What Purity is.

 Purity..  A word that is often mistaken, misused, and really misunderstood.

If you were to ask me what purity was and what it meant four years ago the answer would have been  different than my take on it now.. In fact total opposite.

I would have told you that purity is when someone saves sex for marriage. That was it. A very limited inside the box answer. But that's what I thought and believed defined purity. And unfortunately I wasn't the only person who thought  that.. My answer was influenced by older generations of women who believed that and passed it down to me and I have spoken to so many young women who believes the same thing..

Yes, saving sex for marriage is so so important and it's an act, an example and  a stand on purity but it's not what purity is. In fact you could still be a virgin who hasn't even kissed someone before but that doesn't mean you are pure. Because purity isn't physical. It's spiritual. It's a heart matter.. If your saving sex for your husband/wife but then looking at pornography, and lusting after young men or women it's really no different than hooking up with them in the first place. Because Jesus made it very clear that He doesn't look at the outer appearance but He looks at your heart! Which in my opinion is so much harder to control than physical.Sometimes we don't even  realize we're lusting after something until we have already done it.. Which is why on our own it is impossible to be pure.. to live a pure life.

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."  -1 Samuel 16:7

But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:28

I have realized the hard way that purity even has nothing to do with us.. It's not something we could conquer on our own.. But Jesus, He is clothed in purity and righteousness and self- control.. He is what makes us pure, righteous and it is Him who strengthens us with self-control. It is not our strength but His alone.

 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. -Isaiah 1:18

 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10

And Praise God for that because that means our purity can't be lost! Even when we do mess up and make mistakes. There is no sin that is to big for Jesus to forgive.. After all He gave His life so that you could have His! And this brings me back to a personal testimony a few years back while Leon and I were dating. If you have followed me for a while now or have read my "Purity and forgiveness" post  you would know that my Darling husband and I were not the best examples for living out purity for that short  season of time. Though it was a huge goal for me to do so. Mistakes happened that I learned from.

I remember feeling so much shame. Leon and I didn't actually have sex but boy did we almost sometimes. I personally didn't see a difference and still don't. To me giving into the flesh is giving into the flesh. I remember thinking to myself that there is no going back. I've committed the sin that we Christian often call "the big sin".. The one I was positive with in myself that I would never commit! My stance on saving intimacy for marriage was so strong... I thought nothing could break that! And afterwards I was broken.. I gave up on myself. I was not only mad at myself I also thought I failed Jesus, I failed my relationship, I failed in all hopes of being a great role model for other young women who are striving for purity, and I just thought I was a failure in itself.. A failure who was impure.

But you know what? God is so awesome. He is good and His Amazing love endures forever and doesn't stop when you do something that wasn't the smartest idea. In fact, I believe that's when He knows you need Him the most.. When you've fallen I believe the only thing He wants to do is pick His precious daughter up, give her the biggest bear hug, tell her He loves her and to keep running the race! I believe He is right there besides you cheering you on saying "You got this My precious Darling ! Because I am right here with you!"

In this culture we find that hard to believe. At least I did! Because we have earthy imperfect fathers.. Fathers who don't always show love, affection, encouragement and forgiveness. In fact  a lot of dads out there are just heartless. But God is perfect in Love.. And no matter what you have done and will do He will forever be perfectly in love with you! After all what you have and will do is no surprise to Him.. He knows it's gonna happen.. That's why He sent His only Son Jesus to  give His perfect life for you so that it wouldn't change a thing between His relationship with you.. You see, He  thought of The Way to bring you back to Him even before you left.

Don't put your life on hold until your married.

Hey Darling, 

I've wanted to write you for a long, long time.
Today seemed like it was finally the time and I hope that you'll hear me out.

Lately, you have really been on my heart.
I see so many of you longing for a love that is true and real. 
I see so many of you left feeling lonely, and seeing the circumstance of 
singleness as some kind of illness or identity.
 and I know how you feel,
because I've been there.


I have seen so many of you put your life on hold until you meet someone special..

I have seen so many of you make the decision to sleep.. To just sleep your life away until this dashing handsome man comes  driving   riding on his noble steed to come and kiss you awake.

And you know what? I was a complete victim to this when I was single. I was asleep throughout my whole single life.

All I did was dream, day dream and then dream again.

These dreams were all about How  I would one day meet my husband, how many kids I wanted, when will I meet him, oh, and my personal not so favorite but did so often was I wonder if _________ is the one!?! I had a lot of those ones.

And when my eye often caught Marriage Material I often day dreamed about them. I guess you could say my mind was pretty booked with dreams..

Ladies, May I encourage you today?

As a Married mama, I see now the true blessing that singleness really is..

It's a beautiful, strong and powerful situation to be in. Though the world may say otherwise but it's true!

I'm not saying Marriage isn't because it certainly is! But in a different way.. They're both awesome!
But don't miss out on the blessing and gifts of singleness because singleness is just a stepping stone before marriage.. It's a preparation and much more than that.. And if your not happy being single you're  certainly not going to be happy being married either! Because you'll be lacking the one thing that can keep you satisfied.. Jesus


You see singleness is not just a preparation .. It's an opportunity to fully seek after God with everything you are! To know Him, develop  an intimacy with Him, and allowing Him to show you things beyond imagination  Without the distractions of marriage and babies. It doesn't have to be a process of waiting.. It could be a process of amazing opportunities.. And once you realize the single life doesn't have to be a miserable, waiting season I really believe you'll enjoy it much better!

I'm certainly not saying that you shouldn't dream..  That's far from what I'm saying here.. I believe dreaming big is so important and I'm a proud supporter.. But It certainly shouldn't come before God's plan and His thoughts in Your life.. Putting your dreams and thoughts that can lead up to unhealthy thoughts and decisions before Jesus is no bueno and leads to a dead end where no dreams are fulfilled..

So ladies, I encourage you to let go of the 24/7 day dreaming and start some 24/7 Jesus dreaming..  He'll show you things that your own dreaming can't  even imagine or comprehend. And express way more undying, unconditional love for you than ever imagined..  

His love is real ya'll! Don't wait to be married to finally figure that out.

So many women have the understanding that romance and love can only be found in relationships... That you won't feel treasured, cherished, and loved until we meet our Mr.  And for the women who feel that way I can totally understand why they'd be desperate and lonely during they're single life.. Because what girl doesn't want to be cherished, adored and loved? As women were were created to love these things and to desire these things. We were not only created to love God but to also be loved by Him.  To have a relationship with Him. 

