What does it mean to have consideration for you ?

Q: My oldest sister has been through three bad marriages so far, and maybe that's the reason I've never gotten married. I'd love to be married (I'm almost 24), but I'm so afraid I'll end up like her that I just can't seem to make a commitment to anyone. Is something wrong with me? -- V.W.

A: No, nothing is wrong with you; your caution is completely understandable. In fact, I wish more young people were as cautious as you have been; far too many rush into marriage without ever giving much thought to it -- and the results are often disastrous.

But God didn't intend for it to be this way. God gave marriage to us -- and He meant for it to be a lifelong relationship that brings happiness and security to our lives. The Bible tells us that "The Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper (or companion) suitable for him.' ... Then the Lord God made a woman ... and he brought her to the man" (Genesis 2:18, 22).

Ask God to guide you in this all-important area of your life. He loves you, and He doesn't want you to experience the heartache your sister has experienced. Begin by opening your heart to Christ and making Him the foundation of your life. Then seek His will for your future -- including leading you to the person of His choice if it is His will for you to marry.

Then ask Him to help you be a thoughtful and loving spouse when that time comes, and to make Christ the center of your marriage. Don't be satisfied with anything less than God's will for your life -- both for your marriage, and in everything else.

Love and Light to All !

Crystal

Go ahead, actually think about what you want without the nagging little ideas that you can't have it.  Take that "can't" right out of your vocabulary.  Allow yourself to express your creativity fully. 

Take baby steps if it is more comfortable and more believable.  Just do it.  Walk into this day with the optimism that it is done already.  This day is yours.  Take it and create it with your full awareness that the love you have to share is at a vibration that will bring that love right back to you.  You are a powerful creator.  Go on out and act in that fashion. 

Act as if and soon it will be so..

B illy Graham, Tribune Media Services

Q: I just don't see how I can ever forgive my ex-husband after all the hurt he caused me. I know Jesus said we ought to forgive others, but why should I bother? -- Mrs. W.K.

A: I know it's hard to forgive someone who has hurt us; it's much easier to hold on to our hurts than to let them go. The memory of what they did and the damage we've suffered make it very difficult to forgive them.

This is why we need God's help, because only He can give us the strength we need to overcome our hurts and truly learn to forgive. And we need to do this, because otherwise we'll carry those hurts around with us the rest of our lives -- and they will become like a massive, crushing burden. Long after the event has passed that caused our hurt, the anger and resentment and depression will still be with us -- and (as I often say) they'll act like a poison in our minds and souls.

How can you avoid this? Begin by turning to God, admitting to Him that you know you can't do this on your own. Then ask Christ to come into your life and fill you with His love. We have treated God far worse than anyone has ever treated us -- and yet He still loves us, and His Son was willing to die for us. The Bible says, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us" (1 John 3:16).

Then ask God to help you see other people -- even your ex-husband -- through His eyes. God hates the sin -- but He still loves the sinner. The Bible says, "Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you" (Colossians 3:13).

Q: We're expecting our first baby in a few months, and to be honest I'm scared to death about being a mother. My own mother wasn't a very good role model (drugs, running around, finally abandoning us), and I never learned how to be a good mother. Does the Bible say anything about this? -- Mrs. D.S.

A: Yes, the Bible has much to say about motherhood -- and the reason is because motherhood is one of God's greatest gifts to the human race. This is why the Bible says, "Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you" (Deuteronomy 5:16).

Why did God give our mothers to us? Why is motherhood so important to God? One reason, of course, is because our mothers bring us into the world, and they take care of us when we're helpless and cannot take care of ourselves. This is a demanding responsibility (as you will discover!) -- but it also will bring you great joy. Learn all you can about taking care of your baby's physical needs; other mothers can help you with this.

But God also gave our mothers to us to comfort and teach us. Both parents have this responsibility -- but mothers especially are equipped by God for this task. Children need to learn right from wrong; they also need to learn to be less selfish. The Bible says, "Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching" (Proverbs 1:8).

Most of all, God wants to use you as a mother to point your children to Christ and His love -- both by your words and your example. On this Mother's Day , make sure Christ is first in your life. Then ask Him to help you be the mother He wants you to be.

Happy Mother's Day !

Love and Light !

Crystal

Q: How can I know if God has really forgiven me? I did something several years ago that was very wrong, and I've confessed it repeatedly to God and begged for His forgiveness, but I still feel guilty. Maybe I have committed the unforgivable sin. I worry about this all the time. -- Mrs. J.L.

A: Do not be consumed by the fear that you have somehow committed a sin that God can never forgive. The only sin God cannot forgive is the sin of rejecting His forgiveness.

The key is to realize why God is willing to forgive our sins. God is willing to forgive our sins first of all because He loves us. Sin is a terrible thing; it cuts us off from God, and it makes us His enemies. The reason is because sin is rebellion -- an act of rebellion against God. But God doesn't want us to be His enemies! He loves us and wants us to know Him and be His friends and live with Him forever in heaven.

The second reason God is willing to forgive us is because He sent His only Son into the world to take away our sins. Jesus Christ was without sin -- but on the cross every sin we have ever committed (including this sin that haunts you) was placed on Him, and He died in our place. You deserved to be punished for your sins -- but He took the punishment for you.

Don't wonder any longer if God will forgive you. Instead, confess your sins to Christ and ask Him to cleanse you -- and He will. Then commit your life to Him, and make Him the center of your life. God cannot lie, and His promise is for you: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

Blessings  and  Love !

Crystal