Thank you, MaidenPrincess, for this wonderful award!! I've SO enjoyed meeting and "getting to know" you through Homeschoolblogger! You have a wonderful heart and have been a wonderful encouragement through your blog!

Well, first thing's first! I'M A BIG SISTER... AGAIN! My baby sister was born this week, bringing sleepless nights, joyful moments, and priceless memories with her! We're all in love with her already. She will be referred to as "Butterfly" here on my blog: a name the family seemed to agree on.

Now, to other business!

Our last look at the issue of ANGER:

        “Cease from anger and forsake wrath;
         Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.” Psalm 37:8

We’re to cease in our anger and forsake wrath. Cease. Forsake. Those don’t sound like “sometimes” or “maybe” or “think about it” words. They sound determined and final. We're not supposed to flirt with anger... though we do constantly. Or maybe we've gone beyond that: perhaps we've made anger our companion! (Hmm, that doesn't sound promising, does it?)

So, we're supposed to separate ourselves from evil, eh? Can we do this on our own? Nope. Sin is very strong… but so is God. Actually, in case you didn't know, God is MUCH, MUCH stronger than any sin. If we plead for His help, then He will give it to us. It says in 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it."   

What that means is that you will never be in a situation where you are unable to do the right thing. You’re always able to choose, and God is always there to give you the strength to bear any problem. Your brother or sister is never being SO mean that you can’t react in a loving, forgiving way (Wow, isn't that a place of conviction for me!) This is something we’re commanded to do. We HAVE to do this! We have to put away anger and bitterness and malice. We must pray for God’s power and love in us to give us the ability to act the way He would. We are more than conquerors in Christ. We CAN choose righteousness. And our God IS strong enough to make us the victors in our battles against anger and sin.

God bless!

WarriorMaiden

This post is an answer to an inquiry made by an anonymous commenter.

Comment:

For those of us with young maidens that have not had the experience of giving the purity rings, can you explain the process a little bit, please?

First of all, I would recommend reading "The Princess and the Kiss: A Story of God's Gift of Purity" by Jennie Bishop to your daughter (for those with boys, "The Squire and the Scroll: A Tale of the Rewards of a Pure Heart" is highly recommended. It is also written by Jennie Bishop. Both books can be found on Amazon for about $10.) This book will, in a gentle and beautiful way, teach the importance of purity.

My parents chose my twelfth birthday as my "special birthday"... and I've heard of some choosing their daughter's thirteenth, but I don't think age is important. The readiness of the young lady's heart is what matters.

On my brithday, after all the other presents had been unwrapped, I was presented with a certificate which proclaimed me a "Princess of the Court" and the "Keeper of the Kiss".

I was also given a tiara, which my dad placed upon my head after my mom handed me the framed certificate. Both items have become treasured possesions that sit in places of honor in my room. My dad was the once who presented the ring, first explaining the meaning and the responsibility behind it. One important thing for a girl to understand is the the Purity Ring isn't simply a promise for her to do "all that's in her power to remain pure", although that's a huge part of it. It is also a promise between herself and her parents to guard her purity. The ring lays heavy responsibility on her parents to make wise decisions as she grows older, and to guide her as she matures physically and spiritually.

My ring shows three hearts, two tilted to immediately draw attention to the one in the center. This demonstrates the two hearts of my parents guarding mine. And, once I'm married, it will represent the hearts of my husband and I, with Christ as the center of our marriage.

Each family makes their own traditions. Ours is a golden gown that each of us girls wear for our ceremony on the twelfth birthday. I would simply say to make it memorable. Make sure your daughter realizes that in Christ she IS a beautiful, pure princess who is loved greatly. Encourage her to see her purity as something precious, a special gift that she can one day give her husband. Purity can seem like a burden, as our world encourages everything BUT purity; but, as a holy and set-apart Maiden of Promise, purity can also be a great source of joy. Even after the ring is given, I would encourage you to continue to talk to your daughter, keep her heart close to yours and God's. A pure heart is as important as a pure body. And both are pleasing to God and a witness to those around you!

If you have further questions, I'd love to answer them!

God bless!

WarriorMaiden

Hey all!

I'll be updating my blog with a "real" post later this week... probably!!

