The Pursuit of Happiness

Happiness. We all want it, we all strive for it, but sometimes it can seem so distant and impossible to reach. I mean, it's normal to have an off day. You won't feel happy every day of your life, but it's something that we as human beings desire. No one likes feeling down in the dumps, and sometimes when you are feeling down, you feel like you just can't pull yourself out of it. I know how this feels firsthand. It happens to everyone. There are days where nothing seems to be going right for you, so the light at the end of the tunnel seems light years away. But I'm here to tell you that you don't have to be trapped in that sadness forever, and that there is a solution.

There have been days where I can't even bear holding it in anymore and you have to let out everything that you feel. I specifically remember one day that I was trying to "be strong" and hold it in, and as soon as my mom saw me she asked if I was okay, and I just broke down. All those feelings came gushing out, every problem, and all that emotion came out as I just cried. I bet my mom was just standing there like what is going on here? But she just came over, gave me a hug and we prayed together. I can honestly tell you, that it totally helped. But I began to think, and I realized, God does that with us all the time...atleast He wants to and we don't let Him do His thing. God constantly waits for us to speak to Him; to tell Him whats going on in our lives, our feelings etc. But we just pass Him by. He is an all knowing God, so he already knows every thought that goes through our head before we even think it, but He just wants to see that willingness on our part to reach out to our Father.

It comes to a point when we've held it in so long, that we just explode, and as the loving Father that He is, He takes us in His arms, and pours out His love for us. Even though you may not feel loved, God reminds us of His love for us, that He even sent His only son Jesus to die for you and me. It blows my mind to think that Jesus was thinking about me, and with so much love gave up His life so that I could be free. His love goes so deep and it runs so strong, that it bothers me to think that some days I believe the lie that I am unloved or something crazy like that.

I think that as a generation, we've been conditioned to believe that showing emotion and our feelings is wrong. We've been shown that we shouldn't bother people with our problems. But I strongly feel that this mindset is so erroneous. We are called to fellowship, and to be in communion with our brothers and sisters in Christ. You never know how God could use someone to bring revelation to your life if you just open up. We also have to start being real with God. He already knows whats going on, but you brushing it off as nothing and pretending you're okay...well you aren't fooling Him or anyone for that matter (hence my mom lol). We want happiness and we pursue it, but we totally missed it. We try filling in the gaps with things that won't satisfy, and we settle for temporary happiness.  God wants us to be happy. He wants to give us that joy that we so desire. But we have to get over ourselves and we have to take the first step. All we have to do is ASK.

♥With Love, Michelle♥

My Proposal Story

I've been in relationships before but prior to the one I am in now (hey boo!) I never ever thought about my wedding or especially a proposal. But as I started turning 20 and my friends and I started to grow up and follow instagramers with the most amazing engagement rings it finally got me dreaming about what my proposal, engagement ring, and wedding would be like. I have days where I will sit and watch viral proposal/wedding videos and discuss them with one of my friends (hey girl lol) and we just gush over everything. So today I actually get to tell you my very own proposal story, to me it's the best story I have ever told!

It started up I'm the sky, this divine supernatural being decided to come down from it's throne, away from His Heavenly Father to come find me. He grew up and became a missionary, He preached and loved like no one on this earth ever had. He was different. The world rejected Him and His love and crucified Him on a wooden cross. How ironic, being a carptener my love got crucified on one of His art pieces. He died, but He rose again after three days. What can I say He's a fighter for me.

Fast forward a few years and He's still there right behind me waiting with a little box and shiny diamond inside and He's waiting for me to turn around and act all surprised and say "yes!" But everytime I would turn around to look at Him I would just push Him aside and walk toward "better" things. 

