What's Love Got to do with it?

Happy (almost) Valentines Day!

The day when we honor love is drawing near. Men and women everywhere will run around searching for those just-right tokens of appreciation to give their loved ones this Sunday. Some will have somehow forgotten the special day and will find themselves stopping at one of those corner flower stands created with the Valentine "Forgetter" in mind. After all, giving a gift shows we love that special person, doesn't it?

Before I answer that question, I want to share about a young woman I know who loves her boyfriend. True story with the names changed, of course, as this tale isn't your typical love story, well, actually, it's far too typical these days. It's a story that I remember well from my own distant past.

We'll call this precious princess, Sally. Since I personally don't know any Sally's, except my daughter's friend's horse, Sallie, we should be okay honoring the privacy of "Sally."

This particular Sally is a single mother who has had to fight hard in order to break free from a number of torturous enemies. Primarily drugs and dysfunctional men. She has worked diligently to change her life -- for the better. Unfortunately, she has never been able to fully grasp her identity as a Princess Warrior who belongs to the ultimate King of the Universe. She's always felt unloved and lives in regret of her past despite the many people encouraging her and cheering her own. Sally has remained hungry for love.

A few months ago, she met a charismatic and handsome guy. He made her feel good. He made her laugh. He brought excitement into her life. All was good -- for a while.

Then the horror began. Suddenly, Sally became a captive to a twisted and dangerous form of false love. This new man-of-her-dreams took control of her life. He wouldn't allow her to answer her own phone or leave the house without him. He threatened and berated her. He became violent, even vengeful, and she was terrified. Things finally got so bad that she was scared for her life. This man told her the reason that he did these things to her was because: He loved her.

Some of you might be wondering why she didn't just get the you-know-what out of dodge. Or why she stayed. Why she continued to endanger herself and her son. Though, I also believe many of you can relate on a very personal level to Sally's misguided "love" relationship. We all know someone, if not ourselves, who has experienced a destructive form of love on some level. Maybe we haven't endured what Sally is enduring, but we understand. We need only turn on an evening drama or daily soap opera to see this type of relationship showcased to some degree. We are being programmed to think this type of insanity is a passionate and intense relationship. Some believe that fighting, at the very least, can liven things up. In actuality, it's destroying us.

My heart breaks knowing that many precious sisters will spend Valentines Day held captive by not only false forms of love, but also by relationships that have turned dangerous, even deadly.

I was so happy a few weeks ago, when Sally came to tell me how she had escaped the relationship, yet I could sense that she had lost almost all hope and that her idea of love had become skewed and distorted. She knew in her head that she didn't deserve such abuse, but by the things she said, I just knew she'd be returning to the hell in her home.

In my job, I see situations like this daily. I watch families torn to shreds by violence, addiction, and lies. I see wounded women accepting despicable treatment in the name of love. I was once one of those women. Thankfully, my story is one of victory not tragedy. I want all the "Sally's" to find healing and hope in Christ. Don't you?

Ladies, those of you who will celebrate this special holiday with a wonderful husband, fiance, or boyfriend -- rejoice. Remember to thank God for your relationship. For love is an incredible gift. And while your rejoicing, please remember those wounded women who are literally dying for love. Don't judge. Love.

We live in a world that perverts the meaning of love. Completely understanding the kind of love that God has for us, is truly beyond our comprehension. We get glimpses of it. We taste the sweetness of it. And someday, when we finally stand face-to-face with the Ultimate Lover of our Souls, only then we will fully embrace the grace, love, and mercy that we've been shown through Jesus Christ.

I know this might seem like a depressing topic for this holiday, but I believe God wants to remind His Princess Warriors that as women, created for loving relationships, too often we accept substitutes when it comes to love. Even when we are blessed with a fantastic, godly relationship, overflowing with God's love, we cannot expect that one person or relationship to fully satisfy our soul. There is only One who can ever quench our thirst for love -- God Himself.

