The Lost Princess by Debbie Beck

The Lost Princess

“Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies.” Psalms 103:4

If anyone would have asked me if the topic of being a princess was something I would ever write about, I assure you my answer would have been “no!” I have never been what most would consider the “princess” type. Although I was not a tomboy as a child, I was just as far from being the Cinderella of my family while growing up. I don’t ever recall playing princess, or even wanting to be one. The idea just seemed too far-fetched. I was not the beauty pageant type, as far as being into stylish clothing or makeup. If given a choice between getting dressed up and going to a party or reading a good book – I’d have chosen the book, hands down. I finished high school successfully, but relatively unnoticed by those around me. Even when I got married and tiaras were the fashionable thing to wear, I chose the old fashioned over the face veil. 

But one day, while being a good sister and babysitting my 3 nieces, I received a startling revelation that has been changing my life ever since. The girls wanted to watch a movie and chose the animated film Anastasia. The story was based on the rumors of a princess who may have survived an attack on her family and was living somewhere in Russia as an everyday person. 

In the movie, Anastasia has no memory of her past except for a song she sings that will later identify her to her grandmother. It is the perfect story for little girls who dream of being a princess. Once Anastasia’s grandmother realizes she truly is the princess, preparations begin for announcing her return and a royal “coming out” party. At one point earlier in the movie, there is a scene when Anastasia as a poor, young girl had looked into an old cracked mirror, and seemed very sad and unsure about the image she saw. After she is identified as a true princess, Anastasia is dressed as a princess should be and then crowned by her grandmother. She then turns to see herself in the mirror, and for the first time sees herself for who she truly is. Not a poor girl with no family, but a royal princess worthy of a crown!

At the moment I saw that clip, I was not doing anything profound. (I think I might have been making macaroni and cheese.) But when I saw the clip of that young girl looking into the mirror and seeing her true self for the first time, I distinctly heard the voice of the Holy Spirit say to me, “Every woman is looking for that moment.” Even though the movie went on, my mind stood still at that moment of realization. As I continued to meditate on what He said to me, I recognized that every woman is a “lost princess.” Though tattered and stained in so many women, stamped on the inside of them is the image of God waiting to be discovered. Only when a woman confesses Jesus as Lord and finds her life in Christ is she able to have the realization that she was always meant to be a member of the royal family of God. Thousands, if not millions of women, struggle each day with broken identities. Desperate to find their true selves, they attempt to live up to the world’s image of a princess, only to continually be disappointed by the natural image they see in the world’s mirror. Wealthy Hollywood actresses and singers are in the news on a daily basis for the drama they are living out in trying to live up to the world’s image of them. They have been elevated to a certain status in society, but have no power or true faith to back up the image they are trying to portray.

It is imperative that as believing women we reach out to others and lead them to the cross of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:12 tells us that every person without Christ is lost and without hope in the world. The foot of the cross is the only place where a woman will find the crown and royal robes the enemy has stolen from her, and again be brought into the royal family as a child of the Most High King. Only in the mirror of the Word of God will we see our true selves in Him, wrapped in royal robes of righteousness and crowned with lovingkindess. 

The next time you look in the natural mirror and are tempted to disdain what you see, stop and take a moment to look on the inside at the beautiful image of God that is there. There are no flaws in His design. You are the apple of His eye and the joy of His heart. Once we are confident of His image in us, it will shine through to so many other women waiting to hear the good news of the glorious Gospel. What a marvelous privilege to carry this message of hope to our generation, “My friend, your prince has come – His name is Jesus.”.

Read more >>

Dream House by Debbie Beck

Dream House

Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. Proverbs 2:3-4

Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. Psalm 127:1

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. Proverbs 14:1

Recently I was driving along and enjoying a praise CD, when I realized that I was not the only one singing along. In my back seat sat two little girls singing just as sweetly as can be. My husband and I have had the privilege of fostering these two little girls for over three years, and trust that someday soon they will be a permanent part of our family. You may have also seen a picture on my page of three other little girls from Haiti that we are in a “faith fight” for, and are planning to make a part of our family as well. 

