Join Author Shantae Charles for "Principles of Courtship" LIVE Session

Courtship.

One of the things I focus on in the Church Love Novel Series. 

Courtship is NOT dating. 

Dating has a very storied history and is primarily an American custom. 

Courting also has a very detailed history and has roots all the way back to the Bible.

Join me for a time of teaching on principles of courtship that are Biblically based with the

Women Rise Above Fellowship!

We'll have a time of Q& A and prayer for those on the line. 

I'm excited about what God is going to do!

If you want to see courtship in action, and you enjoy fiction reading,  order my prophetic novel series Church Love. Godly principles for living are woven throughout the story. 

I write with real people in mind, who have real issues, and need God answers.

https://squareup.com/market/roc-studios-international-inc/church-love-novel-series

See You ON the LINE!

Love & Relationships- Quotables

As the last book in my series is in process, I want to share some notable quotes I've come across from those who believe in the power of God ordained marriage. May these sound bites bless you and encourage you wherever you are : single, courting, or married!

Thinking of my marriage (13 years and counting) and smiling from ear to ear as I hear this wonderful thought:

If you are willing to let God wreck your plans, He WILL fix your life!

I've come to appreciate God's sense of humor through the loving relationship I have that I did not want and ran from (literally). So many times, we get squeamish with God about relationships. He can have our jobs, ministry, hobbies, but that Love Life? Oh, _God don't touch it! You don't know what you're doing there. Really? God knows. He knows YOU better than you know yourself. Trust Him, even in that. Stop doubting God, and let Him write your love story. He knows when you are ready...and when you are STALLING.  

- Shantae Charles

Single & constantly coming up frustrated? Just stop it because what you're focusing on is amplifying. Focus on Christ instead.
If you aren't happy single, you sure wont be happy married. Marriage only amplifies your issues.

-Heather Lindsey, Pastor & Founder of Pinky Promise 

 Don't miss your miracle playing house with a mistake. Some have missed a good thing because he or she didn't "look" the part, now someone else got what you wanted, fixed it up, dressed it up." 

- Barbara Gaines, Prophetess

To those in relationships: If a woman can support her man's dream, there's no excuse for a man to not support his woman's dream.

-Tremayne Moore, Author & Advocate

I always knew that sex outside of marriage was sinful and God hates it, but I really never understood why. At this point,I was not saved but God begun to strip the sinful desires away from me. I was tired of being hurt, not valued, and I always knew it wasn't pleasing to God. How could we expect God to bless our relationship when it's in direct rebellion against Him? I don't say this to brag,but to give hope to the many people who want to start over and do it the RIGHT way, to do things God's way. Sex is for our HUSBAND only, not every boyfriend, boo, ,baby daddy, or fiance! By God's grace,He has kept me for 2 years. Don't let society fool you, PURITY is still the way to go! Sex may feel good but moments of pleasure are not worth the heartbreaks, soul ties and eternal damnation. Know your worth and keep your standards in Christ!

-Brittany Jay, Founder of High Heels and High Standards

 Ladies Keep Your Legs Closed! Don't Be So Free With Your Body. Men can have sex without commitment and without love. For many men sex and relationship do not necessarily have anything to do with each other. If you want to keep your value and worth with a man, make him work for your affection!

-Tranea Prosser, Author 

WHAT DO THE LONELY DO FOR CHRISTMAS?
Whatever the heck they want to do!!!
Now, a word to my fellow single brothers and sisters.
1) Stop saying that all the good ones are taken. That's insulting to God. What are you? You're good right, how did you become good? God!
2) Well "where da' at den"?
Where you at?
You should be actively honoring God by doing what you enjoy in life and then sometimes you should get into other people's life and help them do what they do. That was the seasoned wisdom of Naomi to Ruth. She did not tell that young lady some ole' dumb foolishness like "girl Boaz knows where you live, let that rich negro call you." She told Ruth in essence that if it was a no good man, DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME! But he is a good man. I know, because he is my kindred. Be a lady? yes, but POSITION YOURSELF. Get into his fields". In this season, both male and female, get into others fields and help them do what they do. There may be a "Boaz or Ruth" blessing in it.
3) Stop hating on married people and learn to enjoy what God has given them. God is not going to let you have what you desecrate by speaking against. Let happily married people be an inspiration to us. We have no idea what they have been through.  