In honor of the Maker of Love -- Make sure to spend some time in His presence this weekend. Give God the gift of your time, treasure, and talents. Worship Him and adore Him. After all, He is the Giver of the wonderful relationships you have. Maybe even design your own special Valentine's card for Him. Write a poem. Sing Him a song. It's not silly; it's simply a tangible way to show God how much you love and appreciate Him.

If you're in doubt about what real love "looks like," you'll want to reacquaint yourself with the following scripture:

From the New Living Translation:

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Cor. 13:4-7

Do you remember that question I asked at the beginning of this post? Does giving a gift show we love that special person? Yes and no. Yes, certainly, a gift is a token or reminder of love. But even the most heartless abuser my give a gift, so indeed we could also answer no. So ...

to be sure you are demonstrating love, refer to the above scripture verses and act accordingly. Then you will be loving the way God tells us to love. After all, the greatest gift of love given us wasn't a bouquet of flowers to display, or a box of candies to snack on -- God's gift was a life -- His own Son's. Jesus died. He rose. And, we, because of this amazing gift, get the most amazing gift of love imaginable -- an everlasting life in the presence of God All Mighty.

Now, ladies, that's what I call love.

Please, take a moment and join me in praying for anyone suffering this Valentine's Day in the name of love:

Dear Lord,

So many women, men too, are experiencing horrible, even life-threatening treatment in the name of love. We don't know exactly why they're in this situation, but, You do. And regardless of the circumstances, You care. You love. Your desire is that we all experience real love that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ.

You know and understand that letting go of a person or relationship can be heart wrenching, despite any abuse or poor treatment. We can become trapped, entrapped. Our lives can become endangered. You want to set us free in every way to experience Your love, Your hope, and Your future for us.

If someone reading this prayer is currently in an abusive relationship, please show that person Your love. Provide her with an escape plan. Place people in her life that can help. Guide her to the right resources and protect her and her children in the process. You have a plan and purpose for everyone reading these words. Please, give us all a glimpse of that purpose and plan.

Others may have no experience or understanding of the abuse process. Please give those sisters the desire to pray as the warriors they are for their wounded sisters. Give us all hearts of mercy, words of encouragement and hope, and the strength to pray often for the precious princesses still held captive.

This Valentine's Day we celebrate the Author of real love -- You! You, Lord, are the Lover of our Souls. We thank you for Your undying, never-changing love. Please help us show love to those you place on our paths today and everyday. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Fight the War with LOVE

Once again, it's been far too long since I've written. Much has happened in the gap. Rather than a lengthy explanation of events, here is a quick list: I've lost 20 lbs. focusing on God and the wonderful program of support that was put in my path called Take Shape for Life. I'm preparing to speak at an upcoming women's conference in Coos Bay, Oregon the end of September, theme: Dressed for Battle. It's a free event if you're in the area. My kids are gearing up for school. Both are going to brand new schools and are excited. One will be in sixth grade the other a senior in high school. My mom's health is lacking, making me very nervous and edgy. Work is great ... busy. Hum ... that will do it for my update summary. Now down to business. The message of the moment.


Old friends. People from the past. Sometimes they come across your path. With all the online social networking sites it's not to difficult to find yourself "face to face" with past acquaintances. In fact, searching out old school chums and such can be rather fun. I don't do it often, but I decided to check on a long-lost friend from my groupie-girl, rock star chasing, drug taking days. About five or six years ago, this old friend found me via one of my blogs or a website and fired off an email my direction. I responded. And to make a long story short, she decided that my Christianity made me stupid, bigoted, judgemental ... well, you get the picture. As a self-proclaimed "pagan" she quickly put me in a box and determined what I'd be like without even knowing me.


Well, you know how God is, He keeps bringing certain people to mind. This woman has popped into my thoughts on more than a few occasions. With the advent of facebook, I found her easily and sent my own "friendship inquiry," which she responded saying that friendship with a hateful Christian like myself wouldn't be in her best interest. Ouch!

