Thursday, December 18, 2008

An Un-Christian America

Hello readers. Sorry I have been away so LONG. Wow... Between family stuff, getting ready for the holidays, and the flu ~ well, I haven't even been checking my e-mail regularly, let alone doing blog-stuff. And it might continue to be sparse till after the new year.

There have been a number of things on my mind of late that I would have loved to expound on here if I had been able to sit down and take the time... But most of those thoughts have passed on to be replaced by new ones, so who knows whether I will ever put those others in type. But today I read an article that has my mind a-goin' in yet another direction.

Being a Christian myself, there is much that I have taken for granted about America, believing that America will always be America, even though I could sadly see the decline of Christian foundations and principles and the increase of anti-Christian sentiment. I knew that America was originally founded on Christian principles and that our "triune" government was set up to emulate the triune God, but I never really thought through how inseparably intertwined "America" is with those biblical principles. No. America will NOT always be America if we continue in the current direction.

When Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence that "all men are created equal," and that this was "self-evident," what did he really mean? Slavery and social hierarchy were extremely obvious and prevalent at the time. What he meant was the equal VALUE of each human life. Not equal rights, equal finances, equal opportunities, equal intelligence... Equal individual value. This is rooted in Christianity. God Himself sees all of us individually as equally worthy of salvation, equally worthy of the shedding of His son's blood. Today, uniquely in the world and in history, Americans have representative democracy, with full citizenship extended to each individual.

In world history we see that some cultures left weak children to die, infanticide was common (still today in many parts of the world), those who wanted sons had no hesitation about killing newborn daughters, humans were even murdered or mauled by animals for entertainment. Christianity contributed to their demise.

Women have traditionally held very low status throughout the history of the world, including Jewish and Muslim societies, and still today in many cultures. Jesus broke the traditional taboos of His time allowing women to travel with Him and be part of His circle of friends and confidantes. Christianity helped to elevate the status of women in society. Christianity introduced the idea that adultery is equally serious for both the man AND the woman, and treated both men and women equally in the rules of divorce

Politically active Christians were at the forefront of the anti-slavery movement. (Watch the movie Amazing Grace about William Wilberforce.) In America, the Quakers were among the first to embrace abolitionism, soon followed by other Christians who believed the biblical notion that human beings are equal in the eyes of God ~ promoting the view that no man has the right to rule another man without his consent. This idea is the moral root of both abolitionism and of democracy.

The greatest events in American history were preceded by massive Christian revivals. The "First Great Awakening" swept the country in the mid-eighteenth century, laying the moral foundation of the American Revolution. Historian Paul Johnson describes the War for Independence as "inconceivable...without this religious background." The revival provided essential support for the ideas that fueled the Revolution. John Adams wrote: "What do we mean by the American Revolution? The war? That was no part of the Revolution; it was only an effect and consequence of it. The Revolution was in the minds of the people...a change in their religious sentiments."

The "Second Great Awakening," which began in the early nineteenth century, fostered the temperance movement, women's suffrage, and the abolitionist movement.

In the twentieth century, Rev. Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech referred back to the Declaration of 1776, a proclamation issued 200 years earlier by a Southern slave owner. Both M.L.K and T. Jefferson reflected the influence of Christianity in American politics.

The modern idea of freedom that we hold so dear is rooted in a respect for the individual. The right to express our opinion, choose a career, buy and sell property, travel where we want, live our own life. We are responsible only to respect the rights of others.

Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher and one of Western civilization's greatest atheists, warns that the ideas that define Western civilization and its freedoms are based on Christianity. He says that because some of these ideas seem to have taken on a life of their own, we might have the illusion that we can abandon Christianity and still retain them. This illusion, he warns, is just an illusion. Remove Christianity and the ideas fall too. Look at the examples of any other culture where this has taken place. Look at Europe where secularization has been occurring for well over a century. Increasingly today there is evidence of the decline of the nuclear family; overall birthrates have plummeted while rates of divorce and out-of-wedlock births are up.

Nietzsche also warned that, with the decline of Christianity new and opposing ideas would rise. Do we see this today in the demands for the radical redefinition of the family and arguments for infanticide? The decline of Christianity would also mean the gradual extinction of the principles of human dignity.

If we cherish what is distinctive about Western civilization, whatever our religious convictions, we should respect rather than denigrate its Christian roots. We should respect rather than denigrate Christianity.

I love America. With the good and the bad, her ups and downs, I love America. I fear for her, though. Without a change of her current direction, I fear that the America we have always known is about to become something else. A victim of selfish disrespect for: the rights of others, the value and dignity of human life, the freedoms of religion and speech, the right of the individual to work hard and attain financial success, the right of the individual to choose NOT to work hard and that same person's right to suffer the realistic consequences of their decisions, the right of free enterprise, the right of personal responsibility and growth, the right of differing opinions... I pray that America will stand, by God's grace, and be America. Apparently what we need is another great, massive revival. Glory to God.

These are my thoughts and opinions. I welcome your input. For now, we still have the right to agree or disagree. Let me know what you think.


Friday, November 21, 2008

Really Excited!

I have to say it again, because I am feeling so excited today, and I can't keep it to myself. I have truly found the best business to be in. The more I become familiar with the company and the people, the more absolutely impressed I am. A debt-free company, founded by Christians, run by Christian ethics and principles, a GREAT training system that will serve you well no matter what line of work or business you choose to involve yourself with (better than a masters program in business or business management), a very aggressive compensation plan, and a team approach that means they are helping you succeed, as a team. Those who designed this business system have many patents and awards in other fields, have written best-selling books, and have designed this system based on their experience in multiple areas including network marketing. They took the best of all they had learned, dropped all the less desirable components, tweaked it all with their varied knowledge and genius ideas and ~ TADA! You won't find a better business to be involved with. EVERYONE needs to learn more about MonaVie. Read Paul Zane Pilzer's book The Next Millionaire; read Robert Kiyosaki's book The Cash-Flow Quadrant. Fascinating information about the current trends in economics and business. Check out this video, and this one, and then check out my personal business website. There is absolutely no downside, guaranteed. Okay ~ I'll stop. But seriously ~ do yourself a favor and do the research. You are in for a big surprise. As they say, "You don't know what you don't know."

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

And a Very Merry Tossmas to you!

