Heads or Tails

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

This verse makes me smile - to think about and praise God for all His gifts. A reminder to focus on the good things that He has provided - look through the clouds and see the sun.

While this scripture is clear on its face (let's call it "heads"), it also has another message. While God wants me to focus on what is excellent and praiseworthy, He is reminding me there are two sides to this "excellence and praiseworthy" coin. 

The other side, the "tails" side of the coin, contains those things that are NOT true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, NOT excellent or praiseworthy.

In the church I attend, we say that "Excellence honors God and inspires people." The staff and volunteers strive for excellence - they push for what is good, and correct what is not.

As a Christ follower, I have asked the God of all creation to dwell within my heart through His son Jesus Christ.  Since Jesus Christ himself was the true definition of Excellence, then how can anything contrary be my focus? Since my heart is now full, there is no room for that which is not excellent or praiseworthy.  

Each day, I choose to look through the clouds and see the sun, I will focus on what is pure and lovely, not that which is unpure or ugly. As I navigate life's numerous coin tosses, I will always choose Heads.

Princess Warrior

While working on the curriculum for Circle of Sisters and Princess Warriors, I feel lead to give you a tidbit of what God is putting together.

Women - We weren't necessarily ever taught to fight - we were taught to love. To the world, this is often perceived as being submissive, as giving in to emotions and not standing up for what's right, as being weak.

However, the truth is that we are given the GIFT of Love. We have the SKILL to turn the other cheek, and we have the ABILITY to allow the men in our lives to be Warriors while we stand in support. These are all God's gifts to women.

None of this strips us of the DUTY to fight! Let me repeat that - none of these gifts strips us of the DUTY to fight for what's right!

And God has given us the weapons with which to fight:

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:12-17

Ladies - let's put on our armor, lay down the perceptions of weakness and join the fight. Yes, we are called to support our Warriors...and we, as well, are called to be Princess Warriors for the Kingdom of the one, true, living God!

Interested in learning more? Join either Circle of Sisters on Tuesday evenings beginning February 25th, or Princess Warriors on Thursday evenings beginning February 27th. Feel free to email me at princesswarriors@att.net for more information.

Varying Shades of Blue

Lately I've been quite "blue." I use "blue" because I do not like the word "depressed." Society has told me that depression is ugly and not acceptable. So, I choose the word "blue" instead - it has a bit of whimsy while still stating my general emotional state. 

I've faced some crazy health challenges. On the outside (other than bags under my eyes, a few extra pounds, a slower-than-normal walk and an affinity towards sweat pants for comfort), I appear fine. According to the world, normal. But inside, I carry around a bit of a surprise - auto-immune disorders that affect the way my body feels and reacts, as well as the mind games that result in a state of blueness.

How I appear on the outside and feel on the inside are not compatible. Since my outward appearance is one of a fairly typical mid-western mom fast (too fast) approaching 50, I believe there are certain societal expectations. Work hard, play hard - no limits - Just Do It - expectations that I have strived desperately to meet over the years, but are not currently within my grasp. And so, the ever-lovin' mind games.

I want desperately to be that woman again - to stop the incongruence between the outward and the inward me. 

But that is not what God sees.  He doesn't see incompatibility - He sees complete harmony. He created me to be the best "me" I can be. He reminds me I am His creation and in His eyes, I am perfect. Inside and outside, I meet His expectations. 

God's disciples throughout history did not meet societal norms. They were not put on this earth for that purpose. And neither were you or I. 

"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." Gal 1:10 NIV

The "mind games" are because I give credence to what I believe society requires. I am my own worst emotional enemy. What I desire most is to serve God so that when I see Him face to face, He says "well done, good and faithful servant."

I will not give in to "blue." It may take longer, and look different than ever before, but I will work hard, play hard, with what God has given me. I will run the race in a divine manner, and my marathon medal will prayerfully be earned in Heaven.

What about you? Are you worried about what others see? Worried that you can't meet the requirements of those around you? You are perfect to God! Join me and stop worrying about what others think and lets become TRUE servants of Christ.

But if you see me taking a nap, don't worry - I'm just resting up for the next leg of the race!