What You Should Be Listening To....

Hey everyone!

I hope you guys are doing great! Sorry for being MIA for months...got a lot going on these days. I just had to share some new (to me) music with you. You have to check this guy out---Christon Gray--and be sure to get his album Even With Evil With Me on Amazon or iTunes.

My brother just told me about him last week, and I think I know every song by heart already! lol...it's just been in heavy rotation, whenever possible. Such a feel good, jazzy, inspirational mix of songs. This is one of my favs...

Inspiration

This is just so amazing to me! It's a unique form of worship, and I just love it! I wish more and more people (myself included) would just step OUT the box and totally be who God has called them to be. My constant prayer is that we would each use our gifts and talents to bring glory to God---using them in the way that only WE are designed to do so. There are just too many people trying to be carbon copies of others. There is only one YOU, and no one else can do what YOU do like YOU. Seek your own destiny out, and God will provide and make it prosperous.

Enjoy!

Late Night / Early AM Encouragement

It's been a few days since that shooting incident in Colorado, and I'm still in shock! Watching the footage on TV just made my heart ache for the victims and their families. And it became even more disheartening when I read about the deceased victims on cnn.com. It hit me...that could have easily been me! Seriously. I go to the movies all the time, and that latest Batman movie was on my list of movies to catch this summer.

It always baffles me when things like this happen. Columbine. 9/11. Virginia Tech. And now this random shooting in Aurora, Colorado. I don't understand what goes through these people's minds when they seek out and plan to take innocent lives. Like, why? I just don't get it, and it's so sad.

In recent years, I've heard from several people (ministers and the like) that the state of the world is gonna continue to worsen. To be honest, I just don't want to believe that. But I do know certain things must take place on Earth before Jesus returns. We just need to stay prayed up and armed with the fruits of the spirit.

Obviously, it's the enemy (devil) that is working through these folks, coercing them to do these evil acts.

"The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I [Jesus] came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, til it overflows)." John 10:10 (AMP)


The enemy speaks to all of us in some form or another; it is up to us whether we listen and take action or not. It's easy to believe his lies are the actual truth, when you're not spiritually mature.

There were many, many, MANY days when I dealt with depression and its complementary thoughts. I didn't want to cause physical harm to others, only myself. However, had I listened and acted on those evil thoughts, I would have brought unnecessary pain and anguish to my family members and other loved ones. It would've been very selfish of me.

Whether we believe it or not, we are all connected. We were never meant to go through anything alone.  Someone somewhere cares about YOU! Someone (other than Jesus, God, and the heavenly beings) loves you! Someone is mentioning you in their prayers.

Life is not as bad as it seems. There is light at the end of the dark tunnel. There is joy at the end of the struggle, if you only push through. Just keep on living. Things will get better! I am a witness to that fact! Believe it for yourself.

Be encouraged and uplift others! 

Now THIS is love

Make the Most of the Alone Times

Last Friday, I did something that I'd never done before. Aside from getting my hair dyed completely honey blonde, I decided to make a trip to the movie theater. Alone. In all my years of life, I'd never done that. I always thought that was so weird and loner looking. However, I must say that I really enjoyed the time I spent with ME!

If any of y'all (mainly ladies) have fallen in love with The Notebook, then you will really enjoy The Lucky One! It's ranked up there for me! I mean, any movie that has the power to make me cry must be good in some way. And my my my...if my desire for a white man wasn't refueled in that movie! Move over Noah...and come on in the house Logan! =)

So I guess that little bit of eye candy on the screen made my solo movie going experience worthwhile...lol. However, I don't think I'm ready to go by myself to a sit-down restaurant or a night showing of a movie yet. And I mean, I shouldn't have to do anything alone. And don't get me wrong; I have friends that could have very well accompanied me. This was by choice, and I wanted to spend time with myself for a change.

For some people (maybe you), doing anything alone is a scary thought.  They feel lost without noise, chatter, and events with friends filling up their schedule. They don't know the essence of who they really are without their trusty clique and/or significant other.  Everyday they "grind," and pretty much they live for the weekends. And it's just a repeat cycle, with a mix of random events and the annoyances of life.

My question is: What are you gonna do on those days when you have no one to call? When you're just stuck with you?

The real prayer is that you will have enough sense to look above and call on Jesus. That's the only friend that will be closer to you than your brother, sister, parents, boyfriend, fiance, best friend, etc. He's availabe 24/7 and He knows you more than you know yourself, so why not consult the Master?  

