Pure Magazine

You're Not Alone:

Facing the Holiday Season without Family

The Christmas season is a wonderful time. It's a time to remember the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It's a time to spend with family and friends and thank God for what He's given us. It's a time of giving. But, what happens when you end up alone during the Christmas season? Perhaps you are out of town on business, sent away for the military, or maybe you have had a death in the family. Often times, people find it difficult to spend Christmas alone. But, what if I told you that you can never actually be alone? What if I told you that God sends his Holy Spirit to live in us and with us every day?

2 Corinthians 13:14

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

We have been given the priviledge of an ever-present God being in our lives; not just on Christmas, but every day. We have been given the gift of FELLOWSHIP with the HOLY SPIRIT. Can you fathom how great this gift is? God is letting us see and feel and experience a part of him. How amazing is this? How much must He love us to allow us such a thing?

Job 16:20

My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God;

Many people don't understand that God is more than the "big head in the sky". He is our friend, our intercessor, our counselor, our love, our salvation. If you haven't already, I challenge you to allow Jesus into your heart and ask him to be your friend. As cheesy as that sounds, it is possible. You will never know a greater friend than Jesus. You will never have a more faithful friend than Him.

Proverbs 18:24

but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Job 29:4

...when God’s intimate friendship blessed my house,

He is there during your Grieving

If you are someone that's lost a family member, Christmas can be extra hard. It can bring up memories of him/her and remind you of the good times you spent together. I am a realist and I know that sometimes you just don't have it in you to smile or to think about the good. But, that's what I am here for...and that's what God is here for. He wants you to know that He will be standing by your side holding your hand through the hard times. There are many seasons in life and some of them are very difficult. But, God said He would never give us anything we could not handle. Just ask for his help, ask Him to wrap His loving arms around you and bring you comfort and peace. I promise that if you ask Him, He will not let you down.  You just have to be open to receive his love and comfort.

Psalm 34:18

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Ten Things to Do if You're "Alone" on Christmas

I just read an article called "10 Things to do if you're alone for the Holidays" by Laurie Stoneham. Please copy and paste this link into your browser to read her full article: http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/10-things-to-do-if-youre-alone-for-the-holidays/. In her article, Stoneham offers practical advise that will help you get through the day. I will add to it, however, to spend time with God. Start the day with a prayer and thank God for being in your life. Thank him for all He has given you.

Here are Stoneham's "10 Things to do"

1. De-mythologize and adjust expectations. Elaine Rodino, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in Santa Monica, Calif., says there are so many categories of expectations about the season being just right that it brings up all sorts of issues relating to family, stress and anxiety, eating disorders, sobriety, self-esteem, competency — the list goes on. “There’s this idea that it’s supposed to be perfect, and if it’s not, the person asks, ‘What’s wrong with me?’” She adds that statistically, the number of “traditional households” in this country is not in the majority.
2. Pick up the phone. Call friends and ask to be included in whatever they’re doing. Rodino suggests offering to bring a dish or seeing how you can contribute to the gathering. She says most people love opening their homes and expanding the celebration. It works for everyone.
3. Be proactive. Create an “alternative family” made up of people whose company you enjoy. Plan and prepare a potluck feast if you like. Remember that you are not alone in being alone during the holidays. Get together with others and have some fun.
4. Plan an outing. Go on a hike, or go to the movies, a park or a museum. Enjoy the outing with your group or by yourself.
5. Pamper yourself. Treat yourself to a day of beauty at a spa, get a massage or find some other special way to luxuriate. Do whatever you enjoy doing.
6. Reach out. “Build bridges the rest of the year, and cross them during the holidays,” said Craig Ellison, Ph.D., author of Saying Goodbye to Loneliness and Finding Intimacy. If you can’t be with family or loved ones during this time of the year, send them letters or e-mails or call them — in other words, reach out to them.
7. Remember your bonds and blessings. Pull out photo albums and read old letters. While this may be bittersweet, Ellison says it’s “not toxic.” If possible, get on the phone and talk with loved ones who are still living.
8. Help others. Volunteering at a mission or shelter for the homeless will help you feel connected. Ellison suggests that you participate in activities with this organization at other times of the year, not just on one day of the year. This will make the experience more fulfilling. Rodino says volunteering at a soup kitchen gives you a healthy perspective. “There’s nothing like that for slapping you back to realizing how well you are,” Rodino noted.
9. Travel. If you have the finances, get away for a few days. Go skiing or take a tropical holiday. Singles groups often have tour groups during the holidays. Rodino says this gets you out of the traditional holiday mindset.
10. Get through the day. If you’re unable to do any of these things, Rodino tells her patients to just get through it. Read. Sleep. Rent a video. And remember, tomorrow it’ll all be over.

I hope that everyone out there has a very Merry Christmas. I know that for some of you it may be easier said than done. However, remember that Jesus is your friend and if you allow Him he will be ever-present in your life. Have a very Merry Christmas everyone and let's all celebrate the birth of our Savior and friend, Jesus Christ!

Over and Out!

Are you listening?

I recently read an article entitled "Listen and be heard with 'walkie-talkie management" by Anne Milkovich. In the article, Milkovich is speaking about communication skills for managers. One of her main points is that we should train ourselves to communicate as if we are on a walkie talkie. You speak clearly...then you wait for a response. 

This is a wonderful idea for dealing with employees, co-workers, and even family members. However, do you think you effectively listen for a response during prayer?

Milkovich said, "When we think of communication skills, we tend to think in terms of how well we talk. But in fact, listening is really what determines good walkie-talkie skills. People are more interested in being heard than in hearing. Fight this tendency in yourself as you capitalize on it in others."

Image borrowed from http://www.basic-counseling-skills.com/images/foto-active-listening.jpg

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Often times when I am speaking to someone and mention that God revealed something to me, I get a strange look. The strangest look of them all comes when I say that God spoke to me. "He actually SPOKE to you?" some people might say. My answer, "Yes. He spoke to me".

