..{Princess Warrior Lessons}..

Hi. My name is Jo and I'm a social media addict

2012-01-28T14:07:00.000+10:00

Those of you that have been on the journey with me on Princess Warrior Lessons for a while now know the struggle I have with social media. If not, just briefly, I have a love/hate relationship with social media. I love social media because I love being social. I hate social media as I find myself wasting time on it unnecessarily. It sucks me in like a vortex.

Last year I actually unplugged from all social media for a while, and deleted my Facebook account. My boys threw a party at my decision. Social media had made me an absent-present parent. Here, but not really here.

Mid-December, after being off Facebook for 7 months, I decided to rejoin Facebook with the purpose of connecting with friends I have made on my blog in a more personal way. So I set up a Facebook page. I also manage another Facebook page for a community organisation connected with my church. I had been updating statuses via a third party application, which meant that I didn't have to go onto Facebook to update. But the application was limited in the fact that I couldn't share photos and links easily. So rejoining Facebook made this easier for me.

I started to add friends again to my personal profile, and found that after 2 weeks, I had fallen into the same old traps of checking Facebook way too frequently, that led me to the decision of deleting Facebook last year. I also found myself feeling jealous about people's photos and statuses and left out if I wasn't invited to a get together. Bottom line, Facebook brings out all my insecurities. I don't like who I become on Facebook. I unfriend-ed all but the people associated with the Facebook Page that I manage.

I wish this wasn't so. I wish I could be on Facebook like a "normal" person and not have it effect me so much. But it does. The advice that I have received is "set boundaries" and "use self-control". Both which usually find me condemning myself for being such a failure and not being strong enough. "You're such a loser", I tell myself. I have tried to set boundaries, and my self-control is weak. I seem to be an 'all or nothing' type of girl. I was actually much happier without Facebook....

The thing is, I am an extrovert. My work (homeshooling my children) requires me to be with my children all day without any contact with another adult for hours. Hence why the pull of social media is so strong for me. And because I don't plan on changing jobs anytime soon, I need to make some decisions to help me with my social media addictive behaviour. It's not just Facebook that I struggle with, It's also Twitter.

Am I like an alcoholic? Do I have to just say for the rest of my life, "Hi. My name is Jo and I'm a social media addict", and never touch a drop of social media again? Do I need a 12-step program?

My only hesitation in deleting my Twitter account and my new Facebook Page, is that I have made so many friends on both Twitter and Facebook. In fact, I have made a new friend recently in real life because of a friendship I had made on Twitter.

But alas, I also know that social media makes me strive. It makes me strive in a negative way to maintain those connections I have made through social media. It makes me strive to keep up with the Jonses (whoever they are). The truth is, my blog doesn't really need a Facebook page. My blog is a hobby at this stage. I have no need to build a platform. If I deleted my Facebook Page and Twitter account, life would still go on. Not too many would be effected on the world wide web. And those that want to maintain friendships with me will visit my blog, or email me, or ring me. There are other ways to communicate and stay connected besides social media.

And so as I am at a crossroad. Dare I say goodbye to Facebook, again? The irony is, I have been asked to manage another Facebook page, because I am so good at social media. Managing another organisation's Facebook Page doesn't effect me. I can do this without falling into the insecurity trap, because it's not personal.

So here's what I've decided. Since I find myself having the same old problems with social media it's best that I say goodbye...again!

Because I don't want my son's remembering their childhood as having a mother who was glued to her phone or her computer...
Because maintaining connections with my husband and sons are far more important than maintaining connections on social media...
Because I would rather stare at these amazing incredible people.....

....than this!

Still taking lessons from the King,

Watch the way you talk, each word is a gift

2012-01-25T12:51:00.000+10:00

When I first started homeschooling, I was full of passion. I was excited at the idea of discipling my boys, the way Jesus discipled his 12 followers. Jesus mentored his followers by example and used stories to explain things. He lived His life in front of them.

After 3 years of homeschooling, my enthusiasm has waned. My example has been questionable and my disciples are following me in my bad behaviour. They follow my example of procrastination and being undisciplined. They follow my example of using my words to tear down instead of building up. I thank God for His grace that covers my weaknesses.

How easy is it to say hurtful things to our children and husbands, without giving a thought to be how much damage we cause in their hearts. We hold such power in our words.

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (NIV) Pr 18:21

Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit-you choose. (MSG) Pr 18:2

The battle to control my tongue is not a new one for me. And my guess is that it will always be a constant battle this side of Eternity, in my current state of humanity. I thought about a post I had written in 2009 about this exact same matter. Here is the last paragraph of the post:

"It's sobering isn't it? To think that we have such power over others with our words. We have a new saying in our home. I have placed this scripture in our kitchen for all to see as a reminder to us all. Now when we hear negative comments, we say "Is that poison or fruit?" I've given my Boy Warriors permission to say this to me as well. Of course, I need to make a particular effort to acknowledge when positive comments are made too with "Wow! I can't wait to see the fruit that brings."

I am going to reintroduce this habit again in my home, to remind us all that our words are either poison or fruit. And that we choose which one. I have also resurrected an idea I began 3 years ago - an internal mailing system. The idea is to write encouraging letters to members of our family. To use our words wisely. The boys love it, and so do I. They look forward to getting letters and enjoy writing each other letters. And as a bonus, they are practising their writing skills.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (NIV) Eph 4:29

Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. (MSG) Eph 4:29

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (NIV) Pr 12:18

Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise (MSG) Pr 12:18

A man finds joy in giving an apt reply-and how good is a timely word! (NIV) Pr 15:23

Congenial conversation-what a pleasure! The right word at the right time-beautiful! (MSG) Pr 15:23

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (NIV) Pr 16:24

Gracious speech is like clover honey-good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body. (MSG) Pr 16:24

I want my home to be a safe haven for every member of the family. As my Boy Warriors grow, and they are treated badly by others outside our home, I want them to know that they will always find kind encouraging words from their brothers and parents. When my husband has had a bad day at work, I want my words to soothe away the stresses of the day.

Idealistic? Maybe....but it's a goal to work towards.

And it has to start with me.

Still taking lessons from the King,

What it Means to be a Warrior

2012-01-23T05:44:00.000+10:00

I have been following Christy's blog Critty Joy for a while now, and it has been a delight watching her journey unfold. Christy writes from the heart and is a true princess warrior. I love how she describes herself in her bio:

"Christy is just a girl on a journey to living her own beautiful story."

And what a beautiful story it is.

When I asked her to guest post and she said, "Yes!" I was so excited. I know you're going to love her post. What an honour to have her on my blog today.

photo source

When I think of Jo's blog name... I think of two things.

Bravery and courage.

Warrior.

To me that is someone who fights for what they believe in.

In 2011 I learned so much about bravery and courage. One of the first things I learned was.... they were not necessarily what I thought they were.

Courage? Choosing to do something because your choice is more important than fear.

Bravery? Being afraid but doing it anyway.

I have taken those ideas to heart and taken steps towards a life I always wanted.

I wish I could tell you it has been easy. Or that it has been without confusion or frustration or disappointment.

Most days I just hope the excitement is bigger than the fear.

However I have learned more about God and myself than the past 32 years of my life.

Trusting Him requires a faith that isn't safe. Than again...neither is He. But He is good.

Being a warrior means to live life daringly.

To take risks.

Faith is a risk.

Trust is a risk.

Being brave is a risk.

It's a risk well worth taking because God is already there.

Beside you.

Cheering you on.

Loving you.

For me...

Excitement and Terror war within my heart.

I am completely excited for the new things He has in store for me.

I am also completely terrifed of the new things He has in store for me.

More than anything over the last year I have learned that to truly live you have to take daring risks. To move forward... to be brave enough to know what is coming is more important than fear.

I want to be fully alive in this time He has given me. I want to help Him write my story. One that is full of the colors of love and broad strokes of risks, courage, excitement, terror, and a life well lived.

More so I want to be a courageous warrior who takes risk and has an unshakable faith in the One who has already won the most important battle.

I want to put on my armor and let satan know I mean business.

This life of mine is His and nothing the enemy throws at me is going to stop me from seeking all that He has for me.

Being a warrior means taking up my sword even when my hand is shaking.

Being a warrior means moving forward even when one of his barbs has hit me because I know the Healer is already taking care of it.

Being a warrior means trusting God even when life is out of control and fear reigns.

Being a warrior means living life to the fullest even on the bad days because you know better days are coming.

Oh...and doing it as a princess should...in a fabulous dress and cute shoes. ;)

What does being a warrior mean to you?

Christy is a creative, sassy, southern belle with a heart encouraging others. She has a penchant for chocolate and shoes and has a love of butterflies, books, flowers, and photography. She is a daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and writer. Christy has a serious case of wanderlust and constantly dreams of travelling the world and experiencing all the beauty it has to offer.

Christy is just a girl on a journey to living her own beautiful story.

You can journey with her on her personal blog, Critty Joy, where she chronicles her thoughts on the ups and downs and twists and turns of life as a thirty-something.

He Restores My Life (and my maternal bond)

2012-01-19T21:46:00.000+10:00

As I threw ingredients in a bowl to make a batch of pancakes for Courageous Boy Warrior's birthday breakfast, my mind wandered to the day he was born. Having laboured for 30 hours only to end up having a Caesarean Section with his older brother only 21 months beforehand, I opted for a scheduled Caesarean Section for his birth. It was a strange feeling knowing exactly when I meet my new baby, unlike my first birth when I played the waiting game.

As I remembered the birth and the first time I laid eyes on Courageous Boy Warrior, tears filled my eyes of a painful memory. Unlike the instant maternal bond I felt with my first child, when Courageous Boy Warrior was born I felt nothing. No attachment. No joy in my heart. I was just going through the motions.

The first night in the hospital after my husband Mighty Prince Warrior had gone home, and I was left alone in the hospital room with my baby, I took this photo. When I look at this photo below, I remember feeling totally disconnected from my newborn son. I had felt him grow within my own body for months now, but now that he had finally arrived, I felt nothing. I didn't feel like picking him up and holding him close. I did pick him up, but only because I knew that's what mothers are supposed to do. The nothingness I felt was overwhelming.

When I took my baby home I still felt disconnected. I cared for my child, fed him, changed his nappy and even cuddled him, but the nothingness prevailed. I just couldn't bond with my baby. I now know one of the the reasons for the lack of bonding was due to depression which I would be diagnosed with, within the first year of Courageous Boy Warrior's life. The second reason was because my child looked so much like me. I was confronted with myself and because I despised myself, I despised the child that was a mirror image of myself, and that was scary thing.

school photo of me

As I reflected on my amazing son and over the last seven years since he had entered my life, I also remembered the guilt I felt as a mother not feeling anything for her child. "What kind of mother doesn't feel anything for her son?", I would ask myself. I also remembered crying out to Him to take away the nothingness and let me feel love for my son. When Courageous Boy Warrior was 2 years old I still hadn't bonded with him. I gave birth to Fearless Boy Warrior and I bonded with my new son instantly.

And then I remembered the joy of one day when Courageous Boy Warrior was 4 years old when my heart just clicked and all that nothingness vanished. My heart was filled with maternal love for my son and I was overwhelmed. Since that day I have never felt disconnected from my son. In some ways I feel more connected to Courageous Boy Warrior than I do to my other sons.

4 years of age

Courageous Boy Warrior, 4 years old.

