Tabitha Caplinger's Blog: TabithaCaplinger.com, page 4
May 14, 2018
I have a new project!
Hi! I have a new project!! (This post's title may have given that away already but I'm excited about this so...EEK!) I am also participating in the release celebrations and blog hop for Janeen Ippolito's book, Irresistible World Building which is all about helping you, my fellow writer friends, weave your world-building into all aspects of your story. (Seriously, right now, in this very post we are part of a blog hop. You, friend, are blog hopping. LOL)So, as part of a conversation about world-building and with the final installment of #TCO3Trilogy having just released what better time to introduce you to The Wayward. (This is a working title but I really like it. Also you may have gotten a few peeks on social media through some aesthetics and quotes I shared during #WIPjoy in April.)I'm still working out the blurb so for now just know that The Wayward is a sort of dystopian romance. Wilder and Declan's tale becomes the foundation for a larger story of alien domination and revolution. (For those of my Christian readers think the story of Esther mixed with Hosea & Gomer. I know that all sounds weird but it makes sense in my head and I think it will when this is done.) 
Here's some of Janneen's world-building questions answered in regards to The Wayward. (Above you can also see that aesthetic and those quotes I mentioned which will hopefully give you the vibe of this new project.)1. What universal feelings do you explore in your world building—and why?I love this question because tackling some universal feelings are really how this story came about. In TCO3Trilogy I had an idea for a book and slaying demons and the greater emotional issues of grief and fear and purpose came as I wrote. But for The Wayward I really started out with the idea of comfort and safety and how and when those can become dangerous. When is comfort more about fear? Do we realize that tension in our lives? What is the cost of comfort? Those are very much at the forefront of my mind as I write.2. What cool superpowers does your character have related to your world building?There are no actual super powers, that I know of...yet. However the Necanians (those are my alien race) might have some abilities that make a huge difference for the plot of the story. I don't want to say too much and give away things but these abilities are central to why my world is the way it is, why the Necanians do what they do and why my MC is going to have to do what she does. So, yeah, they are a big deal for the world-building. (Sorry that was totally vague and all but I promise you will thank me when you read this book and are like WOAH.)3. What are three favorite aspects of your story’s culture?(This isn't really three separate aspects but it encompasses a lot.) The contrast between cultures is something I am really enjoying writing. The world of the Necanians and their cities is vastly different from the camps of the people in the mountains. Everything about Necanian culture is cold, monotone, clean, modern. The camps of the Wayward are full of life, diversity and variety. In my early notes I put it like this..."Everything about their tribe (the wayward ones) was an homage to a vintage era, they were like ghosts of an earlier time when the world wasn't lost." 4. Are there any cultural or racial tensions? What are they?The Wayward, the people in the mountains, are looked upon with a certain disdain from those who stayed in the Necanian cities. They aren't given much sympathy or aide because they are seen as lost. In a journal entry from my MC, Wilder, she puts it like this..."When the Necanians first came we were considered nothing more than nonconformists to be shrugged off as unenlightened. Then we became rebels. Not the kind that struck fear but the ones who create a certain disdain in the hearts of seemingly better men. We were pushed back, our ranks shrinking until our exile outside the shining city. We now live forgotten except in cautionary tales spoken to unruly children. We are harmless in their eyes, too few to disturb anything real in their society. We’re now merely the outliers, the people in the mountains, the wayward souls who are lost to a better life."5. Tell us about an aspect of your world that causes problems for your characters. Any dangerous weather patterns or geographical complications?Communication is something that isn't easy for the people in the mountains. There are camps all over but they are separated by distance, forests, mountains. They have gone 50 years without really spending much time or effort talking to one another or feeling like they need to. They are each their own separate entities and so it has made them somewhat easy targets. 6. If you could take any part of your world building and make it into a giveaway item, what would it be?I think a journal or tea cup like Wilder's would be cool. A record player like Melvina's or a blanket like one she would knit. Maybe Korah's zucchini bread recipe. 7. How is your character special/significant in your world building?Wilder isn't special. Not really. No more so than anyone else and I think that is so significant to the tension between comfort and fear I am trying to create in her world. The question she will be forced to answer is, is she willing to step outside of her comfort zone to do something significant even though she doesn't feel very special in and of herself? 8. What was the first thing that inspired your world building? I saw a picture on Pinterest. It was of an old, abandoned church in the woods somewhere. It was a small church with a steeple and lots of foliage growing around it. Instead of wondering who used to use that church I wondered who might use it now? What if something forced people to the woods, up in the mountains? What if groups of people were forming communities away from the rest of society and why were they? It became this story of future people living on the past. 9. Tell us about a historical event in your world which impacts the events of the story.Aliens come to Earth. The first thing I wrote in this entire project was an inscription for a historical monument. "In the fifth month of the seventeenth year of the second millennia A.D, the Necanians came. They are the Saviors to the world, the Bringers of peace and prosperity. All who obey are blessed. - Inscription on the Armistice Monument in Hope City, New Earth"There you have it. I would love to here what you think about The Wayward so far. Are you intrigued? Leave me a comment. Don't forget to check out Irresistible World Building by Janeen Ippolito too!
Write stories with worlds that create lifelong fans and fandoms! Irresistible World Building for Unforgettable Stories contains key methods and tips on how to weave your world building into every aspect of your story, from theme to plot to character arcs. -Use writing prompts and exercises to jumpstart your creativity -Get ideas on how to refresh world building genre tropes while still hitting reader sweet spots -Learn to embrace your inner geek and passions to connect your world building with readers Vivid world building is great. Vivid world building that sells? Even better!Amazon - Goodreads
Janeen Ippolito is two authors for the price of one! She creates writing resources and writes urban fantasy and steampunk. She's also an experienced teacher, editor, author coach, and the editor in chief of Uncommon Universes Press. In her spare time, she enjoys sword-fighting, reading, food, and making brownie batter. She believes that words transform worlds and that everyone has the ability to tell their story. Two of her goals are eating fried tarantulas and traveling to Antarctica. This extroverted writer loves getting connected, so find her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and at her website: janeenippolito.comConnect with her on social media:FacebookTwitterSubscribe to her newsletter.
Here's some of Janneen's world-building questions answered in regards to The Wayward. (Above you can also see that aesthetic and those quotes I mentioned which will hopefully give you the vibe of this new project.)1. What universal feelings do you explore in your world building—and why?I love this question because tackling some universal feelings are really how this story came about. In TCO3Trilogy I had an idea for a book and slaying demons and the greater emotional issues of grief and fear and purpose came as I wrote. But for The Wayward I really started out with the idea of comfort and safety and how and when those can become dangerous. When is comfort more about fear? Do we realize that tension in our lives? What is the cost of comfort? Those are very much at the forefront of my mind as I write.2. What cool superpowers does your character have related to your world building?There are no actual super powers, that I know of...yet. However the Necanians (those are my alien race) might have some abilities that make a huge difference for the plot of the story. I don't want to say too much and give away things but these abilities are central to why my world is the way it is, why the Necanians do what they do and why my MC is going to have to do what she does. So, yeah, they are a big deal for the world-building. (Sorry that was totally vague and all but I promise you will thank me when you read this book and are like WOAH.)3. What are three favorite aspects of your story’s culture?(This isn't really three separate aspects but it encompasses a lot.) The contrast between cultures is something I am really enjoying writing. The world of the Necanians and their cities is vastly different from the camps of the people in the mountains. Everything about Necanian culture is cold, monotone, clean, modern. The camps of the Wayward are full of life, diversity and variety. In my early notes I put it like this..."Everything about their tribe (the wayward ones) was an homage to a vintage era, they were like ghosts of an earlier time when the world wasn't lost." 4. Are there any cultural or racial tensions? What are they?The Wayward, the people in the mountains, are looked upon with a certain disdain from those who stayed in the Necanian cities. They aren't given much sympathy or aide because they are seen as lost. In a journal entry from my MC, Wilder, she puts it like this..."When the Necanians first came we were considered nothing more than nonconformists to be shrugged off as unenlightened. Then we became rebels. Not the kind that struck fear but the ones who create a certain disdain in the hearts of seemingly better men. We were pushed back, our ranks shrinking until our exile outside the shining city. We now live forgotten except in cautionary tales spoken to unruly children. We are harmless in their eyes, too few to disturb anything real in their society. We’re now merely the outliers, the people in the mountains, the wayward souls who are lost to a better life."5. Tell us about an aspect of your world that causes problems for your characters. Any dangerous weather patterns or geographical complications?Communication is something that isn't easy for the people in the mountains. There are camps all over but they are separated by distance, forests, mountains. They have gone 50 years without really spending much time or effort talking to one another or feeling like they need to. They are each their own separate entities and so it has made them somewhat easy targets. 6. If you could take any part of your world building and make it into a giveaway item, what would it be?I think a journal or tea cup like Wilder's would be cool. A record player like Melvina's or a blanket like one she would knit. Maybe Korah's zucchini bread recipe. 7. How is your character special/significant in your world building?Wilder isn't special. Not really. No more so than anyone else and I think that is so significant to the tension between comfort and fear I am trying to create in her world. The question she will be forced to answer is, is she willing to step outside of her comfort zone to do something significant even though she doesn't feel very special in and of herself? 8. What was the first thing that inspired your world building? I saw a picture on Pinterest. It was of an old, abandoned church in the woods somewhere. It was a small church with a steeple and lots of foliage growing around it. Instead of wondering who used to use that church I wondered who might use it now? What if something forced people to the woods, up in the mountains? What if groups of people were forming communities away from the rest of society and why were they? It became this story of future people living on the past. 9. Tell us about a historical event in your world which impacts the events of the story.Aliens come to Earth. The first thing I wrote in this entire project was an inscription for a historical monument. "In the fifth month of the seventeenth year of the second millennia A.D, the Necanians came. They are the Saviors to the world, the Bringers of peace and prosperity. All who obey are blessed. - Inscription on the Armistice Monument in Hope City, New Earth"There you have it. I would love to here what you think about The Wayward so far. Are you intrigued? Leave me a comment. Don't forget to check out Irresistible World Building by Janeen Ippolito too!Write stories with worlds that create lifelong fans and fandoms! Irresistible World Building for Unforgettable Stories contains key methods and tips on how to weave your world building into every aspect of your story, from theme to plot to character arcs. -Use writing prompts and exercises to jumpstart your creativity -Get ideas on how to refresh world building genre tropes while still hitting reader sweet spots -Learn to embrace your inner geek and passions to connect your world building with readers Vivid world building is great. Vivid world building that sells? Even better!Amazon - GoodreadsJaneen Ippolito is two authors for the price of one! She creates writing resources and writes urban fantasy and steampunk. She's also an experienced teacher, editor, author coach, and the editor in chief of Uncommon Universes Press. In her spare time, she enjoys sword-fighting, reading, food, and making brownie batter. She believes that words transform worlds and that everyone has the ability to tell their story. Two of her goals are eating fried tarantulas and traveling to Antarctica. This extroverted writer loves getting connected, so find her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and at her website: janeenippolito.comConnect with her on social media:FacebookTwitterSubscribe to her newsletter.