The reason a lot of people claim they've never heard God is they don't know how to recognize His voice.

God speaks in many different ways (some of the following content was borrowed from http://www.allaboutprayer.org/hearing-gods-voice.htm):

1) The Bible: In his book Knowing God, J. I. Packer says, "God has spoken to man, and the Bible is His Word, given to us to make us wise unto salvation."

2) Our thoughts: Ever have a thought just pop into your mind and you couldn't figure out how it got there? Often times this is God urging you to do something.

3) Our conversations with others: Ever have a friend lend a shoulder to cry on during a hard time? Ever meet a stranger that had just the right words to say? Sometimes God designs "Holy Moments" and uses others to speak to us.

There are many more ways God speaks. To find a complete list of ways God can speak to us, I recommend buying the book "101 Ways God Speaks (And How to Hear Him) by Sandy Warner at http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/101-ways-god-speaks-%28and-how-to-hear-him%29/2012106.

God is constantly speaking to us, His children. It is our responsibility to listen and obey.

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In order to effectively listen, we must get rid of all "static" in the conversation. This can include the TV show you have on in the background, your pre-conceived thoughts on God, your emotions, your sins, your thoughts, etc. etc. etc.

Here is my suggestion: If you are yearning to hear the voice of God, make yourself available. Get rid of these distractions; go to your quiet place or "prayer closet" as some would call it. 

There is a song about entering the presence of God. It describes it as physically walking through the sanctuary into the most holy place. I like to think of it that way when I pray. I try to remember that I am in the presence of the Most High...it is a lot easier to remain quiet and listen when you understand that the one you are speaking to created the Universe. He might just have more knowledge than me.

The song is called "Take Me In" - by Kutless. I challenge you to look this song up and listen with your eyes shut. Try to imagine walking into the presence of God. There is nothing more powerful than that.

Take me past the outer courts

Into the holy place

Past the brazen altar

Lord I want to see your face

Pass me by the crowds of people

The priests who sing your praise

I hunt and thirst for your righteousness

But it's only found in one place

Take me in to the holy of holies

Take me in by the blood of the lamb

Take me in to the holy of holies

Take the coal, touch my lips, here I am

Image borrowed from http://www.makeadiff21.com/storage/Obedience.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1254790866570

Psalm 119:60

"I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands."

There is one thing to point out here. When God tells you to do something, you should do it without delay. When you are in-tune with the Holy Spirit and recognize his tug on your heart, He can ask you to do anything at anytime without any warning. The closer you get to God, the easier it will be to obey without second guessing Him.

Believe me, it will be worth it to follow His direction. He has it all figured out already.

Conclusion

Tell me why it's easier to take advice from a television show or radio program that it is to take advice from God. Why is it that when we have the world on the other end of the walkie talkie, we turn the volume up and when God's on the other end, we turn it down? The answer: it is a whole lot easier to do what the world suggests because no one will oppose you. But when we follow God, the reward will be 10 times greater.

Let's all practice our listening skills and turn the volume up for God.

Marital Bliss not so BLISSFUL?

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What to do when your marriage is on the rocks

Life is a funny thing sometimes. As my husband says, "Just when you think you got it, you don't." Well, the same thing can be said about life in the "marital realms". Just when you think your marriage is going great, a speed bump can show up on the road and catch you off guard. A death in the family, financial problems, job lay-offs, infidelity, problems with children? The list can go on and on when it comes to outward interference in a marriage. However, remember that God is the one that created marriage. Satan is the one that wants to destroy families and break up marriages. The odds are that if you are married, you have hit a rough patch at one time or another. Just as life has its ups and downs, so does a marriage. But what are we supposed to do when the downs of marriage have kicked us to the curb? Let's see what the Bible has to say.

The Fruits of the Spirit

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One thing I've found to be true in marriage is you cannot change your spouse. You cannot expect your marriage to change if you are depending on your spouse to change it. You must be proactive and focus on your behavior first. When you begin to pray for your marriage and live and act in the fruits of the spirit, I guarantee that your spouse will take notice.

When you are in the midst of an argument, do you think it would get better or worse if you listened and admitted your faults? Or do you think you will improve the situation by snapping back and sharing all of your hurts? Most likely the first way is the best.

God gave us an outline to how we should live...not just with friends and co-workers, but with our spouses as well.

I have a few tips that may help out when you are on the verge of exploding:

1) Step back from the situation. SAY A PRAYER. It may be hard because you are so angry, but SAY A PRAYER.

2) Respond in love. There is nothing wrong with sharing your feelings, even if they are feelings of hurt or disappointment. But, share those feelings in LOVE.

3) Be gentle in your speech. Don't use a harsh tone or body language.

4) Do your best to keep peace in your household. If the situation is escalating, step away again. Take another breather. SAY ANOTHER PRAYER.

5) Be patient with your spouse as they explain their feelings. Don't interrupt, but listen patiently.

6) Be faithful to your spouse by knocking down temptations to run away or run into someone else's arms. Be faithful in mind and action...your marriage will survive this if you depend on God.

7) Be self-controlled. When you are angry, do not react. Violence is caused by anger...if you are having violent thoughts walk away. Control your anger.

8 ) Do your best to not steal your spouse's joy. You ever hear of raining on someone's parade? If you are upset about something, choose the correct timing in bringing it up to your spouse. Choose the correct environment as well.

9) Be kind in your actions and speech. There is a way to explain yourself kindly, even if what you have to say is productive criticism.

10) Goodness....Keep negativity out of your mouth. Criticism is a large cause of divorce. Remind your spouse of the good you see in him. Be careful of being too overly critical.

*I know this is easier said than done, but the more you practice living in the spirit, the easier it will become*

Forgiveness

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If you are married, or thinking of getting married in the future, read this next part carefully.

Marriage is work. Great marriages are created by two people that are dedicated to making it work. You will not get through life being married without some arguments. It is going to happen. So don't be surprised when a dispute happens. It just will.

