Future Spiritual Warfare Fantasy

I am excited to announce I am working away on my latest spiritual warfare fantasy: Guardian Watcher. I wanted to share a sneak peek with my blog readers. Are you ready for "Josh" who may or may not be an angel? 

 Here is the back blurb from the book:

Angel? Demon? Superhero? Or something else altogether? 

“Josh the Angel” isn’t sure what he is or where he came from. The only thing he knows for certain—he has a mission: Help humans. 

There’s no doubt, those near replicas of him, minus the massive wings, need serious help. If only he could stop blacking out and uncover the memories he somehow managed to misplace. 

Considering his bestfriend is a coyote; his current home an underground bunker; and his favorite mode of transportation (after flying, of course) a customized Harley Davidson; he’s an anomaly. Toss in a few murders he may or may not have committed and Josh just might be crazy. He’s definitely coming unglued, despite his physical prowess and supernatural skill-set.

Between seeking clues about his past, saving people from danger, and avoiding public scrutiny, becoming someone’s personal bodyguard is the last thing he needs, but Piper Pruitt is magnet for trouble—big trouble. 

She’s also a magnet to him. 

Protecting her turns into a full time job, a job he likes far more than he should, because keeping Piper safe comes with a price tag, and the price may be too high for either of them to pay. 

The cost continues to grow when Josh and Piper risk their lives to team up with an elite FBI team and a wayward pastor, on a quest to stop a serial killer that isn’t quite human. Together they must fight spiritual forces that shouldn’t exist. Forces that will destroy their city if allowed to reign unchallenged. 

Despite their best efforts to defeat the darkness, unimaginable secrets are revealed, hearts broken, souls lost, and beliefs shattered. 

For when you attempt to “do” God’s work by manipulating truth and depending on lies, someone always loses.  

Please note: This is a standalone, spiritual warfare fantasy and suspense adventure, with a touch of romance, no cliffhanger, and ultimately, a happy ending. It is not part of the Soul Defenders’ Series, also by Carol Van Atta.

  
I am really looking forward to this and to finally, after being "off" my writing schedule for a few years, to finally complete Reign Real: Becoming a Princess Warrior for Christ, which might be getting a new cover! 

I'd love to hear from you! What books are you enjoying right now? Would you like to be on my list for Guardian Watcher (fiction) and/or Reign Real (non-fiction/women)? Just drop me a message. 

Remember: Follow your dreams and Never Never give up. You are a daughter of the most high God and King. With Him all things are possible!

That One Little Prayer

How many of you remember, back around 2004, a little book, about an even littler prayer, became all-the-rage throughout the Christian Community, even touching mainstream markets? 

The Prayer of Jabez, also referred to as Jabez's prayer was that little book, and it was based on a one verse prayer. 

I was one of the many who caught the Jabez fever, incorporating that little prayer into my prayer life, almost as if it was a magical, all-powerful formula for spiritual success. 

God's Word is no doubt powerful and supernatural in every way, however, with any prayer we speak frequently, we need to remember the meaning behind the words rather than simply reciting them by rote. 

Prayers that become mechanical often lose their power for us. 

I'm not saying God's Word ever loses power, I'm simply saying when we fail to mean what we say and say what we mean, we are in danger of reducing our prayers to quickly uttered words with little or no real meaning. 

Lately, I have made it a daily habit to pray through my neighborhood on my way to work. I often include the Lord's Prayer and ask the Lord bless to and protect my neighbors, their families, their pets, and that He would protect them from harm and evil. 

In addition, I ask that those neighbors who have yet to meet the King of Kings and do not know him as Lord and Savior would invite Him into their lives. Then I plead for the believers to enter into deeper more abiding relationships with their Creator. Including my own family and pets in the mix, of course! Can't forget my own household!

Well, out of the blue, these past couple of weeks, I have been praying the "...bless them indeed and enlarge their territories portion of the Jabez Prayer, only to discover, after repeating it however many times before that I couldn't remember it in its entirety. 

Then, tonight, lol and behold, I was searching my bookcase for another book and found a barely used, mini-journal created to accompany the original Prayer of Jabez book by Bruce Wilkinson. 

I think perhaps the Holy Spirit led me to it! (No perhaps about it)

I love the quote found on the page I opened the journal to, where it emphatically says: 

God's nature is to bless. 

How powerful is that? 

• Not to punish
• Not to blacklist
• Not to bury
• Not to abandon
• Not to destroy, ruin, or smite. 

But to bless! 

