I Need Him to Change | Guest Post

This guest blog post I Need Him to Change was first published on https://beagirlfriendpraylikeawife.wordpress.com/
Thank you so much sis for sharing.

Hi ladies,

So this is the phrase that has been a constant in my prayers whenever my boyfriend makes me mad or gets mad at me. I always look up to the Lord and ask him, ‘why does he act like that?’ ‘ Can’t he just change and be this…and that and the other’. I need him to change Lord!

Well, I have been reading ‘The Power of a Praying wife’ and oh wow, I was taken aback.

To come to God to change someone, you have to come with a pure heart, otherwise your prayers will take longer to be answered, because they are not coming from the purity of your heart. If I look back, there are times when my boyfriend and I used to have an argument, and I would kneel before the Lord and cry, and ask him to forgive me and clear my heart of the anger and pray for a change in my boyfriend; funny enough that change would truly occur. On the contrary, whenever, I went to God arguing and blaming my boyfriend, it was like my pleas fell on deaf ears and I was losing.

One thing for sure, is that I cannot come around to telling my boyfriend that something is wrong with him or pointing out his flaws without him being defensive and yet he found it so easy to point out mine. I did not want to be annoying and complain all the time because growing up I knew how annoying a nagging woman can be, and yet my boyfriend said that I sometimes come off annoying…(well its people on the outside who truly know You) ; and I have also promised to stop being on the defensive myself. So back to Stormie, she specifically referred to praying to God to change You first before, he begins to work on the Boyfriend. WHOAH..

So before I wrote this post I asked myself, what is honestly wrong with me. I feel like I have not done anything wrong, he is always in the wrong I said. So, it finally came to me that maybe I can start praying about the things that he vocally complains about me. (Thank God my guy is vocal about such)

1. Time Keeping; I did not think it was that big of a deal, until I recalled the expression that he has on his face when I’m late for a date, or spending hours doing my makeup, or not prepared for anything when he comes over. The expression is one that says that he wants to wrap me in a ball and throw me off the balcony. (My guy wants a girlfriend who keeps time or at least shows an effort to keep time)
2. Organized; I must confess I am not organized AT ALL!!! Like sometimes I like my mess because I can easily find my stuff through it. But I know how to hide so I do not think he has seen my mess full on (I’m one of those people who usually organize when someone is coming over)
   1. (a) The other thing that is in the organized categories is the finances. My finances are somewhat a mess. There are times when I have money and other times I am super broke…and I always tell myself that I’m only 23…lol…that is foolish, I know. So he keeps saying he does not mind but I am sure he does, it is not right I need to get myself together
3. My phone is unavailable (most of the time) when he needs to talk to me and also when it is on, I do not pick (not intentionally of course). Do You know anyone like this? They really do not mind being offline. I honestly do not mind and I feel like I get a peace of mind. But it drives him mad…Super mad.
4. I interrupt him a lot when he is talking. I just cannot seem to shut up! I am so opinionated and I need to understand that some I do not have to really talk and allow my man to feel like a man. Otherwise, we end up in a debate that is makes one of us angry.

So these are the areas that I am asking God to change in me. I am on my knees praying to God to deliver me from those weak points, I am physically going to work at it physically and keep a journal for progress. What are Your weak points that Your boyfriend keeps complaining about?

P.S: And lastly, if you’re still thinking ‘He also has weaknesses’, my response is, let’s be humble, come off our high horse and deal with OURS, then we shall deal with his later.

PRAYER TIME!

1. Let go of your anger towards him and forgive him; MARK 11:24-25; Ephesians 4:32 Galatians 6:9
2. Get on your knees with your pure heart and start praying for Yourself.

This is a sample prayer template which I also borrowed and tweaked from Stormie, you can also modify to suit You.

Oh LORD, I come to You today thanking You for everything that You have given me, the blessings and the love that I receive each and every day. I thank You for the fact that I actually know You or Lord. Thank You for the fact that I am in a relationship with (boyfriend’s name). Thank You for having made us meet for I know that it was no coincidence, for You know all things before they even happen. Lord I kneel down before You today to ask You to help me a good girlfriend for I do not know how to be one without Your help. Take my selfishness, impatience and irritability and turn them into kindness, long suffering and the willing ness to bear all things. Take my old emotional habits, mind sets automatic reactions, rude assumptions and self-protective stance and make me patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled. TAKE AWAY THE HARDNESS OF MY HEART AND BREAK DOWN THE WALLS I HAVE BUILT. Give me a new heart and work in me Your JOY, PEACE and LOVE.