In the meantime, for any young ladies interested, I've just posted a new outfit on my other blog:

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/justlovelyfashion/

Hope you'll drop by and leave a comment!

God bless!

WarriorMaiden

For those who have been following my posts on anger, I will be doing one more post on that subject soon. But, in light of some special events in my home, I thought a quick break was in order.

Recently, my family celebrated the birthday of my sister, Maid Marian. I remember that one special birthday I had when I received my Purity Ring. This was that special time for my sweet little sister. Millie Keith has had her ring for a couple more years already... and I have had mine even longer. Our family sees our rings as a beautiful gift, but also as a great responsibilty for the wearer. It is a promise to trust our parents in any future "romantic" relationship, it is a pledge to lean on our father as our protector until marriage, and it is a sacred trust that we will be discerning and careful in protecting our purity as young women. I have decided, with the full support of my parents, to save my first kiss until my wedding day. My two lovely sisters have also determined to do the same.

My Purity Ring is an amazing reminder to me of my promise to my parents, myself, my future husband, and (most importantly) to God. It can also be a reminder to pray for my future husband, whoever he may be. Even if you don't have a Purity Ring (aka Promise or Virgin Rings), it is always a good idea to pray for God to protect and guide your future spouse.

My ring is also an amazing opportunity to share my faith with other people. People have thought I'm married because of the ring on my left hand or have simply been curious about it. I've been able to share my convictions about purity and also my faith because of a simple ring!

If you don't have a ring... I would encourage you to talk to your parents about it. Maybe it doesn't have to be a ring... it could be a bracelet or necklace! Parents uninterested? Make it a pledge between yourself and your Savior!

Purity is also about the thoughts and emotions... that's where it gets rougher. Purity of mind is usually stolen at a young age... but God is able to redeem that and give you a pure heart all over again. I've experienced that first-hand.

Physical, emotional, and mental purity are important, but spiritual purity should always be the priority. It says in the Bible that all our own righteousness are like filthy rags before God. If we haven't asked God to forgive us of our sins and impurities, all other efforts are worthless. If you have never trusted Christ as the Savior from your sins, I'd encourage you to seriously consider it. If you have already... you might still have sin in your life that needs to be confessed. Whether its impure thoughts OR actions, God can redeem what you have lost! He is the One who restores and can make you a Maiden (or Man) of Promise. (Yes, I have known young men who wear Purity Rings!!)

Those of you who have decided to make this commitment (or already had prior to reading this), keep going! It is worth it.

Thanks for reading!!!! God bless!

WarriorMaiden

       “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
         And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.”

                                      Prov. 16:32

Better than the mighty? More powerful than someone who captures a city? That sounds like a category I’d like to be in! Hmm, and what does it say we have to do? Be slow to anger and rule (or take charge of) our spirits. To take charge of our spirit is to be watchful of our lifestyle. To not give in to wrong thoughts, actions and the like.

When we're angry, it’s so hard to keep those hurtful words from spewing out, isn’t it? Or to keep that temper from flaring, right? We, as humans, want to fight back and hurt those who hurt us. But that’s not what we’re called to do!

So, what does the Bible say about God when it comes to anger?

“Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth;” Exodus 34:6

“But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
         Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.”                                                 Psalm 86:15

The last phrase of both of these verses “slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth” is used many time to describe our God. It’s repeated over and over throughout the Scriptures how slow He is to anger, how many times He spared His people after they’d angered Him, and how rich He is in lovingkindness. Why is it so important that we know this? Because God is now a perfect example of how we need to live our lives. We can’t just write Him off now. We’re supposed to be striving to become more like Him. We were made in His image right? So now we need to begin ACTING like Him.

Okay, not too long of a post.... it's not hard to read.... but to live it out will take a lifetime of improvements! 

God bless!

WarriorMaiden

       “Scorners set a city aflame,
         But wise men turn away anger.” Prov. 29:8

         “He who is slow to anger has great understanding,
         But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.” Prov. 14:29

So, not quickly becoming angry and showing malice towards others is a sign of understanding and wisdom! And, oh joy, demonstrating wrath is foolish! Ouch!

