Future Spiritual Warfare Fantasy

I am excited to announce I am working away on my latest spiritual warfare fantasy: Guardian Watcher. I wanted to share a sneak peek with my blog readers. Are you ready for "Josh" who may or may not be an angel? 

 Here is the back blurb from the book:

Angel? Demon? Superhero? Or something else altogether? 

“Josh the Angel” isn’t sure what he is or where he came from. The only thing he knows for certain—he has a mission: Help humans. 

There’s no doubt, those near replicas of him, minus the massive wings, need serious help. If only he could stop blacking out and uncover the memories he somehow managed to misplace. 

Considering his bestfriend is a coyote; his current home an underground bunker; and his favorite mode of transportation (after flying, of course) a customized Harley Davidson; he’s an anomaly. Toss in a few murders he may or may not have committed and Josh just might be crazy. He’s definitely coming unglued, despite his physical prowess and supernatural skill-set.

Between seeking clues about his past, saving people from danger, and avoiding public scrutiny, becoming someone’s personal bodyguard is the last thing he needs, but Piper Pruitt is magnet for trouble—big trouble. 

She’s also a magnet to him. 

Protecting her turns into a full time job, a job he likes far more than he should, because keeping Piper safe comes with a price tag, and the price may be too high for either of them to pay. 

The cost continues to grow when Josh and Piper risk their lives to team up with an elite FBI team and a wayward pastor, on a quest to stop a serial killer that isn’t quite human. Together they must fight spiritual forces that shouldn’t exist. Forces that will destroy their city if allowed to reign unchallenged. 

Despite their best efforts to defeat the darkness, unimaginable secrets are revealed, hearts broken, souls lost, and beliefs shattered. 

For when you attempt to “do” God’s work by manipulating truth and depending on lies, someone always loses.  

Please note: This is a standalone, spiritual warfare fantasy and suspense adventure, with a touch of romance, no cliffhanger, and ultimately, a happy ending. It is not part of the Soul Defenders’ Series, also by Carol Van Atta.

  
I am really looking forward to this and to finally, after being "off" my writing schedule for a few years, to finally complete Reign Real: Becoming a Princess Warrior for Christ, which might be getting a new cover! 

I'd love to hear from you! What books are you enjoying right now? Would you like to be on my list for Guardian Watcher (fiction) and/or Reign Real (non-fiction/women)? Just drop me a message. 

Remember: Follow your dreams and Never Never give up. You are a daughter of the most high God and King. With Him all things are possible!

That One Little Prayer

How many of you remember, back around 2004, a little book, about an even littler prayer, became all-the-rage throughout the Christian Community, even touching mainstream markets? 

The Prayer of Jabez, also referred to as Jabez's prayer was that little book, and it was based on a one verse prayer. 

I was one of the many who caught the Jabez fever, incorporating that little prayer into my prayer life, almost as if it was a magical, all-powerful formula for spiritual success. 

God's Word is no doubt powerful and supernatural in every way, however, with any prayer we speak frequently, we need to remember the meaning behind the words rather than simply reciting them by rote. 

Prayers that become mechanical often lose their power for us. 

I'm not saying God's Word ever loses power, I'm simply saying when we fail to mean what we say and say what we mean, we are in danger of reducing our prayers to quickly uttered words with little or no real meaning. 

Lately, I have made it a daily habit to pray through my neighborhood on my way to work. I often include the Lord's Prayer and ask the Lord bless to and protect my neighbors, their families, their pets, and that He would protect them from harm and evil. 

In addition, I ask that those neighbors who have yet to meet the King of Kings and do not know him as Lord and Savior would invite Him into their lives. Then I plead for the believers to enter into deeper more abiding relationships with their Creator. Including my own family and pets in the mix, of course! Can't forget my own household!

Well, out of the blue, these past couple of weeks, I have been praying the "...bless them indeed and enlarge their territories portion of the Jabez Prayer, only to discover, after repeating it however many times before that I couldn't remember it in its entirety. 