Show me where there is sin in my heart with regard to (boyfriend’s name) and help me change and transform from being (mention Your weaknesses). Only YOU can change me Lord and make me new. I confess that there are times when I have been critical unloving, judgmental, unsupportive, resentful, rude and mean. I also have built up anger and disappointment towards him but lift all those feelings from my heart. Let me forgive him totally and FORGET. Let the way we COMMUNICATE rise to another level and let us be able to understand each other

Make me (boyfriend’s name) helpmate, companion, friend and number one fan. Let him feel peaceful restful and safe when he is with me. Let me learn how to care for myself and stay attractive to him with utter confidence in spirit, mind and soul. Make him proud of me as his girlfriend.

I lay all my expectations of (boyfriend’s name) at the Cross and release him of the burden of fulfilling me in the areas where I should be looking unto You. Let me accept him the way he is and not try to change him. I realize that in some ways he might not change but at the same time, I ask You to release him to change in ways that I never thought he could I leave any changing that needs to be done in Your hands, fully accepting that neither of us is perfect and only You are.

Teach me how to pray for my boyfriend and make my prayers a true language of love. Where love has died create new love between us. Show me what unconditional love really is and how to communicate it in a way that he can truly perceive. Bring unity between us so that we are in agreement about everything. Make us a team not pursuing separate, competitive or independent lives but working together, overlooking each other’s faults and weaknesses for the greater good of the relationship.

I pray that our commitment to You and to one another may grow stronger and more passionate every day. Enable him to head our relationship as You made him to be and show me how to support and respect him as he rises to that place of leadership. Help me to understand his dreams and see things from his perspective. Reveal to me what he wants and needs and show me potential problems before they arise Breathe Your life into this relationship

Make me a new person Lord and Give me a fresh perspective, a positive, outlook and a renewed relationship with the man You have given me. Help me see him with new eyes, new appreciation, new love, new compassion and acceptance. Give my boyfriend a new girlfriend and let that girlfriend be me.

In Jesus’ name I Pray

AMEN!

Feel free to comment down below

xxxxx

Love is Like Green Bananas?

…written by guest blogger Brenda Seefeldt Amodea

I had a date with a guy once. His name was Mitchell. He was in a band that I hired for a youth event and he was pretty insistent on asking me out. Even the teens knew he was. I said yes.

On our first date he took me to a nice dinner in downtown Minneapolis. It was a nice dinner and we had a nice conversation. After that dinner we were walking on that nice summer evening in downtown Minneapolis.

Then suddenly he was down on his knees before me and proposed marriage. In front of a crowd…  Who stopped to watch… I said no to his proposal without even explaining why. Very loudly to the crowd Mitchell declared, “Love is like green bananas. It takes time to ripen.” The date ended shortly after that.

When you practice brave dating (Dating to discover who you are. The result of this learning process will then lead you to a good match to give you that love for a lifetime you desire.) Sometimes you date clunkers. This is a risk you take.

But isn’t dating always a risk? Vulnerability is required. Believe it or not though, brave dating is one of those safer risks because you aren’t placing so much pressure on this one date hoping he/she may be “the one.” You are just dating and learning.

A side benefit is sometimes you get to do some really fun things on that date. Especially if you can help shape the date idea to be something fun.

Another side benefit is you may have a great story to tell your friends that will cause laughter for many years to come. You don’t get that story without taking this step of bravery.

And a proposal mixed with love is like green bananas is a story worth telling again and again.

Mitchell and I had a second date, sort of. His band was playing at the county fair and I was there. He took me on a ride on the ferris wheel. At the top of the ferris wheel, he proposed again. I said no again. And he confidently said, “Love is like bubbles. It takes time to rise to the surface.”

I never saw Mitchell again. But I heard he got married to someone else not too long after. Is anyone surprised?