Fast forward again and I'm a 20 year old girl full of mistakes and rejects trying to find my own identity. I finally decided to join my youth group at a new church I attended to. Little did I know that this was the place I was going to get proposed to. I started to feel Him all around me and all around my church, I started to know Him and actually started liking Him. He allowed me to prepare the environment around me for that special day. Then one Friday night, one of the worship leaders grabbed me in prayer and told me that this day was going to change my life. And it did... This was the day that my Jesus proposed to me, and instead of giving me a diamond ring, He gave me grace. Instead of a ring, He allowed me to touch his crown of thorns. Instead of a ring He gave me true love and identity. I was His and He was mine, forever. He didn't get down on one knee but He gave me salvation. He's pretty epic if you ask me and I loved him from that day on. 

I remember coming home that night and just bursting into tears telling my mom "I have found who Jesus is!!" Which is funny because He was ever lost. In my books that day was the start of my love story with a divine man who came down and hung on the cross to save my soul. But in His books our love story started since before time, when He chose my name, and when He knitted me to perfection in my mothers womb, He loved me since then. While some men propose with flash mobs, epic stunts, heartwarming videos or simply on their knees; Jesus proposes to you on a cross. As simple, real, raw, and graceful as it gets. 

This was my proposal story. We all have that day where Jesus was so vivid in our lives that we were never the same. I'm sharing this because sometimes we need to go back to this day to remind us of where He took us out of and brought us into relationship with Him. To remind us of that day and the emotions you felt when you aren't feeling anything at all, to remind us that He is good and that He will rescue from anyone and from anywhere. To remind us that we are not alone. I share this because whether you are single, in a relationship, engaged, or in marriage, your first true love will always be Jesus! And while I gushed over proposals or weddings and wondered about my own, I completely forgot that I had already been proposed to, and that it had exceeded my expectations. Jesus and you have a love story that will never have a sad ending, it can never be shaken and it is the most beautiful of all the love stories you could ever imagine. So how did the Saviour of the world propose to you? 

With love and grace- Diana C

A Letter To Sex

Dear Sex,

    I don’t blame you, I really don’t have the authority to blame anyone but what I do know is that a lot of people are afraid of you, I know funny right? I know that you know that you have been corrupted, it must hurt you huh? Well I’m writing you this letter to tell you that I am not afraid of you or your truth. You were designed beautifully and knitted oh so delicately. You are what they call, a masterpiece, and made by the ultimate artist of all time, God. I want to remind people that you aren’t dirty and filthy and you are definitely not what they see in porn sites and movie scenes. I wonder how it feels to see your identity and purpose stripped away from you in a flash, I’m sure you know it all too well. We both know I use to blame you for everything bad happening in my life, you were only an acquaintance yet to me you were the enemy. Then one day I realized you are not the root of evil, you are the root of something beautiful. Without you, I wouldn’t be here, and knowing your truth brought healing to my heart. But for many I see how the lies they say of you affect people: shame, guilt, and depression. They have misplaced you and used you, they no longer hold you in high regards but they think you have the power to cure their wounds and make them feel loved. You cry out “the only way that I can activate myself with such power given to me by the Creator of power only works under covenant,” but they don’t listen. And they rub you like you are a magic lamp but little do they know that it only works in marriage. Then there are the ones who are afraid of you because they have been taught that you are the bad person and can only be used for procreation. I believe you were created for much more than reproduction, orgasms and one night stands. I believe you were created to intertwine souls and make them one. That’s why I believe your magic lays in marriage. The perfect place were two people need to become one, where in sex they find love, grace, compassion, and oneness. Lord knows I am not contemning those who have experienced you outside of marriage because every sin is at the same level from up above but if only they knew that you are practiced in vain outside of covenant. You are beautiful and I can not wait to experience you. Yes, I am a 20 year old writing you a letter about how beautiful you are and no I believe I am not too young or naive to speak about you. You have been locked in a little box with no voice and 11 year old's are learning about you in the wrong places because some people are too afraid to speak about you, I am far from afraid to speak about you, i'll be your voice. You are all together lovely and I will wait for you this time around. I will wait till marriage to become one. I have not experienced you in such way but I know you are beautiful, and I will wait for you. 

