Introductions

[shea4Him]

Hello Fellow Laborers,

My name in real life is Sheila.  I've been a part of PS for many years.  I believe I found it pretty close to its inception.  I haven't been a tremendous poster here and my low posting may be due to it being one of those clubs/groups that it's not always fun being a member of.     Having said that, I have reached more of a peace being single/alone.  I even cook meals that take more than 15 minutes prep time.    Anyway, I look forward to exploring the new forum and getting to know you better. 

In Christ,
Shea

[marsbike]

Peter here, from the previous forum.  I think I have the same name here, but I didn't check too carefully.  Definitely something about my favorite planet and my favorite mode of transportation, anyway.

I'm Russian Orthodox, an engineer, and a recent college graduate, with about six more months of waiting for paperwork before I start my new job (no exaggeration).  So I have lots of time for the internet...

[Fern]

It's good to have you back at PS, Peter.

[Wendie]

Hi all,

I started the forum around November, but hadn't really been around. Adjusting to life after recently burying my father. I love the new look! I've been seeking a singles' forum where being purposeful in Christ was the primary focus rather than strictly socializing. It appears I've found that here. I look forward to getting to know everyone, sharing our journeys and encouraging one another as singles in Christ.

Love in Him,
Wendie

[Wendie]

Hi Shake,

I've noticed that whenever the devil fills my mind with thoughts of the past, its always to bring me a sense of condemnation or regret--nothing productive that keeps me moving forward in Jesus. He may also even keep me focused on things I've done well in the past, but with the purpose of planting a root of pride and preventing me from keeping my eyes on where Jesus is currently leading. 

By comparison, if the Holy Spirit causes me to focus on my past for any length of time (usually very short), it is to teach me something about how I've gotten where I have by His grace, to remind me of a lesson learned, or to encourage me regarding His faithfulness. The Holy Spirit's prompting for me to look backwards NEVER causes confusion, worry or other negative emotions. It also never keeps my focus looking backwards for long.


      "But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”--Luke 9:61


Scripture teaches that anyone who continues looking backwards is not being made fir for God's Kingdom, so we want to be certain not to fall into that pattern. Instead bring your every thought captive to obedience to Christ by renewing your mind continually with God's Word. In it, you'll see reassurances that your times are in God's Hands, that He takes care of your needs even in difficult times, that He liberally gives wisdom when asked, and that He orders your steps.

Scripture also tells us to focus on our present and what God is calling us to do or working out in our lives NOW. It's counterrpoductive to our walks to be preoccupied with either the past or the future. The past has already occured and we can't change the future by worrying. We can prepare for our future as od leads and directs, but should never become preoccupied by what God has not yet revealed to us. Keeping our eyes focused on Jesus (through private worship and prayer) and our minds nourished by God's Word brings insight, direction and inner peace.

Love,
Wendie

[RobbiDee]

I'm new to this and I'm looking forward to talking with other singles and seeing how they deal with some of the struggles.

I am 41, never married, no children, never really been in love.  I gave my life to the Lord Jesus when I was 5 years old and I still follow Him even though I don't always understand what He is doing. 

I always thought by now I would be married with 6 children but for whatever reason, God has different plans for my life.  The biggest struggle is the loneliness.  Sometimes it can cut like a knife.  I have a lot of friends-all married and very involved in their children's lives.  I know they love me and care about me but I usually feel they don't understand what it's like to be alone all the time.  Does anyone else struggle with this??

I really enjoy being with my married friends and watching thier kids grow.  Does anyone have advice on how to get these friends to understand how you feel and that you just want to be included??  I'm open for advice here. 

[RobbiDee]

Let me just offer you some words of encouragement from a 41 year old, never married woman.  I know what it's like to struggle with loneliness.  I know what it's like to feel like you're missing out on something wonderful.  I know what it's like to ask God over and over again for years to provide you with a husband and yet, still none.  I know what it's like to worry about what will happen as I grow old and who I will spend my life with. I've been angry with God many times because my dream of having a wonderful husband and 6 children is slowly fading away. 
It's hard to look around and see families, so happy, spending time together, growing together, loving each other.  It's even harder this time of the year, with Christmas and New Years behind us but still facing the dreaded Valentine's Day wondering why, once again, we are spending it without a husband. 
I don't understand why God has chosen this path for my life.  It's not what I wanted, but He knows what is best.  I remember a song by Kathy Troccoli that talks about our lives being in His hands.  I'm so thankful it is, because I mess it up too much. 
I have been trying to learn a new verse each week and for the coming weeks I'm going to focus on one I found in Isaiah54:5

For your Maker is your husband-the Lord Almighty is His name-the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth.

[/i]

Please take encouragement from this verse as I am.  The LORD Almighty is our husband!  We may not have an earthly one, but we have one that will never leave us, never fail us, never stop loving us.  He can provide for us more than we can ever imagine and can give us what no human can.  Please let this verse soak in and realize how much the God of the universe loves you and has the best plans possible for you!

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope."

[/i]

He love us, He loves YOU!!!!  Please take comfort in that!

[shea4Him]

Hi Wendie.  Welcome.  Sorry about the loss of your father.   

Anyway, glad you found us.  Look forward to being purposeful with you. 

In Christ,
Shea

[shea4Him]

Hi RobbiDee.  Welcome.  I can mostly agree with your second paragraph except I'm a bit older than you.    I also never really thought about marriage until recently.  I think I may be finally ready but it's all in the Lord's hands, so we'll see. 

As for hanging out with marrieds, I understand.  In my last church, I was the only single person.  It was tough at times--hard being around family life so much, it made me feel much more alone.  They couldn't provide the companionship I needed because of having so many responsibilities.  They did try, though. 

And, no, I don't think you can really understand the "green grass" on the other side unless you've lived there.  ;(

[shake`]

Hi Wendie,
Thank you so much for taking time and writing your very encouraging words.
God bless you
Shake`

[Asister]

Hello, I used to be a member several years ago. I often read the devotionals which are very inspiring. This site always keeps you coming back for more. I am single and coming to terms with it. In the long run, the only one who can fill this emptiness is the Lord. I have to keep reminding myself of that.  God bless you all.


Asister

[Fern]

Welcome Asister. Glad to have you back with us.

It is so true that the only One who can fill our emptiness is the Lord. When we seek to fill it with someone or something else, we only end up feeling more empty in the long run, even though temporarily the sense of emptiness may be dulled.

[Dutchy]

The Lord Almighty is our husband....

Sometimes women are soooooo lucky.  It is a nice verse, but doesn't mean so much to me. Oh well....

[marsbike]

Well, it's not so much that Christ is the husband of any one person, so much as that the Church as a whole is the Bride of Christ.  So both men and women can be equally a part of the Bride, but it's not such an individual thing.

[Dutchy]

You're right, of course. Only women have the privilege of being able to apply it a bit more individually to themselves. Most men won't like to be someone's bride.