But what is not seen is that even when she does  find a man who does love her, cherishes her, and adores her.. It won't be enough. Maybe at first. Maybe longer. But eventually he'll get old.. The sweet things he had done for her won't be enough and because as human's we're not perfect and he will mess up.. He'll forget about her some days, some days he won't be able to fill her every need, some day's he'll be to tired to spend time with her, and some days he'll rather hang out with his bros.. And you know what? That's okay, it's normal, healthy and it does not mean he's not a marriage material man.  But you'll still need more, you'll still thirst for more because the man you have slept day dreaming about, the man you have waited for all these years will soon no longer be of interest to you anymore because when it was him, his love that you thought you longed for it was really a more perfect love you desperately needed. A love that can only be given by  perfection.. All that time what you were really seeking was Jesus.. The creator of Love and romance.

I really hope I made my point across.. Darlings, What I'm saying is as single ladies.. you are not a  lesser woman.. You are not just a girl and being Married doesn't make you loved, a real woman, or a respectable woman.  It is Jesus who makes you loved and it is your attitude that makes you a real respectable woman and how you handle your single life.

I'm telling you this not with empty words. But with experience. Don't be the girl in need of a man to come and rescue her from the life of singleness.  But be fully independent on Jesus and He will fill your every desire and that will make your future marriage with the man after God's own heart even stronger, more loved filled and powerful. Don't wait to fall in love with Jesus until you're married. Do what you can now to strengthen your relationship with Him. Go on missions trips, start a blog, write a book, start a sisterhood community. Get involved and let God use your singleness to do powerful things. 


                                                                       Love ya, girl! And keep shining for Him.
                                                                                             xoxo- Heather Leigh.

Purity & Forgiveness

Happy July 1st!!! I feel like this year is going by so fast.  I'm doing something a bit differently today friends. I'm going to be sharing a vlog with you! This is my very first time making a spiritual vlog so I was a bit nervous but making encouraging blogs are something that Jesus has been really putting upon my heart to do. It's definitely not something I like to do because well, they're  awkward and sometimes I just don't know what to say or share. A bit out of my comfort zone you know?  But God has given me the words to speak just as He has given me the courage to turn my video camera on & share. I've heard these things get easier and easier with every vlog so until than I can be fearless. I know these vlogs Jesus has encouraged me to do will bless someone including myself to be more of a public speaker. Anyways... Now that I have poured my heart out to you about vlogging.

This vlog title is called "Purity & Forgiveness"
About forgetting  what God has already forgotten which is such a hard thing to do sometimes isn't it? We often feel like God remembers the bad things more than the good. But my friend it's the total opposite. The God we serve is The God of love and when Jesus died on the cross for you all of your sins were forgiven & forgotten right there. Right at the moment Our Sweet Beloved whispered "It is finished".  Our Past. Our Present. Our Future. There is nothing that you can do to separate His love from you.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39

Today friends, right this moment. I deeply encourage you to forget what God has already forgotten.. To trust and accept the fact that you ARE forgiven, loved and treasured indescribably. He takes great delight in you girl! Much love XOXO



 

Also, don't forget to come back Wednesday for our Mommy 5 Link up! We will be discussing our top five pieces of advice for birth/labor.. :)

Scars & Purity.

My Friend, sexual sin is one of the most damaging things that one can do to their own body physically, spiritually and mentally. Which is why God warns us to stay away from it!

God doesn't just tell us to wait for no reason. He loves us too much and He created not only us but sex as well, and because He created sex He also knows it very well. He created it to be a beautiful intimate thing that a man and a woman would come together to do in marriage. Sex is really such a beautiful thing! A man and a woman coming together in holiness and selflessness to give ones self to each other and creates a wonderful, beautiful being. Which is why Satan tries so hard to pervert it with lust and selfishness.

I am strongly passionate for purity. And no sex til marriage and because I have compromised my passions in the past I am even more passionate about it!  I was deeply  hurt from it and in different ways so was Leon. We realized what was going on and how the enemy was trying to get in our relationship. But we did not condemn ourselves at all because that would just be another battle Satan would want victory in. So we picked ourselves up and continued to run finishing the race and fighting the good fight. And the day finally came when we had our victory. They day I proudly walked down the aisle wearing white. I was more pure that day than ever before.  During this whole experience our loving God has given us so many testimonies. No matter how many times you fall God's promise is there always! He has never left us and has never forsaken us and never will. In fact I remember one time I was broken and hurt by all this and I was just pouring my heart to God asking for strength and He brought me to Isaiah 41:10.

"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

This verse brought me so much comfort and joy! Knowing that His strength is inside me! And day by day, week by week His strength is in us more each day!

It doesn't matter how many times you fall. It's what you do afterwards. Are you going to condemn yourself and just lay there? or are you going to take your Fathers hand He willingly gave you, get back up and finish the race you were created to win?

Boundaries are so important!
One thing I really wish I would have done is talked with Leon about boundaries when we first got together. And stood for them. We had goals to stay pure and we had boundaries afterwards but we did not start out with boundaries. Just to stay pure. I now realize a relationship needs boundaries from the beginning. You just cannot say "Okay no impurity" But than think it is okay to go upstairs alone and watch a movie in his bedroom and expect nothing to happen!  A relationship with no boundaries can only lead to failure. And if you think you do not need boundaries you are greatly deceived my friend.
Here is a list of boundaries I deeply respect and highly recommend!

1. The swim principle. When you do not touch a guy anywhere a modest bathing  suit would cover and same with the girl.

2. no clothes off!!

3. Do not be alone with each other with the door shut.

4. No laying on the bed together. The bed is a very intimate special place for married couples and for sleeping.

My goal is to please God by living with a clean conscience before Him, and knowing He is watching. I want to please Him with all I am but I cannot do that if I am not living entirely for Him.

It's hard for the woman.
Sexual sin is really hard for the woman because when she gives even a small part of herself away too early she feels a loss of value, and when she feels a loss of value she also feels a loss of respect and a sense of respect toward the man, and then he feels a lack of value.
More reasons why saving sex is so important. I have seen relationships destroyed because of impurity, and it breaks my heart dearly.

Modest is hottest.
The gift of a woman's body is precious. Through her modesty she allows a lot about her character and what she values and it shows shes secure in herself. It breaks my heart when I see young girls in youth groups wearing immodest clothing. The media is a great influence on them. It is so important girls, that we dress modestly because our character is shown by how we dress and our attention is shown by how we dress as well. It is never a good excuse for a guy to disrespect a girl in a sexual way. But when we dress the part, we are asking for it! And I never want to see any girl disrespected. When we dress modestly we not only help our christian bro's out and respect them but we're also respecting ourselves and our bodies and most of all we are respecting God with our body.

