Masquerade Ball vs Masquerade Life

Before I even start with today's entry, let me say I found the most amazing site: http://www.polyvore.com/. Here you can create design boards like the one above. I am looking forward to putting my creativity to use and seeing what I can come up with. Maybe some of you will find this intriguing as well. My applause to the person who designed the above "masquerade ball" ensemble. I'd love to post your name and give you credit. Great work!

Ladies, it's time to talk again about "mask wearing" click the following link to read the first enstallment on this tantalizing subject: http://princesswarriorsreignreal.blogspot.com/2008/08/warriors-remove-your-masks.html

Dressing up for a Masquerade Ball can be great fun and provide an evening of mystery for those invited. However, if we were to remain hidden beneath our elaborate get-ups, over time, we might be tempted to think we are who the costume portrays.

Last time, we took a peek behind the Poor Me Mask. Today, let's look at the Tough Girl Mask. The following snipet of a Tough Girl is from a project that I'm working on with co-author, Dr. Kathy Rodriguez -- Real Women Don't Wear Masks: Removing False Faces.

In 1978, Grease, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John hit the big screen with a flurry of media attention. This musical far exceeded the expectations of its producers and has gone on to become an all-time cult classic. Most of you know the story: sweet girl (Sandy) meets nice boy (Danny) on summer vacation; school starts and sweet Sandy is now attending Danny’s high school; she discovers nice boy is really a bad boy, black leather jacket and all; Sandy meets up with the female versions (Pink Ladies) of Danny’s greaser-gang, The T Birds, and romance, dancing, car racing, and a lot of “mask wearing” ensues.

Yes, mask wearing.

Let me explain. In fact, let’s start with Danny, obviously a nice, caring guy attracted to a very conservative young lady. Who is Danny, really? Is he a polite young man or a cocky gang leader? I believe the soft, gentle guy is the “real” Danny, but for whatever reason, Danny has chosen to wear the big bad, I’m cool and tough, mask. He is accepted by his peers when donning that particular mask. It’s become his identity.

Sandy, who meets up with the Pink Ladies, and is influenced by their charismatic leader, Rizzo, makes the decision that to be truly accepted by Danny, she has to become a tough girl. Her entire appearance changes as she costumes herself with a whole new identity. At one point, Rizzo sings a song, revealing her true feelings, “I don't steal and I don't lie / But I can feel and I can cry / A fact I bet you never knew / But to cry in front of you / That's the worst thing I could do.” After all, “big girls don’t cry,” right?

So it is with most of us gals that put on tough-girl identities. We’re hiding for fear of being hurt, again.

Ah, the ever-popular tough girl, yep, that was me ― hard as steel on the outside, wimpy and mushy inside. After the swim team debacle I (Carol) changed. My trust level was pretty much nonexistent, and I made it a top priority for people to take notice of my new persona by behaving in some fairly unbecoming ways.

In junior high I ran track. After a track meet, we were all still on the bus waiting to exit when an older boy noticed that I had a big ugly pimple on my nose. I think he referred to me as Rudolf the red nose you know what. Before the sure-to-follow laughter erupted, I socked Mr. Pimple Pointer right in his noggin. No one was laughing at me after that. Although I was suspended for a day, I felt proud of this display of my new tough façade.

Have you ever noticed? After one or two violent episodes, people just look at you differently. All I had to do now was give someone “the look” and they gave me a nice wide space.

Wearing the Tough Girl Mask allows you to build a moat, or well-fortified wall around your life. And although I thought my toughness was protecting my heart, I, like Rizzo, had a whole lot of tears and a ton of grief hiding just beneath my mask. However, I was too afraid to remove this false face for fear of being hurt ― again.

As I grew older, I was so afraid of being abandoned and hurt again, I’d vacillate between pushing people away and relentlessly attempting to control every aspect of their lives. This proved especially true in romantic relationships. I acted big and bad on the outside, yet at the threat of losing that special person, I’d take care of everything in my man’s life to make myself indispensable. I was also the one all my girlfriends came to for advice; after all, I was tough, wise, and together. Little did they know!

The truth remains; wearing a false face is a lie. God is the God of truth. His enemy, our enemy the ― devil ― is a liar. When we are dishonest in any way, we’re walking on the wrong side of the street, and headed for one big accident.

