Why Xena Isn't Our Gal

Xena, Xena, she’s not our gal
Carol Van Atta/excerpt from A Woman's Place is on a Throne ... with a Sword.

In order to better understand our Princess Warrior identity, we’ve got to talk about you know who — Xena “warrior princess.” Gorgeous brunette, curvy figure, leather attire, and an array of skin-slicing weapons with an unforgettable battle cry, yep, that’s the one. Please, don’t try the battle cry; it hurts.

I know; I shouldn’t have brought it up. So, if you’re curious (I can practically hear you begging me for more information about that notorious screech) go to handy dandy YouTube and do a Xena search. Just type in “Xena war cry.” After you’ve screamed like a banshee once or twice, hurry back to this page. Don’t tarry!

Now that you’ve returned, erase her image from your mind, most of it anyway. Certainly, we can find some parallels to our royal cause, but, quite frankly, a majority of the time, this captivating heroine stayed stuck in the warrior mode, and like so many others, she was worshipping the wrong entity — herself.

For those of you who don’t know, Xena Warrior Princess was an American television series airing from 1995 to 2001. The show continues to have a cult-like following and anxious fans eagerly await Xena’s reappearance on the Big Screen someday. Like Star Trek’s infamous “to boldly go where no man has gone before” opening, the Xena voiceover proudly proclaimed its own unique message: “In a time of ancient gods, warlords and kings...A land in turmoil cried out for a hero. She was Xena, a mighty princess forged in the heat of battle. The power...the passion...the danger...Her courage will change the world.”

Ah … can you sense the excitement, the danger, the adventure? Surely there were some defining moments as Xena fought to overcome her hateful and dark past. I’m certain many of you can somehow relate to that process. However, Xena went about it all wrong. Her mission, to save so-called “innocents” from harm and redeem herself sounds noble, but it’s a lost cause.

She bravely fought a long list of villains during the show’s 134 episode run (not to mention her appearances on Hercules) in an attempt to find the redemption she so desperately desired — redemption she could never earn.

Royal Reminder: A sexy, leather-clad Xena may be worthy of a theme song, but it doesn’t make her deserving of a Throne. Real royalty is lifted from the ashes of sin and born again by the grace and glory of God.

Ladies, we cannot liberate ourselves. No one, not even Warrior Princess – Xena can perform enough harrowing rescues or good deeds to obtain salvation. No matter how many toilets we scrub, noses we wipe, business meetings we attend, church committees we’re on, no matter what we “do,” we will never measure up … without God’s grace.

Living as a Princess Warrior for Christ is not about powering through life in thigh-high boots, with a baby on one hip and a sword strapped to the other. Although, that makes an interesting picture, it doesn’t make sense, nor is it God’s desire.

Rather, as we continue to explore this topic, we will discover what a godly, princess warrior does from her throne and the protocol that allows her live faithfully as her King’s daughter. I think you’ll be surprised to discover she spends a great deal of time helping others find their thrones, while eliminating those things that try to topple her from her own.

Girls, you can rest assured, if you have dedicated your life to Christ the King, you, too, have a throne divinely designed just for you. So, go on, reign real! God's got your back.

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

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 ....