You can do it!
Maybe you feel like you went to far to go back, you are furthest from the truth. Leon and I are living proof it's possible. As far as the east is from the west. God is here and the time is now. He is ready to catch you. Are you ready to jump into His Arms?

Much love- XOXO

Purity, Freedom and our identity.

 I will never forget the first morning. The first morning I woke up feeling shame. 
I felt like I had engaged in a series of fights. Battles I believed I couldn't win. I felt beaten up by a giant I could not defeat.  Chased by a darkness that I just couldn't ignore, I heard whispers of defeat dancing all around my shaken body. As my heart and mind had become beaten by this sudden war. I felt defeated, condemned as tears of pain ran down my red cheeks, my soul hiding it's face as I cried out "Jesus. What have I done?" 

I remember crying until their were no more tears to cry while trying to get my act together before my morning shift. This was the morning after my beliefs, my purity had been compromised. The morning after something happened I thought wouldn't be possible. I was strong enough to fight off lust. Or so I thought.

What is "lust" anyways? If you were to ask me that question a few years ago, I would have told you that "Lust" is a "sexual desire" one has for someone else outside of marriage. Something I didn't have a problem with. But if you were to ask me now. I would tell you that "Lust" is a dangerous root that comes in all kinds of  forms and disguises.

I say this with complete honesty. From what I can remember sexually desiring a man has never been a desire of mine. Sex was something I personally didn't feel the need to have. In fact I probably wouldn't have minded living the rest of my life as a virgin.. I have often heard women speak of "Sex" as just something women did for their husbands to please them or to just get them to shut up. I've thought "Sex" was for the man only. And after being sexually molested by a few family members and old friends being too afraid to say "no" and to fearful of saying anything to my parents. I had no interest in sex. So, lust, I didn't think was a problem for me.

Love.. Who would have thought that Lust could come in such a form? Of course not the "perfect love" that Jesus died to give us. But a desire to be loved. I was so lustful after love that I would have done anything to get it! And when you have such a desire to be loved without an ability to say "no" things can go very wrong.

That was me. To be loved was all that I wanted. Yes, I was a Christian my whole life.. But a religious Christian. I knew Jesus loved me but I couldn't grasp any of it. I sung the songs of "His love" but "Is it really true?" I often wondered.. I doubted many times. How could he have loved somebody like me? I to easily compared the love of God to my father's love.. I've always felt like I had to earn my fathers love. And because of that I never thought God was capable of loving me because I was not worthy. When in fact. All Jesus wanted to do was love on me but I was to desperate to feel the love of my earthly father who often rejected me that I shut Jesus out. And there was no room for His love in my heart.. Because my heart was filled with other things.. And that I didn't realize. I would go on and on in my mind of what I could do to earn the love of Christ. To be able to feel His love inside of me. And that is when I decided that I'd be pure for Jesus. And I would earn His love that way. So, all this time I'd talk about "Purity" About how I"m going to be 100% pure until marriage. I was under the impression that if I did that. I would be pleasing God and my dad for sure. And that there, was when Purity became my identity.I haven't  realized until now that I wasn't trying to remain pure for anyone but myself. So that I could get the satisfaction and so that I would get the attention I wanted and so that I could wear the halo for a while.

I didn't  find my identity in Christ at all. Honestly, I never thought I had one in Him.. I just thought the only thing I had was purity. It was my "Identity" And after I met my husband Leon. That lustful feeling of needing to be loved came back.. (Actually, I don't even think it left in the first place.)

For months, I had felt a battle, like the signal sound of warning filling my ears. Painful memories had come back, as the painful things returned and happened again for the last four years of my life. Making me feel like an object, a victim, worthless all over again. These bad memories had been surfacing my mind like dead  rotting fish in the lake as the enemy whispers in my ear just how worthless he convinced me I am.

And before I knew it, without even realizing it. I've allowed my desire to be loved take over. I had surrendered to a struggle with purity.

The next morning my feet hit the floor in shame.. I even felt too condemned to pray or even read my bible.. I've compromised purity, the identity I had.. There was nothing left of me.  My heart was broken, darkness overshadowed the light. Beating me constantly. Reminding me of what had happened the day before.. Leon and I didn't actually have sex.. But in my mind it wouldn't have made a difference at the time. I was ruined. There was no healing for me as my heart scattered across my bedroom floor into a million tiny pieces.

 I look back at that night as a new person. I no longer feel shame about those nights. But instead I thank God. I thank God for creating me  with perfection, making me new for His Glory. 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

I thank God for working all things out from my mistakes and fixing them. Because He loves me. And making me more white and more pure today than I have ever been.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

And I thank God for opening my eyes and reminding me each day with love. Just how much I need Him to be my identity. And nothing else. 
 
To this day I don't think of the past as regretful memories, or painful memories. I no longer soak in tears because of them, I no longer give myself a pitty party because of what I have done.. Who has time for that?

I now look at the past as a battle that has been defeated, a victory that has taken place, a war that has been won.

A situation the enemy had planned to ruin me, But God's love had taken over and He renewed me.

I can look back and just thank God for loving me so much and taking me out of the situation I was in. 

My dear friends, these are not empty words I promise... This is not an empty testimony, It's not an empty story from one's past. It is a story of one's mistake that God has taken and made it beautiful. As if nothing had ever happened.. So today my friends I want to encourage you!

Sister, His passion for us is deep. His love  wants to overtake our whole bodies. And His kindness, it wants to convince us  that abandonment is not who He is, despair is not His language and punishment is not how He works. And He will do whatever it takes until we know this in our very souls. Some of us run around like pain and fear has the authority, like our experiences hold the scepter, like it is our memories that are stronger than death. (And until now that was me.) He extends the invitation to us to just pause. Pause and take all that authority we have stored up in our past and pour it out on Jesus. The Cross broke the power that we think this thing has over us and He is on the throne! Claiming us to be His bride.

And even today, like a subtle breeze, Jesus is whispering into our hearts reminding us that the authority that raised Him up out of the grave is the authority that's burning  inside of us.  We can use that authority or we don’t. The choice is ours. But there is a better option, a more beautiful answer.
The more we use that authority, the easier it gets. The more we believe we are who He says we are, the simpler it becomes.
Because purity is so easy when we know who we are.
You are too worthy and too valuable and too loved and too beautiful for this to destroy you. Don’t believe the lie that freedom is a reward. Because it’s not. Free is who you are! We are His Beloved.

