I"M ENGAGED!!! 

Ahhh it's crazy how God works in mysterious ways. 
​Neither Nate nor I could have ever imagined the timing and the way the Lord brought us together. We are both here, not because of anything either of us did, but because of God’s faithfulness and kindness toward those who love and serve Him. We serve an amazing God who loves us relentlessly and will stop at nothing to draw us near to Him. I hope you see a glimpse of His love through the way Nate and I love one another.

How We Met: There is a trail for walking, running, and bikes where we live and Nate would ride his bike everyday on it after work and I would run on it everyday as well. 
Little did I know Nate saw me one day, somehow he caught a glimpse of me and according to him and his friend, Nate called his friend right after he noticed me and said, "I just saw the most beautiful girl on the monon, she also had one arm." haha 

A week later we met for coffee. What we thought would be a first date, quickly turned into a business meeting. We talked work for an hour and a half. Not one personal question was asked. We joke about it to this day. 
Nate and I are the exact personality types, according to the 16 personalities test we are "The Executive". 
Both extremely focused in our jobs, extremely stubborn and driven. 

After our business meeting Nate was worried he might've blown it by not asking anything personal so he asked me to dinner the next night. I said yes of course and I was extremely impressed with how much of a gentleman he was. He was unlike any man I had ever met. He opened the car door for me, opened the door, made sure I was safe and was the most kind and genuine person. We sat at that dinner table until the restaurant closed, he took me home and the rest is history. 

28 Days after we met Nate bought the ring. Leading up to that moment Nate and I had moments that only God could had planned. There was no doubt in our minds that God had placed us in each others lives at this time for Great Purpose. We thank God everyday for this incredible blessing and all of the blessings that he has given us and will continue to give. 

September 7th 2019 was the day. 
Nate said we were going to a nice dinner and that he would pick me up at 4:30. So I got dressed and there he was....what I thought was going to be a nice dinner turned into one of the greatest days of my life. On our way to dinner Nate said he made the reservation an hour earlier than he thought so he said we could go to a park that I had been wanting to walk at. We pulled in, parked, and went for a walk before dinner. When we got to a wooden bridge I saw roses, rose petals and a card. My initial thought was OH MY GOODNESS someone just had a moment here and we are walking through it, let's walk faster. Then Nate said hmmmm what does the card say? There was my name... As I opened the letter and read Nate soon was on one knee. Of course I said yes but after I made sure he asked my father haha and there around the corner came my family and Nates. What a wonderful moment and a moment that I will forever hold near and dear in my heart. 

When I was 8 I said a prayer one night before bed. “Lord I pray that my husband holds my little arm just like he would my right hand.” The Lord made sure that prayer was fulfilled. Nate fearlessly loves me for who God created me to be.“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no 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 13:4-8

Love, 
​Sarah

​The first time I heard this word was in a personality assessment I took for work. I wondered to myself is this good? It showed that I had a high prudence. According to the assessment I took it meant that I was organized, dependable, and inflexible. It predicted by self-control, conscientiousness, and work ethic. It suggested that I am: hardworking, precise, and planful. I follow rules carefully and expect others to do so as well. I have high standards of performance for myself and others. And I find it difficult to adapt to change / make quick decisions because I analyze what the outcomes could be. To break it down into subcategories:

• Moralistic: I adhere strictly to conventional values
• Mastery: I am extremely hardworking
• Virtuous: I am extremely principled
• Not Autonomous: I am not concerned about others opinions of me
• Not Spontaneous: I prefer predictability
• Impulse Control: I lack impulsivity
• Avoids Trouble: Professed probity

 
The word prudence stuck with me for weeks after I read my results. I couldn’t yet figure out the word PRUDENCE. Until……
Until I turned my bible to Proverbs 11
            It discusses the idea where humility = wisdom. Wealth = worthless. Righteous = Rescued
 
It discusses how a kindhearted woman gains honor but ruthless men only gain wealth.

• When I read this I re-evaluated my heart. I re-evaluated how I go about my day to day. Do I work to make a difference in the lives around me and to help others? Do I bring God’s love wherever I go? Do I spread the message of Christ in all things I do? Or am I focused on the wealth. à this can be work for many.

It talks about how important it is to give.
Proverbs 11:25 “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

• I asked myself how much am I giving?
• When I think of this I always think back to my parents and grandparents. These are the most giving people I know. They gave to me. They give to others. They give to the church. They have taught me that when you give, God gives to you.

In Proverbs 12:4 it states, “A wife of noble character is her husbands crown.”

• For me I don’t want a crown given to me by the world. I’ve been given that and it does nothing. But a crown earned by God is a crown that everyone can earn and it. For all of us, I think it’s about wearing the crown of God purposefully and proud. As we are princes and princesses of the one true King. Jesus Christ.

 
Finally in Proverbs 12:8 the word PRUDENCE rose about.
            It says: “ A person is praised according to their PRUDENCE.”
So what does it mean for someone to be PRUDENT according to the Bible?