I know that I sometimes display temper problems... okay, it can be more than sometimes. Life is hard and it’s difficult not to become angry about little things. It’s hard not to get irritated at siblings, parents, friends, teachers… the list could go on forever! But it says in the Bible that we’re not to act out of anger! Well, that's enough to make me angry! (Okay... not really, but it is SUCH a challenge!)

So, Jesus got angry a couple times about the use of the temple and the behavior of the priests... was He sinning in doing so? Well, we all know Jesus never sinned, so there is, of course, another verse I want to add!

“Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,” Eph. 4:26

We can be angry about something, especially if it’s in a righteous cause. If someone steals your purse, it’s alright to be a little angry that it happened. We just can’t SIN because of that anger. Instead of ranting about what a jerk the guy is, decide to quietly forgive him and not dwell on it anymore (umm, yes, I AM speaking from personal experience about the purse thing!). If someone does something to make you angry, don’t blow up at them or go off and mutter horrid things about them. Kindly ask them to stop and, if they won’t, you can ask God for help and forgive them. Another thing that’s important is not harboring anger towards someone… that turns into bitterness. When you’re bitter, you can’t see anything good in that person and are always irritated with them. It damages you more than anyone else. And, as it said in our verse from a couple weeks ago, we’re to cast both anger AND bitterness from us.

Have questions or comments? Please leave feedback!

Because of Christ,

WarriorMaiden

“This you know, my beloved brethren, but everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;” James 1.19

 Hmm… that sounds easy doesn’t it? Oh yeah, if everything was perfect and everyone treated us the way we want to be treated. (Hey? Doesn’t that sound like a verse from the Bible?) It actually does say in the Scriptures that’s WE’RE to treat others how WE’D want to be treated. So… it isn’t supposed to matter how other people treat us, just how we act towards them.

That can become extremely hard when circumstances seem to fly out of our hands. I have a younger brother who is mentally delayed. He's nine years old and has the understanding, vocabulary, and social skills of (maybe) around a four or five-year-old. He does and says things that sometimes make no sense, will have fits of temper, and can cause feelings of frustration and anger to swell up in me. It's very hard to react in a loving and gentle way to his behavior. But *sigh of resignation* I still have no excuse to sin against him in anger. I must be quick to hear his screams of anger as cries for help. I must be slow to speak words that might hurt him. I must be slow to become angry. I don't understand my brother, but God does. God put him in my life for a purpose. Believe me, there are other people in my life that frustrate me... and I sometimes have a hard time believing that God has a plan beneath it all. But, that's what faith is, right? "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Heb. 11:1).

So, I have to have faith in th midst of my frustration and anger! (Doesn't that sound like a major conflict?!)

Wow... that's truly something against the human sin nature. This might be a good time to pray!

God bless!

Hello all!

My friends, the farmgirls, are having givaways for the next couple weeks. I must say, the items they create are just beautiful! Please come check it out at: www.homeschoolblogger.com/sevensisters

God bless!

WarriorMaiden

Girls
are like apples
on trees. The best ones
are at the top of the tree.
The boys don't want to reach
for the good ones because they
are afraid of falling and getting hurt.
Instead, they just get the rotten apples
from the ground that aren't as good,
but easy to grasp. So the apples at the top think
something is wrong with them, when in
reality, they're amazing. They just
have to wait for the right boy to
come along, the one who's
brave enough to climb

all the way
to the top
of the tree.

I've heard this before and just read it recently on a friend's blog. I think this is a perfect illustration of life as a daughter of God. It can be so hard sometimes... and I definately know the feelings of "is it just me?" and "what's my problem?". This is definately a great reminder of how beautiful and precious I am in God's eyes... and a challenge to young men!

Have a blessed week!

WarriorMaiden

Alright, I don't have a valid answer. I could use the excuse that I was gone all last week counselling at a Christian camp. I could also use the excuse that I've been so busy this summer that I've only had one get-together w/ a friend all season. It would probably be understandable for me to claim that my life has been far too hectic, emotional, trying, adventurous, and exciting to even remember my blog.... but I usually get irritated when other people quote excuses like that, even if they're completely true! *smile*

I will admit, there have been days when I've had enough time to blog, but haven't. *blush*

Nevertheless, I have truly been running around like a lunatic this summer! This next weekend and coming week don't look any more relaxing either....