- Elliott Shepherd , Pastor & TV Broadcast Mogul

Mat 1:18 ... His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph) before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.
Mat 1:19 But Joseph, her husband to be, being just, and not willing to make her a public example, he purposed to put her away secretly.
LESSON:
Courtship is not for SEX...it is your last chance to save yourself from a bad marriage. While in courtship, open your EYES and not YOUR ZIPPER

- Charles Iko'basi,  Pastor & Author

  

Some people think the key to staying married is staying in love. But the secret to staying married is staying. Couples fall in and out of love all the time. If you don't stay, you don't have that opportunity. 

- Barbara Joe, Publisher, Author, and Founder of Tallahassee Author's Network

#WomenOf God don't get so caught up in his looks,muscles, degree,career,accolades,and worldly success that you neglect the most important qualities in a Godly man. How is his prayer life,relationship with God,and vision looking? Does He truly love & live for God,know the gospel,make his intentions about you known upfront,meek & humble,walking in purity until marriage,active in ministry,and teachable? If a man is not being led by God then he can not lead you anywhere!  

-Brittany Jay, Founder of High Heels & High Standards

He kisses you, touches you, sex you, texts you, and "loves" you... but he doesn't pray for you... If he won't touch GOD, why let him touch YOU?

- Alana Hughes  

Stay Encouraged!

 

My ChurchLove Story~ The Douglas Family

Meet The Douglas Family

I have been a Church Love fan since the beginning. I remember my mother giving me Book One as a teenager. I figured she saw the book and thought of me because she knew of my love for Christian romance novels. I thought it would be just as any other book I'd read and enjoyed; I never imagined that Church Love would be essential to my dating life. It served as an example of Godly dating. It also served as an ally for me. I met my husband in church and we began dating in high school. During that time, I was the only one among my friends who was dating a "church boy". Church Love was my "How To" manual and a picturesque example of a dating relationship between two Believers. Additionally, Church Love demonstrated that my feelings of attraction and desire for a man were God-given and they were not to be condemned. Instead, those feelings were to be embraced and understood, yet disciplined. Church Love was an illustration of how, as a Believer, I was to date, love, and show affection toward my boyfriend.



Today, as a married woman, Church Love serves another purpose. While it remains my "How To" manual, it provides guidance in a different way. It teaches me about the various dimensions of intimacy between husband and wife, dimensions that I desire to reach. Also, it shows me how to be the wife of a man in ministry. I now have knowledge of the sacrifice, responsibilities, and what is required of me so my husband is able to walk in God's will for his life. It demonstrates what it means for a wife to be a helper and a complement to her husband. Finally, Church Love has been a model of a deeper level of love, commitment and all the benefits God wants husbands and wives to enjoy. In addition to the help of the Holy Ghost, this book has been my teacher, example, and confidant regarding Church and Godly love.

                                                            Kolanda Douglas,
                                                            Church Love Fan

Church Love & Hot Button Issues

Human Trafficking 

What's Church Love Got To Do With It? 

~.~

One of the things I have tried to do in my writing is promote awareness of issues that affect women. In my first book, I tackled cancer and fibroid tumors. I was to discover later that I would deal with that issue in a very real and personal way. In book two, I tackle date rape and the emotional scars that come with it, that God can deliver from. It was an issue close to my heart as I was date raped during my freshman year of college. In book three, I tackle harassment, stalking, and bullying, both child and adult. These too are issues I've had to deal with and respond to in a way that honored my female spirit without causing me to compromise my moral integrity by "losing my cool". This last book in the series, I am tackling Human Trafficking. I began in 2010 to see what an issue this was, when trying to solicit businesses to post advertising for help for those who may not speak English. I was shocked and appalled and even withdrew my financial support of businesses that refused to support the mission of rescuing young women brought into the United States from other countries, particularly Spanish speaking, who had no way of getting help. As the Lord moved my family to another state, I have been able to come into contact with advocates and organizations who turn an eye to local human trafficking as well as international. This is a serious problem and the Church should be involved in bringing awareness, advocating, and providing mentorship to young women pulled out of the evil of human flesh for sale. So, as I publish this last book in the series, my prayer is that these issues highlighted in my work will touch you in some way and get you thinking about how you can participate in promoting the Gospel in society. What's Church Love have to do with that? Everything. It is one way we can be the tangible expression of God's love. Church Love: Real People, Real Issues, God Answers. 