***NewsFlash: Anyone other than your big brother Jesus will always always always find a way to disappoint you (in some way). Don't kid yourself. So, you might as well make Him the priority. When all else falls through the cracks, He will still be there in all His consistency. 

This is YOUR life. Don't wait on others to accept your dreams before you start living them. Don't hold yourself up from having a good time, just because others may be doing their own thing. The choice is yours. Embrace the surprisings and blessings each day offers. Enjoy time with friends, as well as time spent hanging out in your own company. When you're comfortable in your own skin, it shows!

Everything you could ever need

I was listening to a sermon from my bishop from 2008 (Before I even joined my church) and it was entitled Relationship. That sermon was AMAZING. All of the sermons are amazing but you know what I mean. He was talking about the importance of having a relationship with God because when all others fail, God will always be there.

It kind of brought me back to the way I used to be. I was a very emotionally driven teenager up until like twenty years old. I laugh now at the thought of it but I was a drama queen. I was one of those teenagers that was moody, impatient and all over the place lol But thank God for growth and maturity because I'm no longer moved by emotions.One thing that my bishop said was you have to die to your feelings. In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul said, "I die daily." Dying daily means to die to your fleshly tendencies and desires. Emotions will lead you all over the place.

What I loved most about that sermon was understanding the importance of leaning on God. Bishop was talking about seeking counsel. "I need help. I need advice. I need direction." And no one being able to provide it. I've been there and I can say that that provoked so much growth for me, physically and spiritually. At that moment when family didn't have the answers, friends didn't have the answers, church members, etc., when I thought no one had the answer, God had the answer! And that's exactly where He wanted me, leaning and depending on Him.

People are human so that means they will let you down at some point or another. And if your emotions rule over you, then you will be overwhelmed and easily offended. You ever hear someone say, "I'm offended?" Well offense is a CHOICE. Being angry, upset or resentful are all emotions that can easily peak their heads if others don't rise to expectations or if they say things or do things that let you down. But those very situations are being controlled by God to help you grow up. Not to be mean but you have to suck it up and keep moving. Who told you life was easy? It's not but it's possible.

When you've found yourself running around with what seems like no direction, that is an indicator that God is calling you to Him. I think God has a way of silencing those who you rely on more than Him. People aren't suppose to have all the answers. That's why a solid relationship with God is important. It puts you in a position to seek counsel from the truest Counselor.

I've grown to love and respect my Bishop more and more every time I hear him. He's tough. He gives a Word on a weekly basis that will cut you but force you to change. I've compared him to a drill sergeant lol He's all about business and that's why I'm so grateful to be at my church. He's training us for battle. We can't be weak and emotionally driven if we're going to fight against darkness. God has given him a mighty mighty vision. We're suppose to reach the world right? You have to be strong and courageous but you also have to depend on God more than anyone.

If I became offended every time someone said something I didn't like, didn't come through, didn't rise to expectations, etc., I would be a very emotionally unstable person lol But because of my faith and trust in the One who has promised to always be there and because of those moments when it seemed like no one could come though, I have peace even in those moments that used to offend me.

If I could write down all the times that my emotions tried to get in the way of God's voice and almost caused me to move out of His Will, I would. But it's way too many to name. Emotions can cause you to say things and make decisions that you regret. Be led by the Spirit and not by the flesh. Your flesh will get it wrong every time. 

God is the one who has created each of us. No one can tell us who we are, what's placed inside of us, and the way He desires us to use those things except God. It's so important, especially during the journey of learning who you are, to fully rely on Him. I'll be honest and say that it's incredibly HARD but you'll never grow up by desiring counsel from a person more than counsel from God. That is a difficult lesson but a vital one to learn.

I'm grateful for the journey and where God has me. I feel that the hand of God is truly on my church. I can feel it. There is so much going on and I feel very blessed that God would allow me to be a part of it. I'm filled with much gratitude. And to be honest, I almost missed out on it. But praise God for being led by the spirit and not the flesh. Things don't always make sense but the season of seclusion/solitude is when you grow. When no one seems to come through, it's a blessing in disguise! Those are the moments where God is pulling you closer.

Take possession of your own mind. Your thoughts, emotions, feelings, and flesh all want to dominate you. But faith comes from a relationship with God. When you know that all things will work for your good, (Romans 8:28) you won't be shaken even when people, situations, and misfortunes try to move you. Focus on Jesus! There's nothing like having a real relationship with Him. God is the only one guaranteed to give you all that you will ever need.

