Tiaras and tennis shoes

I know, I know. You're still waiting for the fourth installment of Reigning Real from your Throne. I promise; it's "in process." It must be inspired, though. And, quite frankly, I need time. That terrible "T" word ... ahhhhh.

However, as I was preparing to head to bed, I heard something very disturbing from the TV in the family room. The broadcaster was talking about a growing trend among teens. This so-called trend involves teenagers (and tweens) sending naked photos to others via cell phones and My Space.

Ladies, how can we help young girls embrace their true and precious identities as daughters of the King of Kings? How can we help them understand their worth in light of God's Word?

There is a battle raging for the hearts and minds of every young girl. This is a blatant, front line assault that is directed at their desires to "fit in," to be loved, accepted, and approved of. These desires don't simply disappear when we hit age eighteen, do they? Go on, tell the truth!

Unfortunately, without an understanding and acceptance of our identities in Christ, we will continue to search for that elusive person, place, or thing to "fix" and "fill" us. You're probably wondering how I know this. Let's just say I've acquired a wealth of information in this area. Maybe you have, too.

Consider some of the messages high school girls tune in to via radio, TV, Internet, other kids, and, well, everywhere. Just turn on a music video and these seductive messages are acted out for the world to see, enticing our youth to trade their purity for poverty of spirit.

Buy this dress and you'll be "hot."

Learn to dance like a seasoned stripper and you'll be the queen (trash queen) of the prom.

Do this sexual act and everyone will think your cool, sexy, daring ...

Everyone's doing it. Don't be a prude.

Look at the divorce rate, why wait?

You've gotta show some skin to get attention and approval like the hotties in those music videos.

And what about THIS ...

Another technique boys are using to look, and girls are using to show, is "fashion show" at the mall. With all the lingerie shops and risque clothing stores, all boys have to do is take a seat, prop up their legs, and watch their own personal porno presentation. Girls, hungry for approval, prance around half-clothed (or less) right in front of their school mates. According to retailers, there is nothing they can do about this. You've got to be kidding me?!

But, ladies, we can do something.

The best way to demonstrate just how much God values women is to review the lives of biblical women. God uses women all through scripture to perform mighty deeds and change the world's destiny. We have great power as women. We can use this power to honor God or dishonor ourselves and Him in the process. I don't think I have to tell you what's best.

I want to challenge you too take a long, close look in the mirror. What example are you setting for your own daughter, her friends, or other young women who are watching your example? Believe me; whether or not you are aware of it -- you are an example to someone, somewhere.

Back to that not-so-comfortable scenario at the clothing store ... in the article that I was reading, a concerned woman, who was watching the boys ooh and ah over this girl in lingerie, approached the group and explained what they were doing was wrong. The boys, sadly, mouthed off and told her to mind her own business and gave the ever-popular "your not my mom" response. The girl, however, who had appeared embarrassed and pressured from the start, gratefully fled to the fitting room and came out fully clothed. This strange woman gently informed this misguided princess that she didn't need to bare her body for boys to like her. The woman went on the tell her she was a precious creation and that God had plans and a future for her.

Ladies, as Princess Warriors for Christ, reigning real involves risk. As any leader, we have a duty to help others, to love others. Sometimes "loving" involves doing things that society might consider narrow-minded, silly, and prude. It is good for us to remember that our approval doesn't come from the world, oh, no, it comes from God. I'm going to say that again: Our approval comes from God. His opinion matters. Ultimately, ladies, we report to Him.

Let's do something! Let's help these young princesses discover their destinies, because, personally, I'd like to see a whole bunch of tiaras and tennis shoes marching proudly as Christian Soldiers ... if you know what I mean.

This little light of mine ... let it shine, let it shine!

"One evening, a young child, Robert Louis Stevenson, author of books such as Treasure Island, was looking out the front window of his house fascinated by the lamplighter coming down the street, lighting the old fashioned gas street lamps. He called to his Nana, "Nana! Come quickly! There’s a man coming down the street punching holes in the darkness!"

As Princess Warriors for Christ, reigning real is about carrying the light of Christ to those around us. The world (as if you hadn't noticed) can at times be a very dark, dismal place. With people lurking in the shadows of their sin, hopelessness seems to prevail.