1. The PRUDENT overlook insult
2. The PRUDENT keep their knowledge to themselves
3. The PRUDENT diligent hands will rule
4. The PRUDENT act as a light
5. The PRUDENT take advice
6. All who are PRUDENT act with knowledge
7. The PRUDENT give thought to their steps
8. The PRUDENT are crowned with knowledge
9. The path of life leads upward for the PRUDENT
10. PRUDENCE is a fountain of life for the PRUDENT
11. The hearts of the wise make their mouths PRUDENT and their lips promote instruction.

 
These are just a few ways the Bible explains this.
 
The reason I am writing this is because little did I know the importance of this simple word. I had no idea of the impact it can have. I encourage you all to carry PRUDENCE.
I think Proverbs 11-20 really showcases what this all means and entails, and I think that all of these words are extremely valuable for today’s world.
 
It discusses Patience, Peace, Kindness, Calmness, Wisdom.
 
I encourage you all to act with PRUDENCE this week. 

"He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord" - Proverbs 18:22 

Hey single women in the back raise your hand. I see ya! 
Are you looking for a husband? I hear ya! 

But in my experience you can't look, you have to let God lead. 
Think about how to walk like a wife, not a girlfriend. 

If you are anything like me you are constantly praying for your future spouse. I have a book of 31 prayers for my future husband that I write a prayer in weekly. You might be asking God about who your future spouse is, but sometimes while doing this we forget to develop ourselves into the men and women of God. Ladies in this time it is meant for you to develop yourself as the woman God wants you to be. 

A wife is a presence of character. "Carry yourself like you've already been taken. When you carry yourself like a wife, a husband will find you. But when you carry yourself like a girlfriend, boys will play with you."

I think that Proverbs 31 is the best representation of a wife and the woman and wife I want to be. 
I encourage you to read this passage in the bible and reflect on it. 
In today's world feminism is at an all time high and sorry but, that's not a wife. 

In this time of singleness spend it in the word of God, prepare, reflect, and pray. Grow in God. Spend time with him. This is the time where you will find your true identity in His presence. A woman who knows that her identity is in Christ will never be shaken. You are beautiful, God has created you unique with Purpose. You deserve a husband but remember to walk like a wife first. 

Ladies, don't settle. Pray, wait, and trust. 

There is a man that will pursue your heart like God intended. 
There is a man that will make you feel safe. 
There is a man that will pray for you and over you. 

Wait... Do NOT settle. 
Your worth is in Jesus. 

When I think of what a Husband not a boy will do here is a short list:
He speaks the words of God.
“For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure The man that comes from God speaks the words of God. Hence, listen carefully to his words. Are his words or messages in agreement to what God teaches us? Does he speak wisdom or foolishness? Of course you wouldn’t know it if you don’t know God’s words in the first place. Thus, start reading the Holy Scriptures.unto him.” – John 3:34

He practices what he speaks.
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18

Words are futile without actions. So even though a man speaks the words of God, if he doesn’t practice them, you can conclude that he’s only pretending and not really the guy sent to you by the Heavens.
He doesn’t lie.
 “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.” – Proverbs 12:22
Of course God will not send you someone who is a liar. God detests lying, right?
He doesn’t corrupt your good character.
“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” –  1 Corinthians 15:33
God will not send you a partner who will destroy your good habits, attitude and whole character. Hence, ask yourself, does he inspire you to grow as a better person or does he influence you to do bad things?
He honors and respects you.
“Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” –1 Peter 2:17
Your guy should know how to respect you as a woman and as person. He should honour you rather than put you in shame.
He is just and merciful. 
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” – Micah 6:8
God encourages us to show justice and mercy. Hence, expect that the person He will send to you will show the same, not the other way around.
He makes sacrifices.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
The verse above tells that God made a great sacrifice to show His love to us. If a man truly loves you, he will also make sacrifices for you. It may not be a divine sacrifice like what God did, but it can be some sacrifices to save you or your relationship, like sacrificing his own ambition, material possessions and other important stuff.
He forgives you.
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” – Colossians 3:13
Does he forgive you when you make mistakes or does he hold grudges in his heart? This is a question you should find an answer to know if he is from God or not.

He gives you grace.
“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” – Ephesians 4:7
Grace is a gift given to you even if you don’t deserve it. It’s different from a blessing since you will only receive blessing if you work for it. You will realize that a man is from God if despite of your shortcomings, he’s still kind and generous to you. Even if you feel like you don’t deserve his love, he still loves you.
HE POSSESSES THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23
You will know that a man comes from God if the following manifestations of the Spirit of God are present in him:
Love: He loves you.
God is love. If you can hear, see, feel and realize love from a guy, then he must be from God. Thus, find out if his love for you is real or not.