May 4, 2018
Maggie gives the Avengers Lollipops!
Hi! *waving enthusiastically*This is Maggie and I am taking over Tab's blog. If you don't know me I am a figment of her imagination who started out as a side character in the TCO3 Trilogy but was so awesome that I obviously won your hearts and have become a fan favorite. One other thing you need to know about me is that I am obsessed with lollipops. They just make life better. I mean, think about it, has there ever been a time in your life where eating a lollipop didn't make you smile just a little? They lift spirits, people!!
With that being said I feel like some spirits need to be lifted. I know mine do after watching Avengers Infinity War. (This is a spoiler free zone so you can proceed safely if you haven't seen it but I was shook and need the lollipop-obsessed moment that is about to happen.)So, I thought it would be fun to hand out lollipops to the Avengers. I mean if we are shook then they must be shooketh on another level. They need all the lollipops and hugs they can get! I am coming to the rescue!!!
1. Captain AmericaOh Captain, my Captain. He gets an apple pie lollipop. Get it? Captain America? As American as apple pie? Cuz, 'Merica. We will give him an extra to share with Bucky because I also believe the Captain is good at sharing and would want to. 
2. Iron ManOkay, so listen, after the whole Civil War thing I still have beef with Iron Man. (I was totally #TeamCap) so I almost just handed him cherry cuz it matched his suit and went on with it but I figured I should be the bigger person. So in the spirit of forgiveness I am offering him a champagne lollipop. It seems like something he would like. 
3. ThorHe gets root beer. I think he would prefer beer beer but I'm not 21 and it feels awkward somehow. (I mean, do I need an ID to buy beer flavored lollipops? IDK, better be safe rather than sorry.)
4. VisionI'm not sure that Vision even eats food but assuming he does I would offer him a Lemon Meringue Lollipop. It's sunny and light and would brighten anyone's mood. Also the yellow matches his infinity stone. 
5. SpidermanPeter Parker is too precious for this world and deserves ALL the lollipops. He can have whatever he wants. If I have to pick than he gets a pizza flavored lollipop. It screams New York and I'm assuming he likes pizza. (I couldn't find any sandwich flavored ones or I would have gone with that cuz I know he likes sandwiches.)
6. HulkThe green guy gets a lavender flavored lollipop. It's a super zen sounding flavor and lavender is supposed to be calming so it seems like something he might need in his life.
7. Dr. Strange. Dr. Strange is totally getting a mystery lollipop cuz I want to see if he knows the flavor before he even unwraps it. Honestly, I'd sit there with a whole bag of mystery lollipops and see how many he can guess correctly or how many I make him guess before he gets annoyed with me. (I'm betting the answer to that second question is 4.)
8. Black PantherI took quite a long time thinking of a flavor for T'Challa. I mean, he's a king and he's super cool so he deserves a super cool flavor. I settled on a Chai Tea Lollipop. It just feels cool and sleek and regal. At least to me. Shuri gets one too!
9. The Guardians of the GalaxyI am putting all the guardians in one group for two reasons...1. I don't have all day for this and 2. because I found the perfect lollipops for them. 80's ASTRO POPS!!! I mean they are retro, the name has to do with space...what could be more perfect? Nothing, nothing could. 
10. ThanosOkay, I am sure giving the villain a lollipop seems like a totally un-Maggie thing to do. You're right, it is, I normally make it policy to not give great evils lollipops. However I am making an exception because I feel like the right lollipop and this big purple lug might cheer up and gain some new perspective on life and his choices and the state of the universe. I'm not saying a lollipop can change the world but it's worth a shot. So our big bad gets a unicorn frappuccino lollipop. I'm not really sure that is even a thing, but it should be, and if it was it would be the perfect lollipop to instill joy in a person. Sweetness, bright colors, the word unicorn...someone should get on this, THE WORLD IS AT STAKE!!!!
(Okay, so maybe Thanos might need two of those Unicorn lollipops.)So there you have it. I know I missed a few characters but I have finals to study for and Tab needs her laptop back. Feel free to comment your flavor choices for the rest of the gang. They deserve lollipops too!Oh, and if you haven't seen Infinity Wars yet, go see it. It's awesome! But bring a lollipop with you cuz you're gonna need it. Kisses, Maggie
With that being said I feel like some spirits need to be lifted. I know mine do after watching Avengers Infinity War. (This is a spoiler free zone so you can proceed safely if you haven't seen it but I was shook and need the lollipop-obsessed moment that is about to happen.)So, I thought it would be fun to hand out lollipops to the Avengers. I mean if we are shook then they must be shooketh on another level. They need all the lollipops and hugs they can get! I am coming to the rescue!!!1. Captain AmericaOh Captain, my Captain. He gets an apple pie lollipop. Get it? Captain America? As American as apple pie? Cuz, 'Merica. We will give him an extra to share with Bucky because I also believe the Captain is good at sharing and would want to. 2. Iron ManOkay, so listen, after the whole Civil War thing I still have beef with Iron Man. (I was totally #TeamCap) so I almost just handed him cherry cuz it matched his suit and went on with it but I figured I should be the bigger person. So in the spirit of forgiveness I am offering him a champagne lollipop. It seems like something he would like. 3. ThorHe gets root beer. I think he would prefer beer beer but I'm not 21 and it feels awkward somehow. (I mean, do I need an ID to buy beer flavored lollipops? IDK, better be safe rather than sorry.)4. VisionI'm not sure that Vision even eats food but assuming he does I would offer him a Lemon Meringue Lollipop. It's sunny and light and would brighten anyone's mood. Also the yellow matches his infinity stone. 5. SpidermanPeter Parker is too precious for this world and deserves ALL the lollipops. He can have whatever he wants. If I have to pick than he gets a pizza flavored lollipop. It screams New York and I'm assuming he likes pizza. (I couldn't find any sandwich flavored ones or I would have gone with that cuz I know he likes sandwiches.)6. HulkThe green guy gets a lavender flavored lollipop. It's a super zen sounding flavor and lavender is supposed to be calming so it seems like something he might need in his life.7. Dr. Strange. Dr. Strange is totally getting a mystery lollipop cuz I want to see if he knows the flavor before he even unwraps it. Honestly, I'd sit there with a whole bag of mystery lollipops and see how many he can guess correctly or how many I make him guess before he gets annoyed with me. (I'm betting the answer to that second question is 4.)8. Black PantherI took quite a long time thinking of a flavor for T'Challa. I mean, he's a king and he's super cool so he deserves a super cool flavor. I settled on a Chai Tea Lollipop. It just feels cool and sleek and regal. At least to me. Shuri gets one too!9. The Guardians of the GalaxyI am putting all the guardians in one group for two reasons...1. I don't have all day for this and 2. because I found the perfect lollipops for them. 80's ASTRO POPS!!! I mean they are retro, the name has to do with space...what could be more perfect? Nothing, nothing could. 10. ThanosOkay, I am sure giving the villain a lollipop seems like a totally un-Maggie thing to do. You're right, it is, I normally make it policy to not give great evils lollipops. However I am making an exception because I feel like the right lollipop and this big purple lug might cheer up and gain some new perspective on life and his choices and the state of the universe. I'm not saying a lollipop can change the world but it's worth a shot. So our big bad gets a unicorn frappuccino lollipop. I'm not really sure that is even a thing, but it should be, and if it was it would be the perfect lollipop to instill joy in a person. Sweetness, bright colors, the word unicorn...someone should get on this, THE WORLD IS AT STAKE!!!! (Okay, so maybe Thanos might need two of those Unicorn lollipops.)So there you have it. I know I missed a few characters but I have finals to study for and Tab needs her laptop back. Feel free to comment your flavor choices for the rest of the gang. They deserve lollipops too!Oh, and if you haven't seen Infinity Wars yet, go see it. It's awesome! But bring a lollipop with you cuz you're gonna need it. Kisses, Maggie
April 24, 2018
The Story Peddler
Y'all! I am so stoked because Eden Sword is going to share a May 1st book birthday with not one but two fabulous books! EEK! The first is Unbreakable by Sara Ella and can I just tell you that after reading Unblemished and Unraveling I am DYING to get my hands on Unbreakable. The second, which is the real MVP of this little blog post, is The Story Peddler by Lindsay A. Franklin. Double EEK!
