into detail for you later on!

The Woman Who Fears the LORD

PROVERBS 31:10-31

10. An excellent wife who can find?

She is far more precious than jewels.

11. The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he will have no lack of gain.

12. She does him good, and not harm,

all the days of her life.

13. She seeks wool and flax,

and works with willing hands.

14. She is like the ships of the merchant;

she brings her food from afar.

15. She rises while it is yet night

and provides food for her household

and portions for her maidens.

16. She considers a field and buys it;

with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

17. She dresses herself with strength 

and makes her arms strong.

18. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.

Her lamp does not go out at night.

19. She puts her hands to the distaff,

and her hands hold the spindle.

20. She opens her hand to the poor

and reaches out her hands to the needy.

21. She is not afraid of snow for her household,

for all her household are clothed in scarlet.

22. She makes bed coverings for herself;

her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23. Her husband is known in the gates

when he sits among the elders of the land.

24. She makes linen garments and sells them;

she delivers sashes to the merchant.

25. Strength and dignity are her clothing,

and she laughs at the time to come.

26. She opens her mouth with wisdom,

and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

27. She looks well to the ways of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28. Her children rise up and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:

29. "Many women have done excellently,

but you surpass them all."

30. Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,

but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31. Give her the fruit of her hands,

and let her works praise her in the gates.

Feelin' Empowered,

Not-So-Princess Lizzy

Foam Painting

Alright everyone... so I know I have been a slacker in posting... so here goes. I have been doing a few new crafts, and I want you to check 'em out. So here is something that I have started for a friend. I am not sure if I like it quite yet, so I am working on maybe changing it a little bit, but here goes. I might redo it as I discovered things as I went along...

I have a verse this year that I picked that really means a lot to me, something that I want to symbolize and represent me and how I have grown throughout the year. That verse is Jeremiah 17:7-8. It says,

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,

whose trust is the LORD. 

He is like a tree planted by water,

that sends out its roots by the stream,

and does not fear when heat comes,

and is not anxious in the year of drought,

for it does not cease to bear fruit."

I chose this verse, and then I started noticing on Pinterest the amount of crafts that contain trees on them... so I decided to give them as gifts for Christmas to my family as I made them. Anyways, this I didn't see on Pinterest, but I saw tips on how to do it, so I decided to give it a try... and kinda failed.

Here is what I did. I saw a pin on how you can write with foam paint on wax paper, and later mod podge it onto canvas. I figured, why not do this with the verses! Unfortunately the only foam paint I have is fabric foam paint. I thought it was the same thing for some reason, and went for it. I printed it off, wrote it out on wax paper, and once it was dry realized my mistake. It doesn't harden stiff like regular foam paint as it is made to mold with a shirt/fabric. Therefore it doesn't come off the wax paper. 

I then had to change what I was doing. I threw out the foam paint on wax paper... and started fresh. I took the verse and taped it to the back of the canvas (after I had watered down a yellow and brownish paint and covered the background), and traced the words with a pencil. I then took the paint and wrote the words directly onto the canvas. Unfortunately, when I wrote with the pencil, my hand got tired, and I was not very careful with how clear or precise my lines were. 

When the paint had dried, I realized my problem. Some of the pencil lines were visible, and if I erased to vigorously, it would break the paint off. I got most of the pencil off, and I don't think it looks too bad. 

For the second part of this gift I painted a tree and did swirly colors (like my last craft, which you can find here) as the leaves. I then took buttons and glued them down onto the canvas to give it a 3D effect. I am not quite sure I like the colors that much, but here is the finished product. Hopefully you like it, but I will definitely have to use REAL foam paint if I am going to attempt this again!

My Life Story - Part 1

Alright, so I know y'all are going to be going into shock right now as I am putting up a new post right now, especially at this early hour, but I just felt like it was needed. I'm going to break it all to you straight, I'M RUN DOWN.

I know you are all in the dark as to why, so that is what this post is all about... and I apologize in advance for the length and will probably split up the story to a few entries. For the past 3, almost 4 years my life has been a living hell. You know when you are watching a movie full of cops and such, and you are thinking to yourself, WOW, I don't know if I could live through that... well my family just did.

Intro

My dad, due to deep residing hatred against CRA for stealing millions of dollars back in '95 decided to not pay income taxes. He filed zero's on his tax returns, and my mom did as well to keep our family together. This of course had to come to an end at some point, and in November of 2009 they (meaning cops, family services, CRA employees, as well as who knows else) raided our home and seized all of my dad's paperwork as well as went through EVERYTHING in the house. And I mean everything.

