Funny and sweet love story.
The video below gives you a glimpse of Joel and Victoria Osteen’s relationship. This video does not cover how they met so I will. They met at a Jewelry store, set up a date and hung out, from there a courtship developed.
Each month I will feature a love story that I LOVE and think you will too.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Project You:Love Thyself
Project YOU: Love thyself
************Jesus Christ commands you to be healthy*************
Mental Health, 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
Mental health is roughly defined as a person's overall emotional and psychological condition. When you are too stressed out by your environment (family, work, school, and factors outside your control can destroy your mental health; thereby causing anxiety, physiological issues, depression, and other mental health issues. God warned us against worrying in Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Jesus, the son of God, also spoke against worrying, Matthew 6:27,34“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?…Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
I think it is wise to identify the things or circumstances that are in your life that will or is currently causing you stress. Identify it and wisely seek counsel on how you can resolve the issue in the best way possible or receive counsel to how you can better handle the situation or interact with the individual. Also remember to pray. (1 Peter 5:7)
Financial/physical Health, Proverbs 6:6-8 “Go to the ant, sluggard; consider her ways and be wise; who having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provides her food in the summer and gathers her food in the harvest”
In America it is more important to appear to have wealth than to actually have it. People who were millionaires, six figure earners, and other high income individuals are loosing their homes and are deep in debt due to mismanagement of their money. Many Americans live paycheck to paycheck because of the amount of debt: student loans, expenses (house, cars, socializing, shopping) that they incur monthly. <Article:http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/retirement/oct_07_retirement_poll_results_a1.asp> On top of that if you loose your job you may no longer have health care coverage. Fortunately for many of the visitors to this blog who are from Canada, Europe, and other regions of the world, health care debt is not an issue for you.
My point is, live within your means, do not be ASHAMED to live within your means. As it is written a proud look goes before a fall, Proverbs 16:18. Decrease your debts, when you are financially able start to save, and plan for your future. If you are an American citizen without Health insurance, I truly believe even if you are in good health now that you should not be without some form of health coverage. In this great country of the United States of America, there are so many ways to receive health assistance, Medicaid, Medicare, and other free government clinics (immunizations, and etc). Whatever country you may be from make certain that you are regularly maintaining and tracking the health of your body, so that you may catch any ailments in its early stages. Prevention is better than cure.
Social Health, Proverbs 13:20, “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.”
There are numerous scriptures that God provided to us that warn us about the group of people we associate with. God tells us to seek righteous and wise company. God warned us to stay away from Frenemies. Frenemy is roughly defined as an enemy that pretends to be your friend. I believe it is a blessing to encounter someone who you have believed to be your “friend” who lied or gossiped about you. Since you can then label them as a frenemy and remove them from your circle of influence and trust. Scriptures concerning Frenemies:
Proverbs 10:18, “He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.”
Proverbs 20:19, “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.”
-Spiritual Health:
Ephesians 6:10-17,
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Project YOU: Love Thyself, Started for me in 2007, It was an interesting journey because I realized that I had so much to work on and of course I am still learning, growing, repositioning myself, and changing my character. However over the past three years, I identified the right career direction, healthy friendships, unhealthy friendships, proper mentors, focused on my financial health, and etc. I have not “arrived” but I am in a much better position than where I was three years ago. I am learning what my weak areas are and the areas I needed to strengthen myself. I have also identified a passion in my life, and I started to develop a vision for my future. I hope that I have encouraged you to do the same.
How can you love another if you do not love yourself first?