"Selling stories is deadly business."Tanwen doesn't just tell stories--she weaves them into crystallized sculptures that sell for more than a few bits. But the only way to escape the control of her cruel mentor and claw her way from poverty is to set her sights on something grander: becoming Royal Storyteller to the king.During her final story peddling tour, a tale of treason spills from her hands, threatening the king himself. Tanwen goes from peddler to prey as the king's guard hunts her down...and they're not known for their mercy. As Tanwen flees for her life, she unearths long-buried secrets and discovers she's not the only outlaw in the empire. There's a rebel group of weavers...and they're after her too.Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Goodreads
Lindsay A. Franklin is an award-winning author, award-winning freelance editor, and homeschooling mom ofthree. She would wear pajama pants all the time if it were socially acceptable. She spends a lot of time in made-up worlds, and she’s passionate about sparking imagination through stories of infinite possibility. Her debut fantasy novel, The Story Peddler, releases in 2018. When she’s not exploring the fantastical, she’s exploring the Bible and encouraging young women through her devotional books (click here for more information on Adored).Lindsay lives in her native San Diego with her husband (master of the dad joke), their awesomely nerdy kids, two thunder pillows (AKA cats), and a stuffed wombat with his own Instagram following (@therealwombatman). You can find Lindsay on social media, too, if Wombatman hasn’t hijacked all her accounts. She’s @LinzyAFranklin on Instagram and Twitter, and she Facebooks at www.facebook.com/LindsayAFranklin.Want to dive into a new world or in need of a good book? Click the image below to enter to win a signed print copy of The Story Peddler, a blue strand book sleeve, custom Story Peddler bookmark, a fluffhopper sticker, and a set of five mini Story Peddler art prints! (US only.)
Calling all book readers! Join authors Lindsay A. Franklin and Sara Ella to celebrate the releases of their novels, The Story Peddler and Unbreakable, on May 1st! Grab your favorite drink and snack and be prepared for a fun time of chatting with Lindsay and Sara, games, and giveaways. The party starts at 8 PM EST (7 PM CST and 5 PM PST). Can't wait to see you there!
"Selling stories is deadly business."Tanwen doesn't just tell stories--she weaves them into crystallized sculptures that sell for more than a few bits. But the only way to escape the control of her cruel mentor and claw her way from poverty is to set her sights on something grander: becoming Royal Storyteller to the king.During her final story peddling tour, a tale of treason spills from her hands, threatening the king himself. Tanwen goes from peddler to prey as the king's guard hunts her down...and they're not known for their mercy. As Tanwen flees for her life, she unearths long-buried secrets and discovers she's not the only outlaw in the empire. There's a rebel group of weavers...and they're after her too.Amazon - Barnes & Noble - GoodreadsLindsay A. Franklin is an award-winning author, award-winning freelance editor, and homeschooling mom ofthree. She would wear pajama pants all the time if it were socially acceptable. She spends a lot of time in made-up worlds, and she’s passionate about sparking imagination through stories of infinite possibility. Her debut fantasy novel, The Story Peddler, releases in 2018. When she’s not exploring the fantastical, she’s exploring the Bible and encouraging young women through her devotional books (click here for more information on Adored).Lindsay lives in her native San Diego with her husband (master of the dad joke), their awesomely nerdy kids, two thunder pillows (AKA cats), and a stuffed wombat with his own Instagram following (@therealwombatman). You can find Lindsay on social media, too, if Wombatman hasn’t hijacked all her accounts. She’s @LinzyAFranklin on Instagram and Twitter, and she Facebooks at www.facebook.com/LindsayAFranklin.Want to dive into a new world or in need of a good book? Click the image below to enter to win a signed print copy of The Story Peddler, a blue strand book sleeve, custom Story Peddler bookmark, a fluffhopper sticker, and a set of five mini Story Peddler art prints! (US only.)Calling all book readers! Join authors Lindsay A. Franklin and Sara Ella to celebrate the releases of their novels, The Story Peddler and Unbreakable, on May 1st! Grab your favorite drink and snack and be prepared for a fun time of chatting with Lindsay and Sara, games, and giveaways. The party starts at 8 PM EST (7 PM CST and 5 PM PST). Can't wait to see you there!
March 28, 2018
Can we just stop, y'all?
* Warning, somewhat of a rant ahead. Proceed at your own risk. I tried to hold it in but I can't so I'm letting it all spill out. I am trying to be nice and encouraging with it though, so, there's that. Do with it what you will.I am tired, y'all. I am sure some of you are too. I cannot be the only one who gets on social media or watches the news and wants to just curl up and give up and just watch Netflix and forget about life and the real world. (Don't freak out, I love Jesus and my hope is in Him so I'm not losing my salvation or faith or anything but it gets exhausting.)Yesterday I noticed a trending hashtag on Twitter, #HowtoEvangelical. Now, I probably shouldn't have even looked. I knew what I was in for but I had too. Partly because one thing God has been dealing with me about lately is the need to listen to the points of view and perspectives of those who differ from me so that I can learn, so that I can have empathy and compassion, so that I can have intelligent, gracious conversations. So, I clicked and I scrolled and I read and my heart hurt. Here's the thing, the hashtag was meant to bring sarcastic responses. It did. The conversation about white, and really all evangelicalism isn't a pretty one right now. People are hurt and their wounds are more exposed than ever. You can look at that one of two ways. 
1. You can get offended and defensive. That is easy because I didn't agree with some of those statements and I knew at least some of them were from non-believers and so I could get angry and hurt myself if I wasn't careful. I mean I love the church and I know we aren't perfect but some of the statements were undeserved. But, there's a number two here...2. I could choose to see people through a lens of compassion. Sarcasm aside, people are hurting, they have been hurt by the church, by us. We may not have meant to but that doesn't change it. Maybe it wasn't me or you personally but does that really matter? I read those tweets and my heart just broke for those who have been wounded and for some those wounds pushed them away from Jesus and that should make our hearts hurt. Here's the thing, in our political climate we have gotten so jaded that our hearts don't hurt like they should. We jump on political arguments and bandwagons and we justify it with our freedom of speech or a right to an opinion or whatever. You're big kids you know what I am saying here. We are all about being right, about winning the political or theological debate and we forget about living the Gospel. At its core the Gospel is the perfect balance of truth and love. You can't have one without the other. You don't get to speak truth without first loving. (Sidenote here: You are allowed to have opinions. I have opinions. Lots of them. I share them on occasion. I'm sharing some right here, right now. But my opinion is not worth more than someone else's relationship with Jesus. I'm pretty sure I've said some variant of this line in another post but it bears repeating. You have a right to your opinion, to your political views, etc but you have a responsibility to the Gospel. (Now I know I said that before.) The debates and opinions are fine so long as I know that I know they aren't about fear and they aren't at the expense of the Gospel.)So here's my plea. Love first, then offer the truth in love. I've got a Bible story to go with this, in case you were still worried about the status of my faith. LOLIn the beginning of John chapter 4 we read about Jesus meeting the woman at the well. I think this is a great example of love needing to come first. Why? Because while, Jesus spoke some hard truth to this woman He showed her love first. He opened her heart before speaking the truth of her sin, brokenness and pain. How do I know? He went where she was.Jesus didn't have to go through Samaria. Jews hated Samaria. They would take extra time and walk the long way around just to not go through Samaria, but Jesus went there. To this country, to this town where this woman would be. Don't tell me Jesus got to that town and that well at that time and it was all luck. He's Jesus. He knew what time it was. He knew what time everyone else would be at the well. His chances for a drink would have been better served at another time but he came when no one else would be there, no one but her. It wasn't coincidence (again, He's Jesus) it was Jesus caring enough about one woman to meet her where she was in her loneliness, in her shame, in her fear, in her bad circumstance. He stepped outside cultural norms to even be there to talk to her. This man, a Jew, came to a place where others wouldn't come to talk to a woman others wouldn't talk to. That's love. After that He could speak truth to her, hard, painful truth because she knew it came from a place of love and grace and kindness, not some agenda. That person you disagree with, that you debate with, that you dislike because they don't think or feel the same way you do, when's the last time you went where they are and showed them genuine love and kindness? Have you even tried to have compassion, to have empathy, to see things from their perspective, to understand them or are you just interested in making them agree with you?We want to win the arguments. We want to be right. We want people to agree with us and I fear in the heated place our country is in we have begun to lose our compassion and empathy for those who don't. I have some thoughts on what might help. What if we spent more time sharing the love of Jesus and talking about His love for others than about politics? I mean it. What if we fasted all the political posts on our social media in exchange for love, encouragement and the Gospel. (Again, I'm not saying as Christians we aren't allowed to talk about politics. But why are you talking about it? Because you're scared of what might happen? Because you want to be right? Maybe taking a break from it, for a little while, and focusing on loving first might make more of a difference than political debate and posturing. If not for the world, for our own hearts. What if we engaged in real conversation, not just online, but face to face with people who think differently than we do? What if we got to know people who believe differently so that we saw them as humans and not issues? What if we talked to them in a way that they felt heard and cared about rather than us just trying to be right? Let's talk to each other again, really talk and really listen rather than debate and argue. I want my brothers and sisters who are feeling the pain of abuse and injustice to be heard. I want to really hear you. (see also #ChurchToo and #QuietExodus)What if we put others needs ahead of our own and ahead of our pride and fear? What if we thought about how we are affecting others? I think we want to have a positive impact on this world. But we forget that sometimes. We forget that often people begin to see Jesus in us before they will encounter Him personally and the Jesus they see in us will determine whether they encounter Him at all. I am even interested in the Jesus people see in me? Is that my most important thing? My main job is the Great Commission. Everything else is second. I am second. What if we remembered that we are Jesus-followers before we are Americans?That the Gospel doesn't care about your nationality, your citizenship, your political party, your skin color, your gender...it cares about you. It is ready to meet you right where you are, exactly as you are. Let's bring compassion back. Let's stop saying we have a Biblical worldview and start actually acting like we do and treating people like we should and really seeing the world through the lens of the Gospel. Man, I could go on but this is already real long and I think, I hope, it was enough for you to get my point and to hear my heart. At the end of the day I want to be less angry and less tired and more broken. I know that doesn't sound better but it is. I want my heart to break for people, even the ones lashing out or the ones who don't believe like me. I want to see them like Jesus does and to treat them like Jesus would. I want to learn to shut up and love first. To love well. To love deep. Then, when the truth comes it will bring healing and grace and freedom in a way that only God's Truth can. (Final thought: the truth should be God's truth, not ours. I only feel the need to add that because sometimes we get confused. So before you go talking truth to someone make sure you know that it's the truth they need not just the truth you want/like. Okay, now I'm really done. Let's all go have pie or a lollipop and laugh at some funny cat videos or something. Here's a cat eating a lollipop to get the ball rolling.)
