Word-Filled Wednesday!

"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything es excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received from me, or seen in me- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." -Philippians 4:8-9

Setting the Example

Okay, so this post isn't necessarily "purity" specific. But it's been on my mind a lot lately, especially this evening as my 8 year old cousin is spending the night with me. I want to talk about being an example for the younger generation, being someone they can be proud to know. 1 Timothy 4:12 is very near and dear to my heart. It says "Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity."

So what exactly does "being an example" entail? Well, it requires us to step it up. We can't be the lazy, slacking teenagers so often portrayed in the media. We have to work hard at school, at being friendly to our siblings, loving on our friends, and being the best we can possibly be. Needless to say, it's a lot of work. But the Jesus never told us life was going to be easy. He encouraged us to stand strong, to love one another, to shine for God in a dark and lonely world. The younger generation desperately needs to see this light. As I sit here, with my cousin reading over my shoulder, I ask myself, does she see Jesus in me? Do I set the best example I can for her? I pray for her, and her brothers, to grow to love God with an everlasting passion. I want for them to be strong in their faith as they grow up. But they need an example, they need someone to show them what a Godly young Christian looks like. Now, I'm not saying their parents aren't good examples, they are great! But sometimes it helps for kids to see someone a little closer to their age, or maybe a teenage friend who they look up to, living for God.

So my challenge to you today is simple. Look at the younger kids around you. They are all watching YOU. Are you someone they can look up to? Someone their parents would want them to be around? Simply put, are you trying to live like Christ?

Love, Kat

Amber's story- For all you single people!

Girl Patient: My mom's last boyfriend was bald. He was nice, but she didn't marry him.

Kate: No?

Girl Patient: There's always something better coming around the corner. That's what she says...

Kate: If she's not careful, she can spend her whole life waiting.

The above conversation is from the movie, The Lake House.

While I was watching that movie on the eve of Valentine's Day (or as I like to call it, Singles Awareness Day) this year, the last line from Kate really struck my heart, "If she's not careful, she can spend her whole life waiting."

I've gone 20 years without a Valentine and, that quote reminded me that I could miss it. But, what if I have missed it? What if Mr. Right has walked right by me, in and out of my life, and I missed it? But before I begin to wallow in my self-I'm gonna end up like Jane Austen-pity, the Lord reminded me of something He spoke to me right at Valentine's day...while I was, well, wallowing in self-pity - lol.

I was thinking about Valentine's and I was talking to God about how I hated VDay and how it should've never been made into "love dove day" and how I wished I had a Valentine (especially since I've never had one) and in the sweetest voice, He spoke to me and said, "Why would you want to spend that day with anyone other than the one true love I have for you? Until I send him, you can spend the day with Me, the One who will never leave you or forsake you." It was in that moment I realized that I shouldn't want to spend VDay with just a random guy even if it were just a friend, I want to spend it with the loves of my life at this present moment, Yahweh the Father, Yeshua the Son and Holy Spirit! And I want it to be that way until Mr. Right comes along.

To close this blog (which took hours to get just right), I want to write to all you single people reading this. I know a lot of people don't mind being single, they love VDay, but whether you love it or hate it, whether you love single life or hate it, just remember that one day, God is going to send that one very special person into your life and you're going to have them for every Valentine's for the rest of your life...whenever the time is right and God sends him/her waltzing into your life. Who knows, He may have already sent them and you don't even know it yet ;)

Much love,

Amber ♥

P.S. And I've learned that the movies get it all wrong. The awesome guy that the underdog always falls for, never falls back. It's seriously a one in a million kind of thing. But I guess I'll be one of the million that holds out hope anyway...haha. Who knows, that awesome guy could be Mr. Right. Same goes for all of you out there...it's whatever God's plan is and remember, He knows best! Stay in tune with God, you won't miss it but don't rush it!

Prayer for the heart...

Hey girls! Wow it's been a LONG time since I posted. I'm so sorry I haven't been able to get to the blog much over the past few weeks, but you can be assured that I missed it! Anyway, tonight I wanted to talk to you about prayer. Now I know we've talked about praying for our future husbands many times, but tonight I wanna talk about praying for yourself, and more specifically your heart.

Our verse for the blog comes from Song of Solomon 8:4, "Oh daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you, do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." And in Proverbs 4:23 the Bible tells us, "Above all else guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." You know, sometimes we focus so much on praying for our future husbands and making our little lists of what to look for, we forget to look at our own hearts.

