Okay, first off let me clarify the BFF definition. BEST FRIENDS FOREVER. Most of you are probably keen to this texting talk, but I'm still learning and I consider myself fairly computer/Internet savvy. So just in case ... now you know.

For those of you that have been reading my journal on a regular basis, you know that I talk frequently about Christian women living as Princess Warriors for Christ. According to the Bible, we are part of a royal family. We have inherited a place in God's divine kingdom. However, while residing on this earth, in this lifetime, we have to learn to reign real in truth and love, representing our Heavenly King effectively. In other words, we have to raise our sceptors with grace and our swords with truth.

Sadly, the worldview of "royalty" is often more than slightly skewed.

The media is on a constant look out for the so-called "princesses" of Hollywood. What will so and so do? What will she wear? Who is she dating? What kind of trouble is she in this time? We are then fed a steady stream of information (some true, some not-so-true) via the Media's silver spoons (magazines, Internet sites, blogs, TV, radio...etc.), There is simply no way to completely avoid these modern-day examples of wordly royalty. Just stand in the checkout line at the grocery store. Yes, you know what I mean.

There is one particular "heiress" that is on permament display. Yes, a city in France shares her name. This spoiled, pampered, sultry, vixen (yes, I know she, too, has feelings) serves as one primary example of Hollywood royalty. This so-called princess has her own fashion line, more boyfriends and dogs (some are one in the same) than we can keep track of.

So, when we hear that we are to live our lives as the Princess Warriors that Christ has created and called us to be, we can become slightly confused if we are basing our identity on the world's definition of royalty.

One trait of a godly woman is that she values others. She has strong friendships and serves as a mentor to women younger than herself and wisely listens to those older. She is willing to sacrifice for others. Friends share common interests and love each other unconditionally. They lift each other up.

Recently, Miss Paris has started a major advertising campaign for her upcoming "reality" TV show. Apparently, 20 women will live in a house (mansion) with their famous host and battle for her attention and the coveted position (title) as her BFF. I don't even want to imagine what this fight for "friendship" will entail. And people thought fear factor was shocking!

I believe as followers of Christ, we can creatively use these media stories as jumping off points to very interesting and meaningful conversations.

For example, would Christ pit one person against another in a fight for His friendship? The disciples tried to engage in the who is Jesus' BFF game to no avail. They were reminded that being great in God's Kingdom equals being least among men. Meaning we are to have a servant's heart. Being rich, famous, having a clothing line, and 29 mini-doggies does not make anyone a friend or an example. Maybe an example of excess. But is that who we as Christian women aspire to emulate? Right? I hope not!

Instead, let us practice reigning real right now by extending our hands with God's love. I want to challenge you to find one woman at work, school, in your neighborhood, or at church that seems to hover along the outskirts of your social circle. What can you do to welcome her? Invite her to lunch. Bake some cookies and share. Drop by and say hello. Do something! Our royalty is evidenced by our actions of servanthood and kindness. Let's work on being the kind of friend we hope to have.

Watch for more entries and a new website (really, it's coming) about how you, too, can reign real in simple and effective ways everyday.

PS. The "publisher" is having me do some re-slanting with my project. They are still interested! I'm leaving for a speaking/mission trip on Monday and will be working hard on my writing upon my return. I had to get a ton of things done before heading out.

Also, another publisher has taken yet another proposal to the next level. This opportunity looks very promising as well. Time will tell. Who knows? I may busier than I already am in the near future. That's okay, though. When you're doing what you love, well, it just feels right.

God bless you all!