Courageous Boy Warrior was born during my darkest days of experiencing depression, and he represents God's restoring power. Only He could could break the depression in my heart. Only He could heal my heart so I could learn to love myself. Only He could connect me to my son. Only He can make all things new. Only He can restore what has been taken away.

My amazing creative, quirky, strong willed, intelligent introvert son turned 7 today. I am so blessed that God picked me to be his mother. There is no one like him in the whole world. And as I think back over the first seven years of his life, I marvel at him, and my heart feels like it will burst with maternal love for him.

Happy Birthday Courageous Boy Warrior. I am so blessed to call you son.

He refreshes and restores my life...{Psalm 23:3}

Still taking lessons from the King,

Removing expectations for my blog and just writing from the heart

2012-01-17T13:53:00.000+10:00

photo source

Can I be honest with you?

I feel like I have lost my voice....

....my writing voice that is!

Everytime I have sat down to write a blog post, nothing has come out. Until today that is-when I decided to be honest.

I have put it down to burnout but I think it's more than that.

As I have been pondering on all that 2012 will hold for me, the thought of quitting blogging has crossed my mind more than once. This space that I call Princess Warrior Lessons is just another blog in amongst the thousands of blogs. But to me it is so much more.

It is here on my blog that I shared quite transparently about my struggle with depression, and my journey to overcome the darkness.

It is here on my blog that I shared how my journey of learning who I am and to take off the masks that I have worn for years, learning exactly who I am.

It is here on my blog that I shared my journey into homeshooling and my struggle I have had with God asking me to be 'just a mother' in this season.

It is here on my blog that I have connected with so many women and developed authentic friendships.

It is here on my blog that I have shared how I could say with all honesty that 'I am Beautiful' and discovered what true beauty really is.

It is here on my blog that I disovered that I have a gift of writing and that my gift encouraged others.
It is here on my blog that I have learned how to fly....

It is hear that I am learning to live in the unforced rhythms of His Grace....
I have found such a freedom in expressing who I am on this blog....it has become an extension of me.

Until it became something else...
Somewhere along the way I got caught up in stupid stuff....

I received an email from someone in USA asking me if I would be attending the next Blog Conference (yes, I know they have them here in Australia too). I thought that she must have not noticed that I lived in Australia, so I pointed out that fact to her. To my surprise, she knew that and thought that I would make the effort to fly across the ocean, costing me thousands of dollars to attend the conference. Madness? Maybe. But it appears that blogging is big business these days.

I started to read blog posts from other 'successful' bloggers (whatever that means) on how to well.....blog. 'Content is King' was the catch cry. 'Blog often otherwise you'll lose followers' was another. I tried to keep up with what other bloggers were doing and started to strive. I listened to these 'experts'. And when I did....I no longer enjoyed my blog. It became a job. Another thing to add to my to do list. I put expectations on myself to produce quality blog posts (whatever that means). I worried about whether it was inspiring and encouraging enough. I started to blog for an audience....instead of for me.

Author John Acuff shared this photo on Twitter last week and it spoke to my heart...

I have a dream to use my gift of writing and I believe that He will (and is now) using that gift. But I am trying to make it happen in my own strength. I have stopped relying on Him. In a twisted way, I have thought that my writing was more important than it really is. My job is only to point people to Him. Only He can truly change people. I forgot momentarily that I am only a forerunner paving the way for the Messiah. I am not the Messiah.

I have been shouting "Hey! look at me. I can help you. I have the answers.", instead of whispering, "Hey! Look at me. Look at how He has changed me. Look at how He loves me. Look at the grace He gives me. Just ask Him, He'll give it to you too. I don't have all the answers, but we can journey together."

I have beat myself up internally for not finishing the series I began May 2010 called 'Overcoming Depression'. I was a slave to my own expectations. Everytime I have sat down to share how I overcame depression, I didn't know how to put it into words. I know that my journey of depression, and how I overcame it will look very different to anyone else's.

The truth is, the way I overcame depression sounds way too simple, you may not believe me. Here is what I did. I made a decision each and every morning to trust Him to pull me out of the darkness. That simple. Was it easy? No. Did He pull me out? Yes. Was it really that simple? Yes. It all comes down to a choice. I chose to believe that He could, and would free me from depression, and He did. Was it instant? No. It took nearly a year from when I first decided to trust Him.

I am going back to basics with my blogging. Back to why I started blogging in the first place - to articulate all those thoughts in my head and to express myself. I'm going to remove all expectations I have put on myself in regards to blogging, and just share my heart, like the good old days.

So if it's OK with you (or even if it's not OK), I am not going to write for you...I'm going to start writing again for me.

Still taking lessons from the King,

Revision: You will find rest for your souls

2012-01-16T04:25:00.000+10:00

While I am having a break from blogging,I will be featuring some old lessons (Revision) that I have learned on my journey. Here is one that I wrote back in January 2011.

I have a night time ritual that I perform with my boys every night as I tuck them into bed. Bed time conversations are some of the most sweetest and tender moments that I share with the boys. It is at the end of the day when they are settled down in their beds that they reveal their hearts to me - their fears, their dreams, their excitement. If I rush this precious time, I risk missing out on hearing things that they long to tell me during the day, but due to busyness and distractions, are unable to, until their heads hit the pillow, and they are still.

It is the same in my own life. At times I am so busy and distracted during the day, that I don't get to tell Him everything I long to tell Him, until I am still and we are alone. I imagine the Father longs for these times with me and treasures them, as I do with my own children. He always makes time for me. In fact, He went to great lengths to make sure that He could have those moments with me, by sending His Son Jesus. The sin that separated me from God before I accepted His gift of salvation, no longer separates us - and for that I am eternally grateful.

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The Girlfriends Guide Book by Marian Jordan - book review

2012-01-13T15:11:00.001+10:00

The Girlfriends Guide Book by Marian Jordan is written as a guide along the same vein as a tourist guide for a country you may be visiting. It attempts to guide us through the confusing, and sometimes bewildering world of female friendships.

The author writes in Chapter 1:

The goal of The Girlfriends Guidebook is to examine friendship from the perspective of God’s Word. Unlike a human guide who can lead us off course, we have direction from God Himself, the One who not only made us and understands us but also is love and who formed friendships to reflect His relational nature. As we explore this topic, we will answer some important questions:

• Why does God give us friends? • What glorious purpose is He accomplishing in these relationships? • What does a biblical friendship look like? • How does God use our female friendships to make us more like Christ? • How, according to God’s Word, can we become better friends to others? • What does the Bible teach us about forgiveness and reconciliation? • When are boundaries needed, and when do we carry our friend’s baggage?• How can we further the kingdom of God through our friendships?

The book advises to let go of emotional baggage to be a good friend. It is a great check up for the health of your current friendships. Because of the illustrations used in the book, I felt the book would be more suited to young single women. What I thought could have been addressed in the book and wasn't is the different types of friendships women have eg- acquaintances, close friends, social friends etc and that some friendships are seasonal.Overall though, it has some great pointers in navigating female friendships. I especially enjoyed Ch 6 - The Top 10 Characteristics of a Christlike Friend.

Still taking lessons from the King,

Thank you, PR by the Book, for allowing me to read and review this book.

It was provided to me free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion.

What's Holding You Back From Excellence?

2012-01-12T11:33:00.002+10:00

I met this next gorgeous girl on Twitter. I was instantly attracted to her witty and authentic tweets, and her love for all things 80's. Please welcome Victoria to my blog today. I know you'll enjoy her post as much as I did!

She is so much fun. My favourite tweet of Victoria's was something like: 'when you are making the bed on the top bunk it is compulsory to have an 80's dance party while you're there.' (My paraphrasing.)

Ah, a kindred spirit... She blogs at Biblical friendship where her and her friend are on a mission to find out exactly what Biblical Friendship looks like.

What's Holding You Back From Excellence?

photo source

What I love most about Scripture so far is the way the shifting of words in various translations dance right off the page and speak to us wherever we are in life. As I write, they invite me dance with them, to shift and move to a different drum than the world beats endlessly. And so we dance.

Isaiah 14:24 is one of those verses that just begged for more than the passing glance.

The Lord of hosts has sworn:As I have designed,so shall it be;and as I have planned,so shall it come to pass

I read from the New Revised Standard Version and I'm all in at this point. There's no way I'm not spending more time here. There's no way I'm not going to take these words seriously, what with all the doubt and worry and hustle that threatens every single God-led step we take. You're still reading, so I'm guessing you want God-led steps to get easier, too.

Nothing makes a thing easier like understanding that thing on a deeper level.

Let's really get to know this verse. We're going to take it out of its original, prophetic specificness and see it as the free standing truth it is, instead. Don't think for a second we're discarding the former to explore the latter. Both are equally valid and applicable in building our faith and God's kingdom.

The first thing I want to look into is that word hosts, because our God is the Lord of everything but here He set out to make it known that He is the Lord of hosts, particularly. In short, the Hebrew word we've translated as hosts“means a mass of persons...especially regularly organized for war” (from Strong's Hebrew Dictionary).

There is a very real battle going on in the unseen realms, and the enemy seeks to destroy. Our Heavenly Father is the Lord over the army fighting on His behalf and ours. He has sworn His plans will stand, and the Hebrew teaches us that means it is already complete.

The Lord of hosts has already completed His plans for you. Even if He hasn't yet filled you in on the details. It's a done deal, your success, so what is holding you back from excellence in living it out?

Victoria is a closet extrovert with a passion for Biblical friendship and a love of all things 80s. She also loves to write with coffee nearby and can't get enough of Scripture and the amazing God who penned each word. She and her husband live in North Carolina with their three wonderfully silly children—who prove daily that the apple really doesn't fall far from the tree.

You can follow Victoria on Twitter and visit her at her blog Biblical Friendship.

Reading Victoria's words reminded me of this song:

And nothing’s gonna hold me back
Nothing’s gonna hold me back
Nothing’s gonna hold me back

My chains fell off
My heart was free
I’m alive to live for you

Revision: Jesus Christ Superstar

2012-01-06T05:55:00.000+10:00

While I am having a break from blogging over the next few months, I will be featuring some old lessons (Revision) that I have learned on my journey. Here is one that I wrote back in July 2010.

Ever spotted a celebrity and and felt like you could go up to them because you knew them? I did. I saw a man from a reality TV at a shopping centre once and went up and said hello as I felt I knew him. Of course I didn't. I knew parts of his life and what his views were and how he talked, but I didn't know him intimately. I didn't have a relationship with him.

I have read 'Fight Like a Girl' and 'Nuture' by Lisa Bevere. In the books she shares intimate details about herself and her experiences. I have watched DVDs with her speaking and heard her on audios. I love her teachings and admire her a lot. When I had an opportunity to see her speak in my home town, I grabbed the chance.

I was standing in the foyer where I was meeting my sister for the speaking session, and it happened. Lisa Bevere walked in. I remember it being a surreal moment and I froze. I didn't know what to do. I was actually in the same room as her -she had superstar status. I wanted to say something to her, but I didn't. I was in awe. My surreal moment was interrupted when my sister reached out and grabbed Lisa Bevere on the arm and playfully said to her, "I had to touch you to see if you were real!" Lisa responded with warmth and grace and hugged my sister saying to her, "yes, I'm real." And then the moment was gone. She walked past us into the auditorium. My sister took hold of the moment. I on the other hand stood there with my mouth wide open, not knowing what to do.

