Plus! Choosing Summer Shades (pg. 28) • Your Tea Time Photo Challenge Entries (pg. 32)
Gazette irlfriend
a Tea Time
menu True Identity The Gift of Being Nothing the Legend
of Canterwell
pg. 22
THE INDEX
INDEX
In this Issue
8 True Identity “Identity; the very word grabs me. In all honesty it sometimes even consumes me, or it did until God started a journey in my heart.”
15 The Tea Table “If you know me you probably also know that there is nothing I love quite like a cup of tea… and the loveliness of a fun and elegant tea party.”
24 The Legend of Canterwell “Now Zaria and Lizzy were on their way to a legendary castle, to catch a villain and find a living heir for the kingdom of Benedic.”
28 Choosing Summer Shades “Always have trouble picking the right pair of sunglasses that keep the sun out of your eyes and compliment your face? If so, this face-shape guide will dazzle you.”
41 Antique Paper “I love paper. I love sitting down at my desk with a fresh, clean sheet of white paper. But I also love the kind that looks old and crisp.”
WELCOME GIRLFRIEND
! d n ie r f Hello I’m so grateful that you’re here, taking the time to read what’s written on the pages of this magazine. The fact that you’re here reading this completed issue is a miracle in itself… it just wouldn’t have been possible without Jesus! My prayer is that this magazine, the art, the articles, the stories, would, even if in just a small way, point you back to Him. I pray that today you will delight in being His daughter. In this Summer 2014 issue of GG, we are celebrating what it means to be a daughter of God. The identity we have in being His (pg. 8), the delight in being near Him because He is a good King (pg. 22), and the wonderful gift that—since He has adopted us— we no longer have to live in fear (pg. 38), are some of the things we are going to explore together. A huge thanks to each one who poured a little bit of themselves into this issue! God bless you! And to each young woman reading this… remember today, beautiful princess, how dearly you are loved by your Father, the King. You are so , so treasured...
Much Love & Gratitude,
From Zephaniah 3: 16—17
Do not fear; let not your hands be weak
.
. THE LORD YOUR GOD IN YOUR MIDST,
Mighty
The One, WILL SAVE. HE WILL QUIET YOU WITH HIS LOVE,
Rejoice
He will
OVER YOU WITH SINGING.
MEET SOME OF THE CONTRIBUTORS Christy Barkman | Creative Assistant I am an people-person; outgoing and ready for LIVING. I desire to be a "little-Christ", one who does as He did, one who loves Him so much that nothing will come in the way of honoring and imitating Him. Learning to linger over little moments and love them to their core is my passion. Polaroid memories, worn journals and piles of pens, marked-up Bibles, COLOR, coffee-shop atmosphere and heart talks, thrift store shopping, interesting buildings, childhood pictures and videos, kindred spirits and paint samples are some of my favorite things.
Cheyenne Sensenig | Illustrator “What love the father has lavished on [me], that [I] should be called [a child] of God! And that is what [I am]!” 1 John 3:1. I am an imperfect person who would probably annoy you sometimes, but God still loves me. That’s cool! :) I love drawing and playing around with digital art and design. I was born in Canada, grew up in China, and currently am working in the USA. I am 27 - 10 = _ _ years old. I want to go to Antarctica, ride in a helicopter, go to Amsterdam, and work with victims of trafficking.
Savannah Knepp | The Flying Crochet Hook I live in Canon City, Colorado. I have three brothers and four sisters and am the seventh child. My hobbies consist of shopping, sewing, crocheting, playing piano, talking, painting, drawing, crafting and reading. I love living life for what it is: a great big adventure! Finding the little pleasures in life and magnifying them makes me stupendously happy. I deeply enjoy long talks with close friends, a delectable cup of coffee or a really good book. Ladies like Elizabeth Elliot and Corrie Ten Boom have greatly inspired me. I love digging into God's word and being drawn closer to Him.
Deborah Miller | Guest Photographer Servant, yea, daughter and ambassador of Lord Almighty. In standing in awe of His purpose, will, and heartbeat my own are hushed. In gratefulness I seek to be faithful to His every wish and prompting in daily, intentional love for Him until the glory of His return. This is who I am. What I do because of who I am looks something like this (in my life): Traveling in full-time ministry with my family of seven under Gospel Express Ministries. We do drama (on and off stage. :) ), play and sing, laugh and cry, and enjoy home (N.C.) and abroad. I’m 19-years-old, I write, decorate, consider daughter and sisterhood to be my favorite roles, play harp, love young women, cook for those three big men in the house, design with the sewing machine and Photoshop, and love not life but the King of it who makes it full of joy that remains.
Ericka Glick | Guest Writer I am a southern girl who finds delight in sweet tea, rainy days, words that connect with your soul, giggle-fits and long talks with my sisters, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the adventure of a good book, foreign cultures, and the beauty of Gods wonderful handiwork. I long to live in complete abandonment and obedience to Him. He is my All and All, my Redeemer, my Friend, and my Refuge. In January I will be embarking on the wonderful journey of marriage and can’t wait to spend the rest of my life by my best friend’s side.
Cherie Barkman | Guest Storyteller |Guest Illustrator Cherie is 20 years old and currently lives with her family in Chiang Mai. Jesus saved her 13 years ago and has been carrying her along ever since. She loves family, cold weather, kindred spirits, faces, music, letters, and adventure--whether on top of a mountain, on a road trip, or in the pages of a book.
Kelci Miller | Guest Storyteller I was a Colorado girl till I moved with my family to Chiang Mai Thailand a little over a year ago. My life is now surrounded by a different culture and language and people who are just as important to God. I enjoy rain, playing Piano, having thought provoking discussions, doing random and fun things, and being with my family and friends. My desire is that as I continue on this journey of life I would grow to love my King more and more.
