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Blog, Christian Ladies

TUNE YOUR HEART

Jennifer White

Folks often call me about wanting to sell or give away a piano, hoping I know of a good home for it. Most of the time it hasn’t been played in a while, but once it was a dear possession. Often bought for a child to take lessons, or passed down from a grandparent.  Usually I will sit down to play one of these pianos only to hear that it is so out of tune that the song I’m playing is unrecognizable.

A piano must be played and regularly tuned or it loses its beautiful sound and purpose. This concept reminds me of our relationship with God. When we neglect our daily walk with God it feels like that out of tune piano. We lose the beauty and purpose our walk with God brings to our life. We say we love God but rarely read His Word or talk to HIm. Our heart is out of tune because loving God is not always what we think it is.

Misconceptions about loving God.

I fear God- If I don’t do this or that, God might punish me.

I work for God- I can help if no one else will.

I need God- please fix this problem and give me comfort.

Truth about loving God. Joshua 22:5

Walk in His ways- have compassion on people, make a difference.

Cling to Him- we talk, a-lot..

Serve Him- how can I use my talent to bring glory to God.

Our hearts can be drawn away from God when we let anything or anyone take precedence over God in our life, and before you know it-we are so out of tune that our life no longer sounds like a song. You don’t have to stay out of tune. Talk to God today. He’s waiting to hear from you.

Blog, Christian Ladies, devotions

Rooted in The Word

Jennifer White
The new year is already off to a rocky start. More than ever the roots of our faith must be strong and deep in order to deal with now and the future. Scripture tells us that our world will continue to grow worse and worse.

So, what can we do to prepare for it? My advice is to strengthen our roots like never before. This is not the time to live carelessly, or in fear. It’s time to intentionally plant our faith deep in the ground, by the water. It’s time to grow, and it’s time to thrive!

In James 1:19-27 we find the answer to dealing with the temptations of the world around us and in us. James encourages us to control our emotions and our tongue. To put action into our faith and to implant God’s Word in our heart and mind.

Strengthening my roots looks like this. When someone speaks and I listen instead of jumping to conclusions, I strengthen my roots. Every time I choose to show self-control instead of wrath, I’m strengthening my roots. Every time I choose to control my tongue, when I’m tempted to say things I shouldn’t, I’m strengthening my roots. When I hear God’s Word preached, or I read or listen to it and choose to act on it, instead of doing nothing, I am strengthening my roots.

James tells us the key to victorious living in this crazy world is to know the scripture so well that it becomes engrafted into our life. God’s Word becomes as much a part of us as our arm, nose, or leg.

Let’s get rooted in God’s Word this year.

Blog, Christian Ladies, Christmas

Mary’s Merry Christmas

Jennifer White

In order to have a Merry Christmas, we first need to understand Mary’s Christmas. 9 months before the first Christmas, Mary’s world was turned upside down. She was betrothed to Joseph and had plans, goals, dreams, and a timeline of her own. However, Mary was willing to give up her agenda to allow God to use her as a vessel to carry Jesus. Sure she had plenty of reason to panic, fear and doubt God, yet she magnified Him in the midst of her chaos. She was humble, obedient, submissive, and she changed history.

If God can do that with Mary, what could God do with someone today who is willing to say, “God, give me Your desires for my heart. Lord, be first always in my life even when I don’t understand.”

God is not impressed with our title in life, or our credentials. He is interested in our hearts. Mary’s heart clearly shines in Luke 1:46-49 as she sings her song of praise.

46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.

If her heart was crowded with pride, fear and unbelief, she would not have been able to sing this song. There would be no room to magnify Jesus. When we magnify Him our pride, fear and unbelief gets smaller and Jesus becomes bigger in our heart.

How does it look in our life to have a Merry Christmas like Mary? God’s desires become ours. Our thoughts will be less on self and more on others. Our actions will show courage to put Jesus first around family, work and people wherever we go. Our heart will overflow with worship when we hear songs about Christmas and read the scripture.

Mary could have let pride, unbelief and fear stop her from going through with this great task. Instead she embraced the challenge, and praised God in the midst of it. The fear, doubt and chaos that 2020 has brought can either stop you from living life to it’s fullest or you can embrace the challenge and praise God in the midst of it. When we magnify Him we will see the mighty and great things He is doing in our life.