Awaiting patiently and with Love & Grace

- Diana C

The Wonders of Dating

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 "We love because he first loved us." -1 John 4:19

Dating is probably the scariest most old fashion tradition that exist besides marriage. I guess now a days dating is losing it's value and it's became just another status on Facebook. I'm going to venture out on only two things about dating today. The first the cons: how scary and intimating it really is, and the pros: how wonderful it is.

I've always laughed  when someone asks "I have good news or bad news. Which one do you want first?" And usually we all say "bad news!" So I'm going to state the "bad news" first.

Cons. Sharing your life with someone. It is terrifying, as an only child I am use to my own space and bubble, so letting someone else into my bubble is icky. I know this isn't just for only child's. You may live in a house of 8 brothers and sisters but you still have your own bubble and now there's this person who wants to invade your permeable membrane and your brain is like oh no! But your heart is like Omg yes love me! That alone is scary! Which leads me to the next con, confusion! Ah confusion, like I said your heart may want it but your intellectual self is like "noooo". This leads to a spirit of fear. That probably shouldn't even have been there in the first place but dating makes you over think way to much(another con!). Sometimes we think that those emotions are placed there because they belong there but often times they don't. They happen to be there because you are deathly afraid, maybe you grew up in a household were parent love wasn't present. Maybe abuse, rejection, and  neglect were the main emotions in your life, so your brain has set such a high wall for love to enter that sometimes even the love of God gets pushed outside that wall. The last one is heartbreak. *Sigh* I think many of us have been there and it hurts, like the hulk came and said I'm going to rip your heart apart *hulk slam* yeah it's not fun and no one wants it.

Now to the fun part!

Pros. Sharing your life with someone. After you get over your insecurities and fear there is beauty in sharing your life, dreams, and goals with a person. I'm not saying you are going to be perfect and that all your problems should be fixed before you date because no sorry to break it to you but you are going to be far from perfect and so are they. But there is beauty in growing together and especially with God by your side, he will show you how fear and confusion can not co-inhabit with His love, which should be gloried in dating. I'm going to sound crazy but heartbreak is actually a positive to dating (did I take crazy pills today?). But let me just explain, having your heart broken actually allows you to grow. It shows you what you don't want in a relationship and God mold you into the person he sees you can be. Sometimes heartbreak is Gods way of pinching you and letting you know the world is no fairytale and that there is hurt and pain but that He is the only perfect love in your life and He is shaping you into the women/men that your future spouse deserves, he is also doing the same with your spouse.

There is something about Christian communities that have this idea that the first person you date is going to be your future spouse, to some people that works and that's amazing! But to many it doesn't, and that does not mean God does not love you or that you have failed Him in some kind of way. It just wasn't in His plans for you, and he sees the bigger picture not just the corners like we do.

Now look at all I said. It relates to dating another human right? Well if you reread it, you may notice that these also pertain to God and dating Him, not just humans! (she definitely took crazy pills). But yes your dating life isn't only reserved for humans and God never promises us a spouse but he does call us His bride. We are suppose to date Him first but sometimes the cons get in our way and we forget to see the positive, just like human dating. Dating is a wonderful thing. Dating Jesus is messy but it is perfect. Dating another human and having Jesus as centre is just as messy but still perfect because He is in it. Love never fails.

Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” -Revelation 19:7-9

Don't Be Fooled By Prince Hans

If you know me you would know I am absolutely obsessed with the movie Frozen, for more than a couple of reasons. But as the title says, for the girls reading this, don't be fooled by the Prince Hans in your life. I've meet a couple of Prince Hans' in my life before I met Kristoff. In this post we aren't going to discuss the Kristoff's in your life or potential Kristoff's in your life. We are discussing the Prince Hans that is, or might show up in your life.

If you haven't seen the movie, first of, what are you doing with your life? Please go watch it. But this is going to be a big spoiler to the ones who haven't watched it, so if you don't like spoilers and are planning to watch the movie I suggest you opt out!