Tonight I want to encourage you to guard your heart. And to pray for the strength to let love sleep, until it is God's timing for love to be awakened. My cheerleading squad's Chaplain presented me and her daughter with a gift when we roomed together at cheer camp- two wooden butterflies for us to decorate. Melissa (her daughter) explained to me that they are meant to be prayer prompts, to remind us to pray. You see, a caterpillar goes into it's cocoon and doesn't come out until it's just the right time, and it is turned into a beautiful butterfly. It's the same way with love, our hearts are wrapped up in a little cocoon and God will tell us when to come out. So with their permission, I pass on this prayer prompt to you. Everytime you see a butterfly, or even a caterpillar, I encourage you to pray for the strength for you and your husband not to awaken love until God's timing is right.

Love, Kat

Thought Filled Thursday!

This song goes along with my last post.... :)

As far as the east is from the west- Casting Crowns
Here I am Lord and I'm drowning


In your sea of forgetfulness

The chains of yesterday surround me

I yearn for peace and rest

I don't want to end up where you found me

And it echoes in my mind

Keeps me awake tonight



I know you've cast my sins as far

As the East is from the West

And I stand before you now

As though I've never sinned but today

I feel like I'm just one mistake away

From you leaving me this way



Jesus can you show me

Just how far the East is from the West

Cause I can't bear to see the man I've been

Come rising up in me again

In the arms of your mercy I find rest

Cause you know just how far the East is from the West

From one scar[r]ed hand to the other



I start the day the war begins

Endless reminding of my sin

Time and time again

Your [T]ruth is drowned out by the storm I'm in

Today I feel like I'm just one mistake away

From you leaving me this way



Jesus can you show me

Just how far the East is from the West

Cause I can't bear to see the man I've been

Come rising up in me again

In the arms of your mercy I find rest

Cause you know just how far the East is from the West

From one scar[r]ed hand to the other



I know you've washed me white

Turned my darkness into light

I need your peace to get me through

To get me through this night

I can't live by what I feel

But by the truth your word reveals

I'm not holding on to you

But your holding on to me

Your holding on to me



Jesus, you know just how far

The East is from the West

I don't have to see the man I've been

Come rising up in me again

In the arms of your mercy I find rest

(The arms of your mercy I find rest)

Cause you know just how far the East is from the West

From one scar[r]ed hand to the other(x2)



From one scarred hand to the other

Leaving it at the foot of the Cross...

I've had the privilege of teaching about purity the last two weeks in our youth group and this past week we aimed more for those who had already messed up, those who have fallen, those who need a second chance, and those who just need to give their love life over to God. It was a rather emotional night. You could tell the girls who were allowing God to work in there hearts and the ones that weren't ready to get right with God.

Here is the deal though... we have all made mistakes, done things we wish we wouldn't have, and basically we all have regrets. The other fact though is that God is a God of forgiveness and second chances! Some have made bigger mistakes or they went further than others, but in God's eyes it is all the same. There is NO sin at all that He cant forgive! I'm sure you've heard this all before, but do you believe it? Do you walk around life condemned bc you've messed up or with freedom bc you know that your Lord and Savior has forgiven you for every mishap you have ever had? I choose to live in freedom!

1 John 1:9 says it as plain as day, "If you confess your sins He is faithful and just to cleanse your from all unrighteousness.". Live in the glory of that promise! Satan wants to condemn you... He wants your future relationships to suffer bc of you past ones, but that is not the way our God works...We can move on and without fear! Yes, there may still be things that bring fear, hurt, or pain, but that's life. We do not have to be consumed by it though.

One verse that I absolutely adore (There are many, but this is one in particular!)! It's Revelation 12:11, "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.". I truly believe one of the most powerful ways of placing our past in our past and defeating satan is by sharing out testimony! Now I'm not saying by any means air all your dirty laundry, but there is a healthy way to share your past. Such as, I use this blog to share what God has taught me. Sometimes i share details of my past mistakes and other times I don't. My one and only reason for even writing this blog is to hopefully help and encourage other girls in their walk with Christ and pursuit of purity! I hope you are all still with me! ;)

With all that said, I challenge you to share your testimony! You may be one of those girls who have never really made mistakes as far as purity.... PRAISE GOD! There are still things that He has taught you in your life though! Feel free to comment and share briefly (Or non briefly for all I care!) your testimony or if you would like to do a whole post on your blog about it that would be great also! You never know who is right now going through something you've been through that by just saying, "Hey I made it through and so can you!" can help lighten their load! I try to read as many blogs as possible, but if you do share your testimony on your blog please comment and let me know so that I can make sure I read it! I love you girls and with everything in me desire you to live a life free of condemnation!

With care,
JEN

P.S. The reason I'm posting tonight is bc I'm going to be gone to the beach Friday!! WOO HOO! I cant wait to hear what Kat has to share with us!! :)

Where is your worth found?

