PURITY- What is this thing ALL about???

I wanted to share with you all a testimony of God's Faithfulness; I'm not a virgin. I did not wait until marriage to have sex for the first time. Even when I made a decision to be abstinent, I was not sexually pure (there is a huge difference). God was and STILL IS doing a work in me. I can't change that part of my life, it happened and it's real. BUT GOD. I'm not sharing this to spill my business out on the streets. It's just that I know and have seen first hand God's transformation power in an area that I used to feel very casual about. Now, I was not always comfortable sharing this area of my life, but thank God for showing me that He has blessed me so that I can be a blessing to others!

In my late teens/ early 20s is where God began to tug on my heart regarding purity. I don't even know if I knew it was Him doing the tugging. It just began to tug in my heart, that there was more. At this time, I really did not have much of a relationship with the Lord even though I was brought up in a traditional church. I would go to church and be in intimate with the person I was dating, with little conviction. Everyone around me was doing the same and so; I just thought it was the norm.

After going through a horrible break up (it literally wrecked me for about a year), that's when the pages began to turn in my life. I don't even know if I had heard about purity before this. If I did, I probably thought it was something for people back in the 19th century and not me. "You mean to tell me, you expect for me to wait to have sex until marriage and give my life to You, surrender my body and I'm an African American young women who likes hip hop, clubbing and following my friends"?! Yes.

There is a difference between religion and relationship. God wants the latter and it's much higher to have relationship with Him. He desires for us to desire an intimate and personal relationship with Him! THIS and this alone is what changed me; my relationship with Him.
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:8

It was not until, I began to have a personal love relationship with the Lord, that I GOT IT. Honestly this year, I was having a conversation with the Lord and I told Him I finally understand why He has required His sons and daughters to walk in purity (it's more than just not have sex). I have and still am going through deliverance in areas of my life because of my disobedience. It's not anything spooky, we need to be delivered as we continue in this walk with the father. He does not want us bound or chained up with strongholds and struggles.

My prayer for you and for all of us is that we will pursue holiness. It is possible with God and remember it's a process. Just please don't give up and know that you are not alone. He is with you and He is your help. Thank you Lord!

*** Some Praise and Worship videos/blogs are coming soon. I believe purity is the foundation of true Praise and Worship!

What will you have to offer once Found? (Worth the Wait)

 

I saw something on facebook posted by one of my mentors Cee Cee Michaela the other day that changed my way of thinking in the area of Love, Marriage and Sexual Purity. Basically, it was challenging singles to ask the question: "What will you give your future spouse when you are FOUND"? We often talk or hear about being a Virtuous Woman or a Mighty Man of Valor, we are told not to settle, but don't be too picky, put your self out there, be sociable, get in the word, become the woman or man that you would want that other person to have, the list could go on. This can be great advice and encouragement; but we want to make sure that we are not putting the focus on us and getting that ring on our finger just so that we can finally say: "I's married naw" .

Proverbs 4:7 "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."

Can we be honest and real with each other, when you think about your honeymoon night or being with your mate, what do you think? Honestly, a lot of times I would think about sex (of course). It would be perfect; I will make him feel good and he would make me feel good! We will experience pleasures like never before, he would be "sprung" and so in love with me all the more! It would be perfect, right? God shared a revelation with me the other day; "Anyone can make someone feel good, many people can give someone else lots of sexual pleasure, that's really not much to give and that is not all that you should want to give your mate on your wedding night". You know what the most beautiful gift you could give your mate on your wedding night/honeymoon? Give them GOD, His Spirit living on the inside of you. For my sisters, we want to give him, HIM. When I saw that facebook post, it really hit me to the core, because this takes the focus off us or another person and put it on Christ. So instead of just saying that "We are Worth the Wait" (which is true), take it even further and much higher and confess "Lord, YOU are Worth the Wait". Ultimately, that's really what we are waiting for! Instead of my husband being "sprung" on me, I want Him to be SOLD OUT for the Lord!!! I and you have a part to play in that as we become one with our mate.

So this is what we do: Let's fill ourselves up SO much of God that we are consumed with HIM. Let Him cleanse us from past hurts, pains and sins. Let Him do a work in us, heal us and deliver us so that He can use us for His glory, not just in marriage but in ALL He has called us to do! So I charge you brothers and sisters, let's get past just waiting for our desires to manifest but let's fill ourselves so much with our Heavenly Father, that every person we come in contact with will leave having encountered the true and living God and not us! I believe this applies to both singles and marrieds.

***I want to share some beautiful pictures with you from the Worth the Wait Gala, it was Awesome! Men and Women, Youth, Young Adults and children on Fire for the Lord and walking in Sexual Purity or having the desire to do so! www.iamworththewait.com

A family that is PURE together, can BREAK Yokes together!

 

Me, Cousin Cammie, Sister Tondalaya

 

Beautiful Leslie and I. God has wonderful plans for Leslie! Whoop Whoop!

 

 

My Church Fam and Friends! Don't they look great! #Purity Rocks

 

 

Co-workers and Friends Latanya, James and Myself 2012 Gala!

We are worth the wait! God is worth the wait!