You have to watch this video. It is very clever and very creative ~ two things I love. If you are not a Christian you may find this video offensive, and I apologize, in that I don't like to offend anyone. But, I guess for me, I can't figure out why even non-Christians want to change the name of the holiday. People have been celebrating Christmas for many a year without the slightest acknowledgment of Christ or his birthday. And I don't think they found it offensive ~ because "Christmas" is what the holiday is, however you decide to celebrate it. But I must say that I find it offensive when they change the name of the holiday to something else ~ keep the holiday but change its name ~ because they don't believe in Christ and/or don't want to offend those who don't believe in Christ. Why are they not concerned about offending those who DO. Anyhow, I like the video. Watch and enjoy, if you dare.
(Okay... I couldn't get the code for embedding it here to work for some reason so click here to watch the video.)

Monday, November 17, 2008

Lingering Impact

We are still paying the price for hitting that Michigan Deer. Still working with the insurance company. Still have only one vehicle. I am having to drive my husband to work every morning and pick him up every evening ~ 30 miles from home. Sure cuts a chunk out of the day, not to mention out of the checkbook. I'm sure it will all be over soon and we will have the insurance $$ to try to find another dependable used car. We have had some doozies (sp?) in the past. Anyhow, some time this week, hopefully, we will be able to resolve this and have that second car. I have to run now ~ gotta go get my husband from work. Have a terrific evening everyone. And watch out for those deer!

Friday, November 14, 2008

Psalm 23

The 23rd Psalm... Is there anyone (Christian that is) who hasn't memorized this chapter of the Psalms? I love this chapter in every Bible version (at least those versions I have read ~ there may be versions out there that I haven't read, but I have no reason to think I WOULDN'T love them, too). Well, I came across a video that is too precious for words. You just have to see it. Here it is. (It might take a few seconds to load, but it is worth the wait.)

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Beautiful Day!!!

OMGosh! The weather today in Michigan is so incredible! The sun is shining and I bet it is in the 60s. It was snowing 2 days ago! I hear birds singing through my open windows, and I love the smell of the sun on the fall leaves. Just a gorgeous day. I hope the weather is as amazing wherever you are. I think I am going to shut up and go outside with my granddaughter and enjoy it. Bye for now!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Big Family

I am so grateful for the family of God. I love that we can pray for each other, comfort each other, care for each other ~ even though we may have very different opinions and ideas. I feel I can be open and honest with my brothers and sisters in Christ ~ no masks, no hiding. It is a beautiful thing. And when we do hurt each other ~ and I think that is inevitible ~ we can talk things through and forgive each other and usually end up with a stronger bond than ever.

And you know what is an even greater blessing? When someone you love in your earthly family is also part of your Christian family ~ it is like a double blessing. Sometimes in our earthly families the only thing we have in common is blood. Unlike "friends" whom you get to choose and with whom you may have LOTS in common. So many times I think earthly family members get hurt or frustrated and decide to walk away. Maybe you don't speak to your brother for years, or never call your mom... But when you add the extra dimension of having Christ in common, that usually seems to change the outcome. With Christ in the midst of the situation, both parties are usually more open to talking things through, working it out, forgiving each other, even agreeing to disagree on some things. And the bond of the "double family" is deeper than ever.

I love being a child of God. I love being part of a huge family. And I love that some of my earthly family have become my double family. I pray that my double family will grow in numbers. What a tremendous blessing. 

Monday, November 10, 2008

Like a Child
















Look at this beautiful, innocent child (my lovely granddaughter, picture taken this morning). She hasn't really a care in the world. She trusts completely, she is content, she fully believes that the one who is in charge of taking care of her and protecting her and supplying her needs... will. Haylie (just over 5 months old) has been teaching me so many things. But one of the biggest lessons is trust. What it looks like NOT to be the one in control, and be okay with that, and just peacefully trust. Is this what it means to come to God like little children? These days, God speaks to my heart most clearly and most loudly through little Haylie. And I never expected that. I expected a lot of things ~ joy, triggers, heartache, laughter, good and bad memories from the past, worry, tears, love ~ but I never expected that Haylie would be my teacher. Everyday that I am privileged to babysit, Haylie speaks to me of God again and again. Here I am Lord. I'm listening. Show me more and more of yourself. And watch over this precious gift we call Haylie, and bless her great big. Thank you, Lord, for her life. You have blessed us all with this precious little one.

Because of His amazing grace,
Rewritten Princess

Saturday, November 8, 2008

We Hit Our First Michigan DEER!

Can you believe it?! We have lived in Michigan now for 20 years and never hit a single deer. Our neighbors have hit deer, co-workers have hit deer, the boys' teachers have hit deer ~ but we never hit a single one. We have come close many times. We always live in the country and deer are quite plentiful. We even see them in our yard sometimes. We see them crossing our road in herds so large you can't count them. Especially this time of year we very often see them standing at the side of the highway or crossing the freeway, or quite frequently taking very, very long naps on the shoulder or in the median laying in what looks like very uncomfortable positions (cough, cough), but in 20 years we never hit one. Till now.

Sometimes you don't see them crossing the road ~ sometimes they just materialize like a spirit right in front of your car. RIGHT in front of your car. How they got there you have no idea, but what happens next is pretty ugly. I was not in the car when it happened. I was at home with dinner on the table watching the clock and wondering why it was taking my husband and son so long to get home from work. Then the phone rang... 

I will spare you the gruesome details except to say ~ man, deer meat is very tasty! Not tasty enough, however, to make us feel better about the damage to our favorite car. The car we used to enjoy driving ~ smooth ride, great gas mileage, no mechanical issues, low miles, low car payment, bought used and carried a higher value than what we owed. THAT car. Not the car we have paid off that has just shy of 200,000 miles on it and gets only 17 mpg. Soooooo... the insurance company totaled the car. I mean, it was just one deer, for crying out loud. But those deer are pretty solid creatures. So, today, we go car shopping and exploring our options. And life goes on... Thankfully!

Friday, November 7, 2008

I DID IT!



Well, it is finished. I finished my very first knitted garment ~ the sweater for my beautiful granddaughter. Here is a picture of her wearing it this morning.


And here is a picture of her doing with it what SHE thinks I made it for ~ to chew. She really seems to like it a LOT.