Now to those who don't mind spoilers (fun fact: I absolutely love spoilers) and have already seen the movie. Prince Hans wooed Princess Anna of Arendelle to marry her. He was cute, quirky, and handsome and she was ready for a man because her loneliness was overbearing. After a few incidents Anna was struck by ice by queen Elsa and it went to her heart. "Only an act of true love can thaw a frozen heart" - Grand Pabbie (Troll). So Kristoff and Olaf (the best snowman ever) took Anna back to Prince Hans, and when they were about to kiss the worst possible noise came out of his mouth, and it went like this;

"If only there were someone out there who loved you......But you, You were so desperate for love, you were willing to marry me, just like that"

My heart absolutely sank and I wanted him beheaded immediately! I felt her pain, I can only imagine the feeling of her heart dropping and when she said to Olaf, "I was wrong about him, he wasn't what I dreamed off" I connected. I was Anna before. So blinded by the shiny things and the pretty words of a man; it can really get to you. Now Anna was suffering from loneliness, and it always reminds me of a quote that says "love when you are ready, not when you are lonely." Now that quote speaks volumes, there's something about my generation that absolutely hates being lonely. I know, I grew up an only child so I understand the fear of potently ending up being lonely forever, you just don't want to.

You see that's the issue, when we are lonely we settle. Your Prince Hans probably isn't going after your throne or kingdom but maybe after your purity, brain, and worst of all your heart, and not in the "godly way" or even a respectable way in that manner. You know exactly the boys I'm talking about, the ones that don't know you in person but in private they are your boyfriend and they want to touch you like you're written in braille. The ones that have the sweetest words but their actions are bitter. The ones that you feel put in nothing for you, but you put your whole self on the line for them.

Even though Anna's heart was literally frozen, so were her emotions. She'd been rejected by her sister, someone she loved. So she wanted someone else to love her. Rejection is one of the worst things a human could ever experience. Once you feel rejected our first thing is to find something or someone who validates your work, love, or existence. So for Anna, the first person who showed love meant an automatic wedding. It seems funny when it's written down and read out loud but how many times have you imagined your self in a wedding dress with someone who just said you have nice shoes? That's a problem. Desperation for love can lead a women to the wrong places, I would know. The only place you find true love is in your Creators arms. In the movie, Queen Elsa and Kristoff kept telling Anna she couldn't marry him. You know when your family or friends tell you that someone may be good but just not good for you? Don't ignore it. We love to ignore the signs. Don't be fooled.

Anna's frozen heart was thawed because she saved her sister from death. This is the best part of the whole movie (besides the musical parts) because it shows how true love doesn't rely on a Prince to save your day. She had this misconception that her life was going to start on her wedding day, let me make this clear YOUR LIFE DOES NOT START ON YOUR WEDDING DAY OR THE DAY YOU FALL IN LOVE, it started when you were born!Your happiness and self love should never, and I repeat never, rely on another imperfect human but only in the one who is the Author of love; the perfect love.

So please girls, let's not fool ourselves into thinking we have a Kristoff when we really just have a Prince Hans in our hands and fooling ourselves to believe that the you in a relationship will be a better and happier version of you, because in all honestly and from personal experience you actually end up feeling lonelier. "Only true love can thaw a frozen heart." And the only true love who can thaw your heart, make you feel complete, loved and adored is Christ. He is your first love, because he knew you before anyone else did, he has dibs on you. Amen for that. So don't settle for less than what you deserve and don't let the cute words fill your head because they only leave a sour taste. 

"Promise me, O women of Jerusalem, not to awaken love until the time is right." Songs of Solomon 8:4

With Love & Grace- Diana C

Why your family should be your first ministry

“And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.’” Mathew 22:39

It’s a beautiful verse, it pushes us to love people we would never in our wildest dreams think we could fellowship with. It’s basically what the whole ministry of Jesus was about; loving thy neighbour. Now we love this, we take this and love the world! We go out and preach and go on missions trips and we talk so nicely about loving everyone and that’s great; but what about when you go back home? Are you still walking in the words you preach? Are you so busy serving others in the name of The Lord that all you give your household are the leftovers, the crumbs, of your love, servant-hood and respect? 