May your heart prepare Him room to be magnified this Christmas season, then you will find yourself having a Merry Christmas.

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Treasures Unseen

Jennifer White

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

When I was working in my yard last April, I moved the plants out of the basement. I had stored them during the winter season. I wanted to see if there was any hope of reviving them for spring. I looked at this one little plant, and it looked completely dead to me. It was dried up, the soil was hard as a rock, so I set it aside to be carried off to the compost pile. Five months later, I saw it had never been moved, but when I came closer, I saw beautiful pink blooms among the weeds and hard soil. I had given up on this little plant. I thought there was no hope for it. It was so far gone, dead and useless. I sure was wrong. Come to find out, my mother in law had seen it in the yard and gave it a little water. Several days later it came back to life.

Isn’t that how we are with the people? Especially those closest to us. We give up on them. They walk so far away from God, that we think there’s not a chance they will come back. We look at the outside and think there’s no hope. God can use someone, or something to bring that person back to Him. It’s not our place to decide there’s no hope for someone.

I want to encourage you to keep praying. Keep hoping. Don’t give up on that prodigal child, no matter how far it seems they have gone. God can still revive them, despite the weeds and hard soil in their life.

I’m glad God never gives up on us!

Blog, Uncategorized

Lessons from a Christmas Bell

Jennifer White

The cashier said “you sound joyful” as the bell attached to my key chain was ringing. I was busy unloading my cart and forgot to even say hello. I smiled and said “Merry Christmas!” I was glad my little bell was ringing and changed my thoughts from busy to cheerful and attentive.

The little jingle bell attached to my keychain has provided me several opportunities this week to share the reason for the season.

When I think of bells 3 things come to mind.

First, we use bells to alert everyone of something important. Such as; a wedding, class dismissed, or it’s supper time!

We can be like a bell and alert everyone that Jesus is God’s gift to mankind. He was born so we can be saved. We can alert the world about the good news that Jesus loves them.

Second, we use bells to make a joyful sound, especially in music.  Singing Jingle Bells is so much fun when bells are played.

We can be like a bell and spread joy and cheer everywhere we go. Find something kind to say to people. You never know who is struggling with life. Kindness makes a difference.

Last, have you ever covered bells with your hands and tried to play them? If so, you know they just go thump! Covering the bells causes them to be dampened. The sound is sad not bright and cheery. Dampened bells are used during sad times; they were played at Princess Diane’s funeral.

Are you letting something dampen your “bell”? It’s easy to let Christmas activities cover us up and we no longer “ring” like we should.  Don’t let the worries of this life dampen your spirit. Find the true joy of Christmas and let it fill your heart. Carry a little bell with you as a reminder to ring out with the love of Christ.

“Come on, ring those bells, light the Christmas tree,
Jesus is the King, born for you and me.
Come on, ring those bells, everybody say,
Jesus, we remember this Your birthday.”

Blog, Uncategorized

Make Bright the Arrows

Jennifer White

I used to be fascinated to watch my dad practice shooting his bow and arrow in the backyard. He was a skilled hunter and it looked so easy…. until he let me try it. It took so much strength to draw the bowstring back, control the arrow and hit the target.  My arm shook as I pulled the tight bowstring back and when I let go of the arrow, the string popped me in the face and the arrow landed only a few feet away from me. I wasn’t hurt except for a sore arm and wounded pride. Archery is a skill that must be honed in order to be successful. It was a necessary skill for warriors in the Bible days. In Jeremiah 51 Babylon had fallen and the Israelites were told to get ready for battle. I found some life lessons in these verses about bows and arrows.bow and arrow girl

 

The Arrow

The Shaft- Made from common wayside brush. The Fletcher straightens it and polishes it and makes it useful.  Believe it or not an arrow bends as it leaves the bow. The shaft is flexible and meant to take the force of shooting without breaking. Some are designed to take even more force, but will have a farther reach. We are common people with twisted lives. He makes us righteous and straight by His power. We are able to do more than we can possibly imagine through God’s strength.

Feathers guide the arrow, give balance and stability. We have “feathers” in our life to keep us on the right course. The Holy Spirit, Bible, Godly friends, teachers, parents, and our pastor are the feathers in our life.