Then, tonight, lol and behold, I was searching my bookcase for another book and found a barely used, mini-journal created to accompany the original Prayer of Jabez book by Bruce Wilkinson. 

I think perhaps the Holy Spirit led me to it! (No perhaps about it)

I love the quote found on the page I opened the journal to, where it emphatically says: 

God's nature is to bless. 

How powerful is that? 

• Not to punish
• Not to blacklist
• Not to bury
• Not to abandon
• Not to destroy, ruin, or smite. 

But to bless! 

The next thing I knew I was penning this prayer:

Lord, may I be open and ready to receive and embrace your blessings, in whatever form they come in. And may my nature reflect yours more and more everyday. May I become a "bringer" of blessings NOT curses. In Jesus' Name, amen. 

Next, the sudden urge to post here, something I have been unfaithful about, overcame me. So...I was obedient. I'm not sure what the Lord's plans are for this post or this little prayer, but I know without doubt his words never return void. 

I can't think of a better time in our world to live our lives as blessings to others, to become bringers of blessings, hope, and light where there is so much strife, hostility, and darkness. I hope you will join me on this journey of love. 

Your Sister in Christ and Bringer of Blessings,

Carol 

Please comment below to proclaim your commitment to become a Bringer of Blessings in the days ahead. I'd love to hear from you!

 

LOVE at God's Table

With so much division and hatred in the world, and the U.S. in particular, Jesus' message of 'love your neighbor' has never been more applicable. 

Logging onto Facebook or other social media platforms can feel like a mind field, where we're forced to tiptoe through comments and posts that continue to keep us divided. What ever happened to disagreeing without demoralizing the person with a counter opinion? People are ending friendships over opposite viewpoints. 

I have chosen to stay out of the debates. And have been chastised for that as well. Apparently, I'm part of the problem if I don't engage in all the hostilities. There is a difference between burying your head in the sand and choosing not to dig yourself into a grave. Why bury myself in darkness and division when there is a better choice?

I want to be a light on the hill. Love in the midst of hatred. Kindness in places where people are feeling kicked to the curb for their beliefs. 

What can we do today, as Princess Warriors of the most High King? How about we put into practice those practical things that make a difference but are really quite simple, though not always easy to remember when we're walking through a mind field. 

Kind words. A smile. Offering a helping hand. Reminding friends you love them and care. Keeping your own posts focused on the positive in our world. There are so many amazing stories of good deeds and being a good neighbor available if you look for them. The nightly news isn't the best place to find them. 

I called a friend one night to ask how she was doing...what she was doing. Well, she was angry because she was watching the evening news and stewing over the injustices in the world, which there are many. I recommended she take a break from all the negativity and TURN OFF the news. It's one thing to be informed but another to find ourselves enslaved to dining on disaster and discouraging information. Some of us have been downright devouring the never-ending buffet of bad news.

We may need to make a change to our 'diets'. What we feast on, affects our health. What we think on and ponder, can actually become obsessive thinking that thwarts progress and positivity, even enslaving us. 

I want to challenge you too 'see' the amazing goodness and grace found at God's banquet table. Pull up a chair and leave the second-rate buffet behind. God's table offers blessing upon blessing, and there is always enough for everyone. 

 More amazing art by Delores Devlde available for purchase on her Fine Arts Page.

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  

Exciting News!

I am excited to share that I will be releasing a new book soon. This story is a bit different from the other spiritual warfare, Soul Defenders' series. Guardian Watchers is more fantasy/speculative fiction/with a touch more romance. I think guys will still enjoy, but it is definitely a book women will  relate too. 

As with the Soul Defenders' books, the foundation is based on God's truth and has a great deal to do with trusting in Him. 

Think of Abraham and Sarah. They got tired of waiting and attempted to use her servant to force God's promise for a child, pushing for the birth to take place in their time-frame not His. The results, as I'm sure you recall, ended up rather 'messy,' to say the least. 

