Diary of a Single Woman (Why I desire to be married)

He that finds Crystal finds a 'good' thing:-) 

I've never been the kind of girl that daydreams about her wedding day.. a bit weird but when I pictured wedding (if I do), all I see is the cutest pink shoes walking down in aisle in (lol), otherwise everything else has been blahh!

Maybe something like this... love it!! 

Before I became a Christian, marriage was not a priority of mine. I was too caught up in career, independence and education to slow down my dreams to fit "marriage" in. Even after I got baptized in 2009, if I thought about marriage it was mainly because I wanted 'legal' sex.
Honestly, the idea of cleaning, washing those heavy jeans, putting clean seam in a pants ... really seemed like too much because I am not the most domesticated person. (I blame my parents because they did everything for me lol..)

Then late 2013, I got 'saved' for real (before I was lukewarm); God started renewing my mind (Romans 12:2) regarding many things and marriage is one of them. After being saved for over 22 months, I can confidently say my current reasons for wanting to get married is ONLY GOD!!
But I am glad that I didn't get married before because it really wouldn't have been God's plan for me because I truly didn't understand what marriage is about. You can read my blog about my engagement here My Engagement Story.

Anyway I want to share five (5) reasons why I desire marriage....

1) I am looking forward to being a help-mate (Genesis 2:18). 
Before I would cringe at words "help-mate" or "submission" but I now understand this does not mean I will be my husband domestic 'helper or doormat' even though I will be the keeper of my home (Titus 2:4-5); but the husband God will provide for me, will have a purpose to fulfill and as his wife I am looking forward to using my God-given gifts and talents to HELP this man to achieve his God-given potential. I've learnt that marriage is a ministry, so we would look forward to serving each other and our lives as a couple will glorify God. Both our missions in life will become one that will complement each other and not compete!!

2) I am a single-mother to a beautiful little lady (4 years old) and I must be honest, my second reason for wanting to marry is for her to have a godly-father-figure in her life. 
Single-parenting is really tough! I now understand why God instituted marriage as the way to raise children because Proverbs 22:6 speaks about training a child up in the way of the Lord; and I tell you doing it ALONE is really really challenging. Plus I want to have other children and God's plan for a family is through marriage and having both parents in the household working together to produce godly off-springs.

3) Marriage is important to God, and that makes it important to me! 
As I've observe the society we live in, if we were willing to be obedient to God's plans, our lives would be spared from so much heartaches (diseases, abortions, unwanted children etc). Our society does not promote marriage (common-law relationships are legalized); but the covenant of marriage ordained by God to provide believers with an image of Christ's love and relationship with His Church (His bride - see Ephesians 5:22-23, Revelations 21:2) and as a Christian, I believe marriage will help me to mature more in my Christ-like characters (patience, faithfulness, gentleness etc). 

4) To provide proper sexual union and avoid sexual immoralities
I won't pretend that I am not looking forward to having sexual intercourse again but this time is will be GOD'S WAY!  Many Christians pretend like sex is bad but God created it so it is a beautiful thing; but it should be shared in the context of marriage. Even though it has been almost 2 years since I've been walking in purity and honestly it hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be. The Word of God says flee from temptation so I purposely avoid certain temptations like dancehall or souls music and certain movies or shows.  The fact is I want to please God more than anything else in this world; so I made the decision to wait until He sends a husband for me to share that experience with him.

5) For a godly male leader to run my home
I added this one very recently because I lived alone for over three (3) years and I have always just loved the fact it was just Christelle and I. But more and more, I understand why God wanted the man to lead his home because as a woman there are just certain things we just don't want to be caring about. Plumbing, fixing, car troubles.. brahhh.. I just hate to be asking other men to be doing these things for me (sorry but it is the truth). Even if my husband can't fix it himself, he would be concerned about these things and then other men won't have to over charge me to service my car or fix things around the household.

