Olfactory Discipleship

I am a “sensor.”  I use all of my five senses in how I navigate my life and make decisions – touch, smell, sight, hearing and taste. Being a sensor, I especially appreciate a good hug – and if you smell good when I accept your embrace, even better. While some days the only hug I receive is from my dog Lightning (who puts up with me), the hug I appreciate the most is from my son Josh. Not only is he an amazing hugger, he also has a very distinct smell – no matter the cologne or deodorant, this Mama knows the smell of her one and only son.

Aromas can be very powerful. As with anything from our life history, there are times when a fragrance may not return pleasant memories. There are also times when our olfactory system picks up an aroma that we cannot place, but yet it provides us with a sense of safety, peace and comfort. Upon receiving Christ as our personal savior, we carry the very knowledge of Him as an unmistakable aroma:

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.  2 Corinthians 2:14-17

The aroma of the knowledge of Jesus Christ everywhere; the very bouquet of redemption permeating the air.  I imagine a parade, Jesus high on a grand float all decorated in the opulence of white roses, His white robe flowing and scarred hands waving, with Believers in grand procession following as those who don’t know Jesus take in the sight and smell of His majesty! Ah the aroma

Pay attention to the “perfume” of life.  And when you sense a fragrance that you can’t quite place, but it still provides you comfort, close your eyes, tune out the rest of the world.  Take time to feel God’s amazing hug and know that He is filling you with the pleasing aroma of His redeeming power and love. 

Wedding Announcement

Got your attention, didn't I?  I certainly wouldn't announce such an event on my blog - actually, I probably wouldn't announce it at all.  You would likely find out after I returned from Vegas, Arkansas, or the County Courthouse and I asked you to help me move. (Just kidding - I'm not that callous.)  

As Christ followers, we are a Bride! We have been given an eternal gift - to be the bride of Christ himself as He brings Heaven to Earth.  Christ is planning the most glorious wedding imaginable! He asks us to be prepare ourselves by staying in the Word, trusting, believing, and inviting. No wedding is complete without guests - with excitement, we are to invite everyone we know to attend.

Like a child staring at a beautifully wrapped gift, anticipating what is under the ribbon and wrapping, we are filled with the excitement of knowing that Christ is going to return for us - the gift of eternal life wrapped in the heavenly ribbon of a flowing white robe.

As we ready ourselves to celebrate Christ's life, death and resurrection, let's also remember His promise to return.  What a celebration will be had this Easter as we give thanks for what He has done as well as what He has promised to do in the future.  Ready yourselves - the wedding will be the most magnificent ever!

"...A man can receive only what is given him from heaven...The bride belongs to the bridegroom.  The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegrooms voice."  John 3:27-29 NIV   

'Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:  "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.  Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.  Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." Revelation 19:6-8 NIV

And in the event I ever get married again here in Earth, you, my loyal blog readers, will be towards the top of "people in the know."

Journey of a Princess Warrior

Almost half a century ago, God fitted me with my very first set of armor. It was tiny, but perfect in His eyes. He created the armor to grow with me, physically and spiritually.  Sometimes the armor had to bare more attack than others, but it always held its protection.

"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." Ephesians 6:14-17 NIV 

Even back then, God created me to be a Princess Warrior, to have an impact on the world, to be SIGNIFICANT.  He provided tools, resources, skills and gifts to fight the good fight. He knew I would often fail, but he also knew that, because I am His creation, I would regain my footing to fight again.

God had a plan for me from the moment of creation...and He has a plan for you. You are fitted with His armor. You are SIGNIFICANT. You are a royal participant in this journey of Life. Whether Warrior or Princess Warrior, it is time to don your armor and fight the good fight of the gospel of Christ.

While my focus is mainly on the Princess Warriors of this world, I invite men and women both to join me as we explore the battle for His Kingdom. I will do my best to lead with humor, wisdom, hope and faith. It is my desire to lead you into your significance in Christ. Whether I succeed or fail, I will always lead with Love. Every time we meet, we will remember:

We are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are SIGNIFICANT in Christ. We will fight the good fight as Warriors and Princess Warriors for the Lord.

"And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14b NIV 

I appreciate ANY and ALL support in this journey.  Currently being developed is a 10-week Princess Warrior study curriculum, as well as a book. Plans are also in the works for a second book with a working title Significance Scale. There is much that God has called us to do together and I can hardly contain my excitement. I look forward to our time together!

Shalom!