4 Things I Wish I Had Known (Before I Knew He Was The One)

Becoming tribe, I am seriously BLOWN away by what God has been doing during this "Truths, Secrets & Encouragement On: Engagements, Weddings & Singleness" Blog Series. He not only has allowed this Series to reach so many people, but He is allowing us to speak the truth about how He feels toward us in these single, engaged and wedding day seasons of life. No matter what you have experienced in these seasons, whether joy or pain, regret or allowing yourself to forgive- God ONLY has love for you. He doesn't look on you with shame, or disgust. Girl, He cannot get enough of you. And His love will offer healing and restoration, if you let it.

Also, WHOA! DID YOU KNOW, that God allowed last weeks post "What Saving Myself For Marriage Gave Me (Instead of Keeping From Me) "to reach over 1,490 PEOPLE?!?! I'm sorry, what?! THAT IS HUGE! Girls, don't miss this one- it could change something. Again, go join our fun conversations and check out:

And today, we're closing out this Blog Series with a post I know we can all relate to- whether you have met the one for you, or you're still in the waiting game. We've all been single once, and there are some interesting things we learned while being there- let's get real ya'll.

Oh, the single life. I wonder how you read that little sentence. "oh, yay... the single life. Can't you see my excitement, no? I didn't think so." Or... "YAY! The Single life! No really. this is good. yay!"

ha! Let's be honest friends, we have all been there. Whether embracing all the growth and joys that come during this season or experiencing moments where we are seriously over it. We've all been there. Single.

And while I could chat with you about the fact that God has immense purpose and perfect timing for your season, I know you have heard that before. Instead let's have some fun. Because here's the truth- God has some really fun & impactful things He would love to teach us before we meet the ONE. Things I wish I would have paid attention to. Things that will totally save our hearts and mind battles in the middle of the night!

4 Things I wish I Had Known (Before I Knew He Was The One)

You Don't Have to Give Yourself Away to Be Loved or Find Yourself

So many times throughout my single years (years I wasn't married, but maybe dating someone) it felt like society's culture was pressuring me & my girlfriends constantly. Haven't you felt that? I know you have. Pressure that seems to whisper to you- you're not good enough, pretty enough, wanted enough, desired enough... but I bet if you gave a part of yourself away to some guy- you would be so much happier. Not even only giving apart of yourself away to a guy, but friends as well.

Here's the deal. You are good enough SIMPLY because of who lives inside of you. In fact you are more than good enough- you are flawless in His eyes. And giving yourself away (whether your body, heart or personality) will not make you feel loved deep inside, or help you find yourself. And society or other girls who seem to be giving themselves away- are doing so because they don't know the FREEDOM and JOY and COMPLETENESS that comes only from God. They haven't found a secret passageway to being loved. They are just as thirsty as you are. God is the only one who can make you whole. And He will if we let Him. So sweet girl, skip the heartache- & go be with Jesus!

2. God's Not Planning On Cutting You Short

God's not waiting to see how you turn out to decide if you are going to get the best version He has for you in a husband, or the second hand version. FRIENDS. He is a good God! Every single thing you need in a husband, He has for you. And more. Trust me!

The only thing that will cut us short from this God-picked man, is us. When we try to control the situation and take any guy that shows interest in us without seriously consulting God about it. Girl, we have all been there. Wanting to give our hearts away to those who we know deep inside don't deserve it. I know I have. But here is the truth, from my journey to yours. You will NEVER feel satisfied unless the thing you're giving attention to, is a yes from God.

So take your hands off the reigns, focus on God. And as your gaze is fixed on Him- watch as He brings the perfect man into your life at the perfect time.

3. All Those Embarrassing Pictures & Memories? Keep them.

Screamo music & studded belts one semester, and then trying to be a cheerleader the next. It's called my Middle School Identity Crisis. ha! no, but for real. I was a mess. But all of those embarrassing pictures & memories of me trying to find myself in middle school represent the seasons of singleness when God was taking me through a journey, allowing me to find me. Allowing me to grow, and mess up & learn the beauty in gaining confidence in who I really was- rather than relying on who someone else told me I was.

In other words, you weren't created to be perfect- so stop exhausting yourself by trying to be! PHEW. There's that freedom we've been talking about.

Hold on to your journey friends. That's the basis of our entire Ministry here. Embrace the messy & learn to laugh at yourself. Because its the crazy, messy, BAD fashion trends we buy into are the times in our life that are helping make us into a unique young woman.

And as you go through this journey WITH GOD, you will become into the woman He created you to be. And your husband will love every detail that brought you to this place.

4. Praying for Your Future Husband WILL Do Wonders for Your Heart

I used to pray for Ryan all the time, even before I had the slightest idea he even existed. I even began to ask God to tell me qualities about what my husband would be like, as I prayed for him. And He did. I literally have an entire page full of attributes. And guess what?! Ryan meets every single one.

And as I prayed, as I told the Lord my desires and prayed for Ryan's journey in life- the Lord began to comfort my soul in the waiting.

I didn't have to fret, I knew my prayers were in good hands. And that list, that I still have by the way, helped my heart from not giving itself away to people who didn't meet HIS requirements! And in the end, He brought the perfect man. At the perfect time.

Girl, you were created to ROCK this season of singleness. And no matter how long or interesting it may seem- I promise that if you travel it with the Lord, He will guard your heart. Don't do it alone though, let us be in your corner! Subscribe to our community HERE to get instant encouragement into your mailbox (plus a FREE devotional!).

LET'S CHAT BELOW: If you've ever been single, which we all have, what are some things that you learned or ARE learning during that season? Do you wish you knew any of the above tips?! Leave a blog comment below and let's chat together! We want to get to know you!

xo,

Lanissa SPOON