Thursday, September 30, 2010

Thought Filled Thursday!

You may be the only Bible a person ever reads....

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Testimony Tuesday!

When Jennifer asked me this week if I would be willing to write out my testimony, I jumped at the chance to share how amazing God has been in my life. However, as I sat down to write, I really had questions about which direction I should go in. I believe your testimony is more than just how you got saved. Those are great, and I love hearing them! But I believe that we should have many testimonies. God wants to do so much more in our lives than just save us! That’s only the beginning! Jesus died so that we could have freedom in every area of our lives. He is constantly wanting to draw us to Himself and help us with whatever we are struggling with.


So anyway, one of the many wonderful things God has done for me is redeem me from the pain of a broken relationship. Long story short, I started talking to a guy whom I believed might be the one I could one day marry. He expressed the same feelings for me, and he had even been talking to leaders in his church for advice about me. He seemed like a great godly guy, and I thought that he met my “list” quite perfectly actually. Well, some things happened and he just turned out to be completely different that what he had shown at first. He also claimed that he had simply lost interest in me, and he was very quick to move on to another girl. All of this of course hurt me deeply. I have struggled with insecurity and low self-esteem for years, and being rejected by this guy that I trusted and had deep feelings for was extremely painful. I was angry about the situation, and I didn’t understand why something like that would happen to me. I’m not the type of girl who dates around for fun. Before this guy, I had never really had a boyfriend, and that is because I have always believed that God has ONE person set apart for only me. And I don’t need to go looking for him. Ladies, we are not called to be the pursuers! That’s the man’s job! I believe we are to be like Sleeping Beauty (as weird and childish as that may sound), resting (or asleep, if you will) in the presence of God, allowing Him to grow us and allowing Him to be our one and only passion until He brings that right man (your prince!) along. Now, I am not saying that it is a sin to date. If God has given you the liberty to do so, then go for it! Just always make God your number one priority.

So, anyway (sorry for the rabbit trails!), needless to say I did not heed my own advice in this area because I let my emotions tell me what was best for me. And even though he seemed like such a godly guy, and that eventually got my emotions very confused about what the right decision was, I knew from the beginning that something was wrong. But the great news is that even when we mess up completely, God is still right there! In the midst of heartache, I learned to let the Lord romance me. I know it may sound kind of strange to think of God as a Romancer, a Lover even. But it is very Biblical! Song of Solomon in the Bible is not only about a man and a woman; it is also about Jesus, Who is madly and passionately in love with His bride (that’s you and me!). I would highly encourage you all to read it in this light. The truth is, God longs for us so deeply. His love is so powerful and captivating, and no other human love could ever begin to compare. Meditating on the beautiful love and romance of Jesus Christ brought healing and security to my heart when I was so broken. And even still when those feelings of insecurity come up, I can always reflect on how amazing God is and how much He has done. (Thank the Lord for the encouragement of amazing sisters in Christ also!!). Jesus has healed my heart and taught me to trust Him, and I am continuing (I pray!) to fall more and more in love with Him. I pray that you all will do the same. Just know that if you are facing any kind of insecurity or pain from relationships, you are so highly prized by God Himself. You are so very precious to Him! Give Him your heart, and He promises to NEVER let you down. And He is always faithful.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Motivated

Hey girls!!!!! It's been a long time since I've posted. I just want you to know I have not forgotten you!!! After weeks of trying to get a post up but failing, I finally came to the reality that tuesdays aren't working for me to post on the blog. So I'm changing days, and I will be posting on Mondays now! If we have testimonies they will be posted on Tuesday (Testimony Tuesday!). All that to say I've missed you girls and I'm excited to blog again.

This week I wanted to talk about motives. What motivates you? Why are you striving to be pure? This question is often overlooked, but it's probably one of the most vital questions about purity. Why are you doing it? I'm not asking you to tell me, but you need to get real with yourself about it. Are you doing this because it's what your parents want for you? Are you doing it because you're afraid to break the "rules" of being a Christian? Honey, I have news for you. If you aren't doing it for the right reasons, it means absolutely nothing. That's the core of what I'm talking about today.