However, when your husband hurts you, do you hold onto a grudge afterward? Are you able to forgive him and wipe his slate clean?

Luke 6:37

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

This is a hard one to hear, especially if wounds are great. Rape victims, victims of abuse, and the like will especially find this difficult. A large part of why it is so difficult is because most believe if they forgive the abuser, they will be getting away with the crime. However, we must come to know that God is the one to deal with the abuser. It is not our part to avenge, but the Lord's. I am not suggesting that you stay in an abusive situation. If you are being abused you should contact your local police department and seek help. However, you cannot hold onto the pain forever. You must learn to forgive and move on.

The same goes for wives that have been hurt by husbands. Let's face it; we all say things we shouldn't at times. We all hurt our spouse at one time or another intentionally or unintentionally. But, if we hold onto grudges and keep bringing them back into arguments, we will never move on and our marriages will never improve.

Forgiveness is an art form. Let's become masters of it.

Don't give Satan a Foothold

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Ephesians 4:26-32

"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. ... Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

When we live in sin, we give Satan a foothold. This actually means you are helping Satan ruin your life. His goal is to STEAL, KILL, and DESTROY anything and everything in your life. He doesn't take vacations when you are at your lowest point. He will pounce on you like a lion. If your marriage is suffering and you hold onto grudges, he will feed off of that to make it worse. DO NOT give him a foothold because he will use it.

Conclusion

Image borrowed from http://www.truemanhood.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/husband-and-wife.jpg

1 Peter 3:1

"Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives,"

1 Peter 3:1-3

"Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."

Let's all try to live the way God intended: with the fruits of the Spirit.

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It's a common problem affecting families everywhere: strained mother-daughter relationships. You may experience the door slam, the "you're ruining my life!" or the infamous "you just don't understand!" Now, for the common household, these disturbances will probably create a strong tension in the family environment. However, what if you and your daughter could learn a new way to communicate? 

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Ephesians 6:1

[ Children and Parents ] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

Proverbs 22:6

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

I will be the first to say that I am not an expert on parenting. I am not even a parent yet. However, I was a teenage girl that grew up with two sisters. The three of us and mom grew to understand communication, even in the tough times. We had our fair share of arguments, of feeling misunderstood, and all the other emotions we don't really like to talk about. One thing, however, that always brought me closer to my mom was to know that I could go to her with anything. I might not have liked the response, but I always knew that mom's love was unconditional.

This is of course a generalization, but I know that often times, teenage girls that won't speak to their mothers feel that they can't trust them. They feel that their mom isn't "with the times" and "couldn't possibly understand what they are going through"

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"Ingrid Sanden says that the single most important thing a parent can do to stay in touch with their teen is to be "askable" (Keeping Tabs on Your Teen by Johnathon Allen)." If your daughter knows that you won't fly off the handle when she comes to you for advice, she might start bringing up those tough topics (Sex, drugs, alcohol, etc). Allen also states in his article "Studies resoundingly show that a lack of parental support and guidance is one of the primary causes for at-risk behavior such as drinking, smoking, taking drugs and having unprotected sex," says Dr. Michael Anastasi, a family counselor from LaVerne, Calif. "While there is certainly a balance to be struck, it’s absolutely imperative that parents go through the struggle of keeping in touch with their teens and revising their role as caregivers."

Do you remember those commercials that said, "It's 10pm. Do you know where your children are?" That is a valid question. Sadly enough, a lot of parents don't know what their children are doing.

The following information is taken from

http://www.netsmartz.org/safety/statistics.htm

33% of 13- to- 17-year-olds reported that their parents or guardians know

“very little” or “nothing” about what they do on the Internet.

48% of 16-17s said their parents or guardians know “very little” or “nothing”

You are your child's keeper

until she's mature enough to keep herself.

~ Laura Ramirez, Author of the parenting book Keepers of the Children

The article goes on to say, "Talking early and often with kids about things like relationships, sex and drugs may be hard, but children and teenagers consistently say they would rather hear about sex from their parents than from their friends or the media," Sanden says. Government statistics strongly support this view. In fact, 70 percent of interviewed teens said they were ready to discuss things their parents thought they weren’t prepared for. When asked why teenage girls become pregnant, more than 70 percent cited lack of communication between a girl and her parents."

Are you trying to teach your daughter the way to go and she isn't listening? Is your daughter getting involved in hazardous behavior and you feel there is nothing you can do to help? Denise Witmer, from About.com Guide offers a list of

10 Ways to Send a Clear Message to Your Teenager:

1. Use your active listening skills and watch out for those door slammers.

2. Talk often with your teen to bring out positive opinions, ideas, and behaviors by using an affirmative tone and body language.

3. Treat your teenager with the same respect you would have them treat you. Say 'hi', 'I love you', 'how was your day', etc.

4.  Your tone of voice is extremely important. Yelling simply doesn't work. The loud noise will shut down the listener (your teen) and you will not get through. If you feel the need to yell, 'time out' of the conversation until you have better control.

5. Be precise and detailed about what you expect. Write it down and use an Action Plan if you feel there is a need.

6. If you're giving your teenager instructions, write them down. It's a fail-safe for teens and adults. This way they will remember what they are expected to do and you can feel sure that you 'told' them correctly. Remember, to-do lists will keep you stress free.

7.  Do things together one-on-one and with the whole family. Good times often bring about great conversations, and wonderful memories.

***This is one of my personal favorites. My best memories of child/teenhood are when my mom spent time with me one-on-one. Especially when I was a young adult, I got to really know my mom.***

Deuteronomy 6:6

"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

8. 'Do as I say, not as I do' doesn't work. Modeling is the best way of learning. You are your teenager's model and they will emulate your behaviors.

Titus 2:4

Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children,

9. Never shut your teen out to show that you disapprove of their behavior. If you need time before you can talk to them about something that has upset you, tell them that you need time. Don't walk away silent.

