tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50591424019345594782024-03-06T00:08:47.980-08:00ShannonSentimentsShannonSentimentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02329536134154241890noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059142401934559478.post-33313943266166608872020-10-21T07:42:00.001-07:002020-10-21T07:42:57.046-07:00Maybe You Are Right....<p dir="ltr">Maybe, you are right<br>
And I have the strength<br>
To face all my fears.<br>
Alone in the fight<br>
And unfaultering <br>
Not shedding a tear.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Perhaps I hold the key<br>
To some hidden courage<br>
Locked deep within my heart.<br>
A soldier there may be,<br>
Just waiting to be free<br>
And tear my fears apart.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Maybe you are right<br>
And I dont need you.<br>
But...maybe I do.<br>
And you ARE my knight!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Together hand in hand<br>
We create a soldier<br>
Strong in faith and courage.<br>
Only then can we stand<br>
Against the weight of fear. <br>
Only then we flourish.</p>
<p dir="ltr">~Shannon Hawley~</p>
ShannonSentimentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02329536134154241890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059142401934559478.post-32753630933401648002020-09-10T00:15:00.001-07:002020-09-10T00:15:24.630-07:00Me and My Thoughts for Women <p dir="ltr">I dont know how many people this thought goes for but here it is. I was scrolling through a girl friend's instagram, catching up on what's been going on her life as of late. I dont get on social media a ton so, when I do get on I'm usually behind. Anyway, I've known this person awhile...like 14 years awhile. We've been through a lot together. We both are the same age and are both in a new but similar chapter in life right now...marriage. We both have been married a year or two. It's been interesting to say the least, definitely quite the ride. We've grown closer actually, due to understanding the struggles and enjoyments that marriage brings that singles won't understand until they're not single. I dont mean that in an antagonistic way, it's just the way life seems to work. Scrolling through both mine and my friend's old pictures brought up a lot of memories, good and bad, but I started to notice something interesting. Something about our eyes...our face. Pictures I knew were during tough times or dark moments were in fact dark. But when we were simply enjoying the pleasures of life, you could see it in our face. The pictures changed often, flipping back and forth between good and bad moments, like night and day. Then I looked at our pictures of today. It's only been 1-2 years of marriage and already I noticed a change in both our faces. You see, before, our eyes portrayed one extreme to another. Marriage seems to have a look that deserves its own chapter altogether. In a single look you can look into that person's eyes and see joy and sorrow, pain and ecstacy, turmoil and peace. I wonder if that's why some people think they'd be happy not married. Because life is simpler single. It's just you. Are you happy today, sad, frustrated? Marriage... it's suddenly not just about you. You juggle to maintain your emotions but also your spouse's. My mom asked me one day how I was feeling. Before I was married I was proud of the fact that I could but a word to what I was feeling almost everytime. I've found it quite a bit more complicated now. Someone asks me that and I wonder, where do I begin? "Such and such was amazing and just made me feel great but my husband has had a rough day so I'm trying to encourage him..." It's like that movie Inside Out. Before life is simple and suddenly your emotions become more complex and it is portrayed outwardly. Women with a husband and kids, you see it even more so. Stress, love, exhaustion, all at the same time play out a story onto the face of that person. It's sad that so often we focus on what one person has that you dont have or that their life seems more pleasing because that doesn't matter when the turmoil inside is the same. Why cant we look around and try and read the other person's story written across their face before passing judgement or wishing we were them or whatever it is! I feel like maybe we dont take the time to NOTICE these small things. It takes work, time, an actual effort to look into another's eyes and say "Hey, hang in there." Life is tough as it is without all of us at each others throats. I feel the need to definitely work on this. Work on reaching out to encourage and not tear down. To be a listener who's focus is simply to lighten the load off someones shoulders and in return encourage them to let God do the same. We women need to stop comparing and criticizing ourselves and realize we cant do it all on our own like the world promotes. Not only is God standing next to us waiting to take the jumbled up pile of mixed emotions we have but we, as sisters of Christ are also supposed to be next to each other to reminding us of this and being uplifting. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Sincerely, <br>
