-MARRIAGE EQUALITY-

I've read quite a bit today on various social media outlets regarding same-sex marriage/equality. Now, typically I strive to steer clear of posting on these hot topic issues for the sake of "not stirring the pot" but something is stirring within me and I cannot keep quiet right now.

I've watched many people who are in favor of marriage equality talk down to Christians labeling them as judgmental,  hypocritical, loveless people all because they are vocal and passionate about what God clearly states on this issue.

On the other hand I have been saddened as I've watched people who claim Christ as their own belittle others and spew horrific, degrading comments all in Christ's name.... walking away as if they should be proud to "put a sinner in their place" in such a harsh way.

I've also seen many Christians advocate marriage equality because they feel "Love is Love" and you cannot place limits on that. They say things such as "If GOD has given man free choice then YOU shouldn't be allowed to choose how homosexuals have to live their lives".

So here is what I'm hoping to accomplish through this blog post- my objective isn't to hurt, speak down to or judge anyone. My hope and prayer is to simply refer to the word and take a look at what GOD has to say. Whether you are a believer or not you're reading my blog and I am a follower of Christ so don't be shocked when you hear me refer to Jesus and the Bible- because I WILL. You may hear what I have to say and respond with "That's great.... but take God out of the equation..." well my friend, that simply cannot be done. Whether you choose to acknowledge Christ as your Lord and the Creator of you and me, He will still be just that. The only solution to every problem we face is Christ and until mankind embraces that instead of flees from it, we will continue to run this treadmill race which leads to nowhere.

Shall we begin?

-What is MARRIAGE?-

Marriage: The formal union of a man and a woman by which they become husband and wife.

"Then the man said, 'This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman because she was taken out of Man'. Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh" Genesis 2:23-24

God created MAN and WOMAN in the beginning- I've heard snarky comments such as "It was Adam and EVE not Adam and STEVE". While I may agree with that comment I believe nothing good will come out of comical or witty jokes when dealing with the sovereignty of marriage  Since the beginning Satan has sought to sow division within the God ordained beauty of marriage, seeking to separate the two whom God miraculously brought together. We need to realize that Satan is just as actively pursuing such things through divorce and same-sex marriage. I bring up divorce because we often feel that same-sex marriage is the only plague hitting the union of "Husband and Wife" today when that's simply not the case. Separation of any kind between "Husband and Wife" is good enough for Satan- sexual perversion, lust, emotional affairs, etc...-  but this wave of overwhelmingly dark deception (homosexuality) is heart-wrenching.

Moving on to my next point.

-What is LOVE?-

Love: 1-Strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties:i.e. maternal love.
2- Attraction based on sexual desire, affection/tenderness felt by lovers. 3- Affection based on admiration, benevolence or common interests.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps not record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

When I hear statements about the need to "love everyone because God loves everyone" I am amazed at the lack of understanding/knowledge people have nowadays.

I was reading John 8 which tells the story of the woman caught in the act of adultery  From this passage you will hear the argument of ; “...Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her...” (John 8:7) I've read/heard countless times people bring this scripture up to validate the sin of homosexuality. We need to realize that in John 8 Jesus goes on to say, “...Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11) While the woman did sin, Jesus FORGAVE but also told her to LEAVE HER LIFE OF SIN.  Man is not to judge, but we are called to hold others accountable, to be ambassadors of Christ and to be the salt of the earth and a light unto this dark and depraved world! Ultimately, mankind will have to stand before God... Homosexuals will have to answer on their own for the abomination they've committed, you're not to belittle or look down on them for the choices they make... but you should live in love, set an example and boldly proclaim the truth of Christ which will set them free!

" A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." John 13:34

So how did/does God love us? We all have an idea of what "love" is and expect others to abide by it, if they don't we assume they don't love us- right?

"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him." John 3:17

When I read that scripture my mind went crazy, revelation swept over me like a refreshing mist on a hot, Texas summer day. We know that God didn't send Jesus to condemn us. Jesus didn't come to make us feel "less than" or "worthless" but to redeem us...to save us! The part that shook me though was this.

One must be in trouble in order to need saving.