I was at in class at the time at the Christian School in town. I was currently in grade 10, and had no idea what was happening just 4 km away. The secretary came to my class and asked to see me, which was strange because that wasn't something that ever happened. The worst scenarios were going through my head... my parents died in a car accident, my brother died from a drug overdose, my grandfather passed away... I never imagined what would happen next.

She brought me to the office and said that I had a visitor that wished to speak to me... and at this I was extremely confused... like more than normal. She brought me to the principle's office and introduced me to a family service representative. She seemed nice and all, but I was a little confuzzled (yes that is a word) as to why she was visiting me. I mean, my parents weren't child beaters.... so what was this all about.

I soon got my answer as she explained that they were investigating my family as we were brought to their attention. She wouldn't say by whom or why, but I just went along with it. She proceeded for the next hour to pump me with questions about how my parents raised me, how they treated us kids, how we were punished etc. Now I will be the first to say that I got MANY whippings and other various forms of disciplining as a child (including the removal of books for two weeks :P), but I know that I deserved them in some way, shape or form. I knew my parents loved me, and were trying to raise me to become the God-fearing woman that I am now. Nearing the end of the hour she asked me when the last time my parents had punished me with the belt. I of course answered with as much truth as possible in saying it had been a while, but how long I had no idea.

Even at the age I was, I knew that the wrong answer could put us kids in a relative's residence... and that scared me. I was "careful" with everything I said, fearing what she was writing in that notepad of hers. Little did I know that my older brother Caleb, by 1.5 years, was in the room beside mine also talking to a family service rep. He was grilled the same way, and I am assuming answered in the same form as me.

She finally allowed me to return to my class, in which I had a hard time acting like life was normal and that it wasn't just about to fall apart! I sat through the remaining hour of class and waited anxiously for my mom to pick me up, all the while pretty much ignoring my friends around me. The moment I got into the vehicle I knew life wouldn't be the same again. She drove Caleb and I home, all the while explaining what was going on. She seemed shocked to find out that we had been talked to already, and was furious that she was not told by family services before they spoke to us. And the funny thing was, that we were both told that our parents were told about our meeting and were fine with it.

The Home Scene

I was in for the shock of my life when we drove onto the driveway and discovered about 20 cop cars as well as about another 10 civilian cars on our driveway and street, some with the lights still flashing. My mom informed my brother and I to pack up about a weeks worth of clothes and anything else we would need because we were moving into a family friend's house for the time being.

Our view off the back of the property

When I walked into my room I felt completely violated. There were two people in there going through my journals as well as my books and clothing. They didn't necessarily "mess" anything up, but you could tell where they had been already as things were shifted. I don't know if you have ever experienced something like that, but I don't wish to experience it again. Gives me the shivers remembering.

I packed my clothes and grabbed all my school stuff as well as some books and my volleyball gear. I remember grabbing some shirts as my mom walked into my room and looked at me with huge tears in her eyes. She just stood in the doorway, looking about to break into pieces, and the only thing I could do was go to her and give her the biggest hug ever and tell her that everything would be OK,  and that we just had to pray.

Once ready, she drove us over 3 blocks and dropped us off, all the while telling us she would be by soon to check up on us. To keep this portion of the story from going on forever... I am going to hurry it up and just say that we lived there for a month and a half while my parents fixed an "apparent mold problem" that could be "SMELLED" from the upstairs to the downstairs (not actually possible) as well as correct some of the wiring and electrical in the house that was unfinished as we were in the middle of a renovation.

I am about to sign off for now as I don't think I can write any more as I am super exhausted but I will either write some more tomorrow or Saturday, and let you know a little bit more about my crazy story, and how God made it possible for me to continue to live one more day at a time.

Feelin' a little blue,
Not-So-Princess Lizzy

A Lasting Legacy

Sorry for the pause between my posts. I have had the most busy week of my life. No joke. Let me tell you about it.

From July 16-20th I had VBS at my church. This means that I was up at 5am and wouldn't get to sleep till super late. Oh. I just realized that some of you may not know what VBS is. It stands for Vacation Bible School. It usually lasts a week and is jam packed with fun songs, activities, stories, crafts, games, and videos. Kids just love to learn more about God during this time, and the easy Bible points and verses make it easy for them to remember.

So anyways, I was just working with my church for VBS. The week before was so busy, I worked 70 hours. I don't know if I could have survived one more hour! Then this week came along and I worked another 60 hours. I don't know how I did it, but with God's assistance I made it out alive.

Who knew VBS takes so much planning? We did SKY, where everything is possible with God. It was all about Trusting God through everything. No matter who you are, how you feel, what people say, what happens, or where you are... you need to TRUST GOD!

