Well, if you haven't noticed how our world is turning more and more worldly, allow myself to share a story that proves it more so!
A few weeks ago my oldest brother, youngest sister, and I were out together. We happened to be sitting next to each other, and the place where we were at, people have always seen Marc and I together, without parents. Nevertheless, a complete stranger came up to us and poised the question, "Is that your daughter?!" I looked at her with total shock and confusion and asked for her to repeat herself again. Thus she did, and because I was so taken back I shot out the words, "NO!" I thought that strong and powerful word, "NO!" would of cut her off, nonetheless, she went on with what she thought...into so much detail. Again she stated, "Oh, I thought you were in a relationship with this guy right here and y'all had this girl as your daughter!" I looked at my brother and was dumbfounded and said, "I'm sorry ma'am, however, these are my siblings." To think that Marc and I married...excuse me!? Here is where I'm going with this, I look far younger than my actual age, most people think of me as either 14 or 15, and my brother perhaps as 17 or 18, and thus this is what they thought. Do you get my point? People these days are beginning to assume that just because you have perhaps your younger sibling(s) with you that they are your children.
It is true that teenagers are becoming parents, instead of waiting patiently for their bride or groom they are letting themselves lose into the parenting world, and not getting married perhaps but continuing to have more children. We have so many teenage pregnancies, and many of these teenagers are not wanting to hold their mistake and take charge, that they believe they can easily get rid of this living being with an abortion! I have heard of young girls being pregnant at 13 or 14, and not only having one but three or four. Are you wanting to save yourself, or are you willing to give it all up with no care, just because you want the desire but have the choice to get rid of the baby? We need to think wisely before we make any mistake, and the topic I am discussing at this moment is very important. Teenagers are wanting a girlfriend or boyfriend and often that relationship gets deeper and deeper and then one morning they are shocked to find out that they will be parents! Many teenagers are not ready to parent a child which is very understandable because of the way they are growing up these days, and this is when they decide to use the quick and fast way to keep their life the same-abortion. However, will it really be the same? No, because how can you deal and live with yourself after you have had an abortion. Knowing that this child is life, a human being! I once heard of a story concerning a young lady and she stated that she had to confess because when she was in college she fell for temptation and her sinful desires caused her to conceive a baby and thus she was in no mood to raise this child and aborted it. Later on in life she found Jesus, and married and had many children of her own and could not live with herself because of what she had done many years before hence. She constantly thinks of this life, the life she threw away carelessly all because she wanted to live her youth. She says, "I would have one more child, another one to care and love for, another one for God's kingdom, how was I so immature and foolish?" It is but all too late. There has been over 40 million abortions since 1973!
Think before your actions. The story above about myself and my siblings is concerning this because the generation these days have the mindset that just because I'm a teenager it means the I have a boyfriend and that just because my sister happened to be with me she definitely must be my daughter. Make a statement with your life, a purpose and a reason. Do not waste your youth with boyfriends/girlfriends and breaking up and then restarting all over again. Make that strong promise and commitment to save yourself for that special person. We are all falling and each of us have sinned, nevertheless, break your temptations, your strongholds. If you struggle with the fact of wanting a boyfriend or girlfriend, and wanting to get deeper with this person, just think, "Will you want to spend the rest of your life with him/her?" Do you want the responsibility of caring for a child at the moment, out of wedlock? Wouldn't you rather have children with the man or woman or your desire and God's plan, once you're married? Allow these questions to ponder within your heart and if God is wanting to work within your life, let Him, don't hold back any fear or pain! We are not ready to father or mother a child in a risky relationship, one out of high school or college, wait until your wedding ceremony and the wedding bed. Let's make a statement for the whole world to see that we are different, and will not participate in the sinful and evil doings of this world. It is hard to often stay emotionally and physically pure, however, the reward thereafter is beautiful and amazing! Do not give your heart or body away, girls this means to dress modestly, because it is giving a guy sexual desires. And when a guy is just for your body he does not love you, because he can't respect your decision for staying pure. Give your heart to the Lord Jesus, because He will satisfy you with His love, it is more than enough. Be careful where your feet trod and if you have a weak back with guys or girls, stay away from trouble! Never ever be alone with the opposite sex, it's not worth it, the consequence is far greater, and it hurts! Imagine having to tell your wife or husband later on in life, "I'm sorry, however, I had another relationship before I knew you, and a child came out of that, although, I chose to abort that baby!" You can save yourself from this hardship, and from the agony of losing a child you once didn't want...with the love of Jesus and the discipline, if you give Him your heart! We live in a world of pressure and confusion, however, you need to stand strong, and not stand on sifted sand!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Anger...Bitterness...Hatred...Yelling...Cussing...IT'S WRATH!
Well, my previous post was about action going on around my house, and yet this post will be the exact same! Something very different, totally out of the ordinary, and awful occurred this morning!
Alright, my youngest brother had a soccer game this morning and everything was going well, normal. They were losing by 2 points however, we were still cheering on. The ball went out on our side where my family was and one of the players from our team goes and gets it. He comes back and suddenly another boy from the other team just slightly kicks him in the lower part of the leg. The boy on our team got furious and with hatred and anger grabbed the player from the other team and gives him a punch in the eye! The sister from this boy who punched the other boy immediately jumped in the field, started cussing her mouth off and grabbed the other boy's t-shirt with hate and gave him the impression to get lost! With in less than a second, the other team's parents/family ran over and got into a Hugh fight with our team's parents/family. Through all of this, my head was shaking back and forth. My family and I were playing neutral and my dad, being the leader tried to calm everyone down. Things got quite out of hand, and yelling, cussing, and anger was all being spilled over this incident. My dad quietly walked away and called the police to come over and settle this matter because if left alone, it would of gotten worse. The girl who intervened within this fight was the main issue because she acted out of control and this is how everything arose. She is only 14 years of age and to hear a mouth like hers was disgusting! The police was there on the soccer field in less than 5 minutes and still, the police officer had to call back up. Once the other one got there everyone slowly began to calm down. Nevertheless, people were still yelling and accusing each other. One lady told my mom, "Oh, this is normal, it runs in the Hispanic blood line!" No excuse! Towards the end of this long and loud fight, the boy which got punched in the eye was crying all his tears out, due to shock and pain. The ambulance came on over and took a look at him and within seconds his eye was swelling. Everyone was fighting with everyone, and tried to get back at each other. My family and I once again, stood in shock! Nonetheless, my dad was one of the spokesmen because he saw most of the accident. Coming to the end of this disruption, my dad humbled himself in front of all these people and in the name of our whole team apologized, even though none of it was personally my family's fault. However, he asked for forgiveness to the family who's little boy got hurt, and even handed out his hand to shake hands and make things come to peace. Although, the father could not overcome his pride, anger, and bitterness, and did not in turn give his hand out. Things began to get loud once more because of this, and the police man to his shock of my dad doing this, told my dad, "Ok sir, that's enough!"After that, my dad went up to the boy who punched the other boy and his sister and kindly said, "I believe y'all should apologize to this boy for your behavior!" The Bible says, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God!" All of this was already shocking for me, but this ticked it off. They stared at my dad and said, "Why, it's not my issue nor fault!" I went up personally to the girl and said, "Look, this little boy is in pain for what your brother did, and is crying! Where is your heart, don't you feel sorry? Make things right!" Her reply was somewhat harsh and rude, "Why, it's not me, and what gives you any right to tell me what to do!" I had to give it up because the police got in between! All of this, over a children's soccer game!