God knows what He is doing. 

When we try to interfere, imposing our will (as if we can actually do such a thing) on God's divine purpose, we will never come out ahead. 

Guardian Watchers takes this theme to a whole new level. Let your imagination run wild!

I promise I'll share more teasers and tidbits as the release date draws closer. The next step will be the big COVER REVEAL. I'll have some fun contests and other giveaway goodies down the road as well. 

The third installment for the Soul Defenders series, subtitled Cartel, is on the table, as well as, the long overdue Reign Real: Becoming a Princess Warrior for Christ (non-fiction). If you read my previous post, you will know why these projects are so delayed.

The book covers for Soul Defenders: Cartel and Reign Real have been revealed already, so take a peek!

Merry Christmas and Happy 'almost' New Year

Wow...this feels so strange, to say the least. It has been a long, long, long time since I have kept this blog updated.

 My mom became very ill and then passed away, sending me into a tailspin of grief, as she was my best friend and most avid supporter. So the past several years have been difficult; that's putting it mildly. Add on a few major health issues, family and financial challenges, and my faith was tested beyond what I believed I could bear. 

Yet, here I am. Alive. Breathing. Living. Loving. Still a daughter of the King and His Princess Warrior. 

I have allowed the enemy to beat up and bully me for far too long. I've had enough! 

These past months have been all about re-embracing my identity in Christ and His awesome plans for my life. It's time to get moving, shaking, and praying in a way that rocks this world. Are you ready to join me? Considering 2017 is reaching its conclusion and 2018 is waiting to replace its predecessor, this seems like the perfect time to re-launch and recommit my life to the calling God has for me -- helping other Princess Warriors become who God has destined them to be in Him. 

Tonight I stumbled across an old article that I'd written about New Beginnings. I think its a good time to revisit what I wrote a number of years ago. 

https://thelife.com/a-new-beginning

If you're a Daughter of the King...the best is always yet to come. Together we can accomplish so much! With God we can accomplish the impossible. Amen!

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)

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. 

Keep your bra on and get your Bible out!

First, before I share today's message, can I just share how much I love this image of the princess entering Heaven and the Lion (our Lord) welcoming her ... someday. I can only imagine. 

Okay ... here we go:

We women can be quite resourceful. Yes, men can as well, but I just read a recent news story about a woman who was stranded after she fell while hiking.  

Amazingly, she used her sports bra, attached to some sort of lift-wire to signal her whereabouts. Once the cable started working, her bra ended up in the right hands (that would be anyone’s hands at this point) and she was delivered to safety. Deep sigh of relief. The article acknowledged her intelligent consideration in planning what to send. After all, she needed the remainder of her clothing in order to stay warm overnight. She didn’t randomly choose to send her sports bra, she made a quick, well-assessed plan, and it worked.   

I often wonder if I would be so ingenious in a perilous situation. Do you ever do that? You know, you imagine yourself in a specific hair-raising place or position where you alone are responsible for saving the day, and yourself. I guess you might call this a form of daydreaming. But, hey, when I was an athlete (swimmer) back in the day, I always visualized myself performing well before my events. It worked! – most of the time. 

I’m not sure why I’m even thinking about this. I guess the whole “bra story” got me thinking about emergency planning and preparation. Many of us plan better for what might happen in the “physical realm” than we do in the spiritual. 

Okay, okay, sounds weird, but let me explain. Remember back during the Year-2000-Scare? Many people stocked up on water, food, flashlights. Some even built extravagant underground dwellings where they could stockpile their goods and live for extended periods of time if needed. They were ready for the worst.  

However, according to God’s plan we should be more concerned about the matters of the heart, our hearts. Do we love God? Others?  Do we care about our character and living in a godly manner? Do we spend time combing His Word for those treasures that we can stockpile in our hearts? God tells us we should live in such a way that we are storing up rewards in Heaven not on earth. We try so hard to protect our physical selves, yet, so often, we fail to effectively manage our spiritual condition.  

