Rugged Hills

Choose a Good Apple husband/wife....---by, Leah

2009-05-28T06:53:00.000-07:00

SO! I realize that the title of this blog is slightly strange :) all will make sense (hopefully...!) by the end of this post! (all thats entended for THIS post anyhow) This "blog" if you will, has been rolling around in my mind like a juicy apple in your hands that you just cant wait to devour. The sweet crisp refreshing sensation of Gods awesome majestic genious penetrating your taste buds.(that was so right on with what I wanted that sentense to come out like....sweet!)

In the matter of picking a Good apple (aka: GUY/GIRL)

I say "picking" but I think its more like God hands you an apple...ANYHOW...different blog post there.

You have to be pretty observing, you cant just glance over and be like "oh gee, they are good looking, Im going to ask them out, cause i suddenly feel overwhelmed by the outright charming appearence of that individual" Because if thats how you are "choosing" your possible mate...you'll be in for a lot of heartbrake. Figure out what they are like, in a way, by observing them in different situations, before they even know your intentions. Just watch how they treat people, how they handle stressful moments, how they look out for others, if they hunger and thirst after rightiousness! if they ARDANTLY WANT God! Get some sturdy guidelines in what kind of guy/girl you want. Im not talking hair color and eye color etc, but do they need to be on a God mission? Or even know God? I hope your standards get some meat on them instead of fickle wishy washy stuff.

You need the real deal, "he/she needs to WANT to see God mold him MORE, to WANT to have tons of kids (you may or may not want that one, i personally do...haha!), to WANT to let God make the BIG choices in his life (relates to last one actually...haha), has to WANT to and have PROOF of reaching the lost!. etc." BIG stuff.

Also, keep an eye out for the type of "APPLE" they are. (heres where the apple thing comes in. haha.) I was at work one day (organic food store) and i was putting out apples, I realized that as I put out the apples an incredibly large amount of Fuji Appples were bruised, and clearly needed removed from the good apples. But that hardly any Staymans needed removed, by first glance. Thing is, Stayman apples dont rot on the outside like other apples do, NEARLY as fast. All the rotting they do. is on the inside. So they may LOOK really great, and pretty much in perfect condition, but until you pick them up and it explodes in a soggy mess in your hands, you are clueless. Yeah, a lot of people are like Staymans, they ignore whats going on inside, they pretend they are "just fine" but really, they are falling apart! You have to be observing of this!! Its not enough to just glance through and see nothing looks messed up, but you have to be patient, and not only that pray it through! Pray that you will be able to discern Staymans and Fuji apples from eachother! The thing about Fuji apples is, you can see exactly whats wrong with them, pretty much the moment they get wounded. If you drop it, a bruise will appear pretty much right away. Its hard to be vulnerable, to let your flaws be known (Im not talking about standing on the side of the road screaming out whats wrong with you at that very moment by the way) to you, and to God. Dont pretend you arent struggling, see the hurt, research the hurt, let the hurt heal.

Stay away from staymans, "but staymans are so sneaky though!"

Yeah, thats very true! And you may marry a stayman and not even realize it until later, unfortunately. But God is sufficiant, to cover a multitude of wrongs! The reality is, once you know what kind of apple They (partner to be, partnet at present) are, and what kind of apple YOU are, you can better handle the situation.

FUJI APPLES-- Can easily see where they are having problems, but need to start addressing them, let God mold you into something more complete and perfect (and juicy...haha) than you have ever been! Dont just look at your bruises and point saying "oh sigh, this is so ugly" Get it taken care of, its equally unattractive to be a cry baby about your problems. Get some people you can talk to about them, get accountability in other words, and with prayer and God strength YOU CAN over come whatever areas these are!

STYAMAN APPLES-- Hate to brake it to the staymans, but they need to WAKE UP and smell the ROTTING SMELL OF A MUSHY CORE in their innerds. Its nasty, and it WILL be found out. You will sit pretty for a time, but when you fall, you will explode in a mushy pile of applesauce, it'll be disgusting. You need to get God help, by acknowledging you NEED IT. Dont put it off till tomorrow, or till 10 years from now, DO IT NOW! Its painful stepping down from the shelf and turning yourself in as "rotten produce" but better now than when someone picks you up and their hand pokes holes right through you! God will handle you gently, and teach you how to heal, but first, admit your need.