1. You can get offended and defensive. That is easy because I didn't agree with some of those statements and I knew at least some of them were from non-believers and so I could get angry and hurt myself if I wasn't careful. I mean I love the church and I know we aren't perfect but some of the statements were undeserved. But, there's a number two here...2. I could choose to see people through a lens of compassion. Sarcasm aside, people are hurting, they have been hurt by the church, by us. We may not have meant to but that doesn't change it. Maybe it wasn't me or you personally but does that really matter? I read those tweets and my heart just broke for those who have been wounded and for some those wounds pushed them away from Jesus and that should make our hearts hurt. Here's the thing, in our political climate we have gotten so jaded that our hearts don't hurt like they should. We jump on political arguments and bandwagons and we justify it with our freedom of speech or a right to an opinion or whatever. You're big kids you know what I am saying here. We are all about being right, about winning the political or theological debate and we forget about living the Gospel. At its core the Gospel is the perfect balance of truth and love. You can't have one without the other. You don't get to speak truth without first loving. (Sidenote here: You are allowed to have opinions. I have opinions. Lots of them. I share them on occasion. I'm sharing some right here, right now. But my opinion is not worth more than someone else's relationship with Jesus. I'm pretty sure I've said some variant of this line in another post but it bears repeating. You have a right to your opinion, to your political views, etc but you have a responsibility to the Gospel. (Now I know I said that before.) The debates and opinions are fine so long as I know that I know they aren't about fear and they aren't at the expense of the Gospel.)So here's my plea. Love first, then offer the truth in love. I've got a Bible story to go with this, in case you were still worried about the status of my faith. LOLIn the beginning of John chapter 4 we read about Jesus meeting the woman at the well. I think this is a great example of love needing to come first. Why? Because while, Jesus spoke some hard truth to this woman He showed her love first. He opened her heart before speaking the truth of her sin, brokenness and pain. How do I know? He went where she was.Jesus didn't have to go through Samaria. Jews hated Samaria. They would take extra time and walk the long way around just to not go through Samaria, but Jesus went there. To this country, to this town where this woman would be. Don't tell me Jesus got to that town and that well at that time and it was all luck. He's Jesus. He knew what time it was. He knew what time everyone else would be at the well. His chances for a drink would have been better served at another time but he came when no one else would be there, no one but her. It wasn't coincidence (again, He's Jesus) it was Jesus caring enough about one woman to meet her where she was in her loneliness, in her shame, in her fear, in her bad circumstance. He stepped outside cultural norms to even be there to talk to her. This man, a Jew, came to a place where others wouldn't come to talk to a woman others wouldn't talk to. That's love. After that He could speak truth to her, hard, painful truth because she knew it came from a place of love and grace and kindness, not some agenda. That person you disagree with, that you debate with, that you dislike because they don't think or feel the same way you do, when's the last time you went where they are and showed them genuine love and kindness? Have you even tried to have compassion, to have empathy, to see things from their perspective, to understand them or are you just interested in making them agree with you?We want to win the arguments. We want to be right. We want people to agree with us and I fear in the heated place our country is in we have begun to lose our compassion and empathy for those who don't. I have some thoughts on what might help. What if we spent more time sharing the love of Jesus and talking about His love for others than about politics? I mean it. What if we fasted all the political posts on our social media in exchange for love, encouragement and the Gospel. (Again, I'm not saying as Christians we aren't allowed to talk about politics. But why are you talking about it? Because you're scared of what might happen? Because you want to be right? Maybe taking a break from it, for a little while, and focusing on loving first might make more of a difference than political debate and posturing. If not for the world, for our own hearts. What if we engaged in real conversation, not just online, but face to face with people who think differently than we do? What if we got to know people who believe differently so that we saw them as humans and not issues? What if we talked to them in a way that they felt heard and cared about rather than us just trying to be right? Let's talk to each other again, really talk and really listen rather than debate and argue. I want my brothers and sisters who are feeling the pain of abuse and injustice to be heard. I want to really hear you. (see also #ChurchToo and #QuietExodus)What if we put others needs ahead of our own and ahead of our pride and fear? What if we thought about how we are affecting others? I think we want to have a positive impact on this world. But we forget that sometimes. We forget that often people begin to see Jesus in us before they will encounter Him personally and the Jesus they see in us will determine whether they encounter Him at all. I am even interested in the Jesus people see in me? Is that my most important thing? My main job is the Great Commission. Everything else is second. I am second. What if we remembered that we are Jesus-followers before we are Americans?That the Gospel doesn't care about your nationality, your citizenship, your political party, your skin color, your gender...it cares about you. It is ready to meet you right where you are, exactly as you are. Let's bring compassion back. Let's stop saying we have a Biblical worldview and start actually acting like we do and treating people like we should and really seeing the world through the lens of the Gospel. Man, I could go on but this is already real long and I think, I hope, it was enough for you to get my point and to hear my heart. At the end of the day I want to be less angry and less tired and more broken. I know that doesn't sound better but it is. I want my heart to break for people, even the ones lashing out or the ones who don't believe like me. I want to see them like Jesus does and to treat them like Jesus would. I want to learn to shut up and love first. To love well. To love deep. Then, when the truth comes it will bring healing and grace and freedom in a way that only God's Truth can. (Final thought: the truth should be God's truth, not ours. I only feel the need to add that because sometimes we get confused. So before you go talking truth to someone make sure you know that it's the truth they need not just the truth you want/like. Okay, now I'm really done. Let's all go have pie or a lollipop and laugh at some funny cat videos or something. Here's a cat eating a lollipop to get the ball rolling.)
February 27, 2018
Wakanda & Biblical Womanhood
My family loves a good super hero movie. We rarely miss one in the theatre. Black Panther was no exception. In part we saw it because we see all the Marvel films and this looked good, it looked like it would be entertaining. (It was by the way.) It was more than that though, it was important. We are not black. (Obviously you've seen my photo, you know this.) But it was important for my two white daughters to see a black hero. I won't say it was as important for them as it was for the black men, women and children who sat beside and around us in the theatre. Perhaps it was close, real close, because my hope is as they see and love Black Panther no differently than Captain America or Thor (and they love the Captain a lot), it will mean they see and love their black classmates, neighbors and friends no differently than the white ones. This film was important. Representation is important. Heritage is important. Getting outside of ourselves and our comfort zones and seeing the world with empathy is important. It was just a movie but it was more, it meant something to people and I felt that. I cheered for that. We should all cheer for that. We should all seek to understand and applaud that.There was a surprise in it for me that I hadn't expected though. The women...strong, mighty women. Because, y'all...I mean if you haven't seen the film then you won't know but if you have than you do know...the portrayal of women in Black Panther was powerful. When I took my girls to see Wonder Woman last year I knew it would mean something to me. I knew it would be important and empowering. (I cried, y'all, and if you want to read my gushing over Wonder Woman you can here.) But I hadn't gone into Black Panther thinking the same would happen for me. It did, because in those women I again saw what I could be, what my girls could be. What we should be. This weekend while speaking at my church, a portion of my sermon touched on ideas of Biblical womanhood. After the services were done and I was driving my girls to lunch I was reminded of the women of Wakanda, and how they were an example of that Biblical Womanhood. Here's what I think we can learn from Shuri, Nakia, and Okoye. 