I also recall during the preparation for the Year 2000 that many people actively, even aggressively, shared their concerns about the future and argued that we needed to be ready for worst possible scenario.  

Friends, the worst possible scenario would be to spend an eternity in hell apart from God’s presence. Yet, how much time and effort do we invest in helping others understand this very real threat? For me, unfortunately, I have to say, not enough.  

Maybe we should think a little harder, plan a little more, and become more ingenious like our lady hiker friend. I’m not suggesting we use our bras to spread the word, but we all have access to God’s Truth and His plan. Today is a new day. Let’s get creative and help people prepare for what’s real, forever, and always. Investing in the eternal makes sense considering where we spend our life after death is final.  

No need to wave your bra or boxers, just wave the Banner of Love.

When All Else Fails

One time I wrote an article for Campus Crusade for Christ's online Christian Women Today's Magazine. It was titled, if I remember correctly: What we think = What we do (Can it be true?)

God's Word clearly instructs us to take our thoughts captive, making them obedient to Christ.

I used to feel pretty confident in my ability to do this. I was quick to share the amazing results I was experiencing by simply filling my mind with God's Word, allowing His truths to combat the many lies I'd embraced over those "before Christ" years. As Princess Warriors it is critical to our well being that we keep our thoughts on our King. For if we allow our thoughts to wander, we can end up straying in both word and deed.

I should know.

I've experienced what feels like an endless barrage of difficult situations in my life over the past year. Health issues, financial challenges, family problems, major changes at work, a big move and downsizing, and the list goes on. I am well aware that I'm not the only one facing tough times, but I had, for years, prided myself on my ability to rise above and face my future with my sword drawn and shield in place. I'd managed to keep my helmet of salvation secured, my feet shod in the Gospel of Peace, and the belt of truth buckled around my expanding waistline. We'll talk about that expanding waistline in a minute. 

Anyway, as more new hardships were hurled my direction, I began to struggle. My Shield of Faith grew incredibly heavy. Lifting the Sword of the Spirit seemed like too much of an effort. In fact, many days went by when I didn't bother putting on the armor at all. I listened to the raging voices of negativity filling my head, even agreeing outloud with the life-crushing words. "This is too hard." "I can't handle this." "It's never going to get better." "Life's too much." "How could I be so stupid?" "What's wrong with me anyway?" Fighting started to seem fruitless, and I've been feeling more like a failure than a leader.

I'm sad (embarrassed even) to say that this Princess Warrior has become weary of fighting. I've been trying to fight alone, something I know doesn't work. It's time for me to come clean and say that I've been depressed. My mom was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I have been eating, reading, and playing computer search and find games to numb my feelings. I'm here to remind myself, and maybe you too, that anything short of God Himself, doesn't work. Nothing fills our aching hearts but Him. And sometimes, life is hard and we are going to feel down in the dumps. But the truth remains, no matter how discouraged, disgusted, or discarded we feel, our King still loves us. And when all else fails, His arms are open.

Maybe you too have used mind-numbing techniques to cover your pain. Perhaps you've eaten far more than your body needs in an attempt to stuff the fear and frustration down ... or played too many computer games, or spent hours on Facebook rather than spending time in God's presence.

It's hard to admit when you've been putting everything but God first. Sure, we can mutter the right words at the right times, but are we really believing them? Living them?

I believe I am not the only one feeling weighed down by life right now, discouraged by negative thoughts and emotions. But no matter what lies the enemy tries to isolate us with, we are not alone. God is still with us. He is still waiting. He is still loving. He is still on His Throne.

If you've isolated yourself, maybe it's time for you to run into your Heavenly Father's arms, make a phone call to a friend, go forward to the alter at church ... for certain it is time for us to take action, the type of action we know comes from God. Anything else will  eventually fail. Only God can lift the weight from our shoulders and remove the hardness from our hearts.