"Isn’t it ironic how much more patient, kind and loving we are towards people we probably won’t have much to do with in five years than we are towards the very people who will be holding our hand when we die? Wouldn’t it be great if we poured the majority of our energy into our family first, before pouring it into the lives of others?" - Annette P. Soldini

I’ve struggled with being kind and compassionate to my own family. I admit to giving the crumbs of my servant-hood to my household. I remember one day my mom was talking on the phone with someone and she was complimenting the way I am, and my mom responded “Are you sure you are talking about MY daughter?” (I didn't want to clean that day so she was quite sarcastic but truthful). Now this was a while ago, but when I heard that it hurt and it was my changing point. I know what it is to not live up to what I say in my own household. The biggest proof of God is your own testimony. There’s a saying that says “Be careful with the way you act you may be the only bible some people read.” There is such a deep truth to this quote that it is actually so alarming. Not only does the world look at our actions but even our own family looks at the way we act at home.

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Philippians 2:5-7

I think that’s the problem with this generation. We want revival and we are so ready for it. We say how we are living for the Lord and how we are going to love the whole world; but as soon as our parents call us to do something, we get into this defensive mood and don’t ever want to serve them. How are we supposed to serve the world with a heart of a servant when we can’t even serve our own household? How can we make a difference in our generation when we aren’t even impacting our own family? Revival and love starts with the people that have seen us on the “stomach flu” days and still love us no matter what.

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. “ -Exodus20:12

The only commandment in the bible with a promise, “so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you”. You see how much God also realizes that honoring your family is one of the most important ministries you can ever have? If you didn’t catch that, there’s a small revelation here, “in the land the Lord your God is giving you” now it might not technically be a piece of grass but he is giving you a calling, an area in which you will spread the gospel; that’s your land. Now the only condition He has for you to live long in that “land” is for you to honor your mother and father; your family, your household.

It’s so easy to put your family second to the other things that might bring you pleasure. I know for me it has been putting my family before this blog, and my laziness (Yes, I love to do nothing when I have the chance). I realize I have to dedicate more time and serve them even in the smallest things like mopping the floor and actually doing it wholeheartedly. You aren’t perfect and Lord knows I am far from it but making it a priority to serve and honour the ministry you were born in will have its rewards in the end. Loving your parents, stepparents, grandparents, guardians or whoever else is in charge of you, takes your life to whole different dimension. Be the change you want to see happening because it all starts at home.

-With Love & Grace- Diana C

Love: In Three Words

This is going to be a very short post but since it was Valentine’s Day yesterday, why not talk about love. I made a decision that I was going to read the gospel of Jesus all over again but this time for each verse I was going to write something about it. A few days ago I was asked what love was to me, and my chapter for that day was Luke 23, the death of Jesus. The greatest sign of love is right there written very bluntly in that chapter. But what caught my attention was Luke 23:42:

“Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” “

That is love. It is messy, crazy, and scandalous. That a criminal was asking REMEMBER ME when you come into your kingdom and Jesus basically said “no worries bro it’s your kingdom too, you will be with me” I don’t know about you but that just gets me so excited about love and life. To know that even in the darkest of my days I still have Jesus to say “You will be with me in paradise, NO MATTER WHAT”

In Genesis 2:7 it says,

“Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”

And in Mark 15:27 it says,

“With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.”

God is a divine entity, He is not human therefore He doesn’t have a sex, organs or any humanly thing we possess. God didn’t have lungs; he never had the dependency to live off breathing. So isn’t it interesting that in Genesis it says he BREATHED life into the man. That just speaks so clearly to me, God’s FIRST breath was given to ME. In John Jesus breathed his last breath on a cross, again for whom? Oh yeah, ME. So the first breath of God was for me, and the last breath of Jesus was also for me. Knowing me, if I was going to have to give my first breath to someone and my last, I’m going to pick someone off the charts, like Mother Teresa. It would be an honour to be held responsible for giving her the breath of life, twice. But God (my favourite phrase is BUT GOD) gave His breath for me, you, that weed smoker and that prostitute. He loves that he is responsible for giving the breath of life to every single one of us, He's proud of us, even when we give Him nothing in return. That’s called Agape love; selfless LOVE. 