For years I held Jesus in superstar status. I had read about Him, heard people speak about Him and even had a few personal encounters with Him myself. But in my heart He was still at superstar status. I knew of Him, I even studied about Him for a year at Bible College. I was grateful for all He had done for me. But I didn't know Him intimately. To me He was not approachable. In my shame and self-condemnation I dare not approach Him. How could I? I wasn't worthy. I didn't understand that His grace covered my shame. I didn't understand that He desired an intimate relationship with me. I didn't understand that He was so unbelievably in love with me. I didn't understand His grace. I didn't understand that I was made worthy by His blood.

And then it happened. I opened my heart to Him and He walked in. I had been a Christian for over 15 years and I didn't know Him intimately. Oh how I wanted to - but whenever He was in the room I hung my head in shame. I could not look Him in the eyes - I froze. I couldn't speak, I wouldn't dare. But when my eyes were opened to His grace it all changed. I could come just as I am.

When I understood His grace and that He didn't care about all the sin in my life as His blood covered it and He didn't see it, I started to know Him intimately.

When I understood that I didn't have to be perfect to be in His presence, I started to know Him intimately.

When I understood that He craved my presence and couldn't bear to be without me in His life and this is why He sent His Son to die for me, I started to know Him intimately.

When I understood that I didn't need to have it all together to receive His blessings, just like my children don't have to be perfect for me to bless them, I started to know Him intimately.

When I understood that I I could come to Him with any ugly emotion I felt and He would still love me, I started to know Him intimately.

When I understood that there is nothing that could separate me from His love, I started to know Him intimately.

Romans 8:31-39: So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:
They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.
We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.

None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.

Once I stopped looking at Jesus as a superstar and understood how much He really loved me, it changed everything. I now know Him intimately. I have a relationship with Him. And just as I love hearing my own children spontaneously tell me that they love me, I do the same with my King. No longer am I worshipping Him because I have to as a good Christian. But now I worship Him because I know, that He delights in me and wants to hear me tell Him that I love Him out of my own heart. He wants a relationship with me.

Still taking lessons from the King,

I Bumped into the Lord Today...

2012-01-04T07:16:00.000+10:00

Dennis and I became friends viaTwitter. When we started to follow each other on Twitter, I tweeted about how blessed I was to have a husband that cooked. He tweeted back telling me that he too was a husband that cooked. (Yay for husband's that cook, right Ladies?!)

Dennis and his wife partner with a missionary Organization called Healthcare Ministries. Their work inspires me and it is an honour to have Dennis on my blog today. Dennis and Monica are true Prince and Princess Warriors. They are not only meeting people's practical needs through free heathcare, but also meeting their emotional and spiritual needs by sharing the Good News.

Please check out Dennis's blog Med-Missions, and keep this couple in your prayers and perhaps consider partnering with them financially if you are in a position to do so.

I Bumped into the Lord Today...

One day about 8 yrs back, I was walking in Penn Station, New York when I bumped into the Lord. Let me explain. I was going through battle after batlle when I first began my walk with God, that I decided to give up, throw in the towel, and just keep going. I just couldn't deal with the problems I was having and being a new Christian, I didn't know how to do much but complain. Until I bumped into the Lord…

As I was walking in this train station in New York, I mentioned to God that “I was not cut out for this and I just cant do it anymore…I quit” Then I passed a homeless man who asked me for 25 cents. I was already mad, so I shoved the money into his hands and kept it moving. Then I turned back because I knew he had nothing to do with what I was going through. So I asked him if he’d like something to eat. With joy he said "yes" and that's where the plot thickens…

He asked me if I was a Christian, and I said "yes". He asked me if I speak in tongues, and I said "yes". Then he paused..and then asked if I believe in the Holy Ghost, and I said "yes". Hmmmm, now I’m getting worried. Why is he asking me this? As we are in line to get him some food, he begins to speak scripture to me. Everything he said was just lifting me up and I felt a burden just lift off my shoulders…then he hit me with the last shot to put me out. He said to me “The Holy Spirit told me to tell you, man has not called you, God has called you”. I felt like I didnt know what to do. 10 minutes earlier I wanted to quit, then God just pops up and says in “I have called you”.

To wrap it up, I thank God that He is there every step of the way, no matter how we feel. If you ever feel its too much for you, whatever it may be, remember God has called you and He will take you through.

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.{Hebrews 13:2}

Have you ever bumped into the Lord..???

"May He bless you richly, as you seek His best for your life and for His kingdom."
Less of us; more of Him!

His servants,
Dennis/Monica

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Dennis and his wife Monica love God and love people. They are ordinary people doing ordinary things so that the love of God can do extraordinary changes in this world.

God has put a burden on their hearts to “Reach the Unreached”, “Speak for the Voiceless”, “Remember the Forgotten.” Their desire is to to go to bring Hope to the hopeless in different countries, like South Africa, South America, and wherever the Lord directs them.

They partner with a missionary Organization called Healthcare Ministries.The trips are set up by missionary hosts in different parts of the world and call for Healthcare Ministries to come in and provide "FREE" healthcare, and bring the Gospel as well.

Dennis and Monica are grateful for your encouragement and prayers, and they look forward to partnering with you on mission trips that are to come, as the Lord wills. They are excited about this opportunity and eager to see what God will do, has done, and is doing!

When they are not travelling Dennis and Monica live in New Jersey, USA. You can find Dennis on his blog Med-Missions. and on Twitter: @MedMissions

Goodbye 2011....looking at the year that was on my blog

2012-01-03T07:47:00.002+10:00

I have been reading over my old posts and reflecting on the year that was 2011. It has been a year of God continuing to shape me into who He designed me to be. It has been a year of highs and lows, but all the while, I know that He was in it all, and I am reminded that all things work together for my good.

So here is the year in the life of my blog:

In January:

I began the year reflecting on 2010.
I attended the funeral of a friend who chose to take his own life and shared that God is greater than our hearts.
I asked myself 'What do I have to complain about?' and made the decision to stop complaining.
I found rest for my soul by resting in His love.

In February:

My husband and I celebrated 10 years of marriage and realised that we've only just begun.
I shared that some mother's don't play nice and can judge other mums rather than encourage them.
I reviewed the Heart Mender and gave 2 copies away.
After a long period of not being able to dream, I began to dream big for the plan He has for me.
My husband organised a Decadent Day for a Decade of marriage and spoilt me.
I discovered hope amongst the natural disasters that were happening in my own country Australia, and around the world.

In March:

I discovered that I was hot without heels and my 'flaws' are actually unique markings from my Creator.
I continued counting my gifts and celebrated my husband's birthday with a family trip to Moreton Island.
I reviewed Beautiful by Elissa Macpherson who I met in December 2010.
I reminded myself that I am Clothed by The King and not to disrobe from the garments He gave me.
I marvelled at the beauty of His moon...and {Psalm 8:3-5}

In April:

A smell triggered a memory of mu father who died 20 years ago and I gave voice to my feelings of grief.
Our family went to Australia Zoo and I continued counting my gifts.
I said Goodbye to Facebook (again).

In May:

I received renewed hope when I was discouraged with one word - Believe.
I reviewed the book Sam's Heart by Nicole Watson.
I unplugged form all social media for a month or two and in doing so, learned to quiet all those voices demanding my attention.
I deleted my Facebook account becauseI was becoming an absent-parent and said, "Oh Boy's Mummy's home..."
I felt God ask me to slow down...

In June:

I learned some things from my son when the student became the teacher.
I read "The House At Poor Corner" by A.A. Milne. and saw the similarities between a family member and Eeyore.
I counted my gifts of friendship and am grateful for the friends He has placed in my life.
Leader Boy Warrior was Ring Bearer at my brother-in-law's wedding and I shared some photos and marriage quotes.
I shared 5 Books That Changed Who I Am.

In July:

I counted my gifts of homeschooling
I asked the question that had burned in me for nearly 20 years, "Is my Dad in Heaven or in Hell?"
We lost our dog suddenly and I guided my boys through their first experience with grief.

In August:

A wiser older woman shared how we are surrounded by beauty everyday if only we would look.
I wrote a letter to my teenage self.
I was showered with gifts from Him just because..

In September:

I shared how I have allowed myself through Him to be free to be authentic.
I introduced two new family additions to you.
I shared how I was combating homeschool burnout by realising that normal is so boring!
I reviewed Song of Renewal by Sue Harvey.
I struggled with the mission of being 'just a mother' in this season.
I searched for Wilbur at the Beaudesert Show.

In October:

I asked 'What's in a name?' -and reflected on just how powerful the words we speak to our children really are.
I shared how my journey towards healing my body is continuing.
I asked, "Am I crazy to Homeschool?' and participated in a Homeschool Meme.
I reviewed Beautifully Gifted by Angela Bisignano.
I found encouragement for my weary soul in Psalm 103 and wrote a poem while experiencing Burnout.

In November:

I celebrated my birthday and my husband gave me a sword on a life size blog banner!!!
I discovered the secrets behind a stop sign and decided to stop blogging for a while and asked you to help me out with Guest Posts.
I decided to do some revision of my old blog lessons while I take a rest from blogging.
Paula shared on Using Mental Illness as a Cop Out.
I reviewed and gave away copies of 5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Son by Vicki Courtney.
Stacey shared How Creativity Can Improve your Mental Health.

In December:

Michelle encourages us with a poem The Desire to Stop.
Manda shared a post on her journey towards true beauty, Walk on Water.
Em encouraged us not to grow weary.
Chareen encouraged us to Be True to Yourself.
I sent a postcard from my blog break and rejoined Facebook to connect with others with a blog page.
Janet shared an idea about writing a family motto.

Wow! What a year. I can't wait to see what 2012 brings. Thanks for taking a walk down memory lane with me. I look forward to continuing the journey with you as I share more Princess Warrior Lessons.

Still taking lessons from the King,

PS - I have so many that have responded to my Guest Post invitation. I can't wait to share more of my friend's lessons with you as I continue to have a blog break over the next few months. xo

Family Motto

2011-12-26T15:46:00.000+10:00

Funny story...I submitted a blog article to Footprints Magazine earlier on in the year. Janet, the Editor, sent the article back which she had edited. I forwarded to my writer friend the edited article saying, "Hi! If you are home today.....up for an edit? Janet has butchered my post- When Mothers Don't Play Nice. Could you read mine on blog first (under motherhood tab) and then read hers It has lost all my personality. Thanks xo "

Except....I accidently emailed it to Janet, not my friend.....

After I realised my mistake, I thought to myself, "Oh well, it is done now. Nothing I can do about it." I waited her reply. Janet replied with such grace that my respect for her deepened. She allowed me to resubmit the article with a re-edit to fit her word count and then was mature enough to reply with this:"Ok kills me to admit this, but it’s better than my version ;-). You done good! Love Janet xxx " And she ran my article. (Phew!)

Lessons learned:

1. ALWAYS double check before you press the send button

2. Janet is an absolute gem and someone on my 'must do coffee with' list!!!!

It is an honour to have Janet Camelleri guest post on my blog today.

Family Motto

photo source

Here’s a fun family activity that you might like to try after dinner one night.

Ask your family to think about what ideas, values and goals are important in your home. Then simply write your surname down the left hand side of a page, and have the family offer suggestions for words, phrases or sentences that start with each letter. That way, you create an acrostic poem that’s unique to your family!

Did you know that many of the Psalms were written as poetry in this fashion, using consecutive letters of the Hebrew alphabet?