Brenda Seefeldt Amodea is a 35-year youth pastor.  What that means is she has “coached” many teens through high school, through singleness and into marriage.  What Brenda has learned over these 35 years as well as from her own personal experience of dating for 18 years before her marriage has been combined into Brave Dating Coach which is a blog, a small group, and a speaking ministry.  Brave Dating Coach can be found at http://www.Bravester.com where you will also find other blogs written by some of those grown teens in Brenda’s life who are finding their way to that love for a lifetime.

Love in Waiting welcomes guest bloggers to come, write, and share! If you would like to write for LIW or invite Candra to speak at your event, submit your information on our contact page.
GospelNewMedia@gmail.com

Good Dating Practice: Commit Yourself to a Local Church

Good Dating Practice: Commit Yourself to a Local Church
Written by guest blogger, Brenda Seefeldt Amodea

 

This dating practice does not sound as difficult as other dating practices such as working on yourself and/or working out so you can better yourself.  Those are all good, by the way.  This dating practice is also practical—practical in a way that makes joining a Zumba class look more appealing.  I probably got some internal groans just from you reading the title.  Thank you for clicking through to read the entire post, by the way.

You may think that loving Jesus is enough. It’s not. Somehow this weird “Jesus and me” mentality has infected Christianity. For too many church has become listening to podcasts, watching popular preachers, hiking, skiing, or otherwise spend time in nature and calling it church. I personally do all of those things and that is not church. Yes, I do grow in my knowledge. I do have moments when I feel God’s presence. But this is not church. This is my growing faith.

The Bible calls us to be part of a local church. A physical church with real people.

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-15.

The New Testament church kept lists of its people. It cared for its people. It observed sacraments, shared things in common, and provided encouragement and correction.

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper, and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity–all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47.

I know. The local church is not like this. The local church is so flawed. It is. It is full of flawed people. Most people who are truly giving it their best. Yet it doesn’t turn out clean. Churches are full of messy flawed people. You can be offended by these people who are trying but then you should be offended by you who is also not perfect. When you are hiking in your beautiful solo worshipful moments, you are still with a flawed person. It’s just that this person (you) doesn’t seem so flawed when you are not worshipping with others.

Churches make us vulnerable. People are going to hurt us. People are going to be stupid. We are going to feel pain, rejection, disappointment. We are also going to feel joy, community, belonging.

Brave it up. Your identity in Christ should be strong enough to endure the uncomfortableness of vulnerability. Your identity seeps out when your decisions of bravery define you. When you choose vulnerability over numbing. The blessing is you get to also feel joy. Church does bring great moments of joy. It really does.

Commit yourself to a local church. And this doesn’t mean sitting in the back of a megachurch to take in the show. Find a church that knows your name. That will greet you by name at the door. If not at the door, that someone in the lobby will yell across, “Good morning, Brenda!”

Being a part of a local church becomes a brave dating practice because this is where you will most likely find your team. These are people you can be accountable to because they want the best for you.

The local church is where you can find a place in ministry to serve. Every single needs to be serving somewhere. You are capable. You are gifted. You are needed. And you have the time. I know you probably hate that you have the time but this is a great season in your life. Not a waiting season til that “one day” but one when you get to live your life to the fullest now.

When the adventure of following God is a part of your life now (as well as “one day”). The local church has plenty of opportunities you can dip your toes in or jump in with both feet because you know you have a passion for children or you know you are a developer of leaders or you know you can lead a mission trip. The local church provides the place to develop you.

Note:  If your church family idolizes marriage which means you are not a full member of this church because you are single (whether stated or perceived), find a better church.  Curse the dumb church who doesn’t realize the treasure that a single person is to the work of the church.  I mean that.  You are a full person full of passion that can be used in ministry in a thousand different ways.  You need to be recognized and released to be this full person by your church family.

When your church family honors you like this and gives you opportunity, you become quite attractive. (The church family also gains a lot too because they have you serving.) You are given the opportunity to be all that God has made you to be. And that is attractive.  Join a local church and become attractive.

The local church is also one of the few places in this crazy America where people from all walks of life gather together. Think about the circles of your life. Inside those circles are a lot of the same people. In a church you get everybody.

People you wouldn’t have a conversation with. People you wouldn’t know so you would never grow compassion for. This is one of the biggest blessings of being a part of a church family. It is also the reason why it is easier to worship alone. Jump in. You are a bit weird too.