We are all sinful and, as Romans 3:23 says, "fall short of the glory of God". There is not a single person who, without Christ, is blameless! WE ALL NEED JESUS! We need Him to save us from our sin, Satan and ourselves. The first step though, in realizing you need rescued, is admitting you have a problem and need help. Many people in this world are sinking in a sandpit of sin and, while it's not always immediate, it will suffocate and potentially kill you if you don't get out. Homosexuality is seemingly harmless... it's all about love, equality, embracing "who you are", courage and the list goes on and on. Attempting to watch movies/TV nowadays is nearly impossible due to the saturation of sin- you will almost always have homosexuality creeping in at some point, appearing in cute, funny, charming or innocent ways.... we've become so desensitized to it that it's become the norm. Sadly so, for it should NOT be this way. Sin is sin regardless of size or severity and no matter what I (and God) disapprove- but this post is about homosexuality and I'm going to further attempt to stay focused. Many homosexuals are caught in this sandpit of sin and are sinking, they just don't realize it! As the hands and feet of Jesus, we are called to help those in need... that doesn't just stop at the homeless and hungry but goes for the lost, deceived and hurting, too.

"Do unto others as you would have them do to you" Luke 6:31

If I were standing in sinking sand I hope that you LOVE me enough to point out the potential danger I was in and did all that you could to convince me to take your hand and accept your assistance. The situation could go one of two ways: I could get upset with you and offended that you dared to mention where I was standing because you're on your own path and need to stick to it, or I could accept your help and would be thankful for you taking the time to help me. Often, we get in the middle of a situation or a lifestyle and it's all we can see.... but truth, repentance, Jesus and salvation are the answers to finding clarity and freedom! The sandpit may look harmless or even like another step on solid ground, but once you tiptoe onto its path you soon realize that's not the case and pray it isn't too late. One way or another I know that, should I gasp for my last breath and glimpse you standing by as my actions/life suck me under, I will not think your idly standing by is proof of your love but instead your lack of it. For you to decide to not intervene because you'd hate to question my choices or lifestyle in the end will not change my fate, but if you decide to step out on faith and allow Christ to work through you, my outcome may be different.

The Bible clearly states that homosexuality is wrong, we see it here in Leviticus 18:22-
"You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination." God does not approve, condone or promote homosexuality and likewise we, as followers of Christ, shouldn't either.
When you don't take the time to point out this sin in someone you are standing by and condoning it, making it seemingly acceptable in your eyes and the Lord's.

Going back to this- "Do unto others as you would have them do to you" Luke 6:31. Your heart needs to be open and willing to receive anything someone might have to say about YOU. Don't ever go to someone without having fully "checked yourself in the mirror", get into the word and saturate yourself with God and seek forgiveness. Those who are in the wrong never like to be told they're wrong, I know I don't! But I can't be made better until I know my areas of weakness.... I can't change unless I know in what ways I'm wrong. Love LGBT people enough to not stand back claiming to remain silent out of love for them, but instead go to them and in a Christlike way speak the truth...speak the word! That is the only thing guaranteed to never return void. You be the vessel and allow God to do the rest! I encourage you to be open and vocal when it comes to this issue because it's people's lives at stake. I know everyone deserves the love of God and I am going to do everything I can to ensure they're able to remain in His love for all eternity!

So my final question and thought to you is this:

Are you willing to help those who are sinking? You need to remember that the only way you can help others who are sinking is if you are NOT, so keep faithfully walking with the Lord. It doesn't matter what the world says or what people think of you, you do not have to be rude or pushy....you simply need to be willing, making yourself available to others in need, even if they doesn't realize they are. Stand up AGAINST homosexuality, stand up for Christ, stand strong AGAINST Satan and stand so that you may help those who have fallen... 

-Taylor

The End Of The World!!

So, I've been thinking... oh yes, I can hear some of you beginning your jokes, "well, this could be dangerous..". Ha, I assure you it's not...or at least I hope. ;)

With all of this talk about "The End of the World", I just couldn't help but go off on one of my many analytical outings... it is such an interesting topic so it allowed me quite the field day! I've heard joking remarks about no need to study for finals, pay the bills or go Christmas shopping because "the world is about to end and, really...what's the point?" I observed many comical statements using the whole end of the world theory as an easy way out, a way to slack and lessen our responsibility and load. I'm not sure about you, but if I really did know when the world was going to end, I wouldn't want to waste my time pursuing superficial, selfish things but instead I'd rather work tirelessly on bettering myself for Christ!

