Making A Difference

Have you ever seen the movie Pollyanna?


It's the story of an orphaned girl who goes to live with her wealthy Aunt Polly in a stuck-up town full of pomp. While there her cheerfulness and "glad" outlook touch everyone, and people start changing their attitudes and becoming more glad about life in general. Pollyanna brings sunshine into their lives.


However, something happens and now the townspeople need to show Pollyanna how much she has done for them and how much they love her. They all arrive at her house to make her realize that.


You see, Pollyanna was touching lives by simply living her own; she was going about her daily business and was unconsciously making a difference.


I recently watched this movie and realized that this applies to us. As Christians, we are called to be a light in the world and to let our lights shine before men. In John 15:19 Jesus says that we do not belong to the world but that he has chosen us out of it.


My point?


We should be making a difference in the lives of the people around us. And it should eventually become second-nature to us. There are ways we can purposely touch lives, such as taking food to a sick person, helping with a ministry at church, or spending time with a sibling. There are also ways we can unconsciously show Christ: having good attitudes(oh, a tough one!), being an encouragement, giving a smile.


Jesus should be seen in every aspect of our lives, wherever we are, whatever we're doing. If someone sees you having patience in a situation instead of getting upset, that's not the way they would usually see people respond; there must be something different about you!


Take some time to think about some areas where you need to change in order to show Christ in your life. Do you need to have better attitudes? Are there ways you can be more encouraging to others? Perhaps for you there are certain places that need to be worked on. For example, can you maintain a pretty good attitude at school or with friends, then once you get home all that goes down the drain and you're complaining, grumpy, and altogether sour?


Once you pinpoint something, make an effort to change it for the better. Take action and determine to make a difference in this area. As you continue to practice touching lives and cultivating some good habits, showing Christ and making differences becomes natural. That's exactly what should happen.



~Princess Gloria

A Spirit of Fear

This is a great story that always helps me remeber that God is in control of everything and is watching over us.

~~~~~

Lately she had stopped running. She enjoyed jogging in her neighborhood but recent threats from neighborhood dogs that ran free had put a fear into her and so she had stopped running. She did not want her fear to change her life--her lifestyle--so she prayed, "Father, I know you are my Protector and you can keep me from all harm. Please take away this fear that has overtaken me and give me a peace that only You can give."

And then she stepped out on faith and feeling apprehension flooding over her, she ran--one mile, two. Suddenly, she heard the patter of feet behind her and turning, she saw a great white dog trotting toward her--not menacingly, but with what seemed like a purpose. As she continued to jog toward home, the dog kept pace with her and she began to relax. At one point, she passed by a house where the dog in the front yard began to bark and run along the boundaries of the underground invisible fence. As if to say, "Don't worry, I'm here," the dog at her side positioned himself between her and the threat. Two miles later, she was back at her door, the dog still at her side. As she entered the house, she realized that the apprehension she felt had been replaced by a peace. How good God is to provide as a means of protection and affirmation, the very thing she had feared.

How good indeed!

~~~~~

2 Timothy 1:7 says: God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. (HCSB)

Princess Jade

Reunion?

Kaylia caught herself from falling as she entered the far side of the arena, shaken by the look in Weaponry’s eyes. Why was he here? And how had she known he had been watching her where there had been two thousand other pairs of eyes staring at her? Before she could ponder it any more, Tayla ran (as much as her dress allowed) up to her.

“Oh Kaylia! You were wonderful! See, that wasn’t so bad, was it?”

“No...” Kaylia agreed hesitantly. “But I don’t like not knowing how I will do. It will seem like an eternity before the judges decide who will win.”

Tayla laughed “Oh come on; it won’t be that long. Sirianya- you know, the one for Princess Victory?- is going now. That means only Neena Rana is left, and she’s the last one. It won’t be that bad, you’ll see.”

Suddenly, a shout arose from the stadium. Both girls turned to see Explainer rushing towards the five judges.

“Your Graces,” he gasped, sucking in lungfuls of air, his body shaking with the effort.

“Calm down and start again.” Judge Fair said calmly, undisturbed by the messenger’s outburst. She knew if Explainer had interrupted, there must be a good reason for it.