These are just some basic thoughts, I was pretty excited about sharing. the picture was just so vivid in my mind. If all this APPLES TO APPLES business has scrambled your head, just ask God to give you a clear picture in a way YOU can grasp it clearly! Ask Him to reveal YOUR place, and how to be observant!

KEEP IT REAL! (REALLY GOD CENTERED, REALLY CLEAR, AND REALLY UNFORGETABLE TOO...)
-leah

The One Left Behind-- by Remmy

2009-03-26T19:52:00.000-07:00

The one left behind- relationships, relational pressures, and how to survive when the world around you is getting married and you aren’t!

There are advantages to having married friends! Though at times you may feel left out because you are not in the same time of life as your friends, there are definite advantages. This is very similar to being the youngest sibling. If you are observative, you can watch what your friends do and use them as a model of what to and not to do. I find that one of the greatest advantages is that you have a wealth of information, support, and experience in those friends! It’s like having a spy into the male world. I have often found myself asking my friends “what does it mean when a guy does this?” sometimes they can offer insight that us single girls just would not know…and other times they do reply “I don’t know…I live with a man, and I don’t understand them!” I’ve also found that they are full of advice about relationsihps. Almost every time I have talked to my married or engaged friends they have told me that if they could go back through the whole process again that they would have taken it slower. Some of them started “officially dating” within a period of two days, others weeks, others months, and yet they all told me to take it slow. One of the areas of slowness was getting to know the person. They expressed that they wish they had really gotten to know them before the pressures of relationships. In other words, carefree innocent “hanging out” is something to be valued! Another area was the physical stuff. Yes, you know what I mean. Physical intimacy complicates things, and once you cross a boundary it is hard to go back! Song of Solomon 2:7, 3:5, and 8:4 all warn you daughters of Jerusalem to “not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.” Those verses are reiterated three times for a purpose! Chemicals may be telling you to go ahead, but common sense and many other things say to wait for those things until God’s perfect timing. I’m not talking about sex, that is solely for married people to embrace as a sign of their covenant 1 Cor. 6: 12-18. This passage also states that 12 “everything is permissible for me--but not everything is beneficial” as Christians we should seek whichever is most beneficial instead of trying to push the limits to satisfy our cravings for physical intimacy through flirting, touching, or kissing. Verses 19-20 explain that your body is a temple of God and that you were purchased at a very high price, so it’s the duty of Christians to keep the temple clean. God has perfect timing and beautiful plans for each part of your dating relationships, don’t ruin it by running through it…you just may miss something beautiful!

“So there’s this guy…”

