Bible + Sex

Now that I have your attention, take a minute to read just a bit of what the Bible has to say about this.

Hebrews 13:4
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

(^ Wow. Did God just say our body is a temple? The fact God is in you not only sanctifies you but also requires of you to be sanctified. You want to honor God? Honor Him by taking care of His temple - YOU.)

1 Corinthians 6:18
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.

(Ouch. The Bible just told us to FLEE - to RUN AWAY, to HIDE, to ESCAPE from it. We aren't even strong enough to be around the temptation, much less 'stand up to it'. If you don't get into situations where you can fall, you won't fall!)

Matthew 5:28
But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

(Guard your mind. Hardest. Thing. Ever. I know. But God doesn't play around with this. If we are the temple of God we have to be careful what we expose ourselves to.)

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

I know this might hit home, you might be feeling guilty right now, you might hate this, but no matter how far you've gone God can forgive you. Wherever you are in this battle for purity, you are not alone.

2013

2013

It’s Time for some (Positive!) Change

There is no sure fire way to be happy, no book or activity or food we can buy will offer us the cure to find perfect happiness, and there is a very simple reason why not. Happiness and positive energy has to come from with us, from our self worth and contentment with our actions and our world. Yet, even though there is no outsider’s way to reach this state, there are things you can do that will help you relax and clear your mind enough so that the stresses of the new year don’t bring you down.

Brain Massage~

Getting quiet through any kind of meditation is a great and simple place to start. You don’t have to sit a certain way or turn your guest room into a spa, only breathe. Nearly half of the oxygen your body craves is used solely by your mind, so taking a few moments to feed your greatest weapon and defense through conscious deep breathing exercises that will awaken, strengthen, and clarify your thoughts.

Golden Rule~

Someone once described holding resentment or bitterness as drinking your own poison, so no matter how you were wronged, do your best to address it and move on. No one has the right to steal your peace, so simply offer a smile, turn the other cheek, and continue throughout your day, keeping in mind that unless you want to spread this virus you should always treat everyone in your path with the respect you would expect.

Bend~

Change is inevitable, history and our own experiences have proved that time and time again. Although we might not always have full control of the situation we are placed in, we do control how we react (or don’t react) to it. If you are in a position that puts you under stress, rather than add to the unease with complaints or arguments, do your best to either find a reasonable way out of it, or locate a mindset that allows you to live with, if not flourish in it. As all Military personnel know, when orders come, they have to be followed, so set aside 2013 as the year to bend, taking things as they come, and always seeking the most healthy and positive way to benefit from any of the countless new experiences you will face.

Emotional reboot~

All too often we find ourselves in a cycle of negative thoughts, which turns into negative emotions, and finally manifests into negative actions. All this angst originates in how we perceive ourselves and our situations. What we choose see dictates what we think, and all it takes is a slight change of perspective to alter our thought process, creating a positive domino effect through our entire being. As horrible as things may seem, or how dire a state the world is in, there are always small rays of light to be found. Taking time for yourself to discover these things is imperative, whether that means a long hot shower and an uplifting novel, taking your children out to the park more, or getting out and socializing with a new group of people, you owe it to yourself to find out what makes you smile.

Move on~

A very wise monkey once said, “What does it matter? It’s in the past!” For those of you who recognized old Rafiki’s advice, I hope you take it. This is a brand new year, and it has the capability to signify a new chapter in your life. New Year’s resolutions aren’t always about losing weight, maybe you have a lifelong goal you haven’t reached yet, perhaps you are determined to set aside more time for your family, or to make that promotion. Whatever your goal is, take or make the time and energy to meet it. Not only will the self-accomplishment create a new sense of confidence and positive energy in you, you will also have the satisfaction in saying, “When they said the world was going to end, I changed mine.”