Outside of those five reasons, honestly there is just something about a godly man that is simply beautiful. Just the thought of a man loving me as Christ loves the Church gives me the chills (lol).. I mean imagine praying with this man, studying the Word with this man, having to serve him and encouraging him to be the best that God has called him to be.. Come on!! It is more than worth the wait:-) 

So, I share this because I know many ladies desire marriage and don't understand why they have to wait! It is not just about choosing a man and planning a beautiful wedding day but it is far deeper than that. I can tell you true love is only found in Christ; if we don't understand love like describe in 1 Corinthians 13 we will run into serious problems in our marriage. 
It is so important that the man we marry understand this kind of love too and our relationship is not based on lust, emotions, status and great sex! 

As wives, we have to be willing to serve this man and be submissive under his godly leadership; but don't be discouraged because a true man of God will understand his role and serve you too!!

Honestly, I am not in hurry for marriage but I am trusting God to write my love story; but I am proud of the woman I am becoming in Christ because he is truly molding me into a Proverbs 31 woman *skin teeth* 

God bless you... 

To God to be Glory**** 

Crystal 

Feel free to email me with questions or concerns at shachene@gmail.com 

National Christelle Day.. Happy 4th my princess:-)

Happy 4th Birthday Chrissypooh

I can't believe it has really been 4 years that I'm a mom! .. WOW:-) Honestly, it seems like just the other day I found out I was pregnant then I blinked and she's FOUR!!! 
Happy Birthday ma princess Christelle:-))))))

God has really been so good to us and He is so worthy to be praised and exalted because I know there was nothing I could have done to deserve so much blessings and favor. I feel so honored to have been chosen to be this little lady's mother. She has been such a joy to everyone who knows her. Her smile, her demeanor and her love is so infectious!

I didn't chose to blog today to "show-off" about my beautiful daughter; actually as I prayed over her this morning as I normally do, I had an overwhelming feeling of gratitude and I was reminded that God's grace and mercy is so real and I am simply amazed of the journey that God has been taking me on called motherhood. 

Firstly, I wanted seven (7) children when I was younger (crazy right) yup! There is just something about children that gives life hope and I literally wanted seven (7) hopes aye (lol). Of course, after Christelle that changed .... No, I didn't go through a rough pregnancy and no I didn't go through a tough labour either! I mean I had morning sickness, uncontrollable spitting (eww.. sorry to gross you out) and Oh my .. breastfeeding really arghhhh (that hurt as hell). But outside of that, I think I am very bless to be spared from many horrific stories I've heard about childbearing (God is soo good)!!

I could also go into Single Parenting woes.. But it's my princess' birthday so I will not go into that (but another blog coming soon). I can say though ladies... Please DO NOT choose that route. All that glitters is not gold and I wish more single mothers would encourage young ladies to ensure you share that special journey called parenting with a husband. But as I said.. next time...

Four lessons I've learnt in my four years of motherhood:

1) Children are literally sponges - they soak in everything. As parents we must be careful to not just say but do the right things around our children. 
Proverbs 22:6 says "Train up a child in the way he should go... ".
You realize it didn't say "TELL" a child, it said 'train'. This means if we are cursing expletives daily but telling the child it's wrong, that won't work. They really do follow everything that you do more than what you say.

2) You cannot be selfish. 
When you have a child, you must become selfless- it literally teaches you that life is more than about you. So many of your own dreams, you will have to re-adjust in order to make the child happy and comfortable. This sometimes challenging but 1 Corinthians 13:4 says Love is not self-seeking.. So your love for your child allows it to become second nature to putting your child first.

3) It really does take a village to raise a child. 
 I am soooo grateful for my family, friends, church members, Christelle's tons of godparents, aunties and uncles. 
I literally could not have gotten to four (4) years 'sane' without them. The support, the kindness, the love, the prayers, the babysitting, the well-wishes.. oh my.. it is simply amazing how important it is to have support. Christelle is growing into such a compassionate, kindhearted and brilliant child. It ain't just because of me seriously! Thank God so much for the wonderful "village" God has blessed us with.

