Worth made Worthy

I have learned so much just within almost these two months of being engaged. I have realized that true love must be fought for, because there is an Enemy who wants to destroy anything that inspires others of the Father. I have struggled recently with my self worth, on a daily basis. But how in the world? You might say, because of he beautiful life I have, and indeed I do. Oh I do. But that doesn't mean I don't go through almost attacks on my spirit of doubt and insecurities. No, I'm going to be brave and say there attacks. I don't know about you, but I don't believe I have ever thought I deserved a man to go to a tree and be beaten, mocked, and tortured for my restoration. In fact, I never will. In fact, I would much more deserve to take those bearings. But then I remember, again, that this unfathomable, crazy, healing Love, isn't about anything I've done. It's about Grace. This magical irony that I can live beautifully & freely, because Someone took my ugliness for me. David Tyler.. Gosh if there are words. This man is a warrior. This unconditional love is literally pouring out of his eyes each time I'm in his presence. He has laid his desires down to take up mine, he proposed his life to be my helper. The butterflies, silly emotions, warm feelings inside of me I can't quite describe, have yet to leave me. But I want to be very clear that our emotions is not our foundation. Truth be told, I feel unworthy nearly every day to be marrying this man. I feel as though I have messed up too much, or fallen short of the "future wife expectations." I am not pretty enough, skinny enough, quiet enough, ect. But once again.. I'm falling back into this familiar groove. The unworthy of His/his love mindset.But grace doesn't love someone because they're worthy. Jesus doesn't love me because I deserve him, he simply loves me for existing. David Tyler doesn't cherish & love me because I have earned his love - he simply loves me because I am Elizabeth Harris. My point is, I wanted to share this in hopes that you'll remember Grace is waiting to me embraced by you. It's knocking at your door so ready to be welcomed into your life and free you from Satan and the world's traps. I choose Grace. I choose Grace to make me worthy, instead of trying to be worthy of Grace. I choose God to make me beautiful, instead of trying to be beautiful enough for him. I choose to be David's wife freely, instead of trying to perfect myself enough to be his wife. We don't become worthy to be loved - love makes us worthy. This sweet life is enchanting & dangerous. It's magical, and it's risky. It's pretty, and it's ugly. But it's worth it.

A New Chapter Begins

Hello, from David and Eliza. We have just returned from a great adventure. We stayed in a beautiful little Ecuadorian town called Cotacachi with David's wonderful parents , who have played a huge role in my life for the past year. We saw many magical things, from waterfalls to volcanos, to beautiful jungles to the Andes Moutains. We spent a week in this amazing country, head over heels for each other and God's extravagance around us. The day before my (Elizabeth) birthday we went to Cascada De Peguche, a glorious waterfall that leff you and everyone around you at a loss for words. We hiked up a little trail and enjoyed the view from a gazebo, and then went back down to our guide to ask him for some photos in front of the waterfall. Little did I know, David was asking our friendly tour guide Pato for lots of pictures. And told him he was going to propose. In Spanish! Good thing I couldn't remeber any of those words.. We took a walk for what David said felt like a dream to go stand on the rock. David held me close, telling me I am his best friend. And wanted me to be forever. I hugged him and said "of course I will." Next thing I knew David kneeled down on one knee,and I Elizabeth Harris thought we were posing for a photo and attempted to sit down.. Oh blondes.. David told me to stand up (ugh) and then, I realized what was taking place. David took my hand and asked me to marry him, over the rushing water noises I heard his shakey voice and didn't or couldn't even think and said " yes, yes, yes!" I calmed my nerves and happy tears enough to let David lift me off the rock, after the best hug and kiss of my life. Least to say, the best day of our lives. Neither of us had much dating experience before the other, and what a blessing that's been. It's overwhelming to think the first kiss I ever had is the same man that will give me my last. What an emotional and beautiful gift.He has become the love I prayed for, and my closest friend. I have never been so happy in my entire life. All the sudden, random spurts of the day, I'm crying happy tears, absolutely overwhelmed that God is so aware of our heart's desires. And truly LOVES us. I encourage all you readers that are not married, realize what true love is. It waits. It seeks the other before oneself. It challenges and teaches, grows and inspires. Once Jesus, and only Jesus can teach you what this love is, you will understand what your mate should treat you as. Beyond gold. Priceless. This man has changed the big and small details of my life, and my heart. If you know my story of the last year, my family has undergone some very painful, and hard changes. Not even a month before, I started dating my first boyfriend. In a time of hurt, and sadness a bundle of joy showed up in his old Mercedes praying for me and with me. We quickly fell madly in love, giving over our hearts, I espeically. And instead of crushing it, neglecting it, he has cherished it far beyond what I knew a HUSBAND ( still freaking out saying that word) ever could. Deciding to keep our relationship pure, and romantic has blessed us both deeply. Jesus is all about relationships, and it's incredible what He can do through another, especially one you love. What an incredible journey we have had, and even better what awaits. Thank you for all your encouragement, prayers, love and wisdom to us both. We have lisented and will continue to. We are beyond excited for our adventure to begin. - David and the future Mrs. Tyler

