Forgiven. Healed. Beloved. New.

Being a virgin is something to be proud of.

Some people think, “well, I stood my ground in that situation, but now what’s the point? Everybody’s doing it…Jesus forgives, right?”

To be completely honest, the thought has crossed my mind, “I’ve never had a boyfriend…I’ve never been on a date…what if I never get married? I mean…why not…you know…if I never get married anyways…”

RED FLAG. I’m sooo thankful that we have such a loving heavenly Father who snaps us out of that thought real quick. HE HAS SOMETHING BETTER.

I like to think of the verse where Jesus says to the crowd of 5,000, “well, so I think you should wait ‘til marriage so that your spouse can have your all and you won’t get scarred at a young age or get taken advantage of or hurt by sleeping around with guys who don’t actually care about you or get an STD, but I mean if you have saved yourself and then worry that you’ll never get married and be able to make love to your spouse, then just go right ahead because I can’t satisfy you, so you need to go get it from someone whenever the craving comes along…”

Ya know, it’s funny, because I never found that verse! And yet some people seem to live with that mindset. The best idea ever for humankind is to live according to the Bible. The creator of all things became a man, lived on this Earth, went through harder conditions then we could ever imagine, and set an example for all of us. All we need to do is follow His footsteps and He leads the way the ENTIRE time.

Does Jesus EVER command anything like that or say “do whateva ya’ll want.”?

Nope.

God created us. God created us. He. Made. You. And. I. For. A. Reason.

I think he knows what it takes to satisfy us. After all, He created that. Sex. Created by God. Something fun to do, to consistently and completely unify a man and a woman, bringing pleasure, joy, happiness, and the precious gift of children to enjoy, raise, spend time with, teach, share, and let them fall in love with Jesus!

WOW. WE SERVE A GREAT GOD. HE IS A GENIUS, ISN’T HE???

And yet, people try to disprove His Word and take advantage of the beautiful gift of making love. Making a lovable child and coming together as one! Being vulnerable, naked, and unashamed!

This should be something to FIGHT for, BUILD UP to, LOOK FORWARD to, and ENJOY on the wedding night! I know I don’t want business to be usual during my honeymoon. I want something new, amazing, and beautiful to take place.

Jesus certainly does restore, renew, forgive, and love. NO MATTER WHAT. He definitely is restoring my heart and mind! I need Him to! I’ve messed up!

This post is not to make ANYONE feel guilty. If you have already given yourself to someone, guess what? GOD LOVES YOU UNCONDITIONALLY. Wow, life would seriously suck if His love just stopped at the sight of sin and disobedience. But it doesn’t. It only grows greater, stronger, bigger, and more beautiful.

Take the story of the woman caught in adultery, for example. (This story is in John, the beginning of the eighth chapter).  This woman was caught in the act. And she was taken before Jesus to be judged in front of everyone. The Pharisees wanted to stone her. But Jesus replied, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” EVERYONE LEFT. They couldn’t compete with that! We have all sinned! Jesus was left alone with the adulterous woman. And He said,” woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” and she said, “no one, Lord.” Jesus replied, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.”

Again. Wow. Jesus doesn’t even condemn her. He simply says to sin no more. Jesus wouldn’t have said that if it wasn’t possible. Of course we make mistakes, every day! But if you feel stuck and broken in a sin (ex: drugs, porn, lust, partying, etc.) it IS POSSIBLE TO GO ON AND NOT DO IT ANYMORE. Let Jesus’ strength shine through your weakness. When temptation comes and may seem strong, FIGHT. FLEE. Do NOT give in. Satan doesn’t deserve the victory. He deserves for you and I to laugh in his face, turn the other way, and run into our Father’s arms.

Does that make sense?

I am so thankful for Jesus calling me out of my addiction. I am so open about things in the realm of pornography and masturbation since those were my struggles. But friends, the Lord redeems. He truly does. And if you’re reading this and want to open up to someone and get out of that tangled mess, please find a friend, youth leader, anyone and talk to them about it. And if you’re afraid of being judged, don’t be. You’ll be sooo surprised by how many people are struggling or have struggled with this. Even goodie goodie Christian church kids like me. It’s nothing to be ashamed of! Jesus already took care of all of it, so there’s no need to carry that heavy burden anymore. And if you can’t find someone you can trust to talk about it and keep it confidential, send me a text, facebook message, or phone call. We can go out for coffee and talk or text it up. I love talking about it with people and seeing life just flood into their eyes, bodies and minds as they find freedom, forgiveness, redemption, and leave all the dirt in the past. It is SO exciting!

I can think of 23 people off the top of my head who since I have shared my story they have confessed, shared their story, repented, and are beginning the healing process.

