Saturday, October 29, 2011
What a Godly Man Should Be
This video is awesome! I highly recommend Eric and Leslie Ludy's books!http://youtu.be/HUbwJ_HYy7I
My Soapbox on Modesty
Oh, the joys of college! Hours upon hours of studying...
I am in the CyberCafe at my college, writing a paper (well I was) and studying for a test that's coming up (it's my last one!!).
I see a need in our culture for young women to be modest and pure. I see a need on my college campus for guys to respect women. I see a need for transformation and revival.
Girls, I'm addressing you first....
Does the way you dress encourage your brothers in Christ to purity? Does it portray feminine grace? Do you realize that men are more likely to stand up and defend modestly dressed women, than the girl who doesn't respect her body? I'm not saying they shouldn't stand up, not at all, just asking a question and revealing what the statistics show. I want to clear up any misconception that modesty is not beautiful. You can be modest and beautiful, it is possible. Praise the Lord! God loves beauty, and if you only knew what the Creator thought of you....
When a man sees a woman dressed immodestly, his brain associates with the 1st person point of view (I am, I have, I want), specifying or suggesting that the man owns, has a right to own, or look at. Additionally, the part of the brain that handles tool use (chainsaw, drill, screwdriver) is activated when men see a woman dressed immodestly. However, when the women dressed appropriately the study from Princeton University found that the men associated third person point of view, such as (she is, she has, she wants). Also, one of my mentors suggested that every time I go to buy a shirt, pair or shorts, or anything, I should ask myself "What if Dad saw me in this?" and "Would this be acceptable to wear to church?" If I can't say that it would please my Dad, and if I can't wear it to church, I probaby shouldn't buy it!
Many girls think that modest clothing is impossible to find...it's not. There are plenty of websites that specialize in modest clothing. You may have to shop around, however Banana Republic and Gap have alot of modest options. They may be more expensive, but I think it's worth it. Oh, and I'm never too good to go to Good Will, or go Yard Saling, as my Nana does every Saturday morning!
Okay, Guys! It's your turn!
Be the men of God that you are called to be! Be a gentleman, Even if you are just friends. Open the door. That simple gesture says alot! The post after (above) this will have a video that I believe every guy should watch!
That's my soapbox for today.
On a side note, I love Diet Coke!
I am in the CyberCafe at my college, writing a paper (well I was) and studying for a test that's coming up (it's my last one!!).
I see a need in our culture for young women to be modest and pure. I see a need on my college campus for guys to respect women. I see a need for transformation and revival.
Girls, I'm addressing you first....
Does the way you dress encourage your brothers in Christ to purity? Does it portray feminine grace? Do you realize that men are more likely to stand up and defend modestly dressed women, than the girl who doesn't respect her body? I'm not saying they shouldn't stand up, not at all, just asking a question and revealing what the statistics show. I want to clear up any misconception that modesty is not beautiful. You can be modest and beautiful, it is possible. Praise the Lord! God loves beauty, and if you only knew what the Creator thought of you....
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?" -1 Corinthians 6:19As a woman myself, I feel strongly on this issue of modesty. Very strongly. That is why I don't wear bikini's (this is such a debated topic, however I feel it is honoring to my future husband not to show off my body). Modesty encourages beauty. It encourages grace, and it encourages purity. Modesty protects! Modesty is vital. We are temples of the Holy Spirit, our bodies should be presented as temples of our King.
When a man sees a woman dressed immodestly, his brain associates with the 1st person point of view (I am, I have, I want), specifying or suggesting that the man owns, has a right to own, or look at. Additionally, the part of the brain that handles tool use (chainsaw, drill, screwdriver) is activated when men see a woman dressed immodestly. However, when the women dressed appropriately the study from Princeton University found that the men associated third person point of view, such as (she is, she has, she wants). Also, one of my mentors suggested that every time I go to buy a shirt, pair or shorts, or anything, I should ask myself "What if Dad saw me in this?" and "Would this be acceptable to wear to church?" If I can't say that it would please my Dad, and if I can't wear it to church, I probaby shouldn't buy it!