Well, to exciting matters..... I've known for a while but haven't posted about it: I'm going to have another little sister this December! I'm very excited, as is the whole family. I could tell you her name.... but I won't! (Sorry, the privilege of privacy!) 

Also, any prayers for my dad at this time would be most appreciated! He's been studying, working, and boldly shoving towards ordination for a while now. This is ordination weekend.... and he's going to be asked lots of questions at the meeting. I'm extremely proud of him, and know he would be blessed by any prayers you would offer on his behalf!

I mentioned earlier that I was at camp last week as a counselor. Yep, it's true. I had a wonderful time, besides being totally exhausted after days of running around like a mad-woman, trying to be everywhere at once (while looking after all the campers in my group!). I also played keyboard for the worship team, what an experience! I (literally!) was given the music only about ten minutes (sometimes less) before each performance.... and this was truly just the lyrics printed on the sheet of paper with guitar cords written above them!!! Needless to say, it stretched me, but was something that helped me to trust God and "go with the flow". *grin*

If you would, please take a minute to pray for the girls in my group from this summer. Two of them prayed to ask God for forgiveness of their sins and accepted Jesus as the truth. I have been emailing with several of the girls, including those two, and hope to stay in contact with them. Many of them came from hurting homes, or even unbelieving ones. These girls are all ages 10-12.... they need prayer!

I'm reading in 2nd Kings right now, as well as Jeremiah. My mom is also studying Jer., so we enjoy discussing what we've been learning. It used to astound me how stubborn and sinful the Israelites were.... but now, as a young adult, I'm no longer shocked. I see the exact same stories played out in our modern days. People have learned to take sin lightly, have "forgotten how to blush", have covered their ears when the words of God are spoken, and deliberately set their feet on the path of destruction. It grieves my heart to see how our modern world refuses to heed to the mistakes of the before them, and continues to journey in darkness. I see even people close to me surrendering to sin, instead of realizing that the God within them is greater than the prince of darkness. I would encourage each of you to make sure you are honoring God with your life; that you are reflecting His holiness. This world will make life difficult for those who follow Christ.... but, take courage! He has overcome the world!

God bless!

WarriorMaiden  

Sometimes this life here on earth is difficult and disappointing. This is a poem I wrote a couple months ago, as I gave thanks for God's eternal understanding.  

Sometimes life is

Hard.

Sometimes choices are

Overwhelming.

Do You know what it's like?

Drip, drip, drip.

Tears fall as the

Son of Man

Surrenders to the

Plan of His

Father.

"Not my will, but

Yours."

Sometimes disappointment

Crowds in.

Friends fail in their

Selfishness.

Do You realize how much it hurts?

Crow, crow, crow!

A rooster calls as the

Follower betrays the

Friend.

Somtimes my

Heart feels

Beaten and

Mistreated

Unjustly!

Do You know how that feels?

Slash, slash, slash!

A whip soars through the

Air, ripping the

Flesh from the

Holy One's

back.

Sometimes the

Road is

Narrow and

Rocky.

Sometimes I seem to posses

No more

Strength to

Continue.

Do You know that exhaustion?

Step, step, step.

The Savior slowly

Drags Himself up the

Hill,

Burdened with a heavy

Cross.

Sometimes my failure and

Sin refuses to

Leave;

It stares me in the

Face.

Can You understand that humiliation?

Bang, bang, bang!

A hammer pounds spikes into

Skin and

Bone.

A Redeemer is

Hung in

Shame, bearing the

Sins of

All.

Sometimes hope seems

lost.

Love and

Security feel

Non-existent.

Have You felt that despair?

Gasp, gasp, gasp.

Suffering in utter

Lonliness, the

Deliverer fights for every

Breath.

"My God, why have You

Forsaken

Me?"

Sometimes hurt cuts

Deep.

Sometimes forgiveness is

Hard to

Find.

Can You comprehend that pain?

Jeer, jeer, jeer!

Crowds mock and

Curse, rejecting their

Rescuer.

"Father, forgive them!

They don't know what they're doing!"

Sometimes this

World seems to be

Closing in;

Threatening to

Suck the

Life from my

Being.

Do You understand the

Weight of

Sin?