Now, the most disturbing and upsetting thing about this was that young lady's temperament and her brother's anger. I was just in shock and could not believe how this girl was so violent with her words and so hateful. She began to get in between everything and cussed at the adults! I overheard her brother say to one of his teammates, "I did it because we were losing and I wanted to get back at them!" Foolish and immature! I am so saddened at how our society is becoming. How terrible how world is. Having a group of people fighting with each other and arguing with hate. How sad our Father in heaven must be. I am so proud of my dad, standing up and asking forgiveness in the name of our whole team. He was being the peacemaker and did not want anymore strive or bitterness. I feel sorry for the man who marries this girl, how disgusting the girls of our population are getting. Becoming so dogmatic, and fighting like cats! I pray for all of these lost souls. Having seen this and hearing all of the hurtful words, I know that Satan was right there in the midst of it all. Laughing and smiling because hateful language was being spilled all over. We need to be in control of our anger. This boy who punched the other boy is only 11 years old and has such a temperament. Just imagine when he is in his teens...what then? Possibly being one who causes a shooting? Our anger is raging and we are in control of it. We each have a button, something which irritates us, and when someone pushes that button we explode like a volcano and spill with anger! Our anger can hurt someone, and even worse, kill someone! All anger must be put away. Wrath is in the same classification as blasphemy and filthy language, and that was being displayed today. The only One Who has a right to be angry is God. Allowing anger to become wrath is putting ourselves in the place of God.
Irritability, impatience, raised voice, glaring eyes, hurtful words, explosive actions, closing off spirit, attitude of superiority, tension from anger, and increased heart rate are all visible evidences of anger. A spirit of anger is wrong anywhere, and no one, no not one has the right to display it. You may ask, "Can't anger be used to protect others when they are attacked?" No, because a spirit of anger will only make the situation more dangerous, because angry words stir up strife. "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger!" (Proverbs 15:1).
Anger is a signal that something is wrong, deep down hurt is being displayed. A spirit of anger is the result of not properly dealing with the initial reaction of anger. Never in Scripture does God command us to have a spirit of anger. In fact, this is the reason why He warns us: "Let not the sun go down upon your wrath!" Allowing anger to turn into wrath is sin. We are giving our spirit to the devil when we allow anger to captivate us. Remember this, anger is not limited to one age group, culture, race, economic level, social status, educational background, or any other classification. It is a universal problem. Anger has been a problem since the beginning of history, and perhaps in your family line, nevertheless, break it! Every person must conquer their anger, because unresolved anger is a "giant". Be aware of your sins and be willing to change.
Alright, my youngest brother had a soccer game this morning and everything was going well, normal. They were losing by 2 points however, we were still cheering on. The ball went out on our side where my family was and one of the players from our team goes and gets it. He comes back and suddenly another boy from the other team just slightly kicks him in the lower part of the leg. The boy on our team got furious and with hatred and anger grabbed the player from the other team and gives him a punch in the eye! The sister from this boy who punched the other boy immediately jumped in the field, started cussing her mouth off and grabbed the other boy's t-shirt with hate and gave him the impression to get lost! With in less than a second, the other team's parents/family ran over and got into a Hugh fight with our team's parents/family. Through all of this, my head was shaking back and forth. My family and I were playing neutral and my dad, being the leader tried to calm everyone down. Things got quite out of hand, and yelling, cussing, and anger was all being spilled over this incident. My dad quietly walked away and called the police to come over and settle this matter because if left alone, it would of gotten worse. The girl who intervened within this fight was the main issue because she acted out of control and this is how everything arose. She is only 14 years of age and to hear a mouth like hers was disgusting! The police was there on the soccer field in less than 5 minutes and still, the police officer had to call back up. Once the other one got there everyone slowly began to calm down. Nevertheless, people were still yelling and accusing each other. One lady told my mom, "Oh, this is normal, it runs in the Hispanic blood line!" No excuse! Towards the end of this long and loud fight, the boy which got punched in the eye was crying all his tears out, due to shock and pain. The ambulance came on over and took a look at him and within seconds his eye was swelling. Everyone was fighting with everyone, and tried to get back at each other. My family and I once again, stood in shock! Nonetheless, my dad was one of the spokesmen because he saw most of the accident. Coming to the end of this disruption, my dad humbled himself in front of all these people and in the name of our whole team apologized, even though none of it was personally my family's fault. However, he asked for forgiveness to the family who's little boy got hurt, and even handed out his hand to shake hands and make things come to peace. Although, the father could not overcome his pride, anger, and bitterness, and did not in turn give his hand out. Things began to get loud once more because of this, and the police man to his shock of my dad doing this, told my dad, "Ok sir, that's enough!"After that, my dad went up to the boy who punched the other boy and his sister and kindly said, "I believe y'all should apologize to this boy for your behavior!" The Bible says, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God!" All of this was already shocking for me, but this ticked it off. They stared at my dad and said, "Why, it's not my issue nor fault!" I went up personally to the girl and said, "Look, this little boy is in pain for what your brother did, and is crying! Where is your heart, don't you feel sorry? Make things right!" Her reply was somewhat harsh and rude, "Why, it's not me, and what gives you any right to tell me what to do!" I had to give it up because the police got in between! All of this, over a children's soccer game!
Now, the most disturbing and upsetting thing about this was that young lady's temperament and her brother's anger. I was just in shock and could not believe how this girl was so violent with her words and so hateful. She began to get in between everything and cussed at the adults! I overheard her brother say to one of his teammates, "I did it because we were losing and I wanted to get back at them!" Foolish and immature! I am so saddened at how our society is becoming. How terrible how world is. Having a group of people fighting with each other and arguing with hate. How sad our Father in heaven must be. I am so proud of my dad, standing up and asking forgiveness in the name of our whole team. He was being the peacemaker and did not want anymore strive or bitterness. I feel sorry for the man who marries this girl, how disgusting the girls of our population are getting. Becoming so dogmatic, and fighting like cats! I pray for all of these lost souls. Having seen this and hearing all of the hurtful words, I know that Satan was right there in the midst of it all. Laughing and smiling because hateful language was being spilled all over. We need to be in control of our anger. This boy who punched the other boy is only 11 years old and has such a temperament. Just imagine when he is in his teens...what then? Possibly being one who causes a shooting? Our anger is raging and we are in control of it. We each have a button, something which irritates us, and when someone pushes that button we explode like a volcano and spill with anger! Our anger can hurt someone, and even worse, kill someone! All anger must be put away. Wrath is in the same classification as blasphemy and filthy language, and that was being displayed today. The only One Who has a right to be angry is God. Allowing anger to become wrath is putting ourselves in the place of God.
Irritability, impatience, raised voice, glaring eyes, hurtful words, explosive actions, closing off spirit, attitude of superiority, tension from anger, and increased heart rate are all visible evidences of anger. A spirit of anger is wrong anywhere, and no one, no not one has the right to display it. You may ask, "Can't anger be used to protect others when they are attacked?" No, because a spirit of anger will only make the situation more dangerous, because angry words stir up strife. "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger!" (Proverbs 15:1).
Anger is a signal that something is wrong, deep down hurt is being displayed. A spirit of anger is the result of not properly dealing with the initial reaction of anger. Never in Scripture does God command us to have a spirit of anger. In fact, this is the reason why He warns us: "Let not the sun go down upon your wrath!" Allowing anger to turn into wrath is sin. We are giving our spirit to the devil when we allow anger to captivate us. Remember this, anger is not limited to one age group, culture, race, economic level, social status, educational background, or any other classification. It is a universal problem. Anger has been a problem since the beginning of history, and perhaps in your family line, nevertheless, break it! Every person must conquer their anger, because unresolved anger is a "giant". Be aware of your sins and be willing to change.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
A Trial...A Prayer...No Bitterness!
This morning when I woke up, I was shocked to only a tad with what happened outside on our property!
You see, we live in a pretty, safe, nice, neighborhood-that's what I thought! Well, yesterday evening, we had to move our two vehicles to the side of our lawn because my brothers were going to paint a black coding on our driveway. Thus, the cars were parked somewhat safely, and definitely out of the way from the road. Around 1AM we received a phone call from the police department stating, "You have some property damage!" Nevertheless, we did not get this call until this morning when we found it on our answering machine. My dad looked all over the house and could not see anything broken, demolished, or damaged. However, the cars, they were parked on the side of the lawn, away from the road, but close enough for...yes, someone drove by in the middle of the night and smashed five windows! Three on our mini-van, and two on our conversion van! Shocked to this turmoil, we soon found out that whoever did this, went around the rest of the neighborhood and did some more mess. We came to the conclusion, that six other vehicles had smashed windows!