10. "Because I said so" actually works when you are being pulled into a power struggle in discipline situations. You are the parent, and because of this, you do have the final say. Teenagers know this and trust you because of it. But do try to explain your reasoning whenever possible.

11. (This one I added myself) PRAY for your daughter. Pray that she will succeed in life by following God's will. Pray for her future spouse and children (if it's God's will for her to have them). Pray that your communication with your daughter will always be open and honest, loving and compassionate.

I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.  ~Abraham Lincoln

Image borrowed from:

http://families.osu.edu/stages-of-life/img/mother_and_daughter.jpg

What it comes down to folks is that teenage girls are in a struggle. They are being told to prepare for adulthood, to think and act like an adult, but are often times still treated like children. They feel confused and torn between one world and another. As mothers, it is your job to understand that your daughters are struggling and to be compassionate and understanding when they do fail.

Remember that as a mother, you will always be an influence in your daughter's life. From the time they take their first breath to possibly their last, daughters will always wonder, "What would mom do?" I would even argue this is true in mother-daughter relationships that are strained.

Let me end this article with a poem that demonstrates the power you have as a mother. You have the power to teach your children good/evil, to help them succeed/fail, etc.

Blessings on the hand of women!

Angels guard its strength and grace,

In the palace, cottage, hovel,

Oh, no matter where the place;

Would that never storms assailed it,

Rainbows ever gently curled;

For the hand that rocks the cradle

Is the hand that rules the world.

Infancy's the tender fountain,

Power may with beauty flow,

Mother's first to guide the streamlets,

From them souls unresting grow—

Grow on for the good or evil,

Sunshine streamed or evil hurled;

For the hand that rocks the cradle

Is the hand that rules the world.

Woman, how divine your mission

Here upon our natal sod!

Keep, oh, keep the young heart open

Always to the breath of God!

All true trophies of the ages

Are from mother-love impearled;

For the hand that rocks the cradle

Is the hand that rules the world.

Blessings on the hand of women!

Fathers, sons, and daughters cry,

And the sacred song is mingled

With the worship in the sky—

Mingles where no tempest darkens,

Rainbows evermore are hurled;

For the hand that rocks the cradle

Is the hand that rules the world.

William Ross Wallace

Let's try to keep the line open and practice good communication between mother and daughter.

Playing House: Not a Game

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Time and time again, I keep hearing of unmarried couples that are in a cohabitating relationship. The common things you hear are, "Well, how are we supposed to know if we're compatible for marriage unless we live together first?" and "You really see someone's true colors when you live together. Just dating doesn't tell you enough." The problem with this thinking is that now instead of going into a marriage with a clean slate, you are training yourself to think like a month-to-month renter instead of a dedicated and committed spouse. Most importantly, you aren't just living in denial, you are living in sin.

The Test

The reason we say the term, "playing house" is because to most people, living together is a very casual thing. In turn, they make the commitment (if there is one at all), the sex, and even their partner a casual thing as well. What most people don't realize is that there is so much more to marriage than just living together.

A couple that is merely pretending to be married has no serious commitment. They TEST each other to see if they are compatible. If someone fails, the relationship is over. However, according to Willard F. Harley, Jr., Ph.D. , author of His Needs, Her Needs: Building An Affair-proof Marriage, "a newly married couple makes a deliberate effort to accommodate each other, because they know their relationship will be for life. They want to BUILD compatibility, not TEST it."

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The Statistics

According to "Cohabitation Before Marriage", by Joseph M. Champlin,

"The number of unmarried couples living together in the United States has geometrically increased during the past four decades. In 1960 there were 439,000; by 1984 the number had jumped to 1,988,000; in 1998 the Census Bureau figure stood at 4,200,000." This is no surprise, considering it's all we see on T.V. these days. How many times have you seen a show where an unmarried couple is living together? Probably more than you can count.

What causes this rapid growth, you might ask? Champlin goes on to say numerous reasons, including: the introduction of explicit sexual scenes in films and television; a common toleration...." This is so true. In this day and age, you are almost seen as a bigot for following the word of God: which includes not supporting things of the devil (such as living together before marriage). The common toleration that Champlin discusses is very true.  Researcher, Pamela Smock stated in an article by Sharon Jayson, USA TODAY, "Cohabitation has become a common experience in people's lives."

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Another study, by Rich Deem ("Is Living Together Before Marriage a Good Idea?"), says, "The data shows that people who have multiple cohabiting relationships before marriage are more likely to experience:

• more negative communication in marriage
• lower levels of marital satisfaction
• the erosion over time of the perceived value of marriage
• higher perceived marital instability
• lower levels of male commitment to spouse
• greater likelihood of divorce than people who do not cohabit before marriage"

Is living together still the smart and practical decision? Are you really protecting yourself from the harms of divorce, or are you creating a whole new game of pain?

God's Protection Plan

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If the practical reasons aren't enough, then how about the spiritual reasons?

Hebrews 13:4

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.

God gave us the Bible as a guideline for our lives. It is meant to protect us from what Satan wants to do. He wants to STEAL, KILL, AND DESTROY. We've already established that by living together before marriage, you place your heart in a vulnerable position. Once your heart is there, it gives the devil a foothold.

Ephesians 4:27

and do not give the devil a foothold.

Even if you are not having a sexual relationship with your boyfriend/girlfriend and you are living together, you are placing yourself in temptation, which is giving the devil a foothold. Once the foothold is there, he will take full advantage of your situation so that he can fulfill his plan. He will STEAL, KILL, AND DESTROY whatever he can.

Image borrowed from:

http://www.surtec.com/Bilder/protection.jpg

1 Corinthians 6:13

"Food for the stomach and the stomach for food"—but God will destroy them both. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.

Galatians 5:19

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;

Proverbs 14:12 – “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” 

Conclusion

I can say it over and over again, I can list every reason why, but what it comes down to is whether you care about God's word or not. Do you care about pleasing God?