True Identity The Precious gift of Being Nothing
I
dentity; the very word grabs me. In all honesty it sometimes even consumes me, or it did until God started a journey in my heart; a journey that ripped its importance away from me. It didn’t stop with indifference to the word. However, it continued (and is continuing still) into a process of God slowly giving it back to me. Let me tell you my story, my heart, and the Truth God has given me as I’m on this journey of finding out what my identity is, and why its wrong, and yet beautifully Godly. I know that sounds confusing and contradicting but, in reality, identity can be both. It can become an idol we allow into our life that can eventually consume us. It can also be a thing of beauty in which we rest confidently. As Daughters of God, we have such a beautiful gift of being identified as Heirs of God, warriors for Him. On the other hand, we are children of the fall and occupants in a world that bombards us with the message that our identity comes from within ourselves. We as young women are often caught between wanting our identity to be
in Him alone, and yet trying to find it in ourselves. I am going to address two things that brought victory to my own personal “identity” battle and ultimately opened my eyes to what it truly means to be a Daughter of God. I ask that, as you read, you open your heart to allowing God to touch it. Wrestle with the question, “What is my identity in? Is it in being somebody in the eyes of your peers or being beautifully nothing in the eyes of my King?” With that being said, lets begin our journey!
1. Realizing You are Nothing Yes, I just said that YOU are nothing. This means, in yourself, you exhibit no unique qualities or aspirations that make you “something” in Christ’s Kingdom. I’m aware that this may sound harsh but just hear me out. The culture we live in, even the Christian culture, tells girls that we need to dig into our own attributes to find beauty in ourselves. We are told that each of us is unique and special and that we
By Ericka Glick Photography by Deborah Miller
Doesn’t it make you want to weep and
dance knowing the pressure of finding confidence within yourself is off and all you have to do is accept His name as Your own– Daughter of the most high?
need to learn to love ourselves in soul I knew I was nothing. I knew order to grasp His love. Is that Bibli- that nothing in my own life and no cal though? beauty or confidence I possessed would ever be enough.
My Story
When I was 16 I loved my Jesus dearly, but I was also trapped in believing the lies that I wasn’t good enough, beautiful enough, or athletic enough. I knew I was held in bondage by my desire to have an identity. I flip-flopped from longing to be confident in “me”, yet broken in Christ. I thought that if I would learn to love myself and become “Ok with who I am”, I would feel confidence in my identity as God’s Child. I filled my journal with selfacceptance quotes. I looked in the mirror and said, “You are beautiful, you are enough” yet I couldn’t shake the fact that in my deepest
He spoke life into her and claimed her as His
daughter.
as His daughter. Ez. 16:8 says this, “Later I (God) passed by, and when I saw that you (Israel) were old enough for love, I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness. I gave you my solemn oath, and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign Lord, and you became mine.” He claimed her. In her nothingness, He gave her an identity.
The minute I read that, all the I felt defeated and even more years of trying to be someone and confused. During this time God striving for my own identity as a showed me Ezekiel 16: 4-14. It’s an person fell before me and I wept. allegory of how Israel was nothing. The truth that I am nothing hit me. She was as a forgotten baby lying It healed me. I mean, doesn’t it beside the road; thrown out into a make you want to cry? Doesn’t it harsh world. Then, God came along make you want to weep and dance and He picked her up, He wrapped to know the pressure of finding conher in cloth and gently wiped the fidence within yourself is off and all dirt and blood off of her skin. He you have to do is accept His spoke life into her and claimed her
name as Your own- Daughter of the Most High? We are all born into this world with nothing. We are nothing and yet He is everything. Leslie Ludy affirmed this when she said,
God doesn’t want my identity to stop with just the
knowledge of being His.
“The world says that selfesteem is the answer for our insecurity. But we will only gain lasting security when we look away from ourselves and toward Jesus Christ. The question ‘who am I?’ is not nearly as important as the question ‘who is He?’“
“The splendor I had given you made your beauty perfect, declares the Sovereign Lord” – Ez.16:14.
2. The Call to Fight As I danced with this new found freedom and confidence, God began to teach me that He doesn’t want my identity to stop with just the knowledge of being His. He started revealing that along with the beautiful name and stamp of being His Daughter came a great responsibility and a call to fight.
Sadly the story of Israel being redeemed and clothed with splendor didn’t end in a fairy tale way. In Ezekiel 16 the story does a sharp turn as Israel realizes her beauty and starts Elizabeth Elliot also saw this truth turning away from the one who and her calling as a Daughter of God gave it to her. when she said, “What I am called to God, through Ezekiel, says “But be is NOTHING; Jesus made Himself nothing.” This is a Truth that washes you (Israel) trusted in your beauty and used your fame to become a over my soul, and revives it. In acknowledging my nothingness, I find relief from all my striving to “Be When we realize our lack of something”, from all my selfimportance, we begin to look acceptance pep talks, and all the up at Him in awe of pressure of trying to be “unique” or “special”. I find rest in knowing I possess nothing, yet, because of Christ I am something. prostitute (a person who willingly You see, this life is not about us. uses his or her talent or ability in a It is all about our King, our Father. base and unworthy way, usually for When we realize our lack of immoney). You lavished your favors on portance, we begin to look up at anyone who passed by and your Him in awe of who He is. Charles beauty became his.” *notes in parenSpurgeon said it best when he said, thesis added “If a soul has any beauty, it is beI read that and thought “After all cause Christ has endowed that soul God had done for you, how could with His own, for in ourselves we you just walk away Israel?!” are deformed and defiled! There is Then I thought about my own life. no beauty in any of us but what our God says Israel strayed away beLord has worked in us”. cause she started trusting in herself
who He is.
He has clothed you with splendor for a specific reason and once again. She wasn’t willing to give her life back to the One who had ransomed it. She was still more concerned about bringing pleasure to herself then living in pure holiness and surrender to her King.