You are valuable!

So tonight it's on my heart to talk about SELF WORTH. I was blessed to grow up in a very loving home. I was always told that I deserved the best. I realize that not everyone had the same up bringing as I did and some people really don't know what they truly deserve.

Even though I was always told that I deserved the best, I still found myself settling with certain situations in life. Not necessarily from a lack of self worth but moreso because I was giving in to convenience. But I've learned my lesson and will never do that again. Candice and I were having a conversation tonight after church and one of the things we talked about was the fact that people need space to build a foundation with God.

I was going over a poem I wrote a while back and it talks about how God began showing me who I really am AFTER He began removing people out of my life. I've been on this journey of self discovery for 23 years now and I've JUST begun to scratch the surface. And I believe that I'm finally getting there because I'm focusing all my attention on GOD. I write a lot of encouraging statuses on Facebook and one of the things that came to me the other day was "Don't spend more time studying 'How to be a wife/husband" that you neglect to study 'How to be a Christian." (Or something along those lines)

Any relationship can not properly sustain without a solid foundation in Jesus Christ. I won't assume everyone knows how a person receives salvation so I'll explain. Salvation is received when you repent of your sins and ask Jesus Christ to come into your heart. You MUST believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came to earth to die for our sins so that we will have the opportunity to live eternally in heaven. Salvation isn't received until you accept JESUS. hence the word CHRISTian.

It is with that acceptance that you begin to comprehend how much you truly are worth to God. That's why it's so important to truly KNOW Him. Not just hear about it, not just believe He existed but KNOW Him. Love without Jesus Christ is no love at all. It is with that relationship that you learn how to love.

I hope everyone knows how much, not only God but Jesus Christ, loves you! You are invaluable to Him. So much that He was willing to give His life for You. I know most people desire companionship but without a relationship with Jesus, you won't be able to see what you truly deserve.

My church started singing a hymn I grew up on Sunday, "I know it was the blood." Although they still sing modern songs, I've really warmed up to hearing hymns again. You can't take Jesus or the blood of Jesus out of church. You can't be saved without them! There really is power in those songs. I was feeling it lol Like for real!

Anyway, embrace this season of singleness.  Allow your heart to overflow with the love that Jesus has to offer. Once you've given Jesus your heart THEN everything else will be added. Most of us want families one day. But you can't have a CHRISTian relationship, whether married or dating, without a firm relationship with Jesus Christ. Remember that you deserve the best! Know your worth and walk in it! You've been brought with a price. :-)

"We All Must Visit Death"

I just came back from a homegoing service. One of my neighbors passed away last week.

There's always something about these types of services that hits so close to my heart. We all die. Death is more universal than life, because we all die; however, not everyone lives.

Death is such a mystery, because you never know when it will hit. The pastor immediately mentioned that "we all must visit death" at some point in our lives. She stated that many fear death, some are nonchalant on the issue, and others live life in a way that they will be rewarded one day by their heavenly Father.

Though we don't like to think of our loved ones passing on, it is a pivotal point that we must endure. Some may have to bury their parents, while parents have to bury their children. Today, a mother of nearly 90 years old had to bury her almost 50 year old son. I always think that's a sad situation, when a parent must say good-bye to their child(ren) while they still carry on in this life.

However, God knows what's best for each and every one of us. That is why He allows certain situations to occur, because He knows that He has equipped us to handle it. He never puts more on us than we can bear, despite what we see and feel to be "too much to handle." It is in these moments that we tangibly feel His peace and arms around us. We are at a place where we can sense His spirit, because our spirit has quieted down long enough to listen.

I've been guilty of selfishly praying prayers that God will not take my family and friends away from me during my lifetime. I've prayed that we would somehow die together and/or we would all be taken to heaven at the time of Jesus' arrival. I just couldn't imagine myself strong enough to live and go on any longer without them. But that was really selfish of me. The pastor stated that my neighbor was a loan to us, and last week the loan period was up when God called him back home. That kind of stuck with me. We don't own anything on this Earth; God owns it all. He just placed us in certain families and communities for a season. Our true home is in heaven if we have received and accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Romans 10:9-10

Day 30: My Thankful

I'm thankful for the real meaning of CHRISTmas. A lot of people, including myself, get so intrigued by the music, lights, sounds, and events surrounding December 25. All of those things are fine and dandy, and it helps to make this "the most wonderful time of the year." However, we need to remember all of the stories that were imparted into us as children. Well, the stories I remember anyway. The virgin Mary, Joseph, Bethlehem, the stable, the wise men, the manger, an angel instructing Mary to name the unborn child Jesus...that "o holy night" we sing about in the name of Christmas. Jesus is the reason for the season, whether you agree with that or not! =)

I'm thankful that y'all stuck with me through this month of thankfuls. I've realized even more that I have so much to be thankful for, regardless of what life throws at me. I hope I have encouraged you to be thankful for everything in your life, even the little insignificant things that are sometimes taken for granted.

