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  

Staying Under The King's Care

Do you ever wonder why some days are so much harder than others? Ever feel like you're floundering in a sea of indecision, making one poor choice after another? If so, you're not alone. Reigning Real is the most rewarding way to live, but at times, can be the most challenging. In order to win our daily battles we must remain UNDER HIS CARE ...

Learn more in my article, Under His Care (click to read)

New Year: New Choices. (Choose Patience)

Paving the Road with Patience: Living in the Light

A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

Proverbs 14:29

I could barely see beyond my rain-splattered windshield. Thankfully, I managed, with the wipers on high speed, to locate my exit. Letting out a sigh of relief, I prepared for the final leg of my journey home following a long day at work — a stressful day — to put it mildly.

            Just as I merged onto the off ramp, another vehicle sped by, cut in front of me, and headed up the ramp, only to slam on his brakes and skid to a stop before redirecting his car back onto the freeway. To make matters worse, he performed a certain, unacceptable hand “gesture” as he raced away into the stormy night.

            Shocked, and more than a little dismayed, I analyzed my choices:

1. I could tear off and follow him in a radical display of road rage.

2. I could yell not-so-nice things about him the rest of the way home.

3. I could choose to pray and behave in a patient and kind manner regardless of the fact that no one was watching.

Honestly, I started with number two before remembering that I did indeed have an audience — of One. This particular “audience” was the One that mattered most. My Savior had a front row seat to my actions. He could hear my words. He knew my heart.

I realized right then that ranting and raving in my car, at a driver already a mile down the road, was just plain foolish. I could follow my Lord’s example or act as ridiculous as the stranger I was angry with had. Thankfully, I stopped my fuming and instead prayed for God to protect this person as he drove away so recklessly, and, in the end, I made it home in one piece with a sense of peace that comes from exercising patience. Patience is possible. Remember, no matter what the circumstance — practice patience and experience peace. We’re foolish not to!

Prayer: Dear Lord, Your Word instructs me to avoid folly, instead making wise decisions in my daily life. One wise choice that will help me avoid foolishness is practicing patience. It may not be easy, but with Your help, it is possible.

Action Step: Take a moment to remember the last time you lost your patience and the choice resulted in foolish actions or words on your part. What could you have done differently? Commit to choosing wisely when future opportunities arise. 

NOT AGAIN!

Not Again!

(An Article I penned in 2004 just seemed appropriate to share today when so many people I know and work with struggle with the "not again" syndrome. Myself included. Thankfully, we have hope)

“Oops, I did it again…” the teen-theme song blared from my neighbor’s boom box as the fourteen-something, belly-baring-girl shimmied around her mom’s car, soap dripping from the sponge turned microphone in her hand.  I didn’t know car washing could be such an event!  But the lyrics of this seemingly mindless melody caught my attention. 

Sadly, in my before-Christ and even my after-Christ life, I had danced to the beat of that same theme song.  I’d find myself saying, “How could I be so stupid?  Why, God, why did I do this again?”  Well, the answer, although simple, is not always easily understood, and breaking free from the I-messed-up-again-cycle can seem like a daunting task without the right steps to follow. 

I learned the why was fairly obvious – because I am human, and I have fallen short of the glory of God.  When Adam and Eve sunk their pearly whites into that luscious fruit, we, the people of today, were deeply affected.  In fact, throughout history, the mantra “I did it again” has been repeated more than a few times, by more than a few people.  Every time I eat that second serving of dinner (or third) that I promised myself, and God, I would avoid, I repeat that age-old mantra.  When I used to be involved with drugs and destructive relationships, I’d continually beat myself with the “not again, not again, not again…” club, which I had grown very accustomed to swinging.  Stopping seemed like some elusive ideal, achievable only by those super spiritual individuals who lived in isolation, far away from the wear and tear of daily life in a mixed up, torn up world.  However, as I have gotten to know my Savior and His Word on a deeper level, I have discovered we truly can start singing a new song—a song of hope, redemption, and love.