1. We are strong.They were strong. I'm not just talking physical strength but mental and emotional. These women knew who they were, their identity was firmly rooted in something greater than outward beauty (though they were beautiful). They were not insecure. They were not timid. They were warriors ready to fight beside and for their king. In Genesis 2:18 it says, "The Lord God said, 'it is not good for man to be alone, I will create a helper fit for him." So God created Eve for Adam. To go a little deep here, in the Hebrew the phrase 'helper fit for' is EZER KENEGDO. EZER is from two root words which mean strength and power. KENEGDO means comparable to, equal to. Adam had a divine purpose in this world and God created for him a partner, someone woman enough, who would have the strength and power needed to walk beside him and properly support him in that purpose. She was not weak. She was not less than. The women of Wakanda submitted to the authority of their king, their leader, but that didn't mean they had to lose their voice or walk away from their own divine purpose, it did not mean they were inferior in any way. In fact, just as they were woman enough to support their king, he was man enough to empower them. He was not insecure and jealous of them but saw them as an advocate, a benefit to his rule. We can be strong, independent women and still submit to Godly leadership and authority. (Oh, I could go on and on about this but then this would be super long so I'll move on.)2. We should walk in our unique gifts and passions.The three main female characters were beautifully unique. Okoye was the fierce and loyal warrior. Shuri the carefree scientist and engineer. Nakia the compassionate humanitarian. They all sought to serve their king. They all sought to protect their people. They all wanted to do all they could for the benefit of Wakanda. Yet they each pursued those ends out of their individual gifts and talents. They didn't let pride and comparison hinder their purpose. They weren't preoccupied with trying to be someone else, or fit a certain mold. They were whole in their own skin. As women, we need to be whole in our own skin, in who God created us to be. Our identity should be rooted in Christ and who He says we are, doing what He created for us to do. There is not a mold you need to fit. Not as a wife, mother, or woman. It is okay to be uniquely yourself, to follow those God-given passions and use them to serve His purposes. (Bonus Material: Black Panther actress, Letitia Wright talked about her personal relationship with God and finding her identity in Him, here, at the 3 minute mark. It's so good.)3. We need to fight for each other. Too often as women we spend so much time fighting one another. We bicker, We name call. We bully. We manipulate. We put one another down because of our own insecurities. These three women fought for one another, beside one another. They served a common purpose and that defined their interactions with each other. The same should be true of us. The way we treat others should speak the Gospel to the world around us, that is our common purpose. So whether you work or stay at home, are married or single, have kids or don't, we all share the mission of the Great Commission and a huge part of fulfilling that comes from the way we treat one another. (That goes for the men in our lives too.) Rather then bicker and fight and compete, we should encourage and support and protect each other. They were whole in their own skin. As women, we need to be whole in our own skin, in who God created us to be.I was glad my daughters saw a black superhero, a noble king who led with honor and grace. (My five year old thought he was just awesome.) I am also so very glad they got an expanded picture of what it looks like to be strong women, of what I think it looks like to be a godly woman. You can disagree with my take if you want. I have seen some say that they felt the portrayal of women in Black Panther was overtly feminist. Perhaps it was. But I don't think feminist is a dirty word. I think that God values women and their contributions. I think He created every woman with just as much passion and purpose as men, including the ability to lead and pastor. I think God created women to be strong and powerful. I think God intended for women to be fierce warriors who are equal to the men in their lives and can submit to Godly authority out of their strength not out of any weakness. I think that God doesn't put women in a box, that He never intended for there to be a glass ceiling. If that is feminist than I guess I'm an overt feminist, though I like to call myself a biblical feminist. (I asked my husband how he felt about that and he told me it was cool because it was one of the reasons he loved me. That's one of the many reasons I love him.)
1. We are strong.They were strong. I'm not just talking physical strength but mental and emotional. These women knew who they were, their identity was firmly rooted in something greater than outward beauty (though they were beautiful). They were not insecure. They were not timid. They were warriors ready to fight beside and for their king. In Genesis 2:18 it says, "The Lord God said, 'it is not good for man to be alone, I will create a helper fit for him." So God created Eve for Adam. To go a little deep here, in the Hebrew the phrase 'helper fit for' is EZER KENEGDO. EZER is from two root words which mean strength and power. KENEGDO means comparable to, equal to. Adam had a divine purpose in this world and God created for him a partner, someone woman enough, who would have the strength and power needed to walk beside him and properly support him in that purpose. She was not weak. She was not less than. The women of Wakanda submitted to the authority of their king, their leader, but that didn't mean they had to lose their voice or walk away from their own divine purpose, it did not mean they were inferior in any way. In fact, just as they were woman enough to support their king, he was man enough to empower them. He was not insecure and jealous of them but saw them as an advocate, a benefit to his rule. We can be strong, independent women and still submit to Godly leadership and authority. (Oh, I could go on and on about this but then this would be super long so I'll move on.)2. We should walk in our unique gifts and passions.The three main female characters were beautifully unique. Okoye was the fierce and loyal warrior. Shuri the carefree scientist and engineer. Nakia the compassionate humanitarian. They all sought to serve their king. They all sought to protect their people. They all wanted to do all they could for the benefit of Wakanda. Yet they each pursued those ends out of their individual gifts and talents. They didn't let pride and comparison hinder their purpose. They weren't preoccupied with trying to be someone else, or fit a certain mold. They were whole in their own skin. As women, we need to be whole in our own skin, in who God created us to be. Our identity should be rooted in Christ and who He says we are, doing what He created for us to do. There is not a mold you need to fit. Not as a wife, mother, or woman. It is okay to be uniquely yourself, to follow those God-given passions and use them to serve His purposes. (Bonus Material: Black Panther actress, Letitia Wright talked about her personal relationship with God and finding her identity in Him, here, at the 3 minute mark. It's so good.)3. We need to fight for each other. Too often as women we spend so much time fighting one another. We bicker, We name call. We bully. We manipulate. We put one another down because of our own insecurities. These three women fought for one another, beside one another. They served a common purpose and that defined their interactions with each other. The same should be true of us. The way we treat others should speak the Gospel to the world around us, that is our common purpose. So whether you work or stay at home, are married or single, have kids or don't, we all share the mission of the Great Commission and a huge part of fulfilling that comes from the way we treat one another. (That goes for the men in our lives too.) Rather then bicker and fight and compete, we should encourage and support and protect each other. They were whole in their own skin. As women, we need to be whole in our own skin, in who God created us to be.I was glad my daughters saw a black superhero, a noble king who led with honor and grace. (My five year old thought he was just awesome.) I am also so very glad they got an expanded picture of what it looks like to be strong women, of what I think it looks like to be a godly woman. You can disagree with my take if you want. I have seen some say that they felt the portrayal of women in Black Panther was overtly feminist. Perhaps it was. But I don't think feminist is a dirty word. I think that God values women and their contributions. I think He created every woman with just as much passion and purpose as men, including the ability to lead and pastor. I think God created women to be strong and powerful. I think God intended for women to be fierce warriors who are equal to the men in their lives and can submit to Godly authority out of their strength not out of any weakness. I think that God doesn't put women in a box, that He never intended for there to be a glass ceiling. If that is feminist than I guess I'm an overt feminist, though I like to call myself a biblical feminist. (I asked my husband how he felt about that and he told me it was cool because it was one of the reasons he loved me. That's one of the many reasons I love him.)
February 22, 2018
End It!
A little over two years ago I had the chance to go to India and spend time with children who were born out of the brothels. We also walked streets where countless men, women and children would approach us begging. It is an indescribably difficult thing to look into the eyes of a very young child and not give them something, to say no to buying whatever small trinket they might have been selling...but you say no. Why? Because those small children aren't who you are giving the money to. Those women holding tiny babies on the street corners are not who you are giving money to. They are employees, they are, in essence, slaves who's life is not their own but belongs to their pimp or master. But let me back up to two or three years before this trip. I was sitting in a women's retreat listening to our speaker, Susanne Cox, talk of her time as a missionary associate in India. She spoke of little girls that her home was rescuing from brothels. She spoke of little girls, as young as nine years old (my oldest daughter's age) who were kidnapped or even sold by their parents. She told of torture dealt to these innocent souls in back alley's on dirty mattresses until they were broken. She talked of children who had lost their innocence and their smile. She talked of young women, teenagers who were growing too old for this insidious line of work. She talked of $200 purchasing a 16 year old girl. 
Can you even imagine that? Can you imagine one human being purchasing another human being for any sum much less that little? I mean actually buying someone as though they are a designer handbag. This happens. This happens everyday all over the world and I mean ALL over the world. Even in the comfortable first world country you call home there are men, women and children taken from their homes, taken off the streets and forced into a life they did not choose. Some were so desperate they made a choice that they are now chained to by someone stronger and scarier. I listened to that woman speak of those children and my heart broke. I went home and wondered what I could do. A month or so later I sat in a living room with my small group, all young women the same ages as those across the world I had learned of. We talked about purity and then I told them of these girls. I watched a room full of amazing, compassionate young women break into tears at the discovery that while they learned of purity as a choice they could make there were little girls who had that choice stolen from them. My girls decided they could do something. They could raise $200 to purchase, not a 16 year old girl, but her freedom. They served coffee and baked goods for tips one Sunday. They shared why they were doing it and for whom. Sunday ended and they didn't raise enough to purchase one girl's freedom but 10 girls'. They heard something and they did something. What can you do?* Today is Shine a Light on Slavery Day. People draw a red "X" on their hand to raise awareness. Awareness matters. People can't change what they don't acknowledge. We can't fix an issue we don't know we have. Draw that red "X" and post that photo and let the world know that you know. Make sure the people in your circles know. * There are so many organizations around the world working to bring rescue and rehabilitation to those who have suffered from human trafficking. They also work with law enforcement to apprehend criminals and bring them to justice. Give to these organizations. A few I support are The A21 Campaign and Project Rescue. (Shirt purchases from my online store are all to raise funds for these.) The money my girls raised that one Sunday went to Project Rescue as well as the home I had learned of Legacy of Purpose.(Please note: their $200 goal was symbolic, there was no way our money could go directly toward one girl, but rather to organizations who could use it to help bring more girls to freedom.)* Pay attention. Trafficking is happening where you are. Open your eyes. Look and see and report. This video from A21 will help you visualize what I mean. I went to India a couple of years ago. I looked into the faces of little children, dirty and hungry and begging. I also looked into the eyes of little children who had been rescued. Someone had seen them and done something and they were full of joy and life. They were safe and they had a hope for a future different from their parents, a future outside of slavery. When I hear statistics, nameless and faceless numbers I can feel overwhelmed or even numb to the problem. Then I remember these faces and their names and I remember we can all do something, even a small thing like a red "X" can make a difference. 
So the question is no longer what can I do but what will I do?