Around 11:00 this morning, our doorbell rang and a gentleman from the neighborhood came on over to tell us more of this mysterious story. He said that he heard the banging of his mailbox and rushed out of bed. He stepped outside furious and mentioned that he was ready to get ugly on whoever did this. To my awareness, I could see that this man is far more angry and bitter than my father. This man only has a damaged mailbox, whereas we have two damaged cars, unable of moving. Although, this morning my parents prayed for these people, whoever attempted to do evil that the Lord will convict them, and bring them to forgiveness. I as well prayed this and am not bitter, angry, or upset at all. Yes, it is money which we would of needed elsewhere, however, the main importance is that our house was protected. I praised and thanked God for this.
The funny thing is, a few days ago, my family and I listened to a sermon about praising God through every little or big storm. I personally inscribed that within and my heart and this morning, I said only something unkind and harsh about these people, and then a minute later realized what I said. I am now praying for these people, and only want them to come to God's presence. It is so important that we praise God in every situation and storm. He has a complete reason for this, perhaps we will find out today, tomorrow, or never. Nevertheless, I will not become bitter, or develop any sense of hatred because God had and has His hands over us! Learn to praise and thank Him for trials, as insane as it might sound, it is the best. A test draws us closer to Christ and it brings us to recognize that we are nothing without Him, it also builds godly character within us, if we praise and glorify God. Everything teaches us God's ways, and if we respond to it correctly, everything will bring peace. Realize that everything comes from God's hand. Take a moment and look at Job, a man who the most righteous of his day. God gave Satan permission to afflict Job within certain limits. Job lost everything, his friends were of no help, and his own wife told Job to condemn God. Nonetheless, what did he do...he praised the Almighty God! In the end, God blessed and rewarded his gratefulness and gave him more than what he had before!
You see, we live in a pretty, safe, nice, neighborhood-that's what I thought! Well, yesterday evening, we had to move our two vehicles to the side of our lawn because my brothers were going to paint a black coding on our driveway. Thus, the cars were parked somewhat safely, and definitely out of the way from the road. Around 1AM we received a phone call from the police department stating, "You have some property damage!" Nevertheless, we did not get this call until this morning when we found it on our answering machine. My dad looked all over the house and could not see anything broken, demolished, or damaged. However, the cars, they were parked on the side of the lawn, away from the road, but close enough for...yes, someone drove by in the middle of the night and smashed five windows! Three on our mini-van, and two on our conversion van! Shocked to this turmoil, we soon found out that whoever did this, went around the rest of the neighborhood and did some more mess. We came to the conclusion, that six other vehicles had smashed windows!
Around 11:00 this morning, our doorbell rang and a gentleman from the neighborhood came on over to tell us more of this mysterious story. He said that he heard the banging of his mailbox and rushed out of bed. He stepped outside furious and mentioned that he was ready to get ugly on whoever did this. To my awareness, I could see that this man is far more angry and bitter than my father. This man only has a damaged mailbox, whereas we have two damaged cars, unable of moving. Although, this morning my parents prayed for these people, whoever attempted to do evil that the Lord will convict them, and bring them to forgiveness. I as well prayed this and am not bitter, angry, or upset at all. Yes, it is money which we would of needed elsewhere, however, the main importance is that our house was protected. I praised and thanked God for this.
The funny thing is, a few days ago, my family and I listened to a sermon about praising God through every little or big storm. I personally inscribed that within and my heart and this morning, I said only something unkind and harsh about these people, and then a minute later realized what I said. I am now praying for these people, and only want them to come to God's presence. It is so important that we praise God in every situation and storm. He has a complete reason for this, perhaps we will find out today, tomorrow, or never. Nevertheless, I will not become bitter, or develop any sense of hatred because God had and has His hands over us! Learn to praise and thank Him for trials, as insane as it might sound, it is the best. A test draws us closer to Christ and it brings us to recognize that we are nothing without Him, it also builds godly character within us, if we praise and glorify God. Everything teaches us God's ways, and if we respond to it correctly, everything will bring peace. Realize that everything comes from God's hand. Take a moment and look at Job, a man who the most righteous of his day. God gave Satan permission to afflict Job within certain limits. Job lost everything, his friends were of no help, and his own wife told Job to condemn God. Nonetheless, what did he do...he praised the Almighty God! In the end, God blessed and rewarded his gratefulness and gave him more than what he had before!
Unless we see that everything comes from the good hand of God, we will never be able to develop a grateful spirit!
~Bill Gothard
Friday, August 7, 2009
Doubting My Salvation...Is This You?
Thanks y'all for leaving all those kind comments of wishing me a happy birthday!
Anyways, lately I have had a lot on my mind, and as I was talking with a friend the other day, I mentioned, something which caught my own self to stop and think...
We all slip n' slide, falling when a temptation arises, or perhaps we may have a stronghold of sexual desires, anger, hatred, bitterness, disobedience, rebellion, disrespect, so on and so on. Each one of us differs and nevertheless, we all have one similarity, sin. Sin is often deceiving, portrayed as sweet, Innocent, but the consequence thereafter is poison to our souls. Whatever it may be we will have to pay for the price later on, if not sooner. Now, I don't know about you, but when I sin, I will almost immediately realize it, the moment it happens, my mind goes, "Oh no, I did it again!" I feel rotten, but I know that deep down I can have that peace of just coming to my Savior and asking for forgiveness. Some of us do not know when we sin although, we go on and on, either with repeating the same sinful desire, or perhaps with doing a numerous of wrong doings, and thus these type of people are walking in the same route, not knowing what, where, or how to get out. I had a girl come up to me the other day stating, "Vanessa, I don't think I'm saved, I don't hunger for God's Word, and all I want is to be in His arms, I want to be one of His children, but how?" When we have a sort of doubt within us, we may feel insecure, not safe, confused, and a waster. What is our purpose then? I personally believe that we have no purpose if we are without God, we may think that our life is in complete order, perhaps having all the friends, being popular, having a boyfriend/girlfriend, money, and all those so called perfect necessities of the world. However, all of those things are worthless, they are just temporary, and after a while it begins to get boring again and we all long for something else. Something to cover that empty hole, covering it up, but not just temporary, permanently. What can do that?!
As I was younger, I would often doubt my salvation, I would question myself with the words, "Who am I? What is my purpose? Am I really saved? Is God really alive in my life?" Confusion, yes that is the bare picture of confusion. Satan was trying to deceive me with the thought of, "There is no happiness in this world, it's all dark, and you'll be just going through the rest of your life like this, there is only temporary joy and love." I was frightened, I saw my family deepen in God's love, and I tried to have that same joy of opening the bible each morning, but it was not there. I once stated, "I love God too much." I was thankful for the friend who at once corrected me with saying, "No Vanessa, you can never love God enough!" I was running in a dark pit not noticing it, but only realizing that my love for God was standing on a thin shield of glass. If a trial would come, that glass would shatter and I would go down...for a long time. If you are one of those that doubt your salvation, I ask of you to not wait one more second but fall down on your knees and completely humble yourself in front of God. We need to realize that we are dirty, selfish creatures, totally useless without God's help. Let me make this statement true to you, WE ARE ABSOLUTELY ALONE, NOTHING, HELPLESS, DEAD WITHOUT CHRIST! Please, take a moment and acknowledge this, do not just pass over this, if it speaks to you then all you need to do is cry to God. When I say cry, I mean to let all the burden out, and just give all the bitterness, selfish, hatred, whatever it is away.