4) Cherish every single moment. 
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says"in everything give thanks.."
As a mother/parent, it is amazing watching our children grow. From baby in diaper, to first tooth, first step, first word, first day at school... It is all because of God's mercies that our day are renewed that we can enjoy these moments. You pray daily and hope you are doing the best you can to grow them up to be the best that God has called them to be. The time flies so quickly that we won't be able to make the decisions for them (I know because I look at my little sweet sister Nioka that I helped raise and she's a little woman now... lol). So we have to cherish every memory, every experience, every moment whether good or bad.


I am so blessed by this little lady, Christelle Rickaylia Garriques, she literally changed my dreams, my plans and my world. This change was ALL for the better. She pushed me straight into the arms of God because I just didn't know how to be a good mother but God has really been teaching me daily. 

I pray you were blessed by this blog.. Say a prayer for me and Christelle as we trod on this journey together. God has been so good to us and I am so grateful....

My encouragement to all mothers and parents.. please ensure you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and your Savior (only Him can teach us to be best parents we can be) and never stop praying over your children (don't talk negative words over their lives either). Remember the enemy is here to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10);  not just you but your children too and only weapon we have is the Word of God and our Abba Father who is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1). 

Love you guys loads...

Photos 

God bless you... 

To God to be Glory**** 

Crystal 

Feel free to email me with questions at shachene@gmail.com 

Living with Lupus: Emily Dixon's Story

"I am not my HAIR".. words from an Untitled poem written by the beautiful Mrs. Emily Dixon. As we listened her testimony and poem at the She's Royal Empowerment Conference held in August 2015, most of us were teary-eyed, emotional, blessed and amazingly awed by the strength and courage of a true Royalty. 

Emily Dixon giving her testimony at the She's Royal Empowerment Conference 2015

Firstly, Happy October... Can you believe we only have 2 months remaining in 2015? Am I the only person that thinks this year is literally flying by!! 

Anyway, October is celebrated as Lupus Awareness Month. Early this year, a young lady who was diagnosed with Lupus from my high school Miss Tameka Michelin passed away (may her soul Rest in Peace). During her fight with Lupus, she shared many testimonies on social media and that was when I became fully aware of the Lupus disease. Then I learnt that a young lady I met in 2009, when I was apart of the Miss Kingston & St. Andrew Festival Queen, Mrs. Emily Dixon was diagnosed with the same disease. As I read Emily's blog, I was so awed by her transparency and bravery as she shared her testimony. I eventually invited her to the conference to share the testimony with the other royalties and it was simply awesome and such a blessing and encouragement to all the ladies who attended the conference. 

October is Lupus Awareness Month 

Emily Dixon's Testimony 

In her second year of university, Emily found out she was diagnosed with Lupus. Always an active young lady studying psychology, member of the performing arts group doing singing, dancing and playing cello; of course this came as a shocker about the new lifestyle changes that was about to take place in her life.

Lupus is disease affecting the immune system in that it speeds it up, spreads and attacks the healthier aspects of your body. Symptoms include inflammation, weakness, swelling and damage to the skin, joints, kidney, lungs, heart, and blood.

Four days before her 30th birthday in October, she sat in her bathroom and her husband, Julian, clipped and sheared off every last strand of hair. This happened after months of wearing scarves and wigs when she experienced a 'flare' of symptoms which resulting in her loosing her hair. On her blog, With peace in mind she shares her struggles in details. She also shared that she received an overwhelming support from many that encouraged her to embrace her new bald look. Emily says  that "the scars still show, but I find myself being less and less concerned about them and more concerned with being confident about my baldness."

During the flare up... 