My husband and I often laugh that nothing in our lives seems to happen “normally.” From the way we got together (I’ll share our story in another article soon), to how our family is growing, God seems to be taking us down the scenic route in life and we are ever learning to enjoy this journey of faith. We have come to understand that it is not important to be “normal”, but rather to allow God in His awesome wisdom and understanding to build our house the way He has designed it. You see, He is the Master Architect – and we get the privilege of working with Him to continue to build and live in the glorious edifice He has blessed us with. 

Now, back to the singing little girls in my back seat. Felicia, who is seven, was singing along with the CD just as fervently as could be, and even Elizabeth who is only 2, was using her best “oohs” and “ahs” to sing along as well. I was so blessed by the peace and joy I saw in their faces as they praised God along with mommy in the car. It was then that I began to think about how blessed I am to live in my “Dream House.” As a young girl, I dreamed of what my home would be like when I grew up. I imagined a wonderful husband, beautiful children and creating an atmosphere that they would love coming home to. Although I am certainly still learning, I can say with joy that I am living that dream today! 

I wish I could say the same for thousands, if not millions of other women in the U.S. and around the world. When we look at the world around us, and even in the Church, it is easy to see that the family is under attack by the enemy and anyone he can get on his bandwagon. The devil is doing his best to devalue marriage and make it seem like an antiquated tradition instead of a sacred, God-ordained union. He has worked diligently to destroy children’s lives, even to the extent of ending them before they leave the womb. 

If our hope was only in the six o’clock news or the chatter around work of the next divorce in the office, there would be nothing to do but give up. But that is not where my hope lies! My hope lies in the fact that I am a child of the King through the blood of Jesus Christ – and He has not given up on me, my neighbor or my nation! It is often tempting to be discouraged by the awful things that we hear are happening to children and families in these times. Even as a believer, I sometimes struggle to understand how so much evil can take place. While thinking about this one day, God led me to a scripture in Romans 12:21. The King James says it this way, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” In the Message Bible it says, “Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.”

The word overcome in the KJV means to “subdue (literally or figuratively): - conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory.” In other words, don’t just let evil rule, decide to get the victory by subduing and conquering it! That sounds like a big job, doesn’t it? How in the world can I, as one woman, have an effect on the evil I see happening in families all around me? 

I believe the answer is really very simple. Think of this – what would happen in the world around us if every woman who is born-again would be diligent in building her own “Dream House?” At the top of this article I listed a scripture in Psalm 127 that spoke of the Lord building a house. But right under it in Proverbs 14 there is a scripture about a woman building her house. Which is true? Both! I’m not speaking of the shutters, doors and walls of a home – but of the spiritual atmosphere that a woman works with the Holy Spirit to create at home for her husband and children. The Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 6 that we are “workers together with Him.” If we will cooperate with Him by meditating in and acting on the Word, and being diligent in prayer regarding ourselves and our families, we can build a “Dream House” that will affect not only our own lives, but the lives of other families and folks around us. 

By the grace of God, I am building my “Dream House” and it is noticeable to others around my family. I have become accustomed to people coming up to me in grocery stores and restaurants and commenting on our children’s good behavior, and their beautiful smiles and laughter that often bring joy even to strangers that we meet. My husband and I often get smiles and friendly glances from people who hear us laughing and picking on each other as we hold hands at a restaurant table. In a world where disorder and despair seem to be ruling, God can use your family as a light to those who sit in gross darkness, waiting for someone to bring them the hope of Jesus Christ. 