A ridiculous amount of sentences are started in this manner… some oblivious stranger, acquaintance, relative, cabbie on the other end and a bubbly, excited girl/woman with a twinkle in her eye on the other relaying the wonderful attributes of the said male and the blissful details of their blooming romance. Who knows whether the guy even knows about any of the things that he apparently said to encourage such affection, but his “signals” sure were received. It is so tempting to jump to conclusions and to fill in the gaps in relationships, especially when they first begin. I know that it is hard to wait for guys to make the first move in each different stage of relationships, but it is so important to wait on God’s timing instead of taking control of a situation. I’m not saying that guys are always attuned to what God wants in their lives, but neither is it the girl’s job to show them “God’s will” for their lives. A guy that jumps into a relationship may not value that relationship, or may not have given real thought or prayer towards that relationship, or may often do things impulsively. Additinoally, they may be too impatient to wait for God’s perfect timing. It might be more exciting or rewarding that way, but ultimately, a man who makes hasty decisions in his dating life may also make hasty decisions in other areas. You will not be satisfied or happy with a guy that does not value your relationship, and A guy that does not pray about this decision might not pray about or seek God’s will for anything in His life. Certainly these are black and white options, that are not always true, but you get the point… In the end it’s worth the wait. You want someone that will think through decisions and the consequences, wait patiently on the Lord, and seek His will through prayer. These attributes make up a great leader who will try to make conscious and careful decisions. These end up being pretty important if you want to have a meaningful relationship with them. [all assuming that he’s not just too afraid or too lazy to make a move, if this is the case, then the same thing applies…do you really want a relationship with someone like that?]
As a girl, one of the most difficult areas for me to handle in this situation is my emotions. Just like the girl I described in the beginning, girls often let their emotions get ahold of them without basing them reason or facts. I think the movie, “Hairspray” does a pretty good rendition of this female phenomenon. Tracy has been mooning over Link [dreamy dancing star on her favorite tv show who does not know that she exists] for some time when suddenly they talk and he touches her arm. She then sings a pretty accurate and yet comical depiction of how us girls think “ I can hear the bells, Well don’tcha hear them chime? Can’t ‘cha feel my heartbeat keeping perfect time, All because he… touched me, He looked at me and stared, yes he bumped me, my heart was unprepared when he tapped me, and knocked me off my feet, one little touch, now my life’s complete ‘cause when he nudged me love put me in a fix, yet it hit me just like a ton of bricks, yes my heart burst, now I know what life’s about one little touch and love’s knocked me out..” it goes on.. You get the point. It’s hilarious! WHy? Because I know that I’ve been guilty of that myself on many occasions. You have one good conversation with a guy and already you are trying on his last name and envisioning whether your children will have his dreamy green eyes. This fantasizing leaves us emotionally vulnerable because the next day when we see him engaging in another meaningful conversation with someone else or if he doesn’t immediately reply to our face book postings we become hurt, betrayed, and depressed…and ready to make the mistake again. But even when the guy is interested, this is still something to be careful of. You know for a fact he’s interested, he’s paying for things, it’s exciting and your head is whirling around filled with the newest Chris Rice sappy love song… It is a temptation to let the emotional guards down because you really aren’t crazy this time..he really IS interested, but now it just gets harder. Now the fantasy item is imagining you officially dating, you telling your friends and all of the other girls that are all secretly envious of your “awesome catch” Your friends and family will now know that you will NOT be the crazy cat lady, you are NOT joining a nunnery, and you are not becoming the next Mary Poppins..there is hOPE! The enemy definitely knows this…which is why he uses all of this as a distraction of the true point which is to find God’s will in this situation, to evaluate what type of person he is, to really get to know him and appreciate him as a human being, to look for red flags and to enjoy being his friend. I know it is hard because I want to look ahead and fast forward, to skip this stage and get the label “girlfriend”, BUT if this is the focus, then how will we see God’s will if it is anything that contradicts our “wonderful plans” ? If our thoughts are clouded with emotional fluff and dreams of the future then we cannot accurately see the present. This is a crucial period! If we remain objective as possible in this situation and truly seek God’s will then you can lay a great foundation for a beautiful strong relationship to emerge! Or.. You can keep from getting into a relationship that you know is wrong and against God’s will and save yourself future heart ache. Getting into a relatinoship that you know God does not approve of is never a good idea.. Guilt, shame, and problems will follow, and you will end up being miserable and shut off from the one who loves you the most! This stage truly sets a foundation of whether or not you put God first or make an idol after the person, whether or not you seek God’s will, and whether or not you have a God glorifying relationship. Again… restraint ends up being rewarding. No, you cannot be serious all of the time…allow yourself to giggle, but just don’t get so caught up in planning for the next step that you miss the purpose of the current one.

Love you....

2009-02-14T19:55:00.001-08:00

I Love You-Truly-

2009-02-14T05:20:00.000-08:00

At work yesterday a woman began to leave after purchasing something and as she did, she turned her head slightly, looking not at me, but at soaps on her right, and confidently proclaimed "God Bless You!" and as it always does, though I didnt take note until this time, I got a rush of love and my face turned red, not in embarrassment or shame, but in thankfulness. Then I began to think about that statement, I have no doubt that her intentions were loving! But I began to ponder my own, do i give those words, the name of my Lord, enough credit? Have I let it become a casual clique? What about "I love you" is it simply a mandatory response? Or do I feel it, hold it, fully take responsibility and joy for these powerful words?! As its valentines day today, I am renewed by the awesome and fulfilling Love of my King of Kings! I am thankful for the people I love in my life, and the people that Love me! But I want them to know, that I dont say "I Love You" without understanding, or for some kind of acclimation from them. I say it....because its true!
Do you?
The tongue is SOOO POWERFUL!

Jeremiah 9:3
"They make ready their tongue like a bow, to shoot lies; it is not by truth that they triumph in the land. They go from one sin to another; they do not acknowledge me," declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 9:8
Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks with deceit. With his mouth each speaks cordially to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him.

It gets pretty serious, as we see in James:

James 1:26
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.

