REMEMBER THEM!

Please be advised...this post contains graphic images.

Hebrews 13:3 Says, "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body."

We are commanded to REMEMBER THEM THAT ARE IN BONDS. I think the Lord had a very good reason why He told us to remember. How often we forget about other people! We get distracted and carried away with life. With work. With schedules. With entertainment. With good things. But there are people, that desperately need to be remembered. And not just to ''send a card and say I'm praying for you'' (although sometimes this may be a very needed and good thing). But that our love would be put into action!

 Here is a short list I've compiled. (Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.) I hope it encourages you to stop and think about someone else. Of why we are here. Of the people HE loves and commands us to love also. Of how important it is that we make time to remember and put our remembrance to action!

 Other Christians, especially those in persecution

 "Brethren, pray for us." (I Thessalonians 5:25)

 "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:"  (II Thessalonians 3:1)

"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh." (II Corinthians 4:8-11)

http://www.persecution.com/

The Lost

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15)

"Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest." (John 4:35)

"To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." (Luke 1:79)

The Widows and Fatherless

"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27)

"We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

  Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me." (Romans 15:1-3)

The Voiceless Victims of Abortion

"Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy." (Proverbs 31:8-9)

"If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;

 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?" (Proverbs 24:11-12)

https://voicesofdissidence.wordpress.com/

http://ahanorthidaho.com/About.html

http://abolishhumanabortion.com/

A Post for Martha

Spiritual Lessons

A Post for Martha

I never realized how easy it is to suppress men by "taking over".  I think it's part of the curse.  Until recently, I never quite grasped how I was falling into a feministic trap.  Let me explain:

I was born into a visionary family.  Visionaries are dreamers.  They inspire change and they envision the ideal.  They are the trumpets of society.  I've never lived a boring day in my life -- honestly.  With my Dad's dreams of "the next project", my mom's elaborate ideas, my brother's war against injustice, my sister's musical pursuits, and my little siblings budding creativity -- I am surrounded by vision.  It's a chaotic, vibrant, roller coaster sort of life.  It's my norm and something I've recently embraced; even fallen in love with.  But it hasn't always been that way.

Though I was born to Mr. and Mrs. Visionary, my personality has always somewhat resisted.  From somewhere along my mother's side I received a very small amount of what people call "practicality".  Albeit, it is finite compared to the rest of society, it is painfully obvious in a family of such visionary caliber.

With many dreamers in my family there comes a lot of opportunity to "do".  Dreamers love to dream, but many of their dreams never come to fruition. I also, love to dream, but unlike most my visionary counterparts, it plagues me: the undone.  I see dreams and plans falling apart and I step in to mend them.   Even if they are someone else's dream or plan.  Recently I've seen the negativity associated with this personality trait of mine.  If you are a "worker bee", a "Martha", a "fixer"  this post is for you.

 If you are a "worker bee", a "Martha", a "fixer"  this post is for you.

There are many many needs in the world.  There are many needs in our community.  There are many needs at our workplace.  And there is an abundance of needs in our home.  I have taken on plenty of these needs.  But in doing this, I have often pondered why there are so few people doing the same?  Especially when I take on something that must be done, but could be better met by someone else...or maybe should be done by someone else.  But no one else volunteers.  No one else is taking charge.  Others are slacking.  And things are falling apart. 

With my habit to rush in a give aid, I've realized that I have stolen the opportunity from others to obey God.  And what is even more humbling is the thought that I have affected my brothers and brothers in Christ.  My "fix-all" tendency can be traced to a feminist root of pride.  The Little Red Hen syndrome: "I'll do it myself!".     

Recently it has occurred to me that maybe the men would speak up more if we would pause a moment to take a breath and be still.  Maybe the men would step up if we didn't consider ourselves the fix-all to every circumstance that called for a willing volunteer.  Maybe the men would take charge if we stopped assuming we're the only candidate for getting the job done.  Oftentimes the gentlemen step aside for the determined woman who is ready to take "the bull by the horns" because "no one else will".  

There's nothing wrong with women leading things.  It's okay to organize an event.  Or take on a ministry.  As long as we do it because Jesus asked us to, not because there's a need to be met.  Just because no one is rushing to meet a need doesn't mean it's our responsibility.  Just because we see the need, doesn't mean it's our responsibility.  It might be.  But if so, our King must be asked first.  I'm not talking about the obvious commandments.  Being a virtuous woman, being a witness, being a godly daughter, etc. We don't need to ask, we need to obey.

