Your Check List

I hear so many different opinions when it comes to the dating material checklist. Some may think it's shallow and selfish. But many others, including myself will strongly say that it is a highly necessary tool you need to make when dating and seeking "Mr. Right", especially in our society and day in age.

Now, I'm probably the last person who has the right to tell you what should and shouldn't be on your checklist, and some things are absolutely up to your taste, but allow me to offer some advice for the sake of you not settling for any Joe-Schmo out there.


1) Think about his values
What does he stand strong for? What do you stand strong for? Do they match up? This is very important when looking for that person you will marry. If you find something good and desirable that you stand strong for, and he despises and fights against that same thing, there could be some trouble and red flags there. Think about the time he spends with his family. Does he value them? Life together may not be as fun as you think it could be with constant tension over things that are absolutely important in your belief and passions.


2) Think about his faith
Tying right in with his values is his faith. I couldn't imagine being married to my husband if he wasn't a Christian. Our whole lives revolve around our relationship with God. We make all our decisions around Him. When I'm struggling, my hubby will quote a verse, reminding me not to worry. When he's having a rough day, I'll write a verse on the mirror. That support system is SO incredibly important to me, and I know it is crucial for him. If I had to go to church alone, or not share in my relationship with God with my hubby, I would not be happy. The central part of my life is my relationship with Christ - it even comes before my relationship with my husband. The same goes for him. If my marriage wasn't centered around Christ, it would be very hard for me to have quality relationships with both.


3) Think about his priorities 
What does this guy do with his time? What does he hold as important? Where does he like to be on a regular basis? Would he rather spend his time playing video games, or getting into God's Word? Most guys love playing video games, and that's all great, but does he intentionally build up himself and his faith in what he does? If a guy doesn't have any interest in growing himself and his relationships this could be a red flag. Does he put God first, then his earthly relationships? Do those things even rank in his life? If not, I wouldn't go there.


4) Think about his role models
Who are his heroes in life? If he looks up to men of the Bible, men of strong faith in his life, or those who walk their positive talk, that's a good sign. But if he finds identity in secular rap artist who curse every 2 words or super heroes, that could be a scary step, and I wish you well. 



5) Think about his actions
Ok, so there aren't many guys (or girls) who haven't had those moments of weakness. Even the best of us have all said something stupid, done something dumb and carry embarrassing moments around. However, there is something to be said about a guy who gets into trouble with the law, drugs, and various relationships in his life. If he continually lives in such a reckless manner, you probably shouldn't date him. He may claim to be working towards a change. Great! So let him prove he can change, then date him. Don't EVER, EVER date a guy, thinking you will change him, or he will change for you because that will lead you into some deep, troubling waters. This concept is true for each of these things you consider.

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What is Your Way?

Which way are you following? The "American Way" or God's Way?

Challenge yourself this week to focus on God's way.

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Think About it Thursday: Value

"Never reduce your self worth and value to physical and emotional pleasure. Sex, money, & relationships are not why we live." - Lecrae

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Tasty Tuesdays: Healthy Egg McMuffins

 

Continuing on with our Tasty Tuesdays, I want to introduce you to a very delicious recipe. I am in love with Egg McMuffins, but not with their calories. This recipe is much healthier and still just as delicious. They are super easy to put together and make ahead for later! Great for company and a grab and go breakfast!

Healthy Egg McMuffins

Shopping List: 

1 pkg (6) English Muffins (100% Whole Wheat if you want healthier)

6 Eggs (Egg Beater or Egg Whites work too)

Slices of Cheese (Ultra-thin for 45 calories each, or whatever you prefer)

Meat of Choice - Canadian Bacon or Turkey Sausage Patties (Cook ahead)
Salt/Pepper (Optional - to taste)
Jumbo Muffin Pan or Ramekins (if you don't own those) 
Aluminum Foil

What to Do:
~ Preheat oven to 350 degrees
~ Spray jumbo muffin pan or ramekins with non-stick spray
~ Crack eggs or pour Egg Beaters into each part of muffin pan or each ramekin
~ Stir/Break each yolk with fork
~ Add pepper or salt to your liking to each egg
~ Cook in oven at 350 for about 25-30 minutes (or until done)

 ~ Meanwhile, lay out each English muffin open on pan or tray
~ Put slice of cheese on each one on one half
~ Place sausage patty or bacon on top of cheese
~ Place cooked eggs on top of meat

~ Close English Muffin and wrap each one in aluminum foil (for oven reheat) or dry wax deli paper (for microwave reheating)

~Either save for later in fridge or freezer, or heat up for immediate eating in microwave or oven









~For Oven: Preheat to 350 and heat on baking sheet (wrapped in aluminum foil) for 15-20 minutes or 30-40 minutes if frozen.

~ For Microwave: Reheat in under a minute (wrapped in parchment paper or paper towel) on full power, or if frozen, for 3 minutes at half power, turning over each minute.

Enjoy!

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'Tis the Season for...Stuff?