I'll admit, after receiving her response, I felt a bit hateful. I wanted to tell her a thing or two about her own judgemental attitude. Okay, so I did mention it (just a little). Later, I realized that more than likely, someone in her life, in the name of Christianity, said or did something to her that was very un-Christian. Maybe she was hurt, badly, by someone. The point is - I have no idea how she developed this belief system, as faulty as it might be. On the other hand, I have to admit, there are individuals in our world who do some pretty atrocious things in the name of God. Sadly, people watch people. They don't always read a Bible to learn about God. Instead, they watch those of us who say we know Him. This should be a good thing, right? Should be, but it doesn't always work that way.

Every night I've been praying for my old friend. Asking God to soften her heart and open her mind. I've also, for the umpteenth time been evaluating the "face" that I present to the world around me. Am I a warrior that uses the Sword of Truth to cut off heads, or do I wield love as my weapon of warfare?

I wish I could say that I'm always a loving example of Christ. I'm not.

Again, that old saying: "You might be the only Bible that someone reads," comes to mind. What will they read if I'm their book? Unfortunately, it depends on the day, the hour, the moment. Am I PMS? Frustrated? Too hot? Freezing cold? I mean, shoot, we can let the weather dictate our emotions. How do I respond to difficult situations? Do I panic? Freak out?

I know the answers to the above questions aren't always the ones that I'd choose; which means that should someone be watching me on the wrong day of the month, I just might be a bad example of the Christian faith. Not good. Certainly not how I want to represent my royal heritage as a daughter of the Most High God.

So, ask yourself, is there a place where people are paying close attention to your Christian walk? A certain person that has her eyes trained on you? Maybe you're not even sure. But, the bottom line is, we are to be the "light on the hill" for all to see. Right now, with so much darkness in the world, shining brightly has become even more critical. God wants to use us in BIG, BIG ways for His Kingdom glory. The question is, and always will be -- are we willing to let Him use us?

I know I want to be a better example to those individuals that find Christians to be sour. I want to be sweet. After someone has contact with me, I want them to be better for the experience. I want them to want what I have - a relationship with Christ.

So, Princess Warriors, are you up for the challenge. Ready to reign real in world filled with confused people lost in the lies the enemy has so successfully concocted ...

Let's ask God for our marching orders, and head into battle with strength, courage, and most importantly love.

Another Christmas Reminder

I heard a story about a woman who was doing her last-minute Christmas shopping at a crowded mall. She was tired of fighting the crowds. She was tired of standing in lines. She was tired of fighting her way down long aisles looking for a gift that had sold out days before. Her arms were full of bulky packages when the Elevator door opened. It was full. The occupants of the Elevator grudgingly tightened ranks to allow a small space for her and her load. As the doors closed she blurted out, “Whoever is responsible for this whole Christmas thing ought to be arrested, strung up, and shot!” A few others nodded their heads or grunted in agreement. Then, from somewhere in the back of the elevator came a single voice that said, “Don’t worry. They already crucified him.”

We need to remember who is responsible for the whole Christmas thing. It is all about how God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son so that who ever believes in Him might have eternal life. John 3:16
-Author Unknown-

I don't think I need to add another word to that little story. God bless you. Merry (almost) Christmas!

http://sermoncentral.sermonspice.com/videos/3838/12-crazy-days-of-christmas


Take the time to watch the above clip in its entirety. The scenes change. The ending is priceless. If you think your Christmas Season is full of challenges! All in all, though, this stuff is so minor compared to the 'BIG THINGS" in life. However, and believe me, I know; 12 days of this would make me nuts, too.

No time for Christmas?

WE DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THAT!

Typical of last minute Christmas shoppers, a mother was running furiously from store to store. Suddenly she became aware that the pudgy little hand of her three year old son was no longer clutched in hers. In a panic she retraced her steps and found him standing with his little nose pressed flatly against a frosty window. He was gazing at a manger scene. Hearing his mother’s near hysterical call, he turned and shouted with innocent glee: "look mommy! it’s Jesus - baby Jesus in the hay". With obvious indifference to his joy and wonder, she impatiently jerked him away saying, "we don’t have time for that!"

SOURCE: From "THE WONDER OF CHRISTMAS" by Glenn Pease. http://www.intohisword.net/luke/luke17. shtml


With the Christmas Season in full swing, life can get a little hectic ... don't I know it. Sometimes the busyness that seems to accompany this time of year can lead us to feel out of control, even frustrated; especially, as finances are so tight for many of us.