<i>Shannon</i> <i>Grace</i></p>
ShannonSentimentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02329536134154241890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059142401934559478.post-69332078290834588942018-12-10T07:04:00.001-08:002018-12-10T07:04:36.004-08:00Words Beyond...<p dir="ltr"><i>Words beyond meaning</i><br>
<i>Feelings beyond words</i><br>
<i>A heart now bleeding</i><br>
<i>From doubt tainted swords.</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Satan never quits</i><br>
<i>His barrage of lies.</i><br>
<i>The thoughts he twists, </i><i><u>it's</u></i><br>
<i>A game I despise.</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Can love be alone</i><br>
<i>At least for a day?</i><br>
<i>Be nurtured and grown</i><br>
<i>To stand in the fray?</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>I pray my dear Lord,</i><br>
<i>Protect all from thoughts</i><br>
<i>I've spoken; untoward</i><br>
<i>Feelings that tie knots.</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>~Shannon G. Hawley~</i></p>
ShannonSentimentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02329536134154241890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059142401934559478.post-53967296868820379882018-12-10T07:00:00.001-08:002018-12-10T07:00:58.055-08:00Together<p dir="ltr"><i>Waves of emotion</i><br>
<i>Seeds of despair</i><br>
<i>Threaten devotion</i><br>
<i>And our faith impair</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>But joined together hand in hand</i><br>
<i>Unified in the truth we stand</i><br>
<i>With eyes fixed on the promised land</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>The ring in my ears</i><br>
<i>And roar of voices</i><br>
<i>Clouds all but my fears</i><br>
<i>And desperate choices</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>But joined together hand in hand</i><br>
<i>Unified in the truth we stand</i><br>
<i>With eyes fixed on the promised land</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Together we fight</i><br>
<i>Our struggles and fears</i><br>
<i>Together our light</i><br>
<i>Shines brighter and clear</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>And joined together hand in hand</i><br>
<i>Unified in the truth we stand</i><br>
<i>With eyes fixed on the promised land</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>~Shannon G. Hawley~</i><br>
</p>
ShannonSentimentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02329536134154241890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059142401934559478.post-64381770725607534532018-09-21T22:32:00.001-07:002018-09-21T22:32:31.849-07:00The Inner Child<p dir="ltr"><i>Sailing amidst glassy sea</i><br>
<i>Beneath the bonnie blue sky</i><br>
<i>Awaits small child carefree</i><br>
<i>Full dreams heart set to apply</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>In every person, you see,</i><br>
<i>This trusting child does lie</i><br>
<i>Hidden from reality</i><br>
<i>To smother frail outcry</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>It seems some unknown decree</i><br>
<i>Has gone throughout to live by</i><br>
<i>To never let oneself free</i><br>
<i>The inner child deny</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>So shall I answer the plea</i><br>
<i>Of my playful firefly</i><br>
<i>To protect childlike glee</i><br>
<i>And the worldly path defy</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>                   ~Shannon </i><i><u>G</u></i><i>. Hawley~</i></p>
ShannonSentimentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02329536134154241890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059142401934559478.post-43253387552850889472018-07-23T20:01:00.001-07:002018-07-23T20:02:17.750-07:00Battle of Fear & Doubt<p dir="ltr">My heart was greatly awed<br>
By time with God.<br>
It strengthened and calmed me.<br>
Time I lessened,<br>
Now cause of armor weak<br>
And wounds so deep.<br>
Smothering newfound joy,<br>
Doubts do deploy,<br>
Path of decay and blight.<br>
I pray and fight<br>
Against worms of fear twined<br>
That burn my mind</p>
<p dir="ltr">Love was my center light.<br>
My heart took flight,<br>
First for my Good Shepherd,<br>
Ever treasured,<br>
Second for love's chosen,<br>
Pure and golden.<br>
Seeds of doubt have appeared.<br>
Light disappeared.<br>
This evil thing so slick,<br>
With branches thick,<br>
Distorteth my deep thoughts<br>
Toward fear and loss</p>
<p dir="ltr">When I look long and hard,<br>