Sometimes, unfortunately, we, as daughters of the King, allow ourselves to be drug into the dungeon of doubt and find ourselves stumbling in the darkness. Oh, dear friends, may this not be, for we are children of light, God's light. We are to shine brightly as a lamp on the hillside for all to see.

As warriors it is part of our palace protocol to "punch some holes" in the darkness. Amen!

Go on ... don't be afraid. Walk into your destiny as a Light Bearer in this dimming world.

Some tips for shining your brightest:

1. Speak with kindness no matter how tempted you are to blast someone with harsh words.

2. Seek forgiveness, quickly, when you cause harm. (Yes, we all still cause harm on occasion)

3. Speak God's Word to combat the devil's lies (those icky thoughts that seem to roar through your mind like a tropical storm telling you how worthless and "bad" you still are)

4. Set an example by how you act. Ask yourself, "Am I behaving like a daughter of the Most High God?" If not, adjust your actions, after all, people are watching.

5. Share your faith whenever possible. Let others know why you shine so brightly. For when you are reigning real those around you are sure to notice and wonder what sets you apart. Just a thought ... we're so quick to share our favorite TV shows, cosmetics, and American Idol contestants.

Are we as eager to share about Jesus?

On my knees again

Blessings, Princess Warriors!

Every day we have so many choices to make and challenges to face. As daughters of the King, we will always be given the opportunity to act in love, or to serve ourselves.

For me, throughout the day, I can get so caught up in the many battles demanding to "be fought" that I fail to remember that by my own limited power I am unable to accomplish as much as I am with God's unlimited power.

Remember ...

A Warrior for Christ, is not a lone ranger, attempting to manage everything alone. And why would we want to go it alone? We have God's Word to guide us; Jesus' footsteps to follow; The Holy Spirit to empower us. Not a bad combination!

So, maybe it's time for you, right now, this moment, to simply bow your head, drop to your knees, or, perhaps, even fall on your face in prayer. Right now! Right?

After all, when our car's gas gauge reads empty, we pull over and fill it up. When the bedside lamp stops shining, we make sure it's plugged in. When that family pet acts cranky, we put food in the food dish. You get the picture! So, why do we wait so long when our spiritual tanks are running on empty? I mean we let the warning light come on, stay on, and we just keep trudging on wondering why "things" like loving others are so hard. Hummmm ....

It is truly impossible to accomplish what needs to be accomplished without daily doses of God's love, grace, truth, and power. Thankfully, His touch is always enough. For fueling up in prayer moves our faith-gauge into the upright position. No more flashing light screaming for attention.

Oh ... prayer is free! Christ already paid the price! So, our Power Source will never run dry or cost $5.00 a gallon. Amen!

Don't wait: PRAY!

P: Put on the Armor ... the Belt goes first

R: Refuse fear fatalities

A: Aim the Arrow of Love

Y: Yield to the King

(watch for more about prayer)

Fight the Good Fight of Faith

Thank you to Birdie who commented today and said...

'kay you're my blog o' the day as of right NOW! I'm in love! I'm coming here every day. What a blessing! THis is what I pray for my daughter every day - that's she'd be a warrior for God. She's already His princess and I tell her so yet she always asks me if she's really a princess (her mind is still being renewed like the rest of us). She's take it in one day fully I'm praying. Lovely devotional inspiration blog my sister!

Wow! Birdie, thank you for the kind words.

Friends, you will want to visit her lovely site, as well.

I am working on completing the fourth installment of Reigning Real from your Throne. It will be posted tomorrow or Wednesday at the latest. Until then ...

ROYAL REMINDER: As daughters of the King of Kings, we have been provided with the very weapon Jesus used to defeat the devil during the desert temptation -- The Sword of the Spirit -- God's Word. It is sharper than any eartly sword, with the power to demolish strongholds and set captives free. Let us wield it well.

The following fighting scriptures, if spoken daily, will have some surprising results. Go ahead, give it a try. What have you got to lose? Actually, ladies, you have everything to gain.

He has delivered us (me) from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son …
Col. 1:12-14 NKJV

Resist the Devil and he will flee from you.
--James 4:7b KJV

...they (we) cried out to God in the battle. He heeded their (our) prayer, because they (we) put their trust in Him.
--1 Chronicles 5:20 NKJV

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers…nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

–Romans 8:37-39 NKJV

I now send you, (God sends me) to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.

