We were young ones once

I had the privilege of attending a youth outreach event on 8 September. Initially I wasn't going to blog about it but since it's 01:01 and I'm still thinking about it, it's only fair and logical to share my thoughts. Let's call it a side note, because it doesn't quite fit my singlehood series of posts. Or maybe it does. Okay whatever.

The church is His People Baxter.
The venue is Rhodes High School.
The mission is reaching the youth with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The event is EMERGE.

My hubby was the dj for the day. And he was just spectacular! That's how my little people and I ended up there. Nothing says "hot dj" like a supportive wife and 2 gorgeous daughters. Upon my arrival, I was greeted with masses of young-ins all on a mission of colour blocking. So I fitted right in with my red skinnies and blue pumps! It took me a few minutes to locate my husband, so I had time to eavesdrop on a few conversations as I trotted along. Two girls were deliberating on whether or not their fashionable off-the-shoulder tops were too revealing as their tummies were bare. Camp A said they were perfect without longer vests underneath. Camp B was like "but this is a church event". Moments later, Camp A won the toss. A few meters away, a young man fired up for Jesus was telling a girl about the awesomeness of knowing Jesus while she shamelessly flirted with him. Further on, a young pair was walking against the stream of traffic that was going into the hall - despite the youth leaders' requests to join the others.

As the day wore on, the MCs and musical acts and even the speaker soldiered on to keep the attention of this active yet not necessarily attentive crowd. I found myself annoyed, irritated and utterly stunned by the blatant disrespect and rebellion that some of them displayed. All efforts seemed wasted on an ungrateful bunch that was beyond redemption. But when 100 learners committed to Christ, my eyes were totally opened! The Holy Spirit reminded me that I was not always born again. That I once was rebellious. That I also used to be a blatant sinner. He reminded me that just like these kids, Jesus cared enough for me in my messed up state to die for me! I immediately repented from my spirit of superiority as I remembered that I was also in the miry clay once. I suddenly saw these youths as the Jesus-hungry and Holy Sprit-thirsty people that they were!

And that made all the difference. Suddenly the flirtatious teen was a child in need of affection from a Saviour. The naughty pair had the potential to become a godly couple if surrounded by the right role models. The provocative dressers were simply children battling with their identity - needing to know who they are and whose they are.

So before we write off this generation, let us remember that we were young ones once. Let us love them and draw them to His Presence.

I salute the Jesses and Jasons of this world - the youth leaders and ministers that serve tirelessly every day to win hearts to Christ. Youth ministry is NOT for the faint-hearted I tell you! Big ups for a successfully epic event!

Mrs DeeDK

A fresh start: Dating Reloaded

Believe the hype!! Jesus thinks you're to die for! So choose to live for Him. I did. And that required me to live a particular way: with PURITY and HOLINESS. The journey continues.

In my post "Who cares who you date?", I ended off by introducing you to the man that makes my heart skip a beat. Now I want I share with you our road to marriage... I entitled this "A fresh start" because the day we decided to have an exclusive relationship was a fresh start for my perspective of dating. I knew what I wanted in a relationship, but I hadn't quite figured out HOW it was supposed to look. Until now, godly courtship was in my mind but I was yet to experience it.

We met at church while I was home for vac - a great place to meet godly potential spouses. I wasn't necessarily looking at the time since God was still teaching me how to be secure in my singleness. We hung out in the same friendship circles often so I got to witness a lot about his character and personality. My "ideal man shopping list" was tucked nearly at the back of my brain but with every interactive opportunity, I identified an attribute in him that was on the list. I remember thinking one day, "What an amazing man my friend is! The woman who marries him will be truly blessed!" He loved the Lord, loved people, loved life, was warm and sincere, a great listener, a great leader, had a stunningly beautiful spirit. He loved sport and music and dance. I also noticed how he treated his female friends, his mom and his sister. He was always the perfect gentleman. For that, I want to thank the mighty men of valour that walked with him and mentored him. The uncle Mikes and Normans of this world played a tremendously pivotal role in who he is today. Thank you, Father, for these spiritual fathers who groomed him. The more I observed, the more I liked. But I still didn't 'recognise' him. My eyes were on what the Lord had assigned to me.

After being good friends for a year and I had temporarily relocated back to Polokwane, we had the most heeeectically life-changing conversation one day. Long story short (because I want to tell you in person), we decided that we wanted to move beyond being friends. We'd seen enough in each other to warrant desiring a formal relationship which would lead to marriage ultimately. So we told our parents - who were thrilled - and asked them and our pastors to hold us accountable to this courtship. They also taught us how to treat each other.

A few months later, I moved back to Cape Town and we had to endure a long-distance relationship. It was during this time when our relationship was really tested. Our intentions were put through the fire of distance, high costs of calls and temptations. Don't get it twisted - the devil doesn't like godly relationships! So be rest assured that he will bring about all sorts of temptation to cause havoc. We were tested when we were apart and tempted when we were together! That's where accountability partners come in handy. They ask (uncomfortable but necessary) questions and pray whenever they're called to do so. It's like an extra covering of spiritual protection if you catch my drift. By the Lord's grace, we soldiered on faithfully for 2 years until Kgabo proposed. The beautiful story of when and how shall be kept for another day.

The point I'm trying to make is if you want to reap a God-inspired marriage, you need to sow a God-inspired dating relationship. Dare to let God change the way you do things! Let Him lead the way on the journey to the altar.

Mrs DeeDK