Have we ever considered that maybe God created the need to encourage someone else to step up?

But have we ever considered that maybe God created the need to encourage someone else to step up?  So often we hurry to meet needs, and then later complain to God how full our plate is, and beg for more strength. Perhaps we weren't meant to take it on in the first place.  Of course there are legitimate times of "overload" and it isn't from ourselves taking on too much, but we are tired, we are dealing with health issues, we are experiencing attack from obeying God.  But I'm talking about the adopted attitude of  "we-must-do-it-all".  This is what is dangerous.  

It's not only dangerous but it also encourages those around us to expect us to take charge.  They begin to assume we will meet every need.  And we are burdened even more.  Now we aren't the heroine rushing in to hold down the fort, but now it's our expected duty, and we're falling on the job if we let needs slip.  Our response is: I'm upset, Why won't anyone help?  Why does everyone assume I'm going to head it up and do all the work?  And all along we've put it on ourselves.  

Don't worry -- I know there are times when people are lazy.  I know sometimes your intention was to "help" and suddenly you find all those volunteers have abandoned you and left the project in "your capable hands".  I know sometimes your authorities have shouldered you with a responsibility you didn't sign up for.  I know there are people in this world who will assume upon your generosity (or your convenient state of singleness)  without you having asked for it.  

But humbly look at yourself for a moment.  Do we remember to ask Jesus before committing to something?  Even those things we know we could do, or have been asked to do?  

 He desires us to take on nothing but what He wills, and to refuse nothing but what He offers. 

God alone knows which paths we are to take.  He knows every aspect of our soul and what we should and can handle.  He desires us to take on nothing but what He wills and to refuse nothing He offers.  This is godly dependency.  It's not laziness to defer leadership.  We will only be satisfied when our loads are specifically from Him.  His yoke is bearable.  Our's isn't. 

It is possible to rob our men, of the opportunity to be leaders, protectors, and men.  If we ask God to direct us and listen for His commands, there might be some "big ministries" that are laid aside, but we can be sure what God needs of us will not be ignored.  How many widows are neglected because we are busy "serving God" in a needed ministry?  How many children are forgotten?  How many mom's are overtaxed?  How many friend are discouraged and ignored?

God will make it clear to us if we ask Him.  I've decided to bring before Him every need, no matter the size, and ask Him if it's my order to meet it.  I'm laying aside my feminist attitude.  I'm praying to be an encouragement and help to my brothers.  Habits are hard to break, but nothing is impossible with Christ.  I am praying you too can see this tendency in yourself, and be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  

Take heart Martha, He will create in us a spirit of service as well as submission and love, if we ask.

"Shew me they ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths."  Psalm 25:4 

Related Posts: 

To Be His Witness

Feminism 

Resting in His Time

Quote of the Day

"In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

"Jesus Christ foretold tribulation; He conveyed His message with a clarion voice to the saints in all ages- 'In the world ye shall have tribulation', and the Apostle Paul continually warns us that we have no right to settle on our lees. 'For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.' (I Thessalonians 3:4) Tribulation means being thronged by severe affliction and trouble; that is what the saints are to expect in this dispensation and not be astonished when it comes. God allows tribulation and anguish to come right to the threshold of our lives in order to prove to us that His life in us is more than a match for all that is against us. When we see the awfulness of evil in this world we imagine there is no room for anything but the devil and wrong; but this is not so. God restrains the powers of evil. How does He do it? Through the lives of the saints who are pushing the battle everywhere their feet are placed. The devil tackles on the right hand and on the left but they are more than conquerors, they not only go through the tribulation, but are 'exceeding joyful' in it."

Oswald Chamber, "The Servant as His Lord" p. 11 and 12.

Meet Emily and Samantha

Spiritual Lessons

Balance

 Meet Emily.  She has grown up in a conservative Christian home.  She's a young woman who grew up with the idea that girls are to keep their heart's pure, to guard their heart.  Close friendships with men are out of the question.  She feels awkward talking with guys, even making eye contact can be uncomfortable, and she most determinedly alludes any "one on one" conversations with men.  She is keeping her heart whole, for one man.  She would never dream of texting or emailing guys, and avoids Facebook for that very reason.  She is guarded and safe. An un-tampered garden.  She's a maiden, a virtuous woman, someone a man would dream of winning someday.