Joy: He has a cheerful heart.
Joyfulness is another manifestation of the Spirit of God. If your man always chooses to act positively rather than react negatively on things around him, then he might be from God.
Peace: He is a man of peace.
A man from God always wishes and prays for peacefulness. If a guy loves to quarrel and always picks up a fight with you or with other people, then you can tell he is not the one.
Longsuffering: He is patient.
Patience is a virtue that comes from God. He will not send you a man who is short-tempered, irritable, and who always complains. A guy who comes from God also endures challenges and doesn’t easily give up.
Gentleness: He is a true gentleman.
The guy from God is not only physically gentle, but he is also gentle with your mind and heart. In other words, he is considerate with your feelings and he understands your thoughts to make sure he will not hurt you physically, emotionally and mentally.
Goodness: He is a good man.
Of course, God will not send you someone who’s unkind, immoral and does evil acts. Thus, find out if it is kindness or wickedness that’s inside a guy’s heart.
Faith: He is faithful.
He should be loyal and dedicated to you. If he’s courting a lot of girls at the same time, then you know he doesn’t have faith in you.
Meekness: He can humble himself.
Meekness is sometimes described as a weakness. However, it is simply the ability of a person to humble himself and go low to avoid foolish decisions, wrongful actions, conflicts and negative consequences. A person from God is one who can overcome his pride just to ensure your well-being and make you happy.
Temperance: He has self-control.
You will know if a man has the Spirit if he practices self-discipline. Thus, try to check if he is doing things that can hurt himself, like heavy drinking, smoking, gorging on unhealthy food, or procrastinating on his work. If he is, then it’s a red flag that he’s not the man whom God has for you.
They can be your guide to finding the right guy
The signs above from the verses in the Bible can be your guide to choosing the right man whom you will spend the rest of your life. The right guy for you may not be perfect and get all of the above, but as long as he is humble, God-fearing and honest enough to admit his shortcomings and he is patient and determined to grow as a person, you know there is hope. Besides, “love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things” – 1 Corinthians 13:7.
Finally, also remember that although God will send the right guy for you, you may still lose him if you will reject him or do nothing. Therefore, don’t just spend your life waiting for the man whom God has for you but you should also strive to be the woman whom God has for him.

This morning at Church we were singing worship songs when all of the sudden God spoke deeply through one. 

The words on the screen came up and said, 
"It may look like Im surrounded but Im surrounded by you. 
This is how we fight our battles, this is how we fight our battles." 
It repeated and repeated and God said " Sarah you need to share how you fight your battles"

I've had many battles throughout my lifetime but they don't seem to great when I have God as my leader. 

From before I was born God gave me a massive battle, the battle of being different from the world. And because of my faith that battle was embraced. 

What's a battle you are facing right now? 
Is it finding a new job? Divorce? Finding yourself? In financial distress? 

Whatever your battle might be, there is reasoning as to why you are facing it. God has a plan. But you need to trust in Him and in that plan in order for you to get through the toughest battles. 

This is NOT going to be easy. 

But there is Purpose in this. 

Lets look at the battle between David & Goliath in 1st Samuel 17
David: the youngest of three songs, a shepherd boy. 
Goliath: a champion, tall, bronzed helmet, a coat of scale armor, on his legs bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin on his back. 

Goliath stood at the top of Israel. 

Saul, said to him: "You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth." 

But David had faith.
David said, "The Lord who rescued me from the paw of a lion and the paw of a bear, will rescue me from the hand of the Philistine." 

If you had faith like this would you still fear?

David had no physical armor but he had the Armor of God. 

Remember, we all have the armor of God. 

David choose 5 smooth stones from the stream, put them in his pouch and approached the Philistine. David was threatened by Goliath but David felt at peace. 

How often do we feel threatened by our battles? but instead of feeling at peace we feel like we are a mess, we question why a God of good could put us in this terrible situation. We lose faith in the one that died on the cross for us so that we may have freedom. 

Let us be more like David. 
Let us face our battles and come against them in the name of the Lord God Almighty. 
Let us know that not by spear or sword, but by the power of the Lord. 
The battles we face are the Lord's 
​

We all have doubts that challenge our faith. We wonder whether the Bible still matters, or whether God is truly as loving and personal as we hope. In his first ever devotional, The Logic of God, apologist Ravi Zacharias offers 52 readings that explain how and why Christianity, the Bible, and God are still relevant, vital, and life-changing for us today. To all our dilemmas Ravi says, "I am convinced that Jesus Christ alone uniquely answers the deepest questions of our hearts and minds."
 
This book offers facts but also personable factors that come from thoughtful wisdom. 

It offers wisdom on: 

• when Jesus draws especially near you.
• the deep ray of hope found in God's Word.
• how God transforms disappointments.
• why prayer matters.
• how genuine peace is possible.
• making sense of suffering.
• Ravi makes profound biblical truth easy to understand. And if your life is busy, this book is designed for you! It addresses 52 topics that you can read over the course of one year or slowly digest at your own pace. Each entry includes a Scripture, questions for reflection, and some practical application steps.

When you're struggling with questions and doubts, confused, curious, or just want a clearer way to express your faith The Logic of God has answers from that satisfy the heart and the mind.

This book gives you reflection questions so that you can reflect on what you read and really dive deep to understand the logic of God. 
It also gives you the ability to personally apply everything you learned and read to real life and to your everyday. 

It truly gives you 52 essentials for the heart and mind. This book leads and empowers. It allows you to reflect and trust. 
​