Growing Deeper

Dear Growing Deeper:
How exciting that you want to grow deeper in your relationship with Christ! As much as you want that, He wants it even more! Here’s how you can be with God all the time: Are you familiar with 1 Thessalonians 5:17? “Pray continually.”

How’s this possible? Can anyone really pray 24/7/ 365? While it’s impossible to be constantly uttering prayers, it is possible to have a continuous attitude of prayer. By turning your thoughts to the Lord throughout the day and asking Him to make you aware of His presence, you’re making an effort to “be with Him” all the time. He’ll help you to establish a consistent attitude of prayer throughout your day.

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

Dear Susie:
I’m a freshman in college, and a lot of my Christian friends here think that it’s OK for a guy and girl to sleep together as long as they don’t do anything. I’m uncomfortable with that. I believe that should be saved for marriage. I also believe it’s unwise for a girl to let her boyfriend spend the night in her dorm room, even if he sleeps on the floor. Am I just being a prude?

Concerned

Dear Concerned:
I applaud your standards and your stand for morality. I’m sorry you’re in the minority, but that doesn’t surprise me. Check this out: “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral” (Hebrews 13:4).

The bed is a sign of intimacy. People don’t normally lie down with someone they don’t like. When you share a bed with someone, it’s usually someone special. I believe sexual purity involves a lot more than simply saying no to intercourse. It’s a lifestyle. It involves the movies we watch, how we dress, what we think about, and yes, our bed. Sharing a bed with someone of the opposite sex is a privilege we haven’t earned until we’re married. Stick to your standards, and be extremely careful not to place yourself in the way of temptation.

Dear Susie:
My biggest dream in life is to be a loving wife and mother, and to take care of my house and family. I know I should have unconditional faith in God’s timing, but I’m worried I won’t meet the right man.

Worried

Dear Worried:
Congrats! You have a high calling on your life. But first read this: “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).

God is the author of your desire to be a wife and mom. Does the above verse sound as though God will give you everything you want? Maybe, but God isn’t Santa. By loving God more than you love the idea of getting married and being a mom, you’re allowing Him to shape your desires into His perfect plan. At that point, He begins fulfilling the desires of your heart.

You don’t need to worry about finding the right man. Place that responsibility on God. Let Him orchestrate your love story.

Did You Know This About Marriage?
• Minnie Munro, the oldest bride on record, got married when she was 102. She married a man who was 20 years younger.

• Fifty-six percent of married women pay the bills.

• Richard and Carole Roble, a couple from New York, enjoy marrying each other so much they have renewed their vows again . . . and again . . . and again. They’ve taken their vows 55 times and have had each ceremony in different locations — including all the states in America.

Dear Susie:
How can I tell a guy I don’t want to date him without hurting his feelings?

Wondering

Dear Wondering:
That’s close to impossible. It does hurt to know someone we like doesn’t return the feeling. But do you know what will hurt even more? Dragging it out. You can be kind and direct at the same time. Simply tell him you value his friendship but don’t want a relationship right now. Yes, it’ll sting. But it won’t hurt as much as dishonesty.