Thankfully, we serve a God of second, third, and even three hundred chances.  In fact, most of our biblical ancestors messed up really bad (I mean bad) and they were still able to find forgiveness and a new hope in their Lord when they were truly repentant and sought His Way.  I’m certainly not implying their personal consequences vanished, or all godly correction was avoided, but they did find forgiveness and grace to continue on and influence us for the better, today. 

Paul’s famous words explain that our internal battles are not only expected, but with God they can be corrected, and even conquered.  Romans 7: 14-15 (NIV) states -- We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.  I do not understand what I do.  For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate, I do.  Now granted, we can gain a sense of comfort in these words just by the knowledge that the great Apostle Paul struggled, too.  However, left with these words alone, we’d still be stuck in our “not again” syndrome. 

Thankfully, Paul doesn’t stop there.  In Romans Chapter 8 (NIV) he reminds us, Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

The good news – there is a solution.  In our relationship with Jesus, we can find freedom from this vicious cycle of sin.  Utilizing the “Three R’s” we will discover no matter what our mess might be we serve a God who is in the transformation business.  He doesn’t just leave us stuck in the muck of our mistakes.  Our incredible God can and does take those ugly, messy, mishaps and somehow finds a way to turn these experiences into calling cards that highlight His goodness and glory.

First, we must Recognize our mistakes.  If we don’t remove our rose-colored glasses and take an honest appraisal of our mess, or possibly multiple messes, we will remain rolling in the mud of our sinfulness.   God doesn’t cleanse us when we stand cockily, with our hands on our hips, shouting heavenward about how we don’t need His help…thank you very much.  Recognizing and accepting that we have made a big, smelly mess is the first step out of the darkness of denial.   

Have you ever noticed when someone makes a mistake, often times he or she starts blaming anyone and everyone but him or herself?  The old “he said, she said” fault finding madness begins.  As a former vocational counselor, who worked in a drug and alcohol treatment setting, I witnessed this phenomenon on a daily, actually hourly basis.   The story goes like this:  The client enters my office and shares they relapsed and used drugs, again.  Then, instead of saying, “Hey, I made a mistake.”  The list of whose fault it was is rolled out in front of me for examination. 

The dog died.

My shoelace broke.

I was angry.

I was sad.

They hurt me.

I hurt them.

They made me.

I couldn’t help myself.

Yes, life happens and life hurts.  However, just like Eve had a choice in the garden, we have a choice today.  Life is so much easier, and freedom is attainable when we simply start off by recognizing we have made a mistake and created a mess.  When we do this we open the door to the clean-up-step.  The Second “R” stands for Repent and Release.

Once we recognize that we have fallen short of God’s best, and fully understand the choice was ours, we can confess and turn from our mistaken ways.  I have a friend who described mercy to a group of school age children with the following story.  She explained one way to understand God’s grace and mercy was to picture Him working away in a humungous kitchen.  Every morning, He welcomes His children, us, around a magnificent table.  Here, He dishes out a fresh batch of mercy that He whipped up for the new day.  After all, God’s mercies are fresh every morning. 

When we repent, and release our sins into His capable hands, we can expect to be fed a fresh batch of grace and mercy prepared specifically for us.  We no longer have to wallow in our mess.  Just as the Prodigal Son rose from the filth of the pig pen to return to his father, we must recognize we are in the mud, climb out, and release our sin and heartache to our loving Father. 

Finally, like the robe was draped around the returning prodigal, our Heavenly Father wraps His love around us.   The third “R,” God’s renewing power, revives and revitalizes.  This is the step, where God steps in, takes over, and does His incredible work in our lives.  Scripture compares our Lord as to a Potter is to his clay, a Vinedresser to his vineyard, a Silversmith to his precious metals, a Father to his child, even as a mother hen is to her chicks.  In other words, He is now at work restoring and renewing his creation – us.  Although, this restoration and renewal process may be painful at times, we can expect the end result to be beyond our wildest expectations.  Just as a designer carefully draws his plans to restore an old, dilapidated house, and as the builder makes changes on the outer structure, and the remodeling specialist enters and works on the inside of the home, our God is at work on, around, and in us.  This particular Designer, Builder, and Restorer has our best interest in mind, always.  

