A Warrior of Light

A storm blew the birch tree across the walking path.

The park's team cut the trunk into manageable pieces 

and left it to rest for the creatures of the woods.

When I spied the chopped wood, I admired the beauty of the trunk 

and the rounds inside.

The mottled bark reminded me of a soldier's uniform, 

and the inside center—a heart.

As a Jesus follower, He wants me to be a warrior with a heart for people.

He wants me to fight the battle of darkness with His light in my heart.

Keep His light shining mighty warrior.

 

Historical Fiction Review: The Warrior and Lady Rebel (Warrior Bride book 1) By Teresa Smyser

Book Description:
Lightning and thunder crash around her as Elizabeth runs from her pursuer. She rests for only a moment ... or so she thinks. Castles ... swords ... men of war ... Elizabeth is stunned! How did she arrive in England? Who brought her here? As she struggles to uncover the events that landed her at Fairwick Castle, nothing is as it should be. Danger surrounds her. Forced to put her trust in the arrogant Lord Nicolas Fairwick, Elizabeth prays for God’s intervention.

My Thoughts:
I enjoy reading stories set in the Middle Ages. Elizabeth, even though she has amnesia, pulls herself together to be a spunky, honest woman, determined to do what is right. Lord Nicolas Fairwick is a medieval overseer of the castle who sometimes lets his power get in the way of his intentions. They are two people who need each other. They just have to figure it out. This book is filled with adventure. At times I cringed because of the stories of the characters who caused heartache for the pair, while other times I cheered for the bravery and fearlessness of Lady Elizabeth and the kindness and caring of Lord Fairwick. There are some difficult circumstances in the story, but they make Lord Fairwick fight to be a kindhearted man. I enjoyed the comradery of the three brothers and their sister as well as the relationship between the staff and the royals. If you enjoy medieval historical novels with a bit more bite to them, you'll like The Warrior and the Lady Rebel. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fruit, Suit, and a Royal Crown

Ephesians 6:13-17
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Moms and daughters circled the fire.

Photo courtesy of Woodland Lakes

I was honored to be asked to speak at mother/daughter camp at Woodland Lakes Christian Camp. I joined my daughter, Sara, who led the music and granddaughter Ella Cate. With the theme “Daughters of the King,” I wanted to concrete the idea God created us to be part of his kingdom. 

In the evening, we gathered around a campfire in a circle created by porch swings. I loved the cozy family feeling the swings added to the gathering. As I introduced the idea of being a princess in God’s kingdom, I considered the girls impression of a princess. Most, if not all, knew many of the Disney princesses. You know—the ones with the big, bright eyes, gorgeous gowns, and long flowing hair. While those stories are fun, I wanted the girls to understand the verse in 1 Samuel 16:7—"The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

God created “royal fruit” to fill the hearts of his princes and princesses. Galatians 5:22-23—"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” God’s guidance for the heart was only one element of royalty. He also gave us a suit of armor—the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God

With the fruit, suit, and a royal crown, I deemed each mom and daughter a warrior princess who stands and fights in honor of her kingdom.

God doesn’t want his princes and princesses to sit on thrones and look handsome and pretty, he wants us to raise our swords and fight the battles against the enemy.

We can be warriors who raise prayers, sing to fight battles, protect the innocent, show love and kindness, encourage the weary, discipline ourselves to be the best we can be for God, and fuel ourselves on God’s word.

Fill your heart with the Spirit’s fruit, cover yourself with God’s armor, and wear the crown of Jesus’ righteousness.

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