She wasn’t willing to give her life back to the One who had
ransomed it
Don’t I have that same tendency also? How often do I look to things of this world for my security and my pleasure? Yes, I claim His name and I long for his beauty to be seen in my life...yet in order for His beauty to be seen I must get out of the way. Girls, let us strive to give up everything for our King! One cannot serve two masters. One cannot love the pleasures of this world (the things that draw attention to us) and still be stamped with “Gods holy Daughter” seal at the same time. (Yes, there is grace and He gives it to us fallen creatures in abundance when we ask in repentance! Praise the Lord for I need it in my life often!) In this second part of my journey I felt God was telling me that if I wanted to stay strong and true in the identity He had placed on me then I needed to live abandoned to Him. I had to cling to His beauty (not the beauty of this world), relinquish all my individual rights and attributes in order for His to shine through me and stand strong in Him as I actively fought for souls. You, dear girls, have been called to be warriors for him. He has clothed you with splendor for a specific reason and calling. Don’t let your abilities and gifts be used in any way to draw attention to
calling.
yourself. Let them be used to bring glory to the one who gave them to you! Christina Rossetti sums it up with this, “How beautiful are the arms, which have embraced Christ- the eyes which have gazed upon Christ, the lips which have spoken with Christ, the feet which have followed Christ. How beautiful are the hands which have worked the works of Christ, the feet which are treading in His footsteps have gone about doing good, the lips which have spread abroad His Name, the lives which have counted for Him” That is our identity as Daughters of God, dear girls! That is the beauty we are called to possess. In that identity and beauty I promise joy beyond anything you can imagine. For you will no longer be bogged down by fear, envy, or peer-pressure. None of that will matter for your eyes will be on your king, and His applause will be the only you long for. What sweet rest there is in being completely His. What sweet confidence in knowing everything we do is for Him alone! “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace”. - Helen H. Lemmel If our focus is on Jesus Christ the weight of this world will fade away, and we will rest purely in His glorious grace! That is our identity as God’s Daughters!
WORTHY READS
Worthy
R E A D S I Dared to Call Him Father Bilquis Sheikh “This is an incredible true story about a highly respected Muslim woman who risks family relationships, her title, and even her life to follow her Heavenly Father. She faces many trials but through it all, Bilquis has the joy and peace of God in her. This book is a must read! I was blessed and moved by the amazing relationship that she had with the Lord- her Father.” - Londa Yoder
Joey’s Story Ruth Ann Stelfox “The story of Joanna Miller is a sad but joyful true to life story. Life wasn't easy for young Joey. Years of hanging out with the wrong crowd, a dying mother, and a father who struggled to keep the family together, did not make for a happy home life. Ruth Ann Stelfox tells this story in a touching way to make her readers open their eyes to all the Joeys that are out there.” - Valerie Yoder
the tea table
a Tea Time Menu of Favorite Easy Recipes
The Menu If you know me you probably also know that there is nothing I love quite like a cup of tea. And not only the beverage (which I love in and of itself), but also the loveliness of a fun and elegant tea party. There’s just nothing quite like the clinking of china and the merry chatter of friendship. Hosting a tea party is a wonderful way to connect (and bless them with your time, energy and effort) with friends or serve people you don’t normally interact with as much as the girls your own age. Either way, tea parties celebrate so much, friendship, beauty, good food and the gift of being daughter of the King. So, for your enjoyment I’ve compiled five of my favorite tea party recipes into a menu. I hope you find this helpful the next time you gather a group of friends together! -Monica M. Hot Tea Raspberry Lemonade Cheesy Bacon Bites Classic Cucumber Sandwiches Petit Cheesecakes ~or~ Cream Cheese Brownie Bites
Beverage Raspberry Lemonade Along with tea cups with hot, steaming tea I love to serve a glass of iced punch or lemonade in a tall goblet. It’s refreshing for your guests (especially if your tea party is on a hot summer afternoon) and the goblets add height and dimension to the table setting. This style of making lemonade in a blender is so quick and easy, I love it! –MM 3 Lemons 2 Limes (optional)
3/4 cups of fresh or frozen raspberries
1 1/2 cups sugar Water & Ice
Cut Lemons into quarters. Place in blender and add just enough water to cover the lemons. Blend briefly until only slightly chunky. Strain into gallon pitcher. Repeat with limes. Blend raspberries well and add to lemons and limes. Stir in sugar. Add water and ice till it makes a full gallon.
Sandwiches Etc. Cheesy Bacon Bites This is a yummy petit snack and they are super easy to make! - MM 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
2 T. finely chopped onion
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1/4 c. cheddar cheese
1/2 c. finely chopped, cooked bacon
1 pkg. crescent rolls
Combine cream cheese, pepper, bacon, onion and cheddar cheese in a medium-sized bowl. Separate crescent rolls into 4 rectangles. Spread cream cheese mixture and roll it up like a cinnamon roll, starting at the longest side and then seal edge. Cut each roll into 8 slices. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
Classic Cucumber Sandwiches When it’s all said and done, there’s really nothing like a cucumber sandwich to make a tea party feel just right. - MM 4 ounces cream cheese
Dill weed
1\4 cup mayonnaise
French bread
1\2 pkg. dry Italian dressing
1 cucumber
Slice the French bread into thin slices. Combine cream cheese, mayo and dressing. Spread on bread. Top with a thin cucumber slice and sprinkle with dill.
Cookie Cutter Sandwiches Another fun and easy tea party idea that I love is to take thinly-sliced bread and cutting it into shapes using cookie cutters. Then I’ll put ham, cheese, mayo and lettuce inside… and there you have it… super quick and super cute! (Idea: You could use this method with the cucumber sandwiches also!) -MM
dessert Petit Cheesecakes Cheesecakes are one of my favorites (no matter what the occasion) and this petit recipe is perfect for an elegant girls’ party…. Not to mention it’s deliciously simple! You can use whatever berry pie filling on these that you like best-Monica
24 vanilla wafers
1 tbsp. lemon juice
2 (8-oz) pkgs. Cream cheese, softened
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 cups of sugar
1 (21-oz) can berry pie filling
2 eggs Place one vanilla wafer on the bottom of each paper-lined muffin cup. Beat together cream cheese, sugar, eggs, lemon juice and vanilla until light and fluffy. Fill cups 3/4 full with cheese mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes until set. Cool thoroughly. Top each cake with 1 rounded tbsp. of pie filling. Chill. Yield 24 Cheesecakes
Cream Cheese Brownie Bites Sometimes, girls just need chocolate. And since we all know everything must be bite-sized at a tea party, these are so fun! Favorite Brownie Recipe or Brownie Mix
1/2 c. powdered sugar
Cream Cheese Mixture:
1 (2 oz.) white chocolate coating buttons
1 (8 oz.) cream cheese
8 oz. Cool Whip
Mix up a batch of your favorite brownie recipe. Scoop the brownie batter into a mini cupcake pan and bake. Cream Cheese Mixture: Beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar; fold in melted white chocolate (partially cooled); fold in Cool Whip. Pipe onto brownies with cake decorator. Garnish with fresh sliced fruit.