Instead of saying – oops, I did it again -- when we sin, we can quickly recognize our mistake, repent and release it to God, and expect Him to renew us once more.  No mess is too dirty.  No sin is too ugly.  Nothing is too difficult for our Lord.   He takes on the toughest projects and is able to complete them all using His perfect design plans.  No matter how messy our lives may be, or how many times God has started to clean up our “insides,” no matter how many times we have cried out… “Not again!”  God still loves us with an everlasting, unceasing, and eternal love.   The best way to avoid messy mistakes in the first place is to stay close to our First Love -- Jesus Christ.  When we begin to understand the depth of His love, life will never be the same again.

When in Doubt ... Look Up

Friends, I think we all know Thomas isn't the only one who ever doubted Jesus. If I asked you, right now, to raise your hand and confirm you've had doubts, would yours join mine in the air?

 I'm guessing, if we were all honest, every arm would be stretching skyward; because at one time or another, every one of us has doubted either God's existence or something He promised or said in His Word.

I know there have been times when I believed what God promised in relation to you, but doubted whatever it was applied to me. 

Even worse, there have been moments when I was crushed by despair, moments that had me questioning our King's existence. 

When this happens, as it inevitably will from time to time, looking up proves to be the best answer for me.
And I don't mean ONLY looking up, but also: Looking out, looking around, looking over there, over here, and in  the pages of The Word or an inspirational tale of triumph, ultimately looking away from my own situation to the great beyond where God is visible to my hurting heart. 

There's just something about a starlit sky, crashing waves, and towering fir trees that inspire me to believe in my Creator. A newborn's face, a kitten's paw, and a swaying palm tree are all evidence of His majesty and unfathomable creativity. Seeing His creations has a way of renewing and refreshing my wonder. Wonder tends to lead to worship, and worship inevitably draws me closer to my King. 

Remember, we serve a King who wants to be found, who desires a deep and intimate relationship with all who reside in His kingdom. A King who is willing to show the palms of his hands and the hole in His side to one doubting Thomas is a King who understands our tendencies toward unbelief and uncertainty. He loves us no less for our questioning. 

Are you in a place in your life where God seems distant? a place where He doesn't feel real? I promise, He's there, He's here, and He is (forgive the cliche') everywhere. His love for you is painted across the night sky, growing in your garden, visible in a baby's smile and living in your heart. Just look for Him. He won't run away or hide. He wants to be found. 

Practical Princess Warrior Tip: Some days the best we can do is say: "Lord, I love you; help my unbelief. Lord, I love you; help my unbelief. Lord, I love you; help my unbelief."
Though we can't touch his side the way Thomas did, ultimately, He will find the just right ways to touch our hearts, leaving no doubt who loves us most. 

Angels in Action

Hello precious princess warriors! It's been far too long. Once again, my life has taken on a life of its own, and I've been beyond busy. Not good -- at all. It's time to slow down, reevaluate my schedule, confirming that what I'm doing is in line what God wants me doing. Although, this time of year, every year, tends to take off at a very rapid pace due to my son's extensive baseball schedule. His games add three evenings of "baseball watching" to my already over-stuffed schedule. But I can't tear myself away from his games. Win or lose, they're always worth watching. And, yes, I like baseball.

Be assured, my Armor of God series will start soon. I promise. Tonight, however, I wanted to tell you about what I believe just might have been an angelic encounter. Really.

First, consider this fascinating scripture -- Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing, some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Heb. 13:2

I've always been awed by the possibility of an angel in my midst. Knowing that God cares enough about us to send supernatural helpers from heaven is more than a little exciting, and definitely thought provoking.