The Nock fits the arrow to the bowstring so the power can be applied to the arrow and released. God’s power is applied only when we are under His authority and in His will.

The Arrowhead the business part of the arrow. Set goals and aim for them. Sharpen your talents and skills so you can make a difference in this world. What you learn, develop and study today will be used in the future.  “The battle is won the day before because that is the day the archer makes bright his arrows”.

Make Bright the Arrows (Vs. 11)

11 Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the Lord hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device is against Babylon, to destroy it; because it is the vengeance of the Lord, the vengeance of his temple.

The order given to the soldiers meant they were to prepare their weapons. Making bright means to shine and sharpen their arrow.  In a certain sense, every believer is an arrow in God’s hands. God has a mission for each one of us to accomplish and a mark for each one of us to hit. The whole purpose of an arrow is to hit a planned target. The purpose of our life is to hit the mark that God has ordained for us.

Draw Back Your Bow (Vs. 12)target bullseye

12 Set up the standard upon the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set up the watchmen, prepare the ambushes: for the Lord hath both devised and done that which he spake against the inhabitants of Babylon.

Set up the Standard– This is to protect you. What standards are set up in your life? The life of your family? The life of your children? Do you have a standard for clothing, television shows, movies, social media, music, friends, and speech? If there are no standards set in your life, you will regret the decisions made in the heat of the battle. There must be a preparation time.

Make the Watch Strong-How can we strengthen ourselves for battle. Are you tired, run down, negative, not reading your Bible, praying? Strengthen yourself spiritually and physically by praying, eating healthy, exercising, being positive and reaching out to others.

Prepare the Ambushes- Have a plan of attack for when evil comes your way. Fellowship with believers who are strong in their faith, mentor someone who needs help, use daily check lists to keep yourself on task. Too much free time allows for unwanted things to creep in such as depression, and selfishness.

The phrase “Make Bright the Arrows” encourages us to allow God to sharpen us but it also reminds us to mentor others. We should have a quiver full of people we have help “sharpen” or influence in our life time.

Get ready warrior to draw back your bow and aim for the target God has for you!

 

 

Blog, Christian Ladies, Uncategorized

Are You a Happy Camper?

Jennifer White

School is finally out and it’s a beautiful mid-June, sunny, summery day. It’s that time of year when I see RV’s being pulled down the highway.  I watch the happy campers with all their camping gear get ready to hit the campground for the weekend. What a great way to enjoy the season of outdoor living

“Happy Camper” was a very, annoying term that was popular when I was a kid in the early 80’s.  The definition is “a satisfied person who is cheerful” but was usually used sarcastically.

When I was growing up my family didn’t camp in a RV on a campground, but we camped in A-frame tents on the banks of the lake. It was wonderful to wake up to the smell of eggs and bacon being cooked by mom on a black skillet over the campfire. The peaceful, lake waters sloshing on the banks, and the excitement of going fishing with my dad would encourage me to wake up with the sunrise. You could say I was a happy camper, well at least until I had to walk 1/4 of a mile to a bathroom, rub aloe on my sunburn, or throw away the little Debbie cakes that the ants found before I did.

The phrase “Happy Camper” makes me think of the Israelites. They flipped-flopped their way through 40 years of being “Happy Campers” or “Not Happy Campers” it just depended on their circumstance. Today we do the same thing in our life. We base our attitude on our feelings, which can be misleading, instead of God’s promises.  In the following passage of Deuteronomy chapter 1, we find the Israelites as not very happy campers.

Compasses and Maps

Deuteronomy 1:21 Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.

had a plan for the Israelites. He gave them 3 very clear instructions. 1. Possess the land 2. Don’t be afraid 3. Don’t be discouraged.

God has a plan all mapped out for your life. Are you praying and reading the Bible, so you will know His plan? If you aren’t sure of His plan for your future, then right now do what God has already commanded. 1. Pray 2. Read the Bible 3. Fellowship with believers 4. Tell others about Him.  Like following a compass, His plan becomes more clear as you stay on the right path.