So, I challenge every woman who reads this article to begin today to build her “Dream House.” I warn you, it will take some work and diligence! I encourage you to begin to read and meditate on Proverbs 31 and see yourself in that passage. At first when you read it, it’s almost intimidating. The woman described is quite a lady! What you must do is read it in faith and choose to believe that you are already that Godly woman in Jesus Christ! That woman who builds her “Dream House” through the wisdom of God and the help of the Holy Ghost is on the inside just waiting to get out. What an amazing opportunity we have to overcome evil with the good that we can do right inside the walls of our home. It is the kind of goodness – Godly goodness – that will spread beyond those walls and begin to affect the lives of others in your churches, schools, workplaces, communities, and maybe even around the world. 

Read more >>

Beyond My Years by Debbie Beck

Beyond My Years

I sat down recently and made a very interesting list. It wasn’t a grocery list or a school supplies list, or even a To Do List (aren’t those our favorites? Ouch!). It was a list of women who have influenced me in some special and meaningful way during my adult life. Each of them is older than me with lives full of amazing experiences. They are women who are faithful wives to their husbands. Some are mothers who have raised her children well. Others are ministers who have given their lives in service to the Kingdom. Their careers are varied: a doctor, traveling ministers, a school teacher, pastors/pastor’s wives, a nurse’s aid, missionaries, and one dear lady I met so briefly that I don’t even know her name, much less what her career was. I could not identify her today, but almost 20 years ago she spoke such powerful words to me in just a few moments that they still guide some of my decisions and behaviors today. Some of these precious women I am privileged know personally, while a couple of them are mentors through their books and CD’s. I cannot say that I am particularly close to most of them in the natural as far as what society would deem close. For the most part they are people that I see occasionally, if at all. I’ve never been to most of their homes, can’t tell you what kind of cars they drive, or what their favorite colors or foods are. Yet somehow these women have had a profound and lasting impact on my life through their words and godly examples of what it means to be a Christian woman, wife, mother and minister.

I am a person who likes to learn, so I work hard at recognizing when I am in the presence of someone who has something valuable to teach me. It is a discipline to learn to tame your tongue and open your ears so that the words of wisdom that God has for you can come rolling out of those who have gone before us. I am a young wife, a young mom, and relatively young in the ministry. I have years of road ahead of me that others have already covered. If I take the time to look carefully, in the places that look new to me I can see paths that have already been well traveled by the women of God who have been there before me and made it successfully through. These are the women spoken of in Titus 2:3-5 (God’s Word Translation).

“Tell older women to live their lives in a way that shows they are dedicated to God. Tell them not to be gossips or addicted to alcohol, but to be examples of virtue. In this way they will teach young women to show love to their husbands and children, to use good judgment, and to be morally pure. Also, tell them to teach young women to be homemakers, to be kind, and to place themselves under their husbands’ authority. Then no one can speak evil of God’s word.” 

What an awesome assignment! To think that God could use a woman, dedicated to Him, who has gone ahead of us in the faith to teach us principles that will ensure that that no one can ever speak evil of God’s Word based on our homes, marriages, children, ministries, etc. What a legacy of faith and power these special women have!

But don’t be fooled by their outward appearance. We’re not looking for superstars by the world's standards; we’re looking for women of faith, love and purity. They are women courageous enough to tell us when we’re going down the wrong path. They possess the passion to stop us in our tracks and give us the truth, even when it’s going to hurt. They are the women who still believe the Word of God for what it says in the face of a society that mocks words like ‘commitment’ and ‘submission.’ They are women whose encouraging words are often the lighthouses we need in dark and stormy times in our lives. They are women humble enough to share their own failures and weaknesses so that we won’t fall prey to the same traps. They are women secure enough in Christ to cheer us on in our destinies and encourage us to go even further then they have gone. 

The sum total of what they have taught me cannot be shared in one article. To stop and think about it brings tears to my eyes and a warmth in my heart that few thoughts evoke. I am blessed in so many ways today simply because I am the humble recipient of the love and gracious teachings of women who are beyond my years. Their prayers, teachings, smiles, hugs, phone calls, and uplifting words have not only made my life better; they have helped make my life! In many ways I am the woman, wife, mother and minister I am today because they have willingly opened their hearts to me and so many others. Whether from a pulpit, a book, or face to face, they have given me treasury of wisdom to glean from and pass on to my own daughters. 

