New Writer & New Layout!

Yes, I'm still alive! Sorry I haven't written on here in awhile.

I have some exciting news. We have another writer for the blog, Lydia! Scroll down below to read her post and get to know her a bit more.

Also, we have a new layout! I thought it was time for a change-lemme hear your thoughts on the new look!

Hope all is well with you!
God bless,
Madison

A Message From Lydia!

Ladies,
So much of purity depends on your heart. It seems that a lot of the “gray area” in sin boils down to what your heart is in the matter, and I feel like it applies to purity, as well. For instance, take modesty: there are culturally modest clothes, culturally immodest clothing, but then there’s a wide array of clothing with varying lengths, tightness, sleeve thickness, etc., that may or may not be modest. Ultimately, I feel that these cases depend on the wearer’s heart, because that’s what God cares about. Additionally, the heart is a big factor in actions, as well as the way a woman carries herself.

Purity seems like the same sort of deal. There’s “pure” interactions with boys as well as “impure” interactions with guys. Put an impure heart behind them and the action immediately becomes sinful no matter how pure or impure they were to begin with.

So, how do we recognize our heart’s position? Although sometimes our motivations are obvious, there are usually subtle purposes that we miss that only God can point out. David knew this; in Psalm 139, he reflects on how well God knows him, how intimately acquainted God is with him. God never misses a thing! So, finally, David simply says “Search me, O God, and know my heart; / Test me and know my anxious thoughts. / See if there is any offensive way in me, / And lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139: 23-24, emphasis added) David is asking God to point out his sin to him. And, girls, I believe that when we do that, God answers.

If you’re committed to purity, I think you need to constantly, prayerfully examine your heart and make sure it’s in the place God wants it to be. After all, what’s the worth in “acting out” a pure life if our motives behind it aren’t pure? It’s like what Jesus said to the Pharisees: “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also?” (Luke 11: 39-40) Jesus is talking here in a parable about the way that the Pharisees seem like they have a clean act, but on the inside are corrupt. Take it from Jesus: your heart is, ultimately, what counts. Now that’s not to say that if our hearts are correct that our actions automatically convey the same thing; often, we can be mistaken or misunderstood. But I believe God cares more about what your heart is than in what realization this takes form.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We want to please you with our actions, our thoughts, our interactions. But, more than those things, we want to please you with our hearts. Lord, may our hearts be pure and our motives true, unselfish and blameless in your sight. Father, please search us and reveal to us our sins. Show us more and more how to live like you. Melt hearts our hearts of stone, and make them hearts of flesh. May our lives and strive for purity be a fragrant incense to you.

In your Holy name,
Amen.

I'm a professional high school student with high hopes of becoming a missionary one day. I love to sing (especially to my Savior) and I'm very involved in the choir. God's blessed me with an amazing friend group, great teachers, and an outstanding family. I and a couple of my friends try and prayerwalk every week around our school (great experience). Jesus is the absolute love of my life, and I intend to keep Him there with God's help. May God bless and keep you!