IF tomorrow were really the end of the world, would I be ready to face the judgement room? IF tomorrow were really the end of the world, would I be prepared to stand before my creator...would I be the pure vessel He created me to be or instead would I stand before Him blemished and ashamed of the selfish state I willingly succumbed to? These are the questions we need to be asking and seeking the answers to.

Matthew 24:36 states, "but concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of Heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only."

We don't know when the Lord is coming...Could He come tomorrow? Yes. Could He come at this very moment? Yes. Could He come a year from now?Yes. You get the picture, I'm sure. Bottom line, we don't know! Matthew 24:42 goes on to say, "Therefore, stay awake for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." When I read this scripture I was overwhelmed by the call to ACTIVELY remain on guard and awake, always remaining alert. What exactly are we called to do? To keep our spiritual selves "up to par" and ready for His coming!! I don't want to be one of the women left grinding at the mill like verse 41 talks about. "..two women were grinding at the mill, one will be taken and the one left.".

I'm sure many of you have heard the saying " live everyday as if it's your last"...This should not be selfishly applied to pursue our own wants and desires, but instead be applied to force our flesh aside and pursue righteousness!

IF today were your last day, would YOU be ready to stand before the throne? IF today were your last day, would YOU be satisfied with what you had to offer the Lord? Would you hear the words, "Well done, thy good and faithful servant..."? That statement alone is the one my heart longs to hear, it is the finish line I long to reach and the reward wrapped up all in one. My life will have been lived to it's fullest if those words escape the lips of my beloved savior on the day I stand before Him. I fall so short on a daily basis that I end up doing the opposite of what James 1:19 says, "...Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.".

Today, I urge you to examine your heart and see if there is any room for improvement... to do as John 3:30 says "He must INCREASE, I must DECREASE"

Live every day as if it were your last and the world were to end tomorrow, putting as much passion and zeal into the things of the Lord as possible and loving to your maximum capacity. Strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus, a pure vessel He can use to accomplish His will! When you allow John 3:30 to become your resounding steps and Matthew 25:21 the track on which you run, you will be amazed when you reach the end and find yourself standing before your Heavenly Father having lived a life that's been pleasing unto Him.

So, let's wake up, prepare our hearts for His coming and live up to our created purpose! Who knows... it just might come in handy tomorrow. ;)

Taylor

What-If

Galatians 1:10 "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ..".

Recently, I was reading the book of Galatians and was drawn to chapter 1: verse 10 where Paul talks about people who seek to please and gain the approval of mankind. This got me thinking.... If we are servants of God, shouldn't pleasing HIM and gaining approval in HIS eyes be our greatest desire?

Matthew 6:24 says "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other..".

We CANNOT serve two masters, the previous scripture clearly paints that picture, but what does that mean? It means that a choice must be made. GOD or MAN.

When evaluating my life I've come to realize that at times, I choose God with my words but not with my actions. How many times do we say "God, I love you and want to do your work.." but stop dead in our tracks when the "What-if" wave hits us like a train. "What if people think I'm crazy?..", "What if someone gets upset?..","What if I lose their friendship?..", "What if?...What if?...What if?".

Well, I'm here to offer a different "what if" scenario.

What if we stopped living our lives based on the worlds reaction? What if we stopped weighing our "should I"'s on the thoughts and feelings of man rather than the thoughts and feelings of God? What if we were to actually read the word and LIVE IT OUT? What if we were to LOVE those who are cruel to us and pray for their prosperity? What if we were to say we believe something and STAND for it? I think the outcome would be a changed world and a changed people. I've heard many people say "I want to leave a legacy, I want to be remembered once I'm gone..", however I think that's the wrong statement we, as followers of Christ, should be making. Instead we should revise it to say "I want to leave a legacy, I want GOD to further be remembered because of the life I lived". If you REALLY want to change this world for the better, bring a little more God and love into it. If you REALLY want to be remembered, be remembered because of who you were in the Lord, not because of some movie you starred in or song that you sang. If you REALLY want to be remembered, be remembered as the pure vessel who sought righteousness and light in a world of evil and darkness. If you are not remembered by thousands but are remembered in the heart of ONE whom you helped guide and direct in the word, took to church or showed the love of Christ to, I believe with all my heart that that one outweighs the thousands. It's not about how many people remember you, but about how many people remember God.