We were made for so much more. Don’t live with any secrets. Freedom is found in confession and then accountability. Jesus is so rad. Such a rad Dad. :) He takes messy things and makes them beautiful. Will you let Him do that in your life?

From My Heart,

Samantha

I love that Jesus calls Himself the Redeemer.

“Redemption involves winning back, buying back, or repurchasing something that belongs to you…”[1]

Galatians 2:20 ESV / I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Ephesians 1:7 ESV / In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

Colossians 1:14 ESV / In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

1 John 3:16 ESV / By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Titus 2:14 ESV / Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Colossians 1:20-22 ESV / And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,

1 Peter 1:18-19 ESV / Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

1 Corinthians 6:20 ESV / For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Romans 10:10 ESV / For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Revelation 5:9 ESV / And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,

Ephesians 5:2 ESV / And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

1 Corinthians 1:30 ESV / And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

Romans 3:24-26 ESV / And are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Acts 3:19 ESV / Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out,

John 3:16 ESV / For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

1 Corinthians 7:23 ESV / You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.

Psalm 111:9 ESV / He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name!

Amen?! Yeah!

I found this online. Google can really pour out some amazing verses when ya just search for a specific topic!

Jesus redeems. He IS THE REDEEMER. Don’t underestimate His power.

From My Heart,

Samantha

God knows what’s up. He is faithful. He has a plan.

Example:

The book of Acts.

Saul. Persecutor of Christians. He experienced a supernatural encounter with Jesus on his way to Damascus. By the way, he was going to Damascus in order to find the followers of the Way, torture them, put them in jail, and eventually kill them. (Acts 9v1-31). Long story short, the bright light of Jesus blinded Saul for three days and he didn’t eat or drink—his buddies took him by hand to Damascus since he couldn’t see. The Lord sent a man named Ananias on a crazy adventure to go to Saul and pray with him so that he may regain his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Immediately Saul could see, he got baptized, and he ate food, being strengthened. And THEN Saul went from persecuting and killing followers of Jesus to risking being killed and being hated for the sake of Christ by going all over wherever God lead him, preaching the gospel. Oh, this guy is Paul, btdubbs. Saul to Paul—a name change along with a new identity. He preached in places like Portland, Las Vegas, and…oh, I mean Corinth, Phillipi, Ephesus, Macedonia, Greece, Rome, and more. He went to the craziest places consumed with idolatry, prostitution, false gods…TOUGH STUFF. He was placed in jail, where he wrote about rejoicing in Jesus. Yeah. Stud. He sent letters of encouragement to the Philippians, Ephesians, Galatians, and many more. He wanted to go to this and that place, and Jesus had BETTER plans, sending him to INTENSE places, causing him to fully rely on Jesus, increase his faith, learn, and love—saving, well, a looooooot of people. A lot lot lot lot lot lot.

INCREDIBLE.

God closes doors and opens doors. He has never made a mistake. He has never failed. He has never not been faithful. The greatest amount of happiness, fulfillment, satisfaction, love peace, life, and craziness that I have ever felt, has been while worshiping the true, living, God.

God. Knows. What. Is. Up.

Have faith.

Let Jesus write your story. Live for Him if you want a wild, fantastic adventure.

He loves you.

Psalm 37v5//Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this.

Psalm 55v22//Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

Proverbs 16v3//Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

Matthew 6v25//”Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

Matthew 6v27//Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Matthew 6v28//”And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.

Matthew 6v31//So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’

Matthew 6v34//Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

1 Peter 5v7//Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.

Philippians 4v6&7//Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 56v3//When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.

Proverbs 3v5-6//Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make direct your paths.

Psalm 121v1-2//I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 23v4//Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for You art with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Therefore, do not worry. :)

From My Worryin’ Heart Tryin’ To Stay Calm,

Samantha

comeupfromthewilderness:

we should treat them according to how much He loves them.
the rest will come. His word never returns void. 

(via beautyformyashes)

I’m just a teenage girl attending community college, working at Pac Sun, living with my parents, trying to figure out my life, exploring which doors are open, which aren’t, and learning how to be a godly lady.

I have a 20 year old brother who is attending Oregon State University. I love my brother, J.D. He amazes me. HE LOVES JESUS. He is always reading the scriptures. I’ll text him at 2am to see if he’s still working on his homework, and he’ll be taking a break to read the Bible.

Uh. K. This kid is a business major. He’s got some brains in that head of his. He is a hard worker. He’s up extremely late every night doing homework. BUT he makes time to study the scriptures, memorize them, and go deep in them. He’s pretty shy but has the most GOLDEN heart ever. Seriously. He is fighting the fight to remain pure and has a beautiful heart. Whoever he marries will be one stinkin’ lucky lady.