I have heard that some people do not want to admit it that the first time they asked God in their life was senseless, it was just out of emotions, and didn't mean nothing. Don't let that be you. You need to get right before Christ, I had to do it more than two times. I dedicated my life back to Him after doubting my salvation many times. I love God so much, I love to read His Word, and the best time of my day is to pray to Him. Just knowing that I can tell Him anything, negative or positive. Many times I'll just be in His presence in tears, shame, however, He accepts me back in His arms, and once I know that I have sinned, I cannot go back there. I want to call it all over, throw those sins away, and ask God to move them away. Satan likes to make you feel as if your sin has ruined you and will stick with you forever. THAT IS BOGUS! The truth is that God picks up that sin and hurls it as far as the east is from the west. He promises us in Ezekiel 18:22, "none of the offenses he has committed will be remembered." Know God's truth, learn His Word, study it because then you can crush Satan's lie with it! Bottom line is, Satan is a BIG FAT LIAR! God wants you in His arms, sin is hurtful and painful. Release all of the lies instilled within yourself. Come to know Christ, He is available 24/7 and wants to hear from you.
You may feel ashamed to enter God's presence, but don't. Confess your sins, you need to do this, realize who is far greater, and that we are low and lost. Perhaps you may think because you have caused a deep and dirty sin God will not accept you because He is perfect. Another lie. Please know that He will take you in when you completely realize that you are a lost sinner, and need a Savior. Once you have done or know this, a change needs to occur. You cannot simply live you life the way you want and ask God to accept you as you are, because He wants you to notice the good from the bad and make the sharp turn. Sin creeps up on us, it may be anything from sexuality, materialism, anger, lust...what is keeping you far from God? Be dead to sin, and alive to Christ.
Scripture is very clear, if you haven't noticed that, then I beg you to deep further in and realize the boldness behind the words. It tells us that we must walk away from anything that hinders our love for God. We need to "throw" off our former way of life. I know, that is easier said than done, and I cannot make the process less painful for you, however, the Bible and God will give you a step-step by plan for walking through it! Do not give God a divided heart, half of the heart wants to continue sin, whereas the other half wants to do holiness. He need the whole heart. We cannot do anything with a half heart, He needs the whole thing to work properly, and He is wanting it all. Please give it to Him, and cry for a revelation, He gives it, if you are willing. Read the Bible, walk it, talk it, and live it. You want to know what will happen to you when you die, correct? Hell is dark, scary, lonely, loud noises, why place yourself there? The heavens declare GOD, we will be in a new earth of no more pain, tears, fears or death. Sounds like paradise? It is, but only through God it can be! Be born again!
Anyways, lately I have had a lot on my mind, and as I was talking with a friend the other day, I mentioned, something which caught my own self to stop and think...
We all slip n' slide, falling when a temptation arises, or perhaps we may have a stronghold of sexual desires, anger, hatred, bitterness, disobedience, rebellion, disrespect, so on and so on. Each one of us differs and nevertheless, we all have one similarity, sin. Sin is often deceiving, portrayed as sweet, Innocent, but the consequence thereafter is poison to our souls. Whatever it may be we will have to pay for the price later on, if not sooner. Now, I don't know about you, but when I sin, I will almost immediately realize it, the moment it happens, my mind goes, "Oh no, I did it again!" I feel rotten, but I know that deep down I can have that peace of just coming to my Savior and asking for forgiveness. Some of us do not know when we sin although, we go on and on, either with repeating the same sinful desire, or perhaps with doing a numerous of wrong doings, and thus these type of people are walking in the same route, not knowing what, where, or how to get out. I had a girl come up to me the other day stating, "Vanessa, I don't think I'm saved, I don't hunger for God's Word, and all I want is to be in His arms, I want to be one of His children, but how?" When we have a sort of doubt within us, we may feel insecure, not safe, confused, and a waster. What is our purpose then? I personally believe that we have no purpose if we are without God, we may think that our life is in complete order, perhaps having all the friends, being popular, having a boyfriend/girlfriend, money, and all those so called perfect necessities of the world. However, all of those things are worthless, they are just temporary, and after a while it begins to get boring again and we all long for something else. Something to cover that empty hole, covering it up, but not just temporary, permanently. What can do that?!
As I was younger, I would often doubt my salvation, I would question myself with the words, "Who am I? What is my purpose? Am I really saved? Is God really alive in my life?" Confusion, yes that is the bare picture of confusion. Satan was trying to deceive me with the thought of, "There is no happiness in this world, it's all dark, and you'll be just going through the rest of your life like this, there is only temporary joy and love." I was frightened, I saw my family deepen in God's love, and I tried to have that same joy of opening the bible each morning, but it was not there. I once stated, "I love God too much." I was thankful for the friend who at once corrected me with saying, "No Vanessa, you can never love God enough!" I was running in a dark pit not noticing it, but only realizing that my love for God was standing on a thin shield of glass. If a trial would come, that glass would shatter and I would go down...for a long time. If you are one of those that doubt your salvation, I ask of you to not wait one more second but fall down on your knees and completely humble yourself in front of God. We need to realize that we are dirty, selfish creatures, totally useless without God's help. Let me make this statement true to you, WE ARE ABSOLUTELY ALONE, NOTHING, HELPLESS, DEAD WITHOUT CHRIST! Please, take a moment and acknowledge this, do not just pass over this, if it speaks to you then all you need to do is cry to God. When I say cry, I mean to let all the burden out, and just give all the bitterness, selfish, hatred, whatever it is away.
I have heard that some people do not want to admit it that the first time they asked God in their life was senseless, it was just out of emotions, and didn't mean nothing. Don't let that be you. You need to get right before Christ, I had to do it more than two times. I dedicated my life back to Him after doubting my salvation many times. I love God so much, I love to read His Word, and the best time of my day is to pray to Him. Just knowing that I can tell Him anything, negative or positive. Many times I'll just be in His presence in tears, shame, however, He accepts me back in His arms, and once I know that I have sinned, I cannot go back there. I want to call it all over, throw those sins away, and ask God to move them away. Satan likes to make you feel as if your sin has ruined you and will stick with you forever. THAT IS BOGUS! The truth is that God picks up that sin and hurls it as far as the east is from the west. He promises us in Ezekiel 18:22, "none of the offenses he has committed will be remembered." Know God's truth, learn His Word, study it because then you can crush Satan's lie with it! Bottom line is, Satan is a BIG FAT LIAR! God wants you in His arms, sin is hurtful and painful. Release all of the lies instilled within yourself. Come to know Christ, He is available 24/7 and wants to hear from you.
You may feel ashamed to enter God's presence, but don't. Confess your sins, you need to do this, realize who is far greater, and that we are low and lost. Perhaps you may think because you have caused a deep and dirty sin God will not accept you because He is perfect. Another lie. Please know that He will take you in when you completely realize that you are a lost sinner, and need a Savior. Once you have done or know this, a change needs to occur. You cannot simply live you life the way you want and ask God to accept you as you are, because He wants you to notice the good from the bad and make the sharp turn. Sin creeps up on us, it may be anything from sexuality, materialism, anger, lust...what is keeping you far from God? Be dead to sin, and alive to Christ.
Scripture is very clear, if you haven't noticed that, then I beg you to deep further in and realize the boldness behind the words. It tells us that we must walk away from anything that hinders our love for God. We need to "throw" off our former way of life. I know, that is easier said than done, and I cannot make the process less painful for you, however, the Bible and God will give you a step-step by plan for walking through it! Do not give God a divided heart, half of the heart wants to continue sin, whereas the other half wants to do holiness. He need the whole heart. We cannot do anything with a half heart, He needs the whole thing to work properly, and He is wanting it all. Please give it to Him, and cry for a revelation, He gives it, if you are willing. Read the Bible, walk it, talk it, and live it. You want to know what will happen to you when you die, correct? Hell is dark, scary, lonely, loud noises, why place yourself there? The heavens declare GOD, we will be in a new earth of no more pain, tears, fears or death. Sounds like paradise? It is, but only through God it can be! Be born again!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Embracing Seventeen!
