Mulan: My Warrior Example

 

I had ZERO plans to write this morning.  ZERO.

Yesterday was a "dark" day for me.  A day of struggle.

I laid down to sleep early last evening because my body just couldn't hold me up anymore.  My Spirit was downcast, and my body was reflecting that.

I started to pray, and immediately, I heard, "Goodbye" in my Spirit.  I'm not sure if that was from God or if the devil was trying to interrupt my prayer time.  Since I was in prayer, I took it as the Holy Spirit.

I think God is trying to reach down and pull me up "outta the grave" as the Elevation Worship song goes.

Woke up at 5AM this morning, fed the cats and dog, made my first cup of coffee, went back and wrestled with the dog, and then sat down to read.  Just not feeling anything this morning.

And then I read 2 Cor. 12:9, "“My grace is enough to cover and sustain you. My power is made perfect in weakness."

[You] need to be a warrior.
Because [life] is a battle.

Don’t misunderstand; this isn’t a jab at [life]. Consider it a call to arms. Sister, I know how easy it is to forget the battle isn’t against [life]. [You], need to shift your focus on the daily faith-fight to be more and more like Christ.

Ephesians 6:16 says, 'In every battle, you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan.' (TLB).

As we step onto the battlefield, let’s train ourselves to fight the true enemy. We have an adversary who seeks to get us stuck in the messiness of [life]. He understands that some of his greatest weapons are our emotions, expectations, exhaustion, and environments. The enemy knows that when we feel weak, he has a chance to gain ground in his plan to destroy our homes.

But God is the author of [life], and nothing can change that. His plan is not outdated or obsolete. He alone truly knows what it should look like and who it should point to.

So, let God’s voice script [you].

We can expect conflict and confusion. From the beginning, the enemy has sought to divide us. Our faith should surround us like armor. Lift your shield, put it at the front and center of your heart and attitude. Let faith guard you against resentment, disappointment, frustration, and impatience.

My challenge for you (and for me) is to return to God. Remember God’s plan. Put Him first in our [lives]. Allow His truth to be the one thing we cling to. Then, we can learn the art of fighting for in a way that will strengthen us and open our eyes to God in a powerful way.

Let’s begin to think like warriors, talk like warriors, and pray like warriors. Let’s arm ourselves with the unchanging truth of God’s Word. Let’s sit in the war room face-to-face with God and allow Him to equip us, strengthen us, and lead us into [a life] that reflects His goodness.

Boots on.
Faith First.

It’s time to fight the good fight. 

Wow.  Powerful words right there. I read that devotion, and it shot like an arrow straight to my heart.

Today, I am recalling my favorite Disney Princess - Mulan.  A true warrior and fighter for her family.  I love what the author says above:

Boots on.  Faith First.  Time to fight the good fight.

Today, I am shifting focus.  Putting on my big girl warrior boots and fighting the good fight.

"Goodbye." I heard you God.

It's time to think like a warrior, talk like a warrior, and PRAY like a warrior again.  It's time to channel those strong, Italian women who make up my history and heritage.

It is time to put away the disappointment in a brother that has time for others but does not reach out or have time for his sister when he knows she is struggling and emotionally cannot reach out.  It is time to put away the disappointment in a partner that after five years still cannot put you first, fight for you, and belittles the intimacies of shared prayers.

Warrior.

I am reclaiming my strong, Italian heritage and digging in.  I am claiming the title of warrior.

I am looking to my sisters in Christ who have fought deeper and harder battles than me and still keep going.

I am looking to CHRIST who says, "My power is made perfect in your weakness."

Boots on.  Faith First.  It is time to fight the good fight.

I am putting the expectations, disappointments, and heartache I have in others' actions behind me and moving forward.  I am a child of God.  I am a WARRIOR.

Eph. 6:16, "...take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."

Let's do this.

HalfOffDepot.com Showcases Frozen Items at 50% Off! Anna & Elsa Dolls and Princess Dresses -- Shipping INCLUDED!