As you all know Jesus died on the cross on Skull Mountain and 3 days later he rose again (woohoo). For those 3 days he was fighting for everyone on this earth, he was fighting for sin and humanity; and he won. It took 3 days, and isn't it funny how “I love you” has 3 words in it also? And not only “I love you” but every other statement that my Jesus uses to say I am loved:

You are redeemed

You are saved

You are healed

You are adored

You are forgiven

You are free.

This is real passionate crazy love.

With Love & Grace- Diana

It is not what you are that holds you back, It is what you think you are not

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

 But what if you can't see yourself as a masterpiece? What if you just see yourself as the scraps and everyone one else is the masterpiece. Self-esteem has been heavy on my heart recently, so this is exactly what I am going to tackle today. One of the things this generation lacks is self-esteem and boy do we lack it. We are so completely consumed with the perfect Instagram pictures and Pinterest pins that we start comparing everyone’s highlights to our back stage moments. Comparing is your arch enemy, especially for your self-esteem. The more you compare yourself to others the more you are devaluing yourself as a Child of God. Ladies and gents let's not compare our-selves to the people in the magazines because even they don't look like that. Our identity does not lie on a thigh gap, a flat stomach or a 6 pack; now I am not saying that you can't be fit and healthy. I am just tired of my generation putting such a low value on themselves because of lack of self worth and trying to Photoshop our lives to look like everyone else's. We must first find our worth through our Father’s words in the Bible, rather than trying to find it in how many likes or views you receive. At the end of the day finding your value in likes won’t last long, but finding your worth through the eyes of your heavenly Father will last an eternity.

 It is easier said than done, I have experienced this firsthand. It is so difficult to understand your true worth when you try to accomplish it yourself. When you stop trying to find yourself in relationships, in likes, and in praise; The day you let your guard down and stop trying so hard to make yourself feel like someone important; that’s the day He will pick you up and show you your true worth. He will show you that you are worth more than the shiniest diamonds in the world even if you feel completely rejected. You may feel rejected by family members, maybe your father, mother, society, boys, or girls. But know that your Maker loves you beyond compare. That’s why we have such an amazing God.

“Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.” Psalms 27:10 NLT

Rejection is one of the toughest feelings to overcome; it lowers your self-esteem and you start believing that maybe you are worthy of rejection. Jesus understands that. He also faced rejection and ridicule. But He was also set apart and appointed to greatness, just like we are all appointed to do greatness.

"Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." John 14:12 NIV

When the feeling of rejection overcomes you, run to Him because He will embrace you and in the sweetest way will say “I know, I felt that too.” Those negative thoughts are all from the enemy, he does not want you to do greater things than Jesus did or for you to see your value. It wont let Satan's kingdom prosper if you start realizing you are appointed for greatness in the name of Jesus. He rather have you in a ball of low self-esteem because he knows your value and worth. How crazy is that! That Satan knows how valuable you are and how important you are in this world that he tries his hardest for you to not see that. That's how amazing you are! That even the devil sees your worth, but you can't...Let that sink in.

Something women and men struggle with is respecting themselves. If I had a penny for how many times a girl or a boy talk negative about themselves I would be a billionaire. That to me is so wrong and I myself struggle with this too. We do not respect the bodies we are living in, we insult it. We don’t respect our own personality; sometimes, we sometimes try to hide traits that are uniquely ours. People can never become all that God wants them to be unless they first respect themselves. We have to decide to stop bringing ourselves down so much. When you are about to say something that goes against what the word of God says about you, you must rebuke it. Not letting negative thoughts have a place in your mind will change the way you see yourself. One of our biggest goals in life is to see people the way Jesus sees them, but we can’t do that if we don’t even see ourselves through His eyes

“Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.” Isaiah 43:4

 