Many girls think that modest clothing is impossible to find...it's not. There are plenty of websites that specialize in modest clothing. You may have to shop around, however Banana Republic and Gap have alot of modest options. They may be more expensive, but I think it's worth it. Oh, and I'm never too good to go to Good Will, or go Yard Saling, as my Nana does every Saturday morning!
Okay, Guys! It's your turn!
Be the men of God that you are called to be! Be a gentleman, Even if you are just friends. Open the door. That simple gesture says alot! The post after (above) this will have a video that I believe every guy should watch!
That's my soapbox for today.
On a side note, I love Diet Coke!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Trust and Rest in the Father
After a tough few days...Reader, I have a story.
When I was younger, my Dad told me that we were heading to Chimney Rock, North Carolina which is about a 2 1/2 hour drive from my hometown. I was all game, I loved (and still do love) the mountains. They are a testiment to God's goodness. My Uncle Kellen calls the Upstate of SC and Western NC "God's Country". Anywho....back to the trip.
I was probably twelve or thirteen, and my older sister Desiree was home for Christmas. We all loaded up into my Dad's old Chevy Blazer, and began the long drive. I trusted my parents that we were going to Chimney Rock, I didn't question why we were going, or how much money we were going to spend, or any of the details. I was just happy, and I believed that they would guide me. I trusted that they knew where we were going, and I didn't question the trip. Besides, it was fun! We made so many memories on that trip! BBQ sandwhiches...Yummy!
But, isn't my trusting Mom and Dad, just like how we as Children of the King are supposed to trust and believe in Him?
The answer to that question is different for everyone, we all have different doubts, fears, or reservations. We think that God is far away, or that when we pray that He doesn't hear us. But in Proverbs we read that "The eyes of the Lord are in every place," (Prov. 15:3). He sees us, He knows where we are, and He promised that joy would come in the morning!
The Lord can be trusted, He may bring situations into our lives that are difficult, for example He took my Mom from me, He gave me a birth defect that has caused me to have 16 (and more to come) surgeries, He caused me to be sick for a time....He did all these things, so I would draw near to Him.
I know that we all go through seasons of joy, and seasons of sorrow. Yet, I want to encourage you. God is near (Ps. 145:18). He never promised a rainbow without a little rain. However, He promised that He would always carry us through.
We should come to our King, our Heavenly Daddy with the faith of a little child. We (and I say we, because I am not excluded in this!) need to learn to be still before Him knowing He reigns over all creation. We should be able to just say "I give this to You, Lord. I'm not sure how everything will play out, but I trust in You." and not ask questions or try to figure out His plan, but instead walk in His will for the present time.
Put whatever circumstance or trial or tragedy that you are facing in His hands, He will bring you through it. He will always be near to His children.
When I was younger, my Dad told me that we were heading to Chimney Rock, North Carolina which is about a 2 1/2 hour drive from my hometown. I was all game, I loved (and still do love) the mountains. They are a testiment to God's goodness. My Uncle Kellen calls the Upstate of SC and Western NC "God's Country". Anywho....back to the trip.
I was probably twelve or thirteen, and my older sister Desiree was home for Christmas. We all loaded up into my Dad's old Chevy Blazer, and began the long drive. I trusted my parents that we were going to Chimney Rock, I didn't question why we were going, or how much money we were going to spend, or any of the details. I was just happy, and I believed that they would guide me. I trusted that they knew where we were going, and I didn't question the trip. Besides, it was fun! We made so many memories on that trip! BBQ sandwhiches...Yummy!
But, isn't my trusting Mom and Dad, just like how we as Children of the King are supposed to trust and believe in Him?
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." -Proverbs 3:5-6The Word clearly states that we shouldn't rely on ourselves, but trust in the Lord! So, why are we so hesitant? Hasn't God promised good to those who love Him (Rom. 8:28)? He promised that He would never leave nor forsake us (Deut. 31:6). So, why is it so hard to lean and rest in Him alone?
The answer to that question is different for everyone, we all have different doubts, fears, or reservations. We think that God is far away, or that when we pray that He doesn't hear us. But in Proverbs we read that "The eyes of the Lord are in every place," (Prov. 15:3). He sees us, He knows where we are, and He promised that joy would come in the morning!