Well, it's time to get back to the real blogging. I've kinda slacked off this month doing my thank you's everyday. But you understand...lol

Continue in the spirit of thanksgiving this holiday season, and don't be so concerned with what you can get this year. What can you give to brighten up someone's day, someone's life?

Day 9: My Thankful

So I missed my posting for yesterday....

I'm thankful that God made guys so differently. There are so many varieties, shades, sizes, colors, etc. That being said, ahem, "White waiter from BWW. I'm waitin'!" lol! Just kidding! Referring back to an old post, I'm down with dating guys of different ethnicities! As long as they love Jesus and me, why not?

I'm thankful for good times with friends. I truly cherish gut-wrenching laughter and memorable conversations over great food.

I'm thankful that I have the trait to be completely calm and collected in the midst of chaos on my job.

He's All the World To Me!

For some reason, I've been led to listen to old school Fred Hammond tunes. This song has been on REPEAT, and it's nearly brought me to tears each time...odd for a fast-paced song. Take a listen!

"People and things clutter my mind, should I even try?"

Just wanted to share these two videos with y'all. These songs are really speaking to me right now. Enjoy.

SideNote: I'm gonna bring overalls back! Who's with me? lol

He's A Jealous GOD!!!

Wow! Tonight's Bible study at my church was so awesome! The Word was a "right now" word, and super convicting for everyone. The message was entitled "He's a Jealous God," and I'd like to encourage everyone to listen to it. Life changing! If you live in the Richmond, VA area, you can purchase the CD and/or DVD at

Mt. Gilead Full Gospel International Ministries

2501 Mt. Gilead Blvd.

Richmond, VA 23235

If you don't live in the area, it may be on sale soon online at thebalmingilead.org  OR you can shoot an email to projectwifey@gmail.com and I will personally send you a copy! Yes, it's that serious! lol

The main scripture came from Deuteronomy 6:5---> Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (NIV)

BIG emphasis on the 3 "alls" in that scripture. Not halfway, not a little bit, not a leftover piece but ALL! If you give God all of yourself, you can't possibly love another (whether it be significant other, family, or friend) "with all your heart." Yes, we were created to need others. Some were created for marriage and to produce a family. However, you just can't love any of that more than you love HIM.

Man, I'm still "high" right now as I type...lol. I can't explain it all. You just have to get that Word and let it change your life!

We do God so wrong...like all the time!! All the things we put above Him...smh! Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, NFL, NBA, our fav TVshows, friends, family, events, school, boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, wives, children, our jobs, food, shopping, traveling, hobbies, electronic gadgets, and the list could go on  f o r e v e r !

God/Jesus should be the first one you think of when you wake up in the morning, and He should be the last thought before you nod off to sleep. I'm gonna be honest...I'm definitely not at that level yet, but I'm determined to be. Maybe you're like me. I sleep with my phone by my side, so what do you think I do when I awaken each morning to the alarm on my phone? I might check my email, check my Facebook, check Twitter, play WordFeud or Tile Takedown (I'm addicted to word games lol), check any missed texts while I was asleep....and all before I say "Good morning Lord! Thank YOU for waking me up to see this day!"

Wellll, I was definitely convicted tonight. But I plan to definitely do better! I've taken "fasts" from Facebook and Twitter before, but I think I'm bout to back up from both for a little bit. It doesn't take a rocket scientist or a scholar in the Word to realize that they are serious time wasters! I don't know how or why scrolling up a news feed or looking at your profile layout can be SOOOOOO ENTERTAINING?! But somehow, it is. And before you know it, three hours have gone by. Maybe not all at once. But gradually throughout the day, you have been logged into some social networking site updating the world on your extraordinary life.

Whew...tonight I was on the edge of my seat, hanging onto every word my Bishop was preaching. And on the drive home, I just repented for putting all this stuff ahead of my creator. I know serious change has to take place PRONTO. I know I just need to fall back in love with Jesus. I need to pursue him daily, so my walk won't grow stale. I need to know Him to the fullest extent that I can possibly do so, and not merely talk about knowing Him. I need to invest in more praise and worship music and read my Bible DAILY and earnestly. Yep, I fall short in that area sometimes.