Beyond what's marred,<br>
Beyond the fear and doubt,<br>
Loves found devout.<br>
When I hold his hand tight,<br>
The light shines bright.<br>
The doubt begins to fade<br>
No more afraid<br>
Though the times I let go<br>
Then fear does grow<br>
With darker intention<br>
And destruction.<br>
 <br>
  ~Shannon G. Hawley~<br>
</p>
ShannonSentimentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02329536134154241890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059142401934559478.post-25658650557474105052018-07-02T20:00:00.001-07:002018-07-02T20:00:22.739-07:00How Does One Fight Fear<p dir="ltr">7/2/2018</p>
<p dir="ltr">How does one fight fear<br>
When fear is so strong?<br>
Is it with a sneer?<br>
Or perhaps a song.<br>
Does it take a year<br>
Or is it lifelong</p>
<p dir="ltr">Can love overcome<br>
When buried so deep<br>
Where has this come from<br>
To cause me to weep<br>
My body feels numb<br>
No joy can I keep</p>
<p dir="ltr">You fight fear with love<br>
And the Sword of Truth<br>
With prayer sent above<br>
Your heart it will soothe<br>
Spirit like a dove<br>
No room for untruth</p>
<p dir="ltr"> ~Shannon G. Hawley~</p>
ShannonSentimentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02329536134154241890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059142401934559478.post-35214222769420255972018-07-02T19:39:00.001-07:002018-07-02T19:39:43.867-07:00Warm Summer Days...<p dir="ltr">6/25/2018</p>
<p dir="ltr">Warm summer days,<br>
Cold winter nights.<br>
Journey through the haze<br>
O'er life's many heights.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Elderly sigh,<br>
Newborns small cry.<br>
Capture the moment,<br>
Before it flys by.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Don't be afraid<br>
As time goes on.<br>
Rejoice as you wade<br>
Through sea of red dawn.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Creation's beauty,<br>
Gift from above.<br>
Sole given duty,<br>
It's Creater, love</p>
ShannonSentimentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02329536134154241890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059142401934559478.post-33661514679985526742018-07-02T19:35:00.001-07:002018-07-02T19:35:32.304-07:00They Say<p dir="ltr">6/17/2018</p>
<p dir="ltr">They say it won't work<br>
They look on and smirk<br>
They say you will fail<br>
As they tell their tale</p>
<p dir="ltr">You say you will pray<br>
They say there's no way<br>
You say you will try<br>
They cringe with a sigh</p>
<p dir="ltr">You're naive they say<br>
Just wait till one day<br>
They say you'll want out<br>
Then you start to doubt</p>
<p dir="ltr">Is this what God wants?<br>
What is my response?<br>
Have I been so wrong?<br>
My life all along?</p>
<p dir="ltr">But then you recall<br>
In no time at all<br>
The Bible is true<br>
God's plan you hold to</p>
<p dir="ltr"> ~Shannon G. Hawley~</p>
ShannonSentimentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02329536134154241890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059142401934559478.post-40397202468026302212018-07-02T19:30:00.001-07:002018-07-02T19:30:57.027-07:00Up Then Down<p dir="ltr">6/17/2018</p>
<p dir="ltr">Up then down<br>
Round and around<br>
Smile then frown<br>
Lost and then found</p>
<p dir="ltr">Issues plague the mind<br>
Never understood.<br>
Emotions so intertwined<br>
Stifling happy childhood.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Curse and bless<br>
In and then out<br>
Life and death<br>
Trust and then doubt</p>
<p dir="ltr">What comes from the mouth<br>
Proceeds from the heart,<br>
Words both profane and devout.<br>
So confused of where to start</p>
<p dir="ltr">Side to side<br>
Hide or confide<br>
Sort, resort<br>
Back and then forth</p>
<p dir="ltr">Intellects a maze<br>
And I'm a lost pawn.<br>
Searching down the alleyways<br>
Ernest prayer to which bear on.</p>
<p dir="ltr"> ~Shannon G. Hawley~</p>
ShannonSentimentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02329536134154241890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059142401934559478.post-72603980140917059872018-07-02T19:24:00.001-07:002018-07-02T19:25:34.041-07:00Slowly, My Love<p dir="ltr">5/25/2018</p>
<p dir="ltr">Slowly my love doth grow.<br>
Like a ship over smooth silk<br>
Sails my heart, with ecstasy aglow.<br>
For now my love must remain veiled,<br>
For we must take it slow.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Slowly our love doth bloom<br>
As the Lord waters our hearts.<br>
Rise and stand, here comes the bride and groom<br>
On life's journey we embark.<br>
Two hearts made one attuned.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Slowly love doth waver<br>
Like a reed blown by the wind<br>
First love's flame falters through the anger.<br>
Bitter words have hearts blackened<br>