In yesterdays post I used the quote, "Guys are here to admire your beauty...not create it!". At first I didn't really get this quote, but the more I thought about it I realized how true it was! I see so many girls who all the guy has to do is tell them they are pretty or even better beautiful (Sadly, for many of the being called sexy is the best compliment they could ever get...) and the girl becomes basically putty in the guys hand. This breaks my heart.... We can read God's word and at the places He calls us gorgeous we are like sure...whatever. Yet, we seek and seek for guys/ the worlds approval. I am the first to admit that it feels great to have a guy tell you that you are beautiful, but I'm also the first to tell you that a guys view of beauty will not last forever. I want to give you girls a few verses that talk about how God views you! Read these...write them down... memorize them....live them!

~ Psalm 144:12 Our daughters will be like pillars. Carved to adorn a palace!

~ John 15:16a You didn't choose me. I chose you!

~ Galatians 1:10 (NIV) Am I now trying to win the approval of men or of God? Or am i trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

~Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's masterpiece. He created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.

~Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time!

~Genesis 1:31 And God saw everything that he had made and He said it was very good!

So, the next time you find yourself feeling worthless, ugly, fat, or anything else remember these verses! Guys come and go, but God's Word NEVER leaves! Love you girls! :)

JEN

Thought Filled Thursday!

Guys are here to admire your beauty...not create it. ~ Unknown

My post tomorrow will elaborate on this! =)

JEN

4 more minutes!

I promised myself I would post today and I was determined to do it! So, if i type realllllly fast maybe I will actually get it done today! I more so have a question.... How are you to have a Godly relationship? My last post was about this and after I posted it Ive continued to think about it... There was a whole lot of do's and donts yet, not many how to's (Spl?). Like when you say put God first I automatically think pray together, yet Ive heard that it is very emotionally bonding for two Christians to pray together.... so, is that smart? What about going to church together... Church is a great thing, but if sitting together or holding hands is distracting to you then is it really doing that good? One thing I do think is wise is discussing what God is doing in your life... If you are having some quiet time with God and He really shows you something tell your boyfriend afterwards! I do think it is wise for you both to have accountability partners... maybe a husband and wife so they are together on everything and can help support and encourage you guys to make Godly decisions! This is just a little bit of my thoughts, and now I want to know what you think... :)

JEN

P.S. I'm 3 minutes late... :/

What does a Godly relationship in tell?

Kat asked me to change posting days with her and so that is why we will be posting different than normal... just in case anyone cares! :)

Here is my question of the day though... Is it possible to have a Godly relationship and if so what does that in tell? Since I'm writing this post I'm going to share my feelings and beliefs on this question! Here is the deal girls... We are called to be above reproach in whatever we do. How does this apply to relationships? There are manyyyyy ways! Here is just a few!

*Being careful how much alone time you have, if any
*Set boundaries (Physical and emotional ones)
*Keep your parents involved in your relationship
*Watch how late and where you talk
*Put God's will above any desire or want you have
*Stay honest and open with others about your relationship
*Seek to honor God in everything you do

Some of these make sense and you may have thought, "DUH", but others this may have been the first time you thought about it. I myself think it is perfectly fine to be in a relationship. I do believe that you need to be careful though... I talk to girls all the time who are like oh yeah I can date and not give my heart away and then 2 months later when her and her boyfriend break up she comes to me crying telling me how much she wishes she would have never gone as far as she did or wishes she would never have given him her heart like she did. Been there.. done that! ok? So, what am I suggesting? Talk to God about it first... If you aren't sure what His will is then wait... it is always better to wait than to go for it and then find out it wasn't His will. Also, if the guys is worth going out with then he will wait around...trust me Then talk to your parents. I know this sounds lame and a year ago i would have said, "YEAH RIGHT! Over my dead body!" but then i began talking to my parents and yes, sometimes my mom ask more questions than I wish she would or dad says things that I'm not totally excited about, but the truth is they are there. What i tell them I know i do not have to worry about it getting around like you may have to with friends. I can talk to them anytime and then I also know that they care pretty much more than anyone else (Except God of course!)! If you have their blessings then continue on with it... Again, I'm telling you God has amazing ways of working these things out when they are in HIS will!

Also, the few about the times that you spend alone, when you talk, and where you talk. These are important because things change according to the time and place that you say or do them. For example, hugging in a public place, in the middle of the day, and while being on guard is wayyyyyy different then hugging when you are alone, at night, in his car, while you are in that just, "feel good" kind of mood. Get my point? You can do the same thing, but according to the time, place, and circumstances the outcome will be totally different!