Live in the moment~

In this day and age we are surrounded by a hundred and one distractions, to the point where we can be talking to someone while our mind drifts off to wonder “Did I ever reply to that text?” Or worse, we could be having dinner with our family or friends and be more absorbed in our phones than we are their company. Multi-tasking is a wonderful skill to have, but sadly, many of us lack it, taking our attention away from the present while our minds muddle. While interacting with people try to stay completely and consciously present instead of letting yourself drift. Focusing on what is happening right here and now will allow you to take a full account of your surroundings, life, and those around you and have a clear and concise memory for later reference. A few moments of your undivided attention to your spouse, child, or friend will yield more to both of you than any facebook like or share.

Open your lungs and your eyes~

When things start to get hectic, (as we all know they will,) there is nothing more crucial than your sanity. Stepping outside for a few moments to look up at the clouds or trees and inhaling the fresh air is scientifically proven to calm you. Stuck in an office? Google some pictures of beaches or scenic landscapes. Studying the natural essence of the pictures and imaging yourself within them will give your mind a quick escape from the madness. Keep a playlist specially set aside for the times you need an uplifting and emotionally embracing respite, and stash your favorite treat somewhere so that should its salty or sweet comfort be needed, you can satisfy yourself without breaking the belt.

And as our wonderful editor Molly reminds us each week, take care. By tending to yourself and nurturing your mental, physical, and spiritual needs, whatever they are, you are building the foundation of your life. Don’t skip corners or rush. Have that cup of tea, that nibble of chocolate, and then go for that half hour walk you keep putting off until tomorrow. Having a positive inner vision of yourself will allow you to take on this year and the people you meet with confidence, grace, and a perfect balance of self-reliance, an optimistic outlook, and empathy for those around you.

God and Teenagers

Hormones suck. That's just life. Teenage years are full of confusion, your body and your mind take on a life of their own and suddenly even your emotions go haywire. You are expected to start growing up and taking on life like an adult, but on the inside you are still struggling to understand what the heck is going on inside of you. I know. I understand. I'm right there with you. In the midst of the physical, we all struggle to keep the innocence of our youth and the purity God has given us, both of our mind and body.
But God has promised we are not alone in this. He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us, our parents to help lead us, our friends to support us, our family to protect us, and above all, His Son to save us. So no matter where you are in life, going through this oh-so-amazing period of transition or watching your own kids go through it, remember to seek God.
The stability you need, the love you crave, and the attention you long for can only be found in Him. He is the only one capable of giving you the control and strength to master (survive?) these years and the details that come with them.
Just know you are aided, my fellow Jesus Freaks. I'm in the same battle you are, and fighting on your same side. There will be trials to come, break-outs, break-ups, the whole nine yards, but Our God is the same today, yesterday, and tomorrow. And even Jesus had to bear the years of 12-20. He knows just what you are going through, so never think you are misunderstood. You are loved, you will get through this, and life is all about learning and seeking Him. The more you do that, the easier it will get.
With my Love and His ♥

Finding God

There was nothing clean, perfect, or ideal about that night. There were no doctors, fresh sheets, clean water. It stank. Animals were less than a foot away. And to those who have had children, you know that isn't exactly a piece of cake either. The birth of our Savoir was a scandalous, muddy affair taking place in what we might call a pig pin.

If this was where God was born, why then do we look for Him in the most beautiful of churches, the most elaborate of prayers, the most eloquent of speakers? God can be found on that street "you should never drive through at night." God can be found "with that girl you don't want your daughters to hang out with" or with that "man who just got out of jail." Or with that boy "who is going down the wrong path." All those things you have the audacity to glance away from, 'hookers', drug addicts, shut-ins, the disabled, the gross, the un wanted, the refuse of society... could you not also describe them in the same way His birth was? Scandalous. Imperfect. Dirty. Unwanted.

God came. And God left. But not before giving us the mission to do as He did. The first place he went was one where there was no place for him. He didn't belong there. It wasn't "his comfort zone."

So let's make a point to get out of ours and seek out God by seeking those who need Him most.