Pleasing romance withers.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Slowly our love revives<br>
Seeking good, shrouding evil.<br>
Arduous, yet continue to strive<br>
Hearts reborn calm and tranquil. <br>
Eternal peace! Alive!</p>
<p dir="ltr">                  ~Shannon G. Hawley~</p>
ShannonSentimentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02329536134154241890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059142401934559478.post-44721503206888399642018-07-02T18:45:00.001-07:002018-07-02T19:16:07.117-07:00Awakened Love<p dir="ltr">5/21/2018</p>
<p dir="ltr">As handsome as an angel<br>
With a heart like a summer breeze<br>
Ever soothing, ever gentle<br>
From scorching heat what cool reprieve.</p>
<p dir="ltr">God's plan awakened love's appraisal.<br>
What better timing could there be?<br>
Soothing the pain of heart's betrayal<br>
With eyes like that of tranquil sea.</p>
<p dir="ltr">My soul alights as lightning strikes<br>
My heart does pound like thunder<br>
Yet when apart, in dark of night<br>
Love's longing goes e'er stronger.</p>
<p dir="ltr">                     ~Shannon G. Hawley~</p>
ShannonSentimentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02329536134154241890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059142401934559478.post-16109541886071116662018-03-08T19:21:00.001-08:002018-07-02T19:12:03.547-07:00Concerning Marriage...<p dir="ltr">"Why do you want to get married?" <br>
"What do you think marriage is?" <br>
"What kind of man do you want to marry?" <br>
I've been asked these questions and though I'm terrible at putting my thoughts and feelings into words, I'm going to do my best.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The first question was "Why?"... <br>
I have always felt a desire to commit myself to a man that God would some day bring to me. Obviously, as a seven year old you wouldn't put it quite as deeply serious as I just did now at 19, but strangely enough, I thought of marriage almost all the time, even at that age. When I was somewhere between 10-13 years old I decided marriage and the family life must be my calling. I felt weird saying this, of course, because all my friends were saying how they were going to be missionaries. I felt like marriage wasn't as noble as being a missionary overseas, yet I have never been able to change my desire from this path. It is only now that I realize being a missionary doesn't mean running to the middle of Africa somewhere and telling cannibals about Christ without being eaten... You can be a missionary anywhere. In fact, everyone is a missionary of something, whether you want to be or not. Either you're promoting Christ and what He's done for the world and actually living out Christ's example or you're promoting and being that of the world. This is where I read in the book "You and Me Forever" how marriage should be an example of how Christ loves us. So, in itself, marriage is its own mission field and a very noble and difficult one, I'm sure, but soo worth it as long as you go about it God's way. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Now, the next question was "What do you think marriage is?" I've kind of already answered that above. I believe marriage is going to be an amazing, tearful (both tears of sadness and joy), and challenging journey. This actually excites me more though. I love a good challenge and it will be all the easier if, when I accept this challenge with someone, they are also excited to enjoy and overcome the challenge. When I picture marriage I picture things like clasped hands, a tearful exchange of hugs, a gentle kiss of encouragement, even giving my man a massage to help rub away the hardships of the day. Call me a romantic and I'll thank you. Call me old fashioned and I'll say the same. Though I did wrong once, I hope and pray to never make the same mistake twice. I believe being a romantic is a great thing and I must, MUST, save the sweet words and deeds I've been holding in my heart for the ONE and only I hope to meet soon. <br>
I could probably talk about this forever but I'm going to go ahead and move on to question number three. </p>
<p dir="ltr">As I already mentioned, I hope to find someone who not only expects but looks forward to overcoming the challenges that come with marriage. I long for a friend in this special someone. Someone that understands that a hug is all I need to remember my foolish emotions and stubborn pride. Someone that will humbly remind me where the right path is. When he talks about his walk with God, it won't be with arrogance or an air of being more godly than me. I want a man of responsibility and maturity but one who knows how to have fun...maybe even dump a glass of water on me in the beginnings of a competitive water fight... 