the Legend of
CANTERWELL By Cherie Barkman and Kelci Miller
Illustrated by Cherie Barkman
Part Two
Did Miss Part One? Read It Here: http://issuu.com/ blueyed96/docs/gg_spring_2014/25? e=3272513/7537743
It was a beautiful evening on the patio of the castle. Dinner was over and Prince Ronaldo lounged on his cushion as Zaria and Lizzy played chess at the table. In the events that had happened recently, the prince had extended his stay at the castle. He had now been here one week. “Zaria? Lizzy?” he asked, suddenly sitting up. Zaria looked over her shoulder, just as Lizzy stole her knight. “Yes?” “Something just occurred to me.” Zaria and Lizzy hopped up from their game and moved to sit down by the prince. It sounded like he had a good idea up his sleeve. He rubbed his hands together. “I was just thinking, Lizzy, couldn’t there be a connection between your stolen box, and the picture of the tree on that castle wall?” “You think so?” mused Lizzy. “But the leaf on my box isn’t quite the same as the ones in the picture. It doesn’t have a name, for one thing. And for another thing, it’s a lid.” “And for another thing,” interjected Zaria, “why would Lizzy have something that’s royal?” “Where did you get the box, Lizzy?” the prince asked. “I don’t know! I’ve just always had it.” “Well,” continued the prince, “suppose the butler knows something we don’t. Suppose he’s been following you around, Lizzy, because he knows that you somehow have the box. Suppose he steals the box because the leaf on it actually does connect with that picture we read about, the picture at my castle which used to be called ‘Canterwell.’ Now that he has the box, where do you think he would go?” “To a detective?” Zaria guessed. “I know!” cried Lizzy. “He would go to the castle!” “Right!” The prince snapped his fingers. “I think he would. And if he knows about this legend and has an evil agenda, someone’s got to stop
him.” “Oh, dear!” moaned Lizzy. “How?” Zaria looked at the prince, wondering if he was thinking the same thing she was. “We stop him,” said the prince, “by going to the castle. Are you with me?” “Yes!” shouted Zaria. “Wait,” Lizzy said, “how far is the castle? How long will it take?” “The castle is only a day’s journey,” said the prince, “but I think we should leave as soon as possible.” “Don’t worry, Lizzy,” Zaria said, “You’re allowed to go, because you’re my personal maid. We’ll be there and back before you know it.”
That is what Zaria told herself too, as they bounced along in a carriage in the middle of the night. They had left in such a hurry, she had hardly kept her head on straight. Now they were on their way to a legendary castle, to catch a villain and find a living heir for the kingdom of Benedic. This was a better adventure than any book she had ever read!
NOW THEY WERE ON THEIR WAY TO A LEGENDARY CASTLE, TO CATCH A VILLAIN AND FIND A LIVING HEIR FOR THE KINGDOM OF BENEDIC. Lizzy’s head had fallen against Zaria’s shoulder as soon as Lizzy fell asleep. Prince Ronaldo was reading a book in the seat across from them. Zaria couldn’t fall asleep; she was far too excited. Besides, it was a bumpy ride in the carriage. Who could sleep when such an adventure was happening? But the next thing Zaria knew was her eyes blinking open against the sunshine. She had fallen asleep! And the carriage had just now jolted to a halt. “Here we are!” said the prince happily. Zaria peeked out the window and saw the towers of a gigantic castle right in front of them.
“Lizzy, wake up! We’re here!” Lizzy groaned and rubbed her eyes. A footman opened the door, and Prince Rolando ushered the two girls out of the carriage and onto a stone walkway that led to the castle. It was a beautiful castle, about the size of the castle of Ringwood. As Zaria and Lizzy shuffled along behind the prince, they passed lines of guards that wound all the way to the castle. The place was majestic, old and very grand. This was going to be wonderful. “Welcome to the Castle of Benedic!” called the prince over his shoulder. “Which, as you know, used to be called the Castle of Canterwell.” He gave them a quick tour of the building, through its main halls and enormous rooms. They ended up back at the entrance. “Alright, ladies!” he said, clapping his hands, “I’ll get the servants to show you to your room!” “Thank you,” Zaria said with a yawn. She could use a bit more sleep. “Oh, but Prince Ronaldo, when are we going to start looking for the butler? And where is the wall with the tree on it?” The prince sighed. “No one knows. Some say it could be down in a lower level somewhere, but I don’t know where. We will simply have to look. But for now, feel free to just rest.” Zaria and Lizzy were ushered into a beautiful guest room with two queensized beds. It was a dazzling room; everything was framed in gold. Zaria fell backward onto the nearest bed and breathed in a contented sigh. “Zaria!” hissed Lizzy. “I think I saw him!” “Saw who?” asked Zaria with her eyes closed. “Dobbs! He was downstairs, actually dressed as a butler!” Zaria sat up. “You can’t be serious!” “I am serious! I would know his face anywhere, remember?” Zaria bit her lip. “Well, if you’re sure … then we need to follow him!” Lizzy nodded and sat down on her own bed. “Tonight. We might see him at dinner.”