I remember a story I read a few weeks left called “Twenty Dollars” a speaker in a seminar asked his audience if they wanted a 20 dollar bill. Of course all hands went up. He then took out the 20 and he crumbled it, then asked “Who still wants this?” hands were still up. Then he dropped it on the floor and stepped on it with his shoe and asked again if anyone wanted it. Still hands were up in the air. He proceeded to say “My friends, you have learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. IT IS STILL WORTH $20." The moral of the story here is that no matter how dirty, crumbled of thrown you are, your value will never decrease. You are still worth it and you are still loved. As women and men of God, let’s set a goal to see ourselves in a new light but in the light that our God sees us in. Let’s prophesize beauty in our lives and not allow the thoughts of the enemy roam in our mind. I would like for you to repeat this small prayer with me:

“Father God, I thank you for making me and knitting me to perfection. I pray that I may feel the love that you feel for me, always. I thank you for every freckle, wrinkle, strand of hair, and every pound. Everything was perfectly and precisely placed by you to make me who I am. I will no longer disrespect this masterpiece that you have created with love and care. I will no longer entertain the enemy's negative thoughts of me, for I am valuable in the kingdom of God. I will no longer struggle with low self-esteem; and search for my value in the wrong places. I promise to find my worth in you and only you. Thank you once again for making me the way I am, I am made to perfection for the purpose I will carry. In Jesus name amen”

 

I hope this has inspired you to lift yourself up, and those around you. Feel free to email us at twoarebetterthanone1@gmail.com if you are struggling with self-esteem, for it leads to many lonely thoughts and a saddened heart. No one should suffer alone.

 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. “- Psalm 139:13-16 NIV

 

 More than enough may I add ;)

With love and grace-Diana

Why I'm Dating a Black Man

One of my favourite bloggers, Lauren DeMoss of the FulltimeGirl tweeted an article by Christian rapper Trip Lee, titled “Why I Married a White Girl”. Being in an interracial relationship myself, I decided to write my rendition of this topic.

I would be lying to you if I said that  never in my wildest dreams thought I would be dating outside my ethnicity; I simply never saw the difference between me and another race. I grew up in school were dating inter-racially was completely normal, so I never saw a problem with it. I moved to a new country my sophomore year and stopped dating all together. I ended up going to a very urban school in Toronto where, again dating inter-racially was normal. The summer before going to college I met Dylan, my current boyfriend.  He happens to be from Trinidad and Tobago so yes, his skin is a lot darker than mine.

We started going out on dates and getting to know each other for about four months before becoming official. Soon after those four months passed and we became official, that’s when I noticed that a lot of people do not think the way I do. I remember this girl from school, a Christian, saying to me, “Oh..He’s black..My mother would never let me date a Black guy” the only thing that came into my head was “Why? Why not?” I never understood why a person who would claim the love of Jesus as her own would neglect another person based on their color. Then my mom would tell me that people from our old church were asking her why she would let me date a black person. Then one day we went on the subway and for the first time I saw this older man staring at me with disgust, and then he stared at Dylan. It was the first time I really wanted to punch someone in the face. He wasn’t the last to stare at us that way but he was the last person I ever wanted to punch; now all I want to do is hug.

So why is dating inter-racially such a taboo in the Church? Even outside the church? The most ridicule I have received have been from “Christians” so why? And yes I'm talking racism. The topic not talked about in churches because it’s that much of a taboo. Racism is still quite present in our society, if we strip our outer skin you are the exact same as that African or Asian sitting next to you. We like to profess this love for Christ and the nations but if your daughter came home with a black man or an Indian man, you would probably forget all about that love. If that hurt you a little, good. I invite you to reevaluate your heart and really dig into the love of Jesus.

 “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28(NIV)

I remember talking to some group of girls from my youth group one Sunday and they were talking about preferences in boys. You know, the typical Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt description and in my head I laughed, what if God has something completely different for you? Maybe His plan is to join you with someone completely different to humble you. It’s awesome to have preferences in what your spouse may look like but your preferences should be more on personality than looks. The more you grow in Christ your preferences may change. But the one thing that can never change is a God fearing heart. That should be your number one preference. It would be a shame that you let the love of your life walk away because of colour, ethnicity, weight or height.