However ~ alas, it is BARELY big enough. It will probably only fit her a week or two instead of all winter. So ~ back to those knitting needles. I am thinking maybe slightly bigger needles will do the trick. I hope...

(As I type, Haylie is sitting next to me "talking" up a storm. I think she will be very opinionated, like her grandmother...)

Thursday, November 6, 2008

I love learning!

I love learning new things! Don't you? All kinds of new things. I love "book learning" ~ reading new books, whether it be history or autobiographies or even a good novel (you can learn a lot from a good novel). I love learning new skills, whether it be a new craft like knitting, or learning to build something, or new leadership skills, or new people skills, etc., etc. I just LOVE learning. It's like I'm hungry for learning. And there are so many things out there to learn ~ you never run out. Am I strange, or is everyone like that?

Anyway, I have recently been learning to knit. Actually I sort of learned as a child (took one class at 4-H and then it was cancelled), and have done a tiny bit of dabbling since then on basic things like square potholders or straight scarves. But NOW ~ I'm knitting a sweater for my
 granddaughter! And it is SO much fun! I love seeing something new take shape. The sweater is actually almost done and it is really cute and even looks like it will fit! I can't wait to finish it and try it on her.

All that to say... I LOVE LEARNING!

Here are current pictures of the sweater... I'm so excited!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

The Results Are In

Well ~ election day is over and we have a new president-elect. Wow! The intensity of this election is like nothing I remember for previous ones. I'm glad it is over. Passions were/are high, I heard we had record voter turn-out, and the process we believe in worked. But our responsibilities for this election are not complete. A couple of things spring immediately to mind.

1. Phil. 4:8 "Finally brothers, 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."

2. Our nation and this new administration need our prayers ~ now more than ever.

Our God is still on the throne. Read Daniel chapter 4. God has a plan. It is He who sets up kings and takes them down ~ for His own purposes, which we can't fully know or understand, because His ways are sooooooo high above our ways.

Daniel 4:3 says, "How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; his dominion endures from generation to generation."

Daniel 4:17b says, "The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and He gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men."

As far as God is concerned, nothing has changed. He has a plan. And nothing takes Him by surprise ~ He knows the end from the beginning. His purposes will be served. No election of man can ever change that truth. I pray we all can rest in the eternal truths of God's word, and remember Phil. 4:8. No matter what changes we see taking place all around us, remember that God's word is true, and He never changes, never slumbers, never makes mistakes, never lies, and never leaves us.

Praise be to the Name of the LORD!

By God's oh-so-amazing grace,
The Rewritten Princess

Go to this website to join thousands of others (including myself) for 77 days of prayer for the new administration which will be sworn in 77 days from now.


Monday, November 3, 2008

Vote on Nov 4

I wish everyone would vote. I believe it is a right, a privilege, and an obligation. I was surprised to hear my 21 year old say recently that he didn't think he was going to vote. I absolutely can't understand this mindset. I am very passionate about voting ~ about being informed and having an opinion and casting a vote. He said he feels he doesn't have enough information to vote in good conscience. WHAT?! Okay ~ if voting is important (and it is) it should not be viewed as being optional. And if voting is not optional, then you have to take the time to become informed. I do agree you should not vote without knowing who or what to vote for ~ it shouldn't be like a pop quiz where the answers don't really matter. There are many, many ways to become informed, and it's not that difficult. And it's not like the election comes up unexpectedly ~ we have plenty of warning and plenty of time to prepare ourselves. One way to become informed is to check out the non-partisan voters' guides put out by focusvoter.com. They get the voting records of the candidates, they find out what organizations support each candidate, they get the actual wording of the proposals, they ask ALL the candidates the same questions and post their answers, and they put it all out there in one convenient location so it is quick and easy to learn a great deal. It is true there are no perfect candidates, but there are not perfect voters either. We just need to take it seriously enough to get involved and to vote.

My husband pointed out to me the other day that in Michigan, where we have the worst economy of the whole nation, and where our economy was a disaster long before the nation's economy took a down-turn, many people blame it all on Bush and the Republicans; and yet, we have Democratic Governor Granholm, Democrat Carl Levin, Democrat Debbie Stabenow ~ all career politicians in office here for many a year. Why are they not held responsible? And as for the nation, we have had a Democrat-controlled congress for how long? And apart from making excuses and blaming everything on Bush, what else have they done? But... those who have not taken the time to be informed are susceptible to being led around and manipulated by the liberal, "Democrat" media who certainly are not informing people of the truth about our candidates, our proposals, our economic condition and its causes, or our future. And we blame those the media says to blame, and we re-elect the ones who are actually responsible.

Be informed, vote, and then, no matter the outcome of the election, remember that God is not up for re-election. He can't be voted out. He always has been on the throne, and He always will be. And His ways are perfect, His word is true, He is just and faithful and merciful and eternal. Kings and kingdoms rise and fall, but one thing never changes ~ Almighty God. Our leaders can worship Him or deny Him, they can seek Him or ignore Him, they can trust Him or try to forget about Him, but that never changes eternal, absolute truth. God IS.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

October 31

Wow ~ busy week! Our church has this event every year on October 31 called Treat Night. It is really an amazing experience. There is no admission charge, it is open to all who come (although it is targeted specifically to the innercity neighborhood where the church is located) and it is so much fun. We have a Moon Walk, hot and cold cider, popcorn, cotton candy, animal balloons, face painting, a hay ride, and a number of games ~ and oh yeah ~ CANDY! It is staffed entirely by volunteers. I don't know how many years we have been doing this, but every year we have more kids and more fun. It is such a delight meeting all the kids and parents and seeing all the smiles and hearing all the laughter. I must say though, by the end of the evening, we are all totally bushed. It is a whole lot of work leading up to it, then we are all on our feet the entire evening with setting up, staffing the event, then cleaning up afterwards. We all go home and drop into a comfy chair, too tired to even get ready for bed. But it is so worth it all that each year we are all geared up and excited to do it all over again. We have even thought of doing something similar during the summer, though that hasn't come about yet.