I believe that God has provided this same opportunity for every Christian woman who longs to learn and grow in her everyday “faith life.” That is what makes the Body of Christ so very important! We must be aware that one of the enemy’s greatest tools is to isolate us, even in our thought lives. If the devil can get us to believe that we’re all alone and no one understands where we or at or how to move forward, we’re in trouble! If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not alone. In I Kings 19, the prophet Elijah was faced with feelings of isolation and depression. After a dramatic victory over the prophets of Baal, he found himself in the wilderness, ready to die because he was being chased by a wicked queen who had vowed to destroy his life. No matter how powerful yesterday was, we’ve got to keep our profession faith in the midst of whatever today holds. Elijah thought he was the only one left in the kingdom who served Jehovah, but God quickly let him know that there were 7000 others who had not bowed their knee to Baal. 

No matter what you see or feel right now, you are not alone! God has provided powerful resources of faith and love all around you. You will begin to discover them as you quiet your soul and stay faithful to obey His Word. Allow those women of God who have gone before you in their marriages, child-rearing, careers and ministries to speak words of life and correction that may one day be the very lifeboat you need to get you safely back to shore. If you do, one day you will be the lighthouse other young women look to for that same guidance and comfort. Prepare now for your own legacy of faith! 

Enjoying the journey,

Debbie

Read more >>

A Sacred Call by Brooke Glass

A Sacred Call

I have always had a passion for the things of God.  As long as I can remember I have been serving Him.  At church, at school, and in the workplace I have lived my faith out loud.  However, when it came to my home life well, I was just missing the mark.   It seemed like once I got married and started to have kids I became this person at home that I honestly did not know.   That saying “If mama ain’t happy ain’t nobody happy” rang very true at my house. 

During these early years of my married life I began to cry out to God for insight into why I was struggling to maintain godly character at home.  He began to show me that being a wife and mother was more than just washing drawers and filling their tummies.  It was sacred.  I could actually cultivate and grow my faith through my home life experiences.

   

Have you ever felt like “Who are these kids and why are they calling me Mom”?  Come on you know what I am talking about.  Those moments when you are standing there red faced and finger pointing with no thought to your actions.  Yep, that was me until I had the revelation that I am the thermostat of my home.  My behavior and attitude affects the very atmosphere around me.  I set my thermostat by time spent in His presence and in His word.  With out this I am just an old thermometer…rising and falling with whatever is going on at that moment.  

In Proverbs 14:1 it says, “Every wise woman build her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.”  None of us want to tear down our homes with our own hands.  But sisters if we don’t get a revelation of the sacredness of our call as mothers and wives we are doomed to fail. I want all of God in every area of my life, especially at home.  Won’t you join me in answering this sacred call of motherhood?   In doing so you can build a legacy of faith that will last through eternity.

Read more >>

Watchman In The Spirit by Trish Yanney

Being a Watchman in the Spirit

I have found myself in the Word.  Proverbs 31 is my favorite passage in the Bible and my goal in life is to strive to be this type of a woman. So today we are going to be talking about being a Proverbs 31 woman.  There are many facets to this but the one I want to share today is found in two places in the Bible.  Let’s look at Titus 2:3-5 where the Lord commands the older women to teach the younger women:

Titus 2:3-5

3the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things--

4that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,

5to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.

Also in 1 Tim 5:14, we are given instruction to manage the house:

14Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

What does it mean to be a keeper of the home or manage the home?  Strongs defines the word “keeper” as a guard or a stayer at home, or domestically inclined.  

Is a keeper of the home just a housewife that takes care of the clothes, dishes, and the house?  Is there more involved than just this?  I believe this position is a key to the success of the family.  It was established by God and very valued by God.  I believe  the keeper of the home has been set by God to be a watchman or a guard of the treasures that God has endowed to her.  