What do you want to be remembered for? What if it costs you everything? Are you willing to follow God no matter what? I encourage you to do a heart check today and if the answer is no, seek the Lord fervently to help you because it's never too late to become sold out for Christ.

So I ask, Which "what if" scenario will you embrace?

-Taylor

"Friend" is too cheap a word...

The Urban Dictionary defines "friend" as this: A friend is someone you love and who loves you, someone you respect and who respects you, someone whom you trust and who trusts you. 

I've had friends come and go in my life... I've grown close to some and then slowly drifted... however, there are those rare few who seem to have always been around. Those rare few whom are always there for you... who you can go awhile without talking to but the minute you see each other again it's as if no time has passed at all. I have a friend like that. Shelby Hewitt has been in my life for quite some time... she is a constant that I've grown accustomed to having. I never doubt her loyalty, love or genuineness...she is who she is and I know she's always there for me. I was talking to someone the other day about how much I loved her. I made the statement "and best friend seems too cheap a word compared to how I feel..she's like a sister...". I realized in that moment that there's probably no term or phrase that can be coined to describe our friendship but as we recently surprised her for her 16th birthday I wanted to post a quick blog thanking her for who she is, in general and to me.

Shelby: I've never before met a more transparent and beautiful young lady. Externally you have looks beyond words but internally you far surpass even that. I've always been amazed by your love for people and the kindness you constantly show. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend to me even when I fall short and don't deserve it. You are the epitome of precious and I desire to be more like you when I grow up ;) I love you dearly! I hope you always know that. Happy (belated) Sweet Sixteen!! :)

-Chasing Rainbows-

"Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and 
remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on earth." Genesis 9:16

Rainbows are mesmerizing, causing me to stop and simply stand in awe of their beauty. It doesn't matter if I've seen one hundred of them, at the sight of one I begin a mini-freak out and start yelling "look! look! a rainbow..." wanting as many people as possible to acknowledge and embrace its beauty with me. Naturally, when I think of a rainbow I ponder what it must have been like when they first appeared- to see vibrant color splashed across the sky as never before. More than anything though, I think back to the promise/covenant God made with US, His children. Every time I see one it's like God's saying "I love you..." while that rainbow wraps around my mind giving me a warm, colorful embrace. 

There's another point of view that's taken when viewing that precious bow... one that's fun to contemplate but very far fetched. It is said a pot of gold awaits at the end of a rainbow and that a little leprechaun is to be found as well. While this is just a story, I couldn't help but do what I do best... Analytically break down aspects of that story and have it serve as a spiritual parallel. As most of you know, God speaks to me through analogies constantly and this was one of those moments. I hope you enjoy as I try to explain the revelation I got from something so simple. :)

GOD vs Leprechaun (Aka; Man)

If you were falling, who would you want to catch you? A tiny leprechaun or the Almighty God? If you were stuck in a pit, who would you want to pull you out? A tiny leprechaun or the Almighty God? In both cases a tiny leprechaun wouldn't be of much use because we'd crush them or pull them into the pit with us... But God is capable of our rescue no matter what. So many times we get into trouble and foolishly place our trust in man rather that the Creator of all. Why do we do this? Is it because we've been told that man can supply our immediate needs and help make us happy? Which, after all, is what life's all about. Ha. We've been fed so many lies and sadly I think we've started believing them. The little leprechaun at the end of the rainbow we're chasing after is supposed to give us gold- precious gold of much worth, right? We do anything and everything in our power to chase after that rainbow (job, relationship, money...) because we've been told that there's a great reward awaiting us at the end (CEO, Marriage, Millionaire...). We sacrifice so much to obtain those things but truth is, without Christ it all amounts to NOTHING.

