Feb. 28, 2008
"Emotional Lust"
This is something I've been thinking a lot about recently, so I thought I'd write a little something to share with all of you. Oftentimes, girls don’t think that lust is an issue for them. We tend to skip over verses about lust thinking that they only apply to men. We're different from guys in that sense; we aren't wired in the same way. But just because we're different doesn't mean that we don't struggle with it--we are simply tempted in a different way. I like to call it, "emotional lust."
Yes, we like to daydream. Most of us have probably lain awake in bed at night thinking about "Prince Charming" sweeping us off our feet. I'm not exactly what you would call a romantic person, but even I've experienced feelings like this. There's nothing wrong with being attracted to guys, but when we start obsessing over it in our minds, it becomes and issue. The problem with this is that we can become very easily "swept off our feet" in our daydreams and easily justify it by saying, "I didn't actually do it!" We're actually still giving little pieces of our hearts away when we do something like that, even if it's not real. And the more we do it, the more likely we are to get swept off our feet too quickly in real life.
The temptation is to dwell on frivolous selfish desires. The thing that I've done to overcome this is dedicate my heart to Jesus. Yes, I know that's what every Christian does, but it is the only way to overcome sin, so it all works out. It's okay to be cliche. ;)
Haha, but seriously--every day this prayer is what helps me to overcome temptations of emotional lust: "Jesus, let every beat of my heart be for you and you alone." When my mind is occupied by different guys, then everything I do is hindered from channeling to Christ (and I'm not sure if that makes any sense, but it's what I've experienced).
Girls, be firmly planted on the foundation of Christ. Don't let anyone sweep you off your feet. Keep your gaze fixed on the only one who can truly satisfy your desire for love. Let your focus be on becoming the woman that will be worthy of being Prince Charming's wife, and let God be the one to develop true and pure love in your heart. His dreams for you are much bigger and more beautiful than you could ever imagine anyway. ;)
Much love,
Sylvia
PS Here's my first photo for the Feelin' Feminine Challenge. I wore my favorite jean skirt with a nice blue and white striped polo and dark navy jacket. I love this skirt because it's super-comfortable, easy to run around in, and has no slits! :D
Victoria snapped the picture when I wasn't quite ready, so I'm making a funny face. lol
I wore my hair pinned up like this:
I like wearing my hair this way, but it always takes me a while before I can put it up just right.
I rarely wear any jewelry. I don't have my ears pierced, and necklaces always irritate the skin on my neck. I do wear some bracelets, but only in the summer when I wear short sleeved shirts. Even then, I only wear stuff that people gave me because I never spend money on things like that.
It'll be fun to see all of your pictures! It's neat how different girls have different styles, but we can all be modest and feminine in our own ways.
Love to all!
~S
Comments
Feb. 28, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by quietcajun
Excellent thoughts on emotional purity and I agree!
My daughters and I will soon be posting our Feelin' Feminine challenge photos too!
• Permanent Link
Feb. 28, 2008 - Oh!
Posted by ElvishMaiden14
You do? Wow . . I feel special.:)
I have been musing over what you said about the rosary . . but I just can't get past the praying to Mary part. You probably understand, having been baptist.
Btw, where did you get that skirt? I have been searching everywhere I can to find a nice modest one like that, but have not found one yet.
Great post! It's very true, I've been struggling with emotional purity myself. Keep it up!
-Kate
Find me here at www.letterstoamessedupntn.blogspot.com
Edited by ElvishMaiden14 on Feb. 28, 2008 at 2:04 PM
• Permanent Link
Feb. 28, 2008 - <em>Untitled Comment</em>
Posted by guardedmodesty
That was awesome!! Soooo very true, too. Ya make me think. I like that. :)
Oh, and by the way, I did end up reading The Giver, I had a free hour or so at the library by myself, so I picked it up and just devoured it. Very good book, I must say. And this way I don't have to worry about returning it on time!
Edited by guardedmodesty on Feb. 28, 2008 at 2:42 PM
• Permanent Link
Feb. 28, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by sweetpotato
Yup, yup, completely agree. It fluctuates a bit, but I go through periods of time where that really is a problem for me. I like your prayer to counteract that.
Your hair is so pretty!
Yeah, I have a slight obssession with scrap paper. I have to save every bit of it, then use every inch of it, then throw it in the recycling bin. Actually, I've gotten better about it (due to the multitude of paper on my desk, I have to use it faster), but it still remains a slight passion.
• Permanent Link
Feb. 28, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Jocelyndixon
Wow Sylvia. That was a really great post. You really hit the nail on the head. Yes, I have found myself lying in bed thinking.... and I believe you are right. We girls have emotional lust, which we must learn to overcome. I think it is the same with reading "help" books. A friend a mine, a boy, read a book about relationships he wasn't in and just by reading the book he changed into a completely different person because by not guarding himself from reading "emotional lust", whether he was doing it or reading about it, he had thoughts that he shouldn't have. He viewed our friendship in a different way and now it's ruined. We really have to guard our minds and thoughts and what we allow to be put there by watching something, imagining it, or reading.
Your picture is too cute. I am glad you're joining us. :)
Love
MJ
• Permanent Link
Feb. 29, 2008 - IMPORTANT
Posted by TheInsider
Something really important was posted on the Insider. Please check it out!
God bless,
- Anne Truly, Eva Surely & John Shannon
• Permanent Link
Feb. 29, 2008 - Also...
Posted by TheInsider
SURPRISE!!! You have been featured on The Insider's latest issue!
-Anne Truly, Eva Surely & John Shannon
• Permanent Link
Feb. 29, 2008 - Hello!
Posted by TheInsider
Hello!
Thanks for getting back to us! Sorry about the couple of mistakes we made - it's hard to get things put together and have them completely up to date. We're doing our best ;)
Sincerely,
-Anne Truly, Eva Surely & John Shannon
• Permanent Link
Mar. 2, 2008 - Hello!
Posted by Kate @ In New Life
I was thinking of you tonight, and realised that I have not told you that I have been to the Vatican! We went to Italy back in 2006.
The cathedral is beautiful, simply lovely. They were having some sort of service, (mass?) at the time, and the choir was splendid. I did touch the statue of Peter's toe.:)
When we came out from the cathedral, there were screens set up, large screens, and what do you know, there was the Pope! He was broadcasting from where he lives, just a mile or two from the Vatican.
Well, I thought you might enjoy hearing that.
In him,
Kate
p.s. I really enjoy reading Eclesiastis Veritatis, please write more!!
Find me here at www.letterstoamessedupntn.blogspot.com
• Permanent Link
Jan. 24, 2009 - where did you get your skirts from
Posted by bchristlikeasl@yahoo.com
Hi my name is kitara and I would love to know where you bought your skirts from; and do you know where I could find some online to order. It is very hard to find skirts that do not go mid thigh these days.
• Permanent Link