Many say love is blind. I disagree. Love sees it all; the color, the perfection, the imperfection, the weight, and the height but love decides to look past all that. Love sees it all and loves it with greater passion. Jesus is like that, we are gentiles, we are not from His land yet he does not care, He still calls us His bride, He still sees all of us and He still loves us. I see the love and grace of Jesus in my boyfriend every day and our relationship just shows the world how two different people can come together in love and for the name of Jesus. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

So be open to what God has for you, it might not be what you wanted but it is definitely what you need. God knows you better than you even know yourself, so if I were you I would trust His judgement. He can pair you up with someone who is out of this world; if only you were open to it. Don't let the ignorance of this society rule over who you should and shouldn't love. Follow the love of Christ, because it is unconditional. It doesn't matter who you are, the color of your skin, your height. It DOESN'T matter. I think we should strive to be more like Jesus. Be able to look at everyone through HIS eyes; not in a judgmental way, with no criticism, and with a genuine love. God's love knows NO end. So why should ours?

(The beau and I & pesky white camera spots) 

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.- Colossians 3:14

With love and grace- Diana

You Are Bigger than Your Mistakes

It's been in my heart all week to speak about forgiveness; but not in a typical way. I think that sometimes when we sin and we ask God for forgiveness and we repent, and like the great Father that He is, He forgives us. But sometimes WE struggle. We know that we've been forgiven but we can't forgive ourselves and we live in a pool of pity and shame. We take accountability to a whole other level. It’s as if we can't accept the forgiveness that has been given to us. Personally, I've gone through this cycle; and it’s one that really gets you nowhere. It hinders you back from Gods purpose for your life and it makes you see life through a cracked lens. It says in 1 John 1:9

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”

If God can still forgive us, cleanse us, accept us AND love us. Why is it so hard for us to forgive ourselves? It says it clearly in the word that if you truly ask for forgiveness, God forgives you in a heartbeat and without question. But we struggle in the sense that we aren't good enough, and that if you really were a Christian you wouldn't have made the mistake in the first place. Here’s where a lot of people; myself included have messed up. We start to believe that being a follower of Christ means we won’t fall and stumble on our feet. We will. We will stumble, fall, have failures and sin but we are still forgiven no matter how messy your mistakes or thoughts may be. Stop believing the lies of the enemy. He is the accuser and he wants to keep you away from Gods purpose for your life. You are forgiven.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

If the enemy can keep you doubting for a second longer he's happy because his overall goal is to steal from you. Steal your happiness, your peace. As soon as you begin to think this way about yourself, just pray to God and ask Him to reveal to you His love for you. In that love lies His forgiveness and mercy and in the messiest times of your life is when His grace is the most present.

“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.  In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.”  Mathew 18:12

He is happier about that one sheep than the ninety-nine that did not wander off. We all wander off either it be in sin, or doubts but when we ask for true forgiveness, Jesus, our shepherd is right there happier than ever, ready to receive you. Now I'm not saying to take advantage of God’s grace and use it as a license to sin. That's the worst thing you could possibly do.  Look at Romans 6:15 and tell me that it isn't clear.

"What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!"

What I want is for people to become aware of Gods goodness. He will forgive you as long as you ask Him to, and that you really turn away from what is causing you to stumble. Understand that you are only human and you will make mistakes. What makes you or breaks you is how you react once you've fallen.  Will you pick yourself up and push even harder? Or will you stay down and listen to the lies of the enemy, who's only goal is to keep you down? Always remember that the Lord is your strength and refuge. You are loved beyond your mistakes. Forgive yourself because your Creator doesn’t even remember the mistakes you’ve made. Not forgiving yourself is like denying the sacrifice Jesus made for you at the cross. He already knew you were going to stumble and be messy, and He still decided to die for you. By not forgiving yourself you are denying the greatest gift of all.It's time to forgive yourself.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

   2 Corinthians 5:17

♥With love ~ Michelle♥