Now, I have to admit, honestly, there were some major benefits to pretending to be tough, but there were far more complications and headaches than I can begin to describe. When I accepted Christ, finally, I was still attempting to superglue this crumbling mask together. It didn’t take long for it to completely disintegrate under God’s loving touch.

To learn more about removing this mask, watch for the next entry!

Quick note: We often hide behind masks after making a vow, or in some cases vows. Here are some of the vows that I made before putting on this particular mask:

Considering my heart-wrenching circumstances, I made two decisions that would affect my life for years to come, decisions that would alter my destiny.

1. I believed the lies that were spoken to me and about me.
I’m worthless.
I’m a failure.
Nobody likes me.
I’m not worth fighting for.
Friends will betray me.

2. I made a vow. I would become popular, cool, and tough. That way I could remain in control of my heart. (So I thought).

The stage had been perfectly prepared for me to pick up and put on my Tough Girl Mask. For years, I wore this mask well, attempting to conceal my fear of not being loved and accepted. “I’ll hurt you before you hurt me” became my motto. Eventually, though, I discovered what we all figure out at some point in life ― our masks don’t mask the pain forever.

Make Your Day Magical

Magical days ... ah. Just the words conjure up visions of childhood dreams, colorful sunsets, and fun-filled excursions to a land of peace and tranquility. If only we could create these awe-inspired days with the wave of a wand. If only ...

I know. I know. It sounds too good to be true. Life is hard; it brings painfuls surprises and unexpected events. We can end up feeling out of control and miserable before we walk out our doors if we're not careful, and prepared. We may not have a wand that sprinkles fairy dust, but we do have a God that lights our paths.

One of our big blocks to this daily "magic" is found between our ears -- our brains. If we're not careful, we can think ourselves into anything. I'd like to share the following article that was published a while ago. It reminds us that What we think = What we do.

One Evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of his palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. (2 Sam. 11:2-3 NIV)

What in the world was David thinking? He was a King that had it all. Most importantly, he had the blessing of God Almighty. Unfortunately, he, like so many of us, allowed his thoughts to ignite in him a desire to do something that he would later regret—horribly. Now, I am not suggesting that we all have committed the sins of adultery and murder because of our thoughts. But…maybe we have? Possibly, somewhere in the process of our own thoughts of revenge, or coveting a friend’s new home, or wishing for a kinder husband—we were stopped--somehow. Thank goodness! But the point is…we all have thoughts that are unpleasant, and far from righteous, at times in our own lives.

The world has tapped in on a small piece of the truth, suggesting we must learn to manage our thought lives in order to be successful. However, the world is misguided, too. The idea that we can just be “positive thinkers” and all will be well is yet another false belief. Telling ourselves to think happy-thoughts will not be enough as we fight the battle for our minds—and there is a battle. Faith in positive thinking is just not sufficient. We need to discover the power of right thinking, which is learning to rely solely on God’s word for the changes that we seek. In Philippians 4:8 (AMP), God’s word says:

…whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things. (Fix your minds on them)

So, how do we do learn to focus on God’s goodness, and learn the power of “right thinking” in the midst of a world that is throwing lies, seductions, and temptations our way like a baseball-pitching-machine firing fast balls right over home plate. How do we avoid making a tragic mistake in our thinking, such as David did that night, up on the rooftop, so many centuries ago?

I suspect that David’s thought life had begun to go array for sometime before he made the seemingly instantaneous decision that forever altered his, and his ancestors’ lives. I believe if he had been living as directed in Philippians 4, he probably would have retained his integrity. We can learn from David’s, and many others’ mistakes, showcased in God’s Word, how to change our own thinking. What we think, good or bad, really does effect our actions, and the course of our lives. There are several simple steps that will allow us to become “right thinkers.”

1. Live in God’s Word—It is so true. There is no better way to change our thinking than to incorporate God’s word into every aspect of our lives. If we make it a habit to turn to His Word throughout our days, we will find our thoughts changing. I like to think of it as mealtime and grazing. Sometimes we will sit at the feet of Lord for a long time, in His Word, savoring it like a choice meal. But as people on the go, we may have days where we do a lot of “grazing” -- brief moments of reading a scripture, or receipting a passage. This habit keeps our thoughts focused on what is good and pleasing when we don’t have a great deal of time for the luxury, five-course meal.