This year we had 98 kids that came! This was way more than ever before, and many of them had never seen a bible or heard about Christ Jesus, who had died for them. The Gideon's sent us New Testament Bibles, which we got to give to all of the children as well.

It was funny though, Satan was definitely hard a work around us. He sent people to complain about the stupidest things; the food, money, and other inconsequential details. It was definitely a time to practice patience and trust.

Something that I was reminded of today during bible study is that we are leaving a legacy behind us, but what kind are we leaving? I thought of VBS and how the children look up to the leaders. I had a main part in VBS, being a leader on stage. Each morning of VBS there was a skit that took place, and I had the privilege to be the main character. The kids saw me throughout the morning, and would always say hi to me, tell me they loved me and thought I was funny.

The more I think about this, the more I realize that I need to leave that kind of impression everywhere I go. I need to live out my faith in God, be the best I can be so that others can learn from my experiences and examples, and eventually turn their life over to Christ.

So the bible study today about having a good lasting legacy made me think about how I am acting around others and what people remember about me when I am no longer around. Maybe I need to start to consider changing the legacy I am leaving... Just some food to chew on.

Pondering life
Not-So-Princess Lizzy

The Long Journey...

What a busy time and frustrating time summer is. I can't even think without having something blow up in my face. As you all know I am the intern with my church here in town. VBS is only 6 days away!!! It is crunch time and I am getting absolutely tired. I have worked 14 hours every day for the past week and a half, and next week is going to be worse! 

It may not be the worst hours every, but it is so draining. What I do every day is make sure we have all of the donations we need, I organize them, I make lists for everything we have and all of the volunteers we are acquiring as well as all of the participants. I have had to go through all of the curriculum and make sure that everything is the way we want it. This past week I have been helping a lot with decorations, climbing on 12 foot + ladders to put signs up, huge 3D planes and such. I am breaking a sweat just thinking about it. 

Well I guess the thing that has been bothering me about VBS is that I feel Satan's constant attack. It is true that he prowls about like a roaring lion looking for prey to devour. He can tell we are doing the Lord's work and he is attacking at all sides to stop us from reaching these kids. Let me tell you a little bit about what has been going on, with no names of course :P 

"Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 

                                                 - 1 Peter 5:8

So, to begin with my grandfather has been placed in a home. I don't remember if I mentioned it before hand, but he has vascular dementia and Alzheimer's. It has slowly getting worse, and since I stayed with them last summer it has gotten so bad. He doesn't remember his own daughters, and sometimes he can't figure out how to open a door or hold cutlery properly. If you knew him you would realize how foreign this is for him. He used to complain about how everyone didn't know how to properly hold a spoon whilst eating soup (there is a certain way to do so). Anyways, for him to not know this, to not recognize his wife of over 50 years, it is extremely disheartening. He can't remember days, or keep track of time. He can't cloth himself and is so dangerous to have around. He actually began to threaten everyone before we managed to place him in a lock down security home just a couple of days ago.

The second thing that I noticed was some stuff surrounding my family. I can't explain online due to confidentiality stuff, even though I would like to. Well anyways, there is a big closing date coming up, but the stress from the possible outcome is eating me and the rest of my family alive. We honestly can't breathe until this all gets cleared up. We are definitely praying that it comes to a close. 

Thirdly is a whole new situation that we learned about on Sunday. My uncle had an affair with someone for 5 months and the way that it was discovered was not exactly pleasant. Now there are emotions running rampant throughout the family; of distrust, hatred, disgust, and depression. Honestly I don't know what hurts more, the fact that that he did he betrayed the family, or that everyone is counselling for a divorce to happen after 36 years of marriage. So this has been on my mind, causing me to have little sleep, and distracting me from God's Kingdom work (VBS). 

One thing that has really been frustrating me is that because I am only the intern here at work I am not treated the same as, say, the rest of the staff on pay roll. Mostly because I am only 18, just a few years older than a lot of the younger leaders' children. This past week my supervisor and I have been extremely frustrated because of the way we were treated (mostly me) towards an issue for VBS. We thankfully worked it out, and God has been good, convicting those that didn't treat me the way they should have, but I still sometimes wish I was older.

Well anyways, with everything that is going on I just feel the weight continually crashing down. Oh. I almost forgot. Today when my boss and I went out for lunch, just to get out of the office, we stopped at a Christian establishment and right after we finished praying a couple beside us pulled out Taro cards (cards that are used for seeing into the future) and began reading them for each other. We both stopped eating and began praying loud enough that they could hear us if they tuned in. We prayed for God's protection and such and then we went inside, and found a pastor sitting right close by. Just as he was about to come and speak to them about doing that in the building they packed up and left! The feeling of unease that had swept over me since the first moment they pulled out those cards left. It was actually scary how affected everyone around us felt. 