Sharing that I've been struggling is never fun. But in order to be victorious warriors we have to be honest, open, transparent, and willing to admit we need help. After all, we're in an army. We're not fighting alone. Let us lift those fallen fighters to their feet rather than judging how they landed on the ground.

And let us remember: When all else fails, God's forgiveness frees us to fly on the current of His love once more.

I'm ready to fly again. Are you?

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.

My New Website

http://princesswarriorsforchrist.com/

I'm excited to announce my new ministry website. Just click the above link and take a peek. If you are interested in having me as a speaker for your women's event and would like to learn more about my mission as a speaker and author, this is the place to visit.

Happy Birthday to me (and you, too)

It's the BIG DAY. You know. That time once a year when we are reminded of our birth day or as we refer to it now ... birthday.

If we're lucky, we can look back on the past year and rejoice over the exciting things that have happened in our lives. However, for some of us, a birthday can serve as a reminder of all those things we haven't accomplished, that career we never captured, dreams seemingly lost forever.

Simply celebrating our special day in the midst of trials and tribulations isn't always fun. Thankfully, though, no matter that the occasion, if we're daughters of the King we can celebrate and rejoice no matter what our circumstances. (I'll get to that in a moment)

For me, today has been, honesty here, not so lovely. My sixteen year old son chose today of all days to dump a load of sour emotions on me. What he said hurt, a lot. I cried. Actually, I sobbed. For me I'm already tender on my birthday because I'm adopted. This is the time of year when I wonder about my birth parents, and possible siblings.

Finances have been tight for us, like so many other families, so I instituted a no gift rule for me. No big out to dinner event or fanfare this year. Surprisingly, and kind of embarrassingly, I found myself a bit down about my lack of gifts. Hey, I just wanted the Mandisa Christmas CD! I guess it was a lose lose situation; because had they got a present for me, I probably would have chastised them. ANYWAY, I was feeling pretty blue by the time I got to church. I was feeling bad about my past mistakes and wishing I'd accomplished more in my forty-four years on this planet.

Then, God spoke like He so often does through our pastor and tonight's message. Can you believe they even talked about letting go of past mistakes and allowing God to do what He does so well: use them for His Kingdom glory? Humph. Over the course of the evening, I was reminded how when we are adopted into God's Kingdom we are reborn. That's right! A whole new "birthday" for us. Once we're His, we remain His, forever.

I started to mentally tally up all the many ways God has blessed me. He have given me more gifts in my lifetime than I deserve. He has delivered me from my past and allowed me to minister to hurting people, especially, other women. He has turned my ashes into rejoicing over His gift of salvation. He has elevated me from a pauper to a Princess Warrior. So, I had a hard day, actually, a hard couple of weeks, oh well. I have an eternity to look forward to in His presence.

Another thing that happened tonight was I made sure to keep all masks off. (You might want to review past entries about removing false faces) That's right. I was real about my less than perfect day. When people asked how I was, I was honest. No, I didn't vomit (sorry for the graphic word use, but it really gives a good visual) my emotions all over the place, I simply said that I'd had better days and that I was a little raw emotionally. The support and love I received was priceless. Talk about a gift! God gives us precious men and women of God to help lift our spirits when we are down. But we have to reach out, remove our masks, and push our pride aside.

A Princess Warrior for Christ can admit when things are less than perfect and she can ask for help. She can also rejoice in her King no matter how she feels. After all, we have received the best gift of all -- forgiveness for our sins -- past, present, and future. As well as, an eternity in the royalist of royal kingdoms ever.

Our hope must rest not on the temporary gifts and good feelings of this earth, but on our God and His incredible plans for us. So, sisters, let us rejoice and be glad for God is good all the time.