Calling All Scouts

22 And ye came near unto me every one of you, and said, We will send men before us, and they shall search us out the land, and bring us word again by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come.23 And the saying pleased me well: and I took twelve men of you, one of a tribe:24 And they turned and went up into the mountain, and came unto the valley of Eschol, and searched it out.25 And they took of the fruit of the land in their hands, and brought it down unto us, and brought us word again, and said, It is a good land which the Lord our God doth give us.26 Notwithstanding ye would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the Lord your God: 

 

In verses 22-26 the Israelites are doubting God’s plan. They were not “happy campers” when it came to trusting God. They decided to scout it out for themselves to see if there was something good in their future or not. Faith was hard for the Israelites. Possibly their many years in bondage made things seem too good to be true. They even became rebellious after the reports came back that the land was good. I have found in my life that peace usually comes after I step out on faith, and not anytime sooner.

Kum-ba-ya by the Bonfire

30 The Lord your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes; 31 And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the Lord thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place. 32 Yet in this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God, 33 Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day.

The Israelites needed a pep talk. They needed to hear reminders of the past and promises of future victories. God had provided for them this far and He will continue to lead them safely. When are we going to let God fight our battles and stop trying to win them in our own strength? Complaining leads to discouragement which makes us miss the blessings of life. This cycle becomes a pattern that must be broken. You can break the pattern. Remember God’s faithfulness in your life and let Him fight your battles. He will lead you to a place of another victory.

Are you a happy camper today? If not, you can be one by reflecting on God’s goodness and by making a conscious decision to be aware of God’s presence in your life every day.

 

Blog, Christian Ladies, Uncategorized

Finding Sunshine in the Shadows

Jennifer White

In August of 2017, we took my twin boys to college for the first time. It was a day of mixed emotions. I was so pleased that they were going to college and would be living near my mom in TN. It was also the beginning of a new chapter of their life and the ending of another.

One of the twins, David, had an old Mitsubishi Mighty Max truck that belonged to his grandfather. Let’s just say it had seen it’s better days. It had served the purpose as a lawn care work truck and a teenage boy’s first vehicle. It wasn’t that “mighty” anymore and could only go about 60-65 mph on the interstate. However, it was David’s means of transportation for a job, therefore, the truck was part of the caravan to college.

We departed that morning on a beautiful, sunny, Carolina day. I had seen the forecast and was aware of the chance of rain later in the day, but was hoping we could make it to our destination before it started. We drove over the beautiful, Appalachian mountains and kept tabs on David, who stayed about 10-15 miles behind us on the interstate. My youngest son rode in the truck with David to answer the phone so we could keep up with them. After a few hours, as predicted, the rain started falling. Just a little shower at first that turned into a heavy downpour making it difficult to see out the windshield. We called David to inform him that he was headed toward heavy rain and to be careful. The harder the rain fell the harder it was to see. After an hour of traveling in the heavy down pour, David finally called and said, “I couldn’t take it anymore, I had to pull over under a bridge, I just needed a break.” So we all pulled over and waited until David was ready to drive again. We started our caravan back on the interstate, and once again, David ended up about 10 miles behind us. The rain continued to fall heavily.

My mom, who was waiting for us at our destination, called to check on us. I told her about the rain, and why it was taking us so long to get there. She said, “just hang in there because it’s sunny and beautiful where I am”. I was so relieved in knowing sunshine was ahead. We finally drove out of the rain as my mom predicted. Suddenly, I remembered David was still behind us in the storm. I called David and told him, “keep going, there’s sunshine ahead in about 10 minutes!”  David yelled out, “yes! I can do this!”

In many ways this story reminds me of the Christian journey.

S- (Sunny)

We start off with positive expectations, and excitement about our future. We know there is a possibility of shadows in our future but we hope to avoid them.

H- (Hello Shadows) John 16:33

Eventually the rain comes. Shadows or storms come in many forms; finances, marriage, job, children, parents, health, death and unmet expectations. I find that many people create their own shadows in life by standing in their own sunshine. We make decisions outside of  God’s purpose for our life. Some of these decisions affect our health, our family and future. No one can avoid the storms of life but your relationship with God is what will get you through them. There are lessons to learn while in the shadow that fortifies us for the journey.

I- (Intermission) Psalm 9:1,2

Just as my son David got off the road when he felt the pressure of the storm, sometimes we need to pull over when we feel overwhelmed. David found shelter under that bridge, and there is shelter under God’s wings of protection. Nourish yourself, read God’s Word, listen to uplifting music, and make heathy choices physically and mentally.  Say “no” to extra activities until you are ready. Shadows are temporary, because they eventually pass away. The intermission during the storm will strengthen you to keep going.