The world says that it's no big deal to live together before marriage because that is what they actually believe. They don't see the long-term consequences of their behavior because Satan has a way of blinding people to the truth. But, here's the truth: living together outside of marriage is dangerous territory. It shows that you don't respect your heart, you don't respect God, and you don't respect the person you are with.

My husband lived with someone he wasn't married to before we got married, and it put a strain on our marriage in the beginning. Thankfully, we each have God in our lives to help us through it. But, even he will say that he regrets his old lifestyle and now sees the pain that it caused. From personal experience, I can tell you that marriage is worth it. I can also tell you that you should respect your future spouse by waiting until marriage to have sex. If you already have or are already living with your boyfriend/girlfriend, I recommend that you start making your relationship right. It might be a good idea to include your pastor or someone in the church that you can trust to help you remain accountable in your relationship.

This article is not meant to be condemning. It is meant to show you the pain that Satan is trying to put you through. He is trying to harm you and your future spouse and children.

I again challenge you to take the high road. It may be difficult. You may face ridicule. You may face temptation. But, I would rather face all of that now, than to face God in the end.

Let's all try to please God in everything we do.

She Speaks With

Wisdom

Image borrowed from reconnections.net

Proverbs18:21

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Winston Churchill once said, "By swallowing evil words unsaid, no one has ever harmed his stomach." It's a saying that I personally agree with. However, it's sometimes easier said than done. When a person is provoked, you never know what might come out.

As a woman, I know what it means to deal with gossip.  I know what it means to be the victim of someone's tongue lashing and I know what it means to hurt someone by words I've said. Obviously, men deal with the same issues; but we are speaking to the women right now.

How many of you have experienced the pain that follows cruel words? How many of you have been discouraged, outraged, or saddened because of someone's tongue lashing?

The Bible discusses the power of words in many scriptures.

Psalm 64:3

They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly arrows.

Psalm 140:3

They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent's; the poison of vipers is on their lips.

Psalm 52:2

Your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor, you who practice deceit.

In my own life, I have allowed harmful words to choose my path. I have allowed them to discourage me to the point where I gave up, to the point where I lost all sense of ambition, to the point where I wouldn't even try for fear of failure. What have words done to you? What have your words done to others?

God never intented for us to speak to each other this way.

Please read the story below:

Image borrowed from classperformance.com

A Motivational Story with Wisdom -

The Power of Words

by Author Unkown

A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead.

The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all of their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died.

The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out.

When he got out, the other frogs said, "Did you not hear us?" The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.

This story gives us thoughts to think about:

1. An encouraging word to someone who is down can encourage them to achieve their goal.

2. A destructive word to someone who is down can have negative effects. Be careful of what you say.

The quote below was sent to me by Master Mark Russell. His quote describes "words" very accurately:

"Words:

The Snow may look smooth and soft,

but the rocks underneath are sharp!"

One last point,

Are your words encouraging?

Taken From:

http://www.wow4u.com/pow/index.html

Image borrowed from brilliantleap.com

What Should We Do???

During Jesus' time on earth, He was the victim of hurtful words. He endured every kind of lashing, up until his crucifixion. Yet, still his last words were, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

If you were in his seat, what would have been your words? Do we really bless those that persecute us? Or, do we curse those that curse us?

Proverbs 31:26

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

Proverbs 15:4

The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Psalm 37:30

The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.

We Must Forgive

The hardest part of dealing with the pain caused by harmful words, is forgiving those that spoke them. However, by holding unforgiveness in your heart, you will never be free- and neither will the person you cannot forgive.

Romans 12:14

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Some of you may be thinking, "You didn't hear what they said to me. It was so harsh that I can never forgive them." You may be thinking, "I don't deserve to be forgiven for the things I've said. I can't even live with myself."

Jesus says there is forgiveness when you ask for it. He offers it freely to us. He died on the cross so that we may be forgiven. Who are we to take the place of God and decide who should be forgiven?

Luke 6:37

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

I will be the first to admit that forgiving isn't always easy. But, remember that it's a process. Day by day, I was able to forgive the person that hurt me. I am sure that with the help of Jesus, you will be able to do the same. There is nothing more liberating than knowing the pain is gone because you forgave.

Be careful of your thoughts; they may become words at any moment. ~Ira Gassen

Let's all be women that speak with wisdom and bring healing to those around us.

When Will My Prince Come?

Image borrowed from dollyisscrapalicious.com/Content/Scrungeon.html

In light of how quickly Valentine's day is approaching, I thought I might touch on the subject of love. That's right ladies; we are going to talk about the mushy stuff.

As women, we were created extremely unique. Most of us will admit that a good love story just makes us grin. There are exceptions to this rule, but in general, most women would be happy to sit down and become engrossed in a Romantic Comedy.

Images borrowed from:

http://suburbanmomnotes.blogspot.com/2008/12/study-romantic-movies-harm-your-love.html

http://media.photobucket.com/image/images%20of%20%252522Say%20Anything%252522/raggety/say_anything.jpg

www.impawards.com/1996/bed_of_roses.html

However, when most of us think of feeling wanted, needed, accepted, or loved, do we really think about God?

Isaiah 30:18

Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

I remember in my single days (especially when I was a teenager), I couldn't wait for the day I met "Mr. Right". I thought about the age I wanted to be when I got married, planned my whole wedding, and named my future children. I know not every woman does this, but I am sure some of you can relate.

Now that I am married, I am so grateful to have my "Mr. Right". However, he can never replace that part of my heart that is meant for God.

Whether you are single or married, one thing to always remember is that God designed us to long for him. He is also a very jealous God. There is a part of your heart that is meant for your husband, but God should be your first love.

1 John 4:19

We love because he first loved us.

Image borrowed from http://i45.tinypic.com/120m4js.jpg

He Desires to Be Close to Us

It has always been easy for me to understand why we should desire to be with God. I mean, come on. He is GOD.