************Jesus Christ commands you to be healthy*************
Mental Health, 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
Mental health is roughly defined as a person's overall emotional and psychological condition. When you are too stressed out by your environment (family, work, school, and factors outside your control can destroy your mental health; thereby causing anxiety, physiological issues, depression, and other mental health issues. God warned us against worrying in Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Jesus, the son of God, also spoke against worrying, Matthew 6:27,34“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?…Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
I think it is wise to identify the things or circumstances that are in your life that will or is currently causing you stress. Identify it and wisely seek counsel on how you can resolve the issue in the best way possible or receive counsel to how you can better handle the situation or interact with the individual. Also remember to pray. (1 Peter 5:7)
Financial/physical Health, Proverbs 6:6-8 “Go to the ant, sluggard; consider her ways and be wise; who having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provides her food in the summer and gathers her food in the harvest”
In America it is more important to appear to have wealth than to actually have it. People who were millionaires, six figure earners, and other high income individuals are loosing their homes and are deep in debt due to mismanagement of their money. Many Americans live paycheck to paycheck because of the amount of debt: student loans, expenses (house, cars, socializing, shopping) that they incur monthly. <Article:http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/retirement/oct_07_retirement_poll_results_a1.asp> On top of that if you loose your job you may no longer have health care coverage. Fortunately for many of the visitors to this blog who are from Canada, Europe, and other regions of the world, health care debt is not an issue for you.
My point is, live within your means, do not be ASHAMED to live within your means. As it is written a proud look goes before a fall, Proverbs 16:18. Decrease your debts, when you are financially able start to save, and plan for your future. If you are an American citizen without Health insurance, I truly believe even if you are in good health now that you should not be without some form of health coverage. In this great country of the United States of America, there are so many ways to receive health assistance, Medicaid, Medicare, and other free government clinics (immunizations, and etc). Whatever country you may be from make certain that you are regularly maintaining and tracking the health of your body, so that you may catch any ailments in its early stages. Prevention is better than cure.
Social Health, Proverbs 13:20, “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.”
There are numerous scriptures that God provided to us that warn us about the group of people we associate with. God tells us to seek righteous and wise company. God warned us to stay away from Frenemies. Frenemy is roughly defined as an enemy that pretends to be your friend. I believe it is a blessing to encounter someone who you have believed to be your “friend” who lied or gossiped about you. Since you can then label them as a frenemy and remove them from your circle of influence and trust. Scriptures concerning Frenemies:
Proverbs 10:18, “He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.”
Proverbs 20:19, “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.”
-Spiritual Health:
Ephesians 6:10-17,
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Project YOU: Love Thyself, Started for me in 2007, It was an interesting journey because I realized that I had so much to work on and of course I am still learning, growing, repositioning myself, and changing my character. However over the past three years, I identified the right career direction, healthy friendships, unhealthy friendships, proper mentors, focused on my financial health, and etc. I have not “arrived” but I am in a much better position than where I was three years ago. I am learning what my weak areas are and the areas I needed to strengthen myself. I have also identified a passion in my life, and I started to develop a vision for my future. I hope that I have encouraged you to do the same.
How can you love another if you do not love yourself first?
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Love Lockdown
I think Kayne West’s Song is open for interpretation, I am in by no means trying to interpret the song. However I use this song to illustrate what many people have gone through which is “love” that consumes all their time. Time that is usually spent with friends, family, activities, and etc. Also constant time spent checking up with each other over the phone, text messages, Facebook, Myspace, and et…I call it virtual stalking. Constant accountability of your time in a friendship or courtship isn’t normal, it is unhealthy. Sometime soon on this blog I will get more in depth over it; however the videos that I posted cover the topic.
Just recently, (past few weeks), I met this guy and we exchanged contact information to hang out the following weekend. Shortly after giving the guy my number he started to text me literally every hour. In my mind, I said to myself this is crazy. And the text messages were not pertaining to anything serious either. It brought me back to the time years ago when I dated this guy, whom I discuss in my book, “The Christian Lady’s Dating Constitution: A Memorandum Addressed to Teens, Their Parents, And Young Adults.” I was very young then, and the guy I was dating back then did the same exact thing this guy started to do. That boyfriend called me all the time, texted me all the time, and wanted to be with me during all my free time. So eventually it got to the point where I didn’t see my family often and seldom saw my friends unless if we bumped into each other. I thought that kind of behavior was cute and normal back then, now I know it is very unhealthy.