–Acts 26:17-18 NKJV

... the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword … --Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

… I will build My church; and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.

–Matthew 16:18 KJV

If your (my) enemy is hungry, (I will) feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink ... overcome evil with good.
--Romans 12:20-21 NKJV

Reigning Real from your Throne: Part III

Reigning Real: Part Three: Becoming a Princess Warrior for Christ
Written by Carol Van Atta

“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15 NIV)

As we read, in the last two Reigning Real selections … the unnamed princess opened the fallen scroll and discovered a detailed catalog of God’s specific gifts for His Princess Warriors. (Read Reigning Real Parts I & 2 for details) On her List of Gifts from Jesus, immediately following resources, she discovered the next gift, friendship … friendship with her King, her Maker, her God.

I read somewhere, once, that a friend is someone who comes when everyone else goes away. A friend comes when everyone else goes away…wow.

I hate to admit, years ago, when I lived as a prideful, pitiful, pauper far away from the King’s Palace, I thought I had an array of fine friends. People were constantly (or so I thought) clamoring for my attention and friendship. There was never a dull moment around my home. The party started and just kept going for hours, days, and at times, weeks. Yet, something odd happened when I was down and out, without money, and with vanishing resources … these so-called well-wishers disappeared as fast as they’d arrived.

According to the above description of a friend, the people who surrounded me were quite unfriendly. When everyone else went away, they followed them right out of the door and out of my life. In fact, they were just using me. Sadly, I did the same to others. If you had something I wanted, well, then, I wanted you.

This petty substitute for true friendship left me empty and yearning for something more, for someone who really cared about “the real me” inside, the — me — I hid because I was afraid no one would like her.

Why should they like her, like me? I certainly didn’t.

Thankfully, there was One who saw the potential inside my broken heart. My inability to form true and lasting friendships hadn’t just happened because I was a mean and nasty person. No. I’d been wounded, betrayed, and told on more than a few occasions that I was worthless and unlovable. Messages such as these, no matter how untrue, stick to us like permanent glue. Without help and unconditional love from another caring person, we can remain stuck for extended periods of time. For me, that much-needed help came slowly, with a few strategically placed people who loved me enough to point me to the One who could really befriend me, Jesus.

When I finally bowed at the Throne of Grace, I was met by the Best Friend anyone could possibly have — our Lord and Savior — Jesus Christ. His love washed over me like a refreshing fountain, cleansing me entirely, from my head to my toes. By the time He had completed that initial sin-washing, I felt like a brand new creation. I was brand new.

Christ is our perfect example of friendship. He loved when others hated. He loved when He was betrayed. He loved when He was forsaken. He loved like His Heavenly Father loved Him, with an everlasting, unceasing, and eternal love. When we read His Holy Guidebook and pattern our relationships after His, we can become the friends we were created to be. We can become His loving hands extended to an often hurting and hopeless world full of people who are clueless about friendship.

Part of our job description as a Princess Warrior for Christ is not only to develop a deeper more abiding relationship with our best friend of all, our King, but with those who reside within the castle walls. We are also to be an example of love to those who are still living like paupers, not yet aware of the royal heritage available to them in Christ.

How can we do this in practical ways, in a world where people are, well, often times, they’re downright rude and crude? Rather than lashing back with worldly hatred, we are to live like the royalty we are. This need not be a complicated or frustrating chore. Rather, this new way of living is proving to be a joy for me and the other Princess Warriors that I know. There may be times of difficulty, but the good far outweighs the bad, and loving others is not an option, no, it’s one of Christ’s New Testament requirements.

Let us reign real today by:

· Smiling and greeting everyone in our path with a positive and friendly word or comment.

· Going above and beyond our personal comfort zone to help a sister in need. Can I get that door for you? May I carry your groceries, while you take your baby? You get the picture!

· Turning the other cheek when someone attempts to stir up trouble. Yes, even as daughters of the King, we can still be pretty petty at times. Do not participate. Speak love, or do not speak at all.

· Giving an encouraging word to everyone you have a conversation with today. Each day, we have opportunities to share a positive idea, and point someone to Scripture.