Here’s what my family came up with:

C - Caring for each other

A - And others

M - Making a difference

I - In our little corner of the world.

L - Loving and caring

L - Lord this is our goal and our prayer

E - Everything we do

R - Relies on You

I - In every circumstance

Somehow ours even turned into a prayer. You will be amazed at some of the suggestions and ideas, even from tiny tots!

And, if you’re handy with scrapbooking or calligraphy, you could turn your own family motto into a real work of art ready to be framed– or for the artistically challenged, just print it out with your computer.

photo source

In 1998 Janet launched Footprints magazine for Australian Christian women, which is still going strong! Her first book, “Clues to your Calling” was released in 2003, and she co-edited “DECADENCE”, the Footprints 10th anniversary book, which was released in 2008. Janet's work has appeared in numerous magazines, websites, and anthologies and she enjoys leading workshops on writing and speaking at women's groups. Janet has been a Christian since age 13, adores her husband of nearly 22 years, and has two fabulous teenagers. She tweets here and blogs at http://footprintsaustralia.com/blog; or find out more about Footprints at www.footprintsaustralia.com.

Revision: I Choose to Enjoy My Children

2011-12-21T06:05:00.000+10:00

While I am having a break from blogging over the next few months, I will be featuring some old lessons (Revision) that I have learned on my journey. Here is one that I wrote back in October 2010.

There is one question that my kids get asked whenever we go out in public during school hours. People not used to having school aged children around always ask the same question.

That question:

"Day off school today boys?"

When we first started homeshooling Leader Boy Warrior would answer enthusiastically and proudly,

"We homeschool!"

Then the enquirer would direct their questions to me. The questions would come thick and fast, and my hope of a quick trip to the store fades and it turns into a question and answer time. Most people are genuinely interested, but mostly curious about homeschooling. The boys have been asked this question so often, that one day when we were asked by a shop assistant, Leader Boy Warrior and I just looked at each other knowingly, smiled and said nothing. We were just so tired of the question and the dozens of questions that followed his standard answer, "We homeschool.", that we just let her believe that the boys were having a day off school.

When answering questions I think, less is more. Most people I talk to have a preconceived idea of what homeschooling looks like and it is usually far from reality. And because there is no 'black and white' standard formula to homeschooling, it is hard to answer the questions without hours of explanation. So I give short and sharp answers. My answers are on a 'need to know' basis.

The most common questions are and answers that I give are:

Q. "Do you get paid for that?"    A. No
Q. "Is that legal?"        A.Yes
Q."Are you qualified?" -   A. Yes (Less is more remember. I may not have a teaching degree, but I am more than qualified to teach my children because I am their mother.)
Q. "Does the school give you the school work?"      A. No, I submit my own curriculum that is approved by the HEU.

There is one question however that I do take a little more time to answer and it is this one:

Q. "How do you handle being with the kids all the time?" A. I enjoy being with my children. I do occasionally take an hour or two on the weekend to have a break away by myself. But most of the time I'm OK with being with my kids all the time.

I can see their surprise in me stating that I enjoy my children. In a world where it is normal to say negative things about our children, my answer is not what she expected. To which their reply usually goes something like this:

"Oh I could never do that. I don't know how you do it. I can't wait to get them off to school."

And I see the guilt behind their eyes. Mother-guilt. I see that they think that I am some kind of 'supermum' for actually enjoying my children. I see what I see in my own eyes from time to time.The feeling that we are not a good mother because of choices that we make. I usually reply with something along these lines to make them feel better.

"Oh I used to say things like that too! I actually said that I would never homeschool. I planned my children to be born before June 30, so that they wouldn't be home with me any longer than they needed to me! Homeschooling isn't for everyone. There are some days that I wish that my children are at school, but overall I enjoy it and it just works for our family. Everyone is different."

You can see the relief in their face when I reassure her that she is not a bad mum. When I first became a mother, I had times when I resented not being able to do what I wanted to do. I resented my independence being taken away from me. And I bought into the lie that children should not stop you from what you want to do with your life. Children change your life in a way we never expect. Being a mother is all consuming. The truth is, children are inconvenient and can sometimes be annoying! We are basically selfish and don't like how much they interrupt our lives. Children are hard work. But that is only one perspective.

One woman on finding out we homeschool today said, "Oh I could never homeschool as I am too selfish and love my independence too much." At least she was honest. She said to me, "oh but you look like a real 'Mum's mum" and that mothering came naturally to you." I gave my standard answer to her in response to her assumptions about me, and added that mothering didn't come naturally to me, and that I too was selfish and wanted my independence. But I had made a choice to enjoy my children.

I see facebook status after facebook status filled with complaining that their children are home for school holidays. And when school starts again, there are facebook statuses full of rejoicing that their children are back at school. Not all of my friends have this attitude. This is not about homeschool vs public/private school. There are some that send their children to school who take great delight in spending time with their children over the school holidays. These same mothers are sad when it's time to send their children back to school. These friends of mine have changed their perspective towards their children.

It's all about perspective. The Word says:

Don't you see that children are God's best gift? the fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! {Psalm 127:3-4}

When you see that your children are indeed a gift from God, your perspective changes. Sure they are still hard work, but you see them so differently. When you see that those things that annoy us about our children is often because they prevent us from doing what we want to do, it changes things. It is our selfishness that can prevent us from seeing what we have right in front of us. Sometimes when we are so caught up with what our children are preventing us from doing, we don't see what they enable us to do. If you let them, they can stretch you in ways that will help you grow. I know my children have. I have grown in ways that I could never imagined before I became a mother. I am a better person for having children. The key is to be present in the season and not spend your time dreaming about a season without children. Trust me, the years fly by so quickly and before we know it, we will be shaking our heads asking, "where did the time go?"

I choose to enjoy my children. Do I love being around my children all the time? Sometimes the answer is, "No". But it is on those days when I need to check my perspective. Kids will be, well kids. And some days I would rather not be with my kids. But those days especially, I need to choose to enjoy my children. Just like there are days when I need to choose to love my husband. That 'honeymoon' euphoric love that happens at the beginning of a relationship doesn't last forever and it's not supposed to. Love matures and I have to choose to love my husband. So it is with whether or not I enjoy being with my children. It's entirely up to me.

Still taking lessons from the King,

Revision: Jesus is better than Santa.....

2011-12-19T05:55:00.002+10:00

While I am having a break from blogging over the next few months, I will be featuring some old lessons (Revision) that I have learned on my journey. Here is one that I wrote back in December 2008.

Jesus is Better than Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole...
JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh...
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year...
JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies...
JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited...
JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.

You have to wait in line to see Santa...
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap...

JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?"...
JESUS knew our name before we were born. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly...
JESUS has a heart full of love

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO...
JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry"...
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa's little helpers make toys...
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but...
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree...

JESUS became our gift and died on a tree...the cross.
[AUTHOR UNKNOWN]

"God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life.

God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through him. People who believe in God's Son are not judged guilty. Those who do not believe have already been judged guilty, because they have not believed in God's one and only Son. {John 3:16-18}

It's obvious there is really no comparison. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.

Still taking lessons from the King,

PS-I am not the author of the above. It was circulated in an email.

Postcard from my blogging break - Hello!

2011-12-17T10:27:00.000+10:00

photo source

Hello!

Thought I'd pop my head in and tell you that I am enjoying taking a break from blogging.

So what am I up to?

Staying in my pyjamas all day...

eating mangoes...

enjoying the fragrance of frangipanis...

hanging out by the pool...

hanging out with friends....

living in the moment with my loved ones....

reading novels...

.....enjoying summer and all that it brings.

Have you been enjoying all the guest posts?

I sure have!!

Stay tuned....there are so many more amazing guest posts to come.

I also have a few book reviews I will be posting too.

In other news......I have made peace with Facebook

and after a 7 month sabbatical...

(or rather after deleting my Facebook account)

I have rejoined Facebook.

I have learned so much during my no Facebook season

about myself...

about social media...

about real friends...

about quieting all the voices that demand to be heard...

about listening for His whisper above anything else.

I am back on Facebook with boundaries.

I will only be adding friends to my personal profile that I am friends with in real life.

I have set up a Facebook page for my blog that I'd love to connect with you there.

Come and 'like' my page.

I can't wait to see you there!

I will be sharing links to blogs that encourage me...

Quotes that inspire me....

...moments that make my heart smile!

As a Christmas present to me,

would you share this Facebook page with women in your world

you think may need encouragement and to find hope in Him?

It would mean so much to me. {Thank you!}

I am looking forward to blogging again in February 2012.

I have so much on my heart to share...

I want to continue telling my story on how I overcome depression.

I want to continue sharing my brokenness and just how much He loves me regardless.

I want most of all want to encourage YOU.....

that's the reason I write.

I value and love you all and pray you have a Christmas filled with much peace, love and joy

{even amongst family dysfunction *smile*}

Still taking lessons from the King,

Be true to yourself

2011-12-14T20:19:00.000+10:00

I don't know about you, but I have found so much encouragement from all of the guest posts on my blog of late! This next post is no exception. I found myself nodding along as I read Chareen's words in this post. I have fallen into the same traps as a homeschool mum. It is with great pleasure that I have Chareen, a seasoned homeschooler, share her wisdom today. I know it will encourage you as it did me.

A few weeks ago when I visited Princess Warrior Lessons and saw Jo asking for guest writers to her blog as she takes some time to rest my heart leapt with in me. “Lord I would love to do something like that….”

After a few days I finally built the courage to email Jo. Jo’s response was “As you are a seasoned homeschooler, how about a post encouraging another homeschool mum when things get tough? Or what about gems of wisdom I'm sure you could share on motherhood? Something that is close to your heart.”

This weekend while spending time with my sister she encouraged me saying: “Be true to yourself.” I have really been struggling with feelings of insecurity, yes even after 14 years of homeschooling!

As I went through my week my heart kept reaching for His. “Lord why do I feel this way ?”

and His reply kept echoing. “Be True To YOURSELF”

“But Lord WHAT does that have to do with the way I feel ??”

One of the root causes of my heartache was feeling as though I had somehow failed. I wondered why I felt this way? I have two children that have completed homeschool and are finding themselves and their place in the wider world and yet I feel as though I have not accomplished / completed something important.

As I pondered my feelings and via a conversation with a friend it became clearer. When I started homeschooling I was full of excitement and anticipation. I attended any and all homeschool meetings and listened avidly to all the conversations, diligently sought advice on different issues, carefully looked over anything new on the market, attended all the homeschool trips that fit our very tight budget and constantly strived to grow. It was all new and exhilarating. I looked forward to each monthly meeting, any homeschool conference and the fortnightly homeschool co-op meetings. Each time I heard what someone was doing that sounded wonderful I had added it to my list of what we were doing. I loved the results of what each of these families were doing and wanted that fruit for my family. As the years went by I began to become bone weary.

“Oh Lord I am sooo very tired, I just can’t anymore….”

The Lords answer was to pick me up and move me to another country…. New Zealand to Australia.

Over time my strength returned but my heart still ached with inadequacy and His voice this week keeps saying: “Be true to YOURSELF”

I have spent the last week meditating on His words to my spirit and looking back it has become clearer. I now know what He is saying to my heart. Each time I had attended a meeting I would take each of the homeschool Mom’s who in my eyes were successful and given them a place of authority in my life. I had taken their family vision and tried to add it to mine. I had given them too much authority to speak into my life. I had not taken the new idea to the Lord in prayer and had not asked Him if it was for us.