Anyway ... here's just a little background explaining why this encounter was so perfectly timed.

My daughter has been in the middle of a very uncomfortable situation with a friendship turned sour. The mother of the other girl has exhibited some frightening and erratic behavior, now focused on yet another mother who chose to stand for truth rather than being manipulated by an evil, cruel agenda. Of course, the ones suffering the most from the situation are the girls. They want to be friends and work things out, but, unfortunately, this one particular mom is not open to that possibility. Needless to say, it has been difficult for everyone involved. My daughter's dear friend, who is celebrating her birthday today, was extremely upset by some very hurtful comments this other mom made to her mother. She was tearful, confused, and unhappy. I don't blame her. The situation has been hard for me to deal with in a godly manner. Believe me, I'm praying -- a lot. More details aren't important, what's important is that God cares about our children. He cares about us.

I took my daughter and the birthday girl to a movie this evening. They were thrilled to go; yet a thin layer of grief, for changing friendships, seemed to cover the joy, diminishing its glow. As we took our seats, I noticed that my daughter's friend was carrying a large, rolled up, movie poster. It was one of those super fancy ones. You know, the actual movie poster, with glittered lettering to boot. Photographs covered both the front and back side making it an obvious collector's item.

This little girl was beaming. She said, "Some guy came up to me when we were walking in and said happy birthday, and then handed the poster to me." My daughter confirmed this brief encounter. We hurried to thank the kind man. He had vanished -- completely.

We hadn't told anyone at the theater about her birthday. No one but my family and hers knew where we would be (they didn't do it; I checked). No one else there had a poster. The whole thing was just plain strange.

Suddenly, a light (finally) came on and I blurted out what I believe still to be true. "Girls, do you know that God just sent an angel to bless you. You've had a really hard day. You're mom is standing against unkind behavior and feeling attacked. God cares. He knows you're suffering. He knows it's your birthday and that you would love this poster. So, I think He sent an angel to deliver it to you." The moistness in my eyes must have been contagious because they looked teary, too. I quickly called her mom and shared the experience. She, too, cried, believing the gift to be a very tangible gesture of His love for her hurting girl. Wow! Wow! Praise God!

For a just-turned eleven year old this was the perfect gift. God's love touches each one of us in a very unique way that is perfect for our needs. He knows. He cares. He loves.

So, have you ever suspected angelic intervention? If so, please, share your story. I'd love to hear it and share it with my readers. And remember, that there are angels among us. We should be careful to treat each person with dignity and love. God bless you.

Removing the Tough Girl Mask

In today’s modern society, aggressive women who wear Tough Girl masks are frequently admired and promoted to positions of power and prestige. Their toughness is regularly mistaken for inner strength. Remember the movie Grease’s Pink Lady Rizzo — outwardly tough, but like a marshmallow inside. Like all tough girls, her mask was not a true reflection of what existed just beneath the surface.

Unfortunately, strong women are often compared to men, even adapting more masculine traits. This is not what godly strength is about. Not even close.

We were not created to be a Ms. or Mrs. Rambo in a skirt. Nor are we supposed to be timid little things daintily tiptoeing through life. Instead, we are to remove our Tough Girl masks and instead wear godly strength and gentleness.

Although these two qualities seem incompatible, in God’s scheme of things, they fit together like two missing puzzle pieces, making an ideal replacement for any façade of toughness.

I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. — Matthew 10:16 NIV —

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need.
— Colossians 1:11 NLT —

She is clothed with strength and dignity…
— Proverbs 31:25a TNIV —

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
— Isaiah 12:2 NIV —

…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
— Isaiah 40:31 —

The Story of a Queen

Consider the lovely Queen Esther, a perfect example of these two desirable characteristics — gentleness and strength.

Raised by her cousin, Mordecai, to be a faithful Jewish maiden, Esther was likely terrified when the King of Persia’s messengers thundered into the Jewish quarter seeking young virgins to fill the King’s harem, and eventually, a queen to grace an empty throne.