After reading the above story, I was reminded, again, that there is only One Real Reason for the Season -- Jesus Christ. If we don't have enough time to slow down and appreciate His ultimate gift to us -- salvation -- then we are indeed too busy. More than busy, we are in trouble. No shopping schedule or holiday parties should interfere with our devotional and prayer times.

Ladies, if we find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of December, it's time to find our way back to the True Reason for the Season -- The celebration of our King's birth. Jesus is never too busy for us. How can we possibly consider becoming too busy for Him?


Disclaimer: This message is not to berate you, but too challenge you in your walk away from what the world deems "normal." Remember, we're not of this world. Let us live like we know who we belong to. Amen!

Pampered Princess: Stop Judging Others!

Do you ever find yourself feeling a bit "better than" those other worldly people? After all, we're Christian royalty, right? Well, Christ is the "royalist" of all the royalty and he spends more time serving than being served. Unlike the religious teachers of His time, He was comfortable in the presence of everyone. Can we say the same? I know that often times I fall short in this area.

In relation to this topic, I found the following little illustration and wanted to share it with you. I hope it serves as good reminder to not judge a book by its cover. God is the only one who can see our hearts. As Princess Warriors for Christ, we best be loving rather than judging. Amen!?


"Judging Books! (10.20.05--That Person!--Esther 3:5-6) The other day, a Jehovah's’s witness came to my door. I’ve seen them many times in the past as they slowly travel down my driveway and descend upon my doorbell. I know what differentiates my faith from theirs and have learned stock answers to their statements that usually sends them packing in a matter of minutes.

But, this time it was different. When I opened the door I actually looked into the eyes of the middle-aged man who stood with a an open tract in his hands and saw not the enemy, but a man just like me. Maybe his car had broken down yesterday or perhaps he and his wife had had words that morning. I didn’t know. But I was compelled somehow to shake his hand and invite him in.

I had been thinking about the following story. A schoolteacher decided to travel across America and see the sights she had taught about. Traveling alone in a truck with camper in tow, she launched out. One afternoon a water pump blew on her truck. She was tired, exasperated, scared, and alone. No one seemed interested in helping. Leaning up against the trailer, she prayed, “Please God, send me an angel, preferably one with mechanical experience.”

Within four minutes, a huge Harley drove up, ridden by an enormous man sporting long, black hair, a beard and tattooed arms. He jumped off and went to work on the truck. Within another few minutes, he flagged down a larger truck, attached a tow chain to the frame of the disabled Chevy, and whisked the whole 56-foot rig off the freeway onto a side street, where he calmly continued to work on the water pump.

The intimidated schoolteacher was too dumbfounded to talk. As he finished the task, she finally got up the courage to say, “Thanks so much.” Noticing her surprise, he looked her straight in the eye and mumbled, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” With that, he smiled, closed the hood of the truck, and straddled his Harley. With a wave, he was gone as fast as he had appeared. (Larry D. Wright)

Judging books by their covers has become a national pastime of sorts for many. We put people not like us into a box and then shut the cover. They’re never able to crawl out because we aren’t willing to open the doors of our hearts. God’s Word teaches us that prejudice such as this grows out of personal pride (Esther 5:5-6). We put ourselves over others not because of what we know but because of what we don’t know.

I spent a good half an hour talking with that Jehovah’s witness that day. We shared stories of middle age and life. I let him touch my faith that day believing that it would never be the stock answers that turned him to faith in Christ but that it would be the love of Christ itself working in me. An open box gives God more room to work than one we have closed."


I hope this story reminded you like it did me that loving is better than judging. God bless you!

Just Because

When I found this lovely design on my new favorite "play" site, polyvore.com, I just had to share it with you. I plan on creating some of my own designs soon. Take a peek at my 9/11 Message at http://www.princesswarrior.bravejournal.com/.

Don't forget to watch for the next post on removing the Tough Girl Mask.

Stop Shooting the Wounded!

This weekend at church I heard the most profound statement:

"The Church is the only army where we shoot the wounded when they have fallen."