· Offering to pray…right now. Not the, “I’ll be praying for you. Bye now.” Oh no! Pray now! Can I pray for you right now, right here? May I rest my hand on your shoulder as we pray together? Something powerful happens when we pray together. God’s Word tells us where two or more or gathered, He’s in their midst. Let’s pray.

· Listening with Love to those who trust us enough to share their problems and concerns. Sometimes we’re just too eager to give feedback and advice. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is simply be quiet and listen.

By implementing just one of the above friendship-growing-suggestions, you will create positive feelings in at least three hearts…the other person’s heart, your own, and God’s. Likely, even more people will benefit. For when we are living like godly, Princess Warriors for Christ, and reaching out to others in love, extending His friendship through our actions, a domino affect takes place. One blessing turns into another, into another, and another…
God gives His daughters good gifts, it’s up to us to open them, and share them.

Reigning Real from your Throne: Part II

Reigning Real: Part Two: Receive His Resources
Written by Carol Van Atta

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9 NKJV)

As Jesus’ beloved, you have received the following:

Resources: "All that belongs to the Father is mine…the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you." John 16:15 (NIV)

In the last article, we discovered a Princess who had just realized there is a whole lot more to reigning real than looking pretty. Serving the King of Kings is a position available to each and every woman who walks this planet. For this all-powerful King has more than enough crowns, and love, to go around. He seeks imperfect women, women like you and me, to rule and reign for eternity as His Princess Warriors. Jesus has made certain that we are provided with everything we need to live successfully in this often confusing and sometimes very wicked world.

As His daughters, we have been given all the required resources to walk boldly, with integrity and confidence, as godly royalty. We can reign real from our God-given thrones.

Does it sound too good to be true?

Depending on the day, the hour, even the minute…our answers will vary. When life is proceeding as we desire, it’s much easier to claim our royal heritage. We tend to base our identity on our feelings, which is a big mistake. The Bible tells us that our hearts are deceitful above all other things. In other words, we can easily be led astray by our fickle emotions.

As a writer, I am always more than a little pleased when my words are published for others to read. However, writers have one thing in common besides their love of the written word — rejection. Yes, rejection. Just the other day, I saw the envelope —an envelope with a return address that I immediately recognized. A certain publisher had responded to my newest book-proposal. I took a deep breath, attempting to calm my heart that was now beating like a stampede of wild-horse-hooves pounding across the desert. Opening the letter, ever so carefully, my eyes feasted on the bold print: Sorry, but your project is not right for us…

That stampede of horses skidded to a halt, and I thought I might go into cardiac arrest. Disappointment and a barrage of negative thoughts clouded my vision, and immediately affected my state of being. I went from knowing I was a Princess Warrior to thinking maybe my King had forgotten I existed. I’ve had rejections before, and I’ve been honored to have my work published on a number of occasions. Yet, in this moment, I’d fallen into a deadly trap that the enemy of my soul had so diligently prepared. I allowed my feelings to determine my worth. My identity, for those few minutes, was not based on what God my King says about me, but instead on my lying emotions.

In order to have a fruitful reign, we must be continually reminded of who God created us to be, and what He planned for us to do. Will we experience rejection? Undoubtedly, we will, on more than a few occasions. Our goal is to stand steadfast in the truth of who we are. There is a war raging around us, and an enemy who wants us to give up, lay down our swords, and toss away our crowns. Thankfully, our King has provided us with heavenly resources. The Holy Spirit will make these resources known to us in a variety of ways.

There is a treasure chest of gems and jewels available to every royal daughter. It is up to us to open the chest … His Word. The Holy Bible is our primary resource. The treasures we will discover within its pages are just what we need to stand in victory.

No matter what your circumstances might be, no matter what rejection you have experienced, God’s Word explains that He will never reject those who follow Him. He promises to never leave or forsake His chosen ones. That means us! When we accepted Christ as our Savior and Redeemer, we were welcomed into an eternal Kingdom where our God and King will rule and reign for eternity with us by His side. When we can grasp that amazing truth, our whole outlook on life will change.

Yes, there are battles we may lose, rejections we will experience, and pain that seems unbearable, but, if we utilize the resources He so generously provides, we will overcome.

Consider Paul. He was locked in a filthy Roman prison. Beaten and shackled, this ancient warrior sang songs of praise to his King. In spite of the pain and rejection that he experienced on a regular basis, he continued to use the resources available to him. Praise and worship in the midst of trials and temptations showed others that he never forgot who He was in Christ.