Your love interest should be incorporated into your time with your family, friends, and other loved ones. He/She should not take over the time you spend with your family, friends, and loved ones. You may say to yourself that you spend enough time with your family and friends, but remember that they are permanent fixtures in your life. Someone who is entering your life should not take over the time of people who have contributed to the person that you are and who you know truly loves you. Trust is earned over time and love is displayed, grown, and strengthened through different seasons in a relationshp. A newbie should not be replacing time that you normally spend with permanent fixtures in your life.
If you are in a relationship, Take ten minutes and ask yourself if you are being imprisoned in a “Love Lockdown.”
Just recently, (past few weeks), I met this guy and we exchanged contact information to hang out the following weekend. Shortly after giving the guy my number he started to text me literally every hour. In my mind, I said to myself this is crazy. And the text messages were not pertaining to anything serious either. It brought me back to the time years ago when I dated this guy, whom I discuss in my book, “The Christian Lady’s Dating Constitution: A Memorandum Addressed to Teens, Their Parents, And Young Adults.” I was very young then, and the guy I was dating back then did the same exact thing this guy started to do. That boyfriend called me all the time, texted me all the time, and wanted to be with me during all my free time. So eventually it got to the point where I didn’t see my family often and seldom saw my friends unless if we bumped into each other. I thought that kind of behavior was cute and normal back then, now I know it is very unhealthy.
Your love interest should be incorporated into your time with your family, friends, and other loved ones. He/She should not take over the time you spend with your family, friends, and loved ones. You may say to yourself that you spend enough time with your family and friends, but remember that they are permanent fixtures in your life. Someone who is entering your life should not take over the time of people who have contributed to the person that you are and who you know truly loves you. Trust is earned over time and love is displayed, grown, and strengthened through different seasons in a relationshp. A newbie should not be replacing time that you normally spend with permanent fixtures in your life.
If you are in a relationship, Take ten minutes and ask yourself if you are being imprisoned in a “Love Lockdown.”
Monday, September 6, 2010
To Pledge or Not to Pledge? That is my Question of the Day!
**********Lets discuss the Purity Vow**********
Growing up as a teen I heard and seen numerous evangelists and youth leaders encourage young adults and teens to take the purity pledge and wear a promise ring. Fast forward to today, more than fifteen years later I question the validity of such pledges. I do not believe they are scriptural and practical.
Scriptures:
Ecclesiastes 5:4-7
“When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God.”(Making a vow is serious business!)
Matthew 5:33-37
“Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.’ “But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING. “Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. “But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.
Psalm 119:9-11
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
The statistics sited in the Mathematica Study supports my belief. It states for the most part that the purity vows are often broken. Why is that?
In my opinion, many of the pledges may have been made on an emotional basis without a strong spiritual foundation and many tweens, teens, and young adults are not fully armed with the word of God thereby not able to guard their hearts properly. Therefore when many trials and situations arise they fall to the way side, the pledge, and their convictions are out the window because they were not equipped to face the situation at hand (Matthew 13).
Many teens in America are dating at the age of 14, engaging in various sexual activities or watching provocative materials at a very young age. They encounter a lot and a pledge is not a sufficient tool to discourage fornication. What teens need to know is God’s view point about sexual immorality, how to deal and end unhealthy friendships, and how to walk away from negative situations they may be placed in…basically what tweens, teens, and young adults need is to be taught Wisdom, (Proverbs 24:14). Also we all need to constantly have the word of God imprinted on our minds so that they are able to withstand the wiles of Satan, (Ephesians 6:11)
I am against pledging but I am all for making your yes’ yes and your no’s be no. Whatever you commit to do to please God in the beginning of your christian walk, you are totally able to accomplish it as you gain wisdom, discipline, and continually renew your mind. God does not seek perfection because as it is written our righteousness is as dirty rags, (Isaiah 64:6). He loves us, and whatever was done in the past is dead and gone when we make Jesus the Lord of our lives. We are pure through Jesus Christ alone. (Colossians 1:21-23) .
Growing up as a teen I heard and seen numerous evangelists and youth leaders encourage young adults and teens to take the purity pledge and wear a promise ring. Fast forward to today, more than fifteen years later I question the validity of such pledges. I do not believe they are scriptural and practical.