Before I end though... I want to say this. I do not think relationships (GODLY ONES!) are wrong. I'm not getting into the whole courting vs dating thing bc each person has a different definition of courting and dating, but just being in a relationship with a guy I do not believe is bad. I do believe that it should be just for fun. Dating is never mentioned in the Bible. Did you know that? Dating was created as a way to get to know the person before you married them. Over time it has changed to more of a just have fun and no strings attached type of deal. That's not the kind of dating I'm talking about. Moving on though... more than any of the other ideas for making an above board relationship, HONOR GOD IN EVERYTHING YOU DO should be number one! The things you say in your txt... are they honoring to God? The things you are doing when you are alone... Honoring to God? Are you putting your boyfriend above God? This is worth a thought... This is something God has just been teaching me and I wanted to share it with you girls! :)

JEN

Taylors story!

“A marriage where either partner does not respect the other, cannot be agreeable.”


-Jane Bennett, Pride and Prejudice.

Love and Respect. My parents were once in a small group that covered these exact topics. The basic premise of this study was that love is key to girls and respect is key to guys. Anyways, a while back Jen and I were talking (or texting rather) and I was saying how usually when a girl likes a guy, or sometimes even starts dating him, it’s solely on the basis of if she likes him. But, (speaking hypotheticallly here) you need to be asking yourself, even before you begin dating a guy, if you can respect him. Ask yourself if you can respect who he is, what he says, what his opinions are, the choices he makes, etc. And if you can’t well…chances are that no matter how cute he is, it’s just not gonna work out.

My mom showed two of my sisters and me one of her favorite films the other night: “The Way We Were” with Robert Redford (oh.my.gosh) and Barbara Streisand. I don’t want to give the plot away but I kind of have to in order to make my point. It’s about this girl and guy who met in college. He was a really good athlete who was popular and had all the girls after him. She was a geek who was a BIG political activist on their campus. Through a series of events, they fell in love and got married, despite all the warning signs and breakups. (and I must confess that I quite liked the whole geeky-girl-gets-the-hunking-guy thing...struck home lol) There are several points in their relationship where it nearly crumbled. Then, over time, they ended up getting a divorce. And I bawled. But the thing was, it wasn’t like a huge argument split them up. It was a mutual loss of repsect over the course of their relationship. And I was just like, wow, how sobering is that? Cause, Robert Redford is REALLY REALLY good-looking, and sometimes we’re tempted to think that physical attracton alone would be enough to get a marriage through the rough spots. But it’s not.

Love and Respect. A girl probably won’t stay with a guy if she doesn’t feel loved. And a guy probably won’t stay with a girl if she can’t respect him. But the tough part is, it’s not as natural for a girl to show respect as it is for her to show love. And so it seems a hopeless business. But that is where God steps in if we ask and helps us in our inefficiences. I want to be with a guy who will love me and whom I can respect. But, I am sorry to say, respect does not always come easily to me. So I’m starting now to ask God to help me choose wisely and end up with a guy that I can and will respect. Who’s with me?

Nothing really on my mind...

This doesn't happen often... I cant tell you how many times I've been places and had ideas for the blog. Ill jot them down on napkins, receipts, bulletins, my hand, text them to myself, or just anything. Today..... I have....nothing. Trust me, this is realllllly abnormal for me! I decided to just kinda throw a topic out there and see what you guys think! This is definitely a post that needs comments BC it will be totally pointless without them! :/ With that said, the topic is fasting.... what do you think about it? Does it mean just food or anything? Have you ever done it before? If so, how long? If you fast from food how do you remain healthy? What would be your reason behind fasting?

I've tried it some and God seems to really bless it, but I'm still a little new to the idea. Let me know what you think! :)

JEN

Thoughtful Thursday

"Pursue the Lord with a relentless, lifelong, obstacle-defying passion. Resolve never to let your daily life keep you from Jesus daily." -Don Whitney

Word-Filled Wednesday!

Luke 6:43-45

"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks."

Meditate on this passage today!

Love, Kat

Just Trust Him

The Bible talks a lot about trust, especially in the old testament. It talks about putting our trust in the Lord, not trusting a fool, consequences for placing trust in the wrong place, etc. And lately in my life I've been thinking about trust, especially trusting God when I don't know where he's leading me. I've recently had an experience that showed reward for trusting him. Let me tell you girls it's a fulfilling feeling when you reap the harvest of trusting God. I know sometimes it's hard to trust God with guys, you want to feel loved now! But I urge you girls, turn it over to God, he'll take care of it. Tonight I just wanted to give you a few verses about trust.

First of all, a warning. Remember Moses and Aaron and the Isrealites failure to trust God. "But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 'Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.'" -Numbers 20:12

And some encouragement. "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." Psalm 28:7

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

I really like this last one because it's a verse you can pray. I find it very powerful to pray God's word. "in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me." -Psalm 25:2

Well that's all I've got for tonight. I just really hope that you will take this in and think about it, pray about it, and put it into action.

Love, Kat