It is great to be part of a "family" who is so interested in offering family-friendly, wholesome entertainment at great personal sacrifice, and no cost to others. It is an expensive evening for the church, but that is not our focus. And this "family" is so supportive to each other in good times and bad times, not judgmental, not self-serving, no hidden agendas, just true love, concern, compassion, friendship and support. Perfect people? Absolutely not. Flawed, moody, broke, broken, disappointed, disappointing, imperfect people who have been knocked down, wounded, made mistakes, have regrets, can't pay their bills, struggle with their kids, etc., etc., just like everyone else. EXCEPT ~ they've given their broken, imperfect lives to God, trusted Christ as their savior ~ and that makes ALL the difference. That's where the miracle begins.

If you haven't accepted Christ's love and forgiveness, I highly recommend it. Contact a local Bible-believing church and ask the pastor to lead you to this loving Lord. It is something you will never regret. I promise.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

I Found It ~ Really

Have you ever found yourself thinking:
Man, if only there was a company worth working for.
If only you could trust people to tell you the truth, without some hidden agenda and half-truths.
If only something that seemed too good to be true could really be true.
With all this modern technology, shouldn't there be something that really WORKS where our health is concerned?
If I could design the perfect busines, it would look like...

Well, I have personally had these thoughts many, many times. If only there could be a company you could feel really good about being associated with. If only there were a way to really help people ~ not by throwing money at a problem, but help them with their health, their self-esteem, their know-how, their family situations. If only there could be a "perfect" scenario. If only I could not only pay my bills each month, but have extra money to give to special projects at church, help fill the food pantry, support the local women's shelter, help families with special-needs kids, give more to local and foreign missions...

Well, I have found something I think is really amazing. I have not been associated with them very long (only a few months), but the more I learn and see, the more excited and impressed I really am. If you are curious ~ if you'd like to know more ~ seriously ~ check out the links in "My favorite links." I have never seen ANYTHING quite like it. And trust me, I am a hard-sell, having been let down hard in the past, I am a major skeptic. But I have done some digging on this one, and I mean it when I say "this is the one." It actually addresses EVERYTHING that would have been on my "if only..." list. Be sure to either leave comments here or "contact me" on my personal business website with your feedback and/or questions. If you take a chance on this one, you will never regret it.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Prayer for the Elections

I am praying for God's perfect will for America. For the upcoming elections. I don't know what God's will is. I know what I think it is. I know what my will is. I am very clear on how I plan to vote. I have done my best to be informed, to be current on the important issues. I have tried to see past what I hear from the main-stream media, past what the political info-mercials tell us. I feel that I am clear on the issues as they relate to my values, beliefs, and priorities. I know exactly how I intend to vote. As I have talked to some, I find that many people still have not made up their minds, they are confused on the issues. I pray that everyone who goes to the polls on election day would take the time first to read up on the issues, educate themselves on where the candidates really stand. There are voter guides available from Focus on the Family. These are non-partisan, strictly-the-facts guides that simply report the past voting records for all the candidates running for office, and other factual information. These guides are simply intended to educate everyone on the issues and the candidates, not to sway anyone's vote one way or the other. We must all become informed voters. The issues are too big, the future of America too precarious, to vote without knowing the facts. Get informed ~ then vote. There is still time. Go to http://focusvoter.com/ and click on your state, then fill out the information, turn off your pop-up blocker, and there you go. It is worth taking the time to be informed.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

I Never Put It All Together Before...

I read the following post on another blog. Fascinating. Really puts it all in perspective ~ read on and see what I mean. (Be sure to read the whole thing, it gets even better.) We DO have some cleaning up to do.

545 PEOPLE... by Charlie Reese 
 
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them. 
 
Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the 
Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits? 
 
Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against 
inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes? 
 
You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does. 
 
You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on 
appropriations. The House of Representatives does. 
 
You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does. 
 
You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does. 
You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does. 
 
One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine 
Supreme C ourt justices. 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country. 
 
I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that 
problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank. 
 
I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes. 
 
Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their f ault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party. 
 
What separates a politician from a normal human being is an 
excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits. The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it. 
 
The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole 
responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. 
 
Who is the speaker of the House?...She is the leader of the majority 
party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to. 
 
It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot 
replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. 
 
I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable 
directly to those 545 people. 
 
When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the 
power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist. 
 
If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair. 
 
If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red. 
 
If the Army & Marines are in IRAQ , it's because they want them in 
IRAQ. 
 
If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way. 
 
There are no insoluble government problems. 
 
Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom 
they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. 
 
Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists 
disembodied mystical forces like 'the economy,' 'inflation,' or 'politics' that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do. 
 
Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible. 
 
They, and they alone, have the power. 
 
They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees. 
 
We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!


AMEN, and AMEN! What more can be said?

Monday, October 20, 2008

God is Amazing!

I continue to watch my little granddaughter grow and change. It is the most amazing thing, as a grandmother. I know I marveled at our sons as they grew as well, but there is a difference with a grandchild. I feel more at peace and able to REALLY see her (and Him) in the process. I don't know if that peace comes from not having to stress as the decision maker when she has a runny nose or fever, or if it comes from maturing in the Lord, or the perspective you gain with age, or because God has healed so many of my wounds over the years that I can see all things more clearly without the filter of my soul-pain. It is probably a combination of all of the above. But I can only say, "WOW! God is truly amazing!"

God has been continuously impressing Phil. 4:8 on my mind and heart lately. It must be very important to Him that we focus our minds on all the things listed in this verse of scripture. Important to Him, because it is important to us, only we don't realize it. Someone hurt my feelings a couple weeks ago (not that it was the first time nor the last), and it was so tempting to think negative thoughts, reminding myself of all the times they had hurt me in the past or even things I had seen them do to others which had nothing to do with me, but God brought this scripture to me. At first I thought, "But I can't think of any good things about this person to focus on." And then He reminded me that the verse doesn't say anything about thinking good things about a person or even our circumstances. "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable..." As I thought about those words, what came to mind is God Himself, and His Word. After all, what is "true"? What is "noble, right, pure..."? God is the only one who fits that description completely. So... instead of focusing on the person (even any good traits they might have) or the circumstances (trying to find the "silver lining" in a bad situation), I decided to get my eyes off all that entirely and focus on my awesome Savior, Almighty God (ruler of angel armies!), various scriptures that came to mind, His many blessings, etc.... And TADA! My whole being seemed to change, almost glow, with His presence and His peace and His Spirit. And that was so much better than thinking about earthly things, let me tell you.