August 5th, 1992 at 12:27AM a new baby girl entered into this world. Little did she know what God had in store for her the moment she arrived. A stubborn girl she was, not willing to make herself out to this world, but was forced by doctors and then endless hours from her mother. This little baby was the first girl in the family, and was the second child, welcomed by her big brother and two very excited parents. First child to be born in America from the new family, and first one in the BIG lone star state. Hugs and kisses were thrown on this precious little baby and she grew, and grew, and grew. Life came around so suddenly that she woke up once on August 4th 2009 realizing that tomorrow she would be 17. This little girl is me!
Yes, today is my birthday...wow, another year for me has passed by. I'm startled to even say, "Seventeen!" That number seems so large, and also knowing that new situations will arise in the next few years. I remember just yesterday being 6 and stating, "Hm, I wonder how I'll be like when I'm 16?!" I have to admit that my 16th year was very interesting, meeting new people and developing long distance friendships. Experiencing many hardships and headaches. Things I had to go through that I rather would of pushed away. As my life approaches this new year of life, I feel blessed to be more and more in the ultimate presence of Christ Jesus, knowing that He is available to me at all times. I cried many times throughout this past year in the hands of God, pouring out my deep inner thoughts and humbling myself because of past pride issues or perhaps emotions. Seventeen will be a new adventure, taking new steps, new paths, new relationships, and new situations. I look forward to what God has in store for me, knowing that He is not finished with me yet. At times I wonder what this new year will bring, what will change, and what will remain the same, however, I have a peace and no burden because I can give it all to God and know without one doubt that He is in complete charge. I am blessed with family, parents and siblings. I have friends who care for me, those who will encourage me perhaps with emails, phone calls, or blog posts. I thank each one of you for reading my blog and for making a difference in my life. I pray for another wonderful year, and I am excited to see what is in store. Seventeen embraces so many new things, some major and other minor. I do realize that God is in control and I am thankful for that. Growing older also enhances me for other trials and temptations, however, only bracing me closer to Christ and my family. It will be a year of adventure, and also moments of just relying upon God because I'm nothing without Him. I'm learning that each and everyday is a treasure itself, supposedly to be spent with enjoyment and also knowledge in what you do. My character is being sharpened in each trial, circumstance or occurrence. I have come from this girl being hungry for God only about 40%, to now being a young lady thirsting and yearning for God more than 100%! Praise the Lord for what He is doing, I have some sense of timidness in welcoming this new age, nevertheless, I know that I will not be alone, in all struggles the greatest mentor is there by my side-Jesus Christ! Being under the submission and protection of my parents only keeps me away from dangers, things the eye should not view. Blessed for those who care for my soul, and thankful for moments of acknowledgements from Christ. Before we actually realize it, the year shoots by, and looking back I want to remember positive things, and of course a few negative incidences snuck in although, overall I view back seeing a faith coming from small to something much greater! Thanks be to God for giving me life, breath, not even noticing how special that gift is, a gift of living, and most of all in the house of God! I'm thankful for this year, and sharing new posts with y'all and how God moves-powerfully!
Yes, today is my birthday...wow, another year for me has passed by. I'm startled to even say, "Seventeen!" That number seems so large, and also knowing that new situations will arise in the next few years. I remember just yesterday being 6 and stating, "Hm, I wonder how I'll be like when I'm 16?!" I have to admit that my 16th year was very interesting, meeting new people and developing long distance friendships. Experiencing many hardships and headaches. Things I had to go through that I rather would of pushed away. As my life approaches this new year of life, I feel blessed to be more and more in the ultimate presence of Christ Jesus, knowing that He is available to me at all times. I cried many times throughout this past year in the hands of God, pouring out my deep inner thoughts and humbling myself because of past pride issues or perhaps emotions. Seventeen will be a new adventure, taking new steps, new paths, new relationships, and new situations. I look forward to what God has in store for me, knowing that He is not finished with me yet. At times I wonder what this new year will bring, what will change, and what will remain the same, however, I have a peace and no burden because I can give it all to God and know without one doubt that He is in complete charge. I am blessed with family, parents and siblings. I have friends who care for me, those who will encourage me perhaps with emails, phone calls, or blog posts. I thank each one of you for reading my blog and for making a difference in my life. I pray for another wonderful year, and I am excited to see what is in store. Seventeen embraces so many new things, some major and other minor. I do realize that God is in control and I am thankful for that. Growing older also enhances me for other trials and temptations, however, only bracing me closer to Christ and my family. It will be a year of adventure, and also moments of just relying upon God because I'm nothing without Him. I'm learning that each and everyday is a treasure itself, supposedly to be spent with enjoyment and also knowledge in what you do. My character is being sharpened in each trial, circumstance or occurrence. I have come from this girl being hungry for God only about 40%, to now being a young lady thirsting and yearning for God more than 100%! Praise the Lord for what He is doing, I have some sense of timidness in welcoming this new age, nevertheless, I know that I will not be alone, in all struggles the greatest mentor is there by my side-Jesus Christ! Being under the submission and protection of my parents only keeps me away from dangers, things the eye should not view. Blessed for those who care for my soul, and thankful for moments of acknowledgements from Christ. Before we actually realize it, the year shoots by, and looking back I want to remember positive things, and of course a few negative incidences snuck in although, overall I view back seeing a faith coming from small to something much greater! Thanks be to God for giving me life, breath, not even noticing how special that gift is, a gift of living, and most of all in the house of God! I'm thankful for this year, and sharing new posts with y'all and how God moves-powerfully!
Monday, August 3, 2009
August Third...So Special!
August third, such a special day for me, so many wonderful and exciting situations have occurred throughout my lifetime, many changes as a matter of fact. Thus, the August third I will be sharing with y'all was the one last year, in 2008. That wonderful, fun fulfilled day cleansed me deep within! Prior to that day back in October of 2006, my life went for a drastic change!
I was saved as a young girl at the age of six. I was baptized shortly thereafter, nevertheless, my life never took changes. I was continuing the same route each day, and the older I got, the harder it was for me to stay deep in God's Word. In addition, as I approached the age of 12 and 13, my life was going often on a roller coaster. I would read the Bible, but not everyday, and my prayers were so shallow, I never grew on my own. Thus, my family and I moved to another state and we found this church. In that setting I heard about sin, and it was then that I really acknowledged how sinful I am. I never heard of sin spoken in such a way, so boldly done, convicting, and touching the heart directly. Therefore, in October of 2006, I fell down on my knees right in my bedroom at 5AM and cried before my Jesus. I poured my heart out to Him, and it was that morning that He brought me to Him. I was welcomed into His beloved arms! From that moment on, I was in love with Christ, I could not get enough of Him, and I yearned to be in His presence each and every morning. Summer of 2007 rolled around and far did I know what was in store. Persecution from all corners attacked me, I was struck my darts and arrows, and it often felt as if I were walking on sifted sand. I got hurt from many sides, and many of the so called friends I had. Mocking me for my belief, and little did I know that God was testing me. It was not until the winter of 2007 that I noticed and came across to the Bible verse in 2 Timothy 3:2, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." Once again, I was fallen back and God clearly pointed out why circumstances of trials approached me. The incidences in that previous summer only deepened my walk with Christ, and even when I did not notice it, I was being a witness to my enemies. God also instilled His voice within me telling me that He wanted to make sure that I was serious this time. Never ever will I walk away from Him again!