Explainer managed to wheeze out his thanks before continuing. “I have news from the castle guard. Sir Equestrian, he’s-he’s back!”

Princess Catherine ~*~

The Storyseekers: Unseen Complications

"Come on!" Cheydine said, glancing at the others as he swung into the tree above them.
"You aren't serious, are you?" Naomi asked, simply staring at him. "You want me to get all the way up there?"
"Unless you would rather get eaten." Dallian replied, following Cheydine. Jayrin did the same, and Naomi was left alone on the ground. As another scream split the air, she gasped.
"It's getting closer." Dallian said, giving Naomi an urgent look.
Seeing no other choice, Naomi reached for the branch above her and pulled herself up. This wasn't nearly as hard as it looked. Moving as carefully as she could, she ascended the next few branches until she had joined the others.
Jayrin smiled at her friend. "I knew you could do it."
"And just in time, too." Dallian said, pushing the leaves aside so he could see through. "Look!"
Naomi did, and immediately wished she hadn't.
The beast that emerged out of the forest to her right was the most terrifyingly hideous thing she had ever seen. It resembled a mountain lion, though it was much, much bigger. It was pure black, except for a single silver stripe that ran down its back from the top of its head to the tip of its tail. Everything about it gave off a sense of utter evil.
It screamed again, showing its dagger-like teeth and drawing its claws through the loose dirt.
"What in Estrellica is that?" Naomi gasped.
"Its an Alunsian." Dallian whispered. "I've never seen one this far down the mountain before."
"You've seen one before?" Naomi cried.
Dallian glared at her. "Is that serious question? Ever since Lucien set the Alunsians free in the mountains, not a year has gone by when someone in my village wasn't eaten by one."
"Is...is that what killed your parents?" Cheydine asked tentatively, obviously hoping that Dallian wouldn't explode.
He didn't, which was a surprise to everyone. "Yes." he whispered simply, averting his eyes. Naomi looked at Dallian, and then back at the Alunsian. She thought about her own parents, and realized how terrible it would be to have them killed by that monster. It made her feel as though she understood Dallian...at least a little.
"What are we going to do?" Jayrin asked finally, breaking the silence. "That thing is going to find us sooner or later."
Before anyone could replied, the Alunsian screamed and turned in their direction.
"I think he heard you, Jayrin." Cheydine whispered.
The beast took a step closer, growling and tossing its head.
"I've heard that it's almost impossible to kill one." Dallian said. "No one can get close enough."
"Do you have any better ideas?" Jayrin asked, starting to panic.
"I think it's possible to shoot one...but that's the only way."
Naomi took a deep breath and reached for the bow that hung down her back. "I could try."
"Are you sure?" Dallian asked, nervously eyeing the monster as it took a step closer.
"Well...I think so. I mean, I've never actually shot anything that moves, but..."
"You've never shot anything that moves?" Dallian interrupted, eyes flashing. "Then how can we trust you to do this?"
"I think she can do it." Jayrin said, in a softer tone. She turned and looked at Naomi. "I know you can."
"I...I'll try." Taking one arrow from her quiver, Naomi took careful aim and drew the bowstring back. Then she waited.
"Hurry up!" Cheydine said, voice rising as the Alunsian came still closer.
"Wait..." Naomi whispered.
"We don't have much time!" Jayrin gasped as the beast turned in their direction and crouched down.
"Wait..."
The Alunsian uttered a low growl from deep in its throat, eyes fixed unmoving on their position. It drew one paw through the earth, turning up the soil with razor-like claws. Even time seemed to stand still as the four Storyseekers stared into its glittering black eyes. It crouched lower, advancing forward ever so slightly.
"Naomi!" Even Dallian was starting to panic.
"Not yet..." Naomi said, paying attention to nothing but her aim.
In one moment, the Alunsian gave its loudest scream yet and lunged for the tree. Naomi let go at that exact instant, and her arrow stuck in the monster's side. It screeched in pain and anger, drawing back for one last leap.
Crashing through the branches around them, it seemed to be using every once of strength it had left.
Jayrin screamed as its cruel claws tore through her arm, knocking her backward into Cheydine. Both of them tumbled out of the tree, hitting the ground far below.
The Alunsian gave one last pitiful screech, falling backward to its death with Naomi's arrow still lodged in its side.
"Jayrin! Cheydine! Are you alright?" Naomi gasped as she and Dallian quickly descended.
Jayrin struggled to her knees, blood soaking through her sleeve. "I...I don't know."
"Let me see."