Just released!  Halfoffdepot.com deals on Frozen items!

• Frozen Princess Anna and Frozen Princess Elsa Doll SET - $24 (Retail $50)
  
  If your little ones were sad to see the movie Frozen come to an end, they'll be able to relive all the adventures of princesses Anna and Elsa over and over again with these two cute dolls!  The set includes both sisters, who are executed with very realistic details and safe, solid materials. Each ones measures 11.4in in height.
  
  The great figurines are sure to spark their imaginations, and they'll make a wonderful addition to your child's toy collection.  So pick up the pair in time for this year's holiday season or give them a nice surprise for a birthday or any other special occasion.  Keep the magic of Frozen alive by getting your set today!
  
  
• Children's Frozen Anna or Elsa Dresses - $30 (Retail $49) (Three styles, one shown below.)
  
  Your little princess has the bravery, smarts, and boldness to run her kingdom at home, so she should at least look the part!  Style up your little girl for special events like birthdays and family gatherings and let everyone know who the royalty is.  Dress your little one up as Elsa the Snow Queen or Anna.

 Hurry.  They are saying these items may not last long.  Good luck!

ZULILY - Blow Out Sale and Hard-to-Find Disney Items!

Elsa, Frozen Wall Decal

Zulily is having a Memorial Day blow-out sale, and as usual, a lot of Disney items are included.

Do a quick search for Disney, and you will even find Frozen hard-to-find items, like the Elsa wall decal show above.  Here are a few more samples of what you can find in the Zulily Memorial Day blow-out sale:

Phineas & Ferb Crocs Shoe

Disney Princess Sunglasses

Finding Nemo Beach Towel

SO many other items!  Just follow our links and then do a quick search for Disney.  Amazing deals today!  Enjoy!

DISNEY ON ICE: Let's Celebrate! A Review!

A few nights ago, our blogs had the opportunity to attend Disney On Ice:  Let's Celebrate at Philips Arena here in Atlanta.  I was lucky enough to have a Guest with me that (hopefully) will be joining our family of websites, as a future writer and contributor.

Please help me in welcoming, Lindsey, to our family of sites, as she presents her very first review for us!  Take it away Lindsey!

Disney On Ice: Let's Celebrate lives up to its title - in itself, the show is a reason to celebrate!  The show featured different segments on reasons to celebrate, including a Very Merry Unbirthday with Alice and the Mad Hatter; a Halloween Town celebration with Jack Skellington and the Disney Villains; Valentine's Day with the Princesses and their Princes; summer vacation in Hawaii with Nani, David, Lilo, and Stitch, which lead to Japan with Minnie, and China with Mickey, Mulan, and Li Shang; Mardi Gras with Tiana and Naveen; and finally, Christmas with Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and friends.  If you're feeling homesick for the happiest place on earth, I highly recommend Let's Celebrate!  Fun for the entire family, it is the perfect touch of the Disney Parks close to home.  If you're seated close to the ice, the characters may interact with you!  Even if you are seated far away from the arena, the characters on ice still make attempts to bring the audience into the show, such as saying the magic words with Fairy Godmother (Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!) or saying "Aloha!" along with Lilo and friends to kick off the Luau in Hawaii.