😊 someone who makes me laugh (which isn't hard by the way) and understands why keeping that little childish spark alive is very important to me. For as long as that spark is alive, my grandad seems that less far away. He was the most fun and loving grandad a little girl could ask for. That aside, I have one more thing to say concerning...well, my future. I fear the day that I will sit with the one I hope to marry and spill out my past. I fear the wedding night, for all my imperfections. I fear losing my hair color to gray or losing my waist size. I fear my children possibly disliking me or feeling embittered towards me. I fear growing old and dying. But, concerning all this, I pray God will show those I've named above, this letter.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I have spent almost all of my 19 years, to this point anyway, trying to ready myself for you, MY family, to come along. I have failed along the way, of course, but I will never quit trying to be the friend and, Lord willing, wife and mother God wants me to be. If I have fought this long to be patient for you, my dreams, please don't think for a second that I will give it up when I finally receive that for which I've shed countless tears and offered many prayers. And I will not change in this, by the will of God... for my determination in waiting and following God's timing in finally receiving that which my heart desires. It grows daily. </p>
<p dir="ltr">~Shannon G. Hawley~</p>
ShannonSentimentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02329536134154241890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059142401934559478.post-29327804251127000022017-02-06T08:12:00.001-08:002017-02-06T08:20:39.971-08:00A Story Encouragement<p dir="ltr">A one-year-old boy shattered his back falling down a flight of stairs. He spent his childhood and youth in and out of hospitals. When interviewed by Gavin Read, former Bishop of Maidstone, the boy remarked, "God is fair." Gavin stopped him and asked, "How old are you?" "Seventeen," the boy replied. "How many years have you spent in three hospital?" "The boy answered, " Thirteen years." Gavin asked, "Do you think that is fair?" He replied, "God has got all of eternity to make it up to me."</p>
<p dir="ltr">I read this story in a devotional not long ago and it was such an encouragement. God has promised us a mansion in heaven, no more sorrow, no more pain... So why is it so hard for us to keep from complaining about this short life's sorrows. My first job looked, on the outside, as if it would be a great place to transition into the world. Over the year I worked there I found I was deeply mistaken. I was hit by many temptations, filth, immorality, blasphemy...yet I couldn't escape it. I sent many applications out trying to get out of there but got no reply. Finally, at the end of that year the Lord opened a door for me to go someplace else. This second job's environment was so much more relaxing and spiritually safe and I loved it. But we can't escape the world completely. Hardships arose in this place as well and I returned to my complaining. Then I realized I was no better than the Israelites, that when removed from being slaves in Egypt to wandering the wilderness, complained incessantly. I always told myself the Israelites were foolish to think Egypt was better, when it was clearly not, but that's exactly what I was facing now. My new job, though still hard, was so much better than the first and I should be thanking God for saving me from the first job. </p>
ShannonSentimentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02329536134154241890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059142401934559478.post-86849224433140735602016-11-26T19:17:00.001-08:002017-02-06T08:25:10.688-08:00Natural Beauty<div dir="ltr">
Have you ever listened to a storm? Not with the ears of men but of heavenly ears. The wind in the trees and the way it makes the leaves shimmer. And you watch the lightning flash and crawl across the great black sky. How this causes the tiny water droplets to sparkle like a thousand diamonds. There's music here. If you don't believe in magic your not looking hard enough. Magic is all around us going unnoticed every day. It's in the bright blue skies, in the songbirds harmony, in the entrancing moonbeams. We expect magic to mean something powerfully harsh and strong, so much so we miss the beauty, peace, and love of the magic granted us by our awesome God.</div>
ShannonSentimentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02329536134154241890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059142401934559478.post-37318138851142616122016-10-11T21:53:00.001-07:002018-07-02T18:58:47.792-07:00Baby Dear Baby<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<h2> <br></h2> Baby, dear baby<br>
In comfort you lay<br>
I wish you could stay<br>
To God I did pray<br>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Baby, dear baby<br>