1 Peter 1:7 tells us "so that the tested genuineness of your faith-more precious than gold that perishes, though it's tested by fire- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

I find it interesting that the scripture actually references GOLD when referring to our genuine faith, don't you think? Given what we've been discussing. I can hope for whatever I want but unless it lines up with the word of God it will not prosper. Until I take action and walk the path God's called me to I will not be blessed or happy. The world is so desperate for happiness yet pursues things that only cause depression, destruction and/or demise. Instead of pursuing happiness which is circumstantial we should instead seek joy which is constant. Despite situations or feelings, joy remains in tact because it's not self-reliant but instead dependent upon the Lord who is faithful. 

Something More

When I was growing up I used to love watching "The Little Mermaid". When she'd begin singing.. " Look at this stuff, isn't it neat?.." I'd loudly accompany her while pretending I was swimming around the ocean myself. That little cave filled with many trinkets (most of which she didn't even know the names to) contained her pride and joy, it was her treasure... yet, she still longed for something more. I know, many of you are probably thinking "Sheesh, she's referencing Ariel?"... but just stick with me, please! The items in and of themselves weren't her treasure but instead the place from which they came... that was what her heart longed after.

Matthew 6:21 says "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

What you set your heart after is what you will pursue. Do you long for something more? For something far above? God gives us glimpses of heaven. He made us in His image and when He created the world He left His fingerprint on creation... Yet my heart isn't for the creation but instead the Creator. If you place so much worth in the things of this world that you stop longing for something more, you will always remain empty inside. The materialistic things you possess WILL perish someday, that's a given... just like that rainbow which is here and gone the next, so is our life. Beautiful as can be but still like a vapor, we are not promised tomorrow but with a relationship with Christ we are promised eternity. 

Light

Rainbows cannot appear in darkness, a source of light is always required (water too) when a rainbow makes an appearance. 2 Corinthians 4:6 says "For God, who said , 'Let light shine out of darkness' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.". If your life is filled with sin and overwhelming darkness how can you expect to be blessed? How can you expect a rainbow of blessing and promise to appear? In order for that to occur you must let God in and be the light shining out of the darkness! "You are the light of the world..." (Matthew 5:14) and  "...ambassadors for Christ.."(2 Corinth. 5:20) once you get a revelation of that you'll forsake the temporary pleasures of the world. No amount of gold will be able to entice you into forsaking the One who gave all so you may have all! I love what 1 Peter 2:9 says which is "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you OUT of the darkness and into his marvelous light!". YOU can be a living rainbow radiating beauty, joy and peace to all around you, drawing them in with your genuine faith that's far more precious that any amount of gold a leprechaun could give you. What you need to understand though is that the light which shines from within isn't you but Christ IN you, so remain humble when people are amazed by your life. They're not pleased with you but the Lord within... but that's far greater than people being pleased with you, I can assure you.

So here's my question. Are you going to answer God's calling out of darkness and into HIS marvelous light? Are you going to stop seeking temporary gain and instead seek eternal reward? Are you going to quit relying on fallen man and begin trusting in God and His promises instead? Don't bank on luck or chance but trust in faith and promise. He loves us more than we'll ever be able to comprehend and it's my prayer that when you next see a rainbow, you won't chase after the little green leprechaun with a pot of gold (things of this world) but chase after our Glorious God who has SO much more to offer. Also remember that a rainbow doesn't come without the rain, so when you're faced with trials of various kinds.. remain standing and let God's light in, a rainbow will be the result and you'll have something to encourage others as they face life themselves.

-Taylor

 

::Green-Thumb NOT Required::

Sitting in the back seat of a big van, bouncing up and down as we drove down tiny dirt roads, I remember looking out at the beauty of Romania. Lush green fields, breathtaking mountains, shepherds guiding their flock; it was a sight that will never be forgotten. During our long ride into (what felt like) the middle of nowhere, I sat quietly and gazed at the scenic view flashing by me. Once we slowed down a bit I was really able to observe and my eyes were continuously drawn to some beautiful flowers on the side of the road. I kept trying to figure out what they were but finally I gave up and asked...the answer, however, wasn't at all what I was expecting....