A Valentine's day Poem for you single ladies!

Waiting for the days to pass me by.
I'm waiting for the days to be your bride.

I often feel  so rushed by  many.
And they say a "man like you, there aren't any".

But I choose to trust the One who writes the best love stories.
And to live this life of singleness with no worries.

Because I'm saving all the best of me.
With no regrets I do believe.

Everything I have will be given to you.
A love we'll share that's forever true.

Until that time, for you God will prepare.
Prepare me for the love and commitment we both will share.

And until that time I will continue to seek God as my for ever first love.
For He will forever be my first Belove.

And I will wait for you yes, this I say is true.
And when I know you are the one, I will quietly whisper "I love you"

Over coffee. (Dating advice)

 Wow, what a great day for a coffee date isn't it?  It's freezing outside with snow and rain.. It's days like this when I just want a good cup of Starbucks goodness, a good book and a warm fire. And of course enjoy a nice coffee date with you!

With Valentines day coming up, I can understand if you have caught the love bug. So, I thought I would give you some dating advice that I have learned over the years. During dating, before dating and even after dating. If you're single please still continue to hear me out. It's never too early to get this!

I have noticed and watch a lot of young couples who date just to date. Maybe it's out of desperation, boredom, maybe the girl is just wanting attention to the extreme and would date anyone to get it. Or perhaps maybe it's just a huge fun game to them. Dear friend don't date just to date. I watch them closely and no matter how much fun their having someone always gets hurt and it's most likely the girl. It breaks my heart for them to be heartbroken because I know it's not God's plan for His daughter to be hurt. Dating is a very serious matter and should not be played with. Date with the intention to marry the man of your dreams. If you just so happen to get married, great. If not, be respectful because that man is someone else's future husband.

 if you don't understand that the Lord is your husband first, you will mistakenly expect your boyfriend/husband to be your god. Boyfriends and husbands make really crappy gods if you ask me.  And if you expect this man to be perfect you will be exhausting him and putting him into an incredible strain. Jesus wants you to know that He is your 1st Beloved, Heavenly Beloved and Perfect Beloved.  You can't love your boyfriend/husband until Jesus is your first love. 

  It is very important for both you and your boyfriend to not  rush anything!! Don't lower your standards for any guy. They are not worth it! No not even you're future husband is worth lowering your purity standards before marriage.  If he loves you,cherishes you,  and honors you(Which if he's your future husband he better!) he will respect that, honor that, and most likely even thank you for that!  Don't settle. You deserve to be treated like a princess. Because well, you are one!  The Lord tells us for the husbands to love us like He loves the church. Make sure The Lord is  your filter in all things including relationships. Do not give away anything that belongs to your future husband. That includes much more than intimacy. 

  

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. - Phil 4-8

  I believe it's always important to seek council from family and friends because they see the big picture when you get lost in emotions. If your family, church family and friends all say he's junk. I would definitely consider their thoughts to be accurate ;) 

 
While dating and building a friendship & possible long-term relationship that could lead to marriage, keep 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 constantly in mind. And ask these questions along the way: Do I believe that he would love me for a lifetime no matter the state of my health, weight & appearance? Or if I experience success or failure? When I'm not at my best or even at my worst? Will he love me the same when times are good as when times are rough? Will he love my children in this way? Will he love me if a time comes when I can't fulfill all his hopes and dreams? And, will I be able to do the same? Is this is character now? Don't think you're going to change him, marry a man who has that character now (or wait for him to grow up before you marry him.

Make sure  to be patient. Pursue God and let Him lead someone to pursue you. Your eyes should be so fixed on God that you don't even notice someone is pursuing you until they want to tell you they are. It's much more fun to be the one pursued anyways ;)

And while you're 'waiting', pray for your future spouse. Pray that they keep pursuing their faith and have a heart for Christ. And work on becoming the person who you're looking for is looking for.  And don't fake who you are. It's a lot of back tracking and lies to cover previous lies in the end. plus if he's the man God has chosen for you than there is no need to even try. Girl the dudes gonna love ya! 

So this is my advice to you if we were having a nice coffee conversation at the closest Starbucks in the wintery weather. I hope you are encouraged & blessed.  

Over Coffee. Encouragement to my single sisters.

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If I was having coffee with you. I would tell you that  I have been thinking about you often. And I have been reading many of your facebook, and twitter posts regarding to wanting a boyfriend, wanting someone to hold you, kiss you and make you feel special. I have seen you looking lonely, and I have seen an emptiness inside your heart that your hoping a knight in shining armor can fulfill, I have seen you looking in all the wrong places, doing the wrong things, and doing everything you can to please someone who is only bringing you hurt. Well darling, I want to tell you a lil something.

                                               
I'm gonna start off by telling you today that I know how you feel. TRUST ME! I have spent many years single. In fact I didn't have a boyfriend until I was nineteen  years of age. So, please listen to me when I say I am not speaking empty words. I remember that lonely feeling. That feeling you get when your friends have dates for prom, when your friends cancel on you because their boyfriends want to take them out, and having to be a good friend by listening to your friend talk about their first kiss or when he held her hand for the first time.  I remember those feelings. And because I do. The Lord wants me to encourage you with these words.

HE IS FOR YOU.  HE GETS YOU.  HE KNOWS HOW YOU FEEL. HE HAS A PLAN.

I know you may be thinking "How in the world can God know how I feel? How can Jesus ever be lonely when He's The Lord of the universe? Well, think about it. When He came to earth He experienced every emotion we experience. He was rejected and denied  by His friends,  tormented by soldiers, and spat on by millions of people that He loved. He had people yelling in His face, beating Him, and blaspheming Him. And when He died on The cross for us, God had to turn His head from Jesus for the first and last time because Jesus bore the sin of the world. And God cannot look upon sin. That right there had to have been the most lonely feeling ever experienced. You can't even imagine it. And He bore that so you would not have to experience that kind of loneliness.