2. Speak God’s Word—There is something to be said about reading God’s word out loud, and in prayer form. Creating a list of scriptures that help your thoughts stay focused on God, and His ways, can be extremely helpful. Read His precious words whenever you have the chance. When we are focused on God’s truth, our thinking is right, and wrong thoughts must move over, and out!

3. Write God’s Word—In a journal, or a notebook, take a moment to copy a section of scripture, or write it out into your own personal prayer. There is something powerful about writing, just as it is powerful to speak God’s Word. These methods seem to drive the truth deeper into our souls, and we are able to remember the content better, which is great when our thinking strays, because the Scriptures we have been speaking, and reading, will come to mind—and to our rescue.

4. Include Others—Building support and accountability is crucial to the process of right thinking. When we let others know what we are doing, and allow them to support us with truth and love, we more readily find success. When our words are not kind, or ungodly, a friend can gently ask us what are we thinking? By enlisting others, we are able to stand for God’s truth, and pray for each other.

5. Pray—Of course, pray! We must invite God into our quest to conquer negative thinking. The power of His Holy Spirit will strengthen us as we move forward in this process separating truth from lies.

Amazingly, somewhere a long the way, our minds are renewed, just as God’s Word promises. An area of struggle is suddenly gone. A negative thought pattern has been replaced by God’s truth. We are more thankful and grateful for what we have. As we participate in the process of learning the power of right thinking, God, in His unlimited power, steps in the does the rest. The power of our right thinking will be displayed by our right actions! Because, really, it is true -- What we think=what we do.

Fighting Right: Following God

Normally, I keep my two blogs separated by content. This blog's goal is to serve as a method of encouragement and training for Princess Warriors for Christ who desire to reign real for the King of Kings.

My original Princess Warrior Blog is a bit more personal and features more day to day challenges in my life. However, I still attempt to exhort my readers in that format as well. Today, I posted a response in relation to the current political climate. I usually don't make "political posts," but, I think you will agree after reading the post that it is more a reminder for us to remember who we really serve.

Go on. Head on over and visit my other site. Please, feel free to comment.

http://www.princesswarrior.bravejournal.com/

Warriors remove your masks!

Ladies, please remove your masks. Yes, your masks. Some of you might be thinking, what in the world is Carol talking about? I haven't worn a mask since, well, since I don't remember when.

Are you sure?

Let me explain. Although masks are fun for costume parties and can make us feel like somebody different, wearing one for days, months, and years would get a little uncomfortable. In fact, if you were to leave a mask on for too long, you just might start to believe you were more like the mask than yourself. Kind of like an actor "becoming" his/her character and allowing that particular character's characteristics to influence his own persona.

As a young teen, I would pretend that I was an older, more mature girl. It wouldn't be uncommon for me at fourteen to tell others that I was sixteen or seventeen. I wore this older, more seductive mask so often that I started to believe that I was an older, more mature woman. Unfortunately, I made some pretty bad choices during my teen years wearing a mask we'll talk about in another post - the seductive mask. If only, I'd allowed myself to simply be me. I could have avoided a ton of tears and tribulation.

As Christian women, called to "reign real" for Christ, it does not behoove us to remain hidden behind phony faces and facades. Reigning real means being real ... the real deal --imperfect women of God, but so loved by Him.

For the next several entries we're going to explore some common masks women tend to hide behind. Let's start with the "poor me mask." Poor me, pour me another drink. This mask could also be referred to as the victim mask.

Ladies, no matter what trials you have endured in your life, you are victorious in Christ. Do not let the enemy of our souls tell you otherwise. You are an overcomer, plain and simple. When we start feeling sorry for ourselves, we end up with I like to call the Eeyore complex. You know, good ole' Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. Poor donkey. His head hung low, his tail switching back and forth, he always shared his doom and gloom worries with his friends. Everything was pretty hopeless viewed through our purple friend's eyes.