So it stands to reason you would want to know the right reason for setting a standard of purity. Well it's really quite simple. Your number one reason for a purity standard should be you love God and therefore want to please him. Your number two reason should be you love your future husband and therefore want to save yourself for him alone.

"And now I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing." -1 Corinthians 13:1-3

If love is not at your core reasoning for purity, then you really have no reason at all. Jesus said EVERY commandment hinges on the two most important laws: Love God, Love Others (paraphrased; Matthew 22:37-40). Girls you have your lists, your rules, all your ideas. We talk about this all the time. But if you have not examined your motives and confirmed that they are the right ones, I cannot stress the importance enough! Steven Curtis Chapman said it very well in his song All About Love.

"Gods says love, love, love, love, love
It's all about love, love, love, love, love
Everything else comes down to this
Nothing any higher on the list than love
'Cause after all, it's all about love"

Love, Kat

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Follow up on last week’s post!

So if I was to hate something right now it would be my computer… Im not sure why, but it will not let me on the blog so Kat had to post my post on here for me.

Moving on… I can’t tell you how blessed I was to see your responses last week! Working with youth I often feel like there are absolutely NO girls perusing purity. You girls proved me wrong though. So, it is obvious that you girls who commented are going to agree with this post, but there are still girls who did not comment that are still on the fence as far as what is ok and what is not. Therefore, I’m about to dive into God’s word and share some light!

Ephesians 5:3 says, “ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.”. This is the whole basis of this post. That verse says, “NOT EVEN A HINT!”. So as far as the questions last week… I wouldn’t say any of those were just absolutely terrible or that you would lose your virginity for them, but they are definitely not profiting you or encouraging you in your walk with the Lord. It’s one of those things that the Bible does not per say, “Do not let a guy touch your butt.” Or “Do not be alone in the dark with your boyfriend.”. It does address these issues in a way though! For instance, the question about will your parents be involved the Bible says to Honor your parents (AKA let them know whats going on and follow their wishes!) . Another example… The Bible says to be wise and not foolish. Can I tell you how foolish it is to think that you can be all alone, in the dark still completely honor God! Yes, it is possible…but it is VERY hard! So why put yourself there? BE WISE! I’ve had girls tell me of how they were alone in the guy’s bedroom and they claimed they were just “Hanging out”. Can I tell you how unwise this is?! If you have done this please know that I’m sorry if I offend you, but the truth hurts sometimes. The other thing is He makes the broad yet profound statement and it was, “Do not let there even be a HINT of sexual immorality!”. Girls say you saw a truck parked in a dark parking lot with only the legs sticking out the back of the truck all tangled together…what would you think? I know what I would think and honestly it wouldn’t be the most Christlike thing… I’ve known people who would do that and they could be doing absolutely nothing, but it all boiled down to they were not being above board. Girls we live in a fallen world who can’t grasp purity…. We have to shine so brightly that they cant help but want what we have! That would ultimately be Jesus, but one way we can show that is through our relationships! Girls being above reproach has to do with the way you act around guys, dress, the things you say, and so many more things… It is not simply not having sex until you are married.

So, in response to the last post…. I honestly do not believe that any of the first set are Christ honoring until marriage. I know its hard if you have a bf…. Trust me… I know, but girls just bc it is hard by NO MEANS means it is impossible! FIGHT! Don’t just give in bc it is hard… FIGHT THE FIGHT!!

I love you girls!
JEN

P.S. I feel like everyone in the world knows this (Even a little girl I kept the other day who was only 6yrs old knew this! She said her mom read my blog and she had told her…lol), but as far ask the kissing and saying I love you. I will not kiss a guy until my wedding day and I do not plan on saying I love you until I TRULY mean it and honestly that will most likely when Im close to being engaged! This is just what I feel God has called me to do!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Word-Filled Wednesday

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."

-Matthew 6:19-24

Monday, September 20, 2010

Slippery Slope...

