*Love in My Life*

God never asks us to do something that He doesn't give us the strength to accomplish.  And whatever He is asking of you, it's only because He wants the very best for you.  You are His princess, and He is jealously guarding your life.  It may seem like a sacrifice to obey Him, and you may not understand all the reasons why but in the end it will be the greatest blessing. ~Eric and Leslie Ludy, When Dreams Come True~

Be at a point in your life where your primary focus is on growing and pleasing God; don't even worry about romance. Surrender and don't think twice about your "need" for affection. When you're in that place where you're constantly trying to let God shape your life so that it honors Him, you'll find your relationships doing the same. ~Bryan Nance Jr. from Stereo Motion, CCM Magazine, October 2003~

It is very difficult sometimes when coming out of a serious relationship that you honestly believe would last a life time.  BUT, God can heal the hurt and the pain...slowly but surely.  God has filled me with an amazing joy and peace even though I have been hurt.  I know that until I am completely satisfied in Him, I won't be happy with anyone else.  When you've gone through some major hurts and experienced a lot of pain in relationships, it's hard...but God is good and will heal all the hurt.  I pray that if you are hurting from a relationship, that you will turn to God and ask Him to fill you, and give you that hope that will outweigh all the pain... ...let Him make you Whole...

The Wife of Noble Character Proverbs 31:10 - 31

When a Man Loves a Woman 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 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 than 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.  Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails...And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love.  But the greatest of these is love. So you're seriously dating a guy, and you wonder if he really loves you.  You can find out by comparing your relationship to the way love is described in the Bible.  In my experience as a Christian counselor, applying the principles of 1 Corinthians 13, I find that when a man loves a woman he... Respects her mind.  Her thoughts and feelings are important to him.  He welcomes good conversation with her and he wants to know what her life dreams are.  He thinks she is one of the most intelligent women he knows and he seeks her opinions.  He doesn't mock her ideas or call her names. Respects her body.  He doesn't act as if her body is his own.  He won't touch her in sexual ways that are reserved for a husband and wife.  He won't make sexual demands on her that make her feel uncomfortable or guilty.  He protects her purity.  He won't ever hit her - ever.  A loving man doesn't shove, hit, or use his physical strength to hurt or control her. Respects her soul.  He sees her as a separate and whole person.  He values her and sees a beautiful and significant individual.  He feeds and nourishes her heart by encouraging her gifts and talents.  Her needs and feelings are important to him.  He won't fly into a fit of rage, intimidating her with the look in his eyes.  He won't manipulate her, nor will he make her feel less of a person or worthless. A good and loving man is not perfect, of course.  He'll make mistakes.  But he is willing to admit his mistakes, humbly ask for forgiveness, and make efforts to change. It's a phony and dangerous relationship when a man says he loves you but doesn't show it in tangible ways.  If a guy respects your mind, body, and soul when you're dating, chances are good that he will continue doing that if you marry.  The opposite is also true.  If he treats you poorly while you're dating, chances are high that he will treat you the same way if you marry. Love is seen by the things we do, not just in the words we speak.  (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) -Allison Stevens, Soul Journey *What is my definition of "true love?" *How well do I show selfless love to people who mean the most to me? Love will grow as love we show.

Selections from Why We Think Christians Aren't Dating a Christianity Today.com article

Recommended Reading Authentic Beauty by Leslie Ludy When God Writes Your Love Story by Eric and Leslie Ludy When Dreams Come True by Eric and Leslie Ludy Boy Meets Girl by Joshua Harris

Home