The knowledge of former Queen Vashti’s abrupt banishment would have spread throughout the kingdom by this time, leaving the local maidens fearful, and possibly hopeful. There were, certainly, plenty of ambitious ladies donning their Tough Girl masks and eager to take charge of the situation at the castle. After all, this was a position of power and prestige for a woman like none other, and I suspect feelings ranged from outright horror to unspeakable glee at the possibility of becoming King Xerxes chosen bride.

Taken from her humble home into a lavish palace of immeasurable wealth, Esther was forced to rely solely upon her religious training and relationship with God to survive the culture shock her new surroundings were bound to bring, not to mention, the uncertain future she faced. If not selected as queen, Esther would spend the remainder of her days as a concubine in the King’s harem.

Amazingly, something more than Esther’s exquisite beauty caught the attention of her handler. Her quiet strength, gentleness, and wisdom, apparently outshone that of the other girls.

Remember, these exotic beauties came from every corner of Persia’s’ expansive empire. Lack of “good looks” was not an issue for the women selected. Esther, however, stood apart from the rest. Her demeanor eventually won her the crown and special place in her husband’s heart. Esther had found favor with God and the King of Persia — favor that would soon be tested. Thanks to one of Xerxes’ right hand men, the evil Haman, the day to exterminate the Jews of Persia had been set. The verdict was signed, sealed, and then delivered throughout the kingdom.

Esther’s gentle strength and faith would be put to the test like never before. Even today, Mordecai’s words to his beloved cousin turned regal queen, echo through the corridors of history:

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this? — Esther 4:14 NIV

Her response?

Fast.

Pray.

Prepare.

Plotting, manipulating, and acting tough were not part of Esther’s wise plan. Instead, Esther approached her earthly sovereign with strength and gentleness, until she reached his throne, where she bowed before him, awaiting the sting of metal against her neck, or the gentle touch of a scepter.

I picture Esther daring to glance up, meeting the eyes of the man who knows every curve of her body and the deepest thoughts of her soul. I imagine Persia’s powerful ruler, gazing at his bride, somewhat puzzled, yet intrigued by her boldness — boldness bathed in Esther’s gentleness. How could he not lower the scepter?

I can easily imagine the gasps of relief and a few muddled cries of disbelief as she reaches out to touch the tip of the jewel-encased staff. More importantly, I can hear deep in my spirit the thundering applause that shook the heavenlies on that fateful day so many centuries ago.

We can learn much from Esther. An orphan raised by a cousin. A teenager kidnapped by an at times ruthless political system. A woman forced to face death not only for her own survival, but also for the survival of her people. A woman that wore strength and gentleness rather than hiding behind a Tough Girl Mask.

In spite of Esther’s life circumstances, she was able to rely on God and the people He strategically placed around her. Although she alone had to face her king, she had thousands praying for her.

Removing false faces and mistaken masks isn’t a do-it-alone project. Rather, it’s a do- it-with-God journey — a journey that involves prayer, fasting, wise council, and loving support. God’s Word will become your guidebook to growth. Jesus will serve as your living example to follow. The Holy Spirit will empower you to let go of old masks and embrace new ways of living as a “real” woman of God.

Let’s pray.

Lord, You have created each and every one of us for such a time as this. I may not have a kingdom to save, but I do have a special purpose that is equally as important and uniquely suited to me.

Right now, I ask you to help me remove the Tough Girls mask. I’ve been trying to hide from the pain and heartache in my life. I’ve been pretending to be someone I was never created to be. I’ve acted in controlling, aggressive, and possibly even violent ways. I’ve been afraid to let others see my hurting heart.

Today, I choose to start a process of healing. I desire to put on the strength and gentleness that comes from You. Like Esther, I face many things. Like her, I desire to do so with integrity and without hiding any longer. I’m reaching out my hand to You, Lord. I trust You to help as I remove my mask. In Your Name I pray, Jesus. Amen.