Ceremonious Intentions

I read earlier that one of God's primary transformation tools is the refining process. In relationships He brings into light our selfishness, our insecurity, our pride. It is so crucial that we are in community with others to ensure that we get to know ourselves. It's true, isn't it?

We get glimpses of ourselves through our interactions with others.

You are refined by loving others because He loves you.

This is why I believe that some of the sweetest time you can spend with a man -as a woman- is in the process of being pursued. This should be a really precious time of sharing stories, getting to know each other, taking things slowly. Be gentle on yourself, don't rush it, you'll never get this time back. You'll gain so much confidence in who you are independently and co-dependently if you allow the Lord to guide this season. Be running toward the light of the world, look next to you & you'll find someone doing the same, pick him.

Get your priorities straight. Don't allow anything above the Savior of the world, the Savior of your soul.

Then set boundaries and don't you dare compromise them.
Show your love by using your words, not your body.

...take every thought captive & make it obedient to Christ.

2 Corinthians 10: 5

Be honest in your intensions and in what you are looking for. Make your foundation clear with your life and the standard you hold yourself up to. Courting should be very intensional. 

Clarity between people pursuing relationships allows you to focus more on the Lord instead of the fog in which you are treading in being unsure. Determine the relationship, yes, it's scary but it's completely necessary & a little reassurance never hurt anyone.

How is this relationship glorifying the Lord? If it isn't, it's not worth it. Don't consume yourself in something that is toxic to your good Christian character or something that gives you doubts or sinfully tempts you. Hold yourself accountable and let another  person of the same gender do the same.

Community, accountability, boundaries.

If you have encouragement from being united with Christ,

if any comfort from His love, 

if any fellowship with the Spirit,

if any tenderness and compassion,

then make my joy complete by being like-minded, 

having the same love, 

being one in Spirit and purpose.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, 

but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

Each of you should look not only to your own interests,

but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2: 1-4

Then be on the same page.

And once you're there?

Make it a ceremonious occasion that leaves some eternal impression on all parties involved.