It is indeed that time of year. Lovely red bows, beautiful Christmas Trees and sparkling lights begin lining streets from windows and houses. But when we look at the holiday season, we may think about things like sales, Black Friday and material things. Where can I get the best deal on a new iPad, or iPhone? Whatever it is, when did Christmas begin to kick off with a season of acquiring more stuff?
Not only Christmas time begs this question, but every day of our lives, especially in our society. When did our big purpose and goal in life become about acquiring the most, newest gadgets, or the highest, most important job?
Matthew 6 tells us not to worry about our money, possessions and clothes. We are told not to store up our treasures here on earth, where dust gathers on them, and they can be destroyed. We are to let God decide what we do, what we buy, what we acquire. He takes care of even the birds, so what makes you think He won't take care of you? He clothes flowers with glorious beauty, so why would He not provide for you?
When we continue to be a society of stuff, we are left disappointed and unsatisfied a by the time someone has something better, or the next new gadget comes out. We want new clothes when the fashion trends change, then demand new clothes 2 months later to keep up with our peers. Why do we do this to ourselves? This doesn't end on an individual basis either.
When we have kids, we want them to have all the new gadgets too. Parents will go to all sorts of insane lengths to get their kid to be the best at anything. They'll fork out crazy amounts of money for uniforms, transportation and equipment, but when it comes to youth group and church, the turn out ratio is sadly less.
So where do we draw the line? Can we go a year without Black Friday? Without updating our gadgets and following the trends? I think this would be hard for people in a society such as ours. We want our kids to stay up with their peers with what they own. Maybe it's time to teach kids the true meaning of life. I have to admit that hearing a 5 year old demand an iPhone from their parents is hard to grasp. We need to begin defining necessity vs. desires. Stuff molds and breaks. Values and morals of Christ always last.

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” -Joshua 24:15

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Dance with God...

It's that simple... Pin It

Why Wait to Date?

In a society with fast food, fast internet, fast everything, we find ourselves doing everything in our lives fast. We rush around and do errands, do homework, find time for friends - and hopefully family.
This, however, as much as it is convenient, is also dangerous in some aspects of life. Yes, driving too fast can be dangerous, but I'm talking about dating too fast.
I see girls with one guy one week, then not even 2 weeks later, there's another guy attached to her arm. What?!
Ladies (and guys too), what is the rush? For so many teens and young adults, life is all about scrambling for the "Right One". The problem with the rush is that you aren't trusting God. You are taking matters into your own hands. What do I mean by this? Check out the list below of why God may have you wait to date:


1) Today's day is scary. Not to sound old-fashioned here, but yes, today is a scary time of our world. Just this past week I saw a story on the news about a 24 year old girl strangled to death by a man who was "infatuated" with her. One-Creepy. Two- It is real stuff. Be careful who you surround yourselves with and who you share your life stories with. He might come across as a great guy on the outside, but be sure you are not throwing yourself at every man who passes you by.

2) You can't change him. That's right ladies - your beauty and batting eyelashes will not turn a complete idiot into the perfect man. Don't be dumb with who you date. If your man breaks the law, does drugs, and more importantly - isn't a Christian (and you are), don't date him. You can help him from a safe distance, but DON'T DATE HIM. I can't reiterate that enough. You CAN'T change him. If he does something you won't be happy with years down the road, assume he will still be doing it years down the road. You can't change him; only God can!

3) Where are YOU at? If you don't know what your convictions are, or who you are in Christ, you probably shouldn't be throwing a man into your life until you've established somethings. Where do you stand on sex before marriage? Do you know why it's good not to have sex before marriage? Do you know what marriage entails? Do you know where you stand on gender roles? Are you established in your security in Christ enough that if your relationship with a guy doesn't work out, your world won't be over? Are you relying on Christ instead of on men and on people of this world?
After I read the book "Lady in Waiting" I was able to place every aspect of my happiness and security on Christ, and with that came my relationship with the man who would be my husband. It was as if I had finally given Christ permission to take and rule over my life when it came to relationships. I let it go and said "Ok, God. I'm letting You take the wheel on who You want in my life for the rest of my life. And I am ok if You want me to live single during it."
Not even a month later, Mark walked into my life. I was so not focused on a boyfriend, that I didn't even notice he was attracted to me. I thought we were just friends. But when we established where we were at as 2 people, it was like God switched the switch and said "Go for it," to me. I knew he was right for me, because he loves the Lord more than me! I wouldn't have it any other way. The pressure is taken off of him to be my happiness and security because I know that only comes from Christ alone.
How awesome!
So just make sure you are grown into what Christ wants you to be before pursuing that guy. You will always be growing, but when it comes to relationships, it is important to know and practice Christ being your #1 before trying to make a guy your #1. 


I hope this gives you some reason to wait to date. I may either be preaching to the choir here, or I may be preaching to an audience who could care less about Christ, but these reasons are what worked for me. I couldn't be happier with the outcome. My relationship with my husband continues to be the best because we put Christ #1 - as a couple and as individuals. It takes the pressure off of pleasing each other in ways that only God can. Pin It