So I guess what I am trying to say with everything that has been going on is that Satan is trying to distract my boss and I from doing His work. We have 90 kids signed up for VBS, 25 in preschool with 3 on a waiting list, and the rest in the elementary group. We have room for 100 and we start on Monday. We have never had this many kids for VBS before so it is incredible to see so many children, many unsaved coming to church to learn about Christ. Satan sees this as an opportunity to turn these little ones away from Christ, but we aren't letting some distractions in our life stop us. We have actually committed to praying with each other right when we get to the office, before work distracts us as well. 

The amazing peace that has come over us in the last couple of days has been incredible and the amount of donations that we have received are also overwhelming. We have an overflow of donations, enough that we can actually use some to pay for some of our fall children's ministry! 

I will continue to pray that we wont let Satan's distractions work and keep us from God's work. I will also continue to pray for those in my family and everything else that has been happening, including my one brother getting beaten up in a situation that he calls "spiritual" due to the bizarre nature of it. Absolutely unbelievable what Satan has attempted to do in my life recently, and it is due to these frustrating experiences that I know that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. 

"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." 

                                                                                                - Matthew 5:10-12

I will stand firm on His rock. I will trust in Him. I will not look to the right or the left, but only praise his name. 

Praising God through the storms,

Not-So-Princess Lizzie

Long Time

So. I know that it has been a long time since I have posted, and for that I am really sorry. Life gets busy. What can I say? Anyways, I am hopefully back for good. I will be posting a lot of recipes in the next little while because I love baking and I want to find some really good gluten-free, dairy-free, and mostly sugar-free recipes. Who knows. We will hopefully discover some great recipes along the way.

I guess I should update you all. I was originally planning on going to England in September for YWAM (Youth With A Mission). Right now that plan has been put on hold because I have realized what I want to do with my future. I am hoping on becoming an Event Planner. I don't know what side of that I may be, whether it is a Wedding Planner or Planning stuff with hotel conference rooms, what I do know is that I am excited for this future that I have found and I hope that I can help others in it.

What I do need is to get 2 courses that I didn't finish in High School done because I did not think I would need them..... guess I was wrong. But hey, that happens when you skip a grade. So I will intern with my church this summer. Oh. I forgot to tell you that too. I am interning with my church hopefully this summer, I have to talk to my Pastor on Monday about how that will work with my messed up schedule. For the internship to work the church needed a grant from the government, and for the church to get that grant they need someone that is going to be coming out of school and going in to school, now since I haven't been accepted and some university or college for business courses, we will have to see how that will work out. Cross our fingers right?

Well anyways, if I get the internship still, then everything will work out. I will take the courses online and work full time with the church. I will then figure out where to go to school... that is the tough one I think. Do I try and apply in Calgary at U of C or Mt. Royal, or do I just stick with the college near home in Kelowna? I am just not sure.

I should also tell you about college at CBC. It was one of the best years of my life. I had so much fun, made a few really good friends, and learned so much about my faith and about myself. Who knew there was so much to learn. The pictures I posted with this post are from a photo shoot we did before we all left. I will definitely miss everyone so much and these pictures will get me through missing them.

So this is the first post of Summer 2012, and you should expect to hear more coming soon.

Looking brightly to the future,
Not-So-Princess Lizzy

Christmas

So.... How was everyone's Christmas?

I have to say that mine was half decent, but this year it has not felt like Christmas at all. It is the strangest thing! It makes someone begin to really think about it. Why does it not feel like Christmas? I had to think about this, and I just realized it now. It is because it is no longer about Christ.

Did any of you know the real meaning of Merry Christmas? It is so often misunderstood. So many believe it is about Santa Claus, or about some guy name Scrooge. And the worst part, they are now changing the holiday name. Look around, any store, they will say happy holidays. The signs say the same thing. The trees are called holiday trees, not Christmas trees, and why is that? They are trying to hide what Christmas is really about.

The real meaning of the phrase Merry Christmas means the joyful and anxious return of the savior of the world Jesus Christ. Not some story about wisemen and shepherds and a baby with animals, but the savior of the world. Yes that is a part of the story, but Jesus didn't come so we could say that there was a baby in a manger, he came so we could proclaim to the world that he had saved us through his death. The two parts of the story should be put together. Yes, each season has a specific reason for the celebration, and yes Christmas was about Jesus' birth, but I have even found for myself that I forget the ultimate reason and just say that he was a baby born from a virgin because God decided to send his son to earth. Now I am sorry, but that sounds ridiculous if you don't give the rest of the story.