As Naomi knelt next to Jayrin, Dallian stood and looked around. Something didn't seem quite right, and it didn't take him long to figure out what. Dallian had seen Jayrin and Cheydine fall out of the that tree at the exact same moment. So if Jayrin was here...why wasn't Cheydine?
Dallian tried is hardest not to look worried as he rejoined Jayrin and Naomi. "Where is Cheydine?"
The girls followed his gaze, growing more concerned as they surveyed the deserted landscape.
"He was here just a minute ago." Jayrin said. "Wasn't he? Come to think of it, I haven't seen him since the second we fell out of that tree."
Naomi stood and helped Jayrin to her feet, looking slightly panicked. "Where else could he be?"
"I really don't know." Dallian replied. "It's been less than ten minutes since we last saw him."
"Look at this!"
Dallian and Naomi rushed to where Jayrin was standing, wondering what could have her so excited.
"Those are footprints." Naomi gasped.
"Exactly." Jayrin replied, "Footprints that obviously belong to someone much bigger than Cheydine. And look at the dirt beside them."
Dallian looked closer. "It looks to me like whoever made those footprits was dragging something with them."
"That's what I thought, too." Jayrin responded. "But the dirt here is so lose, the marks that the Alunsian's claws made have already dissapeared. For this path to still be here, they must have been dragging something unusually heavy. Something like a human."
Dallian stared at her. "What are you suggesting?"
"I'm suggesting that, while you two were climbing back down that tree and I was worrying about myself, someone jumped out of the forest over there and kidnapped Cheydine."
"But how?" Naomi asked. "They wouldn't have had enough time!"
"See how dark the forest gets just a few feet away from this spot?" Dallian asked, starting to understand what Jayrin was saying. "For someone to get Cheydine out of view before we noticed, they wouldn't have had to take him very far. After they were hidden, they could simply continue on their way with no fear of us finding them."
"Oh, this is terrible!" Naomi cried. "What in Estrellica are we going to do?"
To Dallian, everything about this journey seemd ten times more dangerous and complicated than it had before. If Lucien and his minions would do something like this...what else would they be willing to do?

The Treaty Contest, Category: Style (Part 3)

A man seated himself in newly furbished red velvet chairs that were specially designed for the VIPs that attended The Treaty Contest. Wincing as he sank into his assigned chair, he sighed in gratitude, glad he finally had a chance to get off his feet. Thoroughly exhausted from the day’s events that had thrown themselves at him, he thought back to the archery practice match he had just been a part of. Even as a child he had never relished the chance to be in the spotlight. It drained him, and gave him headaches. Even the small group of spectators that had watched the practice had bugged him. Now he wished he had gone directly to his room as he had intended. He would have too, if not for Prince Flattery. Once again he had fallen for the silver-tongued prince who was known for wooing maidens with his charms and honey-coated words.

Come on Weaponry! The words of Flattery echoed in his head. It will be fun! We need a bit of rest and recuperation. We deserve it! You deserve it! Come on; be a good fellow and join me at the contest. There are some pretty ladies that I could introduce you to.