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If I was having coffee with you today I would tell you that if  you would have known me in my teen early years. You definitely would have labeled me as "boy crazy" Every time I went out I was on the lookout for boys, I had posters on my wall of cuties, loved romanced movies, and you would often find me day dreaming of how I would meet my future hunk when I should have been doing my studies...... ooops!  And even though I didn't have a bf for Valentines day. I still celebrated it by my lonesome. And if I was lucky I had other single girlfriends to join me ( Which didn't happen often). But you see, It didn't have to be that way at all! And I wish I would have realized that long before I did. I had that void in my heart. And I thought that void could be filled if I had a boyfriend.. But you see. You can't fill that void with a boy or man. That void can only be filled with the one who loves you the most and more than any man or boy can. And that's Jesus. My heart was changed at the age of seventeen when I went to camp with my Baptist church. To be honest I don't remember all the sermons that well. And  certainly not good enough to quote any. But what really hit me was the worship. That was the first time the presence of The Holy Spirit overcame me and it was the first time I was brought to tears. My life was forever changed. He was The Love of my life and lover of my soul. Worship really brought me to a oneness with Him. I realized He was really all I needed. And  I realized I didn't even want to play the whole "dating game" that all of my friends played. As much as I wanted a boyfriend I just knew that game wasn't for me and that it certainly wouldn't make me stronger with my relationship with God. So, I made a commitment that I wasn't going to date by worldly standards, I wasn't going to try and date all the fishes in the sea. I wanted to do it God's way and only His way. I made the decision that I was only going to date one man, say "I love you" to one man, to hold hands with one man, to kiss one man, and to marry one man. So that my future husband could have my everything. Because I thought my man deserves that much from me!  And I knew it would be amazing because that's how God plans things. Some supported my decision, some said I was setting myself up for disappointment and self condemnation, and I even had a youth pastors wife tell me that wasn't realistic. But you know what? I wasn't going for what was "realistic" in the worldly realm. I was going for  the realistic in God's realm. Because in Him all things are possible and I know He wanted what was best for me. And I knew His perfect plan was for me to live a life without the heartbreak of a boy. And suddenly that void in my heart was filled with the love of Jesus.

pinterst

 

Now I'm not saying that because the void was filled I didn't have crushes or interests and I didn't have lonely moments. Of course I did! I was actually very interested  in a few men  before Leon came into my life. And I was certain they were my future holy hunks. But I told God I had no interest to be with them if He didn't want me to be. So, I prayed for departure with them or loss of interest. And that was exactly what happened. One went to college and I lost interest with the rest. And I have spent some nights crying because I wanted to be held and cherished by a man. It doesn't mean a void was still there. It simply means that I'm human, a woman, and I was created to be loved by a man and to be cherish by a man. God knew this. And all those nights He was right there to comfort me. Telling me and reminding me of what He had planned. He had that knight in shining armor waiting for me. I just had to be patient. He reminded me to give my single life to Him. And let me tell you girl!  It's the best decision you can make! It was certainly the best one I made.  Jesus has filled my every need as a single woman. That need to be cherished, loved, and known. I can't think of a time where He hasn't been there. I would wake up and He surprised me every morning with a new picture of the sunrise, I'd go outside and He'd surprise me with a flowers new bloom, He'd speak to me through people and sometimes He'd speak to my very heart. And through His word He would remind me of His everlasting love for me. And that He was all I needed.  And Valentines day was no longer lonely. It was a special day I would set a side for Jesus and I. And yes, I would still watch romance movies. And I would be glad. Because I know my relationship with Jesus was so much more special and deeper then Hollywood's. And He had a special and more romantic plan for my love life with my husband. Better than Hollywood can comprehend. Not only did giving my single life to God grow my relationship with Him, fill a lonely void in my heart but also, giving my single life to God gave me hope for the future! I didn't have to worry about whether or not I would ever get married. I knew it was His plan. I just needed to be patient.

A lot of women give up and get into relationships themselves because they say God isn't working fast enough for them. But that is a nasty trick the enemy can use to bring you further from God. I have known people who have turned their back on God and have decided to do things their way and the only thing that has come out of it was heartbreak one way or another. It either ended up with abuse, divorce, singleness for a much longer period of time and depression. And some women are left being a struggling single mom. But that is not God's plan for your life at all! He wants to give you life and life more abundantly. If you are feeling like your already waiting a billion years. Keep reading His word, seek Him. He has answers for you. He works faster than you think. In fact He never stops working on your future. He is preparing both you and the man He has for you. I was the only one out of all my friends that didn't have a boyfriend. And of course at times I was discouraged. But here is an example of  how God working faster than most people think. and here's my testimony that if you wait on God to bring you your future husband you won't be disappointed. 
I met my future husband Leon. Actually when we were fourteen at a friends birthday party. He was a cool goth kid. And I was a naive home schooled girl that was boy crazy (Not the best combination)  We were both attracted to each other but for some reason we didn't exchange numbers or keep contact. Most likely because my mom didn't want me to be involved with some goth boy. And then a few years later at the age of eighteen I saw him again. He was a maintenance and security man at a Church I was involved in at the time. And as soon as I saw him I new who he was. Which is quite strange because he looked COMPLETELY different from when I first met him. He was no longer that goth kid I met that day. He was very nicely put together, muscular and smelled amazing! And just by looking at him I could tell he was a very spiritual man. And I didn't know this at the time. But I believe God was speaking to my heart that day that he was going to be the man I would one day marry. And that day seriously came sooner than I thought. We became friends that January, became closer friends that April, had my first date that July, had my very first boyfriend that September, got engaged that November and we were married by December of 2011 at the age of twenty. The Lord brought us together within two years. You can read more about our love story here.

There are so many more testimonies you can find on how fast God works and even better how Awesome God works! Like Rebecca St James. She was married in her early thirties to the love of her life! She lived her entire single life fully devoted to God through her music and now she and her husband are now sharing a life together in fully dedication to God. She had many nights wondering if she would ever get married. And God was always there with her. To comfort, love and cherish. And being married in her early thirties she never regrets giving her single life to God. And she has such a joy in her spirit that is amazingly beautiful. A joy only God could give her. When I met her that one October day at Panera Bread. I saw on her a woman with no regrets. And that's exactly what God wants to give you. A life with no regrets.


So this is what God has really put in my heart today. He wants you to know that He loves you more than any boy or man could! And He wants to show you a love that no man can fill. All you have to do is trust Him and give your life to Him. And He will fill every void, cherish and fill your every need. And wake you up in the morning with a smile on your face. I deeply encourage you to give your single life to Christ. Because then you will realize that being single isn't such a curse like you think it is. But it's really a blessed life!

The verse I leave with you today is a verse that has helped me so much during my single life and God still uses it to speak to me today!  It's Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you. Declares The Lord. Plans that will prosper you and not harm you. Plans that will give you hope and a future!
Be blessed my sisters!

This is what I would tell you if I were having coffee with you this morning. What would you tell me?

We're cheesy and we know it!