The Lord can be trusted, He may bring situations into our lives that are difficult, for example He took my Mom from me, He gave me a birth defect that has caused me to have 16 (and more to come) surgeries, He caused me to be sick for a time....He did all these things, so I would draw near to Him.
I know that we all go through seasons of joy, and seasons of sorrow. Yet, I want to encourage you. God is near (Ps. 145:18). He never promised a rainbow without a little rain. However, He promised that He would always carry us through.
We should come to our King, our Heavenly Daddy with the faith of a little child. We (and I say we, because I am not excluded in this!) need to learn to be still before Him knowing He reigns over all creation. We should be able to just say "I give this to You, Lord. I'm not sure how everything will play out, but I trust in You." and not ask questions or try to figure out His plan, but instead walk in His will for the present time.
Put whatever circumstance or trial or tragedy that you are facing in His hands, He will bring you through it. He will always be near to His children.
"Come near to Me, listen to this: From the first I have not spoken in secret, From the time it took place, I was there." -Isaiah 48:16
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." -James 4:8
Monday, October 24, 2011
Tribute to Dad
This post is for my Dad. I know how important it is for a
woman my age to have a stable relationship with her father. I am blessed and
honored to be able to say that my Dad is by far the best! Love ya Pop!
I may not see you as often as I’d like, but you are still my hero. I’ll never forget running out to you and Uncle Scott in the Blazer (remember that truck? Haha!) that night in October 2005. I was so happy to see you both, and I still listen to “Something to Be Proud of” and think of our conversations on the back deck. You taught me to work hard, and play harder! You taught me how to love God, and how to clean a fish, and I could go on and on and on……We’ve had our share of tragedy and I’m so happy that you have been there for me through whatever life has thrown my way. Many doubted you, but I never have. I know who you are, and I knew you would always be here. No matter what stupid crap I did! I am so blessed, Dad. You’re my hero! I’m thinking about you tonight. I just wanted you to know, you are the best man I’ve ever known. I love you, so very much.
Mama is smiling down upon us both now. I know it’s hard sometimes, we wish things would’ve turned out differently, but like you say “everything will work out, it’ll all be okay.” I remember the trip we took to NC just to get BBQ sandwiches. I have so many memories, so many inside jokes that are just between us. I am so grateful for you and your guidance. You’ve helped me get this far. You’ve encouraged me to keep pursuing my dreams, you’ve pushed me when I didn’t think I could move ahead. I don’t know what I’d do without you. You’re a wonderful man of God, and if you can’t tell already: I’m glad the Father, blessed me with you. You’re the best. I hope to marry a man just like you someday.
Thank you for your service to our country, your dedication
to family, your love of God, your awesome cooking, and most of all, thanks for
being the best Dad on this side of Heaven!
A Grateful Heart...and Corner Stones
Ahhh...yes!
It is that time of year again. Christmas is only 61 days away. So, I suppose I should start shopping and figure out what I would like.
Although, if I get nothing this year, I will still be grateful and extremely joyful. I am the most blessed (I'm not lucky!) girl on the planet. I have amazing parents who love me, wonderful sisters, and oh did I mention that my friends are awesome! Yet, Christ remains at the center, He is everything. Without His grace, I am nothing. Without His direction, I am lost.
I am so utterly thankful for all the Lord has chosen to give me, because He loves me!
I am thankful that my Papa CJ is recovering. I am thankful that Maya and Sean are growing up to be healthy and energetic children. I am blessed with awesome ministry oppurtunities. I am...how should I say it.....joyful.
God has been teaching me about Cornerstones, and what it means to be a daughter, sister, friend, mentor, servant, musician, and yes he's even teaching me about cooking eggs! (Those of you who know me, know my challenges with eggs!) :)
The Father in His grace, has shown me just how much I impact His kingdom for His glory. I say this with a humble and meek spirit. God doesn't need me, but He wants me, and He wants you to use your gifts, talents, and desires to serve Him and advance His Kingdom. All that we do should be out of service for our King!
Corner stones hold things together, they are foundational. This means that we as daughters, and sisters are supposed to lay the foundations and be examples. We have a hefty calling, but this calling that has been given, is an honorable one.