Here are the facts... God created Sex. Humans want sex. God put guidelines on sex. Humans are sinners and have a hard time obeying rules. Therefore it can often be like sliding down a slippery slope... unless you don't even start down the slope... you stay at the top. Get where I'm going with this? Girls sin is EASY to fall into. Another blogger did a wonderful post a few months back about the ladder to intimacy. It was talking about how holding hands leads to close hugs, close hugs lead to kissing, kissing leads to making out, and so on and so forth. I'm not saying by any means that you cant hold hands or hug (some people rather not already, but I'm more focusing on the people who believe its ok to hold and and be semi close), but I am (as Ive done many times before) saying that you need to know where you stand, what you are willing to do, and what you are willing to let the guy do. I've had girls ask me some tough questions lately that honestly I had never thought about. I'm the person who talks about, writes about, and etc all the time about purity and so I'm sure if I haven't thought about it many other girls have not.

Just a warning...If you are appalled (meaning you would never think of letting a guy do that to you until marriage) then this means that you have set your purity standard higher. That is GREAT! Just understand that each girl is different and God has called her to a different level of purity.

  • Would you let a guy rub your legs (With his legs or hands)?
  • Would you let a guy put his hand up your shirt (Not like feel you up, but just rub your stomach.)
  • What about touch your butt?
  • How much alone time especially in the dark will you spend with a guy?
  • Will you sit in a guys lap?
Here are some other questions that we've already discussed,  but I want to make sure you girls know where you stand!
  • When will you be willing to kiss a guy?
  • Is phone sex an option?
  • How far will you allow him to touch you?
  • When will you be willing to say, "I love you"?
  • How involved will your parents be?
  • What do you want in a husband?
These are some good questions that are absolutely necessary to think about! I want to hear your answers! Not necessarily to each one, but any of these that maybe God has really convicted you about. We do alot of sharing our beliefs and convictions on here, but we at the same time want to know what YOU believe in! So, please share... we are listening! :)

JEN

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

I WILL praise you in this storm!

Hey chickas! I'm not sure what has happened lately, but our consistant blogging has sadly gone bye bye. :( I plan on getting back on track!

Anyway, lately has been a pretty trying time for me... I'm not sure why. I just want you to realize that each one of my post are either things that I'm going through, have been through, God has strongly layed on my heart, or either I've been really close to someone who has gone through it. Today is the first... I'm going through it. Like I said earlier, I'm not completely sure why, but I am. I've been extremely stressed, tired, and just emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually exhausted. Not complaining... just stating the facts! :)

Moving on... Do you ever feel this way? Do you ever feel like you have to much to do and not enough time? Do you ever feel like so many people expect things from you that you cant meet all their expectations? If so, welcome to my mind!

In all honesty, I do not have the answer to this... most of the time I at least have an idea when i blog about something, but this time not so much. The reason i am blogging about it is bc I never promised you I could give you all the answers... I did promise you that I would come along side of you and help you through the difficult times. I know for a fact that many if not most all of you are feeling this exact way. Maybe for different reasons, but none the less you still feel the same way.

Here are some verses that I found that I thought kinda applied though...

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Hebrews 13:6 So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Isiah 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Dear sisters in Christ... Are you tired today? Feel like you cant go any farther? The same God who came back to life is living in you today and He has a plan for you! Yes, it may and most likely still will be hard, but this is your encouragement... KEEP ON FIGHTING! You serve a God who has already told you that He will win! Continue persevering. Make wise choices. You cant just lay in bed all day and then wonder why God didn't allow you enough time to get your homework done. Do your part and He promises to do His!!

I've never done this before, but I feel led to today. I'm going to write out my prayer for you... I often tell you that I'm praying for you, but i want you know realize that those are not just mere words... that is a promise. Girls you can NOT do this alone... Find a friend who you can talk to, email me, txt me.... just talk to someone. Not necessarily to get their advice on something, but just to encourage each other and to know that someone cares. Back on subject though.... Oh dear Lord, I fall before you God. Lord you know each one of these girls by name. God, I have no idea who all is reading this and even less of an idea what they are going through God. Father each one of them mean SO flippin much to you... I cant even comprehend it. Lord, I pray that you give them comfort...God you promise that you will help us and that you will give us strength... I plead with you Lord... give us the kinda of peace, comfort, strength, and courage that only you can give! Empower these girls to live for you today in a way that they never have before. I thank you for who you are and praise you for what you have done and are going to do. In Jesus name...Amen.