Lady lessons: Giving your single life to Christ.

 Happy Friday my single sisters, This morning God has really laid a burden on my heart to write directly to you today. I have been thinking about you often. And I have been reading many of your facebook, and twitter posts regarding to wanting a boyfriend, wanting someone to hold you, kiss you and make you feel special. I have seen you looking lonely, and I have seen an emptiness inside your heart that your hoping a knight in shining armor can fulfill, I have seen you looking in all the wrong places, doing the wrong things, and doing everything you can to please someone who is only bringing you hurt. Well ladies, this is exactly what I'm going to be talking with you about today.
                                               
I'm gonna start off by telling you today that I know how you feel. TRUST ME! I have spent many years single. In fact I didn't have a boyfriend until I was nineteen years of age. So, please listen to me when I say I am not speaking empty words. I remember that lonely feeling. That feeling you get when your friends have dates for prom, when your friends cancel on you because their boyfriends want to take them out, and having to be a good friend by listening to your friend talk about their first kiss or when he held her hand for the first time.  I remember those feelings. And because I do. The Lord wants me to encourage you with these words.

HE IS FOR YOU.  HE GETS YOU.  HE KNOWS HOW YOU FEEL. HE HAS A PLAN.

He knows how you feel.
I know you may be thinking "How in the world can God know how I feel? How can Jesus ever be lonely when He's The Lord of the universe? Well, think about it. When He came to earth He experienced every emotion we experience. He was rejected and denied  by His friends,  tormented by soldiers, and spat on by millions of people. He had people yelling in His face, beating Him, and blaspheming Him. And when He died on The cross for us, God had to turn His head from Jesus for the first and last time because Jesus bore the sin of the world. And God cannot look upon sin. That right there had to have been the most lonely feeling ever experienced. You can't even imagine it. And He bore that so you would not have to experience that kind of loneliness.

He filled my heart, He can fill yours.
If you would have known me in my teen early years. You definitely would have labeled me as "boy crazy" Every time I went out I was on the lookout for boys, I had posters on my wall of cuties, loved romanced movies, and you would often find me day dreaming of how I would meet my future hunk when I should have been doing my studies. And even though I didn't have a bf for Valentines day. I still celebrated it by my lonesome. And if I was lucky I had other single girlfriends to join me ( Which didn't happen often). But you see, It didn't have to be that way at all! And I wish I would have realized that long before I did. I had that void in my heart. And I thought that void could be filled if I had a boyfriend.. But you see. You can't fill that void with a boy or man. That void can only be filled with the one who loves you the most and more than any man or boy can. And that's Jesus. My heart was changed at the age of seventeen when I went to camp with my Baptist church. To be honest I don't remember all the sermons that well. And  certainly not good enough to quote any. But what really hit me was the worship. That was the first time the presence of The Holy Spirit overcame me and it was the first time I was brought to tears. My life was forever changed. He was The Love of my life and lover of my soul. Worship really brought me to a oneness with Him. I realized He was really all I needed. And  I realized I didn't even want to play the whole "dating game" that all of my friends played. As much as I wanted a boyfriend I just knew that game wasn't for me and that it certainly wouldn't make me stronger with my relationship with God. So, I made a commitment that I wasn't going to date by worldly standards, I wasn't going to try and date all the fishes in the sea. I wanted to do it God's way and only His way. I made the decision that I was only going to date one man, say "I love you" to one man, to hold hands with one man, to kiss one man, and to marry one man. So that my future husband could have my everything. Because I thought my man deserves that much from me!  And I knew it would be amazing because that's how God plans things. Some supported my decision, some said I was setting myself up for disappointment and self condemnation, and I even had a youth pastors wife tell me that wasn't realistic. But you know what? I wasn't going for what was "realistic" in the worldly realm. I was going for  the realistic in God's realm. Because in Him all things are possible and I know He wanted what was best for me. And I knew His perfect plan was for me to live a life without the heartbreak of a boy. And suddenly that void in my heart was filled with the love of Jesus.
 
Giving your single life to God.
Now I'm not saying that because the void was filled I didn't have crushes or interests and I didn't have lonely moments. Of course I did! I was actually very interested  in a few men  before Leon came into my life. And I was certain they were my future holy hunks. But I told God I had no interest to be with them if He didn't want me to be. So, I prayed for departure with them or loss of interest. And that was exactly what happened. One went to college and I lost interest with the rest. And I have spent some nights crying because I wanted to be held and cherished by a man. It doesn't mean a void was still there. It simply means that I'm human, a woman, and I was created to be loved by a man and to be cherish by a man. God knew this. And all those nights He was right there to comfort me. Telling me and reminding me of what He had planned. He had that knight in shining armor waiting for me. I just had to be patient. He reminded me to give my single life to Him. And let me tell you ladies it's the best decision you can make! It was certainly the best one I made.  Jesus has filled my every need as a single woman. That need to be cherished, loved, and known. I can't think of a time where He hasn't been there. I would wake up and He surprised me every morning with a new picture of the sunrise, I'd go outside and He'd surprise me with a flowers new bloom, He'd speak to me through people and sometimes He'd speak to my very heart. And through His word He would remind me of His everlasting love for me. And that He was all I needed.  And Valentines day was no longer lonely. It was a special day I would set a side for Jesus and I. And yes, I would still watch romance movies. And I would be glad. Because I know my relationship with Jesus was so much more special and deeper then Hollywood's. And He had a special and more romantic plan for my love life with my husband. Better than Hollywood can comprehend. Not only did giving my single life to God grow my relationship with Him, fill a lonely void in my heart but also, giving my single life to God gave me hope for the future! I didn't have to worry about whether or not I would ever get married. I knew it was His plan. I just needed to be patient.