The way you act around your father, is the way you will treat your husband. The way you talk around your girlfriends, is the way your younger sibilings will speak. The way you dress around other young men, can either promote purity within their hearts and call them to stand up for Biblical womanhood, or it can cause them to view women as objects. The way you respond to correction, and how you handle stress is vital.
People are watching, whether or not you like it, and if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything....
Stand firm in the Lord, hold fast to what you believe, and be the lady that God has created to be!
It is that time of year again. Christmas is only 61 days away. So, I suppose I should start shopping and figure out what I would like.
Although, if I get nothing this year, I will still be grateful and extremely joyful. I am the most blessed (I'm not lucky!) girl on the planet. I have amazing parents who love me, wonderful sisters, and oh did I mention that my friends are awesome! Yet, Christ remains at the center, He is everything. Without His grace, I am nothing. Without His direction, I am lost.
I am so utterly thankful for all the Lord has chosen to give me, because He loves me!
I am thankful that my Papa CJ is recovering. I am thankful that Maya and Sean are growing up to be healthy and energetic children. I am blessed with awesome ministry oppurtunities. I am...how should I say it.....joyful.
God has been teaching me about Cornerstones, and what it means to be a daughter, sister, friend, mentor, servant, musician, and yes he's even teaching me about cooking eggs! (Those of you who know me, know my challenges with eggs!) :)
The Father in His grace, has shown me just how much I impact His kingdom for His glory. I say this with a humble and meek spirit. God doesn't need me, but He wants me, and He wants you to use your gifts, talents, and desires to serve Him and advance His Kingdom. All that we do should be out of service for our King!
"That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth, that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace." -Psalm 144:12My role, and yours as a young woman, is vital. The way you dress, act, speak, and ultimately live is a testiment to the Father's work within your heart.
"Through wisdom a house is built; and by understanding it is established: and by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches."- Proverbs 24: 3-4Since I don't live with my parents directly, my role may be different than yours in your father's home. Yet, you and I have both been called to serve and love, and be the corner stones of our family.
Corner stones hold things together, they are foundational. This means that we as daughters, and sisters are supposed to lay the foundations and be examples. We have a hefty calling, but this calling that has been given, is an honorable one.
The way you act around your father, is the way you will treat your husband. The way you talk around your girlfriends, is the way your younger sibilings will speak. The way you dress around other young men, can either promote purity within their hearts and call them to stand up for Biblical womanhood, or it can cause them to view women as objects. The way you respond to correction, and how you handle stress is vital.
People are watching, whether or not you like it, and if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything....
Stand firm in the Lord, hold fast to what you believe, and be the lady that God has created to be!
"Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." -Prov. 31:25-26
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
I am Betrothed
At the time when I wrote this, I was also doing a challenge for my Pastor's wife, she gave me a 30 day calender, and asked if I would pray for the things on this calender. I said yes, and when I studied the list I realized that this list was about my husband, the man that I was going to marry. Some of the things on the list were irrelevant at the time (and still are) because I am still single, but the Lord used that 30 day challenge to teach me how big of an impact prayer has.
I am Betrothed: Originally Posted on March 22, 2011
So tonight, I watched P&P with Sarah for our Senior Project......
At the end of the movie, when Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth kiss, I realized something....
(SN: the following took me over a year to write, but I hope God is glorified through the words, and that His name will be honored)
I AM BETROTHED
I am a promised women. My fate secured from birth. My husband I do not know, have not seen, and I yet to even know his name. Yet my Father planned this all out, a union between our two lives before time began. My betrothal signed when I surrendered my life to Christ, and closed with a Royal crest; Christ's blood as it's waxen seal.
My Love and I are perfect for one another in every way, my Father saw to that. And thought it's hard not knowing who he is, I take comfort in knowing that my Abba, my God, picked him out. I will know him in due time, just at the right age and point in life. Just at the time my Father set up for us to join together when He created us.
Though a betrothal seems hardly romantic, My Father has planned it out to be the romance of a life time. And though when I meet my Love for the first time, I may not see him for who he is, love will blossom, and will be far more then what I could have imagined. Perfectly orchestrated by the creator of the universe... My Father, my Friend, my first, and forever perfect Love... my God.