But, one thing that I had to learn is that God truly does desire to be close to me. As the verse above says, He longs to be gracious to me. He rises to show me compassion. Think about that for a moment. The God that created the Universe wants to be gracious to you and to show you compassion. That is an amazing thing.

No man on this earth can give you the kind of unconditional love that God offers you. Who better to love you the way you need to be loved, than the one that created your heart?

If you are single, married, divorced, or widowed, Christ can fill every longing you have. If you are lonely, He is always there (Joshua 1:5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life.As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you). If you are sad, He will bring you joy (Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song). If you feel unloved, no one will ever love you like He does (John 3:16  "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life).

Image borrowed from http://code-scythe.deviantart.com/art/World-in-God-s-hand-81075284

And most of all, if you feel unattractive, God thinks you are beautiful (Psalm 139:14

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well).

The singer and songwriter, Ginny Owens, wrote a song called  "Beautiful." The lyrics are so powerful, that I thought I should add them to this entry.

I've been waiting

For a hero who's brave and strong-

Someone to love me,

Someone to tell me I belong,

So I pretend I'm satisfied,

And I stand watching on the sidelines,

Till You pull me into the light

And say, "It's Your turn now,

Welcome to your life!"

(Chorus)

And You call me beautiful,

And say You've loved me all along,

And You've always held the keys to unlock my soul

Oh You call me beautiful

There's a smile on my face,

And a brand new light in my eyes,

It's a new day,

And I've never felt so alive-

I feel as if I could conquer anything,

Oh thats what Your love has done for me,

And now all I want to be,

Is everything You want me to be-

(Chorus)

And You call me beautiful,

And say You've loved me all along,

And You've always held the keys

To unlock my soul, But I didn't know-

Now I can finally start to live,

Take those chances I have missed,

Things will be much different,

Now that I know

You call me beautiful

(Bridge)

The story is better than I could dream after all,

Now this is reality

To know You and to hear You call me beautiful

Call me beautiful-

Now I can finally start to live,

Take those chances I have missed,

Things will be much different,

Now that I know-

Now that I know

You call me beautiful

You can listen to Ginny Owens' powerful testimony at the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6JF_Mijl3M

What kind of testimony do you have about God's unending love for you? Do you have an intimate, personal relationship with Christ?

If you have never asked him to enter your heart and walk beside you through life, I challenge you to allow him to. I have added a link to the website that explains how you can move forward in your life with Jesus.

This Valentine's day, I hope that no matter where you are in life, you will understand that God desires to be close to you. He wants to be your best friend and your first love.

Let's allow him to love us the way that He desires to and to love Him in return.

What does it mean to

???

It is very uncommon today to hear that the man is the head of the household. As a matter of fact, if it is heard, it is ridiculed because it isn't politically correct. In this society, women are encouraged to be strong, career-minded, "wearing the pants" women. There is nothing wrong with women working or being independent. However, there is such a thing as going to the extreme, and I believe that is what our culture has done to the American family.

The reason most people get angry when it is suggested that a woman should submit to her husband, is because often times there is a misconception of what submitting actually is.

God never intended for women to be of less value or worth than a man. He created us equal. However, He did design the man to be the head of the household. Before I begin this subject, let's start from the beginning.

1 Corinthians 11:11 (New International Version)

 "In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman."

Submitting to God

Before we know how to submit to any human, we must learn to submit to God.

Ephesians 5:24 (New International Version)

"Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything."

One definition of submit is "to present for the approval, consideration, or decision of another or others: to submit a plan; to submit an application"

I like to think of God as my ultimate decision maker. I come up with the plan and ask God to stamp the approval and tell me which steps to take.

Proverbs 16:9 (New International Version)

 "In his heart a man plans his course,

       but the LORD determines his steps."

If you can grasp this idea and actually implement it into your life, you are on the way to understanding what submission to God really entails.

Submission to

Romans 13:1

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."

It's popular today to "question authority". There is nothing wrong with questioning your leaders, but there is a fine line between questioning and disrespect. As the scripture above says, "the authorities that exist have been established by God". If they exist, they have been established by God. That doesn't say, "If you agree with what the authority says, it has been established by God." Submission means that you yield to another's authority. Obviously, don't follow someone into immorality. But, do your best to follow the leaders that God has placed in your life (ie, your parents, boss, teachers, government, etc.).

Submitting to your husband

Ephesians 5:22

"Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord."

I have left this until the end because in order to understand submitting to your husband, you must fully submit to God and the authorities in your life. It puts you in the frame of mind that by submitting, you are not giving up value and worth. You are in fact more powerful because you have learned to respect God and those he has placed in authority.

By submitting to your husband, you are not saying it's okay for him to abuse his "power".  As a matter of fact, you are telling him that you trust him to make decisions that will lead your family to where it needs to be.

There is a two-way road here, as well.

Ephesians 5:28

"In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself."

What I am suggesting is that wives let their guard down and trust their husbands. If he is doing what Christ intended (loving his wife as much as himself), then the wife has nothing to worry about. But, there is nothing more frustrating to a man than to feel disrespected.

I believe that Martin Luther had it right when he said, "Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him leave."

If you respect your husband, and let him make AT LEAST some of the decisions, you will go a long way together.

Many marriages would be better if the husband and the wife clearly understood that they are on the same side.

-- Zig Ziglar

Don't fight with your husband to wear the pants. You are an equal partnership. If you respect your husband, allow him to wear the pants. There is nothing wrong with being the neck that turns the head either.

 For those of you that are not married, you may be thinking that this blog doesn't pertain to you. But, just remember that whether you have a husband or not, you are to submit to God. Men and women alike are under the authority of Christ and it is our duty as his children to submit to that authority.

A Generation of Witchcraft

                    Before you begin reading this article, I would like you to ponder a few things. Obviously, the reason I write about certain topics is because I have a passion for them. For the most part, I write because I feel a conviction in my heart that someone needs to read what I am writing. It is my firm belief that each person in this world is searching for something. They are searching for love, fulfillment, and the feeling that they belong. I challenge you to read this article with an open mind. Consider the fact that maybe, just maybe, you were meant to read this and maybe God is the answer to your longings.