What does a watchman do?  The first element of the watchman is the  important position the watchman carries in the army.  A watchman is placed by the army in an elevated position in order to see and protect the army from the enemy.  In order to perform his duties he sits at the high place.  God values the position of the keeper of the home and we must regard this position as a high elevated position.  The world has tried to keep mom out of her place by placing pressure on the family that in order to be somebody you must have a secular career.  There is no value in the world’s eyes on being a keeper of the home.  It is time that we see the value of our place at home.  In Prov. 4:12, it says, “The wife is the crown of her husband.”  We must honor and esteem this high position because it is very valuable in His Kingdom.

The second duty of the watchman is to take orders and carry them out.  We as the keeper of the home are to take orders from the Supreme Commander but also to submit to the commander that the Lord gave her and that is our husband.  Ephesians 5 gives us instruction that we are to submit to our own husbands as to the Lord.  Honoring and submitting to our husband’s leadership will empower him to do great things for God.  

The watchman’s job is to report any suspicion to the commander.  Women are compared to radar.  They have a sensitivity to things in the home.  Because of this we are keen to the things of the spirit and take care of things in the realm of prayer.  Praying in the Holy Ghost will provide security for your household.  How many times can things be avoided in our husband’s life or our child’s life by our prayers.  One year my husband was teaching in the Bible school and I had a funny feeling about one of the female students.  My radar was going off for Bill to be very careful concerning this person.  He was very appreciative and heeded my advice.  Later during the school year this particular student had an issue of immorality and had to be dismissed from school. Proverbs 31:27 says, “She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.”  We must watch over the ways of our household and protect the ones that have been given into our care!

Lastly, the watchman also sets an atmosphere of security in the home.  Why do convenient stores keep policemen in their parking lot at nights?  To provide a level of security that will protect and ward off any intruders that would attempt to bring harm.  Just like the police, a mom being at home provides an element of security for her husband and children.  Just knowing that mom is there will prevent evil from even attempting to come in the parameters!  

Remember your position as a keeper of the home!  You are very valuable in the sight of God.  He has given you an elevated position to protect your family.  By submitting to your Commander and Chief and submitting to your husband as to the Lord, you will empower your husband for success.  Be sensitive to the leadings of the Spirit and cover your family in prayer.  Take your position and set an atmosphere of security in your family and YOU will be God’s “Watchman” on the wall! 

Read more >>

10 Things Only Women Understand by Trish Yanney

Top 10 Things Only Women Understand

10.  Cats facial expressions

  9.  The need for same style shoes in different colors

  8.  Why bean sprouts aren’t just weeds

  7.  Fat clothes

  6.  Taking a car trip without trying to beat your best        friend

  5.  The difference between beige, ecru, cream,                 offwhite and eggshell

  4.  Cutting your bangs to make them grow

  3.  Eyelash curlers

  2.  The inaccuracy of every bathroom scale ever made

  1.  And the #1 thing only women understand:

OTHER         WOMEN!

Read more >>

Tips for Women by Trish Yanney

TIPS for Women:

1.  Single Tip: 

Seek to rest today.  Many singles can fill their schedules with activities and forget God calls us to rest not only physically but spiritually.  In Matt 11:29, Jesus says Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heat, and you will find rest for your souls.  If you find that you have a hard time saying “no” to activities then take out your calendar and schedule a day of rest.  Then when you are asked to attend a social gathering, you will already have plans for that night.  While resting, spend some time with the Lord, seek his voice and meditate on His presence.  You will find that taking time to do this will rejuvenate you physically and spiritually.

2. Romantic Wife Tip:  

As he heads out for work, give him a passionate kiss.  If he wants to know what it was for tell him it’s the appetizer for tonight’s menu.  Make it your passion to keep your husband heart for you!

3. Mothering Tip: 

Read the Bible at mealtime.  What a great way to serve your family spiritual food. 

Read more >>