And in that, knowing my God has beautifully designed every step of my romance, I will live my life simply as that- knowing I am betrothed. That my Father will bring my love to me in HIS timing. It may not be my timing, nor my loves timing, but it will be perfect timing. And when we meet, we will truly see the incredible plan that our Father has mapped out for us. And together, we will go forward, praising our Father's holy name. Better glorifying Christ together then we ever could apart.
This betrothal, my hope and future, I pray will be in the foremost of my mind, until the day I forever say "I do". I pray that with every young man I meet, and know, that instead of wondering "Could he be the one?", I simply say "I can't wait 'til my Father brings my love". Instead of always looking, keeping an eye out for my future husband, I pray that I will leave the time and place up to God, and keep my eyes on my Savior. For whats to happen if I'm looking around at other men when my Father finally points out the "one"? Would I miss him? Could I be so fixed on another, that my love walks right by me, and I never notice? God forbid! No, I'd much rather spend my time fixed on my Father. Using this time of singlehood to get to know my Abba, my Daddy Father better. All every good Father wants is to spend time w/ his children. And God is no different. He wants my undivided attention. Not only so I can know Him better, and become more like Him. So when, that long awaited time comes, when my love finally arrives, I'll see him clear as day. All because my Father is pointing right at him.
So, betrothed. What a beautiful word. I am my loves, and he is mine. Even now, before we know one another. But, first and foremost, I am my God's, and it is only because of Him that I can have such a bright and beautiful future.
I am Betrothed: Originally Posted on March 22, 2011
So tonight, I watched P&P with Sarah for our Senior Project......
At the end of the movie, when Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth kiss, I realized something....
(SN: the following took me over a year to write, but I hope God is glorified through the words, and that His name will be honored)
I AM BETROTHED
I am a promised women. My fate secured from birth. My husband I do not know, have not seen, and I yet to even know his name. Yet my Father planned this all out, a union between our two lives before time began. My betrothal signed when I surrendered my life to Christ, and closed with a Royal crest; Christ's blood as it's waxen seal.
My Love and I are perfect for one another in every way, my Father saw to that. And thought it's hard not knowing who he is, I take comfort in knowing that my Abba, my God, picked him out. I will know him in due time, just at the right age and point in life. Just at the time my Father set up for us to join together when He created us.
Though a betrothal seems hardly romantic, My Father has planned it out to be the romance of a life time. And though when I meet my Love for the first time, I may not see him for who he is, love will blossom, and will be far more then what I could have imagined. Perfectly orchestrated by the creator of the universe... My Father, my Friend, my first, and forever perfect Love... my God.
And in that, knowing my God has beautifully designed every step of my romance, I will live my life simply as that- knowing I am betrothed. That my Father will bring my love to me in HIS timing. It may not be my timing, nor my loves timing, but it will be perfect timing. And when we meet, we will truly see the incredible plan that our Father has mapped out for us. And together, we will go forward, praising our Father's holy name. Better glorifying Christ together then we ever could apart.
This betrothal, my hope and future, I pray will be in the foremost of my mind, until the day I forever say "I do". I pray that with every young man I meet, and know, that instead of wondering "Could he be the one?", I simply say "I can't wait 'til my Father brings my love". Instead of always looking, keeping an eye out for my future husband, I pray that I will leave the time and place up to God, and keep my eyes on my Savior. For whats to happen if I'm looking around at other men when my Father finally points out the "one"? Would I miss him? Could I be so fixed on another, that my love walks right by me, and I never notice? God forbid! No, I'd much rather spend my time fixed on my Father. Using this time of singlehood to get to know my Abba, my Daddy Father better. All every good Father wants is to spend time w/ his children. And God is no different. He wants my undivided attention. Not only so I can know Him better, and become more like Him. So when, that long awaited time comes, when my love finally arrives, I'll see him clear as day. All because my Father is pointing right at him.
So, betrothed. What a beautiful word. I am my loves, and he is mine. Even now, before we know one another. But, first and foremost, I am my God's, and it is only because of Him that I can have such a bright and beautiful future.
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