N- (Night is the same as Day to God) Psalm 139:11, 12

In these verses it tells us that God is all around us and that night and day are the same to Him. We see a difference in night and day, but God sees them as one. Our life is composed of events we call “good and bad”.  God takes the good and bad and works them together for His good. What happens to planes and birds in the sky when a storm comes? They rise above it. In Heaven, there is no need for the sun because God is the sun. The sun blocks shadows. Don’t let the shadows of yesterday spoil the sunshine of tomorrow.

E- (Encourage others) 2 Corinthians 1:4

You may have been through several storms in your life or maybe just coming out of one right now. Use your experience to encourage someone else along the way. When my mom told me sunshine was ahead, it gave me strength to keep going and then I wanted to tell David the news to encourage him too. You may know someone who is going through the same storm as you have been through and they are a “few miles” behind you. Tell them that they will drive out of the storm eventually. Let them know you’re on the other side of the storm and sunshine is ahead. You can be someone’s sunshine when their skies are gray.

Keep your face toward the “Son” and the shadows will disappear. God loves you and will be your sunshine in the shadows.

Advice from a sunflower; “Be bright, sunny and positive, spread seeds of happiness, rise, shine and hold your head high.”

Blog, Christian Ladies, Uncategorized

Lessons from the Land of Oz for Christian Young Ladies

Jennifer White

When I was young, I looked forward to the once-a-year showing of “The Wizard of Oz” on television. This was back before DVD’s…before VHS tapes…. I’m talking way back when. I loved the story of how Dorothy and her friends found out that everything they wanted was there all along but never realized it.

There are many life lessons in that story for us all, and actually those lesson were in God’s Word long before Dorothy and Toto ever took a trip to the land of Oz.

I know it’s impossible, but I wish I could go back in time and have a little chat with my “junior high self”.  I would tell her these 4 lessons from Oz…but she probably knew them all along but never realized it.

The Scarecrow- Young lady, use your brain.

Daniel 5:14- “I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.”

Work hard to make the best grades you can. If you struggle in a subject it’s ok to get help. Don’t procrastinate, plan your time. Being the most popular or prettiest girl in school matters very little after graduation. Knowledge and kindness goes a long way.

Spend your money wisely now. Open a bank account and start saving. When you graduate you’ll be able to help with expenses. Start tithing now, there are tremendous blessings when you give back to God.

Make smart choices. Don’t risk doing something stupid to try to look cool or to fit in. When it’s all said and done, you will look back at it for what it was…. really dumb. So be smart! You will need job references one day and a good reputation helps tremendously.

The Tin Man- Young lady, guard your heart.

Proverbs 31:30 “Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”

Spend time growing a beautiful heart. Outward beauty will not last. Do you spend more time looking at Pinterest for new hairstyles, clothes and makeup than you do reading your Bible?

Choosing a guy who loves God really matters in life! Be careful who you date and who you share your heart with. Hearts are easily broken and take time to heal. In dating and marrying you usually get what you are, not what you want. So make sure you have a relationship with God because you will need discernment in matters of the heart.

Choose your friends carefully. Friends can be like elevators, they can take you up or take you down. You will soon become who you surround yourself with. Your heart can be easily influenced by the words of a friend. Find friends who love Jesus.

The Lion-Young lady, have courage.

Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

Be confident in who God made you. Insecurity is a huge waste of time. Develop the talents and gifts that God has given you and don’t waste time wishing you had someone else’s.

Don’t be afraid to fail. Stand up in front of that class and give a speech, try out for the school play, take music lessons, be in the band.

You can do great things now. Please don’t wait until you are older to get involved in church. You can be a huge help right now in your church. Find a ministry to participate in, bring friends to church, have a good testimony, and tell others about Jesus.

Remember, your courage comes from God. You will go through hard times. No one is exempt from problems. People you are close to may die, money problems or divorce may come to your family. People will let you down, but God will never fail you.

Dorothy-Young lady, have faith.

Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

You reap what you sow. Do you want to know God’s word? Study it now. Do you want to be able to play an instrument well? Practice now. Do you want friends? Be friendly. Do you want to marry pure? Set boundaries before you’re alone with a guy. Do you want to be healthy? Eat right and exercise now.

