Saturday, February 13, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day in Advance

Hey Girls,

I was curious about what the history of Valentine's Day was so I looked it up. Most stories seem to say that there were three men who held that name and all were martyred on Feb. 14 but they repeat the story of one man who married people in secret during the Roman empire when Claudius 2 banned marriage because he thought the emotional attachment made soliders weak. So Valentine married people in secret and went to jail because of it, eventually getting executed. However, before he died, accounts say that he fell in love with the jailer's daughter, perhaps healing her of blindness. Another account said that Valentine was a man who helped Christians escape Roman prisons. And I read that the celebration began as a Christian response to a pagan Roman celebration occuring at the same time...well, whatever the origins of the day, it is obvious that some faithful men were acting selflessly by giving their lives for others. That is definately one of the strongest demonstrations of love, taught to us by Jesus himself.

Valentine's day has turned into a day for couples and left many single people dreading this day. Well, that's unfortunate because Feb. 14th is a day to celebrate love, and there are so many different ways to have love and show love.

So, I decided to give you some ideas to help you make Valentine's Day special.

*Single Girls*
My challenge to you on Valentine's Day is to ask God to point out to you how he is demonstrating his love to you that day. At the end of the day, take a moment of silence, and listen, try to let God remind you of the ways he showed love to you that day. And why not express your love for God in some way? It doesn't have to necessarily be by reading the Bible extra long or spending hours in prayer- sure God would like that but it has to come from your heart. So if expressing your love to God means baking cupcakes than do it, bake for God- and enjoy! Or take a walk outside with Jesus and just talk to him as you go. Just express your love for God in whatever way that holds special meaning for you.
Why not phone up your mom or go visit family? Spend a day with those you love, just giving your time. If your friends are free, go have a girl's afternoon out or something, and have some quality girl time!

*Dating/Engaged Couples*
With your significant other beside you, write down a list of what you see in your future together and compare them. Make it at least 20 items long- be imaginative. Trust me, it's fun. You could also write down a love list, write 20 things that you absolutely love about each other. And then read them to each other, that will certainly spark lots of lovey feelings and plus, it's always wonderful to hear good things about yourself. Spend the entire day together if you can, go for a walk, go skating, out to dinner or better yet, make dinner together as a couple, watch a romantic comedy. Have fun. Surprise each other with some special little gift that would mean something- and it doesn't have to be bought, you could make something (like his favourite cookies). And then end the fantastic evening by letting your boyfriend walk you to your front door and kiss you goodnight.  After a day like that, you'll be sure to have a pleasant thoughts as you fall asleep.

*Married Couples*
You could do all the same things as the dating couples really, love lists never get boring! But because marriage comes with it's own set of stresses and busyness, you may have to put extra effort forth to get some alone time together. But definately get that alone time, even if it's only once the kids are asleep and the house is a mess- whatever, leave it. Light some candles, give massages, just enjoy each other's company and don't rush anything. Spend time connecting, getting to know what the other has been thinking about, dreaming about. Eat something sweet, laugh and tickle each other. Take a bath together with lots of bubbles. Give a gift- such as you could wear something extra sexy or give him a foot  rub for a change, whatever has meaning for you. Is love making in the plan? Well, that's up to the both of you. Sometimes a romantic evening is complete without it because the two of you have a greater need to connect on a more emotional level and at other times...well, turn out the lights and just enjoy each other, taking your time, taking all night if that's what you like. Have fun!!

I hope that you all can figure out wonderful things to do this Sunday. It's a shame that Valentine's day becomes degraded sometimes to just be about easy sex or getting the key to your boyfriends apartment. Don't let yourself be effected by that but keep your eyes on "... what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise," (Philippians 4:8, NIV). And act likewise.

Whatever you chose to do on Valentine's day, I urge you to keep it pure and remember God is sending lots of love out to you too!

Friday, February 12, 2010

Use What Your Mother Gave You??

Hey Girls,

Ever heard a story about a girl who was getting pulled over by the cops for speeding and decided to undo the top two buttons of her shirt, or act extra flirty? Often girls try to use their physical attributes to get them out of situations or sometimes to get them into situations. Is this right or wrong? Should we use our physical bodies to benefit us? What about modesty? How far should we go? Showing some cleavage to wearing a skirt that we can't bend over in to throwing off your shirt in the thrill of the moment. What about with our boyfriends, is it okay to change in front of them?

It's so hard to sometimes know what is okay for a Christian girl and what isn't. Some people totally ban makeup, earings, and practically anything showing skin. Do we really need to dress like an 80 year old woman to please God? And then there are other Christians who believe totally opposite and think it's okay for girls to show off a little skin, put on makeup, flaunt and flirt, wear short skirts. Does that please God? Is this the kind of topic where everybody has to decide for themselves?