I now realise that if the Lord wanted ALL those things for my children He would have placed my children in those families. He did not. He chose my family and I had not been TRUE to myself and who HE had made me. I had added all these carbon copies and the burden was too heavy for me and for my children. I had been trying to mold myself to look like these super successful homeschool Moms.

In Colossians 3:1 it says: Set your hearts on things above. This is the key that is setting me free and healing my heart. I need to focus on Him and His design for my family and not strive in the flesh to perform. I had been trying to do all these things to be successful in the worlds eyes and had taken my eyes off HIM.

He has been reminding me to ask Him and He will show me. I need to Trust in Him with all of my heart and lean not on my own understanding. As I acknowledge Him in ALL my ways He will make my path straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6).

My encouragement to you is to take your eyes off your homeschool friends (especially the super successful ones), homeschool leaders and the latest trend and place them firmly on your Lord. He has a plan for you and it is a good plan.

In His word this week He reminded me: Come to me all you who are heavy laden and find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28-30). If you are exhausted or feeling overwhelmed take some time. STOP what you are doing and write a list. Prayerfully take it before your Heavenly Father and seek His heart for your family. Be TRUE to yourself and who He has made you. When He formed you He placed within you all you would need through Him to succeed at the task He has placed before you.

Blessings

Chareen is a South African born, Kiwi living in beautiful Victoria Australia with her Zoo Keeper husband Paul and their three Children Mr T18, Miss J 16 and Sir N who is 6. She has home educated her first two children for 13 years and just embarked afresh on the home school journey with her youngest son. She is passionate about supporting and encouraging homeschool Mom's on their journey. Chareen is an avid lover of good books and great read alouds and enjoys scrapbooking, card making and the Word of the Lord. She blogs about her journey as a Wife, Mother, Homeschooler, Daughter and Friend over at Every Bed of Roses.

don’t grow weary

2011-12-13T11:23:00.000+10:00

Ah! The blogging community. I love it. It is where I 'met' this little lady. Visiting her blog is like breath of fresh air and I always leave feeling encouraged and refreshed. It is with great pleasure that I have Em on my blog today. She shares the same heartbeat for Him as I do, and walks beautifully in the unforced rhythms of His grace. Speaking of beauty....be sure to read this post of Em's on that subject.

Hello beautiful readers!

What an honor it is to be here, guest posting for Jo!

She will laugh and tell you that I freaked out a little when she emailed to ask. What to share? How to write?

photo source

I wanted to leave her readers with just a little taste of how I feel after I read one of her Princess Warrior Lessons. She told me I share the same heartbeat as her… one for our Creator, our Lover, our Fixer-Upper-er, our God :)

So I thought I’d leave you with a little of what’s been the rhythm of my heart in this season, or what has been keeping it beating!

And I pray as you read, that you would feel the steady beat of those rhythms of Grace that Jo walks to so readily.

You will find me walking to the same beat, in a season of mothering three beautiful children 5 and under, in my seventh year of marriage (and no sign of any itch!), and in a very ‘spring’ season with God. New growth, visible change, and lightness of heart.

Despite the spring, there has been a lot of trial. A lot of test. A lot of trust.

It has not been easy. I guess there are growing pains, there are financial issues, and there is the day-to-day plod of just doing the mum-thing, the wife-thing. There is all of that.

A verse that is like a melody in my heart is from Galatians 6:9

“So let’s not lose heart and grow weary and faint in doing right, for in due time we will reap a harvest of blessing”

Steady.

Holding on to faith; even if it’s the last scrap, and by your fingernails.

Just doing what is right…

Even when no one else is

Even when no one else notices

Even when it’s the [much] harder option.

There will be blessing. A harvest of it.

Just keep going.

Your doing right, at this moment, could just mean tidying the house, when you would rather be flying off the handle at your husband for leaving his clothes on the floor.

Or mean being consistent in discipline with your children, when it’s easier to turn a blind eye, or surrender the battle.

When it means paying off the credit card, instead of burying your head in the sand.

Speaking the truth, even when it hurts.

Whatever your right is, don’t grow weary.

This is the beat of my heart. Just don’t grow weary. Rest in Him.

Keep that belt of truth around your waist.

The way the belt kept the amour of a Roman soldier all together, and in place; it’s what will keep everything together in your life.

Truth. His Word.

It’s Life. It has been for me.

And when times get tough, I quieten my soul, to hear that sweet melody play…

Praying that you would hear it too gorgeous sister.

He cares for you!

Em lives in a seaside suburb in WA. She loves anything vintage, and handmade, and enjoys getting a bit crafty. But the bulk of her time is spent with her bricklayer hubby, and being full-time mother of three little 'ducklings' Joel, Eden and Amie. Em and her husband are the Young Adults pastors at their local C3 church. She dreams of finishing a deferred Journalism/English Lit degree, and spending her days threading words together, that point people to Jesus. {Love God, loving life with Him in it!} She blogs at duck-egg blue and teacups too.

Revsion: Should Christians celebrate Christmas with a Christmas Tree with Santa?

2011-12-08T07:03:00.004+10:00

While I am having a break from blogging over the next few months, I will be featuring some old lessons (Revision) that I have learned on my journey. Here is one that I wrote back in December 2010.

I am not going to get into the debate that I see in Christian circles at Christmas time. I'm really not. I am actually disturbed by what I see going around on Face book, Twitter, blogs & forums at this time of the year. I guess I just couldn't turn a blind eye any longer.

So I am going to jump on my soapbox and tell you what I think about the issues that are up for debate. What on earth am I talking about you may ask? Well, 3 things really.

1. Santa has no place in Christmas

2. The Christmas Tree has no place in Christmas

3. Christmas should not be celebrated by Christians

These issues have been debated over and over and over. I have chosen not to participate in any debates on such topics as I find the threads can get judgemental, critical and down right nasty.

My concern with these debates is that they do nothing to glorify God. In fact, some of them are downright embarrassing and make me cringe that Christians act in such a way towards each other. I don't think participating in such debates makes one a good ambassador for Christ. And whether we like it or not, unbelievers are watching us. Are we representing Christ well?

Paul says this to the Body of Christ:

Romans 12:10- Love each other like brothers and sisters. Give each other more honor than you want for yourselves.

Ephesians 4:2- Always be humble, gentle, and patient, accepting each other in love.

Jesus himself tells his disciples and therefore us, if we are His disciples:

John 13:34-35- "I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other."

I heard an amazing message in church today about how Jesus never said what He was against, just what He was for. And what was He for? He was for love, hope, freedom, truth and life through HIM! He didn't go around telling us what we are doing wrong. The Law already did that for us. But He came to free us from the Law to live in His Grace.

So why are Christians going around telling everyone what they are against? I tell you, unbelievers looking on at these debates would not see becoming a Christian as an attractive proposition, if this is the way we treat each other. If we tell other Christians how they should (or whether or not they should) celebrate Christmas, and everything that is wrong with Christmas, we are putting regulations and rules back on their life. Paul says:

Romans 14:1-5- Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.

What seems wrong in the eyes of one person, can be completely harmless to another. One Christian family may find Santa offensive and be horrified by the fat jolly man that has hijacked Christmas, banning anything with Santa on it from their house. Another family may love Jesus with all their heart and teach their children that Christmas is a day to celebrate Jesus' birth, but still 'play' Santa to their children. So who is right? Well, both are really. Because they are both fully convinced in their own eyes.

In my own house, we have chosen not to 'play' Santa (or the tooth fairy, and Easter bunny) as we didn't want to lie to our children. On a personal note, I remember adults taking great pleasure in convincing me that things were real, (not Santa, but other things), knowing that children are gullible and trusting. I often found myself crushed when I found out that certain things that I was convinced were the truth, were only made up by an adult to make me look and feel stupid. I didn't want to lie to my children.

On saying that though, that is my personal experience. And I have no problem with other Christians 'playing' Santa to their own children. Everyone must make their own decisions for their families. I have no problem with my own children going and saying hello to Santa, if they choose to, at the shopping centre. The Boy Warriors know that he is just another fictional character. We even bought Santa hats just for fun the other day and the Boy Warriors have had a great time dressing up in them. Just like my children might want to dress up like a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, they also thought they may like to dress up as Santa. In their eyes, they are both fictional characters.

As for the Christmas tree having it's roots in paganism as an object of worship - it doesn't matter to my family. In my house decorating the Christmas Tree has become a great bonding time for our family. It adds to the excitement and anticipation of the upcoming Celebration of Jesus' birth on Christmas Day. Looking at the tree each night with the lights twinkling and all decorated gives us such great pleasure!

Which brings me to the celebrating of Christmas. Yes, I know that December 25th is not Jesus' actual date of birth. And yes, I know that it was a Pope that decided the date of Christmas should coincide with a pagan feast day. I also know that there is nothing in the bible telling us to celebrate Jesus' birth. These facts are irrelevant to me, and do you know why? Because in our family, we set aside December 25th to celebrate Jesus' birth. When we celebrate Christmas it is not to participate in pagan worship. We don't worship the tree. Just the One who hung on a tree for us. Christmas Day might not be Jesus' date of birth, but it his party date for our family. Just like when one of my children's birthday may fall on a weekday, but we don't celebrate it with a party until the weekend.

So whether you choose to celebrate Christ's birth on December 25th or another day, or not - with or without a Christmas tree or Santa, I hope that you can respect the fact that not everyone will agree with your choices. I know that not everyone will agree with the choices my family has made. But please, for His sake - can we stop debating these topics and just love each other?

I'll get off my soapbox now.

I hope and pray that you and your loved ones have an amazing day December 25th, however you choose to spend it.

Still taking lessons from the King,

NB -If you choose to comment on this post, I reserve the right not to publish your comment if you intend to continue the debates that I have addressed in this post. Such debates have no place on this blog.
(To read more about these debates READ THIS.)

Walk on Water

2011-12-07T07:00:00.002+10:00

Ever read a blog and thought, "This girl just gets me!". I have. When I read Manda's blog, I feel exactly like that. In her vulnerable, raw and often transparent posts, I see myself over and over.

Our lives might be worlds apart, but underneath we are the same - two women desperately in need of His grace, determined to hold onto Him, and live our lives the best we can in our brokenness. I am very excited to have Manda share her heart and bear her soul today on my blog. After you have read this you will see why.

Husband stares at me longingly. I can tell by his gaze that he is saving this moment in his memory bank. Taking in as much as he can. "I can get lost in your eyes and spend my entire day admiring your beauty."

"Really?" After 15 years of affirmations being showered upon me, I still question the why. Responses wrapped in hesitation and uncertainty. I'm only starting to understand the reasons for my unbelief.

It feels like I'm spotting the glorious horizon after spending decades in the ocean. Swallowed up. Thrashing about the mighty waves of insecurity, fear, and lies. Those powerful slashing lies that slither their way in and say "you are never going to be enough". I've been drowning in doubt desperate to stay afloat.

"Yes, really." He states gently with broken-hearted concern.

"I have a hard time believing that" I'm honest with my reply.

"Well, Sweetheart that is something you need to work out. I told you my truth."

Husband's truth is my obstacle.

I am becoming more and more aware that this is immensely personal but also immensely universal among women. Our feminine design has a passionate heart that earns for love and beauty. We feel it from a very young age. Our deep desire to be beautiful in the unveiling of who we really are. It is rooted into the core of our being.