Maybe you're so scared of being hurt or embracing success that you simply hide behind this dreary mask to avoid more pain and heartache. Unfortunately, when we wear the poor me mask we tend to weight not only ourselves down, but those around us. It's difficult to be around someone who is always expecting the worse.

I think sometimes women put on the poor me mask, initially, for attention, but also, protection. They feel bad and aren't sure how to express their feelings. Rightfully, they desire love and support, yet, for whatever reason they are afraid to ask for it. So, like Eeyore, they walk through life with their heads hung low, hoping, waiting, for someone to ask, "what's wrong?"

We can garner a great deal of attention this way. Unfortunately, over time, we will wear out our welcome with others. People will see us coming and run the other way. Believe me, I know. I've worn the mask and avoided other with this mask on.

Please know, I'm not talking about clinical depression, or grief, or feeling sad. I'm talking about adapting a persona of ongoing melancholy and sadness ... a mopping mask. It's uninviting, and if we keep it on for too long, we will likely become depressed.

As Princess Warriors for Christ, we have every reason to celebrate. Life is hard, but God is good. When we need love and support, we have to learn to ask for it. Mopping around is not the answer. Wearing what my grandmother used to call a "poor, pitiful, pearl" mask will only make things worse.

If this is you, go on, take off the mask. Ask God for help. Reach out to others. Find something fun to do. Help someone else. There is no better cure for the gloomies than helping another person. That's right. Help someone else. You'll be amazed by the results.

Ladies, we all wear a mask, or two, or three, at times. Our world demands that we pretend in order to be successful or well-liked. However, no mask is lasting. No mask can keep us hidden from our pain forever and the friends we "win" while hiding may not be the kind of true friends we hope to attract. We are created in our King's image. When we hide we are basically saying that we don't like God's handiwork.

Friend, you are precious in God's sight. Go on, get real, remove that false face and let God shine through you.

Please feel free to comment and share any mask that you might be wearing or have worn in the past. What are you hiding from? Let's share and pray for each other. Shall we?

God bless you, daughters of the King.

Taking Home the Gold ... or not?

Have you been watching the Olympics? Seen the women's gymnastics?

I've been utterly amazed by the sheer strength, skill, and grace these women posses as they twirl, swirl, and flip through their routines. Wow! I'm continually awed by what the human body can actually do. I'm not particularly "awed" by my own right now, but those gymnasts do things that are mind boggling and even mind blowing.

Then, after all the spectacular events, we were treated to tears of triumph as the competitors received their medals, in particular the always coveted Gold.

For many athletes, only the Gold matters. Nothing else will suffice. This year the US set records gallore and we saw history made as Michael Phelps took home eight gold medals, finally achieving his longtime, personal goal.

Now what? If your goal is a specific award or title and you finally obtain it, what remains to accomplish? Is that achievement going to bring lasting satisfaction and peace?

Sorry, I don't mean to sound so gloomy, but when we as Princess Warriors for Christ focus all our attention and efforts on winning a wordly prize, we miss the mark.

Actually, if all we want is Gold here on earth, we may miss the lasting rewards of Heaven. When we leave this life, we can't take any oscar statues, olympic medals, or pulitzer prizes with us. In fact, without the Internet or news, I wouldn't even remember a quarter of the past Olympic champions or Oscar winners. Okay, so we'll remember Phelps for years to come, but you know what I mean.

When we set our sights on worldly success, we always end up suspicially empty down the road. The spotlight will eventually dim and the applause will cease. Life will go on and our achievements will be forgotten by many. So, then what?

I remember the excitment when my words were first published in an article and then a book. I thought I'd finally "made it." My goal was met. I was published. And ... I was published. So? The next day I was still me. My bills still had to be paid and I felt like I had to accomplish more. Because the truth remains, if we expect our accomplishments to fill us up, we will discover a simple truth: they don't.

Now granted, achieving success is awesome, but unless it is done for God's glory, unless we put Him centerstage, we will find ourselves seeking bigger and better accomplishments to, well, accomplish. When we're not doing what God has for us to do, and storing up rewards in Heaven, we're not doing what we're suppossed to be doing.

There are so many "good things" that we can do. Yet, if they're not the "God things" we're called to complete, we will fall short.