However there is hope! If we are submitting our words to God and letting Him rule us through Love!

Acts 2:26
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope,

Psalm 37:30
The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just

Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

Psalm 139:4
Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD

I am so thankful that God loves us so dearly, that even though he knows we will tell lies, cause pain, and deception, he still loves us!!! I am learning, be it ever so slowly, to sacrifice my words to him. Its a challenge, and I dont doubt I will make mistakes. But this valentines day I am reminded of the beauty of speaking the truth. In Love, with Praise and Thankfulness!!!!

LAUREN-Thoughts on singleness and contentment this Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T05:13:00.000-08:00

As each passing February day has brought Valentine's Day closer and closer, I will admit that I have been thinking a lot about love, romance, and relationships. I am what you would call a "hopeless romantic". I sigh over romantic movies...whether the hero of the day is Mr. Darcy or Gilbert Blythe. As the movie credits roll and some inspiring film score plays, I am filled with hope and excitement for the future.

While I don't believe that it is wrong to look forward to that time in our lives, I do believe that oftentimes singles are guilty of wasting time. And I am including myself in this! I have noticed that we as singles are often looking to the next big thing in our lives to bring us happiness and contentment....finishing school, getting that job, starting a career, beginning a relationship, etc. We focus our time and energies towards that point in time and forget to invest in today.

This can also be applied to the romantic relationships area of our lives. I have known many young people who are so discontent with their lives simply because they do not have that special someone in their lives. They feel incomplete with the intimate companionship of the opposite sex. And yet, when they are finally in that much-desired relationship, they are rarely truly happy, because either the relationship should have never began, or it was started for selfish reasons.

Don't waste time! If God has marriage in your future, then this time is precious! You will never have this time back again. This is preparation time for us. There are so many things that you are free to do while you are single that you may not have the opportunity to do once you are married, if God so desires. Don't waste time longing for the future to come--it will come soon enough. I encourage you to use your singleness to serve God with passion. Use your singleness to serve others....family, friends, and church. Focus on growing and building godly friendships with other singles, and encouraging one another in their relationship with Jesus.

We as singles will never be truly content in any relationship until we have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. And no, I am not talking about going to church on Sundays, or reading our Bibles for a few minutes and then mumbling a prayer for the day. I am not even talking about missions trips and ministry. I am talking about a intimate, personal relationship with the Creator of the Universe, the One who's mighty hands formed us. The One who knew us before we were even a thought in our parent's minds. Paul writes in Philippians 4:11, "...for I have learned to be content with whatever I have." This is so true. For those who long for romantic relationships and marriage and are not content with their present situation, they will likely be discontent in a relationship or marriage.

The romantic earthly love of another person can never compare the love of Jesus. He is the Lover of our souls. He desires to be close to us! We don't deserve His love, yet He longs to be one with us. Jeremiah 31:3 says "I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself." I love that! His unfailing love draws us to Him! His love will never fail and never end. Even in good, godly relationships, we will face disappointment at times. Those we love will let us down and hurt. But God promises unfailing love.

Let's not be discontent this Valentine's Day! I would encourage you to get alone with the Lord, spend some time talking the King of your heart. He is the greatest romantic...He died so that we might know the beauty and hope of His unfailing love. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you (James 4:8).

Lauren

LEAH- BLUEPRINT OF THE ULTIMATE MAN

2008-11-11T06:44:00.000-08:00

This is a follow up blog after the “Manly Man” Blog Miriam wrote. If you haven’t read it…READ IT, then read this one afterwards. Haha (its just down a few posts).

BLUEPRINT+ULTIMATE+PERFECT+MAN=JESUS!

---------Jesus was Compassionate, Wise, Understanding, Witty, Humble, Forgiving, Bold, Strong, Brave, Good at listening, Wise in word choice, Unafraid to hurt feelings, To the point, Rugged, Selfless, Constant, Determined, Narrow minded,Ambitious, Fierce, Gentle, Benevolent, Took notice of every detail, And yet always saw the bigger picture, Didn’t mind getting dirty, Always cleansed others, Challenging, Unpopular (in a sense), Had interesting friends (not just the cool people), Put God above all else, Found quiet time, Calm, Hated Sin (!!!!), pure, Creative,Loved Children,Mysterious,Smart, Ingenuitive (the first MacGyver) , Unyielding, Zealous, Careful, Abrupt, but most of all… Loving. Now that’s a Man. -----------