Twilight and Beyond

                     After my last blog on Twilight, I was intrigued to find out how many teens not only have read the books and watched the movie, but also that the majority of teen books, movies, and teen TV. Shows have one theme in common: witchcraft. I recently read in an article "Heresy in the Hood: Teen Witchcraft in America (Linda P. Harvey)" that "Witchcraft is the fastest-growing religion in America today." It is no surprise with the amount of witchcraft found in the media. Movies like, "Blair Witch Project, The Craft, and Practical Magic" started in the 1990's. How about ABC's popular TV show, "Sabrina: The Teenage Witch", where they portrayed her as a good witch? Then more recently, WB's show "Charmed", where according to Harvey, Shannon Doherty has made Wicca seem like just another hobby.

                    And it doesn't even stop there. How about one of the most popular events in the 1990's within American youth, "The Lilith Fair, which has played to packed audiences of students throughout the US and Canada for three summers (Harvey)." In this event, Sarah McLachlan chose the name "Lilith" for her "all-women concert tour that she founded." Why would she name it that, you ask? According to the article, "Lilith was the first wife of Adam before Eve. Lilith left the Garden in a huff when she couldn't share dominion with Adam. Modern feminism identifies Lilith with the Serpent of Genesis." In the Bible (Isaiah 34:14), it says "Also, the night creature (Lilith) shall rest there, and find for herself a place of rest." Harvey says that it is in "reference to the wasteland of the world once God has inflicted His judgment" Lilith stands as an example of rebellion against God. This Fair features all-women performers and the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL), Planned Parenthood (giving out free condoms), and the Columbus AIDS Task Force. This is an event held in the 1990's but is coming back for a Revival tour in 2010 in Great Britain and Europe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilith_Fair). Oh, and take a look at the lyrics to a song written by Sarah McLachlan.

Dear God

 Dear God,

Don't know if you noticed, but...

Your name is on a lot of quotes in this book

Us crazy humans wrote it,

You should take a look

And all the people that are made in your image

Still believing that junk is true

Well I know it ain't and so do you...

 If there's one thing I don't believe in

It's you

Dear God

Original Lyrics by XTC, Copyright 1986

Is this rebellious icon really the example we want for our young women of today?

Let's pray against these things.

 Is it just the Teenagers?

If you think that teenagers are the only ones susceptible to witchcraft, think again. Children are one of the largest targets as well. With their minds so open to learning new things, they become almost a larger prey than the teenagers. According to Harvey, "Children are being lovingly primed to embrace paganism by movies, games, TV and countless sorcery-friendly books. On library shelves everywhere are stories like The Christmas Witch, The War of the Wizards, In the Land of Winter (where a single mother wiccan and her child have to fend off the bad Christians), So You Want to be a Wizard, Wizard's Hall, and many more." Then of course, there is "Harry Potter" which needs no further explanation except to say that poor Harry's problems were solved by going to school to become a witch. Right...?

What's the Harm?

"For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangles in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning (2 Peter 2:20)"

I have heard from numerous people (even Christians) that these books, movies, and shows have no deeper purpose than entertainment. But, don't you think that evil exists just as boldly as goodness? It is hard for me to paint this picture, and I have been told I am too extreme for thinking this, but we are at a spiritual war right now and the generations after us will pay the price for our desensitized worldly viewpoints. According to a study found in the Washington Post called, "Most Americans Believe in Higher Power, Poll Finds" by Jacqueline L. Salmon, "92 percent of Americans believe in God or a universal spirit -- including one in five of those who call themselves atheists." If so many people believe in God (even some atheists), why is it so hard to believe that Satan and evil exist? In an article posted on www.ReligiousTolerance.Org  they found that only "27% of Americans strongly believe that Satan exists (2001)." How is this possible?

Is it merely that we as humans want to believe in the good and forget the bad? The truth is that earth is Satan's playground and the fact that most of us don't think he exists is his greatest accomplishment. We all follow him around like puppies, not even knowing it. If Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, don't you think he would do the same in our media? Think about how many forms of media mock Christianity, God, and truth.

I pulled up the top ten books read by teens today, and 8/10 of them involved witchcraft. 6/8 of those disguised evil for good. For example, authors portray a witch, vampire, or demon as a good character or hero. Or even some books show angels and God as evil.

 Isaiah 5:20 (New International Version) 20 "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter."

Ravenwolf, a popular author for young girls, told a Christian radio station from Columbus, OH that, "Witchcraft is a nature-based, life-affirming religion that follows a moral code and seeks to build harmony among people, and empower the self and others. If you think about it, we could use that statement for almost any positive religion couldn't we? (Harvey)." What is her purpose in saying the words, "positive religion?" Linda Harvey thinks that it is her attempt to "demonize biblical Christianity". Isn't that exactly what the scripture above warns us about? Ravenwolf has sold numerous books to teenage girls, instructing them how to become witches. Some of her major books have been, To Ride a Silver Broomstick: New Generation Witchcraft, Llewellyn (St. Paul, MN), 1993, Beneath a Mountain Moon (novel), Llewellyn (St. Paul, MN), 1995, To Stir a Magick Cauldron: A Witch's Guide to Casting and Conjuring, Llewellyn (St. Paul, MN), 1995, and HexCraft: Dutch Country Pow-Wow Magick, Llewellyn (St. Paul, MN), 1995, just to name a few. The one I find fascinating is, Angels: Companions in Magick, Llewellyn (St. Paul, MN), 1996. I haven't read this book, but by the title, I am assuming she is turning God's angels in to demons by including them in evil magic.

Read more: http://biography.jrank.org/pages/1033/RavenWolf-Silver-1956.html#ixzz0NzPnPjIq

Witchcraft and Abortion?