When we walk into eternity someday, laying our medals, trophies, and awards at the feet of our King will not be enough. They will not survive the fire. God values our love and service. Did we feed the hungry? Visit those who were imprisoned? Help widows? Provide for children? Love our enemies? Forgive others? Speak the truth? Practice grace and giving? Those are the things that bring our King glory and us His pleasure.

I want to hear my Lord say, "Well done, Carol, my good and faithful servant." He will look at what is in my heart, not the things I won on earth. Earthly prizes will not impress Him; love will.

I don't know if Mr. Phelps is or isn't a Christian. If he is, he can use his new platform as a famous athlete to bring glory to God and help others. He can ask God how to best use his athletic achievements to bless others and expand God's Kingdom.

Ladies, we can do the same. Whatever we do let us do it all for God's glory and purpose. Let us remember that the finish line we are running toward is very different from the one the sprinters crossed in Bejing. For if we belong to Christ, and are running the race for Him, in the end, we will all win Gold, or should I say "win" God? That's right. We get the biggest award of all -- eternity with the King of Kings.

So let us throw off all that so easily entangles us and run the race set before us, trusting that what we seek is far better than any reward this world has to offer. Amen!

Sisters in Christ

Hello Princess Warriors! I'm back! I have been out of town speaking at a women's retreat. I'm happy to report that my sisters in Christ discovered on a deeper level how to reign real as priceless princesses and worthy warriors while learning how to better love and support each other in the process.

I am always amazed by how God can invite so many delightfully diverse women into His Kingdom and how we can become sisters sharing God's love.

We serve a God of relationship. When Jesus walked the earth, He had a close circle of friends and an expanded group of disciples. He knew when to be alone with the Father and when to minister with others. When we can discover that same balance, we, too, can become more effective in our Kingdom work. Ladies, we need each other! We need to let go of petty female competition and jealousy, learning instead to lift each other up closer to Christ.

The world presents women, so often, as hostile, jealous, and coniving creatures bent on getting what they want when they want it, regardless of cost. You only have to glance at an afternoon soap opera to see the lies, betrayal, and relentless competition portrayed between the female characters. Nothing is off limits. No wonder women have a hard time trusting each other.

In order to live effectively for Christ in this world, we must release our desire to be the best. We need to stop judging our sisters and take a look into the mirror of our own hearts and take the planks out of our own eyes rather than purposefully seeking out what is wrong with our peers. True Christian friendship is a gift worth unwrapping.

I hope you enjoy the following story of true friendship:

You are familiar with Albrecht Durer’s famous painting "The Praying Hands," but do you know the story behind it? The painting was inspired by the sacrificial, loving acts of a friend. Durer and an older friend were struggling to make a go as artists. Recognizing Durer’s talent, the older man took a job to provide for both of them until Durer could complete his art studies. The work was labor, but he did it gladly for his friend. Finally, Durer made a sale. The money was enough to care for both of them for several months. Now his older friend could resume his painting, but the older man’s hands had become so stiff from the hard labor that he was unable to paint. One day when Durer returned home, he found his friend in prayer, his work-worn hands folded reverently. Durer painted a picture of these hands, capturing them for ages to come as a memorial to the love and sacrifice of his older friend." (Frank Morgan, Jr. Keys To Unlock Yourself. Nashville : Braodman Press, 1985, pp. 75-76). Durer’s friend was a friend who went the extra mile in friendship. No one will argue that he lovingly went the distance for his friend Durer.

Greater love has no one than this, that she lay down her life for her friends.
Adapted from John 15:13

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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Whistle while you reign

Ladies, do you whistle while you reign?

Let me explain. I was thinking about Cinderella. Born into a well-to-do family, with a father that lavished his love upon her, Cinderella might have been ill-prepared for a brutal stepmother and cruel stepsisters. Yet, following her father's untimely death, she was forced to perform tasks that she could have deemed beneath her station. She might have rebelled and sought revenge on her evil family members. She didn't.

You know the story. Cinderella works joyfully, singing, and talking to her new animal companions. She manages to find peace and happiness in the midst of what could have been an extremely unhappy existence. She somehow discovered a way to serve and maintain her inner beauty and integrity while those around her behaved quite, well, quite unlovely.