I was saved as a young girl at the age of six. I was baptized shortly thereafter, nevertheless, my life never took changes. I was continuing the same route each day, and the older I got, the harder it was for me to stay deep in God's Word. In addition, as I approached the age of 12 and 13, my life was going often on a roller coaster. I would read the Bible, but not everyday, and my prayers were so shallow, I never grew on my own. Thus, my family and I moved to another state and we found this church. In that setting I heard about sin, and it was then that I really acknowledged how sinful I am. I never heard of sin spoken in such a way, so boldly done, convicting, and touching the heart directly. Therefore, in October of 2006, I fell down on my knees right in my bedroom at 5AM and cried before my Jesus. I poured my heart out to Him, and it was that morning that He brought me to Him. I was welcomed into His beloved arms! From that moment on, I was in love with Christ, I could not get enough of Him, and I yearned to be in His presence each and every morning. Summer of 2007 rolled around and far did I know what was in store. Persecution from all corners attacked me, I was struck my darts and arrows, and it often felt as if I were walking on sifted sand. I got hurt from many sides, and many of the so called friends I had. Mocking me for my belief, and little did I know that God was testing me. It was not until the winter of 2007 that I noticed and came across to the Bible verse in 2 Timothy 3:2, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." Once again, I was fallen back and God clearly pointed out why circumstances of trials approached me. The incidences in that previous summer only deepened my walk with Christ, and even when I did not notice it, I was being a witness to my enemies. God also instilled His voice within me telling me that He wanted to make sure that I was serious this time. Never ever will I walk away from Him again!
In conclusion, August third 2008 is special to me because I was baptized again, I waited almost two years for that special day, and the moment I was under water and came back up, I felt cleansed, and renewed! I knew that the decision of me renewing my faith was that best thing I have ever decided. I cannot imagine my life without God, and I know that I'm far from perfect, each day I fail, and many times I will just say, "Why have I fallen again?" God has an answer for everything, it amazes me because each answer is exactly what I need to hear. When I fall He is right there to pick me up and when He does so, not only am I encouraged, but also slowly understanding His will for the situation. Day by day I am reminded of His goodness, His gentleness, His mercy, and His everything, that I often do not deserve His love, however, He wants me, and I cannot be without Him! My chains are gone, I've been set free!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Broken Before God
The other night as I was sitting in my bed just thinking, I looked upon my day and just thought. I was confused and my mind felt clouded to all the things occurring around me. So many thoughts found it's way through in just minutes. Thoughts of negativity, crept in as well, and then in the far corner, I saw the thought of, "Vanessa, what exactly are you doing here, what is your purpose?" I struggled with that thought, and battled against it because there are many circumstances within my life at the moment where I would just love to have God's exact answer right away. Nevertheless, I am learning to this very minute that I have to wait and just rely upon Him. If it was my will and my way, I would of already acted to what I'm struggling with. However, we often miss God's perfect plan for our lives, we rush it without stopping to hear what He has to say. I have come to the point this morning that I broke down, my heart is completely crushed, and I do not have any answer on my own, it is completely God's choice and answer for my life. It is whatever He wants, and not what I want. Not my will, but His will! If confusion creeps within your mind, it is not of God. Remember, God is NOT the author of confusion. I have given my everything, I owe nothing anymore, and my life is totally in His hands. I have acted many times out of my own will, and tried to do it all my own, but suddenly, this circumstance within my life came for a total reason because I cannot solve it alone. God is going to intervene and do it, when He wants, and not when I want it fixed. We cannot get in between His plan, we need to give him the full charge, and just wait and see what He will do. Trying to rush things just because we think it would fix it all can mess up God's perfect will for our life!
Of course, when we allow God to take control of the shift, a burden is lifted. When I came to the conclusion of this, He brought me to this song, and the first verse and chorus of it, is exactly relating to my life at the moment, and how God needs to come on in. I hope it will speak to y'all as well.
SAVIOR, PLEASE (Joshua Wilson)
Savior, please take my hand
I work so hard, I live so fast
This life begins, and then it ends
And I do the best I can, but I don't know how long I'll last
I try to be so tough
But I'm just not strong enough
I can't do this alone, God I need You to hold on to me
I try to be good enough
But I'm nothing without Your love
Savior, please, keep saving me
*Y'all need to check out this song, beautiful and amazing! I know the young man who composed it, and now he himself is getting out into the Christian media world-such as the radio, it's awesome!!
Of course, when we allow God to take control of the shift, a burden is lifted. When I came to the conclusion of this, He brought me to this song, and the first verse and chorus of it, is exactly relating to my life at the moment, and how God needs to come on in. I hope it will speak to y'all as well.
SAVIOR, PLEASE (Joshua Wilson)
Savior, please take my hand
I work so hard, I live so fast
This life begins, and then it ends
And I do the best I can, but I don't know how long I'll last
I try to be so tough
But I'm just not strong enough
I can't do this alone, God I need You to hold on to me
I try to be good enough
But I'm nothing without Your love
Savior, please, keep saving me
*Y'all need to check out this song, beautiful and amazing! I know the young man who composed it, and now he himself is getting out into the Christian media world-such as the radio, it's awesome!!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
To Kiss Or Not To Kiss?
What about the first kiss? When should it be done, and why wait for the wedding ceremony? Some people say, "Oh, why wait for that special person...one kiss won't hurt ya?" Whereas, others may have a complete different opinion, "Honor and respect each other, and save your purity, as well as the first kiss for your life mate someday!" That second statement is what I believe. I believe that the Bible teaches that all sexual activity outside of marriage is sin, and all romantically oriented physical activity is sexual activity. In my view, this includes premarital kissing. Now, I'm going to take this whole 'kissing' issue and break it down.
First of all, when I'm talking of a kiss, I mean the relation of a girl and guy emotionally and physically giving each other a kiss on the lips. A virgin is a girl who has not had any physical relationship with any young men. We as girls need to remain virgins until the day of marriage. The moment a young man and lady kiss each other before they agree to marry, is in my eyes impure and they have now broken God's promise of remaining pure and holy. Leviticus 21:13 says something which speaks the bold and bare truth, "And he shall take a wife in her virginity." It does not state that he shall take a wife who is immoral and impure. When God tells us something, He sure known what He is talking about. Guys, there may be young women who are beautiful and may act kind towards you, nevertheless, if she has been kissed already and has wrapped herself around others, what gives you the desire to know her more? A kiss is something delicate and should only be done at your wedding, and from that moment on with the man or woman you married. In the world we live in, many girls are wasting and giving up their purity at the young and tender age of 13. Many times a girl or guy will give that first kiss to someone they have perhaps been dating, and even though they know that this is not the type of person they want to live and share life with forever they still kiss, and thus the pure young virgin is now a harlot, giving her body away! Kissing will only make you want to do more than just a kiss. And why put someone you claim to care about at a spiritual risk?
Now, a little girl's dream is to get married to a prince and wear a beautiful long and white dress. Time flies and that dream still remains, however, if this little girl grew up to dress defrauding and be a flirt, and lets say that her very first kiss was with the neighbor boy, then her dream of wearing a beautiful white dress should in my opinion be changed to a black dress. This may sound harsh, however, she has messed up, and yes God will forgive if she asks, but if she continues on with this way of lifestyle, she needs a black dress! We make our own choices, and some of those decisions will give yourself away. Black and white will turn to gray, and we will eventually crumble, it's a slow fade and Satan is trying to device you in thinking that purity now a days is old school. No, it is hard to keep that heart pure and our purpose is to wait for God to work and not for us to go out on our own and look for Mr. Right, or Ms. Right. Don't you want your wife or husband to have the thought of, "Wow, my spouse waited for me, and I don't have to worry that she/he was someone elses before."
The first kiss is something done at the altar and just think of how good and romantic that will feel. You waited and respected others for their will of purity. I even believe that the kiss should have no place in the courtship or engagement. Listen to a story I once heard; a young man and woman found each other and courted for awhile until the young man knew in his heart that it was the princess he wanted and thus asked his future bride to marry him. Nonetheless, they both decided to not have any form of physical contact and especially NO kissing! As a result to this, the two remained pure by God's strength and shockingly, they discovered that they were not meant for each other. However, this young man is thankful to this very day that he kept his purity and that he didn't give his special kiss to the girl he thought was his. This story helps me to continue head strong with my purity.
