A sabbatical in the dictionary is defined as any extended period of leave from one’s customary work, esp. for rest, to acquire new skills or training. In my opinion, a sabbatical is to take a time for you and Jesus and train yourself to become a greater warrior for the Kingdom of God. Everyone can take a sabbatical for a year but also everyone takes a sabbatical for different reasons. For example, the sacrifice of giving up dating for a year shows that you’re letting go of your own life and letting God work in your life. In the end of a sabbatical you will be a totally a different. In my own personal experience of doing a sabbatical for a year and now finishing, I can say I am completely a different person than who I was last year. I am not perfect, but I am on my way to becoming a better warrior princess of the most HIGH KING.

 A sabbatical in my own personal life meant to not only to focus on God, but to learn more about how I act, how my moods are, what I need to work on, and what inner baggage God needed to remove in my life. It was a transforming experience to take that time and learn to hear Gods voice.

In the beginning of my sabbatical I was just going to do it for no dating in my life. Within that month, three guys started talking to me and I had to remove myself because I knew I couldn’t get involved with a guy. Guys were flies sticking on to me and wanting to get my attention. When you try to follow Christ closer you will get attacked harder. I learned that none of those guys were for me because I was dedicated to my God. It was not God’s timing so I knew it was not the best of the best for me.

The next couple of months, God revealed inner baggage that I carried still upset me. Rejection in my life from my physical father was something God had to deal with me from the inside out. I couldn’t let go because I never forgave my physical father for never being in my life. Not letting go of the past will put you in chains. This will stop you from going forward into your future. Rejection, loneliness, abandonment and isolation stirs up our lives.  In the course of time it had a domino effect that affected all my relationships, which even led to co-dependency in friendships.

The Lord taught me to let go, forgive and forget the past. After doing this, I am now able to go forward into the next season. I also fasted for 4 days, which taught me so much. I was walking home one day from church and I just thought about all the great things God has done in the past rocky 4 years of my life. I felt an overwhelming peace come over me while I was worshiping God. It was something I will never forget and will always treasure.

 A revelation in my life!!

 I have observed Christian couples to see the kind of man I want and also who I want to be as a woman of God. Every day, I am learning something new about myself. I know that I am not perfect but I am trying everyday to be like Ruth and prepare myself for the Boaz that will come into my life one day.

 How did I handle the struggles?

 I did struggle with wanting a relationship within this sabbatical period. I would write a letter to my future husband or to God. I didn’t dwell on the thoughts of wanting a relationship. I would capture my thoughts and start think about something else. I reminded myself that God has the best for me. When I go to weddings or special occasions and see happy couples, I would say to myself,  “God has that for me one day but not now.”

Menstrual days!! On the days that I would have my period are honestly the hardest days of wanting a relationship. Every time I was on my period I would isolate myself from guys because I knew I would be thinking about wanting a relationship. I would hang out only with girls. I would do anything I have to do so that I would not fall into the temptation to think about having a relationship to distract my walk with God. I honestly believe that whatever a girl has to do to stay focus on God – then DO IT! Believe me, it is not easy but I know in HIS TIMING, it will be worth it all.   Ecclesiastes 3:11 -  He has made everything beautiful in its time.

If you have a story that you would like to share with others, please email it to info@bavirgin.com

The month of January is all about setting New Year’s resolution for a new year.  Many favorite ones have to do with dieting, eating healthier, exercising, etc.  As people make their goal to get their body in shape, there is one thing that all single adults need to add to this list – Be Celibate!

I know, I know, celibacy is not a very popular word in the singles world. But if you really want to get fit in 2010, you must add celibacy to your life. There is nothing like a new year with a fresh start. Now is the time to start fresh with purity back into your life!

Why celibacy you ask? Well, as everyone knows, being celibate will keep you from the obvious-unwanted pregnancy, STD’s, AIDS, heartaches, emotional issues, and even soul ties. But did you also know that committing to celibacy will take your spirituality to the next level with God? When you honor your body to God, He will bring honor to you!

 1 Corinthians 6:19 – Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

When you remain celibate, your body is Holy to God. But if you give yourself away in fornication (having sex outside of marriage), you will be sinning in God’s eyes. This type of behavior is not pleasing to God. But more than that, the guilt, shame and consequences that come with fornication is hazardous to your body, soul and spirit.

Can God forgive you if you have committed fornication? Absolutely! But you must also repent (turn away from this sin) and ask God for forgiveness. Then you can start all over again – a fresh start!

Are you ready to take it up a notch with God this year? Why wait any longer? Make that New Year’s resolution of being celibate for the year 2010. Trust me, it will be worth it! God will make it worth it to you and that’s a promise you can count on! Try it – commit to celibacy, seek God and you will connect with him on a whole new level.  He will show you how to live a life of purity that will be pleasing to Him!

Proverbs 22:1; Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.