Sighing angrily at himself for sliding into the prince’s trap, Sir Weaponry glanced around for his “friend”. He knew what to expect, so when he didn’t see the prince’s golden curls shining in the sunlight, or hear his sweet voice in the breeze, he was not surprised. Once again, Flattery had left him hanging. So far, nothing exciting had happened. He had seen Hellga’s fancy model glide down the red carpet, and had heard the crowd’s cheers of approval. He had heard the women sigh jealously and had caught the whispers of the young men. If there was anything Sir Weaponry had learned from Prince Flattery, it was not to believe a cajoler’s words. And hadn’t he seen Lady Blushingeyes’ behavior? Beauty wasn’t everything; that at least he had learned. Folding his arms across his chest, he closed his eyes in boredom. He really should be resting, now sitting in between two goo-goo eyed young men who couldn’t take their eyes off the red carpet. A fly landed on his nose, and started crawling to his closed eyes. Opening them swiftly, Sir Weaponry swatted the pesky insect away from his face, and glanced down at the carpet. Suddenly, he understood why the two young men beside him were gawking. There, sailing majestically to the other side of the arena, was a woman whose beauty was almost divine. Her honey-gold locks of hair had been pinned up with bobby pins, and two curls danced on either side of her face. A golden tiara shimmered regally in her hair, swathing the sapphire jewel that was set in the crown. Even from the distance he was sitting, Weaponry could see the detail that was carved into the sapphire to give it the appearance of a blooming rose. The tight necklace resting at the young lady’s throat matched the jewel in her hair, and the earrings sparkled as if they were dancing. Her velvet slippers were silent on the carpet, causing a hush to come over the crowd. Sir Weaponry was by no means a fashion expert, but when he saw this model’s blue dress, he knew the seamstresses in town would be busy creating copies of the design. Its sleeves were like an upside down U with a wavy cut at the bottom, and the silk material it was made of was light in the soft wind, causing it to flitter playfully. The dress itself was a different material, somewhere between cotton and silk. It was a scoop neck, but not too low, and the waist was made of a different material than the top and bottom of the dress, giving a nice contrast. The skirt touched her ankles, carefully measured so it would not brush against the carpet or dirt. It was like most ballroom skirts, but was gathered so that when the girl twirled it spun around with her, making it one fluid motion. Other details in the dress were lost as Sir Weaponry gazed at the model’s face. Neither the rosy-pink lipstick nor the carefully chosen eye shadow caught his attention as much as the sapphire pools that made up the model’s eyes. As if sensing him watching her, the girl turned to look in his direction. Weaponry froze. The girl smiled, nodded, and continued walking. Still dazed, Weaponry took a deep breath to steady himself. Was that really the nameless girl he had saved? Was that gorgeous young woman really Kaylia?

The Treaty Contest, Category: Style (Part 2)

Sweat drenched her palms and meandered down her neck. She stood shakily as she was called forward. Her velvet blue slippers were soundless on the throw rug beneath her feet. Reaching the end of the tunnel, she gracefully sat, the other five “models” sitting on either side of her. People lined the seats in the stadium, eager to see the lusciously gorgeous dresses and their owners. Their crowd’s cheering and clapping could be heard as the judges were introduced and seated one by one. Glancing back down at her lap for the millionth time, Kaylia saw the number written elegantly on the card. Number four. She was number four out of six. Now the introductions were done, and there was silence. Then, the first model was called out.

“Miss Ciara who represents Princess Shadownight, would you please come forth?”

Without any reaction, Ciara glided forward, her velvet black gown shimmering and giving the silver tiara in her thick, black hair a strangely pleasant mysterious look. The shawl around her thin, strong shoulders twinkled as the ruby-red threads of material woven into it were kissed by the sunlight. Then she was out of the shelter of the tunnel and walking on the red rug that showed the “runway” where they were to walk before the judges. The audience was awestruck for a second, but then wild howls of approval rang until the very air shook. Kaylia’s heart sank.

Will they do that for me? She thought, looking at the other models.

One young woman had auburn hair with gold intertwined. Even though it was just shoulder length, she had used it to her full advantage. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, with the back curled and the straight-ironed bangs tucked neatly behind her left ear. The small, white rose buds placed neatly in her hair were the perfect touch, and matched nicely with her snow colored dress. When she noticed the fawn colored eyes of the girl staring at her back, Kaylia blushed. The girl just. As Ciara sailed majestically in to the door on the other side of the arena that stood awaiting her, the young woman with auburn hair leaned towards Kaylia.

“I’m Tayla, but call me Tay. Most folk do. Where are you from?”

“Mudslide Village.” Kaylia whispered, turning to the talkative girl.

“I think we all are from villages of that sort. Have you noticed that all of us have “ah” at the end of our names?”
Kaylia nodded. In poor villages, all the girls had “ah” at the end of their names, and all the males had “lo” at the end of theirs. It was a tradition that bonded the poor citizens of those villages together. They could distinguish each other by their names. It was like a secret code, one that bound one poorer villager to the other when they were in need of help. But in truth, Kaylia hadn’t picked “Kaylia” as her name because of that. It was because that had been Sir Weaponry’s mother’s name.