I HOPE YOU ENJOY THE FOLLOWING BIRTHDAY STORY:

A man told a story about the time his son’s sixth birthday was approaching. He had mentioned he wouldn’t mind a party, and as his son usually was very specific about the kind of presents he liked the dad asked him what he could get him. Bill expected a well-planned reply, such as "I’d like a baseball glove; you can find it at Toys ‘R ‘Us, aisle 6, below the batting helmets, or a Parcheesi board; the games are in alphabetical order in aisle 1; it’s between the Pac Man and Pay Day."

But his son’s request was a bit different. He said, "Dad, I’d like a ball to play with for my birthday." Bill said "Great, what kind of ball?" "Oh, I want don’t know, either a football or a soccer ball." "Well, which would you want more?" He said, "Wellll," and thought about it. Then he said. "If you have some time to play ball with me this year, I’d really like a football so we could throw it back and forth in the back yard. But if you’re gonna be real busy this year, maybe you just better get me a soccer ball, because I can play soccer with the rest of the kids in the neighborhood." The dad thought about this and said, "Let me surprise you. How does that sound?" And the little boy smiled and said, "Oh that would be great Dad. I really love you."

Then Bill went in and shared this little encounter with his wife and together they agreed, their son was not so much interested in the gift. He was interested in the giver. (Autoillustrator.com, "WORSHIP")

Bride of Christ

Wow! Has my life been busy. I have missed blogging more than I expected. I was at the Oregon Coast for the past several days. It was lovely. Even more lovely, though, were the two "beach weddings" that I had the honor of witnessing. I think because of the date 8/8/08 many couples decided to wed on that particular day.


As I struggled up the beach, dragging my chair, over-sized book bag (filled with heavy books) and a pile of wet towels, I was stunned to see a gorgeous bride, in a magnificent, traditional, wedding gown, gripping her father's arm at the top of the stairs leading to the beach.

On the beach, I could see a man, her groom, looking expectantly toward his betrothed. What made the procession even more interesting was the girl's father had his other hand occupied with a leash holding a regal white dog. This "dog" looked like a white wolf. This unusual entourage stopped me in my sandy tracks.


The early evening sunlight gave the ocean a mystical glowing appearance that only added to the intimate event. I stood respectfully and watched the father lead his bride and place her into the care of her future husband. Breathtaking. So breathtaking that everyone on that beach had stopped what they were doing and turned to observe this couple's wedding vows. It was if they couldn't keep their eyes of this pair. I know I couldn't.


So it will be someday when Christ returns for His bride -- the Church. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. Every eye will rest upon this groom as He escorts His bride to her ultimate destiny. It will be one of the greatest events of one time, only equaled by the groom's holy birth, His tragic death on the Cross, and His Easter morning Resurrection. History will cease and new future will commence for those who belong to Him.

Remember precious princess warriors, no matter what is going on in your life in this moment, you King will come. He will carry you over the threshold into eternity. So do not despair; cling to the One that will never let go.



Be blessed as you go about your day and live your life one step and a prayer at a time.

God Knows Best

God Knows Best

Carol Van Atta

God says, “This day I call heaven and earth as witness against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord you God…” Duet. 30:19-20a NIV

I grasped on tightly to the reins and lowered my head into a flowing charcoal mane, as the jet-black stallion pounded down the hard damp sand. To an onlooker, it might have appeared that I was having the time of my life racing down the seashore that sunny, summer afternoon. but, as we all know, perceptions can be very deceiving.

“No…! Stop!” I screamed at the snorting beast, as he barreled forward. This black-beauty had earned his name, Streaker, on more than one occasion. At fourteen, I believed I could handle anything, even a horse known for his unpredictable and often dangerous antics. Just an hour earlier, as me and my mother stood at the horse stable, I had been given the option to select a well-behaved mare, or, this now devilish creature charging forward with no regard for the terrified teen on his back--me.