Not just to be beautiful, but to simply be BEAUTY. In every facet of the word.

We were made to be seen. Known. Cherished. Loved.

It's okay to want it!

There is no flaw in His handiwork. In His fashioning of us.

When I look out past the endless waters of ocean deep, I see the celestial sphere. Land to place me feet.

I know my Saviour is waiting ever so mercifully. The lover of my soul who wants more then my heart. He wants my life.

When I'm brave enough to ask Him, I call out "And you, Jesus? Do you think I'm beautiful?" tears flow salty. "With my self-inflicted flaws, dirty hands, and this sad grimy heart... Do you still think I'm beautiful?"

I listen. I hear. He whispers soothingly "Yes, I do. All of it is beauty to me." He knows I don't quite believe Him, but He is patient and good.

No condemnation for unbelief. No condemnation in Jesus.

He is teaching me I don't need to make my way to the land of wholeness when I serve a God who walks on water. A Saviour who rescues. I'm not journeying alone.

He wants me to believe. In Him. In who He created me to be. His encapsulating love.

He wants me to grab hold of the faith He's given me, to step out of this raft which is made up of self-condemning thoughts and lies. Reach for His hand and walk on water over to the promised land. That sweet grace-filled horizon.

With the crashing waves of fear, insecurity, and unbelief beneath my feet, I rise above.

"I'm figuring it out. It will come. You will come to my rescue." I say this quietly under-breath . For only me and Him to hear.

Belief. In my God-given Beauty. Will. Come.

How about you, do you find it hard to see your own beauty?

Manda is a chocolate connoisseur who treads ground as a runner on Canadian soil to keep the calories down. She fully embraces the messiness of life and finds deep joy in sharing her passion for others to walk in their fullness of Christ &; to live in the freedom Jesus purchased on our behalf. Well aware that sanctification is a life long process, she walks daily by the grace of God. This 32 year old, fun-loving Jesus chick, married her husband at just 19 years old. She is the mother to two daugthers, Anna (11) and Paige (8), and blogs about her own imperfections, personal struggles, faith, and victories at There is a Time.

{Follow Manda on Twitter.}

The Desire to Stop - a poem

2011-12-05T12:26:00.007+10:00

Michelle and I at the Indulge eMagazine launch. We were both in the 1st edition!

¸¸¸.•*¨*•☆☆•*¨*☆ She wanted to be known as the person she was and not who she had become. Until she was okay with who she had become. Then she wanted to be known as who she was and not who she had been. {Michelle Dennis Evans} ¸¸¸.•*¨*•☆☆•*¨*☆

I actually don't know where to start by way of introducing Michelle.....but I'll start at the beginning. Michelle and I saw each other intermittently over a period of a year at various homeschool group activities. At one such activity, her husband offered to watch my then 2 year old in the playground as he was watching his toddler daughter. Later on that year, my friend Paula won a giveaway on Michelle's blog and I realised I had met Michelle before!

Michelle extended an invitation to me to join her and a few other mums with kids in the park weekly. Through this weekly gathering, I had the privilege of cultivating a friendship with Michelle. It was a time in my life where I had very little friends. Michelle was the first person in a long time who had befriended me without any motive. She loved me where I was at and without any expectations from me. In a season when I felt invisible, Michelle saw me .

Michelle has a gentle way of making you feel normal in your struggles, and in the past where I have found condemnation and judgement from others, she has shown me nothing but grace. In her wisdom she challenges me at times, and always encourages me in my journey to lean in and listen to what Holy Spirit is whispering to me. I am honoured to have her in my life and call her one of my best and closest friends. She truly is a gift from Him.

We see each other no less then 3 times a week and when she recently went on holidays for 2 weeks, I missed her dearly! We share a passion for His heartbeat, writing, homeschooling, reading books and drinking copious amounts of tea. Michelle's passion for fiction is contagious, and thanks to her, I have recently discovered the joy of losing myself in a novel.

I feel so honoured and privileged to be a guest here today. After reading Jo’s STOP post, these words came to me. I hope you enjoy my free flowing poem.

The Desire to Stop

By Michelle Dennis Evans

When time surpasses desire

And rest requires action

When the bar is raised again

And expectations are transfixed

When life seems all too hard

But the joys flow in excess

When the rush of the day to day

Takes but a moment to halt your way

When striving has become the norm

And 'flow' runs down the drain

When attention is no longer enough

The audience of One is more than sufficient

When the sky crumbles

And the earth shatters

The Lord is our rock

In whom we can come to

When we need to stop.

Michelle Dennis Evans is married with four home schooled children. She writes to inspire, take people on a journey and escape their world.

{You can find Michelle on her Blog ; follow her on Twitter and 'like' her Facebook page.}

and the winner of the 5 Conversations You Must Have with Your Son giveaway is....

2011-12-05T10:23:00.001+10:00

photo source

Congratulations to the 4 winners for the giveaway:

5 conversations you must have with your daughter by Vicki Courtney:
1. Michelle Dennis Evans
2. Mlle Slimalicious

5 Conversations you must have with your son by Vicki Courtney:
3. DanniiBeauty
4. Bek

The winners were drawn using random.org.

Please contact me by email : joprincesswarrior{AT}gmail.com (replace {AT} with @ symbol) with your name and address and I will post your book to you.

You have until Wednesday 7 December to contact me. If I haven't heard from you by then , I will redraw.

Happy Reading!

Still taking lessons from the King,

Revison: Our Birthday Present for Jesus

2011-12-01T10:30:00.003+10:00

While I am having a break from blogging over the next few months, I will be featuring some old lessons (Revision) that I have learned on my journey. Here is one that I wrote back in December 2008.

We love this Christmas tradition and the boys catch each other doing good things, and will write down something and put it in the box. It encourages everyone in the family. In a month that can often be busy, stressful and tiring, the Jesus Box reminds us what Christmas is all about and why He came. This will now be the fourth Christmas that we have done this.

The inside of the lid

And this is what we are giving Jesus for his birthday......

Since I only grew up with Santa in my house and little emphasis on Jesus. I am trying out new things to hopefully become a tradition for many Christmases to come.

Here's where I got the idea from. And it's so simple! This is what the author wrote:

'We started this amazing Christmas activity last year and my son named it the “Jesus Box”. Every time we catch each other doing a Christ-like deed, we write it down and place it in the box. The box is nothing more than a simple shoebox wrapped with wrapping paper. This becomes the present we give to Jesus for his birthday. What better way to show love than to emulate someone!'

The boy warriors love it and you should see the smile on their face when I see them doing something Christ-like and tell them that I'm going to write it down for Jesus' birthday present. The Boy Warriors even draw pictures for Jesus and put them in the box.

What Christmas traditions have you introduced in your family?

Still taking lessons from the King,

Revision: Our 'punchable' advent calender

2011-11-29T09:12:00.004+10:00

While I am having a break from blogging over the next few months, I will be featuring some old lessons (Revision) that I have learned on my journey. Here is one that I wrote back in December 2008.

The Boy Warriors get to punch the calendar to get their lolly out. This is our 4th Christmas in a row that we have done this. This year, I will make 3 calenders (one each), so they can all punch a cup everyday!)

Look what the kids and I just finished doing! I got the idea from The Heart of The Matter Online.. {I just love Christmas.} It's filled with lollies (candy for those in the US!) and an advent symbol and scripture for every day leading up to Christmas.

Our 1st advent calender from 2008

Our advent calenders for Christmas 2011

Find templates here and here

1. Quarter--A quarter! That equals 25 cents. But 25 also stands for the number of days till
Christmas, when God gave us His best present. Jesus told about one woman's gift and the
way she gave it. Read: Mark 12:41-44

2. Grape Gum or Candy--Grapes make jelly and juice, raisins and wine. But Jesus didn't need
grapes to perform His first miracle. Read: John 2:1-10

3. Smiley Face--Here's a smile! A smile usually expresses happiness. Jesus gave us many
instructions to keep us happy. Read: Matthew 5:1-12.

4. Fish shaped candy or crackers--Well, if you were surprised to find these fish, wait till you
read the story today! Others were surprised to find fish, too. Read: Luke 5:4-7.

5. Birthday Candle--As you know, we are getting ready to celebrate Jesus' birthday.
However, Jesus talked about something else that is related to this candle. Light! Read:
Matthew 5:14-16.

6. Small Bell--You could make some noise with this. But it would not have bothered a certain
man--until he met Jesus. Read: Mark 7:31-37.

7. Goldfish Crackers--These would not go very far if you were really hungry! But Jesus could
make much out of little. Surely He knew how to multiply! Read: Matthew 14:13-21.

8. Cotton Balls--These cotton balls would be helpful in a thunder storm, wouldn't they? We
could use them for ear plugs to muffle the loud noises that thunder makes. But we know
someone who doesn't need cotton. Jesus can control the weather. Read: Matthew 8:23-27.

9. Piece of Map--People needing to use the other parts of this map are in trouble! Don't you
get lost today! Read: John 14:1-6.

10. Soap--Do you like to wash? Behind your ears? Washing turned out to be a happy time for
a man who met Jesus. Read: John 9:1-7.

11. Heart Candy or Sticker--Hearts. Wordlessly, they speak of love, don't they? Jesus spoke
some commands about love. Read: Matthew 25:17-41.

12. Small Cross--We use the cross as a symbol, representing Jesus. Do you know why? Read:
Phillipians 2:1-11.

13. Packet of Salt--Ordinary salt. Yes, Jesus related salt to us and our behavior. He also gave
us some advice. Read: Matthew 5:14 and Colossians 4:6. (Notice that He doesn't
recommend pepper!).

14. Sand--Don't try to eat this! It's sand. It reminds us that Jesus knows something about
architecture, about buildings--and building lives. See His instructions: Matthew 7:24-29.

15. Silk Flowers--Flowers are pretty, aren't they? Jesus used flowers to teach us a reassuring
lesson. Read: Matthew 6:28-34.

16. Raisins--Raisins! Many children are given raisins instead of candy for a snack. That's
because they are a health-promoting and delicious fruit. Jesus told us how we can produce
good fruit. Read: John 15:1-5.

17. Seeds--Jesus told a story about seeds that man planted. Then He explained it, revealing
its deep meaning. Read: Matthew 13:3-8 and Matthew 13:18-23.

18. Christmas Carol--Christmas is just about a week away. And here is an appropriate song.
Sing it loudly! Read: Psalms 100.

19. Rock--A hard stone! Can you change this stone into a piece of bread? Do you think Jesus
could? Jesus was asked to do just that. Do know how He handled it? Read: Matthew 4:1-4.

20. Crumpled Foil--Try to smooth out this piece of aluminum foil and use it as a mirror. It's hard
to see your reflection plainly, isn't it? Many circumstances are hard to understand, but
someday everything will be clear. Read: 1 Corinthians 13:12.

21. Mustard Seed (or packet of mustard)--The mustard seed is the smallest there is! When it
sprouts, it grows into one of the largest plants! See what Jesus said. Read: Matthew 17:20.

22. Dove--We've learned that the cross represents Christ, but do you know what the dove
stands for? Read: Matthew 3:13-17.

23. Scrap of Wool Material--The threads that compose this fabric came from the wool of a
sheep. Jesus called Himself the good shepherd. Do you know who His sheep are? Read:
John 10:7-18.