January 8, 2018
A Year of Passion
*No, I will not be writing romance novels this year. Sorry if that disappoints. LOL. I'm not talking about that kind of passion.*
In 2016 I jumped on the word-for-the-year bandwagon. I had seen others do this each January for years. I had always been impressed and inspired by their "words" but had never really thought to find my own. I don't know why. Maybe it seemed daunting to try and define a whole year by one word. Maybe it felt limiting. Maybe I was just too lazy. I can't even say I spent focused energy on coming up with that first word for 2016. (That's ironic considering the word was purpose and the whole year was about being more intentional.) Sometime in December 2015 I was doing my normal devotion and prayer time and it just popped into my head, a year on purpose. At the time I wasn't quite sure what it would entail or how it would all play out for me but as 2016 drew to a close I knew it had been the most fitting word. In 2016 I wrote blog posts about being intentional in various areas of our lives and I worked to implement those strategies in my own. I believe in intentionality, it's a deeper kind of stewardship, one that goes beyond just finances and into time and energy. My year on purpose became about learning to live for my God-given purpose in every area of my life. Whether it was my marriage, as a mom, or in ministry and writing, I learned how to focus and set goals. God also began to take all the pieces of the puzzle of my purpose and put them together. This was the year that I saw clearly the picture of my calling (youth ministry and writing fiction) and how it all fit together (#LiveChosen) when I couldn't see it before. It was a breakthrough for me and I am still grateful for how God showed me His hand and work to get me where I am now starting years ago. Sometime in December 2016 I still wasn't looking for a word of the year but one popped up just the same. 2017 became a year of promise. Honestly I had a harder time with this one from the beginning. It sounds cool to think about God's promises being fulfilled but it's not so easy. It took patience. It took fighting through fear. It took sacrifice and more than a few tears. Before any light could be seen at the end of the tunnel there was a lot of darkness and doubt. A year that started with hope would find me desperately clinging to it and barely succeeding more than once. But God is faithful and you'll have to wait for me to share details on all that. Just know that there are cracks in the dam. (I'll explain that later but it's a good thing. I promise.)Sometime this past December I still wasn't trying to think of a new word for the year and yet one just popped in. (Do you sense a pattern here?) Passion. That's my word for 2018 and I am still figuring out what that means. Aside from all the words starting with the letter P I get the impression that they all tie together in a million tiny ways that I may never fully comprehend but I am excited at the prospect. So what is passion? The dictionary defines it, amongst other things, as, "strong and barely controllable emotion, and an intense desire and enthusiasm for something." It is also a word used to identify the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus. What does all that mean for me? Purpose and passion are connected. Corie Clark said, "When passion and purpose collide you find yourself walking in your God-given destiny." I have been walking in my purpose but more times than I would like to admit I feel like my passion has waned. I get tired. I get distracted. I procrastinate. I make excuses. I don't push myself. 2018 is about pushing myself again. But not just in a direction, but in the right direction. For me this means getting back to some weekly writing goals so that I can finish two books this year. (At least first drafts, maybe more.) This means taking care of myself so that I can have the energy to do the things I need to do. This means fighting anxiety so it doesn't stop me from enjoying the opportunities God provides. In a lot of ways this means getting back to intentionality where I have let it falter and taking charge of my time again. I don't want to let days slip by and wonder what I did with them. Promises aren't fulfilled if I stop doing my part to reach them. The other side of the passion coin for me is all about me and Jesus. It's funny how God works things out. My church has a word for 2018 too. It's ACTION. It's about doing what God has for us to do. It's about making choices that get us where God wants us to go. It also means centering everything around Jesus. Our key verse for the year is..."For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."1 Corinthians 2:2 NIVThis ties so perfectly with my year of passion. Not because I haven't been trying to live a life centered on Jesus but because I want, and need, to take it to the next level. If I want my life, my marriage, my parenting, my ministry, my writing to all go to the next level it begins with my relationship with Jesus. C.S. Lewis said, "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." In order to see all the parts of my life through the lens of Jesus I have to do the personal work of knowing him more, of going even deeper in relationship with Him. I want my passion for Him to extend and expand. I want it to lead me and not the other way around. What are you passionate about or want to be more passionate about in 2018? Do you have a word of the year? Share in the comments and let's cheer each other on.
In 2016 I jumped on the word-for-the-year bandwagon. I had seen others do this each January for years. I had always been impressed and inspired by their "words" but had never really thought to find my own. I don't know why. Maybe it seemed daunting to try and define a whole year by one word. Maybe it felt limiting. Maybe I was just too lazy. I can't even say I spent focused energy on coming up with that first word for 2016. (That's ironic considering the word was purpose and the whole year was about being more intentional.) Sometime in December 2015 I was doing my normal devotion and prayer time and it just popped into my head, a year on purpose. At the time I wasn't quite sure what it would entail or how it would all play out for me but as 2016 drew to a close I knew it had been the most fitting word. In 2016 I wrote blog posts about being intentional in various areas of our lives and I worked to implement those strategies in my own. I believe in intentionality, it's a deeper kind of stewardship, one that goes beyond just finances and into time and energy. My year on purpose became about learning to live for my God-given purpose in every area of my life. Whether it was my marriage, as a mom, or in ministry and writing, I learned how to focus and set goals. God also began to take all the pieces of the puzzle of my purpose and put them together. This was the year that I saw clearly the picture of my calling (youth ministry and writing fiction) and how it all fit together (#LiveChosen) when I couldn't see it before. It was a breakthrough for me and I am still grateful for how God showed me His hand and work to get me where I am now starting years ago. Sometime in December 2016 I still wasn't looking for a word of the year but one popped up just the same. 2017 became a year of promise. Honestly I had a harder time with this one from the beginning. It sounds cool to think about God's promises being fulfilled but it's not so easy. It took patience. It took fighting through fear. It took sacrifice and more than a few tears. Before any light could be seen at the end of the tunnel there was a lot of darkness and doubt. A year that started with hope would find me desperately clinging to it and barely succeeding more than once. But God is faithful and you'll have to wait for me to share details on all that. Just know that there are cracks in the dam. (I'll explain that later but it's a good thing. I promise.)Sometime this past December I still wasn't trying to think of a new word for the year and yet one just popped in. (Do you sense a pattern here?) Passion. That's my word for 2018 and I am still figuring out what that means. Aside from all the words starting with the letter P I get the impression that they all tie together in a million tiny ways that I may never fully comprehend but I am excited at the prospect. So what is passion? The dictionary defines it, amongst other things, as, "strong and barely controllable emotion, and an intense desire and enthusiasm for something." It is also a word used to identify the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus. What does all that mean for me? Purpose and passion are connected. Corie Clark said, "When passion and purpose collide you find yourself walking in your God-given destiny." I have been walking in my purpose but more times than I would like to admit I feel like my passion has waned. I get tired. I get distracted. I procrastinate. I make excuses. I don't push myself. 2018 is about pushing myself again. But not just in a direction, but in the right direction. For me this means getting back to some weekly writing goals so that I can finish two books this year. (At least first drafts, maybe more.) This means taking care of myself so that I can have the energy to do the things I need to do. This means fighting anxiety so it doesn't stop me from enjoying the opportunities God provides. In a lot of ways this means getting back to intentionality where I have let it falter and taking charge of my time again. I don't want to let days slip by and wonder what I did with them. Promises aren't fulfilled if I stop doing my part to reach them. The other side of the passion coin for me is all about me and Jesus. It's funny how God works things out. My church has a word for 2018 too. It's ACTION. It's about doing what God has for us to do. It's about making choices that get us where God wants us to go. It also means centering everything around Jesus. Our key verse for the year is..."For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."1 Corinthians 2:2 NIVThis ties so perfectly with my year of passion. Not because I haven't been trying to live a life centered on Jesus but because I want, and need, to take it to the next level. If I want my life, my marriage, my parenting, my ministry, my writing to all go to the next level it begins with my relationship with Jesus. C.S. Lewis said, "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." In order to see all the parts of my life through the lens of Jesus I have to do the personal work of knowing him more, of going even deeper in relationship with Him. I want my passion for Him to extend and expand. I want it to lead me and not the other way around. What are you passionate about or want to be more passionate about in 2018? Do you have a word of the year? Share in the comments and let's cheer each other on.
January 1, 2018
The Beginning of the TCO3 End.
Wow! That title sounds really ominous. LOL. This is meant to be a fun post. This is the "I get to tell you the title and show you the cover of the final installment in The Chronicle of the Three Trilogy" post. And people, it's soooooo pretty. Like double EEK and happy dancing pretty! Dance with me!!! (Sorry for all the exclamation points but I'm that excited, y'all.)
Are you done dancing yet? If not just pause for a second so that you can take in all the awesomeness that is this cover. Ready? Really ready?
Okay...here it is...just scroll down...slowly so you don't miss any of the awesome...slowly...
Isn't it gorgeous? I think it might be my favorite of the three. (Shhh, don't tell the other TCO3 covers because I don't want them to get jealous.) Doesn't it make you want to happy dance again? Dance with me some more!
Blurb:The final showdown is fast approaching, and a grief-stricken Zoe is forced to count the cost of her destiny. As the losses mount, her strength wanes.Even if the Chosen find the Eden Sword in time, will Zoe be strong enough to wield it? Will she be able to stand against the darkness as the promised Daughter of the ancient prophecy? Or will she be consumed by the fear of her nightmares becoming real?Fear or faith?Even the Chosen must choose.In this final installment of The Chronicle of the Three, light and darkness collide as Zoe discovers there is more than one battlefield in this war.
In honor of this epic moment I am giving away a gift set which includes signed copies of TCO3: Bloodline and TCO3: Armor-bearer, an Amazon gift card so you can purchase Eden Sword when it releases, bookmarks, TCO3 bookish buttons and some cool character art prints. Oh, and a lollipop because they just make life better. (Two other entrants will win $5 Amazon gift cards.) Click the image above to enter. I'd love for you to help share the cover love on your social media. (This is also one way to enter the giveaway.) Feel free to snag one of the images in the gallery below or create your own fun Eden Sword graphic and post it on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest. Use #TCO3EdenSword so I can find it. It'd also be awesome if you could include the link to this post or just tabithacaplinger.com so your friends and followers can get more information on The Chronicle of the Three Trilogy. You rock socks!
