HI First time posting with a question?

Hi

I am not new to Sermon index, have been reading for awhile now and decided I would post question for you all. It has been on my heart for awhile now and I really am looking for some older more mature christian who might have some insights for me.

I love to write stories, especially love stories.(nothing bad in them or inappropriate) my favorite author is Jane Austin and I really enjoy how she tells a story. I kinda wanted to start posting some of my writing and share with others who like these kinds of stories via a blog site. The problem is that I am not convinced that these kinds of stories are really what I should be sharing with others or not. I mean to me they are innocent but what do you think could these kind of romantic stories cause another to stumble? I know some who will not even read christian romance stories because they feel they give young women the wrong view of marriage, and love. I am praying about this first and really want to know what God puts on the hearts of others about this. I know its so important to seek out the advice of more mature christian that is why I am asking. I don't want to cause anyone to stumble in this, or to sin.

Thanks
Elizabeth :-)

Hi Greg
This is awesome and exactly what I was hoping to find. Thank you so much for getting back to me so fast.

Thanks bunches
Elizabeth :-)

Dear Greg,

This is very worth giving a listen. I am grateful to Elizabeth for asking the question that brought you to post the links.

She is speaking to young girls but the message applies to all.

Kindest regards,
white stone

Greetings

Since posting the first question I have been listening and praying about it a lot. Was wondering how some of you felt about watching romantic movies as well? I have always loved the old time classics but am beginning to wonder about this as well.

Thanks
Elizabeth

Was wondering how some of you felt about watching romantic movies as well?

Hello Elizabeth, and welcome to SI.

Concerning your question, as you seek the Lord, He will give you the answer and will confirm it in your heart, just continue to seek His will. You will back here after few months or years, and you will give a testimony.

I would think that if there was any question in my mind as to if I should do it or not that conflicted with my idea that this type of thing is "innocent" then I would surely seek the Lord about it. We can't tell you what to do, but if you make yourself available to Him in prayer, He will lead you in the right direction, because He is the Spirit of Truth, and will not lead you into error.

My question is: What kind of attitudes about our relations with one another do these types of writings provoke? I've read a lot of books on relationships, but the best one by far was I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris. This is what he had to say about attitudes toward romance:

Phillipians 1:9-10

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; so that you will be able to choose what is best. Then you will be free from all impurity and blame on the Day of Christ.

1912 Weymouth New Testament says: And it is my prayer that your love may be more and more accompanied by clear knowledge and keen perception, for testing things that differ, so that you may be men of transparent character, and may be blameless, in preparation for the day of Christ

I've come to understand that God's lordship in my life doesn't merely tinker with my approach to romance - it completely transforms it. He wants me to think differently - to view love, purity, and singleness from His perspective, to have a new lifestyle and a new attitude.

Every relationship for a Christian is an opportunity to love another person like God has loved us. To lay down our desires and do what's in his or her best interest. To care for him or her even when there's nothing in it for us. To want that person's purity and holiness because it pleases God and protects him or her.

So whether or not we take a break from dating, if our dating is controlled by Christ's love it will look so radically different than the relationships around us that we will want to come up with a different name for it!

What the world today calls "dating" is a product of our entertainment-driven, disposable-everything American culture. However, the best relationships are always those between two people who care more about each other's good than their own momentary pleasure.

Intimacy without friendship is superficial. A relationship based solely on physical attraction and romantic feelings will last only as long as the feelings last.

If we claim to follow Christ then wear the world's twisted style of love, we drag the name and character of our Lord in the dirt.

Jesus said, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another" (John 13:35). The world will know we are different and get a glimpse of God's divine, saving love by the way we love. Will others see the sincerity of Christ's love in our relationships? Or will they see the same brand of self-centered love practiced by the world and turn away in disappointment?

In brother-sister relationships, men and women spur each other on to godliness - they stand against wickedness together, they seek God together, they honor one another and grow in grace side by side.

[b][size=small][color=0066FF][font=Verdana]In brother-sister relationships, men and women spur each other on to godliness - they stand against wickedness together, they seek God together, they honor one another and grow in grace side by side.[/font][/color][/size][/b]

Dear TroyorTakoda,

What a beautiful goal. Your reply has clearly hit the nail on the head. I hope Elizabeth reads it.

With our 34th anniversary approaching it is a joy to say I would marry my husband again, today, even knowing all the hardships that were to come. A strong marriage is a true gift from God. Of course just as Faith without works is dead, so is a marriage. It may be a gift from God but it must be fed with loving kindness, forgiveness, self sacrifice and much prayer. The fruits are immeasurable. My husband and I never 'dated' in the worldly sense. We 'kept company' with one another but not dress-up go out kind of dating.

I have never enjoyed romantic novels because they are completely unrealistic and I am a practical person. For recreational reading I prefer biographies of people who have lived good lives through faith in God.

Kind regards,
white stone

Hey

Just wanted to let everyone who read my post or responded that I am grateful. I have decided to not create a blog or post any of my writing for others. I am going to put my writing on a shelf for now until I know what God wants for me in all this. I love to write but I know that doesn't mean that its what He wants be to be doing.

Thanks guys
Elizabeth