And meet Samantha.  She is the same age as Emily, also growing up in a Christian home.  But when it comes to men, Samantha has a totally different viewpoint.  Guys can be friends just as much as girls.  In fact, she has some really close guy-friends that she shares her heart with (more than some of her girlfriends).  Texting and emailing guys is no problem; in fact she goes out to coffee with them and get's plenty of friendly, quality-time with her guy friends.  She's free, she's open. An untrammeled garden. She's a chum, a buddy, a safe "sister" in Christ.


  Both young women are sincere and most likely have good intentions.  Emily and Samantha are "fictitious", but I know plenty of girls on both sides of the fence.  You want to know what Emily and Samantha have in common other than sincerity and good intentions?  They are both unbalanced.

I recently talked to a few young women on this subject and it surprised me the controversy and struggles young adults face when it comes to guy-girl relationships.  Some girls I know almost have a "man-phobia" that is so close to the stereotype feminists give to us "conservative goody two-shoes". These would be the "Emily's" in Christian society. The "wall-flowers" we are warned about in helpful Christian guides to finding a mate. (That last sentence is sarcasm).
Then, there are the "que sir ra sir ra" women who enjoy their guy friendships and haven't given emotional and mental purity much thought.  Yet more commonly, I have come across Christian women who have found liberty in breaking their old standards and finding freedom in exploring friendships with young men. Both cases would be more "Samantha's".  They believe they've matured and now can have practical relationships with guys without the "inevitable silliness" that once haunted them.  Some of their guy friends can relate to them better than their girl friends. Men have such a more practical outlook and objective advice.  Going out to coffee never hurt anyone and doesn't have to be labeled a "date".

It never occurred to some of these ladies that there might be a third option.

Can we be meek without being shy and socially awkward?
Can we be passionate and courageous, without being brash or inappropriate?
Is it possible to be pure and confident?
Is it possible to "be friends" with young men without compromise?
Do you think we could communicate with men, without putting our heart (or theirs) at risk?
Do you think we might be able to be virtuous and untrammeled?

YES! Absolutely.  We don't have to be an Emily or a Samantha. There's a middle road.  It's called being balanced.

What does this look like practically?

I am not going to claim to be an expert in guy-girl relationships.  I have (almost) 24 years of singlehood experience under my belt, and depending on who you are, that's not too much. But I can share what I have learned, what other's have tried to teach me, and what I've observed.

Not too long ago, I was more of an Emily.  Only because I was terrified of my unruly heart.  Everyone who knows me well, knows that I am normally very comfortable around people and love to tease and make people feel at ease.  Unfortunately this has served me not-so-well when it comes to guys.  Here I thought I was being kind, and they thought I was being flirtatious.  Over the last six years I've swung from Samantha to Emily, back to Samantha and then more of an Emily... And now?  I realized there's such a thing as being in the middle.

Every young woman is going to have specific convictions for herself, and parent's guide lines vary from girl to girl.  I know some of my own personal convictions may not apply to every young woman.  God puts certain restrictions on people depending on their strengths and weaknesses.  Romans 14:14.  That being said, I believe it's safe to say this:

You can be a guy's friend.  Young men do not have to be ignored in order for you to have a pure heart.  Brothers in Christ are a gift and should be cherished.  But we also can remember that Charity vaunteth not herself, seeketh not her own, is not puffed up.  Charity is kind.  We can be kind, polite, friendly, but obviously their friendship will be (should be) different than our girl-friends.

I avoid appearance of evil.  For that reason I don't text guys.  Is it a sin to text men?  I don't think so.  But this is a personal conviction of mine.  Emailing.  When I email a guy I make sure to include another person (normally my brother) in the recipients.  I want to be held accountable.  I only "chat" online in group hangouts.  It's a safeguard.  I have had plenty of conversations with young men, even outside a group, when I was at church, or in my home where we could be seen and interacted with.  I've debated, laughed, prayed and cried with young men in groups.  I've climbed mountains, shot guns, gone on car trips, went to the movies, sang, went skiing, played volley ball, written scripts, had snow fights with guys and my brothers.  I am totally at ease speaking with a young man.  Eye contact is not only polite but also portrays your confidence level and who you are.