PS: I can't wait for you to read this book so we can talk about all the feels and romance and feels and pie and feels. 
Are you done dancing yet? If not just pause for a second so that you can take in all the awesomeness that is this cover. Ready? Really ready?Okay...here it is...just scroll down...slowly so you don't miss any of the awesome...slowly...Isn't it gorgeous? I think it might be my favorite of the three. (Shhh, don't tell the other TCO3 covers because I don't want them to get jealous.) Doesn't it make you want to happy dance again? Dance with me some more!Blurb:The final showdown is fast approaching, and a grief-stricken Zoe is forced to count the cost of her destiny. As the losses mount, her strength wanes.Even if the Chosen find the Eden Sword in time, will Zoe be strong enough to wield it? Will she be able to stand against the darkness as the promised Daughter of the ancient prophecy? Or will she be consumed by the fear of her nightmares becoming real?Fear or faith?Even the Chosen must choose.In this final installment of The Chronicle of the Three, light and darkness collide as Zoe discovers there is more than one battlefield in this war.In honor of this epic moment I am giving away a gift set which includes signed copies of TCO3: Bloodline and TCO3: Armor-bearer, an Amazon gift card so you can purchase Eden Sword when it releases, bookmarks, TCO3 bookish buttons and some cool character art prints. Oh, and a lollipop because they just make life better. (Two other entrants will win $5 Amazon gift cards.) Click the image above to enter. I'd love for you to help share the cover love on your social media. (This is also one way to enter the giveaway.) Feel free to snag one of the images in the gallery below or create your own fun Eden Sword graphic and post it on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest. Use #TCO3EdenSword so I can find it. It'd also be awesome if you could include the link to this post or just tabithacaplinger.com so your friends and followers can get more information on The Chronicle of the Three Trilogy. You rock socks!PS: I can't wait for you to read this book so we can talk about all the feels and romance and feels and pie and feels.
December 3, 2017
Pro-LIFE
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 ESVI’m guessing the title has given away the subject matter of this little post. In case it didn’t let me begin with some clarity...I am pro-life. I believe that life begins at conception and that that tiny little human has divine purpose in this world, that it matters and is already loved by God. I believe that life is sacred and should be treated as such. I am pro-life. 
But what is pro-life really? That is a question I have been wrestling with in recent years. The answer to it, I think, highlights one of the major problems with this political/spiritual/sociological issue. Many call themselves pro-life when really they are simply anti-abortion. They are really just pro-birth. What do I mean? We don’t want women to have abortions but it begins and ends there for us. I think pro-life has to mean more for it to be effective in our culture and world. Pro-life means being pro-education. We need to teach teens about sex, about purity and about protection. Now here me, I am a youth pastor and Jesus follower and I believe in abstinence. I believe it should be taught. It can’t be the only thing taught because humans make mistakes. We have to tell our teens they should wait and why they should wait and teach them what it’s going to take to wait, but we have to make sure they are smart enough to know how to protect themselves if they don’t wait because some won’t. You don’t have to like that for it to be true. (Statistically teens who undergo comprehensive (abstinence & contraception) sex education are 60% less likely to get pregnant or get someone pregnant. Abstinence only programs do not have the same impact according to most studies.) Again, this isn't about just a spiritual issue but a political one that we want to apply to everyone. If I am pro-life I have to be willing to help educate those who won't get the proper conversations at home and who don't believe the same way I do about a Biblical view of sex and purity. Pro-life means being pro-help. If we want a woman to keep a baby we need to be willing to help her get the prenatal care she needs if she can't afford it on her own. We need to support that decision with more than words. We can’t want a woman to not have an abortion and then get silent, or worse, flat out refuse to help her walk out that choice because it wasn’t our choice and it isn’t our responsibility. We should help support organizations like our local crisis pregnancy centers etc so that they can help provide care for those in need. Pro-life means pro-adoption. I know there isn’t anyone that would say they are anti-adoption but when was the last time you researched the adoption process and costs? It’s long and expensive, especially expensive.. Many people want to adopt but can’t because they can’t afford it. Certain tax laws and government policies make it more difficult and more expensive. If you are pro-life you can’t turn a blind eye to these facts, laws and policies because they don’t affect you personally. Pro-life needs to be for the whole life. It doesn’t stop when the baby is no longer a baby. We want to shout about the sanctity of life when it comes to babies being born but we no longer treat that life as sacred when the baby is a child or teen in the foster care system. Or when that baby is an adult being sold into slavery in Libya. Or when that baby is now a heroin addict in need of rehabilitation and a second chance. Or when that baby is a refugee in search of sanctuary.I can hear your arguments. I can hear you speak of safety. I can hear you argue personal responsibility. I can hear you say you didn’t know it was happening or you don’t believe you can make a difference. I get all of that. I believe we should use wisdom so that our families are safe but that doesn’t mean we slam our doors to everyone. I believe people should take ownership of their own choices but I know sometimes we all need help. I believe the problem can seem so large that we don’t think our contribution matters but together our contributions can impact the world one individual at a time. I also don't believe government policies are solely the answer to this. God commanded the church to care for widows and orphans and I don't think He meant for us to stop there. We can reach out. We can teach. We can help. We can support. We can open our eyes to our neighbors and like the Good Samaritan go the extra mile to show them the love of Christ in action. Philippians 2:4 ESV Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.1 John 3:17-18 ESVBut if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.Proverbs 21:13 ESV Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answeredGalatians 6:9-10 ESVAnd let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.Matthew 25:31-46 ESV“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,I am pro-life...for the whole life.
But what is pro-life really? That is a question I have been wrestling with in recent years. The answer to it, I think, highlights one of the major problems with this political/spiritual/sociological issue. Many call themselves pro-life when really they are simply anti-abortion. They are really just pro-birth. What do I mean? We don’t want women to have abortions but it begins and ends there for us. I think pro-life has to mean more for it to be effective in our culture and world. Pro-life means being pro-education. We need to teach teens about sex, about purity and about protection. Now here me, I am a youth pastor and Jesus follower and I believe in abstinence. I believe it should be taught. It can’t be the only thing taught because humans make mistakes. We have to tell our teens they should wait and why they should wait and teach them what it’s going to take to wait, but we have to make sure they are smart enough to know how to protect themselves if they don’t wait because some won’t. You don’t have to like that for it to be true. (Statistically teens who undergo comprehensive (abstinence & contraception) sex education are 60% less likely to get pregnant or get someone pregnant. Abstinence only programs do not have the same impact according to most studies.) Again, this isn't about just a spiritual issue but a political one that we want to apply to everyone. If I am pro-life I have to be willing to help educate those who won't get the proper conversations at home and who don't believe the same way I do about a Biblical view of sex and purity. Pro-life means being pro-help. If we want a woman to keep a baby we need to be willing to help her get the prenatal care she needs if she can't afford it on her own. We need to support that decision with more than words. We can’t want a woman to not have an abortion and then get silent, or worse, flat out refuse to help her walk out that choice because it wasn’t our choice and it isn’t our responsibility. We should help support organizations like our local crisis pregnancy centers etc so that they can help provide care for those in need. Pro-life means pro-adoption. I know there isn’t anyone that would say they are anti-adoption but when was the last time you researched the adoption process and costs? It’s long and expensive, especially expensive.. Many people want to adopt but can’t because they can’t afford it. Certain tax laws and government policies make it more difficult and more expensive. If you are pro-life you can’t turn a blind eye to these facts, laws and policies because they don’t affect you personally. Pro-life needs to be for the whole life. It doesn’t stop when the baby is no longer a baby. We want to shout about the sanctity of life when it comes to babies being born but we no longer treat that life as sacred when the baby is a child or teen in the foster care system. Or when that baby is an adult being sold into slavery in Libya. Or when that baby is now a heroin addict in need of rehabilitation and a second chance. Or when that baby is a refugee in search of sanctuary.I can hear your arguments. I can hear you speak of safety. I can hear you argue personal responsibility. I can hear you say you didn’t know it was happening or you don’t believe you can make a difference. I get all of that. I believe we should use wisdom so that our families are safe but that doesn’t mean we slam our doors to everyone. I believe people should take ownership of their own choices but I know sometimes we all need help. I believe the problem can seem so large that we don’t think our contribution matters but together our contributions can impact the world one individual at a time. I also don't believe government policies are solely the answer to this. God commanded the church to care for widows and orphans and I don't think He meant for us to stop there. We can reach out. We can teach. We can help. We can support. We can open our eyes to our neighbors and like the Good Samaritan go the extra mile to show them the love of Christ in action. Philippians 2:4 ESV Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.1 John 3:17-18 ESVBut if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.Proverbs 21:13 ESV Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answeredGalatians 6:9-10 ESVAnd let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.Matthew 25:31-46 ESV“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,I am pro-life...for the whole life.
November 27, 2017
5 Ways to Princess...and 5 Ways Not.
Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess...