There was more turkey in Zaria’s direction. stomach than she would ever have “Well,” said Zaria with a shrug, thought could fit inside her. It was a “let’s go!” delicious meal; Zaria had gotten to sit They ducked under the stairs, and at a table with the prince and all his down onto the next ones. This flight noblemen, with Lizzy standing right of stairs seemed to go on forever. Zabehind her. Now, ria and Lizzy walked down in one by one, people the dark for what must have THEN, ZARIA been five whole minutes. Then, were leaving the table and the talk SAW IT, JUST suddenly, they were at the botwas dying down. tom. AS LIZZY Even the prince had A faint, bobbing light was in left early; Zaria wasfront of them. Edging closer, DID: n’t sure where he they saw Dobbs with a match had gone. During A SHADOWY lit in his hand. He was standthe meal she kept a ing, looking in front of him, at FIGURE, close eye on all the a huge stone door. This must butlers, but she didHURRYING lead to the wall with the picn’t see anyone that ture of the tree! OUT OF THE looked at all like Zaria tried not to gasp. LizDobbs. zy did gasp, but thankfully ROOM. Dobbs didn’t hear it. Zaria glanced “Lizzy,” Zaria whispered, behind her to Lizzy. “Run! Go get the guards!” Now was the perfect time to go look Lizzy nodded and scurried back for him. toward the stairs. Zaria hunkered “Let’s go,” she whispered. She exdown in the shadows to watch the cused herself from the table and butler. He stood still for a very long slipped away, with Lizzy by her side. time, she thought, just looking at the Lizzy tapped her on the shoulder. door, running his hand over it. Then “This way, miss!” She pulled Zaria he tried to push the door open. It through a hallway and into a room off wouldn’t budge. Finally, he reached of the main castle entrance. “This is into his pocket and pulled out a small where I saw him this morning.” wooden box without a lid. Zaria and Lizzy looked around the Lizzy’s box! Zaria thought. But where room. It was empty. They hurried to is the leaf? the next door and peered around the Dobbs took the box and lifted it to corner. Then, Zaria saw it, just as Lizthe wall. “Ah, yes!” she heard him say. zy did: a shadowy figure, hurrying out The box fit perfectly into a compartof the room. It was Dobbs! ment on the door. The butler had just “Follow him!” Zaria said quietly. lifted his hands to push the door open They tiptoed, as quietly as they could, when Zaria heard footsteps overhead. following the butler’s shadow through “Stop right there!” came a loud, one room, two rooms, then a hallway, harsh voice. “Take him, men!” then down some stairs. Swarms of guards rushed down the They went down more stairs! And stairs. Lizzy followed them. “There he then even more. Finally, they saw the is, guards! The butler, right down butler stop at the bottom stair, turn there!” around, and bend down over it. They Dobbs didn’t fight when the guards heard him grunt as he pulled on the grabbed him; he looked too shocked. whole step. Soon it gave way, and he “Lizzy?” he squinted when he saw pushed it aside. Then he disappeared her. But that was the last they saw of into the hole where the step had been. him; the guards whisked him up the The two girls waited for a few mostairs and out of sight. Only Zaria and ments, then hurried down the stairs. Lizzy were left in the room. “This is amazing!” Lizzy whispered, Zaria looked to the stone door. The bending down to look at the hole. Unbox was lying on the floor in front of derneath, there was another flight of it. stairs that led down in the opposite
“Lizzy, look! Is this your box?” Lizzy gasped. She hurried over and bent beside Lizzy, then picked up the box. “This is it,” she said. “But where’s the lid? The leaf?” “I didn’t see it,” Zaria replied. “He was going to use this box to open the door, Lizzy! Look!” Zaria took the box in her hands and stood up to place it against the door. She slid it across the stone until it clicked into its place. She looked at her friend beside her. “Now push!” she said. The two girls pushed against the stone door. It took all their might, but the door moved! It swung open to reveal a large, dark room of stone. As Zaria and Lizzy walked into the room, they saw it—a giant wall, with a giant picture of a tree. It was beautiful— more beautiful than the picture back in the palace archives could ever have depicted. The trunk of the tree was wood etched into the stone. The branches were wood, too. So were the leaves! Each one had written on it a royal name … except for one spot. “The missing leaf,” Lizzy whispered, moving closer. Her hand fell to the empty notch in the stone. “Why, hello, girls!” called Prince Rolando. They whirled around to find him in the doorway. “Well done!” he cried. He walked into the room and straight toward the tree. “I don’t know what I would have done without you two here, finding the secret wall in practically no time!”
HE REACHED INTO HIS POCKET AND PULLED OUT THE VERY LEAF THAT HAD BEEN MISSING... Zaria shook her head sadly. “But we can’t prove who the rightful heir of this palace is, Prince Rolando.” Lizzy nodded. “If only we had the leaf!” “That,” he replied, “will not be a problem.” With that, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the very leaf that had been missing—the lid to Lizzy’s box.
“The missing leaf,” Lizzy whispered, moving closer. Her hand fell to the empty notch in the stone.
“Where did you get that?” Lizzy cried. Prince Rolando didn’t answer. He fingered the wooden leaf and stepped up to the wall. “Alright,” he said. “Now let us discover … who is the lost heir?” He put the leaf to the empty spot in the wall. It fit perfectly. “What can that mean?” Lizzy asked. “Why did I have the missing prince’s leaf?” “An excellent question,” said Prince Rolando. Suddenly his voice wasn’t friendly at all. “Obviously you must be involved with whoever the heir is. So obviously, I’ll need to get rid of you.” He snapped his fingers. “Guards! Take them.” “What?” gasped Zaria. “What are you doing, Prince Rolando?” She had no time to say anything more before she and Lizzy were grabbed by the prince’s guards. Prince Rolando threw his head back and laughed. “Like I said, girls, I don’t know what I would’ve done without you! Now I can successfully get rid of whoever wants to steal my
spot on the throne. You didn’t really fall for my noble little story, did you?” His words trailed off as the girls were dragged out of the secret room and up the stairs. Zaria and Lizzy screamed for help, but there was no one to hear them. Finally, they were thrown into a dark dungeon cell and left in silence.