God works much faster than some people think.
A lot of women give up and get into relationships themselves because they say God isn't working fast enough for them. But that is a nasty trick the enemy can use to bring you further from God. I have known people who have turned their back on God and have decided to do things their way and the only thing that has come out of it was heartbreak one way or another. It either ended up with abuse, divorce, singleness for a much longer period of time and depression. And some women are left being a struggling single mom. But that is not God's plan for your life at all! He wants to give you life and life more abundantly. If you are feeling like your already waiting a billion years. Keep reading His word, seek Him. He has answers for you. He works faster than you think. In fact He never stops working on your future. He is preparing both you and the man He has for you. I was the only one out of all my friends that didn't have a boyfriend. And of course at times I was discouraged. But here is an example of God working faster than most people think. and here's my testimony that if you wait on God to bring you your future husband you won't be disappointed. 
I met my future husband Leon. Actually when we were fourteen at a friends birthday party. He was a cool goth kid. And I was a naive girl that was boy crazy. We were both attracted to each other but for some reason we didn't exchange numbers or keep contact. Most likely because my mom didn't want me to be involved with some goth boy. And then a few years later at the age of eighteen I saw him again. He was a maintenance and security man at a Church I was involved in at the time. And as soon as I saw him I new who he was. Which is quite strange because he looked COMPLETELY different from when I first met him. He was no longer that goth kid I met that day. He was very nicely put together, muscular and smelled amazing! And just by looking at him I could tell he was a very spiritual man. And I didn't know this at the time. But I believe God was speaking to my heart that day that he was going to be the man I would one day marry. And that day seriously came sooner than I thought. We became friends that January, became closer friends that April, had my first date that July, had my very first boyfriend that September, got engaged that November and we were married by December of 2011 at the age of twenty. The Lord brought us together within two years. You can read more about our love story here.

A life with no regrets.
There are so many more testimonies you can find on how fast God works and even better how Awesome God works! Like Rebecca St James. She was married in her early thirties to the love of her life! She lived her entire single life fully devoted to God through her music and now she and her husband are now sharing a life together in fully dedication to God. She had many nights wondering if she would ever get married. And God was always there with her. To comfort, love and cherish. And being married in her early thirties she never regrets giving her single life to God. And she has such a joy in her spirit that is amazingly beautiful. A joy only God could give her. When I met her that one October day at Panera Bread. I saw on her a woman with no regrets. And that's exactly what God wants to give you. A life with no regrets.

Diamond among thorns.
The Lord planted a image in my heart this morning of a diamond among thorns. And  it was hard to get to the diamond without getting pricked or hurt by the thorns. What does this image mean do you ask? Well, The diamond represents a desire, a dream. In this case maybe a husband. And reality is that if you stick your hand in the thorny bushes to grab it. your hand and arm will come out all scratched up. The thorns represents things that are getting in the way of what you want. They also represent the worldly men. You don't have to go through the thorns to get your diamond. You don't have to go through heartbreaks to find your future husband either. Many say that heartbreaks are apart of life, heartbreaks help you grow up and that heartbreaks turn you into the person you were meant to be. But truth is. That's all wrong. God created relationships not to be stressful, drama filled, broken and a bad memory. He created relationships to be only beautiful, lovely and something worth treasuring! He doesn't want you to find your way through the thorns but He wants to bring the diamond to you so you wont get hurt by the things the world brings. He wants you to live a life scare free!

So this is what God has really put in my heart today. He wants you to know that He loves you more than any boy or man could! And He wants to show you a love that no man can fill. All you have to do is trust Him and give your life to Him. And He will fill every void, cherish and fill your every need. And wake you up in the morning with a smile on your face. I deeply encourage you to give your single life to Christ. Because then you will realize that being single isn't such a curse like you think it is. But it's really a blessed life!

The verse I leave with you today is a verse that has helped me so much during my single life and God still uses it to speak to me today!  It's Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you. Declares The Lord. Plans that will prosper you and not harm you. Plans that will give you hope and a future!
Be blessed my sisters!

Truest love.

Taken by: me

“Unselfish love, on the other hand, seeks what is best for the other person. Unselfish love is patient. Unselfish love will wait.”       

Love that waits really is true.

                 “‎True love isn't expressed in passionately whispered words an intimate kiss or a embrace; before two people are married, love is expressed in self-control, patience, even words left unsaid.” 
                                                                                           ― Joshua Harris

So, this subject has really been on my heart lately. Well, to be honest it is always on my heart to share with people the importance of love and purity. But recently I have felt led to write a post about the danger of  lust. Unfortunately so many have interpreted lust as having the same meaning as love. A lot of  that nonsense comes from our media. Like boyfriends and girlfriends having sex, men talking about girls inappropriately and so on. And some how people seem to find stuff like this romantic.  Because the world has blinded us to believe it is so. But let me tell you that lust and love are two totally different things, with total opposite meanings! Lust means to crave, to hunger, to covet, to yearn. It is filled with non satisfaction. You maybe satisfied for a few minutes maybe even longer. But eventually you will always end up hungry again, leaving you feeling depressed and desiring. But you see, that is not what God wants for you! He wants you to be loved over, not lusted over. He wants you to be cherished not just a play toy. God designed us and he knows how we work. He also designed sex and knows how it works. He created sex to be a guilt free gift with zero side affects and zero heartbreak. He doesn't tell us to wait until marriage just to sit back and watch us struggle. He cares for us and loves us enough to tell us to stay clear of lust because he knows the dangers of it.  He knows the horrible things that follow after lust which is death, bondage, greed, confusion, failing and self- condemnation. 
  
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
  James 1:14-15 
But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.   Matthew 5:28

 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world    1 John 2:16
  
Instead, He wants us to know the power of  love that brings life, freedom, receiving, understanding and forgiveness. He doesn't want you to experience death but life, and life more abundantly! 


Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails! 
 1 Corinthians 13:4-8


And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:14

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

Lust is Satan's  #1 tool to use when he tries to end relationships and marriages. Because he hates them so much! Especially when he sees that a certain relationship is glorifying God and desires to glorify Him.
Why does he try so hard to destroy a Jesus loving relationship? Because he fears the power in it.

“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”    Matthew 18:19-20

If there is just one who can do all things through Christ who strengthens them. Imagine what two as one can conquer through Christ!   Satan fears that. So he wants to do all he can to destroy it! And unfortunately he knows a great weakness in a lot of  relationships is lust. So he runs with it by planting weeds at the door of your mind.  By telling you things such as " Well, you guys are going to get married anyways. So why not? And "You guys love each other  so it's okay" 

It's so important that you destroy those thoughts before they reach the finish line. Because sex out of marriage can destroy the love that was there! Even if it feels right. Which makes sense because you were meant to be together, and you are meant to give yourself to one another. But the timing is wrong if it's not in marriage and the right thing at the wrong time is the wrong thing.  By letting that weed grow around your mind your allowing captivity not only in your relationship, but in yourself as well. When you just don't want any part of the relationship and temptation anymore. You decide to just break off what was once beautiful. The woman is left feeling disrespected, unworthy, and shamed. Feeling anger toward the man who is supposed to be protecting her sexual purity and honor. And the man is left feeling lonely,shameful, insecure, a failure  and disconnected  because he deeply feels rejected by the woman knowing he hurt her. You see, there is not just one victim but two.  And slowly they depart. Destroying something that was once beautiful into a heartbroken memory. This is why it is so important to destroy the weed as soon as it's planted and to not encourage it by adding water. This is why God tells us to wait. Because waiting will make a marriage stronger!