Ouch! That one short sentence pierced my heart. Sadly, in many cases, it is true. Not always, of course; there are countless Christians filled with the Spirit and overflowing with His love and grace. However, let's get honest, shall we?

Ever heard a friend confess a secret sin and thought -- Wow I'd NEVER do that! We remain encouraging on the outside, yet, internally, we are judging, condemning, and comparing.

Worse yet, what about the wounded soldier who asks for help with his/her woundedness following a fall? -- They have admitted their sin yet we continue to point the finger even adding pain to the injury.

Sometimes in our zeal to wipe out sin, we brutally "kill" the sinner. That person ends up leaving the church and we become the hypocrites the world so readily calls us. Yet, are they really so far from the truth?

Picture a fallen soldier in Iraq. He made a mistake and entered a place he wasn't supposed to and ended up gunned down by a stealth enemy. His comrades find him laying in a pool of blood.

"Go on. Shoot him! He didn't follow directions. He deserves to die," the commander orders.

"But, Sir? -- " A confused soldier questions. "He's one of us, one of our own."

"Not anymore, Soldier. Look at him. Laying there in the mess of his mistake. Stop stalling. Shoot him!"

Sound ridiculous? It should. God commands us to love our enemies, to love our brothers and sisters before even attempting to worship Him. Why in the world would we continue to harm the hurting?

Oh, but, Carol, what about The Truth? We don't want to be soft on sin, do we?

Let me just say that when I first came to church and accepted Jesus Christ, I was a mess. I'd been living in satan's grasp, under his control for years. Those first few years in the church, I stumbled and fell ... a lot. This was a new way of life. It took time. Thankfully, the people around me made clear the consequences of sin, yet loved me in the process. I never felt attacked. Slowly, with much love and grace, I began to see tangible evidence of my Savior's love for me. Sinning became harder as my love increased. Eventually, God moved this fallen soldier to the front line as one of His Princess Warriors.

Friends, we all sin. We all fall short. Can you imagine the impact we'd have on the world if we loved and encouraged more? We are not only an army, but a spiritual hospital. Just like the army offers medical care for fallen soldiers, so should we. What a waste when we harm our own. We tarnish the treasured positions Christ has placed us in. We start to look just like the world. Friends, we should not look like vultures waiting for our wounded to die so we can devour them, we should be loving them back to health.

You know something ... every time I judge someone, it seems that at some point I face that same situation I was so quick to judge. That very temptation comes knocking at my own door, and quite frankly, I, too, have failed tests. Thank goodness, thank God, I have a safe place to regain my dignity and hope, a place to refuel so I can get back in the battle -- on the right side.

I wonder how many fellow warriors have defected over enemy lines simply because of the harsh treatment dished out by their supposed comrades --by us -- the Body of Christ.

Maybe if we spent a little more time looking in the mirror of our own lives we would be less inclined to spend so much time examining everyone elses, like the the princess in the above picture kneeling to peer into her own heart.

Instead of raising our weapons on our own, let us instead bandage them with love and forgiveness, leading them in truth, not beating them with it. Let's model our Leader, Jesus Christ.

That's right ... drop the rocks.

Sharing the Wealth ... our Treasure in Christ

Friendship, a key ingredient for us gals dedicated to serving our Lord and King as His Princess Warriors.

So often, women see one another as competitors fighting for position, power, prestige, and for men. Yes, men! Sadly, our media thrives on creating storylines featuring major rifts between women battling their so-called buddies for career advancments and relationships. And, as you know, in the secular world nothing is off limits. The your-husband-could-be-mine-if-I-try-hard-enough-to-seduce-him-motto is considered the "norm" in some circles.

Ladies, as Christian women, we should know better. Your job is your job and your husband is your husband. Friends don't take away from each other, they give. It is up to us to set a godly example of what a true friend is and "looks like." Consider the following comment:

A newspaper held a competition to find out how people would describe friendship. The winning answer was, “A friend is someone who’s walking in when everyone else is walking out.” You and I have a friend that will do that, a friend who will stick closer than a brother. Jesus said, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20) And when he said it he was only living up to his name, “Immanuel”--which means, "God with us." (Matthew 1:23)

Indeed, Jesus is the best friend of all. The Bible is overflowing with examples of healthy, Spirit-driven friendships. The stories of David and Jonathon, Ruth and Naomi, and Esther and Mordecai are great places to start.

