7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD
And whose trust is the LORD.
8 “For he will be like a tree planted by the water,
That extends its roots by a stream
And will not fear when the heat comes;
But its leaves will be green,
And it will not be anxious in a year of drought
Nor cease to yield fruit.  [Jeremiah 17:7-8]

The idea of depending on other people has really been on my heart.  (Probably because I used to be very, very bad for doing it.)

Thing is, what kind of people and relationships are we depending on?

This is especially troublesome for single moms.  Mainly, because we find ourselves depending on ‘a man’ and sometimes ANY man.

I can’t tell you how many women I meet, of all ages, that are on an aggressive hunt for ‘a man’!!!

And I cannot stress enough how dangerous this can be – in so many ways.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned after my divorce was to be independent – at least emotionally!

If you are ‘desperately seeking soul-mate’ you are vulnerable to a host of the wrong kind of men.

If you ever learn one thing from me, please let it be this…love yourself first!  Seek the wisdom, understanding and grace of God to stand on your own two feet first.  Enjoy taking a bubble bath, reading a good book, exercising, or even vegging out in front of the TV – ALONE!

I see so many of my friends settling for bad relationships, just to avoid being alone or lonely.  They end up emotionally abused, physically abused or just plain taken advantage of!

That is just no way to live girls!  That is no life for your children.

I’ll be totally honest here, I have thought about getting back with my ex on a number of occasions.  We’ve grown to be good friends over the years – but only out of necessity!  Yes, he can be very attentive, giving and kind at times, but at others he is still the man I divorced and he still drives me totally crazy!  And, sadly, I don’t love him - not as a husband.

I dream of a man that is beautiful through and through.  That loves my kids as his own, but never tries to be someone he’s not.  A companion that is stable enough to let me be my own person, while compassionate enough to comfort me when times are tough.  A man who has his own interests, but knows when to draw the line and keep his priorities straight.  A man who not only displays, but values honesty, loyalty, trust, kindness and love.  Most importantly, a man that loves God with all His heart and encourages his family to do so as well.

Sound like a dream?  Maybe.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  [Philippians 4:6-7]

But I know that is the only man I will commit to.  I also know, that if God wills this for me, He will provide.  I DO NOT have to settle for just any poor slob or his pathetic, misguided idea of love.

AND NEITHER DOES ANY ONE OF YOU!

Do not for one minute believe that you are not deserving of the very best!  You are a princess!  A daughter of the most high God!  Heir to the kingdom!  Created in His image!

He wants the best for you – including your relationships!  Do not be impatient and rush God’s timing!  Depend on HIM!  He will provide for ALL things!

1 I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, He who keeps Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD is your keeper;
The LORD is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun will not smite you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will protect you from all evil;
He will keep your soul.
8 The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in
From this time forth and forever.  [Psalm 121:1-8]