If getting deceived into following Satan isn't enough for you to flee from witchcraft, take a look at this: In the 1992 book called "The Sacrament of Abortion" by Ginette Paris, the author speaks of the goddess Artemis that justifies taking human life (Harvey). The author says, "Abortion is a necessary yet sacred sacrifice to the 'goddess' and until women have power over both life and death, they don't really have power." The feminists flee to witchcraft as an answer for empowerment. The irony to me, is that once they are involved they become a slave to Satan and have no power at all.

What is the attraction?

A lot of young people think that witchcraft will solve all of their problems. They think that if they light a candle, chant, and bow to their "alter", that their problems with school, relationships, family, etc. will be solved. However, as I mentioned before the answer is not in witchcraft. The answer is in God. There is nothing weak about following God. As a matter of fact, it is his wish that we are empowered. He gave us a sound mind, able to discern right from wrong. He says that if we pray in his name, evil spirits must flee. Now how great is Satan if he FLEES like a coward at just the name of Christ? Sound like an all powerful self-empowering master to you?

James 4:7 (New International Version) 7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

2 Samuel 5:10 (New International Version) 10 And he became more and more powerful, because the LORD God Almighty was with him.

Luke 10:19 (New International Version) 19I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

Acts 19:17, 19 (NKJV) "And fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified? Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all."

Summing Up

 If you or someone you know is involved in witchcraft or the occult in any way, I beg and plead with you to get out of it now. Satan is not your friend. He is your enemy and he wants to kill you. He wants your soul, and he doesn't care about you. However, he will tell you that he does. He will tell you that witchcraft is the answer to all of your problems. But, the answer is God. He is the one that created you, loves you, and wants to give you a fulfilling life. If you would like more information on how to start your life with God, please feel free to email me at marcemellow@hotmail.com

 or post a forum or comment on the website. I would be happy to pray for you or anyone you know that is involved in witchcraft. You can find the article by Linda Harvey at http://www.leaderu.com/theology/teenwitchcraft-original.html

"Twilight" - Fact or Fiction?

I must admit that before I watched the movie Twilight (by Stephenie Meyer), I had some pre-judgments from the get-go. My main concern, as you might guess, is that the main characters are vampires. Now before you start thinking that I am too close-minded, just know that I watched the movie with the intent of looking for the good and was honestly trying to get to the bottom of why so many girls and women find the movie mesmerizing. What I found is that the love story actually drew me in and the movie was very entertaining. However, I am a person that likes to ponder on issues and weigh my motives and thoughts based on what God would like. In this case, I found myself contradicting everything I knew to be right in order to like a love story.

It is very easy for a woman to get caught up in the fancies of love (men also, but I am merely speaking to women at this point). The idea that Bella could love Edward despite all of his flaws (being a vampire) is very intriguing to most women because one of our sole desires is to be loved for who we are. We love to be pursued (just as Edward pursues Bella). We love it when a guy can’t get enough of us, protects us, etc.

However, here is where it gets dangerous:

1) Edward and Bella are obsessed with each other. She relies on him and vice versa. (This is very dangerous to a young teenage girl. It is not healthy to depend solely upon a man. We are supposed to rely solely on God.) After the movie came out, teenage girls bought posters, shirts, keychains, and the like to show their “love” for Edward. All of a sudden, there are photos of vampires and girls with blood-dripped mouths all over Facebook, Myspace, Photobucket, etc. It is an obsession.

2) There is no such thing as a “good vampire.” Vampires are evil, no matter how an author may portray them. Drinking the blood of humans is an occult practice, which is witchcraft. God warns us to stay away from these things.

Galatians 5:19

“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Deuteronomy 18:9-14

“When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you. You shall be blameless before the Lord your God, ... “

Leviticus 17:10-14

“If any one of the house of Israel or of the strangers who sojourn among them eats any blood, I will set my face against that person who eats blood and will cut him off from among his people. For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life. Therefore I have said to the people of Israel, No person among you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger who sojourns among you eat blood. “Any one also of the people of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn among them, who takes in hunting any beast or bird that may be eaten shall pour out its blood and cover it with earth. For the life of every creature is its blood: its blood is its life. Therefore I have said to the people of Israel, You shall not eat the blood of any creature, for the life of every creature is its blood. Whoever eats it shall be cut off. “

I honestly can see the appeal to this movie. The more I watched it, the more I wanted to see what happened next. It sucked me in. But, what do we really stand for as Christians? Is it okay to entertain evil in order to watch a good love story? My husband hates the fact that half of our movies are “chick flicks” but the truth is that women crave those types of movies because we have inner longings that men will not understand. We love the romance because that is what we desire. But, perhaps we should start watching romance movies that aren’t so dangerous to our faith. The fact that the movie is mesmerizing is actually a little scary.

2 Corinthians 11:14

“And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. “

Here is a little food for thought. The Bible says that we are at war with Satan and his demons. Don’t you think that Satan would also have a battle plan? He is a liar, he is conniving, and he will disguise himself as an angel of light in order to win your soul. Do you think it is a coincidence that women spend 40 hours a week using some form of media and that witchcraft has crept into our newest movies? Do you think it is a coincidence that the movie “Twilight” has numerous mentions of “Christian ideals” (waiting to have sex until marriage, Edward’s Father being a Pastor, the Cullens wanting to deny their temptations to kill humans)? Those very same points are the main reason that numerous Christians say this movie is okay.

But what else is in this movie? Edward’s sister can tell the future, the “bad” vampires kill humans and drink their blood, that same vampire is ripped to pieces and then burned at the end of the movie. How about the inappropriate relationship between Bella and Edward? The obsession they have for each other is “mesmerizing”.

I don’t know about you, but I am a little weary of saying that a movie is acceptable because it has a few “Christian values” when it involves witchcraft, sorcery, and demons. God wants no part in that. I want no part in that.

So ladies, let’s try to find some romantic movies that stay away from the Occult. Don’t become another pawn in Satan’s game called the media.