Strange, she thought, staring at the note card bearing her name and number, even the rich have names ending with “ah” and “lo”. We are not so different. It is mostly the weight of our purses that separate us.

The announcement that Judge Enlightenment made next snapped Kaylia out of her memories.

“Miss Blimah who represents Lady Butterup, would you please come forth?”

Blimah walked forward, her heels clacking together and her long neck arched like a swan’s. Her dirty blonde hair was braided in a crown atop her head, with half of it left down and curled in ringlets. Her rosy pink dress looked wonderful with the puffy sleeves trimmed with lace, and the soft pink lilies nestled gently in the braid were in full bloom. Blimah’s veil trailed behind her, giving her appearance of a bride.

As she started walking back, Tayla laughed nervously.

“Guess I’m next. Elundarel bless, okay?” She arose from the chair, fixing her hair one last time.

“Elundarel bless.” Kaylia whispered in reply.

Tayla was proven correct with Enlightenment’s call.

“Miss Tayla who represents Princess Hellga, would you please come forth?”

If Blimah gave the appearance of a bride, Tayla was a bride. In fact, had Kaylia not known otherwise, she would have thought she was at Tayla’s wedding. Her new friend strode purposely down the red carpet, not a single flower falling from her regal head. Never once did she look nervous, and Kaylia prayed to Elundarel that she would do the same.

Please, Father. If not for me, for Lillian. You blessed me with her for a short time, and I wish to honor her last request. Please, assist me so I won’t fail.

At last Tayla reached the end of the carpet, and then disappeared like the others before her into the hole behind the open door.

Kaylia wiped her hands on her dress, and walked into the sunlight.

The Treaty Contest: Past

Princess Ivy woke with cramps in her fingers. She would have laughed if someone had ever told her you could get cramps in your fingers, but now she knew better; you could. Groaning, she dragged herself out of bed, calling “Lillian, what time is it?”

No answer. Suddenly the unfamiliar pitter-patter of feet filled the room as Kaylia hurried in. Then it all crashed over I like a tsunami. Lillian was gone, for good. She fell back on the bed as tears sprang up in her eyes. She attempted to turn off the waterworks, but she could no better stop her tears as she could catch the wind and command it. Kaylia rushed to her side, bending down to lay her hands on her new mistress’s knees.

“I will never replace her, but I will help you.” She promised, whispering it as solemnly as any oath. Then she dug a fresh new handkerchief out of her brand-new maid’s clothes and handed it to Ivy. The princess sniffled, wiped her eyes, and smiled appreciatively at her friend. Then, trying to change the subject, she inquired a second time “What time is it?”

She got off the bed and walked over to her dresser.

Kaylia started making the bed with the utmost care, answering proudly “It is seven o’clock sharp. I was just about to wake you.”

Ivy turned around from her mirror, still brushing her long, brown hair. “Thank you. And the contest starts when again?”

“At nine sharp.” Kaylia answered promptly while fluffing a pillow before setting it back on the freshly made bed.

“Good. That should allow us enough time to get you ready. Are Stephanie, Tanyah, and Marina Ellen up yet?”

“Yes, miss. I’ve told them to go to the sewing room after they’ve finished breakfast. They should be there now.”

Princess I grinned. “You are an early bird, aren’t you?”

“Pardon?” Kaylia questioned, unsure of what Ivy meant.

“You’re an early bird; a person who likes to get up early. Personally, I’m a night owl. Go to bed late, get up late; that’s my schedule.”

Kaylia laughed “I suppose so, but since we didn’t have a lot of lights where I used to live, you could only stay out and work as long as there was sunlight. You learned to be an ‘early bird’, because that’s the only way you could get stuff done.”

Silence.

Then, “Miss, I think we should get you dressed. The sooner we get ready, the better.”
Ivy agreed without making a noise. She took in a shuddering breath as the memories flooded back. Lillian had been an early bird too.

Princess Catherine ~*~