As Princess Warriors for Christ, we were not created to be isolated and alone. Throughout Scripture, it is clear that we serve a God of relationship. He talks about where two or more are gathered, in His name, He is there. Yet, in another example, the Bible explains that a cord of two is not easily broken and a three-fold cord is even better. (Very loose translations) In other words, together is a good thing ... a God thing.

Certainly, we need "alone time" with God to pray, meditate, and study His Word, but we were not created to streak into battle alone. Encouraging, supporting, and loving our sisters in Christ is crucial to our well-being, and something that God desires for us.

I'll agree that many of us (me included) have been deeply hurt and betrayed by women who were supposedly our friends. However, the Bible is clear about forgiveness and love. Jesus more than suggests that we love others; He commands it. So, for me that implies I better make an effort to reach out and love others.

I'd like to challenge you to start finding new, unique ways to encourage others. Lately, when time allows, I've been perusing the amazing Christian blogs on this site, composed by my brothers and sisters in Christ. I take time to read an entry or two, pray for them, and then send a comment/note to let them know I'm thinking of them. I love receiving uplifting comments. In fact, every week, I get a text message on my cell phone wishing me a "blessed week." I'm not sure who is sending it, but I love it. I've come to even expect the weekly message.

Obviously, deep, intimate friendships take more time and effort, but reaching out in simple ways is a great way to start bringing hope to others while living in a busy world. So, go on ... send a card, comment, email, or make a phone call, drop by a meal by to someone hurting. Do something! This world can be a difficult place to live and we can do wonders by supporting and loving others. Don't wait for someone else to give; just do it!

Some Friendship Quotes:

"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, What! You too? I thought I was the only one." C.S. Lewis

"The only way to have a friend is to be one." Ralph Waldo Emmerson

"One measure of friendship consists not in the number of things friends can discuss, but in the number of things they need no longer mention." Clifton Fadiman

"A wise man remembers his friends at all times; a fool, only when he has need of them." Turkish Proverb

"True friendship comes when the silence between two people is comfortable." David Tyson Gentry

Reigning Real from your Throne: Part IV

As Jesus’ beloved Princess Warrior, we are heirs to some wondrous gifts. Resources and friendship are two such treasures we have already explored. Please, before continuing, review the past three installments of Reigning Real from your Throne.

Reigning Real from your Throne: Part IV

Carol Van Atta

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

After discovering her now treasured scroll, Princess Warrior, Grace, gratefully utilized the resources provided by her King, and was developing friendships with others who resided within the Kingdom.

In the beginning, loving others was easy. In fact, Grace wondered why Jesus would make loving a commandment to live by. For in response to her wonderful new position, as a Princess Warrior, her love seemed to overflow by its own accord and involved little effort on her part. Until …

Princess Warrior, Beauty, arrived. There was no doubt that Beauty, the newest addition to the castle, was beautiful. She was charming, elegant, and knew all the right things to say. She hurried to please her King whenever He was present. At their worship gatherings, she sang the loudest. As an amazing Soprano, her voice soared far above the other singers. Many of the Kingdom’s residents appeared bewitched by Beauty’s many talents, and hurried to befriend her.

However, with no audience watching, and when they were performing everyday tasks, Beauty became rather unlovely.

As Grace and her companions ventured into the world beyond the Kingdom walls, Beauty changed, for the worse.

“Grace,” Beauty snorted, “why don’t you go talk to that pheasant and tell her about our King. I don’t want to get my gown dirty. She’s so, so, well, she’s filthy in her sin. I heard that she lives with some much older man, and he’s not her husband or her father, if you know what I mean. I don’t want her grime anywhere near me.” Beauty shuddered in obvious disgust, flouncing her skirt ruffles as if to remove something unsightly.