Its safe to say that though this is the “perfect man blueprint” all women should strive (through getting to know and love God as their first love! Not on ones own strength) to be as Jesus was! In a less masculine and more feminine but nonetheless radical and passionate way. Though it takes determination and constant God-pruning, God-listening, God-everything, this “blueprint” is one we don’t have to “attempt” through human power. Which is worthless. That’s a relief too. Not to say

“Gods got you under control, so just enjoy the ride!” We have free will,

will that must be directed toward God, with action and determination! This is something Im just crazy thrilled about, I am simply a student and servant to the ultimate Manly Man! (JESUS!)

If you have "no idea" what your looking for...Look more into JESUS (!!!)...He has a crazy way of being everything you need!

LEAH--The Lusting Monkey Zombies

2008-11-07T17:33:00.000-08:00

Ever seen an old zombie movie? The zombies are just stumbling aimlessly attacking whoever is unfortunate enough to be closest to them! Really…they never seem to care who it is…so long as they don’t have to stumble too far to attack the victim. Stiff, aimless, wondering creatures….those zombies. Hollow empty eyes….perverted with nonsensical thoughts that urge them to simply attack and kill. Yeah…you know exactly where I’m going with this, don’t you. :) Its pretty clear…its ok if you don’t get it, I’ll keep babbling.
Ever notice the guys, walking around eyes darting from one girl to another…doing full body scans? (& yes, having brain party strip clubs, sorry girls, its true, guys have confirmed it, not to creep you out, but yeah half naked girls are another topic) And likewise…the girls with puppy eyes…inclined to do the monkey and cling onto whatever limb will have them, desperate for some kind of security, whatever the form. Keep in mind…that you have these types in both sexes, boys with “the monkey” and girls with “the brain strip clubs.” These are just a few examples of real living breathing, zombies. And you thought they were made up?  Now before you pass out, Im not going sci-fi on you. (this is hypothetic)

Think about it. Same idea. Stumbling around clumsily falling to one victim after another. I’m not here to make people feel bad, I definitely don’t consider myself perfect or some ideal person, so please don’t think I am bashing just to bash. I have been wondering why this happens. And though it hasn’t just made sense over night, over time I’ve come to realize something huge and I want to share it. :)(because Gods awesome and revealed it to me!!) The key is in the hollow zombie eyes.

Now I’m not a huge Zombie fan, but I’m pretty sure they become hypnotized (correct me if your more savvy in this area…haha) then go on killing streaks yada yada. Well, sometimes we forget how vulnerable our eyes are, we think for some reason, we build up an allowance and an immunity to seeing certain things, and then deem them “ok”. Thing is, these “things” I’m talking about, are never ok. For Guys (im not a guy…so correct me if Im wrong) the eyes are subjected to the hypnotism of porn etc. That word covers….a lot. For girls it’s the romance novels etc.(or movies for girls that hate reading). And weird as it sounds, I have to say, both these things go for both sexes.

So how does one become a zombie?

Its thanks to the hypnotism of Satan/sin. GUYS! The more you allow your minds to be filled with things that are causing your mind to fall into lust, the more mindless and hollow your actions become! GIRLS! The more you allow yourself to fantasize over the perfect romance, the more lonely and empty you’ll become! (AHH! This is big people!)
• Philippians 4:8 Wasn’t written for simply a jolly good quote! >>
Finally, brothers (and sisters!), whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.<<<
(I added the sisters in there….just so you know, its implied)
Psalm 119:37-->
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.
Proverbs 6:25-->
Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes,
Proverbs 17:24-->
A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

To wrap up (sorry this is so long!) ,

what goes in must come out

. And I don’t mean that in a gross way, and yet…it can be gross if what your eating is junk. Soak in goodness, not filth. So you can be alert, and ready to take on what comes your way!!!

Gods got a great mysterious and victorious plan!!!