24. Marble--A marble! Do you know what is sometimes called the "Big Blue Marble"? The
world. God made the world for us. What does God continue doing to the world? And who is
the world? Read: John 3:16.

25. Picture of Baby--Isn't this baby cute? When he was born, he made a whole family happy.
Jesus was born a baby, too. He came to make the whole world happy. Read: Luke 2:1-20.
Enjoy your celebration today. Continue to learn about Jesus--and love Him forever!

I think I just found a new family Christmas tradition.

Still taking lessons from the King,

How creativity can improve your mental health

2011-11-28T05:28:00.003+10:00

Free Printable From Blogs Tea & Me

I love the blogging community. I have friends all around the world, that I have never met in real life, yet share the same heartbeat as me. Stacey Clark is one such girl. We have a big sister/little sister type friendship and I can't wait to hug her in real life when we will meet for the first time at Colour 2012.

I am a decade older than Stacey, yet find myself in the same season as her. We both have 3 young children. We both homeschool. We both struggle(d) with depression. We both need His grace over our lives to get through. One thing we don't have in common is the gift of creativity. She beats me hands down. I am always in awe when I visit her blog at the latest creation that she has made with her hands. She inspires me.

How creativity can improve your mental health

When Jo asked me to do a guest post on creativity I was so pleased (and shocked and over the moon)!

And straight away I came up with the idea to post on creativity in relation to depression and my walk with God.

You see in the last few years I have struggled in a massive way with mental illness.

Why?

Who knows.

Maybe because I was married at 19.

Had had my three children by 27.

Maybe because I homeschool.

Maybe because of the pressure of overseeing 2 ministries in our last church, raising a family, being a wife and remembering that there is still a wee person under all of that.

A person that needs some love and attention.

Me.

Isn't that sad.

The one person who is really the physical glue of the family being overlooked all the time.

It's something we find so easy to do huh?

Forget about ourselves.

{my babies :: Zac, 3, Holli, 7 and Isabella, 5}

So I was diagnosed with severe depression, severe stress and severe anxiety in July last year.

My life was a mess.

I would drive down the street and want to drive into the oncoming traffic.

It was horrific.

I would daydream about self harming but would never actually be game enough to go ahead and do it.

I would fantasise about dying and my husband remarrying and giving my three angels a real mother.

One that wasn't sick.

{shelves I made from a pallet I found}

Now I'm coming through it.

I'm on the other side of it.

How did I do it?

A combination of medication, a great Christian psychologist, sound advice from good friends, the Word of God and creativity.

cre·a·tiv·i·ty

[kree-ay-tiv-i-tee]

— *adj*
1.	having the ability to create
2.	characterized by originality of thought; having or showing imagination: a creative mind

I'm a crafty person.

I create. It's what I do.

To wear.

For the house.

For decoration.

For use.

{screen printed placemats}

I would rather a night of sewing, crochet, screen printing, tunes and tea to anything else.

I like to see something come from nothing.

[You should definitely check out this amazing website, Craft for Health]

Crafting is so amazing for a few reasons ::

You get the joy of living in handmade. Most things around my home are homemade. I love when my children exclaim in delight "mummy thats beautiful". It's a way of making myself feel better. For now. I love it. I used to use shopping as an outlet. And then I'd wake up the next day feeling worse than the day before. Sound familiar?
You have the ability to express yourself in a creative way. A way of saying something that you really can't bare to utter. If you feel like throwing water balloons filled with paint at a canvas you can do that!
It doesn't take thought.. or it does. You have to think about following the pattern that you're following therefore you have no time or space to think about your fears or anxieties.
I think creating is something that is close to God's heart. Something He values. He breathed the Earth into being. Breathed. We are His canvas. The earth is His footstool. Does that not blow your mind?!

That last point, that's what makes it all the more lovely.

It's beautiful.

Having a homemade home makes me feel closer to Him!

And I like that.

{screen printing doilies for padded pot holders}

And that's my story in a nutshell!

The end.

Creatively yours,

This little lady and her sweet family reside in the seaside city of Perth, Western Australia. A suburbia very near the big blue. A twenty-something year old girl living in suburbia. . She loves all things creative, arty & whimsy. A homeschooling mumma of three. Just a simple girl living life the best she knows how & loving every second of it. One day she would love to be a stylist. She delights in making things pretty and looking after her little people. She blogs over at Blogs Tea & Me.

5 conversations you must have with your son by Vicki Courtney - Book Review & Giveaway!

2011-11-26T11:29:00.001+10:00

In her book 5 conversations you must have with your son, Vicki Courtney invites us to talk to our sons about the important issues.

The five conversations are listed below:

Conversation 1: Don't define manhood by the culture's wimpy standards. It's OK to be a man!

Conversation 2: What you don't learn to conquer may become your master

Conversation 3: Not everyone's doing it! (And other naked truths about sex you won't hear in the locker room.)

Conversation 4: Boyhood is only for a season. P.S. It's time to grow up!

Conversation 5: Godly men are in short supply. Dare to become one!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Although, I must admit - I was concerned in the first few chapters. Being a mother of 3 boys I have read so many books on raising boys and Vicki Courtney quotes from all but one book that I had already read. I was concerned that the book would be just be a series of quotes from other authors. But as I read on, the author, with her charming wit and humour reveals her own obvious wisdom on the topic of raising boys, and I am sure she will be quoted in future books on raising boys to come.

I happily recommend this book to mothers of boys. In this day and age of our boys being exposed to sexual images everywhere and can be one click away from pornography, Vicki Courtney gives brilliant advice on how to have these conversations with our sons, and to keep having them. In a world where the gender lines are blurred, the author encourages us to talk to our boys about their God given manhood and how to live it out. Parents of boys should have this book on their shelves. I felt empowered after reading this book to confidentially guide my sons through their adolescent years.

Still taking lessons from the King,

Thank you, PR by the Book, for allowing me to read and review this book.

It was provided to me free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion.

Now for the Giveaway.....

I have been given

2 copies of:

5 Conversations you must have with your son by Vicki Courtney

and

2 copies of:

5 conversations you must have with your daughter by Vicki Courtney

to giveaway!

You can enter multiple times, but you must leave a new separate comment for each entry telling me what you have done.

So how do you enter?

1) Tell me in the comments which book you would like the chance to win- that's it!
and for more entries you can:
2) Tweet this post on Twitter
3) Share this post on Facebook
4) Share this post on Google+
5) Join this site via Google Friend Connect (button on side bar)
6) Subscribe via email
7) Subscribe via Rss feed
8) Blog about this post
9) Follow me on Twitter
10) Put my blog button in your sidebar (HTML code on my sidebar)

If you are already doing some of these, tell me in the comments (a separate comment for each entry remember!)

Terms:

1. Australian residents only.

2. Winner will be drawn at random (using random.org) and posted on my blog Monday 5 December.

3. If no response is received within 48 hours, the prize will be redrawn.

4. Giveaway open Saturday 26 November to Sunday 4 December 2011

Go for it!

Using Mental Illness as a Cop Out

2011-11-22T21:18:00.004+10:00

Photo taken when we spent a rare child free day together Feb 2010

Apple Tree Art

It was only fitting that my first guest post be from one of my best friends, Paula, whom I met through blogging. Paula and I bonded over our personal struggles with depression. We began commenting on each other's blog posts and then made arrangements to meet in real life one day. When we did meet in real life, (and breathed a sigh of relief that our online personas were indeed authentic), a kindred friendship was born.

Paula and I refer to each other affectionately as SFAM (Sister from another mister). She will often visit me and stay overnight at my home (which she refers to as her Retreat) with her gorgeous daughter Jasmine (who I pray will marry one of my boy warriors),and we will spend hours sharing our hearts with each other.

My life is enriched with her in it, and it is so rare and freeing to be totally myself with another human being, and experience such grace and unconditional love. She and Jasmine have become our family.

She recently gifted me with the most exquisite painting for my birthday, titled, "Boldness and Beauty." Isn't she talented? Aren't I blessed?

Using Mental Illness as a Cop Out

I have a mental illness; I suffer from depression and anxiety. And I take little white pills to help me cope with
my illness. Over the last two weeks of my life I have descended into some pretty low places, even having thoughts about "that" but knowing that I would never do it. I have had angry outbursts and occasionally behaved in ways that I should not have. But throughout all of this, I have never disrespected someone to the point where I have hurt them deeply. This I know, because everyone who I have had dealings with over the last two weeks is still speaking to me, and loving me just the same!

The same can't be said for others I know that suffer from a mental illness and how they have treated me. I know that mental illness does CRAZY things to one's brain; I go there all the time, I KNOW! But having a mental illness should not be license to disrespect people and hurt their feelings, and avoid them like they have the plague!

My feelings have been hurt (can you tell?). Someone whom I thought was a friend and a support, for reasons of their own mental illness, hurt my feelings badly. We are now not speaking outside a hello, goodbye and occasional unavoidable communication that we still must have.

As I am a flight person I have left this person alone. But it still hurts. I would desperately love to be a fight person and sort out what the issue is and mend bridges, but with dealing with my own mental illness at this point in time I am avoiding what could possibly be a confrontational situation. In fact, I'm avoiding all confrontational situations at this point in time!

But it got me thinking how some people with mental illness will use the illness as a cop out for not really dealing with the issue at hand; themselves. I'm not perfect by any stretch of the word, and I will be the first to apologise for any crazy, mental illness related behaviour, but I am dealing with mine.

I don't like to be hurt and I don't like to hurt others. But why should I use my mental illness to deflate others? I shouldn't. Should I use my mental illness as a crutch to get through life? No, I shouldn't. Should I put every negative thing I do down to the fact that I have a mental illness? No. But why not? More like, why for? What does it gain?

It loses friends for you, it makes others uncomfortable, it hurts people and it scars! It also stops the person from confronting - really dealing with - the issue at hand; the issue of their mental illness. The fact that they need to actively get help to get better.

Now I don't know what this person is doing to get better, but I do know that I am praying that healing comes. I recognised all the signs in this person as I have acted the same. So, I knew what was coming. But, nevertheless, it still hurts.

If you have a mental illness, don't let it define who you are or use it as an excuse to live out your illness and hurt others. People deserve better, especially when they don't understand all there is to know about mental illness. I'm blessed in that I do know and I've cut this person some slack and provided space. Others may not be so blessed.

Paula is a 41 year old full-time administration officer and solo mum to 7 year old Jasmine. She gave her heart to Jesus when she was 14, but then took it back. He never took His back; He waited and He loved. She returned many years later to His open arms. Paula is overcoming depression and anxiety, and has recently embarked on an artistic journey that has resulted in her work and artistic ability being sought after. She loves Jesus, her daughter, her family and friends, painting, drawing, reading, writing and more. She is continues to walk with the Spirit, and finds peace in only He who matters. Paula can be found at http://www.paulassharingspot.com, http://www.appletreeartbypaula.blogspot.com and http://www.twitter.com/jazzimum.

Revision: About My Father's Business

2011-11-19T06:53:00.001+10:00

While I am having a break from blogging over the next few months, I will be featuring some old lessons (Revision) that I have learned on my journey. Here is one that I wrote back in July 2009.

Courageous Boy Warrior with Daddy's circuit boards

Working hard about their father's business

Leader Boy Warrior hard at work

I love how our King speaks to us through everyday circumstances. He speaks to me a lot that way, much like Jesus spoke in parables when He was here on earth.