Alright, to sum things all up I will leave y'all with a few more words. God says in Hebrews that the marriage bed is honorable and it should be kept until the first kiss was done at the wedding ceremony. Our number one temptation every single day is that we lean into our own understanding. We define everything with how it fits our own needs. This works just with the fact of kissing. We need to leave this up to God when the first kiss comes, and even if we don't understand why, just believe God and trust in Him because His timing is far better than yours. The first kiss is something special, and I bet it feels good because deep down you will know and you can tell your spouse that, "My very first kiss!" You also want a wife or husband that has kept their kiss and overall purity for you. You deserve their reward, and they deserve yours. Save your kiss, save it, save it, save it! This is the part of a couple, joined together, and taking each other and showing love by kissing each other. Lock it up in a box, and when the time comes, take it out, and thank God as well as your future spouse for keeping me pure. Ok, last thing that I want to share with y'all is one more short story of a young lady and man.
A young lady and man went through the courtship and it came to the point of engagement and they committed to be pure always until the wedding ceremony with each other. After many months of waiting and the long hours of patience, the special day arrived. The young lady put her beautiful white dress on, and walked down the aisle with her father seeing her soon to be husband waiting for that perfect and special gift. In conclusion, the moment the pastor said, "You may kiss the bride!", she whispered in the groom's ear saying, "Thank you for keeping me pure and respecting our decision!" Amen and hallelujah, save that kiss!
Waiting to express your love physically lays a strong foundation of trust for your marriage!
First of all, when I'm talking of a kiss, I mean the relation of a girl and guy emotionally and physically giving each other a kiss on the lips. A virgin is a girl who has not had any physical relationship with any young men. We as girls need to remain virgins until the day of marriage. The moment a young man and lady kiss each other before they agree to marry, is in my eyes impure and they have now broken God's promise of remaining pure and holy. Leviticus 21:13 says something which speaks the bold and bare truth, "And he shall take a wife in her virginity." It does not state that he shall take a wife who is immoral and impure. When God tells us something, He sure known what He is talking about. Guys, there may be young women who are beautiful and may act kind towards you, nevertheless, if she has been kissed already and has wrapped herself around others, what gives you the desire to know her more? A kiss is something delicate and should only be done at your wedding, and from that moment on with the man or woman you married. In the world we live in, many girls are wasting and giving up their purity at the young and tender age of 13. Many times a girl or guy will give that first kiss to someone they have perhaps been dating, and even though they know that this is not the type of person they want to live and share life with forever they still kiss, and thus the pure young virgin is now a harlot, giving her body away! Kissing will only make you want to do more than just a kiss. And why put someone you claim to care about at a spiritual risk?
Now, a little girl's dream is to get married to a prince and wear a beautiful long and white dress. Time flies and that dream still remains, however, if this little girl grew up to dress defrauding and be a flirt, and lets say that her very first kiss was with the neighbor boy, then her dream of wearing a beautiful white dress should in my opinion be changed to a black dress. This may sound harsh, however, she has messed up, and yes God will forgive if she asks, but if she continues on with this way of lifestyle, she needs a black dress! We make our own choices, and some of those decisions will give yourself away. Black and white will turn to gray, and we will eventually crumble, it's a slow fade and Satan is trying to device you in thinking that purity now a days is old school. No, it is hard to keep that heart pure and our purpose is to wait for God to work and not for us to go out on our own and look for Mr. Right, or Ms. Right. Don't you want your wife or husband to have the thought of, "Wow, my spouse waited for me, and I don't have to worry that she/he was someone elses before."
The first kiss is something done at the altar and just think of how good and romantic that will feel. You waited and respected others for their will of purity. I even believe that the kiss should have no place in the courtship or engagement. Listen to a story I once heard; a young man and woman found each other and courted for awhile until the young man knew in his heart that it was the princess he wanted and thus asked his future bride to marry him. Nonetheless, they both decided to not have any form of physical contact and especially NO kissing! As a result to this, the two remained pure by God's strength and shockingly, they discovered that they were not meant for each other. However, this young man is thankful to this very day that he kept his purity and that he didn't give his special kiss to the girl he thought was his. This story helps me to continue head strong with my purity.
Alright, to sum things all up I will leave y'all with a few more words. God says in Hebrews that the marriage bed is honorable and it should be kept until the first kiss was done at the wedding ceremony. Our number one temptation every single day is that we lean into our own understanding. We define everything with how it fits our own needs. This works just with the fact of kissing. We need to leave this up to God when the first kiss comes, and even if we don't understand why, just believe God and trust in Him because His timing is far better than yours. The first kiss is something special, and I bet it feels good because deep down you will know and you can tell your spouse that, "My very first kiss!" You also want a wife or husband that has kept their kiss and overall purity for you. You deserve their reward, and they deserve yours. Save your kiss, save it, save it, save it! This is the part of a couple, joined together, and taking each other and showing love by kissing each other. Lock it up in a box, and when the time comes, take it out, and thank God as well as your future spouse for keeping me pure. Ok, last thing that I want to share with y'all is one more short story of a young lady and man.
A young lady and man went through the courtship and it came to the point of engagement and they committed to be pure always until the wedding ceremony with each other. After many months of waiting and the long hours of patience, the special day arrived. The young lady put her beautiful white dress on, and walked down the aisle with her father seeing her soon to be husband waiting for that perfect and special gift. In conclusion, the moment the pastor said, "You may kiss the bride!", she whispered in the groom's ear saying, "Thank you for keeping me pure and respecting our decision!" Amen and hallelujah, save that kiss!
Waiting to express your love physically lays a strong foundation of trust for your marriage!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Back Home...
Hello y'all! Well, I'm back home!
Yes, my family and I returned back home yesterday night very, very, late. It feels good to be in your own house again, nevertheless, I miss SO many people! Texas was literally the highlight of my summer, I consider it also my birthday gift. It was so wonderful and being able to go back to my hometown and seeing people that care and love us. It was lovely to see God dwell within that land. Churches among every street, billboards of scripture verses or statements of Christ, and it was amazing to run into people and hear them say, "Y'all take care and God bless!" I don't hear that very often where I live. I'm so thankful and feel so blessed that I was able of seeing good old friends, and some new friends. It is of course sad to leave those who care for you, and where you know you have a place in their heart, however, God has placed my family and I over here for a complete reason, and oftentimes I do not see the perfect reason and plan. Although, I will not lean upon my own understanding, but look towards God for direction and timing. Nonetheless, we praise GOD for bringing my family and I back home, it was such a long trip, back and forth 3800 miles, and yet God was close to our car, guiding it day by day. I also look forward to see what God can do in the near future with my family and where He will lead us.
As I now look back upon those 2 weeks, memories of laughter, happiness, talking, and joy remain, and far back in my mind the thought of sadness has crept itself in. I see faces before me, the ones who have been there for my family when times were hard or when moments of rejoicing. God moved my family, He did it before and He can do it again, we just allow Him to work! A prayer for my family would be, let God work, and not us! Be blessed y'all and one thing that I look forward is that I can be back on the blogging world. God bless!
Yes, my family and I returned back home yesterday night very, very, late. It feels good to be in your own house again, nevertheless, I miss SO many people! Texas was literally the highlight of my summer, I consider it also my birthday gift. It was so wonderful and being able to go back to my hometown and seeing people that care and love us. It was lovely to see God dwell within that land. Churches among every street, billboards of scripture verses or statements of Christ, and it was amazing to run into people and hear them say, "Y'all take care and God bless!" I don't hear that very often where I live. I'm so thankful and feel so blessed that I was able of seeing good old friends, and some new friends. It is of course sad to leave those who care for you, and where you know you have a place in their heart, however, God has placed my family and I over here for a complete reason, and oftentimes I do not see the perfect reason and plan. Although, I will not lean upon my own understanding, but look towards God for direction and timing. Nonetheless, we praise GOD for bringing my family and I back home, it was such a long trip, back and forth 3800 miles, and yet God was close to our car, guiding it day by day. I also look forward to see what God can do in the near future with my family and where He will lead us.