Yes.

Do You know the

Pain of

Rejection?

Yes.

Have You experienced

Total and

Hopeless

Defeat?

No!

You are the Conqueror!

You are the

Strength and

Joy that I

Need.

You understand

Me.

That is sufficient.

Hello everyone!

I would love if you would go check out my new blog! I'm definately not quitting this blog, but I've started a second blog with the express purpose of encouraging modest clothing styles for young ladies. Please come and comment on my first outfit. Feel free to ask any questions concerning the blog and clothes.

 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/justlovelyfashion/

God bless!

WarriorMaiden

Well, summer's here!

Yes, I know it is odd for me to finally realize that in July! I think it should be understandable since the weather here has been extremely strange! I can't remember a 4th of July when I saw some people walking around in sweatshirts!

Anyway, I've been reading through the books of 1 Kings and Isaiah recently. Both are simply amazing! I'm especially enjoying and being compelled by the amazing passages in Isaiah. God is becoming so BIG! Isaiah's writings aren't only about the sin of God's people, but also about the might and majesty of their God. As I've been studying the Old Testement, I've been compelled by the amount of awe and respect that people were supposed to have for God. I've also been saddened by how much our world has changed.

One thing that especially saddens me is bad language in movies. I find myself wincing as I veiw otherwise really great films! Its interesting though, to me, that most folks I know have major problems with all those nasty "four-letter" words in movies and books.... and yet, when characters take God's name in vain, you don't see hardly anyone flinch! I don't know about you, but when my Savior and Lord's name is used as a cuss word... I really have problems! I don't yell and scream and hope lightening will strike the person, but I do go through some righteous anger. I've talked with some friends who have very similar standards to mine when it comes to language, and we had to agree about this issue. It says in God's word, "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth....." Alright, so, no swearing! But, much earlier in the Bible it says, "Do not take the Lord's name in vain..." The Bible singles out God's name is a MAJOR "no-no!" for swearing.

What's tragic is because most don't share our faith, God's name is blasphemed all the time!

Okay, so what can we do? I know, we can't expect everyone to stop cussing. But, first of all, we can set an example. I may sound pretty strict, but why do we even use words that STAND FOR cuss words? I've struggled with that issue for a while, but I have to come to the conclusion that we are to have "no unwholesome words proceeding from our mouths"! Not even words that are crude. We must honor God with our speech.

We must also hold to firm morals. My father has asked his coworkers not to swear around him. I'm not saying he isn't mocked because of his beliefs, but at least those he works with know what he stands for and can see by his example that he takes his beliefs seriously. He isn't afraid to say something, and we shouldn't be either.

Okay, well... this post turned out to be more than I originally thought it would be! God does that sometimes, doesn't He?

God bless!

Today is the day! July 3rd!

Please join young adults all over the country today as we pray for the USA. Our leaders need prayers, our every-day Christians need prayers, and I'm sure YOU need people praying for you!

America, sadly, has fallen away from following God's righteous path. It has gotten more and more difficult to live as a bold Christian. Children are being taught that evolution explains away this beautiful world. Teens are being told there is no absolute truth. Adults are ridiculed at the work-place if they speak up to contradict the lies the world is telling us. WE ALL NEED PRAYERS! The decisions YOU make will affect your life forever! Shall we be like the church spoken of in Revelation which was neither hot nor cold, but simply lukewarm? Or shall we be courageous young Christians who are willing to stand for truth and kneel for our country?

God bless you all!

Praying with you,

WarriorMaiden

Little bird

on the

Wire,

Perched alone.

The sun sets before its

Eyes as it

Ponders its

Lonely winter

Journey.

Cocking its

head, it turns to see its fellow

Flyers glide

North.

His tiny

mind tries to

conceive

why!

Why?

South has always been

Right!

What changed?

With new

Ideals, does the good

Differ?

When majority

decides, does

Impractical become

Right?

The bird watches, as the others

fly to certain

Death

in the cold

North.

Even if

Alone, he'll

Survive.

If all vote

otherwise,

two plus two is still

four.

Many rebel, seeking

Freedom.

And instead, become

Bondslaves of

Destruction.

Right and

Wrong are

Permanent, no matter how the

World

Changes.