Deeply disturbed by Beauty’s behavior, Grace hurried to share The Truth with the troubled young woman living with the much-older man. After all, reigning real was about loving. Grace had not forgotten that in the not-so-distant past, she, too, had been sin-filled. While still covered with the dirt of her decisions, a kind woman had taken the time to meet with Grace and had shared the wonders of the King. What if that woman had refused to love her “as is”? Where would she be now? Grace didn’t want to consider the options.

Later, after a day filled with many similar situations, Grace returned to the castle frustrated. She had no trouble loving the hurting people they had seen in the surrounding towns, but, right now, she wasn’t so sure she could love her sister in Christ. Beauty was downright mean, nasty, and conceited. It was crystal clear to Grace that Beauty was simply performing for the King and others in the castle. Grace hoped she wouldn’t have to accompany Beauty again as a ministry partner.

That night the King visited Grace. Gently, taking her hands, He held her close. Grace loved these special times when she was the apple of His eye. Nothing could compare to His immeasurable love, absolutely nothing.

After a few moments, He spoke, “Precious Daughter, wherever you go I am there. I saw your hard work today and the love you shared. I believe we will have several new Kingdom residents in the very near future. I will bring to fruition the good work of your hands. Yet, I have this one thing against you, my child. You have chosen to close your heart in relation to young, Beauty. The sun is down and you cling to your anger. I am aware of her shortcomings, Daughter, but, as with You, I am enough to cover all things. It is not your job to worry about her actions, rather, love her. Just love her. I will do the rest. Goodnight, my child. Do not be troubled. Love.”

After He departed, Grace had a dream.

In the dream, a much younger Beauty was standing in front of a classroom. Her dingy clothes were covered with stains, and her hair hung in a mass of unruly tangles. She was singing, her voice as enchanting as ever. Only her classmates didn’t seem to hear her breathtaking vocals, instead they were laughing and pointing at her clothing and hair, whispering just loud enough that Beauty could hear their snide remarks:

“She’s so dirty. Her mom’s living with the mailman and they’re not married.”
“Look at her hair; it’s disgraceful that she even leaves the house like that.”
“What do you expect? Her father was a drunk.”

The next morning, as Grace prepared for the day, and pondered her vivid dream, she determined that the person she was supposed to shower love on was Beauty — a woman, although forgiven by the King, who was still caught in the web of her painful past, and who was relating to others the way she had been treated.

Now, for the very first time, Grace understood why love was a command. Because if it wasn’t, she would choose to spend her time loving those easiest to love, when the ones needing love the most were those hardest to love.

Isn’t that the truth? The New Testament sums up our marching orders with two clear commandments: Love God. Love others. Sadly, sometimes, it is easier to love strangers into God’s Kingdom then those more difficult folks sharing the church pew.

We get all caught up in the love-is-a-feeling mantra, when in truth, love demands action. Although, good feelings are often a byproduct of loving unconditionally, they aren’t the reason for loving. One of the gifts we receive from God is His unfathomable, unconditional, undeserved love. Yet, we, so often, find it much easier to take then to give.

“God, you can’t mean I have to love her? She’s so rude.” God says, “Love her.”

“But he hurt me. He lied.” God says, “Love him.”

I don’t know about you but this “turn the other cheek” thing is really hard. Loving someone without liking their actions is challenging to say the least.

Yet, Christ, as our example and as our King, loved us while we were still sinners. When we were our ugliest, dirtiest, filthiest, He loved us. It’s not our great voices, figures, intelligence, or any other talent that earns His love. In fact, we can’t earn it, ever. It is and will always remain a gift — a gift that we can choose to unwrap or refuse.

As Princess Warriors for Christ, remaining in God’s love, thus sharing His love is our most important responsibility.

LOVE

L: learn to listen (we often talk too much; sometimes listening, without giving advice, is the best way to demonstrate the love of our King)
O: Open your heart (Ask God to mold your heart in such a way that it beats as His does, with empathy and compassion)
V: Vow to be virtuous (honorable and upright in your dealings, not underhanded towards others)
E: Enlist Encouragement
(remember to lift up, not tear down)

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.