Just a warning: Don’t find a local church in the hopes that this is where you are going to find your love for a lifetime. You may. Most likely you may not. But these are the people who are going to help you know when you have found that right match which will lead to a love for a lifetime. These are the ones who will pray for you through it all. These are the people who are going to rejoice (most likely with loud noises) when you find your love for a lifetime. And these are the people who are going to sit with you and let you cry when your heart is broken.

You want these people in your life. You need these people in your life. This is why you go to church. You may also love to worship and may also love to be stretched by some good, but in the end it is the people. It is your church family. You need them.

Brenda Seefeldt Amodea is a 35-year youth pastor.  What that means is she has “coached” many teens through high school, through singleness and into marriage.  What Brenda has learned over these 35 years as well as from her own personal experience of dating for 18 years before her marriage has been combined into Brave Dating Coach which is a blog, a small group, and a speaking ministry.  Brave Dating Coach can be found at www.Bravester.com where you will also find other blogs written by some of those grown teens in Brenda’s life who are finding their way to that love for a lifetime.

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Love in Waiting welcomes guest bloggers to come, write, and share! If you would like to write for AU or invite Candra to speak at your event, submit your information on our contact page; or email GospelNewMedia@gmail.com.

A New View on Dating

Written by guest blogger: Nicole D. Miller

 

I used to be a huge proponent for courtship versus dating.  My understanding of dating was that there is very little wisdom, there is no clear purpose on being with that person and there is a greater potential for heartbreak.  Having had the experience of heartbreak more than once I wanted to avoid it as much as possible!

So I advocated for courtship since I didn’t want to be “out there”, I didn’t want to be broken-hearted and I didn’t want to waste my time entertaining someone who wasn’t the someone (am I alone in this?).  But now that I am a little older (and hopefully wiser) I’m learning about balance.

I’m learning that though my intentions have been God honoring and my views were coming from a sincere desire to please Him, they were not necessarily the healthiest viewpoints for me.

The blessing in being more balanced is that you get away from extremism.  Whenever there is extremism there is opportunity for deception, delusion and even pride.  Paul (previously known as Saul) understood extremism.

He was, in his own words, a “Hebrew of Hebrews”.  He was so zealous in his belief that he actually thought he was doing the work of the Lord by killing God’s people!  He was delusional.  Extremism can take us there.

Previously I may not have been that extreme in my belief about dating, I was open to others dating, I just did not think it was wise for me to.  I did not think I could guard my heart when connecting with multiple people.  And looking back I was probably right.  Okay, okay, I was right.  But there are different seasons of life.

There are different ways God is working and moving and shaping us in His image and so I find myself being more open these days.  I find myself having conversations and going out for meals and placing more value on honoring a person for who they are instead of trying to see if they are my spouse.

This is a good practice for me.  It is good to remember people are to be honored simply because they are in the image of God, not because they can fulfill a need you have.

It has taken me time to get to this place, and I am still growing, but time has benefited my growth process.

I do think dating can be misused, but now I’m learning it is about the person using it.  If that person is more mature, less selfish, and a little wiser, well, she just may be able to experience healthy male interaction in a safe environment in the context of dating.

~Nicole D. Miller

Visit Nicole’s blog … His Love is Better Than Wine
Click here to purchase your copy of How to Overcome Heartbreak : Recovering from Misguided Love

 

I am currently looking for writers/guest bloggers to contribute to Abundantly You. You do not have to be a blogger or professional writer to contribute. We’ve all had battles to overcome. We are all fighting some kind of battle now. Share your story of God’s love and grace in your life.

 

Your guest post is not restricted to the subject of singleness. Anything that will empower, make us think, or make us laugh are welcome. Email your submissions to Candra Evans at gospelnewmedia@gmail.com. God bless you!

Abundantly You for Christian Singles and More

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Email Address:

Subscribe

Hosted By

Abundantly You Inc welcomes guest bloggers to come, write, and share! If you would like to write for AU or invite Candra to speak at your event, submit your information on our contact page.
GospelNewMedia@gmail.com
Mailing address: P.O. Box 128787
Cincinnati, Ohio 45212
//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js


//

 

Share Your Story and Hold Up a Weary Hand

 

Would you like to share your story to inspire Christian singles?

