Purity~worth the effort

I have been scarce in blogworld lately. You know that feeling of being so busy that you are always a step behind where you should be? Weariness comes when you have a full plate.
I am encouraged that Paul talks about being "hard pressed on every side; pressed but not crushed..." because otherwise I would have a guilt trip about saying "yes" to too many things. The truth is, I believe I am in the center of God's will. Trials are for refining and stretching, growing in reliance on Jesus. Walking in the Spirit.

Yes, sometimes he allows us to be stretched. It has been a joy really, to be doing a unit with our youth group on s*xual purity and biblical dating. I have learned so much in my research. So much I wish I had known when Kayla was in middle school. Alas, wisdom was waiting for a few more grey hairs...lol

I have already had the privelege of sharing my new insight often. The Lord has given me opportunities to speak to moms, to encourage and to illuminate the truth. I highly want to recommend two little books that say MIGHTY THINGS...I wish every Christian would read both of these books to glean the wisdom inside of them for guiding and instructing thier children in remaining pure.

"The Purity Principle" by Randy Alcorn
"Secret Keeper" (the delicate power of modesty) by Dannah Gresh

Please look into these books, and check out Dannah's website. You can find it here. It is a wonderful resource for mothers and middle school girls!

So far we covered "what you take in". Then we had a couple come in and speak through their tears of the pain of p*rn~ he lost his teaching job after being caught and thier lives have changed dramatically. It was gripping, and heart~wrenching, but also filled with hope as they have grabbed hold of God's grace and He is making a way for restoration. This week we looked at "what you put on" and how the heart is directly related to modesty.

Next Wednesday will be "physical contact". The recurring theme with every topic is "having established boundaries". I used a fence analogy to describe how God's laws are like fences to keep us safe, and when we get outside the bounds of God's ways, we are "reaping destruction". My dear sister used the analogy of a bridge over a vast body of water. She described going over to the edge and how it starts to shred the heart, and going outside the guard rail, the heart is torn. In "The Purity Principle", Randy Alcorn uses a road...

Sisters, we have so many hurting kids, so many that are vulnerable & make foolish choices at a high cost. The consequences spill over on everyone around them. In talking with my son about his school experience (he is a jr.), purity is very rare, and very difficult for the few who are attempting to walk the high road. Unless we pray and teach our children, it will only get worse!

I find it difficult to narrow down these important topics to a one~hour talk. The Lord has been faithful. Please pray for me as I attempt to pull together the next topic. Pray for clarity, direction, and to effectively communicate the truth! Much love bloggy sisters! Thank you!