14 Quotes by Erika Mathews

If she studied world literature for the majority of the day’s hours, how could a few hours at night in Ellrick’s Book counterbalance that intake?... No longer were free hours spent in the BookHall or reading in her corner. Ellrick’s Book found its way to her hand more and more often—while eating her midday meal, while waiting for the next class, even while walking to and from Academy on occasion. This was war, and she couldn’t be found compromising with the enemy.

As the summer weeks passed quietly, even the satisfaction of her teaching position dulled. She didn’t want to enter into the zest of life, to trust other people, to put herself and her decisions on the line again. The pain of rejection, of betrayal, of being taken advantage of, stung far too deeply, and any repetition must be avoided.

So you have it all figured out.” Ellrick nodded.“Well...I don’t.” Her head dropped. “I—thought I did. But everything—and I mean everything—is going wrong. I didn’t know it was possible to fail so many different ways.

Adon Olam was the King—that was only logical, it was only right. He had created her with the rest of the world; He’d caused her very existence in her mother’s womb; and, as if that wasn’t already enough, she’d professed her- self to be His. Now how could she deny Him the kingship He rightfully held in her life?

Oh. That is why I need Adon Olam.” He wasn’t just for sinners. She didn’t just need Him to keep her from sinning outright; she needed Him to keep her heart transformed and renewed, for her old heart constantly lifted itself up and tainted her every moment with fleshly, prideful motives. Becoming one with Adon Olam’s Son wasn’t a one time thing… it was a continual process, a journey.

Never for one moment had she imagined such a rich life—but this wasn’t her life, not a bit of it. It was Adon Olam’s. Through complete surrender in spite of herself, she’d truly found her strength in Him. And in Him, she’d discovered an identity more real, more true, and more blissful than she’d ever dreamed.

Seek first the kingdom of Adon Olam, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you,” Ellrick quoted quietly.“But—I don’t know how!”“Ask Him. He’d love to tell you.

Of course, she’d always wanted to include Adon Olam in her life, to have Him beside her in her daily decisions and actions...but was that the problem? Was she only trying to include Him in her life instead of joining Him in His?

Well now, I do think that there’s something to the commandment of Adon Olam that says, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ but that’s all I have to say on that topic. And it’s not my place to tell you how Adon Olam wants you to honor yours.