I hope this encourages someone today. God bless.

By God's oh-so-amazing Grace,
Rewritten Princess

Friday, October 17, 2008

The End of a Long Day

Wow, am I tired! It is a good tired, though. When the leaves start to turn all their beautiful fall colors, I get in the mood to bake. I don't know why. So I have been baking most of the day today. I rarely use the same recipe twice ~ I love to try new things. So... today I made a new recipe for Banana Bread Pudding (I used cut up angel food cake instead of bread), and another new recipe for Apple Cobbler, and another new recipe for Pumpkin/Orange Marmalade Bread. And that was all interspersed with my other activities such as grocery shopping and helping get things set up at our church for a large women's event we are having tomorrow. So guess what... I'm pooped. (Can I say pooped? Sometimes my Missouri heritage comes through in my speech and Michiganders look at me kinda funny.) Anyway, I think I'm going to go soak my feet and think about how I wish I had a Therma-Spa hot tub. Toodles. (Can I say toodles?)

Thursday, October 16, 2008

God and Life's Trials

I think my favorite verse of scripture will always be Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV): "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." It was a high school girl who showed me this verse when we were together on a short-term missions trip to Russia about 15 or so years ago. I couldn't believe that verse had been there all along, and I had never noticed it before. It has come back to me over and over again and always brings me peace and comfort. We do live in a fallen world, a world at war ~ and I don't mean the war you can see with physical eyes. We live in the midst of a very brutal war raging all around us ~ a war for the souls of man. But ~ here are some things I know to be ABSOLUTELY TRUE.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)


When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2 (NLT)


I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.  I will advise you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8 (NLT)


I will provide their needs before they ask.  I will help them while they are still asking for help. Isaiah 65:24 (NLT)


The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:13 (NIV)


God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46: 1 (NIV)


Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.   My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63: 7-8 (NIV)


I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. Isaiah 42:16 (NIV)


I could go on and on listing the powerful words of God. Did you know that the phrase translated "almighty God" in scripture, in the original language actually means "God of angel armies"? The God of angel armies goes before us, leads those armies in battles on our behalf, and tells us not to worry about a thing!


A good friend of mine underwent very serious brain surgery yesterday. The words of the doctors leading up to the surgery were not encouraging. The tumor was large; it was located in a very dangerous place; they advised her to get her affairs in order, maybe go do something she had always wanted to do. But this woman of God had such complete trust in the love and care of her Savior that she had no fears, no doubts, no regrets. Not because she believed that because God loved her she would not have to go through it, or even that because He loved her he would see that she came through the way she wanted to... She was at peace because she fully trusted that, whatever the outcome, He was in control, His ways are perfect and beyond our understanding, and He has a plan which includes ALL the details of her life.


The doctors and nurses were all astounded at her level of peace, even as the time got closer and closer, and even as they came to wheel her down the hall into surgery.


She did come out of the surgery fine. The tumor appears to be benign. "Coincidentally" there were no blood vessels or arteries feeding the tumor. "Coincidentally" there was a sheath between the tumor and the nerves in that part of her brain, so there was no nerve damage. She is now in recovery and we continue to pray for her and her husband and four young children. 


God is in control. And who, by their worry, can add one hour to their life? Isn't it better to allow the God who created the universe to be in control in our lives. Now He has the power to do what needs to be done ~ not you, not I ~ He alone has that power. And He loves you and offers you perfect peace.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

My Lover

John Wesley was thirty-five when he experienced the  “warming” of his heart toward Christ (not his mind but his heart). In that moment he became not only a "Christian," but a lover of God.  There really is a difference. According to author John Eldredge, it was shortly after this that Wesley penned the hymn “Jesus, Lover of My Soul,” whose first verse goes like this: “Jesus, Lover of my soul/Let me to thy bosom fly.” John Eldredge says that down through the years the hymn has left many a hymnologist searching for a more acceptable translation. “The difficulty,” as John Julian said, “is the term Lover as applied to our Lord.” Revisions now in hymnbooks read, “Jesus, Savior of my soul” or, “Jesus, Refuge of my soul,” which are touching but nothing close to what Wesley meant. He meant Lover. This is a phrase that has always deeply stirred me ~ "Jesus, Lover of my soul." I often repeat it to myself, in good times and bad ~ it has a very powerful impact on me.


The idea that “reason and knowledge are everything” has permeated all of our culture, sometimes subtly, and sometimes not so subtle. It has even permeated our churches, which is
very sad. I believe Jesus was a man of great passion. I believe He passionately sought to save us from our sin so we could be with Him for all eternity. WOW!

David, who wrote many of the Psalms, wrote with
passion about God's love. The poetry that flowed from his heart is filled with unapologetic emotion toward God. He speaks of drinking from God’s “river of delights” (Ps. 36:8 NIV), how his Lover has filled his heart “with greater joy” (4:7 NIV) than all the wealth other men have found, and he writes in many places how his heart sings to God. He cries through the night, aches to be with God. “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence” (16:11 NIV). "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the Living God." (42:1–2 NIV) These are not the words of "reason and knowledge". These are not the words of even your average pastor. For David (and for me), God’s love “is better than life” (63:3 NIV). David is captivated by the Beauty he finds in God. On and on it goes. The man is undone. He is as smitten as any lover might be, only his lover is God. Read the Psalms for yourself. Look for the passion in David's words. And do you think Jesus would have endured the agonizing torture and death before and on the cross for anything less than passion? Or for that matter, leave His throne in Heaven for anything less than passion? I think the term "lover of my soul" is already inadequate to capture the power and intensity of God's great love for each one of us.