 

 

Peaches Howard and I; my sista from the same Mista; God!

God bless you!

Single and it's Valentine's Day? Or any Holiday

I definitely know what it's like to be single and on the holiday's. I've been through feeling sorry for myself, wondering "why me" and feeling unloved and even sometimes embarrassed. Let me share this with you; You are not alone! I understand and God certainly understands what you are going through. There is a future and a hope for you. God is Super Faithful.

This year for Valentines' Day, God placed on my heart to encourage singles with some words of wisdom and encouragement for 11 days. I pray that you are blessed, encouraged and even challenged by these nuggets God has blessed me with during season of singleness.

Single and it' Valentines Day? (1 of 11) There is a portion (what you have in your life RIGHT NOW) that God has blessed you with. Are you grateful, Have you thanked Him for it? I hear a hearts cry from our Heavenly Father saying: "Son, Daughter, Are you grateful for TODAY, are you grateful that Salvation is offered to you, Are you grateful for life? Let's give God thanks for our portion right now; unconditionally.

Single and it's Valentine's Day? (2 of 11)
Sometimes we think we want something, but we don't see the full picture but God does! A lot of times, He is protecting us from what He knows is not best for us. Take heart in knowing that God has a plan for your life, including His best choice for you in a mate. Let's meditate on Matthew 6:33 and Jeremiah 29:11 today ♥

Single and it's Valentines Day? (3 of 11)
Finding a man of God or a Woman of God is not the problem, God can do that in a second. Being obedient and in alignment of His will for your life is where your attention is needed. ♥

Single and it's Valentines Day? (4 of 11)
I read a post yesterday that said "Marriage is ultimately (or should we say eternally) not about US, it's about our relationship with Jesus Christ." So, this should tell us in preparing for anything, to be well equipped our relationship with the Father should be our priority. For our relationship with Him is what determines how our relationship will be with everyone else! Have you talked and communed with Him today? Have you slipped away for a moment just to tell How much He means to you? #loveonHim

Single and it's Valentines Day? (5 of 11) Speaking of love, let's do a heart check! One sure hindrance of answered prayer and healing is forgiveness. My brother calls it a ticking time bomb! Let's be real, we have all been hurt and disappointed in some way. If we don't forgive, it creates a blockage and hindrance from us really receiving all God has for us no matter how "good" of a person we are. T...here is good news though: God in all His faithfulness has blessed us with Holy Spirit who tells us nothing but the truth. Set some time aside today and ask Him to search your heart for anyone you have not forgiven. Be open because it may be an area or a person you did not expect (including yourself). Time does not heal things. Confession and repentance does. ♥

 

Single and it' Valentines Day? (6 of 11)
Man! God loves you so much! Yeah, the Creator of the Heavens and the earth loves you more than you know and is thinking of you constantly, all the time! He's Faithful. Someone this wonderful knows what's best for you and has not forgotten you so, Rest. Trust. Honor and Worship.

 

Single and it's Valentines Day? (7 of 11)
"Honor the Lord by making Him an offering from the best of all that your land produces." Proverbs 3:9 Let's give Him our best today! Let's honor and Worship Him with our bodies, only doing what's pleasing to Him! #purity

 

Single and it's Valentines Day? (8 of 11)
So, today I have been listening to love songs to Jesus and my heart just begin to overflow with adoration! Did you know that Jesus is a lover too? He's the Lover of our soul! Today let's purpose in our hearts to love on Jesus! Write Him a letter telling Him how you feel, cook dinner and talk with him, write a little post it note, slip away from the busyness and tell Him how you really feel and how your grateful! He is so cool to be around. Enjoy this uninterrupted time with Him :) ♥

 

Single and it's Valentines Day? (9 of 11)
I know sometimes it's SO tempting to compare yourself to others (believe me I've been there and still have to shut it down when tempted to do so). Especially around holidays, weekends or whenever; you may ask the question: "I've been faithful, when is it my turn", "Lord, you blessed so and so and she doesn't even honor you", or "I just mine as well give up..., it doesn't seem like anyone is compatible with me". Let me share something with you; GOD IS FAITHFUL. That's right, He is more faithful than we are. He's not "out to get you" or to make you suffer. He loves you and desires to give you good things. Hold on to God when times get tough, pour your heart out to Him, Worship Him while in the hallway waiting for the open door! ♥

 

Single and it's Valentines Day? (10 of 11)
Do you REALLY believe that you are worth the wait? I know what statistics, people and the media says, but what about what God says: "for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body" 1 Corinthians 6:20. Please do not settle and give up your treasures just because it's a man made holiday that everybody is supposed to show love. You are loved everyday. The one who honors and cherishes you the most. He wants you to wait until His perfect timing, any other way wont even compare to His way. He honor's obedience ♥

Single and It's Valentines Day? (11 of 11)
Rejoice in the Lord Always again I say Rejoice! God writes the best love stories! Put your pen down, a matter of fact throw it away and let Him write the story this time :). Serve Him and Worship more Him while you wait and even when He blesses you; still serve Him and Worship more! Lord, let our service and Worship unto you be the common denominator in all seasons of life! ♥