Above all else...

Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.


Ladies, this verse is not just for you.  I have been in the Sunday school classes where girls are urged to guard their heart.
Gentlemen, this verse is for you too.  Your future wife will thank you.  Your children will thank you.

I did not guard my heart very well as a teenager and young adult.  I exposed my vulnerable heart to those undeserving.  After listening to all of those sermons and lessons on purity and guarding my heart, I did not truly listen.

My dear, kind, generous, brilliant, humor filled, loving husband did.  His heart was guarded for so long.  Sure, he let pieces of his heart go to friends and those undeserving of his wonderful heart, we all do.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. - Ephesians 5:25

Even though I do not deserve it, my husband loves me like Christ loves his church.  My husband has given me his guarded heart.  Above all else, my husband has taken my broken and unguarded heart and loved it with all of it's divots, stains, and curves.

So tonight I beg and plead and urge you, single ladies...or engaged ladies...or mothers of girls...guard your heart and teach those girls to guard their heart.  Pour your heart out to the Lord.  His love is greater than any homecoming dance or pretty ring.  The Lord will never disappoint you.

Guys, the same goes for you.  Your heart is the most expensive thing you will ever give to your wife.  Forget those shinny shinny rocks that we women flaunt and coyly happen to conveniently place just so everyone can see it glint and gleam.  Your heart, beloved man, is what makes hers go pitter patter.  The Lord created you wonderful and full of vulnerabilities you will never admit to.  We alone are not worthy of your heart.  Guard it, sirs.  Keep it in tact.  When seeking the woman of your dreams, seek the Lord first.  He will not lead you astray.

Thank you, Love for holding my unguarded heart with the most gentle hands.
Thank you, for leaning on our Lord.
Thank you, leading me toward our Lord.