• What relationship lessons have you learned?
• How have you grown in God during the season of singleness?
• Got a funny first date story that will make someone smile?
• Have parenting tips for the single mom?
• Can you encourage Christian singles over 40?

Even in times when we feel we have nothing much to contribute, we are in fact affecting the lives of others all around us.

But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. (Exodus 17:12 ESV)

It doesn’t take great feats to help someone else on their journey. Aaron and Hur simply supported the hands of Moses. They lifted his hands high when Moses became weary. As long as the hands of Moses were held up, Joshua and Israel prevailed.

For the last 7 years or so I have shared many stories of my Christian single journey. However, I truly believe that the greatest words of inspiration have come from you.

Many have chosen to share your story through guest blogging and comments. I have read every one and so have others. These words have been gems to the weary heart.

My prayer is that Abundantly You continue to be a strong platform for inspiration for singles. But that will not happen without you.

I am currently looking for writers/guest bloggers to contribute to Abundantly You. You do not have to be a blogger or professional writer to contribute. We’ve all had battles to overcome. We are all fighting some kind of battle now.

Lend your voice and hold up a weary hand.

 

Your guest post is not restricted to the subject of singleness. Anything that will empower, make us think, or make us laugh is welcome.

In return I want to promote what you are doing in the Kingdom of God. Perhaps you would like to share your blog, book or other accomplishments. I welcome your words!

I will share 2 to 3 links within your article or in your bio that will lead Abundantly You readers to where you are. Share your business, your book, etc. Share your story.

If you feel more comfortable sharing your story anonymously, that is fine too. 🙂

Here’s a quick rundown of guest post guidelines:

• A minimum of 500 words
• Include a short bio (Optional)
• Include a photo (Optional)
• Include your web site or social media link (Optional)
• All guest posts, articles, and linked pages will be vetted to make sure it aligns with the heart of Abundantly You.

God bless you all and I look forward to hearing from you! Submit your article(s) to gospelnewmedia@gmail.com. Feel free to email me with any questions or to simply chat!

Love you to life!
~Candra Evans
Abundantly You for Christian Singles and More

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Email Address:

Subscribe

Hosted By

Abundantly You Inc welcomes guest bloggers to come, write, and share! If you would like to write for AU or invite Candra to speak at your event, submit your information on our contact page.
GospelNewMedia@gmail.com
Mailing address: P.O. Box 128787
Cincinnati, Ohio 45212
//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js


//

Christian Dating by chaseGodtv

So I stumbled upon this YouTube video and found it fitting for our 30 day series on Christian Dating and Courtship. I will clarify more tomorrow on how I define Christian dating and courtship. There are many strong views on how each term should or should not apply to saved Christians. Ultimately the purpose and intention for the start of a Christian romance should be marriage. This video is a few years old but very relevant to issues and questions regarding Christian dating today. A few topics and questions addressed in this video are…

• Why doesn’t the Bible say more about dating and courtship?
• The importance of intentionality
• How do you know if you are ready to be in a relationship with someone?
• When is it time to bring a long-term dating relationship to an end?

Joe, from chaseGodtv, touches on a variety of Christian dating topics. Watch through to the end. You’ll enjoy.

Abundantly You for Christian Singles and More

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Email Address:

Subscribe

Hosted By

Abundantly You Inc welcomes guest bloggers to come, write, and share! If you would like to write for Abundantly You or invite Candra to speak at your event, submit your information on our contact page. GospelNewMedia@gmail.com Mailing address: P.O. Box 128787 Cincinnati, Ohio 45212

//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js

 

//

The Voice Of God | Dating & Courtship

The Voice of God | Dating and Courtship

 

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation;

for you I wait all the day long. – Psalm 25:4-5 ESV

A new relationship begins with a first date and if all is well, will transition into courtship. This is what we wait for, but our prayers should not cease. This is where you take your prayers to another level and seek the voice the God.

In the dating and courtship phases of a relationship, there is much transition. You’re learning about each other. You’re investigating his heart and reflecting on what you really need.

At no point in romance should you release the Holy Ghost from leading you. There are always questions that must be answered and situations that must be discerned.