"Oh, those? They aren't flowers... those are just weeds"

"Weeds? They can't be. They're so pretty!..", I thought to myself.
How in the world could something so beautiful be a weed? It's uniqueness on display for all to see, captivating you with it's color and demanding your full attention. (I still don't know the name of the weed, but even if I did I probably wouldn't be able to pronounce it in Romanian! Ha!) They covered the roadside and grew in remarkable abundance. While still being surprised by the answer I'd received, God began speaking to me in regards to those weeds. I hope what I share makes as much sense to you as it does to me!

How many times do we see sinful things put on display by the world - enticing us to take part and inviting us to embrace? The world tells us "beauty/happiness is... [insert sinfulness here]" and we're to chase after it. We've been fed lie after lie to pursue sexual immorality, dishonesty, lust, jealously, vanity, greed, etc... and for what? To obtain a sense of self worth? You cannot find worth in worthlessness. To become more independent? To "find ourselves"? The season of sin (Hebrews 11:25) is short lived and produces nothing worth having, it's as simple as that. Like those weeds, which grow wherever it wants and destroys whatever gets in it's way... we, as people, do the very thing. Sometimes, we place our sin on display because the world tells us it's beautiful, we do what we want when we want to because it makes us happy and we feed our sinful passions without hesitation even though it often results in the destruction of those we love and the lives we live. The world promotes, endorses and glorifies sin at every level, attempting to make that the standard to which we hold ourselves to. How tragic it is to know that now sin is no longer frowned upon by the majority but condoned and commended! Once upon a time, there was a day when people sought to preserve their innocence. Once upon a time, there was a day when purity was praised. Now what do we find? Mocking, teasing and bullying if you haven't lost your "V-Card" by high school. Now, we find a man's sexuality being questioned if he hasn't slept with or kissed a girl by the age of 16 (probably even younger). Why is this the case? How can this be? I find myself asking this constantly but I feel it really boils down to this: We've lowered the bar of our standards and settled for average. Jesus wasn't average, He was perfect! And while we, in our flesh, will never obtain that same perfect status... we are to strive after perfection because THAT should be our standard - Christ should be our standard!

As I kept pondering, God continued to reveal things to me. I love it when He does that! :)

If you rid your garden (aka: life) of the weeds (aka: sin) when they first take root, it's much easier to maintain  than allowing them to dig deep, produce more and take over. Eventually though, that's what happens... We cultivate, feed, coddle and pamper our sin instead of ridding ourselves of it! It's hard to have a pure, radiant garden when horrid, ugly weeds have taken over...Actually... it's impossible! We must stop asking God "Why am I not producing a harvest?","Why is my garden not thriving?", "Why, why, why?", when the truth is... we've cultivated an atmosphere incapable of producing such marvelous things. The more light, water and nutrients you give your garden (aka: life) through a personal relationship with Christ, constant prayer and scripture reading the more pure and radiant a garden you'll have! When you allow weeds and darkness to overpower you, death and destruction are the only logical outcomes.. So don't act so surprised when that happens. Maybe you have embraced sin in the past and you're looking at your garden and you feel it's too late- I'm here to tell you IT'S NOT! God is willing and ready to rid you of that filth and restore you!.. if you call upon His name, turn from your sinful ways and enter into a personal relationship with Him.

I learned so much from those weeds that day, I've thought about it constantly since then. I refuse to embrace something sinful even if it's pretty, I refuse to embrace something sinful even if it's fun... Jesus gave far too much for me to waste His precious sacrifice on petty, worldly things. Instead, when the weeds try to plant themselves in my garden (which they will- and there's nothing wrong with that... Temptation/Sin is only wrong when you surrender and succumb to it) I will go through the painful process of defying my fleshly desires and rid myself of them! I will fight to preserve my garden, I will fight to maintain my garden and make it a safe place for others, I will fight to cultivate Godliness so that when others view my garden they don't see me but the handiwork of our most Beloved. Are you ready to fight? Are you willing to sacrifice for the sake of Christ? If so, let's put on our gloves and get to work- we've ALL got some gardening to do! ;)