The next thing I knew I was penning this prayer:

Lord, may I be open and ready to receive and embrace your blessings, in whatever form they come in. And may my nature reflect yours more and more everyday. May I become a "bringer" of blessings NOT curses. In Jesus' Name, amen. 

Next, the sudden urge to post here, something I have been unfaithful about, overcame me. So...I was obedient. I'm not sure what the Lord's plans are for this post or this little prayer, but I know without doubt his words never return void. 

I can't think of a better time in our world to live our lives as blessings to others, to become bringers of blessings, hope, and light where there is so much strife, hostility, and darkness. I hope you will join me on this journey of love. 

Your Sister in Christ and Bringer of Blessings,

Carol 

Please comment below to proclaim your commitment to become a Bringer of Blessings in the days ahead. I'd love to hear from you!

 

LOVE at God's Table

With so much division and hatred in the world, and the U.S. in particular, Jesus' message of 'love your neighbor' has never been more applicable. 

Logging onto Facebook or other social media platforms can feel like a mind field, where we're forced to tiptoe through comments and posts that continue to keep us divided. What ever happened to disagreeing without demoralizing the person with a counter opinion? People are ending friendships over opposite viewpoints. 

I have chosen to stay out of the debates. And have been chastised for that as well. Apparently, I'm part of the problem if I don't engage in all the hostilities. There is a difference between burying your head in the sand and choosing not to dig yourself into a grave. Why bury myself in darkness and division when there is a better choice?

I want to be a light on the hill. Love in the midst of hatred. Kindness in places where people are feeling kicked to the curb for their beliefs. 

What can we do today, as Princess Warriors of the most High King? How about we put into practice those practical things that make a difference but are really quite simple, though not always easy to remember when we're walking through a mind field. 

Kind words. A smile. Offering a helping hand. Reminding friends you love them and care. Keeping your own posts focused on the positive in our world. There are so many amazing stories of good deeds and being a good neighbor available if you look for them. The nightly news isn't the best place to find them. 

I called a friend one night to ask how she was doing...what she was doing. Well, she was angry because she was watching the evening news and stewing over the injustices in the world, which there are many. I recommended she take a break from all the negativity and TURN OFF the news. It's one thing to be informed but another to find ourselves enslaved to dining on disaster and discouraging information. Some of us have been downright devouring the never-ending buffet of bad news.

We may need to make a change to our 'diets'. What we feast on, affects our health. What we think on and ponder, can actually become obsessive thinking that thwarts progress and positivity, even enslaving us. 

I want to challenge you too 'see' the amazing goodness and grace found at God's banquet table. Pull up a chair and leave the second-rate buffet behind. God's table offers blessing upon blessing, and there is always enough for everyone. 

 More amazing art by Delores Devlde available for purchase on her Fine Arts Page.

Bring out the Gold: Shine for Jesus

Before I dive into my post, I'd like to share the amazing art of Delores Develde. 

I will be showcasing her work with my posts as her art perfectly reveals God's love for us: His daughters; His brides; His princess warriors; His beloved; His children; His creations...

I highly encourage you to visit her page at Fine Art America. Just click on her name above, and you will be transported to her incredible world of God-honoring creations. She shares the scripture references and thoughts behind most of her designs, which can be purchased on pillows, tote bags, mugs, wall hangings...and more. I am going to look into a T-shirt! How cool would that be? 

In case you can't read the print on this post's featured painting, it says: 

Dear God, enlighten what is dark in me.

Strengthen what is weak in me.

Bind what is bruised in me.

Heal what is sick in me.

Bring out the gold in me.

So I can shine for you.

Amen

Delores has penned some powerful words to accompany her art work. Both the words and image, hit my heart, reminding me that I am to shine brightly, like gold, so those around me will be drawn out of the darkness and into His everlasting light. 

In order for our gold to shine the way it is intended to shine, it must be polished and clean, brilliant to look at, different from the dirty and fake metals that can be found scattered around our world, tempting us to settle for less than the best quality gold. 

Less than real. 

I remember the care my mom took with her 'special' sterling silverware. For her generation, owning a fine silverware set was a must. It was eventually passed down, becoming a treasured family heirloom, used only for the most noteworthy occasions.  

When that velvet-lined box came out of the china cabinet, I knew at a young age good times were coming! Something out of the ordinary was about to happen. A holiday. Wedding. Birthday. Family members visiting. A Graduation. Occasions such as these warranted, perhaps even demanded, the use of her precious silver. 