As much as we would like to get caught up in the carnal side of things, our prayer should always be for God’s will to be done. As much as we might think we know how to approach a romantic relationship, keep your heart open to the voice of God.

The voice of God will…

• Help you discern prospective problems in the relationship
• Give you the wisdom and strength to address any red flags
• Teach you how to minister to the soul of your new love
• Instruct on how to be a spiritual blessing in your relationship
• Guide you in forming healthy relationships with his family and friends
• Speak to your heart and strengthen you when conflict occurs

There is nothing that we go through in life, that God does not understand. All is addressed in the Word of God. The Holy Scriptures is another way that we can know God’s ways and hear His heart. If we study we gain knowledge of the how’s, when’s, where’s, and why’s of life. God will reveal the knowledge we need for the moment.

Wait for the voice of God to give you insight and instruction. It is worth waiting for. The voice of God will give you wisdom more valuable than silver and gold. In her (wisdom) hands are long life, riches and honor. (Proverbs 3:16)

If you’ve been praying a long time for a husband, don’t stop praying when your future husband comes. Relationships will not always be perfect because, quite frankly, people are not perfect. The divorce rate shows that we prove ourselves fallible in choosing the right mate and making love last.

However, the voice of God is greater than our own. His approach to love and relationships is perfect. Let us know and put into practice His ways.

Let God say yes, before you say yes. Let God say no, before you say no. Follow God in His truth and you will be abundantly blessed!

 

Love, Peace, and Blessings,

~Candra
Abundantly You for Christian Singles and More

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Email Address:

Subscribe

Hosted By

Abundantly You Inc welcomes guest bloggers to come, write, and share! If you would like to write for Abundantly You or invite Candra to speak at your event, submit your information on our contact page.
GospelNewMedia@gmail.com
Mailing address: P.O. Box 128787
Cincinnati, Ohio 45212
//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js


//

Something New

 

It’s exciting to start something new. It brings an opportunity to reset, refresh and move forward.

When it comes to our relationships (new or old), God’s Word is a guide to us… so that we do not stumble or compromise our place in Him.

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? –

2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV)

The above Bible verse is a popular one among the saved and single community. Although this text is relative to all types of relationships, the focused relationship is usually the romantic one.

Still I wonder how early in a relationship should this verse be considered. Most Christian singles desire to marry someone who is also a believer and active in the Kingdom of God.

However, when it comes to dating, the boundaries are often stretched to include anyone that shows interest in us. I see it often. You probably do too.

I’m conservative when it comes to matters of the heart. Maybe it’s because my heart was broken on more occasions than I’d like to recall.

Therefore, I’m all for starting a new relationship with clarity and purpose. Some may say that I’m too deep and that a first date isn’t that serious. It’s just the beginning of things, right?

Accepting a first date with an unbeliever can open doors that you may not find so easy to shut again. You’re taking the chance of becoming emotionally connected with someone who’s on a different spiritual page. It may not seem to matter much initially, but it will soon enough.

It doesn’t take long for two souls to intimately connect. It doesn’t have to be sexual intimacy. Many hearts have been taken captive on the first encounter with a romantic dinner and a man who has taken interest in all of who you are.

This often occurs on the very first date. We get caught up and we don’t want to turn back.

So how do you get to know someone without dating them first?  How else can you embark on something new that may turn into something wonderful?

If you don’t know this person well enough to determine if they are sincerely walking in the Spirit, be friends first. When starting something new we are tempted to hurry things along without fully realizing what (or who) we are truly committing our hearts to.

When accepting an invitation to date, you are committing to exploring the possibility of a romantic relationship. But typically you don’t make this obligation with someone who is a friend.

Keep the relationship casual, not allowing attraction and longing to take the lead. Allow your time spent with them to be relaxed and informal. Chances are you will get to know the real man, when you are friends first. With friendships there are less pretenses.

Romantic expectations tend to cloud our perception. Jumping into something new with starry eyes can inhibit the ability to properly discern.

The conflict of light verses darkness will come because the two can not dwell together. You don’t want to face this after the fact. It can be hard on the heart.

It should not take long to determine if a man is walking in the light or still wandering in darkness. Worship, obedience, love, grace; the fruit of the Spirit will flow out easily from the heart of a true man of God.

Then with a solid confirmation from God, you can determine if you should take your friendship to the next level.