Today was such an exciting day in our house. Mighty Prince Warrior has been swamped this week with exta work, so unfortunately, he had to work through the weekend to catch up. So, he decided to enlist the help of Leader Boy Warrior to get the job done quicker. Leader Boy Warrior was overjoyed! He had been asking for a long time if he could help his father with his work and up to this time, his request had been denied. But not today. Today, his father needed his help to get a job done.

So Leader Boy Warrior went into his Daddy's workshed and Mighty Prince Warrior showed him what was needed to get done. It was a simple task, but Leader Boy Warrior didn't care. He was working side by side with his Dad on an important job, that he couldn't get done without Leader Boy Warrior's help.

After about half an hour, Courageous Boy Warrior asked if he could help too. His Daddy said, "sure son!" Leader Boy Warrior then told Courageous Boy Warrior that "it is a boring job, but I like doing it." And so now, because of the enthusiasm of his elder brother, Courageous Boy Warrior worked in his father's business too.

Then my King spoke to my spirit, "Princess, see how delighted Leader Boy Warrior is to do his father's work even if it is a boring job? That's the attitude that melts my heart. I have asked you to a job too, and sometimes it is boring. But I want you to learn from your son's example today. Know that even when it's boring, you are working side by side with Me, and what I have asked you to do is so important.

See how Leader Boy Warrior's attitude to working for his father is contagious? That's the attitude I want you to have. What I have asked you to do is My work. I can't do it without you Princess. "

My King has asked me to homeschool my 3 Boy Warriors, be a good home maker, good wife, good daughter, good sister, good friend just to name a few. Sometimes these things are boring. Some nights I can't bear to clean the kitchen again only to get it messed up again in the morning. Other times I have moutains of laundry to wash, hang out, fold and put away. And it is boring. But I am working for my Father. I don't always have the best attitude towards it, I complain, whinge and moan. But now I need to change my attitude. After all, my King needs me to do a job only I can do. Maybe by changing my attitude, I too, like my son can encourage others in my enthusiasm to also work for the King.

You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know what his master is doing. But I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I heard from my Father.You did not choose me; I chose you. And I gave you this work: to go and produce fruit, fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you anything you ask for in my name.{John 15:14-16}

Still taking lessons from the King,

Stop in the name of love ~ I'm looking for guest posts while I have a break

2011-11-16T09:50:00.001+10:00

{Thanks to me, you will have this song stuck in
your head all day long...you're welcome!}

Lately I have been feeling in my spirit to stop.

Stop worrying...
Stop rushing around...
Stop striving....
Stop the unrealistic expectations of myself...
Stop looking for approval from others...
Stop, just stop!

I thought the stop sign was telling me to

Stop homeschooling...
Stop blogging...

But that was the burnout talking...

As I leaned into Him and entrusted my inner struggle to two friends that I can trust with my heart, it has become clear today that I just need to lay my writing down for a little while. Just so I can get some rest, rejuvenate, relax and refresh my body, mind and spirit.

When I was looking for images of stop signs, I discovered this:

One of the most curious facts I've unearthed in my research is this: For the past 2,000 years, Stop Signs, regardless of the country of origin, have always been octagonal.

Apparently, each side of this iconic 8-sided, cross-cultural symbol of hoped-for stillness, has been imbued with a secret teaching of great import:

1. Slow down
2. Pay attention
3. Look around
4. Pause
5. Look within
6. Breathe deeply
7. Appreciate
8. Move consciously

And so... the next time you see a Stop Sign, you may want to remember that you are in the act of receiving a very ancient message -- one that preceded Starbucks, Twitter, YouTube, MTV, and email by thousands of years. Mitch Ditkoff

So here is what I am going to do between now and over the summer....

Share book reviews...
Share old posts....
(and here is where YOU come in)
Share guest posts....

If you would like me to feature a post on my blog over the next few months, please email me at joprincesswarrior{AT}gmail.com (replace {AT} with @). There are so many of you in the blogging community that encourage me and bless me with your own blogs. I would love to feature you....here is your official invitaion!

What type of posts am I looking for? Posts on

Beauty (in the biblical sense)
Motherhood
Homeschooling
Grief and loss (miscarriage, death)
Depression
Faith
His Love
Grace

but I am open to anything really, as long as it is encouraging and is faith-filled.

It can be an old post or a new one. I would love to use the opportunity to show the blogging community my amazing friends that I have made on my blogging journey.

So, who's in?

Can't wait to show you all off!

Still taking lessons from the King,

What do you get a princess warrior for her birthday?

2011-11-08T14:54:00.000+10:00

If you are wondering what to get a princess warrior for her birthday, than here is your answer: a sword!

Yes, this is what my husband Mighty Prince Warrior gave me as a birthday present this year. And if you give a princess warrior a sword, you need a place to put it right? How about here....

.....on a life size blog banner!

Funny thing was, I was questioning whether or not I should continue blogging the very day I received this as a present. You know those times when you are looking for a sign from God? Do you think this sign is big enough?

Mighty Prince Warrior had been secretly working on this for 2 months and put it all together himself. I was so surprised when I came home to find it hanging at the top of my stair case, that all I could of was laugh! It was so surreal.

The sword is a replica of King Solomon's sword.

I have wanted a sword for so long now....and now I have one!

The sword is removable and I have been having fun playing with it. (The sword is really heavy.) I have been 'fighting' imaginary opponents like 'Hashimoto's Disease' and 'Adrenal Fatigue'. I have been knighting my husband and boy warriors. All the boys have had a turn of it and they think it is the best present ever.

I love so many things about this present. I love firstly that my husband put so much thought, time effort and love into this present. It was literally tailor made for me. It made me feel so special.

I also love that there is now a physical constant reminder on my wall that I am a a princess warrior, and that I am learning to live in the unforced rhythms of His Grace. I sometimes forget that....

Another thing I love about this present is the timing of it. I have been going through a difficult few months filled with burnout, discouragement, frustration and dismay. I actually said to a friend a few weeks ago in a sms, "I feel like I have dropped my sword." I love that God knew that the timing of me receiving this gift would coincide with a battle going on within me.

I feel reinvigorated to pick up my sword again and fight the beasts of burnout, discouragement, frustration, dismay and bad health. Not this sword, but the sword that is the Word of God. Having felt defeated lately in a few areas, I am encouraged to rise up again and keep on fighting whatever is standing in the way of living the life that He has destined me to live.

Still taking lessons from the King,

Burnout - a poem

2011-10-27T11:34:00.001+10:00

{Psalm 31:14-15}

Burnout

Pressure from every side

I feel it rise

bubbling up on the inside

Expectations from every side

I feel weighed down

from what others demand

Standards too high to reach

dwarf me and

I feel like I have failed

Love pure unconditional love

doesn't pressure me

doesn't expect anything

never makes me feel small

God is love

His unending love sustains me

and I can get through another day

by Jo-Anne M Puggioni

{Psalm 31:24}

Now all I am

I lay at your feet

I'm humbled by the wonder of Your majesty

One thing I know I find all I need

In Your unending love In Your unending love

{Hillsong Live, God is Able CD}

Still taking lessons from the King,

Psalm 103 - encouragement for the weary

2011-10-23T19:11:00.001+10:00

I have had a rough weekend battling burnout after a challenging 3 weeks.

I opened His Word to seek Him.

He met me, as He promises to, with these words:

{Please feel free to take these for yourself.}

Still taking lessons from the King,

Beautifully Gifted by Angela Bisignano - a book review

2011-10-17T07:00:00.000+10:00

Beautifully Gifted by Angela Bisignano helps you explore who you are as a woman. At the end of each chapter there are questions to help you think about what had just been covered in the chapter.

Written in a conversational easy to read language, Beautifully Gifted takes you on a journey to discover who 'you' are, what your life story is, and what God has gifted you to do.

The book is divided into three parts and encourages you to inquire, discover and apply what you learn about yourself in your journey. The author acknowledges that as women, we are all unique and all have our own paths to walk, and because of this, must listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to us as individuals.

This book could be used in your own personal journey of discovery but I think it would best in a small group situation. It helps us to take time to reflect on who we are in Him as women.

Beautifully Gifted has the potential, if the reader is open, to unlock the keys of your gifts and springboard you into a better understanding of your individual purpose. It's one of those books that you only get out what you put in. If you take time to reflect with the questions provided at the end of each chapter, this book could give you clarity on your journey and equip you to move into your calling.

Not sure whether or not this book is for you? The Appendix on p183 of Beautifully Gifted provides a self assessment:

Is Beautifully Gifted for me? If you answer yes to most of the following questions, then Beautifully Gifted is for you.

Are you new to your faith and want to understand how God speaks and leads His people?

Or, perhaps you have been a Christian for a while and desire to know how to live out your faith and calling in a more intentional way in order to make a difference with your life?

Do you want to draw closer to God and learn how He speaks to your heart?

Do you desire to learn more in depth about how God has uniquely created and gifted you with talents, spiritual; gifts, strengths, personality, and potential?

Do you desire to understand how you can use your life experiences and tell your story?

Do you want to establish a godly sense of mission and discover what God is uniquely calling you to?

Still taking lessons from the King,

Thank you, PR by the Book, for allowing me to read and review this book.

It was provided to me free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion.

Homeschool meme

2011-10-15T15:18:00.000+10:00

I was tagged for a homeschooling meme by my friend over at Jen's Busy Days quite a while ago (sorry Jen...just getting around to it now!)

The idea is to answer the questions and then to tag some bloggers to pass it on, so they can do the same.

Here goes:

1. One homeschooling book you have enjoyed

You know I read a few homeschooling books that I borrowed from Tracey Little Men in my Library, (whom I affectionately refer to as my Homeschool Guru), about 3 years ago when I first started my homeschooling journey. I don't remember any one in particular, but I do remember enjoying them all. You want titles don't you? Sorry, can't really rememeber any specific titles. All I know is I took a little bit from each book, mixed it all together and developed my own homeschooling style.

I always enjoy reading other people's homeschooling journeys on blogs.

2. One resource you wouldn’t be without

My Sonlight Instructor's Guide. I just open it up and follow the schedule and it tells me what page in what book to read. I love it - I don't even prepare!

3. One resource you wish you had never bought

Writing with Ease by Susan Wise Bauer (and Workbook)
First Language Lessons by Jessie Wise

These just didn't suit our family.

4. One resource you enjoyed last year

The Wonderland of Nature by Nuri Mass

5. One resource you will be using next year

Coloured folders to create lapbooks. I am going to give them a go! Boys have enjoyed collage this term, and I'd like to turn that into lapbooks next year.

6. One resource you would like to buy

No, I'm good thanks! I have all I need for now.

7. One resource you wish existed

An 'Alice' like from the Brady Bunch. How great would that be?

8. One homeschool catalogue you enjoy reading

Sonlight catalogue

9. One homeschooling website you use regularly

Aussie Homeschool...........although I'm more of a lurker than a user.

10. Tag other homeschoolers

Michelle @ Michelle Dennis Evans
Stacey @ blogs, tea and me
Rosemary @ Joyfullmum
Ruby @ Mumma's place
Mel @ sweet blue sky days
Sarah @ Eternally Grateful
Carolyn @ The journey of us
Bek @ Grace Overflowing

(If you have participated in this meme before or are plain not interested in doing it - that is so OK, girls!)

Do you see any of your children in this video?

Still taking lessons from the King,