As John Eldredge says, "It is possible to recover the lost life of our heart and with it the intimacy, beauty, and adventure of life with God." Ask God to awaken the passion of your heart toward Him. He will take you on an amazing journey of discovery. And you'll never want to go back.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Grief

Grief is part of the healing process.  For me, I had to grieve the fact that I did not have the family I had always longed for growing up.  I grieved that I did not grow up being the apple of my daddy's eye, that I was not unconditionally loved, that I never really got to be a "little girl." Grieving the loss helped me to let it go, but I didn't want to get stuck in my grief. And I didn't want to get stuck in anger or bitterness. I can now rejoice in the blessings of today.  I can't change the past, but I chose not to let it ruin my present or my future. And I certainly don't want history to repeat itself in my kids and grandkids. When we don't deal with past hurts, we usually go on to hurt the people we love most, consciuosly or unconsciously. Perhaps you need to grieve the losses in your life. Here are a few to consider:

  • Loss of innocence
  • Loss of a nurturing family
  • Loss of security
  • Loss of a close relationship with your mother
  • Loss of a healthy relationship with your father
  • Loss of trust
  • Loss of employment
  • Loss of a marriage
  • Loss of a spouse
  • Loss of a child
  • Loss of a friendship
  • Loss of hope

God's resurrection power is more than sufficient to resurrect hope in you again. Allow His love to resurrect and re-write your soul. Take the time necessary to really heal. He has come to give you LIFE, ABUNDANT LIFE.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Out of Abundance

I know I keep using quotes from John Eldredge, but he has so many good things to say! Here, then, is a quote that arrived in my email this morning.

If then you are wise, you will show yourself rather as a reservoir than as a canal. A canal spreads abroad water as it receives it, but a reservoir waits until it is filled before overflowing, and thus without loss to itself [it shares] its superabundant water. (Bernard of Clairvuex)

A beautiful picture. The canal runs dry so quickly, shortly after the rains subside. Like a dry streambed in the desert. But a reservoir is a vast and deep reserve of life. We are called to live in a way that we store up reserves in our heart, and 
then offer from a place of abundance. As Jesus said, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old” (Matt 13:52). I’m thinking, Storeroom? What storeroom? “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart…for out of the overflow of his heart, his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45 emphasis added). 


I think we get burned out when we don't spend enough time re-charging on God's word. Sometimes I think we feel like we are being selfish when we say no when we are asked to take on some "good" thing at church or helping out a friend. But we can't do everything ~ we just can't. I don't know if we have to be spending more time getting filled up with the Word than giving out of the abundance, but we do have to be full before we can give. Otherwise, we are no real good to anyone, and whatever we endeavor to do we are trying to do in our own strength and wisdom ~ how effective can that really be?

God is so very good, and He has so much to give to us. He is so willing to pour Himself into us when we spend time in His presence. I have been trying to make this more of a priority in my life. I need to fill that storeroom every single day, often more than once a day. But I can get so busy doing, that sometimes I let this "priority" take second place to other, less critical things. Even good things can get in the way of God's best in our lives.

Just some of my thoughts this morning. Be sure to let me know what you think.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Sarah Palin

I have been very impressed by Sarah Palin. I must admit, I have never been in favor of a female president in the past. I still feel that the pressures of the presidency/vice presidency are such that no one in their right mind would want to be subjected to that, male or female. I have noticed in the past how quickly most presidents visibly age after taking office. Ronald Reagan was an exception ~ he never really seemed too ruffled, and he didn't seem to age any faster than the normal process. I noticed the same thing about George W. Bush during his first term in office. His second term was a different story. I have wondered whether he spent more time on his knees in prayer during his first term, thus leading to more peace of mind and slower aging. I don't know this for sure, but it also appears evident to me in his decisions and policies of his second term ~ that perhaps he spent less time asking for divine guidance, thus leading to less peace, less divine wisdom, and more rapid aging. And what about prayer cover from fellow Believers?

Sarah Palin is beautiful, isn't she? And my goodness, didn't she handle the debate well last night? She is one smart lady, with a quick wit and able to think on her feet. She has the look of one who spends much time with her Lord. Whichever team is elected p/vp, they will be in desperate need of our prayers. (Of course I have my personal preference for the job.) America is hard on her public servants. The job is wrought with decisions that require divine guidance. Earthly wisdom will not be enough. And if the stresses of the job itself weren't enough, we have the mainstream media ripping them to shreds publicly over every tiny thing they can find (oh wait, that's only if the team is Republican).

My point is ~ we as Christians have a divine, God-given assignment. We are to pray for our leaders. All of them, no matter their political party. I can't help but wonder whether during George Bush's second term, Christians became too complacent, and began to neglect lifting him in prayer. Do we really understand the critical nature of this command from the God we love? It is the enemy of us ALL who wants us to be so busy that we don't have time or we forget to pray for our leaders. Busy-ness is not "just part of life." It is part of our enemy's plan for us. I really think that, more than George Bush, any failures in this past presidency rest on OUR shoulders, as his fellow Christians. I am not pointing fingers ~ I, too, am guilty. Somehow I just forgot to keep praying for him as diligently during his second term.

We cannot make that mistake again. Perhaps a good barometer of the amount of prayer from the Christians of America on behalf of the presidency is to watch the faces of the p/vp. If they appear to be unduly aging, we ain't prayin'.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Walking With God

I have been so incredibly blessed. Here is a quote from the book Waking the Dead, by John Eldredge. "Hopefully you will find a few folks who walk with God to also walk with you through the seasons of your life. But honesty – and Scripture – forces me to admit they are a rare breed. Few there are who find it. All the more reason for you to make the number less scarce, by becoming someone who walks with God and teaches others how." I have a number of very close Christian friends, friends who do walk closely with God, friends who have stood by my side through some really terrible times. These are friends I could call at any hour of the day or night and they would be right there to comfort and support me. And I would do the same for them. And I am married to an amazing man. His unconditional love never ceases to amaze me, and often brings tears to my eyes. I sometimes watch others struggle in relationships. I see families who live their days screaming and yelling at each other and their kids, sometimes coming to blows, and I remember what it was like growing up in that kind of environment, and I wonder why people CHOOSE to live like that. Can they really not see there is a better way? I remember as a child deciding I would never get married, because I never wanted to live the way my family lived, I never wanted to be treated the way my mother was treated by her husbands. I thought being alone was the only way to be happy. I was wrong. God created us for relationships. And when those relationships are conducted according to God's perfect plan, there is no greater blessing. Friendship, marriage, family ~ these were all created and designed by God to bless us. The enemy twists and perverts everything if we let him. So it is really a choice between blessing and curse. My mother chose the curse ~ and I can't imagine any greater pain. I chose the blessing ~ and I never could have imagined how great the wonder, the joy, the peace. God is good and awesome, powerful and amazing. I have been richly blessed beyond my wildest dreams. (That doesn't mean that any of us are perfect, or that there are never times of tension or struggle, but with God's guidance and strength, we work through those times.) And I take nothing for granted.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

My Favorite Scripture

Do you have a favorite Scripture? I have many, many, many favorites, but my #1 favorite is Jeremiah 29:11. In the NIV it says: For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.