But the light in your eyes will fade if you allow darkness to sneak its way in through filth! BURN THE BOOKS, DESTROY THE DISKS, WIPE THE COMPUTER, STOP THE FILTH DEAD IN ITS TRACKS! Don’t be seduced by deceptive charm, misery loves company and will stop at nothing to tempt you.
Guys, you know what’s attractive? A guy who doesn’t allow filth to sneak into his life! Who is quick to get accountability and weed it out when it sneaks in. Don’t be lethargic, be a champion, attack!
God!!! TURN EYES FROM WORTHLESS THINGS! AND PRESERVE LIVES ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD! BRING LIGHT TO HOLLOW DARK EYES, AND DESTROY THE CHAINS OF SIN! YOU ARE MIGHTY TO SAVE!!!!
Thanks Daddy :)

MIRIAM-Manly Men

2008-11-02T07:52:00.000-08:00

Recently, I wrote a blog for the rugged hills group--about my singleness (that is the point of the rugged hills group), and recent events have spurred me to write about what a girl like me--one who's happy being single, waiting for the guy God wants--would want in a guy. This is NOT advertising, this is NOT a desperate plea for that man, I just think that guys deserve to know a little of what women really want in a guy. Also, I'm also fed up with media's portrayal with guys masculinity..

The media sends all sorts of messages to girls--that they need to be skinny, that they need to be beautiful, that they need a man to make them happy, but what are the messages that media sends to men? A common trend that I have noticed is that "manly men" are the ones with high paying jobs, sports cars, and at least a few girlfriends(skinny, hott, a variety of hair colors and intelligence levels)or ones that don't care about anyone but themselves and enjoy drinking beer with buddies and using women. Men that care about women, cry, or have some level of sensitivity are gay. Seriously, what kind of world do we live in when manly men are jerks with nice cars who use women and the only guys allowed to be feeling, sensitive, or nice are gay.

So the message is- if you are sensitive, then there is something wrong with you and you should try to become "manly" by doing said acts, or that you should just embrace your sensitivity and come out of the closet. I really can't imagine what a hard time it must be for boys and men growing up with these horrible assumptions.

Fast cars, beer bellies, young girlfriends, and irresponsibility are not manly--- empathizing, crying, feeling, and being intelligent are not unmanly.
So What Is MANLY?

Sacrifice

Responsibility

Being comfortable with onesself

Caring for others

All of these can be seen through the life of the manliest man who ever lived--- Jesus, the Son of God--the creator of man--all knowing, transcending time and space, more powerful than anyone or anything ever imaginable--He makes superman look like a kitten. --all of this manlyness, and what we see Jesus doing in the Bible is serving--washing others feet, healing people, being truly compassionate, loving his friends and family, providing for them, and ultimately suffering a most painful death on the cross innocently for people who continually hate and reject him---yea, that's manly.

Me personally, I really respect guys that are comfortable enough in who they are in Christ just to be themselves, I respect guys that put other people before themselves, I respect guys that take responsibility seriously, I even respect guys who are emotionally passionate about things. Most of all, I think the manliest men are ones that reflect the life of Christ...yep, that's more than enough manliness for me.

I know this is pretty elementary stuff, but sometimes that's the stuff we forget about the most.

MIRIAM-confessions of a singleton

2008-11-02T07:49:00.000-08:00

My name is Miriam. I've been single pretty much my whole 19 years of life. I've been on one date, and I've never had an official boyfriend. I think that the expectations of being single are either too high, or too low, so I'm pretty much just going to try to explain my story as honestly as possible in hopes that it will encourage someone out there in the wild blue yonder of the web.

So like I said before, I've never been in a serious dating relationship, and I've only been on one date in my life. I'd be lying if I said that it has been easy and enjoyable. I don't think being single or being in a relationship is easy. I first started praying for a boyfriend when I was in 7th grade, it's hilarious now, but pretty much from that point it has been a struggle to stay content. God has taught me so many lessons though, and I know...now... that being content is not some boring standstill, but truly enjoying life and appreciating everything God has given me, and looking for ways that I can serve from where I am. Around the age of 16 it got even more complicated, I was in one of those friendlationships where I knew it was wrong, but I caved into what I wanted and was misirable. I'm so thankful that God has the transforming power to turn situations like that; when we are so stubborn and obviously go against what He is telling us, into positive learning experiences. I have to admit though, since I am being honest, that it still wasn't plesant or easy after that. 17-19 has been scattered with broken expectations, daydreaming (i'm sad to say), and foolish girlish inclinations. So many times I've expected something to happen in friendships, and nothing has happened. It's sad to me how much time I've spent pining over guys simply to have someone to pine over. Oh, I know I've been foolish, but thankfully I have a God that understands my foolish nature, and loves me no matter what. Still, though, at 19, it is difficult. When I go home, most of my friends are married or in serious relationships, I'm the odd one out, and sometimes the only one in a group that doesn't have that "special someone." It can be frustrating and hard, and annoying sometimes, but God's taught me that I just need to enjoy what I have right now, to enjoy being free and single, with a mysterious future where nothing is set in stone yet. I love being able to have that sense of wonder about my future and what God has in store for me. I feel like the kid on Christmas morning that has the big unopened presents still wrapped while the others have already opened theirs. (not that I'm bashing married people, I really think they are great, I just find a sense of excitement in my situation)