Some underappreciated characters made an appearance, including Pinocchio, Geppetto, and the Blue Fairy; Mowgli and Baloo; Jack Skellington; Alice and Mad Hatter; Cruella De Ville; and many others.   It was nostalgic to see the characters that aren't often included.  The Halloween Town party was haunting in the most theatrical and fun-filled way.  The Jack Skellington figure skater was phenomenal - the movements were whimsical, fun, and daring, much like Jack himself.  The Valentine's Day segment with the Princesses was gorgeous.  All of the Princesses were included, with the exception of Pocahontas, Aurora, Rapunzel, and Merida.  The princesses had an individual dance to a contemporary remix of their signature song with their prince.  The final dance with everyone was to Enchanted's "That's How You Know," which had everyone wanting to clap and sing along.  After a short intermission, the show returned with summer vacation in Hawaii.  The theatrics in this were amazing.  Be surprised for some daring stunts and pyrotechnics from David.  The best part of summer vacation was the very end - Louisiana with Tiana and Naveen had everyone clapping along and having a great time.  The bluesy melody of The Princess and the Frog soundtrack along with the fast paced skating and dancing was well received by all.  The final Christmas segment had kids of all ages in the audience enthusiastic - "The toys are back in town!" Toy Story is a timeless classic, and I loved seeing them out on the ice!  I was most impressed by the costumes for Hamm and Rex.  Their costumes were very cumbersome, but they still engaged with the audience (Hamm let the kids pet him!)

 Overall, Let's Celebrate is one of the most interesting Disney On Ice productions.  What appeals to the audience is that it's suitable for kids of all ages.  Parents and grandparents will enjoy it just as much as the little ones will.  The timing of the production is also convenient.  It's the perfect event to bring in the holiday season.  Regardless of holidays and celebration, it's the perfect event to get your fix of Disney (I know that I suffer from Disney withdrawls!) If it's coming to a city near you, don't miss out on the opportunity to see this production! Bring some good company, and Let's Celebrate!

 

*Disney On Ice:  Let's Celebrate will play Atlanta's Philips Arena through Sunday, October 13th.  There are still seats available, and all our readers can get a 20% discount by using the code GASSOUTH when checking out!  Visit the Ticketmaster website to purchase yours today.

zulily - Disney Bedroom Sets! Mickey, Minnie, Doc, and Sophia!

Princess Sofia comforter set

I love zulily.  I love Disney.  So, it only makes sense that I love when the two collide!  Check out the fun Disney Junior bedroom items they have on sale for the next two days.

*Don't forget.  zulily is a referral site!  Which means, if you refer a friend and they buy something, you get a store credit!  Doesn't get any better than that!  Plus, it's **FREE** to sign up!

Doc McStuffins comforter set

Jake & The Neverland Pirates comforter set

Mickey comforter set

These are only a small sample of what is available.  Other items include pillows, sleeping bags, and curtains!

Visit zulily to see the entire collection!

Disney Little People on Sale at Target this Week!

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Target has some great sales going this week for the Fisher-Price Disney Little People items.  Easter is just around the corner, and I know I am hoping the Easter Bunny brings me a few of these.  I am addicted to Little People and Disney!  

Here is how to work a few different scenarios, which by the way, is WAY cheaper than anything on Amazon!  Way to go Target!  Let me know if you score anything different or better!

• Fisher-Price Little People Disney Princess Figure Pack - $19.99 (regular price) (See Above)
  
• Use (1) 30% off Target In-Ad Coupon (wrap-around the insert) (-$5.99)
• STACK with (1) $3 Off When You Buy $15 in Fisher-Price Items
• FINAL PRICE = $11
  
  
  

• Fisher-Price Little People Disney Princess Ariel's Coach - $24.99 (regular price)
• Use (1) 30% off Target In-Ad Coupon (wrap-around the insert) (-$7.49)
• STACK with (1) $3 Off When You Buy $15 in Fisher-Price Items
• FINAL PRICE =  $14.50
  
  
  

• Play-Doh Disney Princess Rapunzel Hair Designs Set - $14.99 (regular price)
• Use (1) 30% off Target In-Ad Coupon (wrap-around the insert) (-$4.49)
• Use (1)  $2 Off (1) Play-Doh Playset (includes Rapunzel's Hair Designs)
• FINAL COST = $8.50
• (Walmart.com has the playset for $9.97; Target should be able to price match this price.)
  