See You in Savannah, 

Shantae Charles

He Loves Me KNOT- Tied Up With The Wrong One

 

"I wish you were a little bigger."

 

"I wish you were a little thinner."

 

"Can't you be more like her?"

 

"She's just my sideline. You know you're number one."

 

"I'd be more faithful if you gave me what I wanted."

___________________________________________________________

 

 

Ever heard any of these pathetic lines? These and many other words can be heard daily. Some males actually have the audacity to put these words in writing. And some women sadly have bought into these words. Let me be the first to tell you loud and clear: He loves you KNOT.

 

 

A true relationship is built on love and respect. In order for you to have a healthy relationship, there has to be a level of acceptance. In a healthy relationship, you are not a 'project ' to be worked on, but a person to be cherished. Should you want to look good? Should you want to be healthy? Of course you should. But those desires should first come from your own esteem. Sis, if you are only motivated when he's around to lose weight or look your best, what happens when the relationship ends? Your self-worth has got to start with how you see you. The best image of you comes from God. He says that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. There's not a greater compliment in the world, in my opinion. If he doesn't look at you in awe, then he is KNOT the One. Don't get caugt up in changing for someone. Change and improve because it benefits you naturally and spiritually.

 

A true relationship is built on complements, not comparisons. The person you are in a healthy relationship should spend time finding your strengths, finding out how you complement one another. If they spend the majority of your time together making comparisons of you with other women, real or photoshop, there's going to be serious problems. You are NOT Beyonce, or J Lo. You can only be you. Changing yourself to fit an image will only damage you in the end. Be true to who you are: you may be a girly girl or a jeans and t-shirt woman. If he continually wants you to change your appearance to satisfy his ego or his fantasy, he is KNOT the One.

 

A true relationship is built on faithfulness, trust, and exclusivity. Yes, you may be able to do more than one thing at one time. But you cannot do more than ONE relationship at a time--or rather you shouldn't. Romantic relationships take time. It really is not wise to be in more than one relationship at a time. You should also take a break between relationships so that you can process what went wrong (if the relationship failed). I advocate courtship not dating, Period. Courtship is a focused, exclusive relationship with more in mind than just having fun and passing the time. Your time is precious! You relationship will only be taken as seriously as you take it. If he can breeze in and out of your life, call you at all times of the day and night, and interrupt your schedule whenever he feels like it, don't expect a committed relationship anytime soon. If you are second, alternate, or other in his life, he is KNOT the One.

 

A true relationship is a mutual give and take, not coercion. The person you are in a relationship should respect your values and principles, especially when it comes to your body. It is your temple, your sacred space, created by God. That's right. Don't allow anyone to force you to violate your own body. The Bible says that sexual sin is the sin we commit against ourselves. (I Cor. 6) Sex is not just physical and emotional. It is spiritual. Most pagan religions have always understood this about sex (hence temple prostitution in offering to false gods). A part of you joins with a part of the indivual you have sexual relations with. This is one reason why you should wait until marriage. For every partner that you have outside of marriage, you give a part of your spiritual self away. This is why many who are sexually active at a young age suffer from depression, and other ills. They have entered into something they had no full understanding of. A condom does not protect your emotions, or your spirit from the damage of violating a God- instituted principle. If he is pressuring you for sex outside of marriage, he is KNOT the One. Could he change? Sure, he could. Does God forgive us if we have violated this principle? If we repent, Yes, He does. If you are practicing sex outside of the marriage bed, STOP. If he cannot agree to a relationship without sex until marriage, he is KNOT the One.

 

 

Here is a real description of LOVE:

 

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

 

That's love. It's not a user. It's not an abuser. It's not an accuser.

 

Ladies, don't get tied up with the wrong one. Evaluate and make the necessary changes.

Much Love!

