Mystical Monday ... say what?

Greetings Princess Warriors! I have made a commitment to BLOG for GOD on a regular basis. For a long, long time I struggled with my faith and staying positive in the midst of darkness. If you're up-to-date on my writings, you know that life had thrown me a fair share of curve balls. Thankfully, with Christ as my King, I was ultimately able to celebrate victory.

You're probably wondering about my title: Mystical Monday. I'll get right to my explanation.

On a local radio station that I occasionally tune in to, I discovered something rather disturbing. Every Monday evening they have a talk show format, and focus on the supernatural and the mystical. They interview witches, mediums, folks that practice what we as Christians know are dark arts. What's so scary is these women (I haven't heard a man interviewed) cheerfully share about their lives and spiritual practices. They promote their practices as the answers to happiness and excitement. The host giggles right along with them, while listeners call in and ask questions. It seems so innocent (and intriguing) to the average person. The topics are fascinating and the format easily lures the listeners in.

I realize that to unbelievers we are often considered radical wackos, yet somehow, someway, all these other bizarre beliefs are embraced and discussed openly on popular public radio programming. The guests are given respect and are even honored as they peddle their brand of spirituality. I've yet to hear of a Christian guest participating on this program. I find that more than a little frustrating, although not surprising.

We have exciting supernatural stories to share with the world; stories that can change lives for the better. We serve a God that can raise the dead. He can renew our minds and restore our hearts. He can turn ashes to beauty and water to wine. That's good stuff! That's true stuff! The real deal. Yep, we serve the only real God. The Creator of Heaven and of Earth.

Sadly, though, the truth is shunned and the enemy's lies are touted as the truth. Sin isn't something to giggle about, nor is it something to embrace. But every Monday, in a welcoming way, a certain radio station promotes the Highway to Hell as the Path to Paradise. Maybe not intentionally, but unfortunately it's happening.

What can we as Princess Warriors for Christ do to combat programing like this?

1. We pray. Pray for God's truth to reign. Pray for the radio/TV hosts/writers to experience a spiritual awakening. Pray they come to know Christ as their Lord, Savior, and King.
2. Be prepared to answer tough questions without becoming defensive or combative. Too often we find ourselves defending our faith with anger. It's frustrating to see how easily folks buy the lie yet refuse to research what's real. Rather than letting our emotions gain control, consider in advance what you might say when conversations about supernatural and mystical matters arise. Hollering about Hell isn't going to get the results we hope for. We can stand on the truth with love. People are searching for answers. Let's have some to share.
3. Take action.  Contact the source directly and voice your opinion. Contact your friends and have them contact the source that is spreading these messages that masquerade as truth. If enough people stand up, the powers-that-be can't help but notice. Again, we do this with love. We can be firm and deliberate without being dreadful.

A number of years ago, there was this TV show that I loved. It was an evening drama about the world following a nuclear attack. They discontinued the series after only 12 episodes, leaving numerous questions unanswered. Thousands of fans called, emailed, wrote letters, and sent peanuts (long story) to the network. Finally, the network relented and aired another partial season to wind things up. In our case, we're asking for someone to turn the programing off! Same idea though, right?

Or ... we could take another path and instead request that they include the Christian point of view on their programing. Why is every so-called path explored, but Christianity ignored? Hum ... just a thought.

Ladies, I'm sad to say that too often I simply ignore situations like the one I'm visiting in this post. I find myself thinking: "There's nothing I can do about this. Why bother? Blah. Blah. Blah." I give up without a fight.

I know I'm not the only one. Can you imagine if every warrior for Christ stepped up and stood up for the truth? We could make significant differences in the world around us. 

So, what are we waiting for? At the very least we can do what is always best; we can pray. 

My commitment ... to pray for this radio show, the station, and the people involved. I will ask for their eyes to be opened to the truth. I will also email this radio host and suggest (strongly) that they consider featuring a Christian. They are very interested in so-called supernatural power. Well, I know where to find that power! Amen!