You stole my heart love<br>
As sweet as a dove<br>
You fly high above</div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr"> Baby, dear baby<br> Your family does cry<br>
To understand why<br>
God calls you up high</div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Baby, dear baby<br> We trust God knows best.<br> You against His breast<br> We lay you to rest.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br></div>
<div dir="ltr">
With much love to <br> my sibling in heaven</div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr"> ~Shannon G. Hawley~ </div>
ShannonSentimentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02329536134154241890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059142401934559478.post-77194636814210959712015-03-06T16:56:00.000-08:002015-03-24T17:40:35.717-07:00A Poem of Encouragement <div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He is Faithful</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you are depressed </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the devil's at work,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just be sure to look</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For God. In Him we rest.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Run to the Lord </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For He is faithful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though the battle be painful</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God's word is our sword.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> by Shannon G. Hawley</span></div>
ShannonSentimentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02329536134154241890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5059142401934559478.post-29205570105501584462014-10-21T19:10:00.000-07:002014-10-28T14:18:31.052-07:00My Thoughts on Dating and Marriage <br />
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I have often wondered what people actually believe marriage to be these days. What I see shocks me.<br />
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First of all, what is the point of dating? I believe dating is the process of getting to know a person to see if they are suitable to marriage. More or less this was what dating was in the past. If this was the real meaning of dating then why are middle schoolers talking about boyfriends and their first date? If they're in middle school and talking like this then something has definitely gotten twisted because last I checked if you are younger than 18 your too young to be available for marriage. Now I know I just said that dating is to get to know that person to SEE if he/she was suitable for marriage but how long do most people date before they're already telling each "I love you" or "we were meant to be". Not long, maybe a month, if that. These kids give so much of their "love" so many times that, by the time they do get married, they don't have much more "love" they can give to their husbands. Always try and keep a reign on your feelings and be careful not to throw those three little words out there just whenever. Those words are powerful and should wait until your either engaged or mature enough to use them appropriately.<br />
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Secondly, marriage doesn't have to be boring. People think marriage is hard but I think that is your own choice to decide whether it's hard or a bumpy roller coaster. I believe there are two goals when you marry. First goal is to merge with your husband. Genesis 2:24 says "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one in flesh." I believe that in time you will not only become one in flesh but also in mind. One step to becoming one in mind is to completely submit to your husband not only physically but also mentally. Colossians 3:18 "Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord." The man should never have to answer or submit to the woman; it should always be the woman who bends. Second goal...children. Not only do your parents deserve grandchildren but God wishes you to raise godly children. (Malachi 2:15 " Didn't the Lord make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union. So guard your heart; remain loyal to the wife of your youth." ) As for our parents, they deserve grandchildren to dote on after working so hard raising us.<br />
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Proverbs 31:11-29<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls. She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> clothes. She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">but you surpass them all!”</span></div>
ShannonSentimentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02329536134154241890noreply@blogger.com0