Good and

Evil are

Sure, even when others say,

"No Absolutes".

Shall we

Compromise and

Die in the company of

"friends"?

Or shall we perch

Alone-

Bravely, on the

wire and

Live?

Sometimes I can't help but feel like a bird perched all alone on a wire. Sometimes it's hard to stand by yourself in your convictions and way of life. But the sun never stops rising, bringing hope and determination to hold to your course and continue to trust God.

Hello, my friends. As you probably know, I'm taking part in a day of prayer on July 3rd. If you haven't heard about "United We Kneel", please check it out at

www.homeschoolblogger.com/onenationunderGod

My family is already praying for radical change in this country. We love America, and it grieves us to see our nation slip so far from what God expects. Gay marriage is no longer an abomination, it is accepted. Abortion is no longer seen as murder, it is a mother's choice. Families are breaking apart. And the next generation isn't holding much promise.

I say we don't need to only be praying for those in leadership in our country (even though that is extremely important). We also need to be praying for families. That God would raise up strong Christian parents who will raise radical children. Our own families need to be the change.

We need to be the radical ones.

It all starts with prayer. Let us all pray for our country. For our President. For our people. Pray that God will give US the strength we need to live for Him in this sin-saturation world. We must be IN the world and not OF this world. (Here's a hint: if the world is pleased with your actions... then you're probably not doing what God wants. Sadly, this is usually the truth. Godliness leaves the world scratching it's head in bewilderment, and the world can even get a little offended. I'm not saying we should go around TRYING to offend people with our beliefs, but we MUST always be certain that we are serving God rather than men.)

God bless!

WarriorMaiden

"What are you doing?!" called a slightly perturbed Maid Marian to little Wendy. The four-year-old was standing on the curb, right beside the busy street.

Wendy looked at her older sister in what seemed to be complete innocence.

"What?"

"Mom and dad have told you not to go out on the road!" Maid Marian said in frustration, signalling for her sister to come towards her.

"I'm not on the road!" Wendy replied in defiance.

Maid Marian rolled her eyes in exasperation. Yes, Wendy was right. She wasn't actually on the road. But she was close enough that she could still get hurt... and her action also screamed of rebellion against her parents' instructions.

This is a true story. And its also true in my life as well. As a young teenager I found myself pushing the boundaries. I tested everything slowly, trying to find how far was "too far". I was determined to get away with as much as I could, without actually crossing the line. Have you ever done that? Have you ever heard a phrase that your friends use and thought, "Well, it may sound crude... but its not really bad. Its not as if they are cussing or anything!" Have you ever watched a movie and thought, "I'm not sure if I appreciate the language that character uses... and that leading lady sure isn't honoring God with her behavior... but its just a movie. There aren't many other options for films that i'm allowed to watch anyway." Or, perhaps, you've been in one of these situations:

"This shirt is a little tighter than usual... but it isn't skin tight!"

"This outfit doesn't really portray a godly young person... but this is what's popular."

"I know maybe I was a little flirtatious with 'so-and-so', but we're just friends, so who cares?!"

"Sure, okay, my parents probably don't appreciate this... but I think I can probably get away with it if I don't take it too far."

Do you see a pattern in the list of excuses we come up with to justify our actions? "It's not actually wrong." We think we're not really on the road... we're just on the curb, right next to it. What most people don't see is that in the simple acts of compromise we perform on a daily basis, we're truly stepping out on the street where we can get hurt. The Bible says, "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, dwell on these things." So, we're not only supposed to not do the "really bad" stuff... we're ONLY to do the GOD-HONORING stuff! Wow, doesn't that change everything! One thing I try to consider (keep in mind, I'm not perfect about this!) is "What if Christ was sitting right next to me? Would I feel comfortable wearing this outfit? Reading this book? Watching this film?" The interesting thing that always strikes me is that Jesus IS actually right with me while I'm doing everything throughout the day! It also says in Scriptures that we're not to "grieve the Holy Spirit of God", who is within us! We take the Holy Spirit with us wherever we go! He is pulled through the muck that we rush into! 