My challenge to you, sisters, is simply to pray. Pray for God to infiltrate the airwaves. Pray for ways to make the truth known in the media. Pray for creative opportunities to share the truth of our salvation. Pray. 

That's all for now. Until next time! Keep reigning real, one step and a prayer at a time.

Princess of the Day

I find it amazing that so many women yearn for a title of royalty. To be a princess ... is the one dream most girls share at some point in their young lives. Tiaras. Glittery gowns. Glass slippers. Shiny scepters. Sharp swords. Wait a minute! Sharp swords and sabers... not something most princess-dreams include. Yet for us, as daughters of the King of Kings, a sword is one accessory never to be left behind. In fact, God's Word, also known as the Sword of the Spirit, is more than an accessory, it's the the one thing we dare not leave home without. It's our foundation, our King's love letters to us, our guide book, our history, our plan, our future, and our hope.

Consider for a moment: The Bible -- a book made up of 66 individual books, written over a 1,500 year span of time, by at least 40 different authors, on 3 different continents, in 3 different languages, with no proven historical errors or discrepancies, all with the same theme. The theme: We mess up (sin over and over), God pursues us and loves us and ultimately forgives us ... again and again. What are the odds of this happening?

That's right, go to the library, find 66 books, by 40 different authors (the majority who'd never even met one another), in 3 different languages, written on 3 different continents, without any historical errors or discrepancies, and put it all together. Would it make any sense? Have the same underlying theme throughout? Of course not! Apart from the inspiration of a holy God this would have been impossible. Period. Then consider the opposition the Bible faced throughout the centuries. How many rulers attempted to wipe out its message once and for all. Yet, somehow, it has managed to stay the best selling book of all time. Its message has continued to spread despite relentless persecution.

Understanding the power of the Bible -- the Sword we wield -- is imperative in our quest to reign real as Princess Warriors for Christ.

This past weekend, I spoke at a women's conference on the Oregon Coast. Coos Bay to be exact. Wow! What a wonderful group of women. I attended the event planners' home church on Sunday morning, and Pastor Phil shared those amazing facts about the Bible. I was once again reminded of the compelling evidence that God has provided about His existence and His plan for our lives. If that wasn't enough, I was treated to His incredible creation everywhere I turned ...

A beautiful, scenic beach cove where we spent Saturday afternoon was evidence of His creativity. The "barking" sea lions lounging on the cliffs certainly showed off His sense of humor. The baby lion I cuddled and the little leopard that sat on my lap were two additional examples of his marvelous mind at work. The wonderful men and women who embraced my daughter and I were perfect examples of His love, grace, and kindness.

Yes, this past weekend, I felt like the "Princess of the Day." How could I not? And God is so good and gracious that my daughter felt like a treasured princess too. And the conference participants also expressed how God had personally touched them with His love.

That's right! We can all be Princesses and warriors at the same time. There are more than enough crowns and swords to go around. In God's Kingdom, we can all reign real and share in His glory. There's no need to fight amongst ourselves when we belong to such a generous Ruler. We can better spend our time celebrating our freedom and encouraging other wounded women to join us.

So often, we are pressed in by troubles on every side. The Bible tells us we will experience troubles, trials, and multiple tribulations. HOWEVER, with God, all things are possible. We can overcome and rise above the most terrible circumstances if we keep our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. In Him, we truly can reign real and reap the rewards God has for us. Go on, be who He's called you to be. Be a Princess Warrior ... today, tomorrow -- always.

PS. Please pray for a little girl. I don't know her name, but a coworker of mine is donating his photography talents at her special party. Apparently, she is just four years old and facing imminent death due to cancer. She is having a "Princess Prom." I believe strongly that we are supposed to pray for her. God can and does heal. I'd like to ask Him for this precious princess' complete healing. Won't you join me? I'm also praying that she experiences the best Princess Prom any little girl could possibly have. Amen.

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)

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.