-Taylor

Promises Fulfilled - Part 12

      

Up to this point, we've covered just about everything! From my & Brandon's initial meeting, to the pre-wedding jitters... however, I have just a little more to say before I conclude these "Promises Fulfilled" posts.
I hope you guys don't mind ;)

Brandon & I were blessed with a beautiful wedding, filled with so many loved ones! We, afterwards, found out that our wedding set the new record for "largest wedding" at Northside Baptist Church with nearly 400 in attendance! I think we knew we were loved and blessed to have so much support in our lives... but I believe it all REALLY set in on our wedding day. Thank you to everyone who attended, prays for, loves and supports us. We wouldn't be who/where we are now if not for you!- & Jesus of course, but that's a given :)

Immediately following the ceremony it was time for the cake! We gathered around being told "wait- wait-wait!" as cameras and phones snapped numerous pictures. My husband & I were kind to each other when it was time to eat the cake... I laughed so hard the whole time thinking "Surely he is going to cram it into my face... I just know he is..."..but he was a good little groom ;)



   



After we ate the cake, we spent awhile talking to everyone. There were so many people and I wasn't able to speak with everyone but I do have to share a funny story. Here I was, all dolled up in my pretty dress and I kept having parents walk up to me and say "Can my daughter say hello? She thinks you're a princess!". This happened on many accounts but the one I want to highlight is sweet Gracee. Christie, Jori, Carrie and myself had several laughs as Gracee would exclaim every time I'd come nearby "Look! Look! It's the Princess! Princess Taylor of Blackburn!". She sincerely thought I was a princess and was quite enthused by me... Naturally, we had to get a picture :) I will never forget that!

Once that portion of the day was finished, we packed up our things and went to make our grand exit. My Grandparents so graciously volunteered for us to drive their convertible and we were stoked! We loaded in the car and headed out, ready to kill some time before the private dinner reception that evening. As we drove away, we shouted and waved...got a little ways down the road and then looked at each other. This was the first time we'd ever really been alone!

Driving down the road we couldn't help but tease that we should have our chaperons in the back seat and this just didn't feel right! Once we got even further I asked "What now? Where are we going??". Brandon said he didn't know at which point I replied "Well... I'm hungry. Let's go eat!" Any guesses as to where we ended up??? Haha....                                   TACO BELL!

I know, I know. Of all the places we could have gone, we ended up there! I will always laugh when I think back on it... Going through the drive-thru, having the guy say "Duuude, you guys look, like, really nice..." and getting to shout "We just got married!". We sat in the parking lot, wanting to take full advantage of the sweet ride, and ate our tacos right then and there. I have to say, our marriage had a pretty swell start :)

Finally, we headed to the dinner reception. Wind blowing through my hair, music playing loud, HUSBAND sitting to my left: Life couldn't possibly feel more perfect than that moment. Once we arrived, my jaw dropped. A sight more stunning than words will permit me to explain filled my eyes. What a beauty the reception was, vintage this, vintage that... We'd been preparing for awhile but I had NO idea that things would piece together so flawlessly! To prove my point, here are a few gorgeous pictures for your viewing :)



 


 
 

 

I was truly blessed by everything! My family, the Hewitts, the Sorah's and everyone else who helped worked very hard to make my & Brandon's special day as perfect as could be... and they succeeded! THANKS!!!
While we were waiting to eat, we took lots and lots of wedding party pictures. What a blast! We ignored the rain clouds that were rolling in and managed to get a few good shots. Here are some of those. :)

(Here's a picture of our homemade bouquets! *Mine is made out of brooches*) 

We then enjoyed a beautiful evening of music, (My precious friend MYCHAL!! and Aaron sang/played some tunes. They were delightful!), food, fellowship and some slight showers. When it started to lightly rain my fleshly response was "freak out"... but upon speaking with Brandon and Mr. Sorah we came to the conclusion that in the Bible, rain is considered a form of God's blessing: It means He's going to bring blessing and growth! After that, I tucked in my bottom lip, thanked God for blessing me even when I don't realize it...
then proceeded to enjoy the evening!