Scriptures:
Ecclesiastes 5:4-7
“When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God.”(Making a vow is serious business!)
Matthew 5:33-37
“Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.’ “But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING. “Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. “But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.
Psalm 119:9-11
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
The statistics sited in the Mathematica Study supports my belief. It states for the most part that the purity vows are often broken. Why is that?
In my opinion, many of the pledges may have been made on an emotional basis without a strong spiritual foundation and many tweens, teens, and young adults are not fully armed with the word of God thereby not able to guard their hearts properly. Therefore when many trials and situations arise they fall to the way side, the pledge, and their convictions are out the window because they were not equipped to face the situation at hand (Matthew 13).
Many teens in America are dating at the age of 14, engaging in various sexual activities or watching provocative materials at a very young age. They encounter a lot and a pledge is not a sufficient tool to discourage fornication. What teens need to know is God’s view point about sexual immorality, how to deal and end unhealthy friendships, and how to walk away from negative situations they may be placed in…basically what tweens, teens, and young adults need is to be taught Wisdom, (Proverbs 24:14). Also we all need to constantly have the word of God imprinted on our minds so that they are able to withstand the wiles of Satan, (Ephesians 6:11)
I am against pledging but I am all for making your yes’ yes and your no’s be no. Whatever you commit to do to please God in the beginning of your christian walk, you are totally able to accomplish it as you gain wisdom, discipline, and continually renew your mind. God does not seek perfection because as it is written our righteousness is as dirty rags, (Isaiah 64:6). He loves us, and whatever was done in the past is dead and gone when we make Jesus the Lord of our lives. We are pure through Jesus Christ alone. (Colossians 1:21-23) .
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Deal Breaker!
I don’t know if I am a “dater.” I believe in building a friendship with my fellow Christian guys with a natural occurrence of an intimate relationship evolving, whether it be only a strong friendship or a courtship. With all this said, one day one of my male (Christian) friend mentioned that sleeping with the person you are dating is not a big deal. In my mind I yelled, “Deal Breaker!” For those who do not know what deal breaker means, it is defined roughly as, “the catch that a particular individual cannot overlook and ultimately outweighs any redeeming quality the individual may possess.”
So ya, even though he was a great guy who was totally talented and an awesome acquaintance. Because of that belief that he held and the practice that he had a habit of doing. I decided the friendship had to be broken. And I had no intention on trying to convince him to change his views, he knew my views. He knew that I do not believe in being physically intimate before marriage.
That was my deal breaker. You may say I am extreme, but I really don’t think so. God outlined in the scriptures “Deal Breakers,” Some of them are identified in the following scriptures:
1 Corinthians 5:11 (NIV),
“But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.”
2 Timothy 3:1-5
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.”
We all have our struggles and issues that we have to constantly discipline ourselves to let go of bad habits, behaviors, and mindsets. However we are definitely on shaky ground when we know what is right but give into our desires repeatedly without a repentant heart. God told us whenever we find our Brothers and Sisters behaving in such manner, to depart from their company.
So are you holding on to the wrong relationships?
So ya, even though he was a great guy who was totally talented and an awesome acquaintance. Because of that belief that he held and the practice that he had a habit of doing. I decided the friendship had to be broken. And I had no intention on trying to convince him to change his views, he knew my views. He knew that I do not believe in being physically intimate before marriage.
That was my deal breaker. You may say I am extreme, but I really don’t think so. God outlined in the scriptures “Deal Breakers,” Some of them are identified in the following scriptures:
1 Corinthians 5:11 (NIV),
“But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.”
2 Timothy 3:1-5
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.”
We all have our struggles and issues that we have to constantly discipline ourselves to let go of bad habits, behaviors, and mindsets. However we are definitely on shaky ground when we know what is right but give into our desires repeatedly without a repentant heart. God told us whenever we find our Brothers and Sisters behaving in such manner, to depart from their company.
So are you holding on to the wrong relationships?
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