When J.D. is home on the weekends, he helps me pick out my outfits. In his book, modest is hottest. If something is questionable, I go to him and/or my dad and ask if it’s iffy or good to go. I’m so thankful for them.

Girls, I’m writing this to address modesty. There are plenty of guys who will indeed give you attention if you flaunt your body. But there are also many godly guys that are FIGHTING to be pure. Impurity and pornography is screaming at them from all directions all the time. We aren’t made to be alone. We were given a sex drive. God created us that way as a blessing—to bring us joy and unity in marriage! And until marriage, God is with us in the fight and we work together with our Creator to take captive each and every thought in keeping them pure and lovely.

Philippians 4v4-9: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!  Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

The God of PEACE.

The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9v6).

Jesus WANTS us to experience His peace and presence so that we don’t waste time and energy worrying! He is sooo good to us! And to help ourselves with the fight against impurity and tricky things in that realm, it is sooo important to guard our minds and hearts against, well, anything that is tempting! If that is in music, movies, magazines, I don’t know what tempts you! Just FLEE! Chic flicks tempt me. It’s called lust when you want that guy in that Nicolas Sparks movie. Or in music. Yeah, it may just be a “catchy beat” to some, but to others, it literally is tempting and draws your mind where it SHOULD NOT be. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE dubstep. But when I listened to z100 for a year in high school, I was so far from where I should’ve been with Jesus. Those lyrics and thoughts being poured into your mind can be so strong and literally change who you once were. I wasn’t led into worship by Katy Perry and Kesha. Well, I guess they led me into worshipping the creation, instead of the Creator. They told me that guys brought satisfaction, to just drop everything and go party til the sun comes up, to go out with a ton of guys and go crazy. Thank goodness I never actually did what they said to do. Praise God. But the mind is very powerful and mine was surely tempted by the words they spoke, by the beats, by what they claimed was fun and would bring fulfillment.

Is Jesus wiser than pop culture? Maybe? Ya think? Hmm, yeah, probably.

:)

I think that the Creator of all things beautiful and pure knew what He was doing. He didn’t create things to be boring, but fun, joyful, and beautiful. He gave Adam and Eve sex and paradise. God knows what’s up. Funny how those are still the things we love after ALL this time.

Worshipping Jesus. Wow. It is theee most fulfilling thing I have ever experienced. Love, joy, peace, restoration, happiness, forgiveness, fulfillment, satisfaction—ALL found in Jesus. Nothing bad or wrong, all pure and lovely. His Presence is the most amazing thing ever. EVER. That is why on my way to work, school, church, a friend’s house, Starbucks, everywhere all the time, I listen to music that will lead me into worship and a deeper encounter with Him. Jesus Culture. Phil Wickham. Bryan and Katie Torwalt. Josiah James. John Mark McMillan. Gungor. Bethel Loft Sessions. All my top played artists. Why? THEY LEAD ME IN WORSHIP AND INTO A DEEPER ENCOUNTER EVERY DAY EVERYWHERE! I’m not weird or a freak or anything, I just love being happy and worshipping my Lord and Savior and being reminded of just how much He loves me! He has forgiven and restored me! I never have to worry about my mind wandering to a place of self-pity, regret, lust, nothing like that. I am not tempted by anything when I’m belting “Holy Spirit, You are welcome here, Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere. Your glory God is what our hearts long for, to be overcome by Your presence, Lord!” Ahhh it’s AWESOME!!!

And let me clarify, temptation is NOT a sin. Jesus was tempted, and yet did NOT sin. (Hebrews 4v15). When temptation is put into action, it gives birth to sin. (James 1v15). And what I mean by that is, if a beautiful man or woman walked in front of you right now, it is not a sin if you are attracted to them. But, if you suddenly think, “I WANT that,” that is sin. And why does Jesus not want us to sin? Because He is FOR our joy, not our sorrow. Sin never makes you happy. Not long term. Not even close. It just destroys you. Why not lust? Whoever you’re lusting after will probably end up marrying someone someday, and their spouse is the only one who should be seeing them in that way. They deserve that. Respect them. After all, would you want some guy lusting after YOUR wife before you were married to her? She is YOURS..not that random guy.

 RESPECT.

And girls, let’s help our brothers out!!!

COME ON!!!

If you’re a guy who is fighting the fight to remain pure for your wife someday, let me just speak for myself and all of my sisters…

THANK YOU.

I have major chills just writing “thank you.”

We APPRECIATE you all SO much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

We have CRAZY respect for you guys.

I MEAN THAT.

