When a Princess feels like a Pauper ...

Precious Princess Warriors, it feels so good to be sharing my heart again, at last. For someone who spends a majority of of her life encouraging others, I have allowed myself to be overcome by discouragment, fear, and my faith has been lackluster (to say the least). Granted, I've experienced physical illness, injury, pain, loss, hard stuff -- difficult life stuff. But Paul reminds us we can find contentment in any situation with Christ as our King.

I have spent the last year, it seems, maybe longer, going up and down, allowing the waves of life to pull me under when I know there is a strong hand always open for me to reach for, a hand more than able to pull me from the depths. Sure, there were times I felt on top of the world, but those times were short lived, and I continued to allow my fickle feelings to toss me to and fro in the waves, becoming like the person the Bible calls -- double minded.


Thankfully, my foundation is stronger than I thought. God is bigger than I remembered. And His Word never fails to revive the heart. He has called me to encourage others through both the written and spoken word. He has given me a purpose to challenge other princess warriors to be all they can be in Christ ... one step (and a prayer) at a time. I haven't been doing a very good job of that. And I was again reminded ...


When we fail to move in the purpose he has given us, as I have, lately, things become pretty bleak. We can go through our days, "doing" our daily lives, not doing anything horribly wrong, but not really pressing to do what's right. But, as you may know, God isn't a big fan of fence straddling or middle of the road living. He wants every part of us -- body, mind, spirit. Luke warm love and living isn't enough for Him, nor is it enough for His Princess Warriors. It certainly wasn't enough for me.


Far too often, we believe that in order to stray from God's best we have to do the absolute worst. Some atrocious sin that causes hell to cheer. It's easy to forget that losing our faith on some level and living a life of mediocracy can reap as much havoc as one blatant act of sin. Both keep us from our princess purposes. The enemy wants us to feel separate from God. He doesn't care if we drown in our own self pity or if we go out with a big bang. All he cares is that we fail to fulfill our calling. One less warrior fighting the good fight gives him reason to gloat. Because he knows when we are broken, it breaks God's heart.


Aren't you glad that failure is an event or series of events and not a person? That's right. Failure is an event, not a person. You. Me. Our Christian brothers and sisters. We are not failures in Christ. We may fail to do something or not do something, but we are still loved and forgiven. If we're still breathing, we can move forward and upward, choosing again to embrace God's best and trust in Him for everything. We can stop straddling the fence and leap into the arms of the One who promises to catch us.

Maybe you too have experienced lukewarm faith and have drifted from your princess purpose. Maybe you don't "feel" good enough. Or maybe you've wasted precious days, weeks, months, even years, letting the waves of doubt and fear rock your life, keeping you from reaching solid shore.

Are you still breathing?

Then you can reach for God and let Him lift you from the swirling surf.

After all, Princess Warriors, we have work to do! Good work for our King. Please, don't waste time looking back, bemoaning your mistakes. Move forward. Push on. As Stormie Omartian says: He provides just enough light for the step you're on. We just need to get steppin. Ready, set, step!

More messages, stories, and scriptures about faith and hope coming soon.

Holding on to Heaven

Where has the time gone?

Do you ever find yourself asking that same question? I suppose we all do from time to time.

For me, the past few months have roared by like a train barreling down the track.

On several occasions, my faith-train almost derailed causing me to plummet from the safety of the tracks. Thankfully, though, with God, "almost" becoming derailed is not the same as actually experiencing a fatal crash. For, thankfully, in Him love reigns. As His Princess Warriors, we never lose His love.

As mentioned in previous posts, my recent struggles have been the result of numerous hardships, tests, and challenges, both large and small. Not to mention, now in my mid-forties, my hormones are doing a whole new gymnastics routine that I haven't quite learned how to execute the right way. I easily become grumpy and/or weepy. These mood swings only serve to make things more interesting. (That's a nice way of putting it!)

Yet, in spite of it all, I've managed to hold on to the Hope of Heaven found through Jesus Christ my Savior and King, who has gently pressed me to resume my calling to encourage others through writing.

I find it amusing (sort of) that one of the things that I most enjoy (writing) was one thing I casually placed to the side of my life. It's all so backwards. When we're down, we often stop doing the very activities that help keep us positive, and if the devil can get us to cease walking in our calling, he wins ... temporarily. Thank goodness, with Christ on our side the score can quickly change back to our advantage, but we have to get in the game and start participating again.

Honestly, the truth remains: No matter what's going on around us or in us, we can still experience the hope available in Christ. Faith in Him and His love make all things possible.

When I found the following story, I was embarrassed just thinking about the things I've allowed to overwhelm me. This little guy, with his BIG, BIG faith, reminded me that it's all about our belief in who Christ is. If we believe that He does all things out of His unfathomable love for us, we can endure anything. If we believe that He can work what was met for evil for His ultimate good and glory, then we can experience unrestrained hope.

Consider the following story of one boy's faith and courage through a very difficult time in his life. I know I'd do well to remember it when I feel down on my life and myself. Maybe you'll feel the same.