I know that the road ahead is rough and bumpy, and that the man God has for me may take awhile to find me, but I'm ok with that. I find comfort in the fact that no matter what, even if he never comes, that I have a perfect father, friend, bridegroom that is here with me now, one who completes my soul, one that will never dissapoint me, will always forgive me, and who loves me unconditionally. I can honestly say that I'm happy, content and joyful being single, and I hope that that can be of encouragement to those who aren't. It's not easy for me all of the time, and i know that it never will be for me or for you. It's taken a lot for me to come this far, for God to pound His truths into my head, and even now I struggle. So singletons, push ahead, move forward, don't worry about tomorrow, but take joy in today, God has amazing plans for your life, but first you have to surrender your mediocre plans. Be joyful in being you and basking in God's unconditional, irrepressible, immeasurable love for you even with His omnipotent knowledge of all of your wrongs and shortcomings.

The I'm trying to make is that we all struggle with being single, and that is ok. God made us with needs for human companionship, He made us to love, and seek others to love, but most of all, He made us to love Him in the most fulfilling relationship possible. God is all you will ever need, yes, an earthly relationship can be amazing, especially a God centered one, but no one can love you like God can.

Jeremiah 1:5 (The Message)
"Before I shaped you in the womb,
I knew all about you.
Before you saw the light of day,
I had holy plans for you:
A prophet to the nations—
that's what I had in mind for you

Psalm 139:13-16(The Message)
Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother's womb.
I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day.

MARK

2008-08-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

(Listen to two songs here--> ) http://www.myspace.com/leahcanales

Hold Out for The Best
-by Mark

V1/
Every time I'm around you my heart skips a beat
Being with you, it's hard to stay on my feet
Like a punch to the gut, like a sock in the eye
Like a rocket that flies out of sight in the sky

Passion's a fire burning
Long, consuming, yearning
Let's not awaken it too soon
Let's give our love some room

C/
Baby don't get too close
Don't hold me too long
Don't kiss me quite yet
There's no need to go wrong
We don't have to have regrets
Don't have to make mistakes
Why not hold out for the best
And wait

V2/
Every look that you gives me sends me right out of time
To a place somewhere in heaven where you are mine
Just the feel of your skin, just the smell of your hair
And the way that you hold me, your breath in the air

Why would I gamble my treasure
For a fast fleeting moment of pleasure
Why would I risk forever
I will not do it, never!

C/

Another Song By Mark:

I remember the first night when
I ever held you in my arms
We were at your parents’ house
We were sitting on their couch

I remember the first time I
Looked deep into your eyes
Everything was shaking inside
I couldn’t stop now if I tried

And as your tears ran down
I knew I’d found
Something real
And I feel

Chorus
Nothing’s gonna keep me from loving you baby
Nothing in this world can compare to you
Nothing’s gonna keep me from wanting you baby
No one else in this world is quite like you

I remember the first time I
Realized you were on my mind
It was like a dream beyond
Anything that I could find

I remember the first time that
My heart opened the door to you
You had such an attitude
I could not stop staring at you

Maybe I knew
That dreams come true
Now I know
Let me show you that…

Chorus

Times may change, and seasons may pass
Some will try to tell you that love won’t last
Babe, I want to tell you that some things never change
In honesty, I promise thee

Chorus

I Want You-By Mark
V1/ I want you to talk to me every second of the day
I want you to walk with me every step of the way
I want you to stay with me when everyone’s gone away
I want you to pray with me and to trust and obey
God that is…

I want you to love me the way that I love you
I want you to be with me the way I want to be with you
I want you to want me the way that I want you
I want you to love me the way I love you