Get to know God. Develop a relationship with God. Nurture it by reading your Bible, writing in a journal, going to church, listening to good Christian music. Your parents, preacher or youth pastor are not your connection to God. You can pray straight to Him. He wants to hear from you.

There’s no yellow brick road to follow to get you through life. However, God gave you a road map- the Bible. You have parents, teachers, mentors, and others to keep you on the right path. Actually, God has given you everything you need.  It’s up to you to use the tools and trust Him with your life.

One of the greatest lessons to learn from the Wizard of Oz is that no one, not even the wizard, was able to help the characters in the movie with their problems.  Only God is able to completely bring peace and contentment in your life. He knows you, He created you and He loves you!

Psalm 139:14 “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”

Note: I taught this lesson to the teen girls at our church. Here is a cute hand out for the girls to take notes on. Lessons from the Land of Oz printable

I also gave each girl one of these adorable magnetic bookmarks to use as a reminder of the lesson. Land of Oz magnetic page clips

Blog, Christian Ladies, Uncategorized

Adorning the Bride

Jennifer White

Isaiah 61:10

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”

It has been a busy year at our church with more weddings than usual. Each one we attended was a glorious event. Beautiful decorations, lovely music and happy couples making promises to each other in front of family and friends. At each wedding the audience watched in awe as the bride made her entrance during the crescendo of a song, all adorned and ready for her groom. I love how in the Bible, the church is a picture of the bride and Christ is the groom. There is something thrilling and perfect about preparing to live the rest of your life with your one true love.  God sees us as someone to love, cherish and take care of for eternity. Sadly, we do not always prepare as a bride should for her special day. A bride takes care of many details and makes sure she is at her best for her groom. I would like to share some thoughts about this topic and how as a Christian you can adorn yourself for Christ’s return.

The Proposal

When Jon proposed to me, he asked the question, “Will you marry me?”.  I  then answered, “yes”! Actually, I asked if he got permission from my dad first before I answered, but that’s because I’m daddy’s girl and wanted to make sure he approved.  In order to prepare for a wedding there must first be a proposal and an answer. Jesus proposed to us when He died for our sins. He asked you to accept His gift of salvation. Have you given Him your answer? If not, He’s waiting for your response.

Say “Yes” to the Dress

The dress is one of the first things a bride chooses to adorn herself with for her wedding day. It is often a big event where girls bring friends and family to help her say “Yes” to the perfect dress.  Thousands of dollars are spent on wedding dresses, jewelry, shoes and hair-dos. Several dresses are tried on, adjusted, and made perfect for the bride.  Our daily dress as a Christian should have much thought and attention.  We adorn ourselves everyday with clothing, and jewelry, but do we look as if we are waiting for the return of Christ? Ladies, it is possible to cover your body modestly yet still look attractive. Form-fitting and revealing clothing distracts from the beauty of a Christian lady.  Every day when you get dressed, take time to evaluate your appearance.  You should look and feel beautiful and lovely because of who you are in Christ.

The Vows

Promises, promises, promises…. I watched couples say their vows with trembling voices. I believe they sincerely meant every word they repeated. The bride and groom have every intention of loving, cherishing and taking care of each other. We all know that humans are not perfect, and sometimes promises are broken.  Even though we all have been let down sometime in life by a broken promise, be comforted in knowing that God will always keep His promises.  Do you know God wants to love, cherish and take care of you? He gave His son to die for you. If God loves you enough to do that, than you know He will take care of you. You may not always understand your situation, but remember, He promised to never leave you nor forsake you. Why are we often unfaithful with the “one-night stands” that this world offers, when we can have an eternal relationship with God.  We all depend on someone or something in life. Are you depending on Christ, your groom?

Happily Ever After

This quote is oh, so true, “You can read the character of a man on the countenance of his wife”.  As a bride of Christ, you are showing the world what kind of Saviour you have by the life you live. Marriage is about growing and overcoming challenges. The same is true in our Christian life.  You can face whatever comes your way because you are not in this alone. Depend on Christ for your comfort, your needs, and your strength. You can be beautifully adorned as the bride of Christ when you realize you are loved by Him and you are faithfully preparing for His return.