Communication is crucial at any stage of a relationship so be clear about your intentions. If you desire to be friends first, be clear about it. Signals between men and women are easily mixed and interpreted wrong.

You want to keep a guard at your heart and be totally attentive to the voice of God. We’ll discuss that more tomorrow. 😉

 

Love, grace and blessings to you,

Candra

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Email Address:

Subscribe

Abundantly You for Christian Singles and More

Hosted By

Abundantly You Inc welcomes guest bloggers to come, write, and share! If you would like to write for AU or invite Candra to speak at your event, submit your information on our contact page.
GospelNewMedia@gmail.com
Mailing address: P.O. Box 128787
Cincinnati, Ohio 45212
//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js


//

Stop Settling For Placeholder Relationships by Kenny Pugh

Stop Settling For Placeholder Relationships by Kenny Pugh

I wanted to share some food for thought today.

The term placeholder relationships is fairly new to me. However, it’s certainly not a new thing.

How long should you hang on to a relationship that isn’t going anywhere? I truly believe in dating with purpose. But what if the one you’re investing time in, wants a play date and not a soul mate?

On this journey of singleness many find themselves in and out of relationships. It’s crucial to know when to let go and how to hear the voice of God.

Our church small group for singles has adopted Kenny Pugh’s book, “Can You Do It Standing Up? – A Different Position on Relationships” for our featured book read this quarter.

I’ve enjoyed this text so much that I decided to follow Mr. Pugh on some of his social networks. In doing so I found this video sharing his thoughts and words of wisdom regarding placeholder relationships.

Listen in and let me know your thoughts!

Our small group meets every 2nd and 4th Monday at 6:30 PM. If you’re in the Cincinnati area stop in and fellowship with us!

Greater Community Church
3590 Alaska Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45237

Can You Do It Standing Up? A Different Position on Relationships: Insight To Help You Make Better Relationship Decisions

And don’t forget to share the news of the Abundantly You apparel line! Click to reserve your order today. Ten shirts must be reserved before we can go to print.

 

~Candra Evans

Abundantly You for Christian Singles and More

Abundantly You Inc welcomes guest bloggers to come, write, and share! If you would like to write for Abundantly You or invite Candra to speak at your event, submit your information on our contact page.

Saved and Single Conference Call | Becoming Whole Before Becoming One

Join me and my friend Rob the M.A.C. (Man After Christ) this Saturday, January 23^rd at 7:07 PM (Central Time Zone) for the next saved and single conference call!

If you’re single and marriage-minded, wholeness is crucial to having the love story you dream of. God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours. Join us as we discuss His ways to wholeness and His thoughts for marriage.

Rob the M.A.C.

Rob is a saved, single minister and musician.  His resume includes a Master in Counseling/Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems. In 2008 he published his album, “88 Keys of Dreams”. He is a Guidance Technology Specialist, model, actor and producer recently featured on “Atlanta Live.”

Every second and fourth Saturday Rob hosts singles from around the world in God’s Word and prayer. It is a blessed time of encouragement and fellowship.

Click the links below to learn more about Rob and his ministries! You don’t want to miss it!

This Week’s Topic:   Becoming Whole Before Becoming One
Speaker:                       Minister Candra Evans

Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 7:07 PM Central Time Zone

Singles Prayer Conference Dial In Information:
Dial in number:  605-475-4875
Access Code:     767712#

 

Up Coming Topics on the Saved and Single Conference Call:
Bootleg Mate

www.robthemac.com

www.savedandsingle.info

 

Purchase the S&S Word, Prayer and Affirmation CD – Vol I

CD Baby

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/savedandsinglewordprayer

iTunes

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/saved-single-word-prayer-affirmation/id780060643

 

And don’t forget to share the news of the Abundantly You apparel line! Click to reserve your order today. Ten shirts must be reserved before we can go to print.

 

~Candra Evans

Abundantly You for Christian Singles and More

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Email Address:

Subscribe

Hosted By

Abundantly You Inc welcomes guest bloggers to come, write, and share! If you would like to write for Abundantly You or invite Candra to speak at your event, submit your information on our contact page.
GospelNewMedia@gmail.com
Mailing address: P.O. Box 128787
Cincinnati, Ohio 45212
//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js


//