Now I know that I just talked about not doing this already, but I am going to post the Christmas story according to Luke 2, and I want you to really think about it. I am 17 years old and I have grown up with this story. But I so often forget to really think about this story. Read and absorb. :D

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up form Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which  the Lord hath made known unto us". And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."  - Luke 2:1-20

Assignment

So, I guess you are really sick of my homework, but I can't help it. I don't know where else to journal. :) So here goes. Today I need to write down my prayers. You don't have to read if you don't want to.

Dear Lord,


Everything is starting to seem so hectic. I can't ever focus on my prayers. I start and then my mind wanders, and I am really sorry about that. I just want to thank you for allowing me to stay at college here. I am so tired of trying to find the funds and trying to come up with some money so that I can stay. The fact that my grandparents church is willing to give me money astounds me. How you could have put it on their hearts to be willing to give money to someone most of them do not know is so touching. I just don't know what to say about it. Lord, I want to thank you for everyone here at college. They are all so kind and no one is condescending or rude to me. I love working as a cashier in the kitchen on campus because I get to see so many faces, and can maybe bring a smile to a few of them. 


You have given me so much and I have given so little in return. I guess what I am trying to say is I don't know what to say. You have blessed me to the fullest extent and I can't give anything in return.


I would like to pray for a few things, and I know that you don't keep tabs of such things, but I want to thank you in advance. Please I pray for 3 people that I met online at powertochange.com. Thank you for allowing me to be a mentor there and I just pray that everyone that I meet will be willing to listen to what you have to say through me. Help Lou Lou with her addiction lord and help her realize that you love her and will help her overcome that addiction. Be with Cher as she struggles with deaths in her family who were not followers of you. And calm PC as she books an appointment with the doctor and discoveres why she is feeling so terrible all the time. Lord God I just pra that you will help these three women in their struggles and allow them to draw closer to you in their times of need.


I would like to thank you for my brother, for it is his birthday today, and you love him dearly. I just would like to ask that you would give him and his wife a good day and that he would feel your presence as he is beginning to age lol. 


I also would like to pray for the girls in my dorm unit at college. M is really struggling with addiction, and K is healing. L is trying to overcome the past. The rest of the girls - J, J, A, N, D, A, T haven't shared yet, but Lord I pray that you will guide their hearts and minds to know what you desire for them to share and that you will help others to understand what they are going through and comfort them. 


Thank you so much Lord, and I just pray that your will be done, and that you will have your hand in everything I mentioned  today.

Struggling, but happy,
Not-So-Princess Lizzy

Amen

Meditation

For another required thing I have to for school is journal about my experience as I used discursive meditation for a passage in the bible. I really felt God calling me to meditate on Matthew 6:25-33. The only way I will remember anything is to write down as I meditate, so get ready for a bunch of jumble.

Jesus is talking to his disciples on a mountainside.  The sky is clear, it smells fresh and clean. I can hear the birds in the air. I really wish that I had a pen to write down everything Jesus is saying, or maybe I do, I'm not quite sure about that. I know that Jesus is my saviour, but the rest of the disciples don’t know that yet. I can’t get enough of what he has just said. Gross, the grass is wet and is making my clothes damp. Guess I didn't notice as I have been sitting here for a while. I wonder what happened to all he people following Jesus, where did they go. Did they not see us go up here on the hillside, curious? It is a nice day, not too warm or cold; just perfect if you ask me. You know that smell when you are outside and it just smells like it is growing? Well that is what it smells like here; fresh.  

Jesus has been talking a while on being quiet about our prayer and our giving. This is so different from what I am used to! All my life I grew up thinking that we were supposed to be vocal about our prayers, using extravagant words and everything and make public displays of donation so that people will praise us, but no. That is all wrong. Suddenly Jesus came to the section that most astonished me! How can someone talk like this? I just sit here listening, my attention never wavering. 

"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?

And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! 

Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or "What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for you heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Does this mean that I have to trust that everything will be provided for me? So often I wake up and worry about what people will think about what I am wearing or how I appear. At times I worry about where the food will come from or how I will make enough to pay for my rent. I don’t know if I can just give it all up to him. It is easier to hold those things close and not let others know about them, so to fully give it up to God is so hard. I want to ask Jesus about what I should do if he doesn’t provide. What if I trusted in him and I didn’t get fed, or had enough to pay my rent and get kicked out. What do I do then?

So that was the end of the assignment. Hope you guys learned something from my rambling :)

Meditating,

Not-So-Princess Lizzy