Love you girls!
JEN

P.S. My email is jennifer.rochester@charter.net

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Word-Filled Wednesday!

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

-Matthew 11:28-30

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Are you a Princess?

Has someone ever told you that you are a princess? How did it make you feel? If they truly meant it then i have a feeling you smiled. It made you feel good, right? Is that a bad thing? NO! God does not want you to walk around condemned all the time. Yes, you should be humble, but humble doesn't mean being down on yourself all the time. Take note of this... Being humble means having no view of yourself. So with that said... it is ok to see yourself as priceless! The cool part about this is that the Bible tells us to view others as better than ourselves. So if we can grasp how God truly views us then it will effect the way we view/treat others!

Anyway, moving on... You are a princess! Have you ever thought about this? If you have asked Jesus into your heart then you have become His daughter (John 1:12). Follow me here... we are called God's child and then God is called the King of Kings. Do you see where I'm going with this? Some of you have hears this a million times, but others may have never heard it. Therefore, if you have asked Jesus into your heart then you are a daughter of the King (AKA princess!)!

Do you get this?? I challenge you to live your life this understanding of who and whose you are! Not with a big head, but understanding that you are NOT worthless! You do NOT have to take any form of abuse or be pressured to do anything your do not want to do! Yes, be humble. You can have a Godly view of yourself though!

So, live today knowing that you were bought with a price and that you are priceless!! You are a PRINCESS!! =)

In love,
JEN

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Thought Filled Thursday...

I'm not going to share a quote or anything like that today. I just want to ask you something.... If you had one time to make an impression on someone what would that impression be? Good or bad?

Praying for you today!! :)
JEN

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

What's holding you back?

Sorry this is a day late, I meant to post last night but I got home really late and and ended up going straight to bed. But today I wanted to share a little on a subject that really changed my point of view, not just on purity, but on going after everything God has for me wholeheartedly. I know most you who read this blog have already made purity commitments, but I can't help feeling that someone is reading this who wants to commit to purity but something is holding them back. That's what I want to talk about today.

"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe." -Proverbs 29:25. A couple of years ago, I would have read this with no real insight to what the verse meant. If you're like that too, it's talking about peer pressure. You could easily rephrase it 'peer pressure will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.' So is what other people might think or say about you holding you back from making a purity commitment? Girls, allow me to be blunt, what those people say about you in high school for following God's will and obeying his word will not make a hill of beans difference in light of eternity and marital bliss. Do you really care what they think? It's YOUR body, not theirs. You can decide for yourself to treat it the way God desires or not. I love the last part of that verse, "whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe." Just trust him, trust him to take care of your future husband, trust him and you will be safe.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness." -1 John 1:9. Maybe you've already made a mistake, and that's what is holding you back from committing to purity. Girls, God can forgive EVERY sin. While he cannot restore your physical purity, he can restore your spiritual and emotional purity. Just because you have sinned in the past does not mean you have to keep sinning in the future. "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." -2 Chronicles 7:14. Turn from your past and press on to the future. Don't think you can leave your old ways? "Therefore, if anyone is in Christy, he is a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come." -2 Corinthians 5:17. Girls, the Bible isn't just a bunch of mumbo jumbo here. If you really want to pursue a life of purity, you CAN do it, with help from God.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverence the race marked out for us." -Hebrews 12:1. If you know me, you probably know that this is one of my life verses. But how applicable it is here girls! Everyone is watching, so let us throw off everything that is holding us back, and let us press on fully living a life that is pure and pleasing to God. So I may not have discussed what's holding you back today, but this verse says to throw off EVERYTHING that hinders. You only get one life to live for God. So what's holding you back today?

Love, Kat