Thoughts of my mom’s earlier warning echoed through my mind, as I waited for the inevitable fall…

"Honey, I don’t have a good feeling about this. Why not pick her? She’s such a pretty horse.” My mom attempted to redirect my attention away from the feisty stallion to what I considered an obviously docile old horse. Sure, she was a pretty chestnut, with soft eyes, but I wanted speed and excitement. Streaker was for me!

“Young lady, this horse has had some problems. He is really only for a highly experienced rider.” The cowboy-clad-gentleman warned.

“But, Mom, I am experienced. Tell him.” I pleaded. My mom just shook her head, surrendering to the fact that this was a battle I was determined to win and a situation where I was bound to become the chief looser.

“Alright then, sign here. It’s ride at your own risk.” The cowboy shrugged.

Well, it was too late now. I would have to find a way off this horse, and fast. My saddle was slowly inching its way over to the right side of Streaker, who displayed no sign of tiring. Soon, I’d be hanging upside down between his churning legs. With a heroic push, I threw myself off his back, just avoiding the deadly flying hoofs. As I thudded onto the hard-packed sand, I wished one more time that I had heeded my mom’s advice.

“Where’s my mom?” I cried as a crowd formed around my still form. I couldn’t move, and fear had replaced my earlier bravado. It was then I saw them, the blue tennis shoes racing toward me. It was her, my mom, who had been watching me from a safe distance.

“Oh honey, lay still. I’m here. It’s okay.” She gently stroked my hair.

Later, as I journeyed back to the city, courtesy of a local ambulance company, it again occurred to me, how little I knew. I was also surprised. My mom never once said, “I told you so,” or “how stupid can you be?” No, instead she just loved me in spite of my own poor choice.

I wish I could say from that day forth, I listened to my mother’s sound advice. But, sadly, it has taken me close to forty years to realize just how right she often was. Amazingly, today I see so much of Jesus in her. God too guides, directs, and demonstrates to me what path will be the most fruitful for me to follow. But so often, I choose to take what I consider the more thrilling road, only to discover, as I did that day so many years ago, high atop a horse named Streaker, I still don’t always know what is best for me. But God does. I don’t fall off horses anymore, but I still “fall” in other areas of my life. It is as I brush off the dirt of life’s hardships, when the following thought comes to mind -- God knows best.

I learned in the Old Testament God continually warned the Israelites about the consequences to their poor choices. They would remember, listen, and obey Him for a season, and then return to the old pattern of doing what felt good, or seemed right, for the moment, only later to find they had again traveled the wrong road, and had fallen into captivity. Instead of wagging my finger at my rebellious ancestors, or shaking my head in amazement at their stupidity, I believe God would rather have me take a long look into the mirror of my own life, where I can examine the state of my own heart.

I have learned that I cannot climb onto the back of an untamed stallion and expect not to fall. Today, I try to heed the many words spoken through Moses in Deuteronomy. Here, God clearly explains the consequences of choosing to disobey His Word, and also describes in great detail the incredible blessings available to us if we will follow our Lord’s leading.

Today, when I fall, and we all do, I remember I have something the Israelites didn’t have. I have the love and forgiveness of Christ.

1 John 1:9 (NIV) declares, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. So, today I confess!

John 16:33 (NIV) reminds us, I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. I have hope! Because…

Now, when I am tempted to head down those roads not safely selected on my Heavenly Father’s divine map, I can choose to turn around, immediately, and go the other way—His way. After all, He has clearly shown us the right way to travel; it is up to us follow His directions, because God does know best … always.

I hope you enjoyed this article that I wrote several years ago. Its message remains unchanging. God always knows the best way for His princess warriors to travel. When we seek our own agendas, we so easily trip and fall, finding ourselves wishing we'd consulted and obeyed our King. If you're on a wrong path today, it's not too late to make a change. Turn around! Call out to your King. He will guide you back to the right road. Don't wait, sister!

Also, I'd like to invite you to visit my other blog. I'm currently asking readers on that site to share personal stories of how God speaks to them. Please take a peek and share your experiences. http://www.princesswarrior.bravejournal.com/

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