“Lizzy, Princess Zaria … if you listen to me, I will explain.” Both girls recognized the voice right away. It was the voice of Dobbs, the butler. “Dobbs?” Lizzy called. “Where are you?” “Over here! Come closer.” They edged toward the voice. As their eyes adjustZaria immediately reached “WHY DID ed to the darkness and out in the darkness until she they grew closer, they felt Lizzy. Then she clung to I HAVE could see the butler’s form her friend, trying not to cry. in the dungeon cell beside THE “How did we get into this them. mess?” she heard Lizzy say. MISSING “You were right, “I don’t know,” moaned Dobbs,” said Lizzy sadly, Zaria. “I don’t understand any PRINCE’S “we shouldn’t have gotten of it. How we got here, who LEAF?” caught up in this old mysthat missing heir is … and tery in the first place!” why the prince betrayed us!” “But what are you doing here?” “And why, why would I have that demanded Zaria. “And why did you heir’s leaf? How would it get from him steal Lizzy’s box?” to me? I don’t understand it, miss! It The butler was quiet for a bit. “Do landed us in prison, even though I you trust me?” he asked. “I have the don’t know anything about it!” truth, and I promise I will tell it, if you There was silence for a moment. trust me.” Then, from somewhere in the dark“We trust you,” Lizzy said. Zaria ness, there came a voice. wasn’t so sure, but she did want to
hear what the butler would say. that the true villain was Prince Rolanwill find the three prisoners very disDobbs pulled himself closer toward do. If so, it was correct. This villain was tressed, just as you would be if you them. “Lizzy,” he began, “you may have born years before Lizzy, in a faraway were locked in a dungeon in the dark. noticed that I’ve been with you your land. As an adult, he loved power, and But especially distressed is Lizzy, bewhole life, without your really knowing so he schemed to take control of the cause she realized that she had helped who I am.” Benedic kingdom, which had the guards arrest the very man who “WHAT ARE YOU There was a silence, been without rule for years. had saved her life. As Dobbs spoke, SAYING?” ZARIA and then he continued. So of course, this villainous everything was fitting into place in her “To put it outright, I prince needed to make sure mind. Of course Dobbs wasn’t a villain. ASKED. “JUST protect you, Lizzy. I that there wasn’t really an He was trustworthy. He had never hurt WHAT IS LIZZY’S know I seem strange or heir who could claim the her, only protected her. How could she IDENTITY?” suspicious to you, but throne instead of him. That have thought he was evil? How could there have been things was why he began to search, she betray him? that simply aren’t safe for you to know. and ended up at Ringwood castle, right I brought you to the Ringwood castle where our story began. because I knew the prince was looking Dobbs was a very loyal, kind-hearted “I’m so sorry, Dobbs!” Lizzy cried. around, and he knows who I am. I man—please erase from your head any “Please, please forgive me.” thought you’d be safe there.” suspicion that he had a streak of villain “No, Lizzy,” came his voice, “it’s not “S-safe?” she asked. “From what?” in him. It was thanks to him that Lizzy your fault. You didn’t know, because I “Well, from those who don’t want survived all these years. But it was couldn’t tell you. I’m just sorry I can’t you alive.” thanks to Lizzy and Zaria that they get us all out of here.” Zaria gasped. “What? Who would were all in prison at this moment. “Oh,” groaned Zaria, “we’ve been so want to hurt Lizzy?” When we return to our story, you “You had a box, Lizzy,” Dobbs said. “Like you know, it was very important. It’s part of your identiZaria immediately reached out in ty. After I saw Prince Rolando steal the darkness until she felt Lizzy. the wooden leaf from off of it back at the palace, I took the box he left, Then she clung to her friend, trying because I knew it was important.” not to cry. “But then you disappeared,” said Zaria. “Yes. I came here because I knew it was time to try to prove Lizzy’s identity. It’s the only way she could really be safe. I knew where the wall is; I just didn’t have the wooden leaf.” “Dobbs, what are you saying?” Zaria asked. “Just what is Lizzy’s identity? Who is she?” “She’s the princess. The real missing heir of Canterwell.”
It was true, reader. Lizzy was the mysterious child that had escaped the castle raid years ago. As you may or may not have guessed, Dobbs had been the butler at that castle. It was he who had saved the newborn baby, hidden her, and kept her identity safe by saying that the missing child would have been a boy. Do you remember when I told you about a villain being born? Well, since the villain didn’t turn out to be Dobbs after all, your own intelligence may have told you now
“PERHAPS EVEN ONE SMALL TALK WITH YOUR FATHER WOULD HAVE KEPT YOU OUT OF THIS MESS. YOU REALLY ARE NO SAFER THAN WHEN YOU’RE WITH HIM.” stupid. And father! He doesn’t know where we are!” “Miss Zaria,” said Dobbs, “I don’t think your father will give up until he finds us.” “But I didn’t even tell him we were leaving! Oh, I’ve been such a horrible daughter!” “He loves you, Miss Zaria. He loves all of us. But you know, I think that perhaps even one small talk with your father would have kept you out of this mess. You really are no safer than when you’re with him.” Zaria began to cry—she couldn’t help it. Her own recklessness, silliness, and craving for suspense had endangered everyone. She had trusted a stranger of a prince, and not spent time with her own father. Not even sought advice from him. Now, they were far away, and who knew how long they would be locked up in this dungeon. Perhaps forever.
It seems impossible that one could fall asleep while one is locked in a dungeon. But after a few hours in the dark with nowhere to go, one does eventually sleep. And so soon Zaria, her tears having slowed down, drifted into a fitful doze. And Lizzy, just having discovered she was a royal princess, with a million different thoughts tossing about in her head, also finally succumbed to slumber. Dobbs was the last one to close his eyes. He was tired, and there was nothing else to do except to rest.
