Looking at the Paper

   I once began a journey I didn't think I'd ever begin: online dating. Through that experience I was in contact with many different guys. Some of them were not Christian who contacted me even though I had put on my profile, "must be Christian." Others were Christian.

   The first date I went on was with a Christian guy. Let's call him Anakin. Anakin looked good on paper. He was a Christian, owned a house, had a good job, knew how to cook, was flowing with ideas, and was creating a new business. He was a man who has the total package. Yet, something felt off. It felt like we didn't connect for some reason.

   After going on a date with that guy, I went for coffee as friends with another guy. Let's call this guy Obi Wan. He was a Christian, a soccer player, a coach, had a job, lives a minimalistic life, didn't own his own house, and didn't know how to cook. He was a good guy but comparing him on paper to Anakin on paper was a no brainer. Most people would choose Anakin because he brings more practicality to the table. Yet, I sat and had a three hour honest conversation with Obi Wan. There was something different about him.

   A week went by and something continued to feel off about my dating Anakin. Then I realized what it was: we were unequally yoked. Now, at this point, you may be saying, "isn't Anakin Christian? How are you unequally yoked?"

   While it was true that we were both Christian, we were at different places in our walks with God. We were on different paths. Meanwhile, Obi Wan and I were both seeking God. We both wanted to have Bible studies together. We talked about our challenges and victories with one another. We prayed with each other. We connected. We were on the same path.

   See, sometimes God doesn't call us to take the easy path, or the path the world would take. Many people would have probably chosen Anakin based off his qualifications and what he could do for them. He looked good on paper. But love and marriage are not about looking good on paper or what the other person can do for you. Love and marriage is to point to Christ. People should see you relationship (in marriage) and see how Jesus is with his bride, the church.

   So, are you equally yoked with your partner? How can you continue to walk, grow, and encourage your partner? 

   2 Corinthians 6:14

https://youtu.be/PHqGmo8OO_g?si=2_kbMzN91RWhzQBz

Chosen

    About a year ago I began a journey I never thought I would take online dating. Throughout the course of that journey, I talked with a lot of guys. I only met a few of them. Some of them may have chosen to go on dates with me or to meet but they were not the ones I chose, and they didn’t choose to continue the relationship with me.

   That is, until I met Nate. We began as friends meeting for coffee. It was clear he had a heart for God and wanted someone who had that as well. We found we had similar interests and enjoyed talking about the same things. After about a month, Nate asked me to be his girlfriend. During the time as his girlfriend, there were definitely ups and downs in our relationship and in our lives. That’s the way it is with any relationship. 

   Up until January 14, 2024, we were still choosing one another in a dating relationship. But on that day, Nate chose me. He asked me to marry him. I said yes. After, I reflected on a lot. One of the things I reflected on was how good it felt to be chosen.

   Here’s the thing though, I was already chosen. I was chosen by God. 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” We are chosen people. God chose us. He chose us before he created the Garden of Eden or anything in the universe. He chose us when he sent Christ to die for us. And that feels great.

   So, do you know you have been chosen? How can you remember that you have been chosen?

https://youtu.be/UpSFm10Q5OQ

I'm Struggling With...

   "I'm struggling with faith." "I'm struggling with anxiety." "I'm in a battle with drugs." "I can't seem to stop gossiping." The list can go on and on. We all have struggles, problems that come along, sins we can't seem to shake, etc. Jesus promised us life wouldn't be easy.

   John 16:33 which says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." In the world we will have trouble, but Jesus has overcome the world. Because of that, we can have peace no matter what struggle or battle we face. 

   Now, there is something we can do no matter what struggle we face. We must choose if we will give more power to the struggle or to God. If we focus too much on the problem, sin, or struggle we give it power. Instead, we should focus on God. He gives us strength to defeat the struggle. God is with you in your struggle. Fix your eyes on him. Trust in him. He will not let you fall.

   So, are you focused too much on your struggles? How can you focus more on God during struggles? How can you pray for those who are struggling today?

https://youtu.be/dYTRpPKP-mA

Held During Anxiety

   There is one time in the year that my dog freaks out the most: when we go on vacation. That's because he needs to travel in a car for 30 minutes to my Aunt and Uncles' house. He does not like car rides. He will whine, cry, growl, bark, cut our legs with his nails, etc. The thing I didn't understand is I am holding him. I will literally hug him and he will still be freaking out. It did not make sense.

   Then I thought about how I have anxiety too. I whine, cry, growl, and get upset when problems come in my life. Yet, I am being held by the Lord. He is literally wrapping me in a big hug and I still have anxiety.

   In those times I remember Isaiah 41:10 which says, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." I don't need to fear because God is with me. In the highs and lows he's got me. He loves me. He helps get rid if the fear in his great strength.

   So do you believe that you are held by God? When fear and anxiety appear in your life what do you do? Who do you turn to?

https://youtu.be/jN_trWRCIDo?si=okMQIFAvM9Y8Jy9V

Three P's: New Year's

   Each year I choose a spiritual resolution. This year I prayed about it and God led me to I choose patience. That was tested through work, relationships, soccer, and life in general. I would take a step back each time I felt impatience coming on and talk with God.

   As the year went on, I felt something I hadn't felt before. I felt God tugging on me to add another resolution. This one was also a difficult one for me: prayer. When you think about it, patience and prayer go hand in hand. But I had been holding off on those resolutions because I knew they would be hard for me. Yet, through God, I have been able to work on both of them. 

   When trying times would come up, not only would I pause, but I would pray. I would spend time each day with God in prayer. Then, midway through the year, something happened.

   I was tested. I was myself. I was honest. And it came back to bite me. I didn't understand. Why would God allow this to happen if I'm following him? 

   The final "p" I was asked to do this year was some pruning. I had been holding on tightly to my reputation. I prided myself on what others thought about me. I wanted others to praise me. It took that testing and reflection for me to realize what I needed to let go of.

   Now, I'm not going to lie, the pruning hurt. But, in the end, it was a good hurt because I grew in God through it. It also reminded me that I am continually growing in God; and he is going to grow me as I keep my eyes fixed on him.

   So, what is God asking you to grow in? How can you keep your eyes fixed on him? What might God be asking you to prune, or get rid of, today?

https://youtu.be/W6kv1OfUKMo?si=tItY3kvOE6f2-CaN