Pen And Paper

Emotional Purity is probably the most difficult to guard against in a relationship because it can be the most subtle. And you may not even realize you’ve crossed lines till it’s too late. You don’t have to cross physical lines to later get your heart broken. Your heart can be engaged in many different ways, and emotional is one of them. I don’t think there is an exact science for this subject, I understand situations may vary and things may be different.... but heres just a few ways I’ve learned to help guard against a painful ending in relationships or friendships.   This part of “The Rose” is rooted in the mind. Which is why it’s so important to control your thoughts. As 2 Cor. 10:5 states to take EVERY thought captive to the obedience of Christ! As I’ve said before, the mind is where the fight begins. If we allow something to consume our minds, and allow ourselves to dwell on it, it can eventually become actions. We can get so wrapped up in thought that it can begin effect...

Over the years, I have been asked many question about my standards and the reason why I’ve chosen to do things the way I have when it comes to relationships. This is a big topic to take on all in one blog, so I decided I would do it in parts. So in the next couple blogs I post, I will do my best to answer the questions people have challenged me with...... One of the biggest questions I have been faced with has to do with my physical relationship. Some people wonder why we don’t kiss, snuggle... etc...... There are several different perspectives on this issue which I have heard from different sources. I’ve heard it said, “If it’s not yours... don’t touch it.” That’s a quick and easy way to sum it up. Ultimately, that person you are with is not yours until there is a ring on your finger. There’s no commitment till you say “I do.” Another way I like to think about it is... if that person’s spouse was there, would you do what you are about to do with that person? Because, until...

A wave crashed up on the shoreline with the sunset glowing on the horizon. It’s warm rays of orange and yellow reflected on the ocean’s water giving it a pure sparkle. A cool breeze rushed through the air carrying the scent of the salty ocean. Picture perfect evening, as if nature was beckoning for people to come and take a long stroll along it’s beach. A young boy took it up on it’s friendly offer as he wondered up and down the  shore. The waves continued to come, splashing he’s feet as he walked. As the water flooded his toes, he felt something else touch him. He looked down and much to his surprise it was a brightly colored starfish which seemed to glow under the clear water. He plucked it out of the water and held it in his hand for a moment. He admired the beauty and thanked the Creator for designing such a wonderful creature. Then, with a soft toss, it plunged back into it’s watery home. The boy went on his way down the beach when he noticed another starfish which had been ...

"From your head to you’re heart.... 18 inches."  I know, I know.... it’s been so long since I’ve gotten to post something. Some of my friends were making comments about how I should post something again. I know this is the usual excuse.... but things have really gotten crazy busy around here lately and I’ve been a bit distracted. BUT... I have had this one written for quite awhile now... just haven’t had a chance to edit it and post it......  so, enough of this rambling and on to the real stuff here...... Something that God has been dealing with me about in my life for the past 2 or 3 years, is taking what I know and putting it to action. It’s no good having all the information but not doing anything about it. Being here at Bible College, I have been gaining a lot of new information. It’s so exciting to hear all these different perspectives on stories and situations I’ve never heard before, but the real test is when I come home from College. Will I just fall ...

A few Sunday nights ago, we had a Chapel service. We gathered together for a time of worship and prayer, then sat and listened as our teacher gave a lesson. We ended with extended worship and communion. During this time, I found a place to stand away from all the other worshipers. And as I stood there, I watched all the other students as some stood to their feet and raised their hands, others bowed their heads and whispered prayers, and some where on their faces weeping before the Lord. I sat there... in worship once again... and fought the familiar feeling of numbness. It’s something I have been struggling with for a while now. Just because I’ve literally grown up in church my entire life, I’ve been a Pastor’s kid now for about.... I don’t know... 6 years maybe? My dad has been leading worship in one way or another since I can remember. Needless to say, I’ve heard it and lived it all my life!! And as I’ve gotten older, I’ve struggled with making it new, and getting something out of ...

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” ~Philippians 1:6 I really believe God gave me my personal “semester verse” the other day. I had to read Philippians 1 for a homework assignment and I came across this verse. It really stuck out to me and I just kept going back to it. I found it interesting that I’ve read Philippians a few times before, but never really noticed this verse. But that is why it is called the LIVING word of God. For one could read the same passage over and over and find something new each time- that is, if they are looking for it and allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal His words.  I just feel like God used this verse to speak to me. It’s His promise to me that He’s not finished yet and He promises to finish the work He’s started in me. It’s what I’ve been looking forward to this whole time... It’s one of the biggest reasons I came to Bible College. In many ways, it’s...

I had my first Bible Study Methods class yesterday and it was super awesome! I’m really excited to get more into that class! We’re going to be going over some pretty awesome stuff! Just in case anyone is wonder what the class is about.... it’s just literally... Bible Study Methods. They are going to take us through different steps on how to get more out of the Bible, answer questions, do our own research, ect.  Some things came up in this class I want to share with you all! First thing is quick and simple..... Seven easy steps for a closer relationship with God through your personal devotional: -Pray, Praise, Read, -Meditate, Memorize, -Journal, Close. *BAM!* It’s just like that. I encourage you all to try it. Start with 15 minutes then work it up. If you take 15 minutes out of your day, every day.... that’s only 1 hour and 45 minutes of your 168 hour WEEK!! Think about it.... I think you can find the time, don’t you? Moving on.... Our homework this week...