Going bald never looked so beautiful:-)

Emily Dixon, who continues to challenge the odds in living with lupus, through determination, support and sheer positivity. She shared that her family and friends have been a pillar of strength during this time for her and she refuses to allow anyone to throw her a pity party. Emily tries to encourage everyone to truly believe they can achieve their goals and make a contribution to this world, no matter what they look like. Baldness, scars and all.

                We are NOT defined by how we look or by our circumstances!! 

I'm so encouraged and motivated by Emily's testimony; the level of bravery, strength and confidence has truly been inspiring and without a doubt shows she's a true daughter of  the King! My constant prayer is with her and the other Lupus Warriors. These royalties are simply amazing!!! 

Few of  the Lupus Warriors who attended Tameka's funeral 

Two main lessons that I've learnt are God truly gives us enough grace to deal with whatever situation we are going through and we might not be able to control what God allows to happen in our lives but we can control how we respond!! 

    We can truly Live a Royal Reality, if we allow God to guide our path!! 

So this month, instead of complaining find something to give thanks for daily! This month, pray for someone else in your quiet time. This month, smile a little more because God is still good despite our circumstances and He is in control of your life. This month, wear something PURPLE and take a picture to show your support for the Lupus Awareness Month (tag me in the photos too)! 

Scripture Encouragement 

Share Love to someone with Lupus 

God bless you... 

To God to be Glory**** 

Crystal 

Feel free to email me with questions at shachene@gmail.com 

Faith vs Fantasy: My Pinky Promise Experience 2015

Three weeks before the Pinky Promise Conference in June 2015, I found myself asking how do you know when you are stepping out in faith or you wishing on fantasy? 

I felt a bit disappointed because I've been wanting to go to this conference for over a year and I had no plane ticket, no hotel fee and no spending money.. all I had was a 'faith' conference ticket that I stepped out and purchased a month before as I trusted God to provide over USD$1,000 for my other expenses. 

Fantasy??? 

To back track a bit, Pinky Promise is a promise to honor God with your LIFE no matter what, whether married, single, divorced, engaged or widowed. This movement was founded by Heather Lindsey and have over 300 groups world wide. Now the conference is held annually, where women across the world come together for four (4) days of worship, fellowship and life-changing Word. When I came across Heather's blog in early 2014, she changed my Christian walk entirely; her transparency, authenticity and conviction bombarded and challenged to me to become a true woman after God's heart. I started praying since then to make it at the next conference in 2015. 

As the time approaches, it seemed like I would make it because I got offered a free plane ticket and I found some roommates through the Pinky Promise website; but with a month to go the plane ticket plans fell through the cracks and I was confused if I would make it. I didn't give up though, I started to ask everyone I knew to pray for me because deep in my heart I felt I would still be able to attend the conference. I tried to not get anxious though and continue praying....

GOD IS SOO FAITHFUL

Then one day I sent a prayer request message to a young lady I followed on Instagram and told her about my plane ticket dilemma. She responded and ask how much I could find and told me to send the money to her and she will purchase the plane ticket for me ... Shock was an understatement... Even though I've never met this young lady, I knew that it was GOD who sent her. I had less than USD$100 and the ticket was almost USD$500; same day I got a called from a very close friend who said I was on her mind so she wanted to know what's going on with me. I shared with her and without hesitation, she said come see me and gave me USD$200 (just like that)!! So I sent the money I had to the young lady abroad and within two days I got an email that my ticket was booked..  God is soo faithful! 

With the ticket out of the way, I was sure that God wanted me there and I knew this would be another life-changing experience and testimony for me. Two days before my flight to leave to Atlanta, I still had no hotel money, no food money and no spending money but I had FAITH-- if God opened a door for me to go, you best believe I am going... 

I continue asking for prayers and continue praying myself, the day before I left I got two phone calls. A friend from primary school said she coming by my office (I had no clue why), when she came she handed me USD$100 and said 'have a wonderful trip'.. huh .. what? ohh WOW.....  Another friend told me to stop by her office and gave me an envelop with USD$60. By now, I was in total awe... God is soo faithful! 