Rahab, a prostitute who probably felt degraded, ashamed, and rejected, overcame her feelings and trusted the spies who she’d hidden in her home. She trusted that their Hebrew God would rescue her and her family from destruction. Mary, a young virgin girl, chosen to be the bearer of our Lord in the flesh, risked rejection, even death, by embracing God’s purpose for her life. The list goes on and on. Other men and women, fallible just like us, embraced their royal heritage and trusted in the resources provided by their King.

You may face horrendous trials today. Your marriage may be shaky, your kids out of control, your job unfulfilling, your body sick, but if belong to the Royal Court of Christ; there are supernatural resources available to you in every situation. Sometimes the best we can do is cling to who our King is and what His promises say. We may feel so rejected that we’ve accepted the lies our enemy has strategically fired our way. It’s time to raise the Shield of Faith and fight back. God’s Will and His Way will prevail … always. Your life may not make sense now, but God will take everything that the devil intends for evil and destruction, and He will somehow, someway, someday, turn it around for His good and glory.

If you’ve forgotten, or still don’t understand who you are as a Princess Warrior, as a daughter of the Most High King, please read the following truths aloud. God’s Word is our greatest resource. It is our Sword. The Sword of His Spirit. The Sword of Truth. Speak it. Believe it. Live it. No matter what you might be feeling in this moment … you are created for good things. Remember, you belong on a Throne. So, go ahead, reign real … one step and one prayer at a time. God will do the rest.

Who you are in Christ:

I am God’s Child (John 1:12)
I am Christ’s friend (John 15:15)
I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am united with the Lord, and I am one Spirit with Him. (I Corinthians 6:17)
I have been bought with a price. I belong to God. (I Corinthians 6: 19, 20)
I am a member of Christ’s Body. (I Corinthians 12:27)
I am a Saint. (Ephesians 1:1)
I have been adopted as God’s child. (Ephesians 1:5)
I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 2:18)
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. (Colossians 1:14)
I am complete in Christ. (Colossians 2:10)
I am free forever from condemnation. (Romans: 8:1, 2)
I am assured that all things work together for good. (Romans: 8:28)
I am free from all condemnation. (Romans 8:31)
I cannot be separated from the love of God. (Romans 8:35)
I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God. (2 Cor. 1: 21, 22)
I am hidden with Christ in God. (Col. 3:3)
I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1:6)
I am a citizen of Heaven. (Phil. 3:20)
I have not been given a spirit of fear of but of power and a sound mind. (2 Tim. 1:7)
I can find grace and mercy in a time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

Don't forget to visit my other Blog, too: http://princesswarrior.bravejournal.com/

What does this Princess Warrior chick "look like" anyway?

Who is a Princess Warrior for Christ?

Are you?

By Carol Van Atta

Every woman who believes and belongs to Jesus Christ is a Priceless Princess and a Worthy Warrior.

She understands that she has been created for good works and her identity is found in Christ, not in the ways of the world.

Her heart beats only for her One True King – Jesus. When she is tempted to look elsewhere for love and approval, which sometimes happens, she repents and returns to her First Love, the only Source of true love, approval, and inner joy. She knows even a godly husband cannot meet all her needs, nor can she meet all his…but God can.

A Princess Warrior loves others as she loves herself and desires to serve rather than be served. Like Jesus, she is eager to wash the feet of another, trusting that her King will provide the personal care she needs in her own life.

She is quick to see the good in others and examines her own shortcomings with an open mind, allowing the Holy Spirit to cleanse her from any secret, hidden, hurts in her own heart. Knowing she needs help from others and can do nothing by her power alone, a true princess warrior reaches out to her royal sisterhood and other warriors in God’s Kingdom for help and support. She, too, extends truth, love, grace, and hope to those in her midst.

A Princess Warrior understands nothing can separate her from the love of God found in Christ Jesus her Lord and King. She lives her life seeking to share this knowledge and His gift of eternal life with others lost in the shadows and lies of her Kingdom’s sworn enemy. If she must, she is willing to lay down her life for the life of a friend, and will ask God to help her love her enemies and pray for their salvation.