I came across one of my favorite worship CDs before I drove to church. It's almost 10 years old, but this is one of the most amazing worship CDs I've heard. The music is so peaceful, and it will take you into the Throne Room. Check it out....

Well I think that's enough for now beautiful people. We gotta do better. It's time to refocus, create change, and produce what God's given us to give back to Him...

Why am I so misunderstood?? (kinda long)

Today is one of those days. Not a bad day but just "one of those days." Sitting back and reflecting on my life and what I feel I'm called to do. And to be honest, some days I just don't want to do it.

Luke 12:48 "To whom much is given, much is required."

I understand that verse and I know everything molds you into who God needs you to be but sometimes I JUST DON'T WANT TO DO IT. I won't even lie. I think about dreams I've always had and things I've always known about the assignments God has for me to do and I've lost count of the times I've prayed, sought God and cried my eyes out. Even to the point that I said "God get somebody else!" And of course I know that's selfish but when you're at that crossroad and God has revealed only a portion of what's required of you, it can be quite overwhelming.

And deep inside I just wanted to blend in, do enough to do enough. Hide behind the scenes and assist the one out front when God is telling me to go ahead and step up. "What are you waiting on Chelsea. I've given you what you need. Just let me flow through you. I need you to be a vessel."

I continue to think about my Bishop and what he said in a sermon. "Just because you're called doesn't mean you'll get there, it means you have the potential to." *sigh*

I remember being younger. I was always the rational one. I not only knew right from wrong but very seldom did I ever cross the line. Of course I got slack for it. I was a goody goody church girl blah blah blah. And I always felt different from everybody else. I couldn't quite seem to find my place. I conformed as much as I could to try and "fit." But regardless I always felt peculiar and very misunderstood. And I still feel that way today.

I've never been the type to hang out with everybody or be the life of the party. And honestly I got to the point where I just gave up trying to fit in. I've come to understand that comes with the assignment. BEING MISUNDERSTOOD.

I'm very goofy around people I know well but around others I'm pretty quiet and slow to speak. If I don't have anything important to say I usually just observe. I'm never the loudest one or the hypest one or the one trying to get attention. I'm usually quiet, calm and collected. That's just how I am. And I've realized that's usually MISUNDERSTOOD.

I don't have alot of "friends." My circle seems to have gone down in size quite a bit in the past couple of years. Some were out of my control, some weren't but that's often MISUNDERSTOOD.

I'm a pretty private person. I've never been the one to say a whole lot about myself as it pertains to family and personal things unless I know you well. Even then, sometimes I still would rather not say anything. That's a trait that tends to be MISUNDERSTOOD.

God told Jeremiah that he was set apart. So I guess the point of this blog is to encourage anyone who feels peculiar, someone who doesn't quite fit in and someone whose often MISUNDERSTOOD. That comes with the assignment.

It's never been easy being me. Don't get me wrong, I've always been blessed. I have wonderful family and never went without but on the inside something was different. Something on the inside always told me I was CALLED to do something. And the closer I got to the revelation of what it was, the more I wanted to back away.

I was reminded of the night when I was missing my mother.. Knowing that April 2 2010 was the beginning of THEE season, meaning the season I knew was coming but was dreading more than anything. I understood the time had finally arrived for God to lead me into what was already started for me. It was my time to understand who I REALLY was. I laid there thinking about her and God and saying, "Get somebody else. I don't want to do it. Why did I have to sacrifice so much? It's not fair." As soon as I said those words conviction came over me like nothing I had felt before.

Jesus came into my mind. And I started to picture Him in the wilderness looking up to God asking Him if there was any other way. Could God provide a different path so that we all could still be saved from sin? But then He said "Not my will but your will be done." And I realized that the sacrifice that Jesus made was truly an unfair sacrifice. Who am I to compare anything I go through to the ultimate sacrifice. Had it not been for Jesus...(enough said) So then I started questioning, "Who is relying on me?"

So yeah. "To whom much is given much is required."

So I had to accept that most days I'll be misunderstood. I had to accept that I was never meant to fit in and "belong" so to speak. I had to accept that I won't have many friends. I had to accept that people would try and put me in a box. I had to accept that some days God is the only one that will really understand. I had to accept that there were somethings I had to sacrifice. I had to accept there were some people I had to walk away from. I had to accept that people would question things I do or say. I had to accept that the only way to become the woman of God He's called me to be is if I finally ACCEPT it.