 Maybe you feel like you've compromised, or you haven't done everything right? But let me tell you that it doesn't matter how far you've gone. There is always freedom in Christ! His grace and His forgiveness can make you as pure as if it has never happened. But we need our hearts to be towards God fully. And He can cleanse us white as snow. He can give us the strength to live a pure life. But none of us are perfect. We all need the grace of God. And God is always willing to give us that grace, love and forgiveness. He already has! He doesn't condemn you and He doesn't want you to condemn yourself. But He does want to set you free! And who the Son sets free is free indeed!

Dearest Lady In Waiting,

I have desired to write this to you for some time now.
I've seen so many of you hurt and lonely.  Longing for a love that is true and real.
Longing for someone who will dance with you in the rain, and comfort and hold you when you need to be.
Today seemed like it was finally the time. I hope that you'll hear me out.  

Many thoughts I had in my single years were "Oh, how I can't wait until the day I meet my prince Charming"  I have often wondered what he looked like, whether or not he plays guitar,  and how deep our love will be for each other!  I had no idea what he looked like, but I would have an image of him in my mind and imagine us walking on the beach together side by side.. And I Sighed and cried over those sappy love movies and I would just get restless. I wanted a man to appreciate and love me.  I was an over the top lady in waiting.. More like "Lady in desperation!

Putting so much of my thoughts in romance, I kind of lost patience in waiting.. All of my fellow waiting partners ditched me because they had boyfriends and dates. I grew tired and because of my restlessness I decided to participate in dating websites.. (Not recommended )  It was so impersonal in my experience. I had men randomly write me and tell me how beautiful I was, and I just had an unpleasant feeling inside with each letter I received. I quickly deleted my account.   I was around eight teen  and a pity party was thrown for myself and the only population there was, was me and my tears..  Growing  old and alone was honestly my biggest fear at the moment!                   
I thought married people thought I was a child because I wasn't married or had a boy friend and unfortunately some adults even treated me that way.  But my whole outlook on single life changed after I read this book called  "Lady in waiting"  by Donna L. Mihura. And in this book I came across this very much encouraging poem called "The single gift" And I would like to share it with you today.

"The Single Gift"

How blessed you are, you single one,

Don't talk of care and woes.

You've got too much to be thankful for,

Oh what, you'd like to know.

It's no mistake, no misdirection

Of God's perfect plan

That you've not found your special lady

Or you, that certain man.

God loves you so and has much more

To give then you've ever received.

That He's giving His best to you right now,

You really must believe.

His best is Himself, do you have it in full

Or only a bit on the side?

No man can meet your needs like God,

Nor can a lovely bride.

If your life's not complete, you know that Jesus is

And your life He will fill

If you'll only put Him first each day

And live to do His will.

He's gifted you for undistracted

Devotion to the Lord.

There should be nothing that can interfere

With Him and prayer and the Word.

Unless you let down the guard of your heart

And let others take His place,

Then you'll lack joy and peace and hope

And not experience His grace.

So give your heart right back to God,

Let Him keep it safe for you.

And when it's better then His best,

He'll make your one into two.

I must say I was quite blown after reading this! I prayed for God to use me in every situation and I thanked Him for every blessing.. And that day singleness became one of them. So I completely desired to dedicate my single years to Jesus. I fully gave my heart to God and trusted Him to do the rest. Of course I still desired a husband but Jesus has given me a love that no other man could replace.. So, I was no longer a lady in waiting. I was a lady in love, a lady in patience. I have made a commitment to only be involved with one man, and to not play these useless dating games the world finds important. I made the commitment to only date one man and to marry one man.. Yes, I found interests in some men but I would not date them unless I was one hundred percent sure this man was mine. Some would think that was crazy.. But I am very glad that I did it! because I only have romantic memories with one man. And yes, men came in disguise and tried to step in as my man to be.. But God always gave me every warning saying  "This man would not  take your heart seriously and would not cherish you.. Until one day when I was walking I noticed a very handsome man working for the church... I honestly couldn't help but pursue him because I could just feel the love for God he had in his heart.. And as weeks went by, God has revealed to me in so many ways that this man was the one for me... And it wasn't before long when this gentleman came to my father and received permission to take his daughter out for her first date!

                 lately, you have been on my heart and I just to tell you that I know how you feel, because I've been there.
            May I encourage you today? 

I'm not asking you to do what I did.. Because each one of us are called to do different things.  But I am asking you to be wise with your singleness and to see all the blessings there is in being single.. Be captivated in the love of Jesus. Let Him have your heart, every dream and desire. Because He wants to give you His best. You just have to wait on His perfect timing.
Please, please-- don't settle for the worlds silly dating games but trust God that He already has someone for you that will cherish you. And  when the man that God has for you arrives, continue to keep Jesus #1, always.  Because though the man God has for you is perfect for you, doesn't mean he's perfect as a human.. None of us are perfect. And as one of my favorite authors whom I admire not only as a writer but as a wife as well  Ruth Bell Graham says :
“It is a foolish woman who expects her husband to be to her that which only Jesus Christ Himself can be: always ready to forgive, totally understanding, unendingly patient, invariably tender and loving, unfailing in every area, anticipating every need, and making more than adequate provision. Such expectations put a man under an impossible strain”

As a married woman, I am  not looking down at you, or thinking you are a looser because you are not married yet. In fact, I admire and encourage you as day by day, you're waiting for God's best! And that my love should be treasured!

If you've made mistakes in the past, it is never too late to start over.. God is so amazing and full of love and grace and He can wash over you and make  you pure again.. It doesn't matter how many mistakes you've made God is always willing to forgive and make you whole again in righteousness.. He is the God of second chances. And if you are still waiting... Be patient...The world may tell you it's not worth it, it's too risky.. And that you should test the car before you buy it.. But trust me, You don't need a test drive because God works everything  together for His good!
        And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Don't settle for anything that is not God's best.... Because that's exactly what He wants to give you.. Please, be patient and you will not regret it!

I write to you today because I want you to enjoy this life of singleness and to not let opportunities and blessings pass you by!  And I also don't want you to get hurt or harmed by these useless dating games or men that take advantage of priceless rubies. Why? Because I love you! Praying for you ladies and I hope your day is blessed.
                                            Happy Monday Ladies!!