I don't sit close to or touch a guy.  But I will shake his hand.  I am not squeamish about male "cooties"  but neither am I so familiar that I would hug a guy.  Even my friend.  This is called balance.  You cherish your male friends and you will be happy to be a friend while looking after their heart.  Being concerned that you are modest, without being paranoid.  Confidently befriending them, while offering no temptation.  Being a sister, without going beyond.  This is balance.

I hope somehow this was an encouragement to your heart.  Be confident sister, be meek, be kind-hearted.  Better yet, just allow Christ to be Himself in you and you will find that you are suddenly at ease with who you are and you will care so much about others it will almost be impossible to be a stumbling block.  He will show a sensitive heart when to "go ahead", and when to be reserved.  Balance.


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Biblical Womanhood
 

Femininity


It's Not About Staying At Home  


  

Quote of the Day

"The worst part of martyrdom is not the last agonizing moment; it is the wearing, daily steadfastness. Men who can make up their minds to hold out against torture of an hour have sunk under the weariness and the harass of small prolonged vexations. And there are many Christians who have the weight of some deep, incommunicable grief pressing, cold as ice, upon their hearts. To bear that cheerfully and manfully is to be a martyr. There is many a Christian bereaved and stricken in the best hopes of life. For such a one to say quietly, 'Father, not as I will, but as Thou wilt,' is to be a martyr. There is many a Christian who feels the irksomeness of the duties of life, and feels his spirit revolting from them. To get up every morning with the firm resolve to find pleasure in those duties, and do them well, and finish the work which God has given us to do, that is to drink Christ's cup. The humbles occupation has in it materials of discipline for the highest heaven."

F.W.Robertson, Daily Strength for Daily Needs p. 259

A Poll for Sibling Readers of Maid Arise

  If you are a sibling I hope you will take the time to take this 5 minute poll.

 Recently my younger sister (FaithAnne) and I discussed some imperative issues that arise from our relationships with our siblings.  That discussion inspired this survey. Your age doesn't matter, but please bear in mind this is geared to our readers, the majority of which are female.  But if you are male, you can take this poll!  I am curious to hear from our readers so I can create a post on sibling relationships.

Thanks for taking the time!

Click here for: Maid Arise Poll for Siblings

Companies that donate to Planned Parenthood!

Planned Parenthood is one of the largest abortion clinics around. It is not only supported by our own government by over 50% ... but also by large business industries and companies, which make up another 25% of their funding. Not only are these companies not against the murder of innocent life, but they willingly and gladly give their money that babies might be slaughtered. This is something worth considering.

Starbucks donates to Planned Parenthood!

Recently, someone told me that Starbucks donates to Planned Parenthood. I wasn't surprised... but I did my homework first to find out that it really is true. They do. Which means, every time you purchase your favorite coffee drink...you are also helping fund one of the largest abortion clinics around. For those of us who love Starbucks coffee...this is rather depressing and maybe even somewhat controversial. Yes, it would seem that evil is around us no matter where or what we choose to do. And I understand the argument. But, at the same time, please consider this. How much is a cup of coffee worth to you? How much of your everyday convenience and time are you willing to give up for the murder of innocent life?


Some things are worth giving up and sacrificing a little bit of our own convenience or comfort or time for. I believe this is certainly one of them. And for anyone who may be interested to know, I've compiled a short list below of the top 38 companies that donate to Planned Parenthood also. Starbucks isn't the only culprit and the list may surprise you.

1. Adobe
2. American Cancer Society
3. American Express
4. AT&T
5. Avon
6. Bank of America
7. Bath & Body Works
8. Ben & Jerry’s
9. Clorox
10. Converse
11. Deutsche Bank
12. Dockers
13. Energizer
14. Expedia
15. ExxonMobil
16. Fannie Mae
17. Groupon
18. Intuit
19. Johnson & Johnson
20. La Senza
21. Levi Strauss
22. Liberty Mutual
23. Macy’s
24. March of Dimes
25. Microsoft
26. Morgan Stanley
27. Nike
28. Oracle
29. PepsiCo
30. Pfizer
31. Progressive
32. Starbucks
33. Susan G. Komen
34. Tostitos
35. Unilever
36. United Way
37. Verizon
38. Wells Fargo

So how do these companies donate anyways? Most of them, through what is called "Employee match contribution". Basically, if an employee chooses to donate to any organization (in this case, Planned Parenthood) the company will equally match the donation. It is technically through indirect donations. That being said, here is a helpful article I read on the matter: http://dailysignal.com/.../we-asked-companies-about.../ When these companies were each confronted on their donation program to Planned Parenthood after the recent news scandal of how Planned Parenthood was selling fetus parts, only SOME of them commented with defense, saying how they do not directly donate but use the "employee match contribution program". And while you cannot prove or disprove that the companies which chose to ignore the question and remain silent do DIRECTLY donate... one has to wonder why they chose not to answer and be silent about it at all. 