V2 /I want you to keep me, close to you heart
And I want you to know me how I’ve loved you from the start
And I want you to hold me cause’ I never want to part
And I want you to see me I wanna know who you are
C/
V3/ Is it ok for me to say how crazy I am about you
Is it alright for me to fight the tears when I without you
Would I be wrong to tell you that I think that I might need you
Am I fool to think that maybe you might need me too?
That maybe I am perfect for you?
Am I a fool I don’t care
C/

LEAH-Waiting for her Squash....haha :)

2008-08-07T20:20:00.000-07:00

Dear One,
Its 1:03am Saturday morning august 2nd. Ive already learned a lesson on patience as my car is in our ditch out front. Each day brings another lesson to the surface...apparently driving backwards into your driveway when you've just woken up in the wee hours of the morning isnt pure genius. Sometimes waiting for you feels like slamming down on the gas and revving backwards hoping to slip between the ditches and onto the driveway. It makes your heartbeat quicken and at times I have the fleeting thought that maybe, just maybe i wont make it. But to be honest 99% of the time its full gas, straight back, no worries. I've got confidence I'll make it. Im thankful that when it comes to you, my confidence is in a perfect God, who never misses the driveway. Im human, thats why Im allowing this huge choice to be done by a God who unlike me has no blind spots. I can go full throttle because Gods steering. I pray for you, i smile in anticipation for you. Ive had a security system installed in my heart, no intruders shall enter. Im not worried that we wont find one another. I cant wait, yet my God has given me peace for here, now. We will be a mighty team, wont you wait for me? Fall in love with God. From that love you will find me. And i you. Receive the joy of waiting! Its so glorious. Today i also saw something i had never seen before. Two yellow squashes conjoined together! Surprisingly thats not too uncommon. It made me think, soon my love we will be growing toward God side by side. Then we will grow together! As we can be stronger, supportive and bigger than ever together. Wait for me, but continue to grow regardless! I adore you and am waiting.

-Excited yellow squash.

WAIT…just DON’T WAIT… (ENCOURAGEMENT FOR ALL!!!)
I wanted to share something I had thought of recently, some things are misinterpreted when it comes to “waiting” for the “one.” It isn’t necessarily saying, though its assumed “just be miserable for a while, just stay where you are and sit like a good little kid, until your rewarded for your silence.” Hahaha! Noooo! Its pretty much the opposite!!
Psalm 19:8
The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
Psalm 20:5
We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests.
Psalm 30:11
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
Psalm 51:12
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Waiting for Gods timing is totally a time of JOY! Weird huh? Once we become mold-able unto Him…he gives us the desires of our hearts, but we have to be willing to accept His will, time, blessings!
Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart
“delight” means to be “moldable” so in other words…putty, clay… when we are the clay, we can be formed!! And our desires will become intune with HIS desires for us! (YESSS!!!!!!)
Then you can get up, dance, live, enjoy the beauty of His presence. We don’t have to wait to live…(may seem extreme but it’s easy to do…Im guilty!!) for that special someone, we don’t have to hold our breath, the days are evil, they are already being filled by temptations left and right to steal away our time!!!
• Ephesians 5:16
making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Lets not allow our time to be taken up worrying about the who, when, where, whys and hows!!
Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
He/she, is out there!!! If God wills it! But no matter the case, you will be complete. Two broken pots don’t make a whole pot, they make two broken pots… So don’t wait to get it together TO BE “FILLED WITH GOD” or get out there and serve Him to your fullest, till that “one” comes. The time is NOW!! THANK YOU GOD!!! THAT YOU GIVE US ALL WE NEED!!! YOU ARE SOOO BEYOND WORDS!I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-Leah

2008-07-27T08:10:00.001-07:00

My lover spoke and said to me,
"Arise, my darling,
my beautiful one, and come with me.

See! The winter is past;
the rains are over and gone.

Song Of Solomon 2:10-11

2008-07-27T07:22:00.000-07:00

Until the day breaks and the shadows flee, turn, my lover, and be like a gazelle or like a young stag on the rugged hills. (Song of Solomon 2:17)

Hello! I wanted to create a place for the main purpose of encouraging my single friends, I yearn for each of you to see how precious the time of waiting is!! It is so beautiful! It is no prison of self pity unless you allow it to be, these days are full of adventure on rugged hills (Song of Solomon 2:17), a time to flee after God! Seek after His will to learn Gods art of love, drawn outside the lines.