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food for thought

    Love & Relationships

    When You’re Forced To Walk Away

    06/30/2016

    “[Our daughter’s] going to be a big sister… and…”  

    I thought this would be another routine visit to my ex’s place, except that day turned out to be anything but normal.

    For the past five years, being the only woman to give birth to his child was my emotional safety net. It was a distinction no one else had.

    But with one short sentence, my entire world came crashing down.

    Honestly, I couldn’t process anything else my ex said after hearing those words. Mentally, it was as though I’d been hit by a Mack truck and lied waiting for the coroner to collect my lifeless body.

    Granted, physically we hadn’t been together for quite some time.  Yet emotionally, there was very much an attachment there.

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    Love & Relationships

    5 Steps To Help You Resist Sexual Sin

    06/09/2016

    After sharing “Single, Saved, & Struggling” a lot of people asked how I became “so strong”. Privately, readers shared how they too struggle with sexual sin and are wanting to experience victory in that area of their relationship with God.

    So today I’m sharing five steps that can help you resist sexual sin.

    For the record, I don’t consider myself strong.  This is still a struggle and I am still 100% dependent on God for His help.

    Over the years I learnt different techniques to resist the temptation.

    Some of the steps you may know already.  And none of them are difficult.  They will however, require a lot of practice and your complete commitment.

    I pray that as you incorporate these steps into your journey, you will begin enjoying life – single, saved, and no longer struggling!

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    Love & Relationships

    Single, Saved, & Struggling

    05/19/2016

    “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” ‭‭Psalms 18:6 (KJV)

    “God, help me!”

    It was a simple prayer uttered plenty of times in the past, but this time was different.

    Just minutes before, I was driving around town doing errands. The radio was tuned to the Gospel station. Instead of playing the latest hit records there was a special segment on relationships.

    The host and his guests were sharing their journey to abstinence and how they now live completely satisfied in Christ.

    This was not the average sex is bad and you ought to save yourself for marriage churchy type of conversation. Instead it was more like I love God but I also loved sex and needed Him to deliver me type of discussion.

    Captivated by the dialogue, I couldn’t get out of the car, even after reaching my destination. Each person spoke with such transparency and conviction. It made me question if I too could finally conquer this area of my life.

    You see, for most of my teenage and adult life, sex was my go-to drug of choice; it was what I used to escape reality to find comfort and companionship.

    It didn’t matter that the effects would fade almost instantaneously. The temporary satisfaction was one I couldn’t seem to resist. And being saved did not automatically take those feelings away.

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    Everyday Woman

    The 30 Day Money Saving Challenge

    04/14/2016

    If reading “Why God Keeps Interrupting My Shopping Sprees” nudged your heart in anyway, then I’d like to invite you to join me on The 30 Day Money Saving Challenge.

    I know starting something new can be overwhelming but the challenge is really simple. For the next 30 days, let’s commit to:

    • Set a weekly cash budget and not exceed that spending limit…unless it’s a life or death situation.
    • No credit cards and no debit cards. (Because when’s the last time you tracked EVERY SINGLE TIME you swiped on your debit card?…exactly!)
    • No unnecessary spending…not even if there’s an amazing sale.
    • No impulsive shopping.
    • No retail therapy.
    • DIY whenever possible (like DIY hairdos, manicures, and pedicures to name a few)
    • Bring a bag lunch to work.
    • Home cook meals, instead of dining out…unless someone else is treating of course.
    • Make a list whenever we do have to shop, and STICKING to the list once we get to the store.
    • Sign up to receive our free annual credit report to get a true indication of our credit health.
    • Actively look for ways to reduce spending (like coupons, canceling services we don’t absolutely need, attending free events, etc.)
    • SAVE, SAVE, SAVE!

    These are just a few quick and easy lifestyle changes that will benefit us spiritually, physically, and financially.

    The goal isn’t perfection or to stop spending money completely.  The goal is to develop more self-control and to be more discipline with our shopping habits.

    Throughout the 30 days, I’ll post more practical money saving tips and encouragement on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

    And I’ll be looking for comments and pictures from your journey as well! Just be sure to use the hashtag #30daymoneychallenge

    Some days will be easier than others but I’m excited to see how much money we can keep in our purses and wallets.  Most importantly, I’m excited to see how this challenge will help change our spending patterns for the long haul.

    So before we find another sale, let the savings begin!

     

    Everyday Woman

    How God Keeps Interrupting My Shopping Sprees

    04/14/2016

    Lately, I’ve been having intense negotiations with God while standing in the checkout line of my favorites stores.

    With my treasured conquests in hand, His gentle yet undeniable voice starts invading my thoughts:

    “You know, you really should save more of your money.”

    “Do you really need to buy another pair of shoes?”

    “You already have something just like that hanging in your closet.”

    “More makeup? What about that foundation you haven’t opened yet.”

    Then, in the middle of Sephora, Zara, or especially in Target, I start debating with God as to why I should go through with my purchase.

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