This fairytale favorite got me thinking about my own life. I don't always whistle while I work, joyfully and thankfully performing my "chores." I don't always reign with grace and love. In fact, I've been known a time or two (or three hundred) to behave more like the demanding stepsisters. Am I pretty enough? Do I have enough? Am I smart enough? Will the prince like me? Me. Me. Me.

In fact, too many women aspire to look the part of a princess; they have confused their royal desires for worldly success with the subtle, often behind the scenes, positions that princess warriors for Christ may hold. Not all Princess Warriors are created or called to work under the glow of the spotlight. In fact, quite often, the important roles are happening behind the scenes.

A true Princess Warrior will learn to release her own selfish motives for the betterment of her Kingdom. It's not about her (our) glory. It's about His.

I thought the above princess photo was gorgeous. However, I don't know who this woman is or what motives reside within her heart. But, God does. He is not interested in the time we spend fussing about our appearances or getting noticed for our "good deeds." He is concerned about our inner loveliness.

Let me remind you that while Cinderella was loyal to the seemingly menial tasks assigned by her step-family, behind the scenes something much greater was brewing. After all, in the end she became the princess of a great kingdom and the wife to a fabulous future king. Not bad at all.

So often, the "jobs" that God has us doing today, are simply preparing us for a promotion tomorrow. Learning to embrace where we are and what we are doing in this very moment is crucial to our reigning effectively. Bemoaning our current assignments will only keep us miserable.

So ...Here's the challenge! No matter what your day entails, tomorrow, thank God for His grace, mercy, and hope. If you know how to whistle, go ahead, whistle while you work. Hum a song. Speak positive words to yourself and those around you. Wipe out the dreaded three C's: criticizing, condemning, and complaining.After all, we have good reason to smile.

Someday we will reside in the perfect palace, with the perfect prince, forever and ever. This life is but a prequel to what's next ... His best.

Your Birthright: Live like you believe it!

Dr. Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ tells this story of a famous oil field called Yates Pool: During the depression this field was a sheep ranch owned by a man named Yates. Mr. Yates wasn’t able to make enough on his ranching operation to pay the principal and interest on the mortgage, so he was in danger of losing his ranch.

With little money for clothes or food, his family (like many others) had to live on government subsidy. Day after day, as he grazed his sheep over those rolling West Texas hills, he was no doubt greatly troubled about how he would pay his bills.

Then a seismographic crew from an oil company came into the area and told him there might be oil on his land. They asked permission to drill a wildcat well, and he signed a lease contract. At 1,115 feet they struck a huge oil reserve. The first well came in at 80,000 barrels a day. Many subsequent wells were more than twice as large. In fact, 30 years after the discovery, a government test of one of the wells showed it still had the potential flow of 125,000 barrels of oil a day. And Mr. Yates owned it all.

The day he purchased the land he had received the oil and mineral rights. Yet, he’d been living on relief. A multimillionaire living in poverty. The problem? He didn’t know the oil was there even though he owned it. Many Christians live in spiritual poverty. They are entitled to the gifts of the Holy Spirit and his energizing power, but they are not aware of their birthright.

Ladies, when we understand our birthright and our position in Christ, we truly can reign real as Princess Warriors. Let's stop settling for crumbs when our King has provided a banquet. Amen!

ABOVE SOURCE: Untapped Spiritual Resources, by Greg Asimakoupoulos, Naperville, Illinois. Citation: Bill Bright, "How to Be Filled with the Spirit" (Campus Crusade publication)]

We are Soldiers

I am a soldier in the army of my God. The Lord Jesus Christ is my commanding officer. The Holy Bible is my code of conduct, Faith, prayer and the Word are my weapons of warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit-- trained by experience, tried by adversity and tested by fire.

I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity. I will either retire in this army at the rapture or die in this army; but I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, or pushed out. I am faithful, reliable, capable, and dependable.

If my God needs me, I am there. If He needs me in the Sunday school to teach the children, work with the youth, help adults or just sit and learn I’ll be there. He can use me because I am there! I am a soldier. I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up, or pepped up. I am a soldier. No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me, or lure me. I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name, and building His kingdom!