She fights the good fight of faith and through all suffering she keeps her eyes focused on the Author and Perfecter of her faith – Jesus Christ – knowing someday all evil will be banished and her King will rule and reign for eternity.

The position of Princess Warrior is open to any woman desiring to serve the King of the Universe. This King continues to seek imperfect women for His royal court. He has more than enough love, crowns (and swords) to go around. There are many rooms available in His Heavenly mansions, perfectly prepared for all His royal Princess Warriors. All who are interested in becoming a Princess Warrior: simply reach up to Christ; accept His gift of love, and a position of everlasting royalty. What are you waiting for?

ROYAL REMINDER:

Ladies ... don't panic. I already can hear those panicked thoughts roaring through your mind like a category 35 (okay, I'm exaggerating) hurricane. Those same thoughts that attack us when we read about the Proverbs 31 Woman. Although, the above characteristics demonstrate a godly woman's character, can I simply say ... you won't get them all "right." This isn't a test. You don't have to be "good enough" you just have to love God and invite Jesus to reign in your heart and over your life. And, yes, as He transforms you from glory to glory and you work out your salvation with fear and trembling, you will indeed discover that you begin to behave more and more like the Princess Warrior you were called and created to be.

But, let me again remind you, if this was about being the perfect "church lady," I would not be here. Amen! Can anyone give me a Hallelujah Moment?!?

So, relax and rest in the knowledge that if you belong to the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, you do have a hope and a future. In fact, go to your Bible right now and read Jeremiah 29:11.

Until next time, may God bless you and keep you. And, please, ladies, don't forget to laugh!

Reigning Real from your Throne: Part I

Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession.

Deuteronomy 14:2 NIV

Tentatively, the woman approached the massive wardrobe. Its intricate design work showcased a multitude of dazzling jewels. The words impressive, inspiring, even remarkable fell short of sufficiently describing the workmanship of this majestic creation that now housed an array of colorful gowns — her gowns.

Gently stroking the velvety fabric of one purple, floor-length robe, she envisioned the elegant garment draped over her shoulders. Carefully, she slipped the item from its hanger. As she secured the tasseled belt around her waist, a flash of metal caught her attention.

In the far right corner of her vast, new closet, she spotted what looked like armor…several armors. Some silver, others bronze, or gold; they shone with an unearthly brilliance. Who could they belong to? Why were they placed in the midst of her royal attire? Surely, there must be some mistake.

She vaguely remembered reading about “fighting the good fight of faith,” but she’d assumed that statement applied specifically to men who resided in the Kingdom. Her King wouldn’t expect her to battle, or, would He?

Turning away from the wardrobe, she nearly stumbled over a scroll tied with a gold ribbon. Goodness, how could she have missed that? Without hesitation, she eagerly grasped the rolled parchment and hurried to a chair by the fireplace. Hopefully, she’d find the answers she sought. She read…

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9 NKJV)

As Jesus’ beloved, you have received the following:

- Resources — “All that belongs to the Father is mine…the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you” (John 16:15 NIV)

- Friendship — “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15 NIV)

- Love — “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” (John 15:9)

- Joy — “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11 NIV)

- Glory — “I have given them the glory that you [Father] gave me” (John 17:22 NIV)

- A Risen life — “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. .When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:1,4 NIV)

- Inheritance — “If we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Romans 8:17 NIV)

- The Right to Reign — “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne” (Revelation 3:21 NIV)

- Protective Armor — “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the whiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:10-12 NKJV)

The delicate inscription explained everything. She had indeed become a princess for Christ, but it wasn’t all about frilly ruffles and priceless perfume. No, her new identity involved living like a princess and a warrior, who on occasion might have to lift her royal ruffles to launch a swift kick of truth at a relentless enemy. She had been given a belt, breastplate, special footwear, helmet, and even a sword to use against her King’s sworn enemy. Indeed, the armor she had seen…was hers.

***

When I first accepted Christ as my Savior, I was immediately wrapped in a glorious gown of His grace and seated on spiritual throne next to my beloved King.
Life was good.

My sins had been forgiven and I was flying high on the understanding that I had traded my filthy rags for a heavenly destiny. I’d turned from a pauper to a princess. The old “me” was gone and a new Carol stood ready to reign as Christian royalty. Well, almost.