So, are any of you "curb-dwellers"? Maybe even a "street-dweller"? I have some hope for you! You don't have to stay out where you can get hit by cars! If you ask Christ for help, like I did, He will pull you off that road like a loving parent would. And let me tell you, God has a gorgeous yard for you to explore! Away from that dangerous road, there are lush gardens and forests! Living your life in the center of God's will is not always easy, because our sin-nature is always being tempted to push the limits again and wander back towards that highly-trafficked street. But it is an abundant life, full of joy and security. Once I figured that out, I had only one thing to say:

"Sign me up!"

God bless!

WarriorMaiden   

How many of you have been to a costume party? How many of you have worn a mask as part of a disguise? How many of you played (or still play) dress up?

All those activities have the same concept: pretending to be someone you aren't. It fun sometimes. You can be a gorgeous princess. Or maybe a swashbuckling hero. Perhaps you are a character from a book or movie. Whatever it is, there's one person you aren't... yourself. Sometimes children get tired of living ordinary lives and decide that, for an hour or two, they'll be a person that has a much more exciting life, a person that everyone loves and cheers for.

As most children grow older, they start to think that frilly dresses and over-doses of momma's makeup, or wooden swords and penciled beards, are foolish. They begin to stop playing the fair maiden or adventurer. But usually when you stop something, you start something else. Many young people, and adults, have a habit of wearing costumes and masks of their own. Perhaps a rough exterior. A rebellious attitude. Maybe a picture-perfect smile. We all have acts we put on to impress others, to have the audience cheer for us... because we're afraid if we show the person behind the disguise, people will be shocked. We're embarressed if someone sees us stumble on the stage of life. When we stutter through a line, we run backstage to make sure our mask and outfit are still covering our flaws, wondering who might have noticed our blunder.

Even when we talk to God, sometimes there are things we hold back. We might say, "Alright God, I'm Yours! You are in charge of my whole life... except this part." We think if we let God take control of that aspect of our lives, He might turn it upside-down and inside-out! God might ask us to be humble and wash off the makeup that covers our problems. He might ask us to act like... ourselves!

Why do we struggle with that so much? We can be so insecure, so dependant on the opinions of others, that we cease to be the person God made us. Our own image becomes an idol.

I used to hate to cry. I wanted to be tough and not allow those around me to see how much I was hurting. Every morning I would wake up, know that it was God Who gave me life and breath, but then shove Him aside and don my costume. Be honest, how many of you put on an act when certain people are around? How many of you worry about whether or not so-and-so approves of you? It's a problem we all have.

Remember how I told you in my last entry about the caramel-covered onion? The point the teacher was trying to make with that illistration was that a lot of us are like a caramel onion! We disguise ourselves, pretending to be the "real deal" when it comes to Christianity. But, once someone bites in, digs a bit deeper, we're not who we say we are.

God knows this. God also knows the difference from an apple and an onion. He can see through the disguise. True faith in Christ means laying everything out before God, with nothing held back. Nothing for ourselves. No little deep, dark secret or sin. No darling problem we keep giving into because it makes us feel good. Everything has to be surrendered. We will never experience the true joy Jesus offers until we've offered every part of us to our Savior. Maybe as you peel the mask away, you'll see places that need healing. It's alright, it is by Christ's stripes that we are healed. You may see places that need forgiveness. Jesus will take care of it if you ask, it is by His wounds that we can be pardoned.

Jesus said, "I came to give them life, and more abundantly."

Abundant, overflowing, surpassing life! That sounds like something I'd love to have!   

In closing, I'll include a poem I wrote about a year ago. I'd been waiting for an opportunity to share it. I guess this is the perfect time! 

God bless!

WarriorMaiden

Decision

Hunkered down in

Pitch Darkness;

When did my own

Faults become so

Overwhelming?

My face is

Marred, my soul is

Dark; I need Your

Love to heal

Me.

But yet-

To be healed would

Mean laying

Bare all my

Wounds.

Am I brave enough?

Is remaining in this

Pit better than the

Reactions of

Loves Ones at the

Sight of my

Scars?

Can I bear taking such a risk?

I Must Choose.

Fear is

Mighty, but I need

Life more

Abundant than what I

Have.

Give me

Courage to

Tear away the

Coverings; the

Valor to

Rip my

Mask apart, and

Thrust my

Face into the

Light!