Spokespersons for Adobe, Bank of America, Bath & Body Works, Ben & Jerry’s, Converse, Deutsche Bank, Dockers, Energizer, Expedia, Groupon, Intuit, Johnson & Johnson, La Senza, Liberty Mutual, Microsoft, Nike, Oracle, PepsiCo, Pfizer, Starbucks, Susan G. Komen, Wells Fargo, Tostitos and Unilever did not return The Daily Signal’s request for comment.

http://dailysignal.com/2015/07/21/meet-the-41-companies-that-donate-directly-to-planned-parenthood/

I Love Him....I Love Him Not

Spiritual Lessons

I Love Him....I Love Him Not

It's happened to all of us.  At least once.  By the time we are young women, we've all had it happen:  He stands out in a crowd.  You enjoy almost everything about him.  His sudden presence gives you butterflies.  You desire to know his preferences, his dislikes, his opinion.  You didn't plan it, but every time he's there, you find yourself talking to him or being near him, and when that wasn't an option, you were talking about him. 

As Christians with high moral standards, it's easy to wonder at ourselves after experiencing these feelings.  Where in the world did our common sense go?  Don't we know better than this?  And we end up apologizing to God, making commitments or resolutions, reprimanding our lustful flesh, and failing the very next time we come in contact with the guy.  And so begins the bang-your-head-against-the-wall-routine.

“True love doesn't have to be void of these emotions...”     

It's inevitable to have these “moments” come up sometimes.  You look up and he's smiling at you.  He walks into the room and you get butterflies.  You notice when he compliments you.  You like him and it's just a plain fact.  Nothing in the world could change it.  

 Love doesn't deny the existence of these real feelings.  True love doesn't have to be void of these emotions before it can be true love.  But we have to realize that emotions and feelings in-and-of -themselves are NOT love. They are feelings, and emotions. (Profound, I know!). And if we accept them as such and continue on in our life we can rest assured -- we haven't sinned and haven't done anyone a disservice. 

 If we take that emotion and dwell on it and invest ourselves into it, and allow it to dictate us, then we are obsessing in an emotion and allowing it to ferment into infatuation and that certainly is, in the very least, a disservice to ourselves. It's also taking advantage of someone at the expense of our fleshly satisfaction. Doesn't really sound like love. It can't be. It's the opposite of love, because love seeks not her own. Enjoying someone purely for our fulfillment is selfishness. Which is a sin. 

Conclusion: If we like someone and have these feelings, it is not a sin.  

What we do with these feelings is imperative.  
If we truly love this man we will be so concerned for his best, his purity, and God's will for him, it will trump our emotions.  
If we "love him not", we will unregrettably choose to revel in these emotions and satisfy our lusts at his expense.  
The question of whether these emotions are okay or not really shouldn't haunt us.  We should be more concerned of whether we "love him, or love him not".

 "So, God, here I am. Here's my heart. Here's the emotions and feelings. Here's my love. So baby and immature. Temptation shows me who I am. And I'm a selfish human being. But you in your love will not allow it to exceed your strength in me. I am open to the ministry of Jesus. Here I am, open and bare. Be my Love, be my all. You over anyone else. I'm renouncing me and my self, and my infatuation...even when it's just a tiny root and bud. No, I won't accept it. It's wrong. But I am not condemned in the fact when I notice. I'm not even afraid to smile at the fact. But there I stop. I give it to you. I refuse to pamper the thrill it gives me. I lay it down to rest. You do what you will."

Related Post:



Purity Without Guilt  (by Toni H.)



Complete and Content  (by Jonah K.)


The Heart of the Matter (by Lynea B.)