After we ate, there were many wonderful speeches from the wedding party. We laughed, cried and further realized how blessed we are to have the people in our lives that we do! God is SO GOOD!

(I could only get a few of the pictures uploaded from those who gave speeches... )

Once we concluded the speech giving portion of the evening, we moved on to our "first dances". Mrs.Susan and Brandon danced to "A Mother's Song", My Daddy and I danced to "Sweet Pea" and Brandon and I shared our first dance to "Tonight" by JJ Heller. It was rather dark where we were, so the pictures didn't turn out all that great... but hopefully you still enjoy seeing them :)

  

 
  


We spent the rest of the evening taking pictures in the photo booth area, talking, eating sweets, drinking coffee... but mostly, WE DANCED! Here's a picture of Jon Sorah bustin' a move and showin' us how it's done! ;)

   Around 10pm we decided to head out... it was finally finished. I was now Mrs. Brandon Blackburn! Wife to the most amazing man God's ever created. I'm not being sentimental and I'm not being partial, I'm being honest. Never in my life have I known someone to love God so deeply and seek His plan above all else. What a blessing to be married to someone who I know loves and cares for me, but loves and cares for Christ even more. I know I'll always be safe and in God's hands because I have a man who is selfless and will not lead me astray. What a joy it is to stand by his side and help him fulfill the calling on his life! Once we drove away, we headed to OUR home. The one that we'd been renting for a month but had never been in alone together before. (Any time I'd come to clean or drop things off, Brandon would have to wait outside or plan to be gone haha) Our honeymoon was, to be brief, perfection. God truly knew what He was doing when He made marriage. The unity of marriage is the most breathtakingly beautiful thing I've ever known. Brandon carried me over the threshold that night as he always dreamed he would someday do.


The deep intimacy that is experienced between a couple who have saved themselves for marriage is beautiful and just as Christ created it to be. Innocent. Pure. Blameless. Brandon and I had nothing to compare things to, no contrary standard had been cultivated... our standard was the word and what God revealed to us. Constantly we, as believers, tend to say "Yes, I'm a Christian.. I've surrendered myself completely to the Lord".. but we won't let Him be a part of our relationships or intimacy. The bottom line is this: The areas that you surrender to God will flourish, while the areas you push Him out of will produce nothing but dull, void, nothingness. Think about that the next time you think you know best, even in the area of love. You have the choice to surrender and be blessed or fail due to pride and thinking you know what's best.
Being as transparent, open and honest as can be I'll say this: having lived it, having endured the path of purity and seen the blessing/fruit associated with sacrificing fleshly pursuits/desires and doing things God's way, I can now assure you that it's truly as wonderful as Christ depicts in His word and He really did intended for marriage and intimacy to glorify and honor Him. No matter if you're married or single, you have the CHOICE to honor and glorify Christ in your marriage/intimacy. Married folk, embrace the gift of marriage. As a book I've read states "God didn't create marriage to make you happy, but to make you HOLY". I urge you to stop seeking your own happiness and start seeking holiness...That is the thing that makes a marriage work and last when it seems hopeless. For single folk, embrace the gift of singleness and preparation! Don't waste your time on people who may or may not be "the one". This is a mentality that pushes people to pointlessly test out many relationships in an attempt to figure things out on their own based on nothing more than emotion and feeling. I can wholeheartedly promise you that if it's a God thing, there will be no "maybe" or "if" about it, you will simply know. Until that time, until the moment where God says "yes"... wait. Wait upon the Lord, His timing is flawless and you will never regret choosing to remain in the covering of His plan.
The best way to sum up the marriage that Brandon and I share would be this.
One Man. One Woman. One God.
It's a threefold cord serving ONE purpose: The glorification of Christ.

I pray that you've been blessed as you've traveled this journey with me. It's been an honor getting to share with you all over the last several months! Hopefully you've all been encouraged by our story and have seen the goodness of God in a way you'd yet been able to... Jesus has been so wonderful to us and it's always a joy being able to share our testimony. Be blessed my sweet friends and always love others as Christ has loved you- selflessly, genuinely, unceasingly and wholeheartedly. :)



THE BEGINNING.....

-Taylor