  
  

• Fisher-Price Little People Disney Princess Figures (2-Packs) - $6.99 (regular price) (Will have to buy two)
• (If you do a search for these on Amazon, you will see a myriad of different sents, some pricing out as much as $20!)
• Use (1) 30% off Target In-Ad Coupon (wrap-around the insert) (-$.70, will probably only work on one set, not both)
• Use (1) $2 Off when You Buy $10 in Fisher-Price items
• FINAL PRICE = $5.64
  
  

*Thanks to Totally Target for these great match-ups!

**FREE** Disney Princess Activity Kit (Coloring Pages, Crown, Games and More) from Target!

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Head on over to Target to print out this cool Princess Activity Kit!

The kit contains coloring pages, a crown, and more, and best of all, it's **FREE!**

*Thanks Mojo Savings!

Disney Princess Deal - Amazon - $10 Off Any Disney Princess Game!

To receive these deals daily, sign up for our **FREE** e-mail newsletter or subscribe via RSS. If you'd like a printable copy of this post, please see the link below. Thanks for visiting!

*Click here to see all eligible items.

Right now, you can save $10 on Disney Princess:  My FairyTale Adventure with purchase of an eligible Princess item:

"Through October 26, 2012, when you purchase an eligible item, you can save $10 on a Disney Princess: My Fairytale Adventure video game. Must add one version of the Disney Princess video game, plus other item to your cart. Applies only to products sold by Amazon.com. Does not apply to products sold by third-party merchants and other sellers through the Amazon.com site. See details and restrictions."

I've listed a few of the required products below, but you can click on the image above to see all the eligible titles.  Enjoy!

*Offer good through 10/26.

Monday Target Daily Deals - Disney!!!

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Love the deals at Target today -- 4 Disney deals!  I've highlighted two (2) of them below.  To see the rest of today's Target daily deals, click on the Target logo above.

• Disney Rapunzel Dress, Small - Was $30, now $20!

•  JAKKS Toy Story Mania Deluxe TV Game - $50 (not sold in stores)

*All Target Daily Deals are only available for 24 hours or until they sell out.  They will be shipped **FREE** and can be returned to your local Target store.

Georgia Aquarium - **FREE** Admission this Saturday for All Princesses, Princes, and Frogs!

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It's B.Y.O.T. (Bring Your Own Tiara), and frog kissing is optional!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
10AM-4PM

Pull out those costumes and prepare yourself for a glamorous day fit for a princess (or prince!) at the Georgia Aquarium.

Georgia Aquarium's 3rd Annual Princess Day invites all princesses, princes, and frogs to join in fairytale-like magic with our very own princesses and princes as they appear in person to help raise awareness  for frog conservation.

The Georgia Aquarium is committed to ensuring the survival and  conservation of all amphibian species, and what better way to highlight the struggles of the world's amphibians than to join with the frog's greatest friend, the princess.

*Kids under 12 in princess, prince, or frog costume receive free Aquarium admission with a paying adult or Member.

Festivities include the following:

• Princess Parades at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Princess Photo Ops
• Arts and Crafts
• Frog Activities including "How They Eat" and "How They Move"
• Animal Encounter with Milk Frogs

Radio Disney AM 590 will also be celebrating Princess Day with the Georgia Aquarium from 12PM-2PM for fun music, great games, and lots of awesome prizes.


All Princess Day activities are included with Aquarium admission. We hope you'll join us on this storybook fun day where princesses unite for frog conservation at the Georgia Aquarium.

*1 FREE child admission with each paid adult or Member. Offer includes Aquarium general admission only. Not valid with any other offer.

Princess Garden Party at The Disney Store! **FREE**

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The Disney Store is inviting you to a Princess Garden Party!  How fun!

Come dressed as our favorite Princess and participate in games, crafts, and more.  The party will be Saturday, January 22 at 11AM and again at 12:30PM.

Call your local store ahead of time to make sure they are participating!  This sounds like a lot of fun for little girls! 

Thanks Disney for once again bringing the Magic home to us!