The Lord brought this Scripture to my attention at a time when I desperately needed it, several years ago. It was a time when I was seriously questioning why God allowed the horrors of my childhood. Every time I read this verse, it is almost as though I can hear His voice, see the love and compassion in His eyes, feel the warmth of His love. It says exactly what I needed (and still need) to hear. His plan was never to harm me. The abuse was NOT part of His plan. I am blown away by God's love. Here are two lines from a poem I wrote a while back.

He loved her more deeply than she could believe,
But because of her pain it was hard to receive.

It was hard to receive God's love for a long time. I am so glad He has been patient with me. He never gave up on me, but pursued me with passion and persistence. I have come a long, long way. And I am so blessed to accept and embrace the love of God. Where would I be today without His love? I hate to even think.

I pray that you know His love. It is the most amazing place of rest.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

What Is Church?

I was in a conversation with someone recently, and we were talking about some folks who have left our church for various reasons. Here are some of the thoughts and opinions we came up with.

What is church? Is it a building? Is it a place we go to? Is it a denomination? I think, according to Scripture, church is the body of Christ, a community of people ~ not a building or a place or something we do. It is family ~ it is a body. And although "the body of Christ" encompasses all Christians, moving from one church to another is not to be taken lightly ~ you wouldn't want part of an arm deciding it would rather hang around with the leg. And within that body I believe God wants us to care about and for each other, to be united ~ not alike, not of the same opinion, but united. And I think that when we allow gossip, division, disunity, discord, personal likes and dislikes to come between us, we are giving the enemy the victory. I sort of view my church family almost like a marriage. Unless God Himself says very clearly to me that He wants me to be a part of a different fellowship, I need to stay right where I am and work out whatever issues I might have, just as I would in a marriage. My happiness or comfort or music preference or even whether I agree with how the board or the pastor handled a given issue (no matter how important I felt that issue was to me) are not reasons to call it quits and start attending somewhere else. You don't just walk out on family. And some issues can seem huge. And people disappoint. But what is church? If it is a club or social gathering, move on when it doesn't meet your needs. If it is just a building or something to do, by all means move on. But if it is the body of Christ? If it is family? Do we care whether we are being used as pawns for the enemy's purposes? Are our own feelings and comfort levels more important to us than what God Himself wants to say to our hearts. If we pull up stakes and run every time life gets difficult, how stable is any relationship we are in? Our marriage? Our friendships? Our family?

And I do think there are times when God does want us to move on for various reasons, but He should be the one to tell us that. What if He wants us to move on because He is doing a great work at this church and He hasn't been able to get our attention and get us on board with His plan? I think it is rarely because He has given up on one congregation and is moving you to a better one.

Are there circumstances that come up in churches that can make it extremely difficult or even painful for you to continue to attend there? Certainly. And sometimes it really might be more than you can take. But I don't think changing fellowships should ever be taken lightly, or done without many, many hours of heartfelt prayer, listening for the voice and will of God. Will He punish you if you decide to move on contrary to His will? I don't think He is sitting somewhere with a switch or a belt waiting to "spank" you for your hard heart or disobedience. But I do think it grieves Him, disappoints Him, and hinders His best in your life.

I have learned through the circumstances of my life that there is NOTHING He can't redeem. But He does not violate our free will. And we sometimes make pretty big messes. But as long as our hearts are soft toward Him, and we are repentent and trusting in Him and seeking Him, He can redeem anything.

Just some of the thoughts running around in my head today. What are yours?



Tuesday, September 23, 2008

What is Wrong?

Here is something I read recently. "Children need two basic messages when they are growing up: You are loved more than you can possibly imagine, and, You are not the center of the universe. Without the first, a child will grow up insecure, uncertain, looking for love and finding it difficult to believe that he is worthy of being loved, even by God. Without the second, he will grow up selfish and self-centered, assuming that everyone else’s agenda bows to his own. "

Do you know people who fit these two scenarios? Unable to accept love and/or selfish and self-centered? We run into them every day, don't we? I have to admit that for years I fell into the first category. But a large part, maybe the biggest part, of what God "rewrote" in me was this. I have learned, really learned, about God's love and the love of a good husband and close friends. It was not an easy lesson, and sometimes very briefly those old thoughts will try to come back, but I have learned to recognize them as hogwash. Lies from the enemy who is bent on my destruction, or at the very least, bent on keeping me from being effective in my family, friendships and ministry.

What about the second group? Those who are selfish and self-centered, assuming everyone else's agenda bows, or should bow, to their own? Well, I have met some of these. But mostly I read about them or hear about them in the news. Like all the crazy lawsuits ~ your hot coffee burned me so I'll sue; I had an accident in your car so I'll sue; my child failed math so I'll sue; your dog messed in my yard so I'll sue; I broke my leg while breaking in to rob your home so I'll sue... Aren't these examples of this self-centered way of thinking? 

Someone forgot to teach a lot of kids growing up that life isn't fair, and the world owes you nothing ~ not happiness, not wealth, not even food or a job or a home (or healthcare). Pain is inevitible, but misery is optional. Challenges are inevitible, obstacles are inevitible, surprises are inevitible, pain is inevitible! We are free to choose how we handle adversity and challenge. Attitude is the single most determining factor in every decision we will ever make. Success in life is about so much more than money or "happiness". Am I a success in life if I achieve wealth by suing you because I burned myself on your coffee? Or even when I win the lottery? I don't think so. What is success? I think success is being the person God created you to be ~ the very best you. Did God create you to scratch and claw your way to a fortune? No. God created you to know and love and trust Him, to learn who He created you to be, and to learn from Him how to be it. That is success. What epitaph would you want on your tombstone or in the newspaper? Here lies a woman who really clawed her way to the top. I wonder if anyone will miss her. Or... Here lies a godly woman whose life impacted those around her for good. She will be sorely missed.

These are just some of my thoughts today.