But she never tossed it on the table 'as is.' Oh no! She would spread out the individual pieces, and one by one, she'd use some (magical to me) cleaning product to polish away any imperfections caused by tarnishing. Once she was satisfied that the standard for shininess had been met, then, and only then, would I be allowed to help her set the table. 

I know. I'm talking about silver not gold, but the point I'm making works either way. Had she simply dumped the tarnished pieces on the table, they would have been no more special than what we used everyday. The guests of honor might not have felt honored at all, thus assuming the meal was like any other, nothing unique, nothing different from other meals they'd attended. 

I suspect you know where I'm headed with this. 

Once Christ's blood has washed up (shined us up with His glory) we stand out. We're brighter. Our light can pierce the darkest corners. Yet even after that first salvation experience, where Christ cleanses us with his grace, we still have to reach out and up to Him in order for that gold to flow in a way that differentiates us from the other lesser lights around us. 

Yes, we're saved. Eternity is secured. We are blood bought and forgiven. However, we are still in the midst of a battle. Our enemy who thrives in the darkest shadows will do anything he can to make us feel dirty again. He wants us to believe we are tarnished and unworthy to be on 'the table.' 

Not only does the devil work hard to keep us believing we are obscured by the shadows, we sometimes fall short; we sin. We mess up. We get stuck, pining over our past or fearing our future. We may even find ourselves imprisoned by a stronghold. Some of us have gone right out into a pig pen like the Prodigal Son and rolled around in the mud. Our godly gold becomes dimmer, and we begin to look more and more like that fake gold and filthy silver. 

But just as my mom so lovingly polished and brightened her precious silverware, there is hope that we too have someone who will help us shine again. 

Our Lord does something far greater than my mom ever could, he renews our minds and turns our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. When we cry out to Him, using words similar to the prayer above, He takes us lovingly into his care, cleaning and renewing us all over again. 

His mercies are new every morning. He can bring out the best in us, making our gold so bright those around us wonder why we shine the way we do. That gold (God's power and love in us) has the ability to push the enemy back where he belongs--into the darkness. 

So sisters, what do you say? Is it time to ask God for a good polishing? Are you feeling tarnished? Has your God-light grown dim? If so, do not despair. God is but a prayer away, waiting to brighten you so you in turn will bless others. 

Don't wait another second. He's waiting!

For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Ephesians 5:8 ESV

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.  Mathew 5:16 ESV 

That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world...Philippians 2:15 ESV  

Exciting News!

I am excited to share that I will be releasing a new book soon. This story is a bit different from the other spiritual warfare, Soul Defenders' series. Guardian Watchers is more fantasy/speculative fiction/with a touch more romance. I think guys will still enjoy, but it is definitely a book women will  relate too. 

As with the Soul Defenders' books, the foundation is based on God's truth and has a great deal to do with trusting in Him. 

Think of Abraham and Sarah. They got tired of waiting and attempted to use her servant to force God's promise for a child, pushing for the birth to take place in their time-frame not His. The results, as I'm sure you recall, ended up rather 'messy,' to say the least. 

God knows what He is doing. 

When we try to interfere, imposing our will (as if we can actually do such a thing) on God's divine purpose, we will never come out ahead. 

Guardian Watchers takes this theme to a whole new level. Let your imagination run wild!

I promise I'll share more teasers and tidbits as the release date draws closer. The next step will be the big COVER REVEAL. I'll have some fun contests and other giveaway goodies down the road as well. 

The third installment for the Soul Defenders series, subtitled Cartel, is on the table, as well as, the long overdue Reign Real: Becoming a Princess Warrior for Christ (non-fiction). If you read my previous post, you will know why these projects are so delayed.

The book covers for Soul Defenders: Cartel and Reign Real have been revealed already, so take a peek!

Stuck, Frozen, in Fear

Not the most appealing title for a blog post, I know. But I want to talk about an issue that has plagued me these past few years, more than I care to admit. 

Three years ago, in March, my mother left earth for a new heavenly home. A great reason for celebration. At least that's what my 'head' said. I mean it's true. When we belong to Christ we have an eternal destination that will surpass our greatest imaginings. The Bible tells us so. 

Unfortunately, my heart wasn't in agreement with my head. My mom was my best friend. The last ten years of her life, she lived with me. As a single mom, she played a huge role in helping raise my two children, who are now almost 20 and 26. She was an incredible woman who gave far more than she ever received and never complained. I'm sure she received all the rewards she could ever want in the presence of our Savior. 