As I now look back upon those 2 weeks, memories of laughter, happiness, talking, and joy remain, and far back in my mind the thought of sadness has crept itself in. I see faces before me, the ones who have been there for my family when times were hard or when moments of rejoicing. God moved my family, He did it before and He can do it again, we just allow Him to work! A prayer for my family would be, let God work, and not us! Be blessed y'all and one thing that I look forward is that I can be back on the blogging world. God bless!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Flirty Girls! Flirty Guys!
I will mention one of the discussions I had with my friend last night, thus, that will be something concerning the topic and broad aspect of purity.
Yesterday night my friend and I had a conversation addressing the fact of guys and girls and the way they interact with each other. I also had the talk of how many of us have the inside desire to get married, and if God wills it then it will occur. It also does sadden me at how many girls/guys will be careless about their actions. Now, I know, that I have had talked about this many, many times and really do not need to constantly shove it down y'all's throat, however, it is something that I could talk about ALL the time. Basing it upon God's laws, and I really love to get in either a debate about this or a discussion with others and learn their perspective on things such as this. It's a bothersome to me when girls and guys are flirting with each other, and how many of them treat each other with disrespect, and to be honest and true with y'all, many don't realize that they are being disrespectful! To be blunt and bold, a guy and girl who are acting immoral, and with impurity, that is no sign of respect, if they would hold the plate of respect, then they would not be flirting and playing around with each other because they are concerned and want to hold their purity for the right one.
I have had situations in the past that I will unintentionally act or talk with a guy, and nevertheless, they will begin to have the thought and the impression that Vanessa is flirting around with them. Not too long ago I actually did something quite out of the ordinary. I personally went up to a young man and asked him if I was treating him alright, and if my joking and kidding around was fine with him. Now girls, we may do this with our 'girlfriends' and they will take it fine, nevertheless, a guy has a different mind. He might be thinking thoughts of how this girl likes him, and is just acting to get his attention. Thus, I felt and had the inner voice within me from God saying, "Go up to this young man and ask him if what I'm doing is fine." I sure did that, and it was hard because I had to get over my comfort zone and take the step of addressing him bluntly and saying, "Is it ok that I'm kidding around with you? Because I do know that some guys take this in the wrong side of the throat."
Now, I will give y'all three reason why flirting is wrong.
1. Ok, flirting may feel good and fun, with lots of excitement and it leads to destruction without notice, and thus that is wrong.
2. Flirting allows us to often take a relationship and perhaps grow into it, and then realizing it was never meant to be.
3. Flirting creates thoughts within us that cause sinful emotions, wrongful actions, and not noticing that you are actually using your mind and actions without caution and creating a pocketful of hurtful feelings.
In addition, flirting is the onset of impurity, and causing the opposite gender to fall. Everyone tends to flirt in a different way. Altogether, it's biblical wrong, and to play around with the other gender in an impure way, is causing him/her to have the wrong thoughts and emotions. I try hard to stay away from things that will make me fall, and something like this is where I still stumble upon often. God works in us, and we need to be willing to give our heart to Him, and let Him use it for His purpose. Flirtatious actions are fitfully wrong and are not to be done in our single years, being married is a different story, but while being a single person in the Lord Jesus Christ, we need to glorify and give Him our attention only!
Yesterday night my friend and I had a conversation addressing the fact of guys and girls and the way they interact with each other. I also had the talk of how many of us have the inside desire to get married, and if God wills it then it will occur. It also does sadden me at how many girls/guys will be careless about their actions. Now, I know, that I have had talked about this many, many times and really do not need to constantly shove it down y'all's throat, however, it is something that I could talk about ALL the time. Basing it upon God's laws, and I really love to get in either a debate about this or a discussion with others and learn their perspective on things such as this. It's a bothersome to me when girls and guys are flirting with each other, and how many of them treat each other with disrespect, and to be honest and true with y'all, many don't realize that they are being disrespectful! To be blunt and bold, a guy and girl who are acting immoral, and with impurity, that is no sign of respect, if they would hold the plate of respect, then they would not be flirting and playing around with each other because they are concerned and want to hold their purity for the right one.
I have had situations in the past that I will unintentionally act or talk with a guy, and nevertheless, they will begin to have the thought and the impression that Vanessa is flirting around with them. Not too long ago I actually did something quite out of the ordinary. I personally went up to a young man and asked him if I was treating him alright, and if my joking and kidding around was fine with him. Now girls, we may do this with our 'girlfriends' and they will take it fine, nevertheless, a guy has a different mind. He might be thinking thoughts of how this girl likes him, and is just acting to get his attention. Thus, I felt and had the inner voice within me from God saying, "Go up to this young man and ask him if what I'm doing is fine." I sure did that, and it was hard because I had to get over my comfort zone and take the step of addressing him bluntly and saying, "Is it ok that I'm kidding around with you? Because I do know that some guys take this in the wrong side of the throat."
Now, I will give y'all three reason why flirting is wrong.
1. Ok, flirting may feel good and fun, with lots of excitement and it leads to destruction without notice, and thus that is wrong.
2. Flirting allows us to often take a relationship and perhaps grow into it, and then realizing it was never meant to be.
3. Flirting creates thoughts within us that cause sinful emotions, wrongful actions, and not noticing that you are actually using your mind and actions without caution and creating a pocketful of hurtful feelings.
In addition, flirting is the onset of impurity, and causing the opposite gender to fall. Everyone tends to flirt in a different way. Altogether, it's biblical wrong, and to play around with the other gender in an impure way, is causing him/her to have the wrong thoughts and emotions. I try hard to stay away from things that will make me fall, and something like this is where I still stumble upon often. God works in us, and we need to be willing to give our heart to Him, and let Him use it for His purpose. Flirtatious actions are fitfully wrong and are not to be done in our single years, being married is a different story, but while being a single person in the Lord Jesus Christ, we need to glorify and give Him our attention only!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Update On My Trip!
Hey y'all! I'm not home yet, but using the internet at my uncle's house!!
Well, Texas has been great. I'll give y'all just a slight update. I was going to post up something, nevertheless, I'm pretty sure y'all are interested in hearing all about my trip! :) Visiting new people and seeing new faces has been a blast. Saying bye to some very good "new" friends was quite hard for me, and yet the Lord has to move us on. I have enjoyed myself very much, and really loved the discussions I've had with a few of the youngsters I met. I also gained some ideas for a blog post, however, those will have to wait until my return home. It was very neat to meet the people that have visited my blog for some time, and also hear them talk about my posts, even though some of them talked of the posts in a fun way! :) Throughout this time, I have seen things which have sparked my interest and I look forward to sharing it all with y'all. Since I'm in the hot climate, I have also seen some people dress not the very best, and also joke around with, "They need to read my blog!" Anyways, this trip has been overall great, and an enjoyment. Spending time with my family, away from the usual things, and having fellowship with great friends! Alright, y'all stay well and till another post...
Well, Texas has been great. I'll give y'all just a slight update. I was going to post up something, nevertheless, I'm pretty sure y'all are interested in hearing all about my trip! :) Visiting new people and seeing new faces has been a blast. Saying bye to some very good "new" friends was quite hard for me, and yet the Lord has to move us on. I have enjoyed myself very much, and really loved the discussions I've had with a few of the youngsters I met. I also gained some ideas for a blog post, however, those will have to wait until my return home. It was very neat to meet the people that have visited my blog for some time, and also hear them talk about my posts, even though some of them talked of the posts in a fun way! :) Throughout this time, I have seen things which have sparked my interest and I look forward to sharing it all with y'all. Since I'm in the hot climate, I have also seen some people dress not the very best, and also joke around with, "They need to read my blog!" Anyways, this trip has been overall great, and an enjoyment. Spending time with my family, away from the usual things, and having fellowship with great friends! Alright, y'all stay well and till another post...
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