I excitedly opened myself to God’s Spirit and soon discovered there was a hope-filled future for those of us who believed and belonged to Christ’s family. Wow! This life far exceeded my previous existence of pain, shame, numerous addictions, and chronic hopelessness. God had chosen imperfect me to follow perfect Him…forever.

The first months of my new, royal- reality seemed to dance by like a graceful ballerina. A few spins and stumbles, but no major falls. Then something changed. Something happened. I tripped and fell…hard. Getting up was difficult, and wearing a fluffy tutu in light of my blunders seemed silly at the very least. Standing in a silky gown, while a brutal battle raged around me became increasingly foolish, and incredibly difficult. Although I tried to maintain my perfect princess identity, it was apparent I’d missed some critical information in my previous review of God’s plan of action.

I had been floating along on a cloud of God’s incredible grace, all the while, forgetting there was another pertinent, palace-protocol that I had completely missed — the importance, actually, the complete necessity of God’s powerful truth.

Without a more complete knowledge of God’s Manual for Living, the Holy Bible, I had failed to utilize the armor my King so generously provides for all of His royal subjects. Without the this protective covering, I had left myself wide open for the King’s sworn enemy, Satan, to trip me up, leaving me battered, bruised, and quite frankly bewildered by the ferocity of this feral beast’s attacks. Apparently, this otherworldly creature was none too pleased to have lost yet another one of his former, sinful slaves to Christ’s love.

Thankfully, I discovered sooner, rather than much later, that over my fancy princess attire, I needed to add a Garment of Praise and Prayer and a warrior’s full body armor, including:

· The Belt of Truth
· Breastplate of Righteousness
· Sandals of the Gospel of Peace
· Helmet of Salvation
· Shield of Faith
· Sword of God’s Spirit

I also needed to consume the proper nutrients to remain spiritually and emotionally strong and agile, The Fruit of God’s Spirit… “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law”— (Galatians 5:22 NAS)

By embracing all God has for His Princess Warriors - us - we truly are able to reign real in an often wicked world without succumbing to its tantalizing temptations. We can be totally and completely satisfied with who we are…daughters of the King. There is no better position, is there? After all, anything less leaves us reaching for more.

Join me next month as we continue to discover the joys of reigning real from our thrones as precious princesses and worthy warriors. God bless you until then.

A Woman Belongs on a Throne

Finally, friends, here I am!

I have been promising for a while now to create a new journal/blog completely dedicated to the "Princess Warrior for Christ" theme.

For those of you who are new to me and my message, you might want to visit my OTHER BLOG at http://princesswarrior.bravejournal.com/

There you can read my everyday ramblings as an imperfect, zany, and loving woman of God. Yes, I'm a daughter of the King of Kings and my writings all somehow, someway, end up pointing back to the love of my life, Jesus Christ.

But don't let any preconceived ideas of Christianity fool you. Hopefully, you will be pleasantly surprised to discover that I struggle daily with things like unbelief, anger, gluttony (yep, that's a biggie) and much, much more. HOWEVER, thankfully, my growing understanding of who I am in Christ helps me better embrace His plan and purpose for my life.

A few additional facts:

I'm a single mom of two mostly darling kids (ages 9 and 15) Yes, I know, lovely age gap. Oh, did I mention the youngest is a girl and the oldest a teen boy. Need I say more?

I'm a published author and inspirational (transformational) speaker. Currently, I'm on pins and needles as two large Christian publishers are considering two new book projects. One book is all about this reigning real stuff, another about removing our phony masks so we can be really real. Hum ... anyone sensing a theme here?

Before Christ, well, that's a story for another day. Let's just say: major druggie, relationship junkie (addicted to love in all the wrong places), angry and mean, afraid and phony, are some words and phrases that easily describe my younger years.

My day job (no, I'm not yet supporting myself wholly by writing and speaking) is in the social service field where I get to help people who were just like me find a better way to live.

My ministry involvement is with Bethany House, a home for single, pregnant women that have nowhere to go. I have served as their Outreach Coordinator and Spokesperson for a number of years. To learn more about this amazing program check out: http://www.bethanyhousenet.org/

Well, that's a start. I'm a little tired as it's, goodness, after 2:30 AM. I love to read and write late at night. Not a good habit during weekdays.

I'll look forward to chatting more. God bless you and goodnight. Sweet Dreams ....