Recently, I was watching the Disney movie, The Princess Diaries, for at least the tenth time. It’s one of those timeless movies where the girl is amazingly transformed, wins the boy, and discovers she’s a princess. Makes a great movie, but not true to real life. Or is it?

The whole premise of the movie is the decision Mia will have to make --- will she claim her true heritage. She has been living an ordinary teenage life, but unbeknownst to her, she was born for royalty. She can either seize this calling/duty, or she can abdicate. It doesn’t change who she really is; however, it does change how she will live her life. In fact, she is told, “No one can quit being who they are… you can refuse the job, but you are a princess by birth.”

Can you see the spiritual parallels in our own lives? Most of us are cruising along in life attempting to be satisfied with mediocrity. However, resting deep within us is the knowledge that our lives are meant for so much more! We are all born with the potential to claim our God-given identity as a child of the Almighty King. We do have a choice; we can choose to abdicate, but the ramifications are disastrous. Imagine living a life that you were never created to live. We’ve done everything to “fit in” when God had every intention of us “standing out” when He created us. Think about it. No great artist would create a masterpiece with the intentions of it blending in with all other paintings or drawings. They create it to stand out, to make a statement, to point to its creator! God has made each of us a masterpiece with specific talents and resources. He wants us to accept our birthright in Him so that our lives stand out as an example of Whose we are.

What is difficult to see currently is the transformation awaiting us when we choose wholeheartedly to be identified as a prince or princess of the Almighty King! The outcome is radical and life-changing as we seize our true identities as children of the King. So go ahead, come like Mia (you have to watch the movie to understand this)J, soaking wet, dressed in who knows what, imperfect, and broken --- and watch what The King of Kings will do in your life when you choose Him. You might want to buckle up because you are in for the ride of a lifetime!

Years ago, I awoke with a start. As I attempted to bring my senses to the present, I heard the panic in my son’s voice as he yelled, “Mommy, mommy!” Quickly, I exited the warm embrace of my bed covers and made my way to my son’s room. He was suffering from night terrors, thankfully never remembering the terror the next morning. Gently, my hand rested on his shoulder as his body sat up, fixated on whatever horror his mind had concocted. Like a healing balm his body melted and relaxed as he felt my touch and heard my voice comfort, “It’s okay son. I’m here.” The sound of his mom’s voice and her presence miraculously replaced the fear that had overtaken his mind and body. What a sight it was to behold?! To see the fear and sheer horror replaced by complete trust followed by peaceful sleep --- all because he knew his mom was now present, and she would take care of him and fight the enemies that plagued his mind.

Childlike faith is magnificent; it trusts completely without reservation. As we age, we realize not everyone can be trusted. We can become cynical and jaded in trusting others, believing that we must seize control of our lives and be master of our ship. All this runs contrary to the gospel story that our Heavenly Father is writing in our lives. The gospel states the necessity of a Savior; life is not meant to journey alone. It brilliantly displays the act of a Messiah who dies for us and is resurrected, proving that He is a Messiah who can be trusted to take our mess and make a message! The striving, worrying and attempting to control outcomes demonstrates that our childlike faith is lacking. May we, as my son did, learn that our Abba’s got this! His presence and voice ought to be enough for us to release the insecurities, doubts and fears we grip in our hands.

If I was brutally honest, I would tell you that sometimes I don’t allow God’s presence and voice to be enough. Instead of truly letting go and listening to my Abba, I forge ahead believing I alone control my destiny or allow paralysis from fear to take hold, sidelining me from living life abundantly. My insecurities, doubts and fears have been known to overtake me, consuming my every thought and action. There appears to be no hope in sight, until by three words, “Abba, Father, Help!”, I’m ushered into His presence. His presence and words present a soothing element and rest for my weary soul, providing peace in the midst of the storm, and reinforcement for the battle ahead. Don’t get me wrong. It doesn’t eliminate the circumstance --- the pain may still be present --- challenges remain real --- but now we have hope! We know that our God is present, He has promised to be our refuge. He even says “It’s okay my child; I’m here! I’m not going to leave you!” And that, my friend, changes everything!

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” --- Hebrews 13:5b

If you’ve followed my blog over the last couple years, you know two years ago my 2016 word was PRAYER. I’m a worrier by nature and experience. I could think of no better antidote to this encroaching disease of the mind than prayer. Proper perspective, shift in mindset, and peace of mind began to replace that meddlesome companion of worry. I wish I could say that worry is in the grave, never to rear its ugly head again but that would be dishonest. However, I notice growth --- I have a lot of ground to cover, but I’m further along than I once was.

In 2017, HOPE became my constant reminder to the disappointments, discouragements, and doubts. For it truly became the anchor of my soul, firm and secure, when my protective armor nicely put into place by me began to crumble. Life has a way of humbling us and setting us straight on how little control we actually have on outcomes. But Christ reminds us of HOPE that can, if allowed, permeate our mindset, bringing joy and peace despite what life throws at us.

And now as 2018 ushers in a new year, I find myself clinging to a new word --- RESTORE. What a beautiful word! It brings a visual to my mind of years ago. I traveled to the flea market with my sister-in-law and was amazed at the ugly, dilapidated items she chose to purchase. I was astonished when I rediscoverd that piece in her home with a facelift, truly complimenting and adding beauty to her home. She was a master at refurbishing, repurposing, and restoring old pieces of furniture and décor. As talented as she is, she cannot match the complete restoration process our Savior is able to do in our lives when we hand ourselves over to Him. He repurposes, giving meaning and clarity. He restores what was once a mess and splintered and creates a masterpiece noticeable to the world around us. Our very lives bear witness to the Master Designer who is available to completely restore, eliminating deficient parts in our lives, and allowing us the beautiful privilege of being an imperfect conduit of His love.

What areas of your life do you need restored in 2018? Maybe your relationship with Your Creator and Savior needs to be restored. Or could it be life has sucked you dry, leaving you fatigued and apathetic and you desire restoration in a passion and joy for life. There’s that habit or that reoccurring thought life that continues to assail you and restoration is desperately required. Let your Creator, Lord and Master Restorer take your broken, purposeless, and ugly pieces of your life and breathe vitality, meaning, and joy into them. Forever is He praised as He restores us to who He initially created us to be!

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.” --- I Peter 5:10

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” Psalm 51:12