Quote of the Day

"If God requires anything of us, we have no right to draw back under the pretext that we are liable to commit some fault in obeying. It is better to obey imperfectly than not at all. Perhaps you ought to rebuke some one dependent on you, but you are silent for fear of giving way to vehemence; -or you avoid the society of certain persons, because they make you cross and impatient. How are you to attain self-control, if you shun all occasions of practicing it? Is not such self-choosing a great fault than those into which you fear to fall? Aim at a steady mind to do right, go wherever duty calls you, and believe firmly that God will forgive the faults that take our weakness by surprise in spite of our sincere desire to please Him."

Jean Nicolas Grou, Daily Strength for Daily Needs p. 256

Resting in His Time

Spiritual Lessons

"Resting in His Time"

I stepped into her new little home. It was small, but cozy. There were old family pictures on the wall and blankets folded up in a chest. She pointed out what once used to be her grandmother's and that was now passed down for her own household. It was sweet. Here she was, newly married, pregnant, and getting ready to set out on an adventure of a lifetime. And in a small way, I envied her. I've always dreamed of doing some of those same things. Getting married, setting up your own little 'home', having babies, and starting off on the adventures of life along side your best friend. It was almost a melancholy feeling, even though I was really happy for my friend.

Timing is something I've been pondering lately. It seems like God rarely ever does things how we expect Him to, if ever. Even things we feel like He's told us about. His timing certainly isn't ours and when the Bible says "His ways are past finding out" (Romans 11), He really meant it. And honestly, that's probably a very good thing. God gives us grace for the 'here and now', and not our tomorrows. If you could peak ahead and glance at what your life would be like in 5 years...would you? I would be tempted to. I'm a naturally curious person. But I know that I'd regret it if I had. Here I would have seen some things, possibly even really hard things, and I would have forfeited my 5 years of His grace in preparing me for that future time. Now that might seem rather silly to some. Obviously, you CAN'T see into your future, whether you would choose to or not. But, I think some girls are in danger of doing this in their hearts and even their imaginations. They 'dream up' what their futures will be. They have expectations. And when these expectations aren't met, they fall into despair. Sometimes we even hold expectations as to timing. I wouldn't have thought I'd be almost 23 and still single. My mom was married rather young and so were some of my sisters. It was just kind of an 'expected'. But, here I am regardless. And I'm thankful. God hasn't failed me, because I'm still unmarried. And God would still not have failed me  even if I NEVER got married. Why? Because my life is to be "hid with Christ in God". I belong to Him. I was created for His purpose above any other. He has a reason for His timing, even though we can't see it for ourselves. And in a way, it really is thrilling. He has a beautiful purpose for my life...even right now at this moment... and it is a purpose for good. For His glory, for our sanctification, and for others' service. He obviously doesn't have a need for me to be married just yet, or else I would be, and that's okay. He knows exactly what He is doing and I can trust Him for it. He cares. I'm not forgotten in the shuffle. 

As a single young woman, sometimes there are the "ups and downs" of being single. At least, there is for me. As much as maybe we'd even like to suppress it, we can't deny that as a woman, we were created to compliment a man. There is no way around it. It is a natural God given desire and calling. We were created to nurture. Whether that be children, our husbands, our families, brothers and sisters, our communities, our pets, a garden, or even plants! It's there. And sometimes, in being single, it can be a frustrating desire to deal with. It would be easier just to "throw in the towel" so to speak and say "who needs men! I'm getting an apartment and a dog!" But true peace and real purpose for my life lies in surrender. Laying down all our desires, natural, God given, or otherwise, and placing ourselves in His will for His divine purpose. Just as I wouldn't seek marriage to complete or fulfill my life, I also wouldn't swing in the other direction and embrace singleness to prove my independence. Embracing or denying a desire doesn't make it go away. It must be given over to God. He can deal with it. He can give us the grace and strength to be content and courageous women for Him right where He's placed us.

If you are still single, you can count on it, there is a divine reason for it. I'd like to encourage you to stay faithful to Him. He's doing something special. He's preparing your heart. He's writing your story. Marriage is only a step in the journey. It isn't the journey itself. So even in the ups and downs of being single, the happy times, the hard times. The times when it feels so easy, when you feel content and ready to serve Him alone. When your heart is soaring. And then the times too, when hope feels lost and desire seems forgotten. When your heart feels the squeeze of a hope deferred. Can we still trust Him? Yes. Can we rest in His timing for us? Yes. Knowing that He works "all things together for good". (Romans 8) Knowing that "all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." (Colossians 1)