It just got real!! Atlanta here I come.... 

At the Airport heading to Miami then Atlanta 

Excited, overwhelmed, astonished, flabbergasted .... I was just in total fantasy land.. I was actually going to the 3rd Annual PINKY PROMISE CONFERENCE in Atlanta... God is soo faithful! 

Had a great day in Miami as I got to see my friends and family:-)

I had a connecting flight so I spent the day in Miami before I flew to Atlanta. I love Miami (seriously) .. it was good to see my dearest friends and saw my stepdad and little sister. My stepdad fried fish, gave me bread, cake and all kinds of food to take to Atlanta because he knew I didn't have any spending money (yes ..he's great right?). But God wasn't finish with the miracles.. In Miami, I got a call to go to the Western Union from one of my cousins who sent me USD$200 for my hotel.. WOW! Then my friend gave me another USD$50 before I left... I don't know how but all I could do is praise God and worship Him for His awesomeness and super natural provision... like seriously ... WOW!!! (Even writing now, I'm getting goosebumps just reflecting on all the miracles that happened).... God is soo faithful! 

PINKY PROMISE 2015

My friend Phoebe from the Pinky Promise Jamaica met me at the airport and we headed to Atlanta together. We got in very late and my roommates where already settled in..  the next day the experience begun! 

My friend Phoebe and I representing Jamaica 

To blog about every detail of the trip would make this blog longer than it already is, but I am still basking in the presence of the Holy Spirit at that conference. Every single detail and experience was profound, I cried over and over because God is soo faithful! 

My roommates were great.. We all gelled so well like we knew each other forever. I met so many amazing women of God over the five (5) days in Atlanta. These women were so hungry for God, it was just awe-inspiring (you had to be there to understand).. 

My beautiful roommates and I:-)

Thursday was registration, meet and greet then we went to Downtown Atlanta for sightseeing and a shopping (yes I could even shop a little for Christelle .. can you believe it?) In the evening, the conference officially begun with the most astounding and Spirit-filled Worship Experience I've ever had. 

Imagine 2000 women worshiping God in one ballroom... EPIC!!! 

My name tag... yikes!! 

Between Friday to Saturday we had the different workshops such as Marriage Session, Singles Session, Going into Ministry/ Business God's Way, Being a Godly Mother and Modesty. All the workshops were SUPER incredible and informative. (You can email me for notes if you would like).

There were Quiet Time and Zumba in the mornings, all night worship in the ballroom (so anytime during the night you could just go down and talk to God), clothing swap, Couples panel, book signing with Heather Lindsey (screaming .. she posted the photo of me and her on her Instagram and I became a celebrity after lol...).  

Friday night Cornelius preached an amazing sermon called 'Blood on Your Hands' then Saturday night Heather preached on 'The Final Marriage'. Both sermons wrecked me completely. 

Excited to meet Heather Lindsey in person, such a beautiful and humble woman of God... I thank God so much for her obedience! 

I met some really beautiful and god-fearing ladies; we have formed purposeful godly friendships and they push me to Christ and always encouraging and praying for me. For the earlier part, I hung out by myself until Friday evening I finally got to meet my sister from Dominica, Clerol Austrie who I met through social media and immediately we clicked. We chatted up a storm over the two days, prayed and worshiped together (I was so blessed by her wisdom). 

Sunday was the worship service at the Gathering Oasis where Cornelius preached another blessed sermon then the conference was over. 

I'm so glad to have met this woman of God.. Clerol Austrie is truly an inspiration! 

I didn't leave Atlanta until Monday afternoon so I spent the extra day just reflecting on everything that happened over the few days... There were so many questions I went to the conference with and the Lord answered every one. Lord knows I want to be obedient but I don't want to. It gets hard as the flesh struggle with the spirit, as the mind struggle with the heart but I must remember this is never about me. A nation will be impacted by my obedience so I pray that the Lord give me the strength. 

