Singleness

 Our world and society today views singleness as bad. 

 People feel like they cannot find happiness without having someone in their life.

There's a feeling of loneliness and dissatisfaction. 

The world thinks that dating continuously leads to the best relationship, somewhere down the road.  

The more you date, the better- at least that is what our society thinks.

I disagree. A year ago, I would have probably agreed. 

 Some of you know my silly stories on dating, or they witnessed it.  I know your smiling :)

 I am no expert at dating. 

But, I find that the way I looked at dating previously was not the way it was designed to be by God.  

 I'll blog about dating another week, but back to singleness.

Its hard to be patient for the right person to come along, I know. 

Some of us are called to be single, but God will reveal that to you.(Don't fret, its not a large percentage)

I think its important though that we embrace each season of life.

When we are single, there is so much flexibility.

You can focus on your relationship with God, deepening your trust in his timing and plans. 

You can work on your identity. Who are you and what is important to you?

 When you have your foundation, and secure in who your are, you can give so much more to the relationship in which you form later. 

 When I became single, after a long relationship, I struggled finding who I was. Most of who I was involved the other person. My identity took a toll. When I went to Korea, I redefined who I was and now I'm so confident in what my future holds. The moment I found who I was I realized the important things I need in a future relationship.

Again, I am not an expert.

  I am just a blogger sharing parts of my life and what God has revealed to me. Its never the same for everyone, but different perspectives can assist us.   

 If you are single,  live each day embracing this season. 

God has so much to reveal to you!

 Don't let  "singleness" become something you want to zip through. 

 The below books are great books to read and focus on singleness and a little bit on dating. I recommend When God writes your Love story to everyone!  The other two books are for women. :)

Resources:

1. When God Writes Your Love Story- By: Eric and Leslie Judy http://www.amazon.com/When-Writes-Story-Expanded-Edition/dp/1601421656/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366729324&sr=8-1&keywords=when+god+writes+your+love+story
2.  A Man worth Waiting For- By: Jackie Kendall http://www.amazon.com/Man-Worth-Waiting-For-Avoid/dp/0446699713/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366729624&sr=8-1&keywords=waiting+for+boaz
3. Sacred Singleness- By: Leslie Judy http://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Singleness-Set-Apart-Purpose-Fulfillment/dp/0736922881/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1366731150&sr=8-2&keywords=singleness

Believing vs. Seeing

Are you looking to God by the things you see or the things you know? 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Often times, we are faced with difficult situations that seem impossible to handle.

We fix on what we are seeing at the moment and not looking at what God could be doing. 

For example: Cancer has been a disease that has reoccurred throughout my life. 

It started as far back as I can remember when my grandmother, passed away from cancer.

Then, it proceeded to several more family members from me.

Its easy to get overwhelmed with frustration and anger with God.

But the thing is events in our lives sometimes are not always explainable until you see the big picture.

God has a plan for each of us. 

After years of reflecting, my purpose wouldn't be the same thing if I hadn't experienced all the thing leading up to this very point. As I plan to work with children and their families in the hospital, I know that my experiences are going to help them just as much as me. 

Experiences are what cultivate who we are and become our testimonies. 

Have you looked back and thought about the times when you thought God was far away only to figure out now that, he was carrying you through it?

Your circumstances are not in control of your life, God is. 

Remember what God's character is like and constantly remind yourself of his goodness.

This is a video of cardboard testimonies from a ministry called Emmaus.

Each persons testimony is powerful, just like your testimony. 

They really focus on God's character.

What part of God's Character do you hold on to each day?

http://vimeo.com/64069322

Hungry for More

    I am constantly hungry. I always love to snack and eat things to pass time.   It is almost as if everything I digest vanishes with in minutes.  Are you hungry all the time?  What are you filling yourself with?
      When we dedicated our lives to the Lord, sometimes we think that because we are saved that life is going to be great all the time, sometimes we think we have it all and don't need anything more. Then when life get confusing and complicated or we feel unsatisfied, we start the blame game. Instead of blaming, start seeking. Seek and find that He is Good.
      My life has not been perfect nor have I been joyous in every season, but I know that seeking the Lord despite my circumstances is necessary.  I have come to realize the importance of running to God for more. More wisdom, more patience, more love. I go to him for MORE because he never runs out. He is filling me up and I can always come back for more.
      I just finished a series called Hungry for More from  Summit Church in Naples, FL. Prior to my adventure in Korea, I lived there for about two months. I often go back to listen to some their series. This series was amazing and made Psalm 63:1-8 of my favorite reminders of God's promises when we seek him.

 Here is the Link:  DETERMiNE is the first of the series
http://www.summitlife.com/sermon-archive/naples?page=1

Bye Chains, Hello Freedom

 Chains

They are heavy and they are a burden. 

They keep us trapped under the deception that we are not good enough.

 We quickly forget that they are on us, but they slow us down more and more each day.

 Think about it, are you carrying chains around?

 Or in other words, is there something you have swept under the rug?

Are you feeling dark, alone and just not good enough?

 Chains are not meant to be keeping us tied down and from moving forward.

 In fact, they aren't meant to be carried on our shoulder day after day.

You. can. experience. FREEDOM. 

Tell God about the things weighing you down.

 The chains that are rusting and are preventing you from growing closer to God.

God will remove those chains and you will break free. 

Surrender your heart, and you can experience freedom from the past.

Remember that Christ died on the cross for our past, present, and future sins. 

 This sacrifice opened a door for us to have an intimate relationship with God. 

 Accepting Jesus into our lives allows us to live in freedom from the chains. 

 God, no longer remembers our wrongs, but views us as righteous.

We are FREE!

New chapter, New blog

 Hello there! My name is Courtney. I recently got this thought of starting a new blog. My last blog was about my adventures traveling to Korea and living there for four months. I was adopted from Korea and it was a unique experience learning further about who I am. God really worked in my life and heart while I was abroad really re-cultivating my identity in him. As I came home, I realized the huge need to encourage my fellow brothers and sisters. Walking with God that is challenging and why not provide some of the things that God reveals to me.  My hope is that I can provide a variety of resources and a new perspective of what you think about things that we face each day.  Also, feel free to comment and ask questions about my posts.  I want to encourage you as you seek the Lord each day. Be reminded we are to live out our testimonies and share them.