ALL THREE PRISONERS WERE JOLTED AWAKE At the very moment that Dobbs’ eyes closed, there was a crash. All three prisoners were jolted awake to a bright light flooding the dungeon. Looking toward the light, they saw a large figure in front of them, a torch in his hand. The dungeon guards had all fallen to the ground, as if they’d been struck. “There you are!” came the voice of
the figure. He pushed the dungeon doors open, and Zaria saw that it was her father, the king. “Father!” she cried, running to him and burying her head in his chest. “You found us! Father, I’m so sorry … please forgive me for leaving!” He wrapped his arms around her. Zaria had never felt so safe and so relieved in her whole life. “You’re forgiven, Zaria,” he said. “I’ve come to take you home!” He looked past her to the butler. “Dobbs. Thank you for all you’ve done. I’m sorry for your misfortunes. You are welcome to serve again back at the Castle of Ringwood!” Dobbs bowed before the King. “Honor to serve, sire.” WITH THIS, THE KING STEPPED FORWARD AND KNELT BESIDE LIZZY. The king looked to Lizzy. “And you, Lizzy! I am glad to hear that you are still safe!” He smiled. “I also hear that you’re the heir to this castle.” With this, the king stepped forward and knelt beside Lizzy. He held up his hand. In it was her wooden leaf. But was it hers? It had a name now! Lizzy’s breath caught when she saw it. Elizabeth Kenzington. “Lizzy,” said the king, “this is the name you were given when you were born. I’ve written it here because I am the only one who can. All these kingdoms are mine, Lizzy; the prince never had the right to this castle in the first place. He cannot hurt you now; he’s been taken away forever.” He placed the leaf in Lizzy’s hands. “This belongs on the castle wall if you want to be queen here. But whatever you decide to do, you will always be royalty, because I have made you so.” He stood again. “And you are always welcome at our palace. Right, Zaria?” Zaria nodded. She ran to hug her friend. “Lizzy, you’re going to rule this whole castle! Can you believe it?” “No,” whispered Lizzy. She spoke again, and this time her voice was louder. “I don’t want to rule here, Za-
ria. It’s all the king’s anyway. I want to live at Ringwood with you … I want to be close to the king.” Zaria’s mouth hung open. “You would rather live with us than rule a whole castle?” “Yes! Zaria, do you have any idea what you have? You live with the king. Have you even thought of how wonderful he is? He gives you everything you need. He wasn’t angry with me when I thought you were a thief; he still loved us when we left him and came here with the prince. He wants to be with us. And now, he came to rescue us. He is the best, the most powerful and kind king I have ever seen. I just want to be close to him, Zaria!” As Zaria heard Lizzy’s words, she realized for the first time how wonderful her life really was—not because she had fancy dresses, or chocolate cake on birthdays … but because she was loved by the king, the most powerful man in the world. And so, in the wake of these events, the kingdom of Benedic joined the kingdom of Ringwood. Dobbs reclaimed his place as butler at Ringwood castle—not because he liked polishing goblets, but because he loved the king. Lizzy moved into the royal quarters at the Ringwood palace, and grew up into a beautiful princess who told many, many people, rich and poor, about the power and the love of the king of Ringwood. Zaria got to grow up alongside her new best friend, and to see her life through new eyes, as the incredibly, wonderfully blessed daughter of the king. And as for our villain? Well, as the king had mentioned, Prince Rolando was banished forever. Such is the fate of villains … as cunning and strong as they may become in a story, they never actually win, in
The End.
choosing
Summer Sha
Illustrated by Che
ades
eyenne Sensenig
Always have trouble picking the right pair of sunglasses that keep the sun out of your eyes and compliment your face? If so, this face-shape guide will dazzle you. There are most likely as many different shapes of faces as there are people in the world...but today we’re just going to explore six distinct, common shapes. After we decide what your face shape is, we’ll discover which sunglasses are best for you. So, hopefully you’ll learn something that will help you out on that next shade-pickin’ shopping trip. Let’s get started!
Square Shaped Face If you observe that your forehead and cheekbones are the same width as your slightly angular jaw, then your face shape is probably that of the square variety. Try wearing oval glasses or aviators. The rounded edges will add a degree of softness to your face’s shape. Only make sure you don’t get oval confused with round since round glasses would only result in adding too much contrast!
Round Shaped Face The round shaped face is, not unlike the square, nearly the same width and length. But unlike the square the jaw is round and the whole face curved instead of angular. If this is your face-shape let us suggest straight, square lines with slightly curved corners. Dark colors should be your first choice and your shades should always be a little wider then the broadest part of your face. “Wayfarer” style sunglasses would be a wonderful pick for you!
Oval Shaped Face This face shape is longer then it is wide. The cheekbones are slightly wider then the rest of the face and the chin is gently rounded. If this is your face shape any pair of sunglasses will look equally nice on you. Because this face shape is evenly shaped not much will look ill-proportioned on you. Handy!
Pear Shaped Face Your face might sport a pear-shape if your jaw is wider then your hairline. Another name for the “Pear ” shape is the “Triangular” shape. Simply think of a triangle: wide at the bottom, skinnier at the top. Consider choosing a pair of shades that are straight and wide on the top and narrower on the bottom. Any glasses that are more emphasized at the top (such as cat eye) will look well balanced on you.
Oblong Shaped Face The Oblong face shape is characterized by the length being considerably longer then the width. You might have an Oblong shaped face if your face is long and narrow. Your cheekbones are most likely flat and do not extend the width of your jaw or forehead. Next time you’re on a shopping trip check out the large square-like-oval frames on the rack. You can get ‘em big… just be sure they aren’t any wider then the widest part of your face.
Heart Shaped Face If the face reflected in the mirror is the opposite of a pear, it is likely your face is heart shaped. The top half of a heart shaped face is wide narrowing down to a prominent chin. Any shades that draw the eyes attention up are the heart faced person’s first pick. Aviators and cat-eye are a good choice!
o t o Ph challen
nge
Tea Time Photos From
You
Want to get in on the next Challenge? See Page 41 for details!
Jerusha N.
Hea
Tea Time
ather L.
Elesa S.
Karlita Y.
Joanna S.
Tea Time
Photo Challenge [From You]
Tea Time
Photo Challenge [Your Entries Continued ]
Jenny S.
Krista W.
Courtney W.
Luronda H.
Tashia L.
Mary H.
Sierra H.
Rachel M.
TORMENTING FEAR VS.
Perfect Love Are you afraid of something? I’m sure everyone reading this would, without hesitation, admit they’re afraid of something. Fear has become almost an expected part of life that we view, sometimes, as completely rational and acceptable. I know I have let fear control me. Sometimes, fear has clouded my view to the point that I don’t even do simple things because I’m afraid of what could happen. Recently I’ve been telling myself that my fears make perfect, logical sense because they’re closely related to things that have happened to me or loved ones in the past. But in the past few months something has been messing up my messed up thinking: I’ve been reading the Bible. And as it turns out, God doesn’t accept fear at all. He doesn’t even see it as the slightest bit rational or logical.
But before I get into too much else I want to simply establish the fact that fear, no matter how “logical” it seems to us, is not from God. How could any form of fear be from God when He tells people over and over in scripture to fear not? (i.e. Is 41:10, Duet 3:22, ) Fears are lies. God isn’t the one who tells lies, Satan is. When we make room in our hearts for fear we believe Satan’s lies instead of God’s Truth. When we anxiously worry about tomorrow we are living in a way that proclaims, “My fears are bigger and more worth my time then believing God!” So here’s my thought for today: if God commands us to “fear not” isn’t being afraid a sin? Most of us majorly react to that thought, “We have good reasons to be afraid! We live in a world that is sin-filled and imperfect and we cannot totally avoid fear!”