We all love a good fairytale, right? I mean, who wouldn't want to be a fairytale princess? They get locked in towers. They lose their shoes. They have to kiss frogs and live with beasts. They are always getting the attention from all the evil witches and wicked step-mothers. Okay, none of that sounds amazing but in the end they get pretty dresses and parties and princes, right? Right!We love fairytales because we relate to the girl, who's life isn't perfect, finding her way to a happy ending. We want our imperfect selves to find our happily-ever-afters. Guess what? Ball gowns and glass slippers may or may not be in your future but a happily-ever-after can be. After all, you, my dear one, are a princess. (I'm about to get cheesy so brace yourselves.) You are a daughter of Zion, of God, a King...ergo, you are a princess. (Told ya, cheesiness was coming but that doesn't make it untrue.) We don't have to dream about being in a fairytale, we can live like the princesses we are, right now, today.I asked some of my #LiveChosen gals how to princess and here's what we came up with...1.Do Value YourselfYou gotta know your worth, girls. You aren't an afterthought or forgotten. You are a daughter of the Most High. You are a princess and you are worth dying for. Live like it. Hold your head up high. Say positive things to and about yourself. I'm not talking about bragging because that crosses the line into evil step-sister territory. But see yourself the way the King sees you. He loves you. He cherishes you. He thinks your pretty. (Hint: The more time you spend with Him the easier it is to see yourself the way He sees you.)Don't Be Vain. Vanity is superficial and shallow. It's also prideful. We don't want to be that. Understand your value but don't over inflate it, making yourself out to be better than others. 2. Do Value OthersA real princess doesn't need to put other people down or treat them badly to make herself feel good or powerful. Because a real princess knows her worth (see #1) she can also see the value in those around her, even the wicked ones. She sees them with the same love her King does and so she treats them the way her King would. She is forgiving, and kind and gracious, even when they don't deserve it. Don't Hold GrudgesA grudge is the difference between being the hero and the villain in a story. Don't let what someone did to you stop you from being who God wants you to be for that person and others. We all get hurt. Don't let your hurt bring you to hurt others. 3. Do ServeReal princesses don't just sit around the palace all the time, lounging and eating bonbons. (What are bonbons anyway, does anyone know?) Real princesses role up their sleeves to help make their kingdom the best it can be for everyone. They help people. You can't really help people from up in your ivory tower. You have to get on their level, you have to see them and connect with them and discover their needs. When you see a need you try to meet it. You know you can't solve all the world's problems but you can show love by praying for someone, listening to their pain, giving them a smile and a hug, offering some encouragement, or meeting a practical need when you are able. Don't Be SelfishThere is a difference between doing something for yourself and being selfish. Princesses aren't selfish. Again, that's the closely related wicked step-sisters. So, while you do need to do things for yourself, see #5, you need to be careful not to only think about yourself and your wants and needs. We have to consider how our choices affect others. 4. Do Pursue Your PassionsEvery princess has unique gifts and talents and she doesn't let them go to waste. It doesn't matter how simple or how amazing, they're part of who you are and you want to share that with the world. Paint, write, sing, dance, build, organize, laugh, think...I'm running out of things to put here but you get the point. Do what you love, use those talents to encourage, help, bless others. When you do, you will be blessed too. Don't Make Poor ChoicesOkay, everyone makes a bad choices every now and again. We aren't perfect, even us princesses. But think about what you're doing. Don't put yourself in bad situations. Use wisdom. Don't just do what feels good, do what is good. It might be hard now but it will be so much better in the long run.5. Do Pamper YourselfIndulge in that candlelit bubble bath. Sleep a little late on your day off. Go to a movie with friends. You have to take time for yourself. You need rest, relaxation and refreshing in order to help others. Princesses understand they can't give what they don't have. So rest, have fun, enjoy your life, spend time with the King. Fill up so that you have something that can be poured out. Don't Forget the CoffeeDo I really need to explain this one? Because coffee. A good latte can save a life. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating but depending on how cranky you are without that morning pick-me-up I might be hitting the nail on the head. So, that's how we Princess while we #LiveChosen, what about you? How do you princess? Let us know in the comments. 
We are talking about princesses to celebrate the Regal Hearts Bundle as part of the Regal Reads Blog Tour. EEK! Following the dramatic birth of her royal daughters, the Queen of Bella Adar is murdered by the merciless sword of an evil usurper. The helpless princesses are placed in the care of the URIA, an undercover organization who safely extracts and protects the girls from a tragic fate. Sixteen years later, Lena Bodner encounters a stranger who uncovers secrets from her past... The Regal Hearts Season 1 Bundle introduces you to the beginning of an exciting story written in a unique “TV Show” format. Livy has been releasing these episodes on a weekly basis, but now you can read the entire first season (10 Episodes!) all at once! Please note that Episode 10 ends with a Cliff Hanger, and this is just the beginning of the Regal Hearts series! Reading Regal Hearts is like watching a TV show unfold in your mind, so you'll have to be patient for the release of each new episode in Season 2!Buy the Paperback Download the Digital
Livy Jarmusch is a twenty-something author, singer, and songwriter. She enjoys crafting YA Christian fiction that is pure, lovely, inspirational, and of course, entertaining! When she's not writing, you can usually find her playing guitar, blogging, drinking peppermint tea, connecting with new friends, planning her next trip to Disney, or pinning images of Europe and Golden Retriever Puppies.WebsiteFacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeGoodReads
We all love a good fairytale, right? I mean, who wouldn't want to be a fairytale princess? They get locked in towers. They lose their shoes. They have to kiss frogs and live with beasts. They are always getting the attention from all the evil witches and wicked step-mothers. Okay, none of that sounds amazing but in the end they get pretty dresses and parties and princes, right? Right!We love fairytales because we relate to the girl, who's life isn't perfect, finding her way to a happy ending. We want our imperfect selves to find our happily-ever-afters. Guess what? Ball gowns and glass slippers may or may not be in your future but a happily-ever-after can be. After all, you, my dear one, are a princess. (I'm about to get cheesy so brace yourselves.) You are a daughter of Zion, of God, a King...ergo, you are a princess. (Told ya, cheesiness was coming but that doesn't make it untrue.) We don't have to dream about being in a fairytale, we can live like the princesses we are, right now, today.I asked some of my #LiveChosen gals how to princess and here's what we came up with...1.Do Value YourselfYou gotta know your worth, girls. You aren't an afterthought or forgotten. You are a daughter of the Most High. You are a princess and you are worth dying for. Live like it. Hold your head up high. Say positive things to and about yourself. I'm not talking about bragging because that crosses the line into evil step-sister territory. But see yourself the way the King sees you. He loves you. He cherishes you. He thinks your pretty. (Hint: The more time you spend with Him the easier it is to see yourself the way He sees you.)Don't Be Vain. Vanity is superficial and shallow. It's also prideful. We don't want to be that. Understand your value but don't over inflate it, making yourself out to be better than others. 2. Do Value OthersA real princess doesn't need to put other people down or treat them badly to make herself feel good or powerful. Because a real princess knows her worth (see #1) she can also see the value in those around her, even the wicked ones. She sees them with the same love her King does and so she treats them the way her King would. She is forgiving, and kind and gracious, even when they don't deserve it. Don't Hold GrudgesA grudge is the difference between being the hero and the villain in a story. Don't let what someone did to you stop you from being who God wants you to be for that person and others. We all get hurt. Don't let your hurt bring you to hurt others. 3. Do ServeReal princesses don't just sit around the palace all the time, lounging and eating bonbons. (What are bonbons anyway, does anyone know?) Real princesses role up their sleeves to help make their kingdom the best it can be for everyone. They help people. You can't really help people from up in your ivory tower. You have to get on their level, you have to see them and connect with them and discover their needs. When you see a need you try to meet it. You know you can't solve all the world's problems but you can show love by praying for someone, listening to their pain, giving them a smile and a hug, offering some encouragement, or meeting a practical need when you are able. Don't Be SelfishThere is a difference between doing something for yourself and being selfish. Princesses aren't selfish. Again, that's the closely related wicked step-sisters. So, while you do need to do things for yourself, see #5, you need to be careful not to only think about yourself and your wants and needs. We have to consider how our choices affect others. 4. Do Pursue Your PassionsEvery princess has unique gifts and talents and she doesn't let them go to waste. It doesn't matter how simple or how amazing, they're part of who you are and you want to share that with the world. Paint, write, sing, dance, build, organize, laugh, think...I'm running out of things to put here but you get the point. Do what you love, use those talents to encourage, help, bless others. When you do, you will be blessed too. Don't Make Poor ChoicesOkay, everyone makes a bad choices every now and again. We aren't perfect, even us princesses. But think about what you're doing. Don't put yourself in bad situations. Use wisdom. Don't just do what feels good, do what is good. It might be hard now but it will be so much better in the long run.5. Do Pamper YourselfIndulge in that candlelit bubble bath. Sleep a little late on your day off. Go to a movie with friends. You have to take time for yourself. You need rest, relaxation and refreshing in order to help others. Princesses understand they can't give what they don't have. So rest, have fun, enjoy your life, spend time with the King. Fill up so that you have something that can be poured out. Don't Forget the CoffeeDo I really need to explain this one? Because coffee. A good latte can save a life. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating but depending on how cranky you are without that morning pick-me-up I might be hitting the nail on the head. So, that's how we Princess while we #LiveChosen, what about you? How do you princess? Let us know in the comments. We are talking about princesses to celebrate the Regal Hearts Bundle as part of the Regal Reads Blog Tour. EEK! Following the dramatic birth of her royal daughters, the Queen of Bella Adar is murdered by the merciless sword of an evil usurper. The helpless princesses are placed in the care of the URIA, an undercover organization who safely extracts and protects the girls from a tragic fate. Sixteen years later, Lena Bodner encounters a stranger who uncovers secrets from her past... The Regal Hearts Season 1 Bundle introduces you to the beginning of an exciting story written in a unique “TV Show” format. Livy has been releasing these episodes on a weekly basis, but now you can read the entire first season (10 Episodes!) all at once! Please note that Episode 10 ends with a Cliff Hanger, and this is just the beginning of the Regal Hearts series! Reading Regal Hearts is like watching a TV show unfold in your mind, so you'll have to be patient for the release of each new episode in Season 2!Buy the Paperback Download the DigitalLivy Jarmusch is a twenty-something author, singer, and songwriter. She enjoys crafting YA Christian fiction that is pure, lovely, inspirational, and of course, entertaining! When she's not writing, you can usually find her playing guitar, blogging, drinking peppermint tea, connecting with new friends, planning her next trip to Disney, or pinning images of Europe and Golden Retriever Puppies.WebsiteFacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeGoodReads
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