No one has to send me flowers gifts, food, cards, candy or give me handouts. I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for, or catered to. I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit. If I end up with nothing, I will still come out ahead. I will win.

My God has, and will continue, to supply all of my needs. I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph. I can do all things through Christ. Devils cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me. Weather cannot weary me. Sickness cannot stop me. Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me. Governments cannot silence me and hell cannot handle me.

I am a soldier. Even death cannot destroy me. For when my Commander calls me from this battlefield He will promote me to Captain and then allow me to rule with Him. I am a soldier in the army and I’m marching, claiming victory. I will not give up. I will not turn around. I am a soldier marching, heaven bound. ~author unknown~

When I stumbled on this incredible proclamation of truth about who we are in Christ, it was perfect timing. I desperately needed to be reminded of my identity as a Princess Warrior. Sadly, far too often, I find my head hanging and my hope deflating over things that are temporary, even trivial. Maybe you can relate. But, can you imagine if every time we started to doubt our call as Christians we were to read the above statement? Wow! Talk about sending stinking thinking right out the door.


Our Commander and Chief at times calls us to duty, serving in areas that we are not interested or comfortable in. Yet, who are we to questions our Creator and King? It should be a joy, privilege, and honor to serve Him anyway possible.


Would you consider joining me in reading these truths daily? Just knowing that fellow soldiers are pledging their service to our King and Cause give me a sense of excitement and hope. Please, send me a note; let me know if you're taking a stand for Christ. Let's work together in making our world a better place.

Imperfect Princess Warriors

SEARCH COMMITTEE REPORT: We do not have a happy report to give. We have not been able to find a suitable candidate for this church, though we have one promising prospect.

Thank you for your suggestions. We have followed up on each one with interviews or by calling at least three references. The following is our confidential report.

ADAM: Racial ancestry could not be confirmed. Good man but has problems with his wife. One reference told us how he and his wife enjoyed walking nude in the woods, until God finally made them put clothes back on.

NOAH: Had Former pastorate of 120 years with no converts. Prone to unrealistic building projects. Great animal lover, but the last neighborhood received a flood of complaints right as he was leaving town.

JOSEPH: A big thinker, but a braggart; believes in dream interpreting and has a prison record over accusations of a rape of his bosses wife. Good with budgets and managing resources, however.

MOSES: A modest and meek man, but poor communicator; even stutters at times. Sometimes blows his stack and acts rashly in business meetings. Some say he left an earlier church over a murder charge. Often claims to get direct quotes from God. Too much over the top for most folks. History says he was a basket case from the beginning.

DEBORAH: One word --- Female.

DAVID: The most promising leader of all until we discovered the affair he had with his neighbor’s wife. Besides, he can’t control his own household... so how could we respect him.

SOLOMON: Great preacher, but he too, has had serious women problems. Independantly wealthy, so the church could pay him less and he can make up the difference.

ELIJAH: Prone to depression; collapses under pressure. Besides, no one has seen him in a long time. Doesn’t blend well with other religious leads, either.

HOSEA: A tender and loving pastor, but our people could never handle his wife’s occupation. JONAH: Told us he was swallowed up by a great fish. He said the fish later spit him out on the shore near here three days later. We hung up.

AMOS: Too much of a country hick. Backward and unpolished. With some seminary training, he might have promise; but he has a hang-up against wealthy people.

JOHN: Says he is a Baptist, but doesn’t dress like one. May be too Pentecostal. Tends to lift both hands in the air to worship when he gets excited. You know we limit to one hand. Sleeps in the outdoors, has a weird diet, and provokes denominational leaders.

PETER: Too blue collar. Has a bad temper, even said to have cursed on occasions. He’s a loose cannon.

PAUL: Powerful CEO type and fascinating preacher. However, he’s short on tact, unforgiving with young ministers, harsh, and has been known to preach all night. Very offensive to women when he starts his "submission" stuff. And besides, he has a rap sheet a mile long in numerous cities.

TIMOTHY: Too young and inexperienced.