By God's oh-so-amazing grace,
Rewritten Princess

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Habits ~ Good Ones & Bad Ones

This is a quote from another blog I subscribe to:

"Habits are the auto pilot in our lives. If we form good ones we will get good results. Bad ones, likewise, produce results of their own kind... Never underestimate the power of accumulated action over time. Good action can produce staggeringly successful results. Negligent actions can produce catastrophically dire consequences."

I have been taking a look, lately, at my daily habits. I have come to realize I am not a very good steward of my time. I have thought for years I might have a little ADHD goin' on ~ but that is not really a good excuse. (And I don't want to come down with "excusitis" which I have heard can be a debilitating disease!) I would like to have "staggeringly successful results" in my life. Whether it be in the area of Bible study, family, friendships, ministry, finances, business, housekeeping, etc., etc. I am going to take some steps to be more accountable with my time and activities ~ which may mean I post here less, or maybe later at night, so my daytime hours can be spent on other productive activities. My husband says I seem to "spin my wheels" alot. That may have something to do with the ADHD I mentioned earlier, but I do believe that "good habits" can make a big difference here. One good friend suggested deciding up front how much time I want to spend on a given activity, then set a timer and stop when it goes off, then move on to the next activity. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, right? I'd like to get more out of mine. If anyone can relate to this, please leave me a comment. (Or am I all alone in this?)

Pray for America

First of all, we need to pray for the outcome of the elections, all of them. For the man of God's choosing, for God's will for America. Then after the election, whoever is elected, they need our ongoing prayers ~ and they need them desperately. With all that America is facing these days, I think it will require more wisdom than any human being, or group of human beings, can possibly have on their own. We, as Christians, are commanded by Scripture to pray for our leaders. We simply must. Click on "Pray the Vote" in the Link box on the right, and join other Christians around the country in prayer. You can also find a current, specific list of prayer requests and concerns for the president and for America.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Honesty, Humility, and Friendship

Well, I had an old lesson reinforced the last couple of days. Friendship is a very precious thing. It is worth fighting for. Lasting friendship takes work, but it is well worth the effort. Even the closest of friends are going to have differences, or times they get under each other's skins, even times they get so angry they don't like each other very much. But if we let that be the end, the enemy wins. 

I have had to learn over the last few years to be angry, believe it or not. My childhood was such that anger was an emotion I cut off and separated myself from for survival. And when I learned that anger can be a good thing (what a shock that was), I tried to let it in, but I was afraid it would choke me, overwhelm me, take over. It didn't. But I still keep a wary eye on it. 

Anyhow, what I have learned about friendship is this: it always pays to be (tenderly) honest; anger can be a good thing; issues should always be dealt with pretty quickly; and a little (or a lot) of humility goes a very looooooong way. Never make decisions while you are angry. Anger taints everything.

When I get hurt or angry, I have a tendency to see everything from only my point of view. I feel it is so unfair, so unjust, my motives were so pure, the other person is behaving out of line. But I have found, for me, that it is best to sort of step back, take a deep breath, and humbly ask God to show me what my part in the fracture is, and what He would want me to do at this point. 

God usually tenderly, but firmly, shows me how I am not as innocent as I would like to believe. And so far He always asks me to take the first step in mending the broken relationship. Usually I find that, after honest discussion with soft voices, issues are not only worked out, but the friendship grows stronger than ever before.

When this happens, everybody wins. Well... everybody except the devil. He loses. Big time! Unity is restored, fellowship is rich, and a rift in the body of Christ is healed. Yes ~ friendships are worth working on and fighting for ~ even when it forces us to take a hard look at ourselves and swallow a large dose of humility.

By God's oh-so-amazing grace!
Rewritten Princess

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Warrior Princesses

The following is a quote I received in my e-mail this morning. It is a "thought of the day" that I subscribe to.
_______________________________

“Me, a princess?”
“You are the legal heir.”
“I never lead anyone.”
“We will help you to be a princess, to rule. If you refuse to accept the throne then the
kingdom will cease to exist as we know it.”
--The Princess Diaries

In God’s name we must fight them!
--Joan of Arc
Women are often portrayed in stories and tales as the “Damsel in Distress.” We are the ones for whom men rise up and slay dragons. We are the “weaker sex”; said to faint at the sight of blood, needing to be spared the gory details of battle whether on the field or in the market place. We are the ones waiting in our flowing gowns for the knight to come and carry us away on the back of his white horse. And yes. There are days when a knight in shining armor would be most welcome. We do long to be fought for; loved enough to be courageously protected. But there is a mighty fierceness set in the heart of women by God. It is true to who we are and what we are created to do.

Women are warriors too.

Redeemed women of God have tender, merciful hearts, backbones of steel and hands that have been trained for battle. There is something incredibly fierce in the heart of a woman that is to be contended with, not dismissed, not disdained, but recognized, honored, welcomed and trained. 

(Captivating, by John Eldredge)
________________________________

Isn't it nice to hear that the "weaker sex" can be "warriors" too ~ and it doesn't take anything away from being feminine! I mean, it is something we all probably knew already in some sense, but it is still nice to hear it. We already know how hard we fight for our families, for our kids, for what we believe ~ we fight with the schools, the bullies, and neighbors if necessary ~ we fight on our knees, or when necessary, we fight on our feet, sometimes with our words, sometimes with a look... I do like to be fought for, I must confess. I love to be protected and honored and loved by my husband. I love to be sheltered. I love when my husband worries about me, comforts me, takes care of me. But I also  know that I am a positive force in my family, that my prayers are powerful, that I have important things to say, that my influence is needed in the lives of our kids and grandkids. I love the idea of being a princess, which for some reason brings to my mind a picture of a little girl in a pink tutu dancing and twirling and singing in her little girl voice without a care in the world (which was never my experience, only my dream) ~ and I love the idea of being a warrior. Maybe I should have named my blog "Warrior Princess." Well, I can be a REWRITTEN Warrior Princess. Anyway, I love being a woman ~ Wow, that is not something I have always been able to say. Even now it sounds a little strange, but it fits, too.

I especially love that last part of the quote above: "Redeemed women of God have tender, merciful hearts, backbones of steel and hands that have been trained for battle. There is something incredibly fierce in the heart of a woman that is to be contended with, not dismissed, not disdained, but recognized, honored, welcomed and trained." Something incredibly fierce. And that's a GOOD thing! Not something to be ashamed of. I like it.