David, a two year old with Leukemia, was taken by his mother, Deborah, to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, to see Dr. John Truman who specializes in treating children with cancer and various blood diseases. Dr. Truman's prognosis was devastating: "He has a 50-50 chance."

The countless clinic visits, the blood tests, the intravenous drugs, the fear and pain -- the mother's ordeal can be almost as bad as the child's because she has to stand by, unable to bear the pain herself. David never cried in the waiting room, and although his friend's in the clinic had to hurt him and stick needles in him, he hustled in ahead of his mother with a smile, sure of the warm welcome he always got.

When he was three, David had to have a spinal tap -- a painful procedure at any age. It was explained to him that because he was sick, Dr. Truman had to do something to make him better. "If it hurts, remember it's because he loves you," Deborah said.

The procedure was horrendous. It took three nurses to hold David still, while he yelled and sobbed and struggled. When it was almost over, the tiny boy, soaked in sweat and tears, looked up at the doctor and gasped, "Thank you, Dr. Tooman for my hurting."

(Monica Dickens, Miracles of Courage, 1985)

Wow! Do we thank God for our hurting? It's not something I eagerly do on a regular basis.

Do we trust that God's love may involve the pain necessary to heal our hearts? After all, we will face things that hurt and seem to hinder us. However, God is God and He knows exactly what remedy will ensure our best spiritual health. He is the Great Physician dedicated to our ultimate well-being.

We tend to forget that the well-being and health He is most concerned about is the health of our hearts, of our spirits. If pain prompts us to embrace change, he may allow that pain out of love, for a season.

We need only look at the Apostle Paul to know that sometimes we carry a "thorn" that hurts and harasses. Although, Paul asked for that thorn to be removed more than once, he ultimately accepted God's perfect plan and purpose for him, even with the thorn still lodged in his side.

I pray that we, too, will readily submit to our King's care. That we would slow down and experience his goodness and grace, and that in spite of our circumstances, good or bad, that we would praise God for EVERYTHING. As one popular worship chorus goes: If you have breath praise the Lord!

God bless you Princess Warriors.

O ye of little faith ... that's been me

Precious Sisters in Christ,

I have been the woman of little faith. This past month, I've allowed the enemy to get the best of me and found myself lowering my shield several times too many.

Just as I prepared to write about the Armor of God, I failed to keep mine in place. When we lose our faith, even for a minute, it's a minute too long. That seemingly insignificant amount of time opens the window of opportunity for the devil. He is sure to strike. His arrows pierce and wound. Thank goodness, THANK GOD, that God is there to heal our wounds, pull us out of the water, and soothe the raging seas around us.

The following scriptures demonstrate so perfectly how Jesus is our Rescuer in times of trouble and the Restorer of our faith. I'm reminded that I'm not the first warrior to lay down her weapons, and I won't be the last. Sadly, centuries ago, the men and women who walked with the Savior in their very midst, struggled with faith. Please, read the following:

Luke 12:27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Luke 12:28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?


Matthew 8:25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.
Matthew 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

Matthew 14:30 But when he [Peter] saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
Matthew 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

I'm guessing the question you might be asking right about now has to do with my current status. Is my shield raised and ready? It's in my hand (that's an improvement) and I'm raising it higher each day.

I share not only my victories, but also my struggles with you, because I believe it's important as Princess Warriors for Christ to be vulnerable, transparent, and open with our sisters and other believers. During tough times, the devil does everything in his power to convince us to hide. Just as Adam and Eve headed for the fig leaves, we often shut ourselves away from the world and the people that love us. I've done just that. My pride, yes, pride, has kept me from really seeking help. Maybe, you'll recognize this deceitful message: "Goodness, Carol, you're in ministry, a speaker, writer, leader (blah, blah, blah) what would people think of your current lack of faith? You're an encourager. You must keep that smile on. Remember the "Happy all the Time" Mask? Yep, that's the one.

I remember not to long ago reading the following quotes about Mother Teresa from her personal journals:

"I have no Faith - I dare not utter the words & thoughts that crowd in my heart - & make me suffer untold agony," she wrote in an undated letter.

In 1956, she wrote: "Such deep longing for God and ... repulsed empty no faith no love no zeal. ... Heaven means nothing pray for me please that I keep smiling at Him in spite of everything."

Mother Teresa acknowledged the apparent contradiction with per public persona, describing her ever-present smile as "a mask" or "a cloak that covers everything."

Friends, we all struggle. We all doubt. We all lose faith at times. Thankfully, God tells us all we need is a mustard seed to move mountains. Although I grew weary of wielding my shield, I was able to carry that tiny mustard seed in my heart. It was just enough to keep me going; just enough to remind me that God is real and He cares not only about me, but also about you.

If you, too, are in a dark time, wondering where your passionate faith has gone, don't despair! The One who saved you reaches his nail scarred hands toward you, eager to pull you into His embrace. Let us humble ourselves and admit our lack so He can fill us up.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some tips for shining your brightest:

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

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

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

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

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

Are we as eager to share about Jesus?