Written by Monica Miller Photography by Deborah Miller
Yeah, actually, God never said that the world was perfect. His method for casting out fear was never patting us on the shoulder and telling us the things we fear won’t happen.
ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
When we make room in our hearts for fear we believe Satan’s lies instead of God’s Truth.
We often cling to the promise that we are valued and throw out the parts of this passage about persecution and hard times. But it is when Jesus tells His disciples of persecution that He also tells them, “Do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.”
For example, in Matthew 10 Jesus tells His disciples that they will be like lambs among wolves: persecuted, flogged, and hated. It is only after He is honest about what they will endure for His sake that He goes on to the famous words, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the
His way of casting out fear is to assure us that we can trust Him to be everything and give everything we need in the hour we need. We don’t need to worry about it before. Do you see? We don’t need to fear because we can trust Jesus. Even if Satan brings doubts and worries to our minds we have to choose
whom we are going to place our trust in.
quests to God right away.
David the great and mighty warrior after God’s own heart had his fears… but his declaration was, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you (God).” (Psalm 56).
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” 1 John 4:18
Giving
thanks is how we learn to trust God.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 (emphasis added) Giving thanks is how we learn to trust God.
I think each of us would say that we want to be perfected in love and abide in God’s love (John 15, 1 John 14). But this verse says that whoever fears had not been perfected in love. The word for punishment (in 1 John 4:18), in Hebrew (Kolosis) means “to punish; to torment”. Fear is Satan’s torment. If we want Perfect Love to consume us there will be no room left to squeeze fear in.
When I thank God for everything He has blessed me with, when I praise Him, I realize that, “yes! He is trustworthy!” And it is then that I can loosen the grip I hold on my fears and place them in His strong, loving hands.
So, we can leave fear behind. Why? Because Perfect Love casts out fear! Do you know what that means? It means we actually don’t have to put up with Satan’s torment any longer! Perfect love is victorious and The Victor is inviting us to live consumed by His victory!
Thanksgiving is how we move from distrusting God to entrusting Him with everything. The other part of entrusting is bringing every need and every care (1 Peter 5:7) to Him through prayer and supplication. When something causes us to be anxious we should always take those re-
Both you and I can live lives that are thankful, prayerful, Love-consumed and victorious. Seriously, what are we waiting for? We can leave tormenting fear far, far behind!
victorious.
PERFECT LOVE IS SERIOUSLY, WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR? WE CAN LEAVE TORMENTING FEAR FAR, FAR BEHIND!
THE FLYING CROCHET HOOK
Supplies
Soak Paper in Tea
Brew Tea
Drain and Bake
BY SAVANNAH KNEPP
Antique PAPER
Tada!
I (Savannah) love paper. I love sitting down at my desk with a fresh, clean sheet of white paper. But I also love cool paper. The kind that looks old and crisp. But buying this kind of paper is usually crazy expensive. So what's the solution? Making it yourself! Supplies: Paper 2-3 Teabags A 9x13 Pan About a cup of hot water Put the teabags in the water and let them steep for a couple of minutes Next, put the paper in the pan and pour the tea over it. Let soak for a minute or two. Gently rub the edges of the paper to give it the old worn look. And pour as much of the tea out from the pan as you can. Finally, bake the paper in the oven for ten minutes at 250 degrees. Note: I've also heard of using coffee, or even orange juice to do this.
What is your favorite thing about Fall? Send your answer to girlfriendgazette@gmail.com to see your answer in an upcoming issue!
Cover Story Left to Right: Ruby, Amy, Kimberly, Julia Ruth, Deborah, Paige, Mariah, and Brooke. Several months ago when we (Team GG) were throwing around ideas for the Summer Tea Time themed issue we “happened” upon pictures our friend Deborah had taken of her Sunday School class tea party. We instantly loved these beautiful images and were very excited about integrating these “real tea party” photos into this Summer issue. *All photos used with permission
Behind The Scenes of Page _ _
Dear Madam, In deepest gratitude for your delightful presence here at this magazine, we’d like to present you with a set of free tea party pintables. Awaiting you at http://girlfriendgazette.blogspot.com/p/extras.html you will find invitations, blank stationary (for menus, notes to guests etc etc...) and name cards. We hope it will assist you in your tea party needs. Yours Etc., the Editor
Ps. There’s Still More!
Photo Challenge
Pet Portfolio
As Imagined and Illustrated by My 11-year-old sister, Jerica
Name: Mittens Jr. Furry Periwinkle II Corinthium snuffles. Whatever it's called. See, I come from a long lineage of cats which are famous. But let’s hurry up already, I have a schedule. Where Do You live?: Well, at night I sleep in my bed and sometimes on my girl’s lap. Adjectives that Describe You: Perfect, beautiful, lovely … perfect. Favorite Things To Do: Well, I love to sleep. I love to eat. Not like an ugly, irritating dog that just digs into his food. I eat slowly, gracefully, beautifully. (Because I'm beautiful.)
This is a no-competition photo challenge welcoming all levels of photography. Send your “Love to Read” photo to: girlfriendgazette@gmail.com by September 15th, 2014 to see it featured in an upcoming issue. (Please, no photos with writing on them.) Need inspiration? Follow our “Love to Read” board on Pinterest! http://www.pinterest.com/GazettePins/love-to-read/
BRIGHT IDEA! Cake Decorating As a tea party activity give each of your guests a small cake to decorate. After the tea is over they can take them home to eat later!
Pet Peeves (no pun intended): I am VERY insulted by this! That word *hiss* pet peeves, is one of my pet peeves. And also dogs... they just DROLL over everything.*yaaawl* Also when my bow goes too high or too low. Or when my human tries to get my attention over their megaphone. The best thing to do is to ignore them. Favorite Color: Well, since I am smarter then a dog, I can actually SEE colors. like to see pink, blue, yellow, gray… Do you know any fascinating facts about cats?: We’re beautiful. Favorite Food: For one thing, I like chicken if it isn't over done. Sometimes I don't like to eat... sometimes I just like to walk away from the bowl. Are we done yet? I have a nap to get to… Any Final Words to Our Readers?: THANK YOU SO MUCH! And also thank me so much for being here.
Find Us on Facebook & Google+ Thanks for reading this issue. Please do not reproduce or copy any part of this magazine without expressed permission from the editor.
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