So you'll go out in joy, you'll be led into a whole and complete life. The moutians and hills will lead the parade, bursting into song. All the trees of the forest will join the procession exuberant with applause. No more thistles, but giant sequoias, no more thornbushes, but stately pines- Monuments to me, to God, living and lasting evidence of God.
- Isaiah 55:12-13

So no matter what tomorrow brings, or what happened yesterday my joy is This. Eternal Joy that circumstances have no power over. It is deep in my soul, which never dies.

"We are soaking in all the grace that we've been given, unchained from all that we have done. Your mercys' risin' like the sun on the horizon, and we're coming home"

Had a wild adventure with my best friend. It was glorious. The Creator of Earth is madly in love with us, we're adored by Him.

Jagged pieces

I hand over my heart, it's broken and barely held together. I cry like a toddler losing sight of their mother as she drops them off. Knowing I will see it again, but not wanting to let it go. The Healer takes it and holds it, and looks into my teary eyes. He didn't tell me to stop crying, or to be strong. He didn't tell me I was weak. He loved me. He cared for me. I was familiar with Him, and felt adored in His presence. Pure, able. He held my heart and rubbed His sweet hands smoothing out the jagged edges. Healing the deep wounds it possessed. Not all of them, though, He said the Journey wasn't over yet, and there was more healing to come. I sat at His feet and let my tears of pain, shame, joy,  and relief wash His feet. He told me my tears were not worthless to Him. In fact; very precious. I looked up at Him and realized I was sitting in damp sand with a ocean behind Him. My very favorite place on Earth. He knew that. And in these beautiful moments, I remember where my hope lies. In You.

"Slowly now, we are becoming whole"

"The gate is wide, the road is paved in moderation, the crowd is

kind and quick to pull you in. Welcome to the middle ground; it's safe and sound and until now it's where I've been, so long status quo I think I just let go"

Jesus, you are sweetness to my life

Broken puzzles

I made the mistake as most of us do. I gave a huge portion of my heart to someone I believed deserved it. I believed he would treasure it, protect it. If only we realized a human being isn't capable of making our hearts whole, right? I knew the Word and my parents had taught me to guard my heart. But as a lot of us girls do, we let our guard down for the knight in shining armor. Words of affirmation, gifts, butterflies. In no way do I believe these things are not good, oh they are. Your heart allows you to enjoy life and other's to enjoy you. It isn't meant to be locked away. In no way is that what God tells us. Our hearts were created for these things. God designed a girl's heart for these things. Love, romance, the desire to possess beauty.

When we are young we twirl around in skirts. Then we spend hours trying to straighten the curls our of our hair. Then we look in the mirror and tell ourselves, "I am not beautiful. Who am I fooling?" So we resort to what the world has taught us. We starve ourselves, or maybe we dress desperate to be admired, maybe we give our body away to feel loved if only for moments. Or maybe, we're giving away our heart.

 But the problem is, our hearts weren't made to give away to the knight-the football star, the musician, they are to be cherished by your Creator. To be able to grow and feel. There is no man that can make it whole again. Our husbands will win our hearts through time and care. But they aren't meant to carry it. We turn to the world's ways for healing.

 Your heart is special. Realize how much value it has.

 The world has lots of ways to attempt to mend it. But isn't it obvious it only numbs it? I don't want to be numb, and deep down, neither do you. I hope as you have read this your heart will realize that life is glorious. And with the Maker of All Things you don't have to spend life with your heart locked away in a chest, clinging to it with fear. There is hope. But even better, there is love.

"But perfect love cast out all fear" - 1 John 4:18