So, I left the conference feeling encouraged, purpose-driven, filled, motivated and charged to do the assignments the Lord has entrusted me with. Honestly, after that experience my life will never be the same!! I'm empowered to be the best mother I can be, contented with my single season even as God prepares me to be a godly wife; I'm driven to start my own business, write books or whatever else dream the Lord has placed on heart but even more I am READY to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ EVERYWHERE and EVERY DAY!

God is sooo faithful!! 

What started out as a fantasy to attend this conference, was made possible through an awesome, all-knowing, all-powerful, all-faithful, all-providing, limitless GOD!! My main lesson from this conference EVEN MY FANTASY IS POSSIBLE IF I STEP OUT IN FAITH AND TRUST GOD!! 

So, I encouraged someone, whatever you think is a fantasy or just a mere dream, put it to GOD. Check your motives to ensure that it's not selfish, seek Him with ALL your might and watch Him blow you away as He did for me and continues to do for me. Whatever He does for me, I guarantee He will do the same for you.. Have some FAITH!! 

Remember: 

Jeremiah 29:11 - God has plans to prosper and never to harm you.

Philippians 4:13 - You can do all things through Christ who gives you the strength. 

Hebrews 11:6 - Without Faith it is impossible to please God. 

Matthew 6:33 - Seek God first and His righteousness and all things will be added. 

Matthew 7:7 - Seek and you shall find, Ask and it shall be given. 

Philippians 2:3 - Do nothing out of selfish ambitions or empty pride, but be humble.

God bless you... 

To God to be Glory**** 

Crystal 

Feel free to email me with questions at shachene@gmail.com 

Photos from the Conference 

Fearfully and Wonderfully made:-)

Zumba was great!! 

I'm so proud of this daughter of the King, Terrenique from Nassau

Lord you good and your mercy endures forever! 

Sightseeing in Atlanta!!! 

My Engagement Story....

It was almost a fairy tale love story.. high school sweetheart, so in love, migrated but came back after 10 years and asked me to marry him, it felt like destiny and fate collided, happy to final settle down, preparing for my wedding and looking forward to migrating and starting a new life .. My happily ever after begun......

Or so I thought! 

My 26th birthday, a week after my breakup with my fiance. I'm sure I looked beautiful on the outside but it was a facade as I was tearing up on the inside!

It really seemed like the perfect love story but I was writing it and not God. I was a Christian and he wasn't but that was okay because 'not enough men inside the church so I could take my husband to church and convert him' that was my reasoning. He said he love and believe in God and he will even come to church with me so another reason why I could marry him. He was a great guy, he loved me since I was 14 years old and I knew him very well so I thought it was logically because I saw so many other women doing it...

This relationship came the 'right time', I have been living a lukewarm Christian life for so long but I started to get convicted and wanted to live right. So if I could stop fornicate and stop party then I could truly live for God because those were my biggest temptations. If I got married then I would be 'legal' to have sex plus he wasn't the party type so I knew I would eventually have to stop so it was the perfect plan... again it wasn't God's plan. 

So I went in to speak to my Pastor about it even as I prayed daily about it. Although I loved my fiance, I also loved God and I really wanted to please God also. My meeting with Pastor didn't go too well, he reminded me about 2 Corinthians 6:24 "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?". I knew the verse but after talking to many other Christians they shared that unequally yoked meant if the person didn't "believe" in God or if they were a muslim or other religion but God really couldn't expect us to not date non-Christians because enough men just not in church (this was my green light). I respected my Pastor though so even though I didn't end my engagement; I continue praying and I spoke to my fiance about my concerns so we decided that we wouldn't have sex until we got married so 'bingo' of course he was the ONE. I mean how many non-Christian men would stop hold out on sex until marriage? 