With all the pressures, temptations, just everything out there…I’m not going to act like I know what it’s like to be a guy and have to deal with what you all have to deal with…but I have a brother. I have an idea of what it sorta is like.

PLEASE, BE ENCOURAGED.

DON’T GIVE UP.

For me, I find a guy who loves Jesus and isn’t embarrassed to throw his hands up in worship and intimacy sosososososososososooooooooo attractive. I spend a lot of time in Broadway Coffeehouse reading my Bible, listening to Solid Rock podcasts, catching up with friends, doing homework, and just spending time in intimacy with Jesus. Often times when I go in there, there are a bunch of college age guys studying the scriptures, too. I can’t help but SMILE. Seriously. I might look like a creeper. Haha. I am just SO proud of them. They’re spending time with Jesus. I may be wrong, buuut I’m thinkin’ it ain’t the norm for a typical guy to take time out of the day to spend with Jesus in His Word. And. I. Think. That’s. Awesome.

And girls, for those dressing modestly and helping the awesome dudes out, WAY TO GO. I’m sure they’re thankful.

For those who aren’t, PLEASE WEAR CLOTHES.

I don’t mean to be annoying or sound like a mother, so please, friends, don’t hate me for saying this stuff. But, sisters and friends, let’s help our guys out. You aren’t dumb, you know what is distracting. Too much skin, too tight, you know…don’t mess around with it.

I love shopping SO much, but it ALWAYS leaves me down in the dumps. I always leave stores empty-handed. It’s SO difficult to find modest clothing!!!!! But DON’T, I repeat, DON’T just settle for anything! What’s awesome right now is that big, long, cute sweaters, flannels, scarves, and just, well, MODEST clothing is in style!! Saweeetness if ya ask meee.

And then summer comes. I LOVE summer…but it’s warm, and therefore girls find excuses to wear less and less and less and less…goodness gracious ladies! Sorry if I’m going too far with this and being rude, but be a LADY and COVER yourself!! A godly guy will NOT date you or for sure not marry you if you’re flaunting your body. He may look at you, yes, but just..ahhh. If you want respect, dress and act like you want it.

(Guys, WARNING. You probably know this, but I’ll say it anyways. If a girl is flauntin’ her bod, she is looking for MENS attention. Not a mans, MENS. And if she’s looking for that now, who’s to say she won’t be later on in life after you’ve both gained a few pounds, you’re off on a business trip, and she’s home alone? Just sayin’).

And now, to all the girls who really love Jesus with all her heart, mind, soul and strength, who dress modestly, who are remaining pure and fighting the fight, who go to youth group every week, who are in the Word every day, but have never once been on a date or had a boyfriend…

Please, don’t give up. Do NOT think you’re ugly. Do NOT think you’re worthless. Do NOT think you’ll never have a best friend, lover, and spouse to raise a family with. Do NOT get depressed. Do NOT waste time being anxious and worrying, thinking “what’s wrong me? Why doesn’t any guy want me?” These are all the things I have to fight off daily, reminding myself they are NOT true. It can be SO hard to see time and time again those others girls having boyfriends, while your relationship status remains the same: “single.” You are BEAUTIFUL, LOVED, MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD. You were created for a purpose, and in God’s perfect timing, He will do what is BEST for you. TRUST HIM. He has never once let me down. Never. Those major desires and cravings in my heart for mission trips, new friends, new lessons, deeper encounters with Him, and many other things, God ALWAYS blesses me FAR beyond my wildest dreams. At the time, sometimes His blessings seem like punishments, but when I look back on those “punishments,” I see what God was doing. He reveals to me bit by bit His LOVELY plan for me. And funny how I always say, “HA! And I was worried. Psh. Oh, God, You are SO good to me. So good.”

Yeah, He’s awesome. Prepare your fields for the rain. Because after the rain, beauty will arise and your vineyard will flourish.

Be patient. Love Jesus. Let Him be your first love. Spend time with Him every single day. Listen to Him. Obey. Pray. Have faith. Be encouraged.

I have plenty of homework that I have yet to do, all due tomorrow. It’s 3:32am right now. Yeah, I’ll be tired tomorrow. But I ask God to use me constantly, to pour through me, to speak through me, to lie something on my heart to share with and encourage others. And throughout today, tonight, and well, this morning, Jesus laid on my heart modesty, temptation and encouragement.

My prayer is that this will challenge you and encourage you! Jesus loves you more than you can ever ever ever ever imagine. He restores and redeems. Put your faith and trust fully in Him. He will never leave you, He will always love you. He listens and answers prayers in His timing, to bring you joy, therefore bringing glory to Him. It’s a win win.

This was all said out of love. I love you all too much to not share what Jesus laid on my heart.

With Love,

Samantha