Seasons will come and go. People will come and go but it all will work for my good. And although some days I want to back down, I can't.

Be encouraged all my beautiful weirdos, (Seriously. We'll be weird together :-)) When you accept that you've been set apart, you begin to understand why you're so MISUNDERSTOOD.

(Inspired by a FB post. I've been wanting to write on this for a while)

Why wholeness is important

I'm not a relationship counselor but I'm led to share this...

A while back I wrote a list of the things that are negotiable and the things that aren't. Every so often I take the list out and make tweaks and adjustments based on newer revelations and greater wisdom. One of the main things I realized is if you don't know what you want, then there's no need to expect it yet. I read a book a while back entitled, "Before you do." It had a very extensive list of questions that everyone should ask their potential interest.

I read that probably about three years ago and while going through the questions, I remembered many of them I couldn't answer myself. So that made me realize the importance of being whole before entering a relationship. Otherwise, you open yourself up to be manipulated and taken advantage of. A lot of people who end up with low self-esteem allowed a person to tell them who they were and then they actually believed it. If you wait until you're whole to let someone in, you already know who you are and won't be persuaded to think otherwise.

TO THE LEFT, TO THE LEFT

That may seem harsh but in reality, when you're a whole person and know who you are, that's not too hard to say when you come across a person that just isn't quite up to par. That's where your list comes in handy. If you already have made up in your mind what you refuse to settle for, if someone doesn't meet the standard then you have no problem letting them know they are not for you. For example, let's say you definitely want children and that is on your list of non-negotiables. But IN walks this incredibly handsome, educated man of God that seems to have it all together. After "the talk" he says he doesn't want any kids. Now someone who does not have a firm foundation will say, "Hmm, I know he doesn't want children but he is ALMOST to good to be true. Maybe he'll change his mind. He's interested so I better go for it." Now someone who has a firm foundation will say, "He's handsome and educated but he just does not meet the standard. To the left, to the left." That's a woman who knows what she wants and refuses to settle.

My bishop has said in the past that you shouldn't look at where a person currently is but you should look at their potential. Now I definitely agree with that but one thing that's also important is that the person also knows their own potential. Otherwise you're in the mode of "transformer," meaning the "I can change them" mindset. NEGATIVE! Most people will aim as far as they can see. If they can't seem themselves higher or further then they won't strive for it. If ambitious is on your list of non-negotiables then a person with a tainted self image or lack of drive may need more time to work on themselves.

Now certain things, I feel might be a stretch. You shouldn't be expecting the perfect person, otherwise you'll be disappointed. But I feel that God will reveal certain characteristics that will help you know when "the one" has appeared. But you should also have discernment and know enough about yourself to know when "the one" hasn't. Patience is key to getting what you really desire. The enemy doesn't want an ordained union so many times he'll send distractions. Some that look and act like "the promise" and some that don't. But patience is one of the things that separate the wolves from the sheep. A wolf can only stay in sheep's' clothing for so long before their "wolfy" characteristics surface. So how mature is your discernment?

"A woman's heart should be so hidden in God that a man should have to seek Him in order to find it."

That's one of my favorite quotes. My mom always told me it's important for a young lady to have tunnel vision, meaning that you're so focused on God that when someone does appear, you're in a mindset of "OK so who sent you?" Not in a rude or negative way but in a "I'm focused and don't want my time wasted so if you are who you say you are, show me before I let you in" kind of way. The closer Ive gotten to focus, the more I understand it. The more I understand it, the more I realize the importance of knowing who you are in Christ FIRST. Opportunities will present themselves but when you have a solid relationship with God, you know when someone is helping that relationship or when they're hindering it. An addition should make life better. Don't add a person that subtracts your progress.

It seems like a lot but in reality, God has asked for our hearts, males and females. Not just part of our hearts but the whole thing. When God knows we have trusted Him with every part of ourselves, he knows He can bless us with "the one" and we won't forget our FIRST love. We'll know who we are and won't believe anyone but God. Don't settle for whose available just because they're available or settle for someone who doesn't have the characteristics on your non negotiable list. But recognize when you're still in the molding phase, when you and God are secluded in your own private place. When distractions have no chance and your heart aches with love for Jesus alone. THAT'S where He wants us. So that when "the one" does appear, it may not be perfect but it'll be a solid relationship of THREE, a non destroyable foundation.