BUT I NEVER STOPPED PRAYING .. Part of me still wasn't at full peace that I should go ahead with the wedding. Of course I loved him and he really loved me but a little part of me felt like God wasn't pleased. So I fasted and prayed... Fasted and prayed for many months. 

Then one day I said 'Lord, if this is not your will then you take him out of my life, I don't have the strength or courage to do it so let him leave.' While I was praying this prayer waiting on him to come to Jamaica (it was a long distance relationship), we continue the wedding plans. In my mind, I knew that he loved me so much that there was no way he would call off the wedding so if this happen it must be GOD. 

Well, to cut a long story short.. BUT GOD... Yep! God showed up and he walked away. Technically, he had no clue what he was doing because he just couldn't explain why he wanted to. In his head, he was just a bit angry so he just needed a breather from me for 1 day but for me .. it was GOD!! Once he stepped away I didn't look back. 

During that season, the Lord revealed so much to me and this is why I was led to blog about  Unequally Yoked Relationships. 

1) Many times we know the right thing, we know what God's Word says but we search for many loopholes to remain in the situation. The fact is God will never change His mind to please you; there is no other explanation or reasoning to His commands. Similarly, when the Word of God says 'Do not kill' period, not a comma or semi-colon but full stop. His commands about being unequally yoked won't change, no matter the season or modern-era. This thing about "I'm Praying about it" really doesn't make sense either because God will not change His mind.  He is the same God yesterday, today and tomorrow ( Hebrews 13:8).  

2) God gives us free will so in the end whatever we decide to do then the outcome is on our hands. The fact is our choices have consequences and when we willfully disobey God it is a sin and we know sin leads to death (Romans 6:23). This is not just a physical death but also a spiritual death where we are separated from God. 

3) When we step out of the will of God, He cannot protect us. So whatever happens when we don't follow God's commandments then we must accept that we are responsible and stop blaming God. I've seen so many times people get involved in premarital sex and get pregnant have an abortion then many years after they can't have children and they blame God.. really? Or you disobey God catch a disease then you say God gave it to you as punishment.. really? Fact is when we do whatever we want to do then God can no longer protect us from the repercussion. 

4) Remember God's commandments is not to "stop our fun" like God is some dictator that wants us to be lonely and depress for  the rest of our lives. God is a loving God, He is a loving Father who wants the best for His children. His commandments are to protect us not harm us. Even when He says don't have sex before marriage, it is not because He doesn't want us to not enjoy sex because He created it but He wants us to do it in the union of marriage. 

Imagine if we had really followed God's commandments about sex how different our society would have been (less diseases, less unwanted pregnancy, less street boys, less murders, less poverty). 

5) Stop comparing your Christian walk to other people. They are not the standards you should live by, God is the standard and He is the only example we should follow. Do not look at another church sister or brother who is in unequally yoked marriage and draw a conclusion it will work out for you. Fact is, you don't know what is going on in that home. Do not listen to their stories either and figure yours can be similar. Allow God to write your love story! Just like how your Christian walk is personal and unique, God will ensure that your marriage story is personal and unique also. 

Finally, it is not your duty to save anyone. As a matter of fact, you cannot save anyone.. That is why Jesus came to save us and the Holy Spirit convicts and leads us.

We must share the Gospel, we must plant the seed, we must live a life where people would want to know our God and come serve Him too. But do not allow emotions to lead you. Emotions change! Get out of the emotions and think.. Is God please with what I am doing? Am I being led by the Holy Spirit? How will compromising really help the other person to become who God wants them to be? 

Ladies, this is even more serious for you. Because the cases where Christian men get married to non-Christian women are rare but us women are always compromising in the name of loneliness. I do believe God has somebody for you.. Have faith.. Pray and ask Him to lead you... Remember it is easier to push someone off a chair than to pull them on it!! 

God bless you... 

To God to be Glory**** 

Crystal 

Feel free to email me with questions or concerns at shachene@gmail.com