Regardless of her heavenly happiness, I spiraled into a realm of depression, anxiety, and ultimately fear that froze me in place. I'd spent years speaking regularly at women's events and retreats, writing, blogging, serving in ministry leadership, and believed my foundation was firm. It wasn't near as firm as I thought.

Grief ignited something in me that was not pretty and it definitely wasn't from God. 

I had trouble leaving the house. My mortality became terrifying as I watched more people I knew get sick or die. I've always known death was inevitable. And I had felt secure in my salvation, but for some reason, her death rocked my beliefs and the devil came striding into my life, spewing his hateful rhetoric and fueling my fear. Worse. I let him.

Instead of resisting his attacks, I rolled over and pulled the covers up over my head. Literally. As you probably are well aware, bed covers are no substitute for a godly set of armor. 

My church attendance dwindled then died. My devotional time and Bible study became a rarity rather than a regular part of my day as it had been for so many years. I started struggling with my own health challenges, some serious.

Thankfully, God doesn't give up when we do. I'd still manage a short prayer most days, and as hard as I tried to hide there were people, friends who were persistent, perhaps even pushy in their pursuit of me and my healing. 

Over the past year, I have slowly reclaimed my Princess Warrior identity. I've found a new church home that is perfect for me right now. I've started spending more time with other believers and am back in the Word on a regular basis. Do I still struggle with depression and anxiety? I am not going to lie. I do. But I continue to cry out, "Lord, help my unbelief." I've taken to saying the Lord's Prayer daily, savoring each portion of that prayer, trusting His will will be done on earth as it is in heaven. The plan and purpose he had for me to help other women navigate life's numerous pitfalls has not changed.

I have always wanted my writing, my ministry, and my life to encourage others who struggle. Believers who desire more of Jesus. People who know they're not perfect but who are passionate about change and want to live victoriously in a fallen world. 

These past few months I've discovered some wonderful Bible study companion books that helped me on my quest to find new freedom. I'd like to share them with you.

1. Happiness, Randy Alcorn
2. Unshakable Trust, Joyce Meyer
3. The Fearless Life, Jentezen Franklin (I'd never heard of this author/pastor, found it four a couple of dollars on Christianbook.com 

All the books provided plenty of scripture references and the first two had study workbooks available, which I purchased. I continue to use the prayers found in book three as starters when praying is difficult. 

I was so ashamed of my depression and fears turned phobias that it was difficult to talk about. Of course, once I did, I learned like I always do, we're never alone in our feelings. We're here to love and lift each other up not to judge with ill intent and tear down. 

It is my hope that by revealing my fear fiascos it won't take you so long to reveal yours! 

This is one of the prayers found in Franklin's little, power-packed book:

"Dear Jesus, forgive me for allowing my mind to be filled with fear. Help me to become a warrior instead of a worrier. I choose to obey Your commands and to go forward in courage even when I feel afraid. I say with David, 'What time I am afraid, I will trust.' I believe that will begin to see miracles in my life as I take Your Word and believe Your promises, declaring in the face of the enemy, 'It is written.' Thank you, Lord. Amen."

A Good Friday-The Ultimate Soul Defender

Please, take a moment to revisit an article I wrote for Campus Crusade for Christ a number of years ago. The message is never-changing because our Lord and Savior is never-changing. His plan of redemption is the same yesterday, today, and thankfully, forever.

Read about the ultimate Soul Defender this Good Friday.

Did you know?

I have discovered something exciting that many of you may already be aware of. If you shop at all on Amazon, you can use their 'alternate' site, called AmazonSmile. 

Since 2005, I have been honored to be a part of Bethany House's ministry in several capacities: as an employee, board member, and volunteer. Bethany House is a Christian program of healing and hope for single pregnant women and women with children who are in need of multiple support services. This ministry has touched literally generations since their conception in 1989. I invite you to take a peek at the amazing work they do, and then, if you are so inclined, when you shop on Amazon, simply 'switch' and use the AmazonSmile section. You can select any non-profit that is signed up to receive donations through the Smile program on Amazon. I, of course, hope you will choose Bethany House as one of your giving options!

The AmazonSmile tagline is: "You shop. Amazon gives." 

What's really awesome? You don't pay ANYTHING extra. You just shop as you normally would and buy what you would normally buy, and then a portion of what you spend on your purchase goes to the non-profit of your choice. Cool, huh? 

Again, I am providing the links and information for Bethany House, but there are thousands of organizations that could use our support. May God bless you as you bless others!

Click below and shop!

Support Bethany House when you shop for your Valentine!

Learn more about the Bethany House Program's mission of service: 

 Bethany House on Facebook
 Bethany House's website