 



LOVE COSTS

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,

 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

 

This verse is known the world over. It is the message that God loves everyone universally and unconditonally. It is understood that God was willing to give his only Son to the cause of humanity's redemption. God made the ultimate sacrifice for us and in turn as we live our lives for Him, He challenges us to give the same self-sacrificing love that we have recieved. And therein lies the challenge.

 

Love is not just butterflies, candy, flowers, and sunny days. Love is also earth-quaking, shattering, breath-stopping pain. Love isn't simply warm fuzzies. Love can require of us lettting go, knowing that another person's happiness may not bring you a desired outcome. Love can require us to speak up when we would rather remain silent because we don't want the confrontation that love can bring. Love is messy, but love is worth all that it brings.

Love costs. Romantic Love? Costs even more.  It costs you to open up and be vulnerable with another human being, to allow them into your spiritual space, your soul. When you engage in the act of intimacy (sexual intercourse) you intertwine your soul with the soul of another. It's a part of you that you cannot get back. This is why the Word of God says that a man sins agasint his own self when committing fornication (sex outside the marriage covenant).

When you repeatedly commit this crime against your self, in the process you lose soul. What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?  A love-emptied soul is a dangerous one. It stops counting the cost because it has become bankrupt. We live in a day where the love of many has waxed cold. How did they get there? The deposits stopped.

Don't stop depositing and filling your heart with the love of God and the compassion of God. This world will present you with many opportunities to say, "Love isn't worth it." Don't buy into it. Remember, age after age, mankind has continually given God pause, to say "I repent that I made man," and He is the Creator of the Universe! Yet, God in His mercy made a way for our sins not to separate us from His Love. And it cost HIM. People will give you cause to pause, cause to throw in the towel, but keep going. Keep loving. Keep praying, Father: show me how to love like YOU have loved Me.

I am reminded of how much GOD loved and continues to Love Me. The price was beyond value. The beautiful thing about God is that He has not asked of us, what he has not done himself. He looked past our faults and saw our need to be loved. We love Him because He first loved us.

Love costs. Spend it well. Spend it often. Spend it generously.

Church Love: A Divine Romance

Church Love, The Seasons In Savannah Series is centered around a community of multicultural Believers who are connected by their love for God, family, and community. Unlike many Christian series, this novel series does not focus on one particular culture (African-American, Hispanic, etc.) or type of Believer (Baptist, Amish, Pentecostal, etc.) but rather focuses on the shared Faith that the community holds: One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism.

Church Love is set in Savannah, Georgia, and deals with issues beyond romantic relationships. I tackle, Courtship Principles, Breast Cancer, Fibroid Tumors, Single Motherhood, Entrepreneurship, Restoring Families,Syndicated Crime, Rape, and up next, in the final installment of the series, Human Trafficking. Though lengthy, the series reads like a fast paced movie, drawing the reader in and making them feel apart of the Church Love community. The characters are real. The issues are real. But there's a real God that they serve who speaks audibly and through His Word to help the characters navigate through the mundane and the unexpected turns and twists that life takes us in .

The underlying principle of the Church Love Series is how very much God wants to engage us in all aspects of our lives, from what profession we pursue to who we marry, God invites us to include Him in the journey. And many of us, like the elegant Savannah, or the straight-laced Augusta, hesitate to really let people in to love us, are sometimes similar in our attitude towards God. But, like the characters in the story, God doesn't give up on us, but He pursues us, woos us, and loves us with an UNstoppable love.

So, if you've never read the series, pick up your copies today if you are new to the series. If you're emailing the author frantic with impatience, wondering when the last installment is coming, then introduce someone else to the series. Plan a trip to the beautiful city of Savannah, make it a Girl's Retreat and check out the sites from the novel.

Some readers have selected Church Love as their reading group book of the month, some Pastors have used the principles as counseling for engaged and married couples, some have discovered a love for reading late in life, and some are planning that Single's Getaway (you'll have to read Book 3 to understand :)

I would love to hear how the series has impacted your life, what character you found yourself relating to, and how you are using the principles laid out in fiction. Until we meet again in Savannah, remember the greatest thing you can give in this life is LOVE!

Writing in Progress,

Shantae A. Charles