JESUS: Has had popular times occasionally, but once when his church grew overnight to 5000, he managed to offend them all with too hard a message; eventually his church dwindled down to twelve people... then finally to eleven, and even the faithul finally left his team. Critics report he seldom stays in one place very long, is easily distracted by poor, sick, and needy people, so doesn’t focus on ministry. Disappeared for forty days one time to go camping and everyone thought he had left the ministry. Spends too much time in meditation, needs to attend more of the organizational meetings without making a spectacle of himself and displaying his temper. And, of course, he is single, which disqualifies him automatically. Oh... and he hangs around with sinners most of the time. Rumor has it he got crossed up with the government at one point, and they buried him with accusations. He’s not a quitter, however, and keeps popping up here and there. His followers are too radical at times for society, and that seems headed for a showdown somewhere in the future. Besides, he’s Jewish.

Summary: We intend to keep looking until we find the perfect pastor for our congregation. Sincerely, Pastor Search Committee

Are you laughing yet? Wow! I love this story. Once again, the Bible demonstrates that God uses imperfect people over and over and over again to serve His Kingdom. Finally, when the perfect "Pastor" appears, the religious folks still don't recognize him.

I've been feeling pretty imperfect lately. Maybe you, too, can relate. So you stutter ... so what? -- Go speak up about the good news. You're young. Not a problem. God can use you. You're a woman ... just remember Deborah, Mary, Martha, Rahab, Esther, Ruth ...

That's right! Even in all our imperfections, we can reign real as Princess Warriors for Christ. Go on. Pick up your sword and your sceptor and get going. We've got a lot of work to do, sisters.

I hope you like the newest princess warrior portrait from Tia. She sketched this one specifically for this site. Check out more of her work: www.whimsicalsart.com.

Home of the Brave: Happy Belated July 4, 2008

Some veterans bear visible signs of their service: a missing limb, a jagged scar, a certain look in the eye. Others may carry the evidence inside them: a pin holding a bone together, a piece of shrapnel in the leg--or perhaps another sort of inner steel: the soul’s ally forged in the refinery of adversity.

Except in parades, however, the men and women who have kept America safe wear no badge or emblem. You can’t tell a vet just by looking. What is a vet?

He is the cop on the beat who spent six months in Saudi Arabia sweating two gallons a day making sure the armored personnel carriers didn’t run out of fuel. He is the barroom loudmouth, dumber than five wooden planks, whose overgrown frat-boy behavior is outweighed a hundred times in the cosmic scales by four hours of exquisite bravery near the 38th parallel. She--or he--is the nurse who fought against futility and went to sleep sobbing every night for two solid years in Da Nang.

He is the POW who went away one person and came back another--or didn’t come back at all. He is the Quantico drill instructor that has never seen combat--but has saved countless lives by turning slouchy, no-account rednecks and gang members into Marines, and teaching them to watch each other’s backs. He is the parade-riding Legionnaire who pins on his ribbons and medals with a prosthetic hand. He is the career quartermaster who watches the ribbons and medals pass him by.

He is the three anonymous heroes in The Tomb Of The Unknowns, whose presence at the Arlington National Cemetery must forever preserve the memory of all the anonymous heroes whose valor die unrecognized with them on the battlefield or in the ocean’s sunless deep. He is the old guy bagging groceries at the supermarket--palsied now and aggravatingly slow--who helped liberate a Nazi death camp and who wishes all day long that his wife were still alive to hold him when the nightmares come.

He is an ordinary and yet an extraordinary human being, a person who offered some of his life’s most vital years in the service of his country, and who sacrificed his ambitions so others would not have to sacrifice theirs.

He is a soldier and a savior and a sword against the darkness, and he is nothing more than the finest, greatest testimony on behalf of the finest, greatest nation ever known.

So remember, each time you see someone who has served our country, just lean over and say, "Thank you." That’s all most people need, and in most cases, it will mean more than any medals they could have been awarded or were awarded. Two little words that mean a lot: "THANK YOU."

After all, it is the soldier, not the reporter, Who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, Who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, Who salutes the flag, Who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

I thought the above story was appropriate this holiday weekend. So often we forget the price that was paid for our freedom in this country. We also need reminding that as Christian soldiers, we, too, are in an army. However, we get to fight on the side that ultimately will win in the end. And there is Someone who assured that victory -- Jesus Christ. He died for us to live. Freedom always comes with cost. Let's remember to celebrate those who have paid for us. Amen!