I think the most important reason to look at first is why we are dressing or acting a certain way. Is it to gain approval from others (often guys)? Than if so, it's wrong. First of all, because we know our approval comes from God. God is the one who makes us feel beautiful, who validates us from the inside out. Okay, so what if our intentions just have to do with liking a certain style? Dressing that we because we know our significant other likes it too?

Romans 12:1-2 says, "...I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice- the kind he will find acceptable. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think..." Okay, so that establishes that there should be a visible difference between us and the world. 1 Peter 3:3-4 says "Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God."  And we shouldn't place a lot of emphasis on our physical appearance but work on our character more. "...Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise," Philippians 4:8. So shouldn't our appearance reflect our inner thoughts?  I believe so.

Lastly, our appearance shouldn't cause anyone else to sin and I believe this is one of the most important aspects. Luke 17:1 says it very clearly: "One day Jesus said to his disciples, 'There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting'." Yikes! Girls, we have a huge responsibility. We can provoke guys to sin so easily in how we dress, for the Bible says that thinking about sin in your mind counts as actually doing it (you just don't involve others in the consquences of your sin). After all, sinful thoughts disobey what God calls us to think about as mentioned above.

There is no way I agree that we should dress plain and ugly. After all, there is lots of mention in the Bible of beautiful women wearing fancy purple cloth (look at the amount of beauty stuff in the book of Esther). But our looks and actions should not cause others to sin. We should not tempt! So ya, don't change in front of your boyfriend because you're just causing him to feel temptation to go where he shouldn't yet. And don't strut around in low cut and showy clothes because you're tempting the guys who look at you. Attracting a guy does not mean trying to suduce one!

So go ahead and wear clothing that you like, that compliment your figure. There is nothing wrong with looking beautiful. Let those wholesome thoughts we're to be thinking be demonstrated on the outside by looking lovely and admirable and honourable. And then act likewise, for many times the effect our appearance has is driven by our actions. Doing this will bring you respect and trust from others.

And with Valentine's Day so close, this is probably pretty relevant for those of you who will dress up a little. Be beautiful and lovely, but watch the 'sexy' aspect. Your boyfriend/fiance does not need to see more skin because it's a special day (that doesn't help him, honestly, it really just hurts him in the end). Course, if you're married, rules change- go wild girl if that's what you want! but ah, topic for another time... So instead, don't think of modesty as another word for ugly but look lovely and dress with purity. You will find that compliments you recieve will mean so much more and your character will grow, producing so many other blessings as a result.  

Thursday, February 11, 2010

It's a big controversy...Why?

Hi all,
Okay, today's topic is a pretty big issue now in days but I've felt like there is a lot of confusion on the matter. What I'm talking about is whether it's okay to be homosexual. Some Christians think it is and some don't. Well, why the confusion? So I've decided to explore what the Bible has to say about it.

Let's begin at the start, Gensis 2:18-25 (and it's repeated in Mark 10:6) describes how Adam was given the job to name all the animals but he couldn't find a helper that was right for him so God took one of Adam's ribs and created woman. Then the verse goes on to say that because she was taken from man, part of him, is why a man must be joined to his wife. Thus, God have the basic defintion of marriage directly from the start- between man and woman. That's it. That's marriage. Period.

In Leviticus, God gives out a list of rules to the Israelites for time to live by that will keep them healthy and strong as a nation. He lists acceptable sexual practises. Chapter 18, verse 22 says: "Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin." And the chapter goes on to say how the other nations in the land did that and the land became ruined as a result. Sin effects nature.

Moreover, Romans 1:26 says "...even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other." And it goes on to describe how men did the same sinful practises and both suffered because of it. But to make things even clearer, the Bible discusses the consequences of such actions. 1 Corinithians 6:9-10 states "Don't you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin...or practise homosexuality or are thieves, or greedy people, or dunkards...none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God." That's intense. Homosexuality is a sin, like stealing, like being immoral, lying, cheating...You're not going to Heaven with those things in your life. But with repentance, comes forgiveness and acceptance into God's Kingdom.

Often Christians are accused of being judgemental/intolerant with this issue. "You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse...for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such thing" (Romans 2:1-2). God is forgiving, merciful, and we have to be as well. Sin is sin, we all do it and it's all the same to God- it's all wrong. It's pretty clear that God is against homosexuality, just as he is against guys and girls sleeping around, having sex with their boyfriends. It's all sin. And as mentioned in my previous post about purity, the Holy Spirit lives in us so we belong to God and our bodies are his temple- so they must remain pure. Christians who practise homosexuality are sinning- Bible says so. I believe in the truth of God's word. And non-Christians are no different, except that they have not turned their lives over to God and do not have the Holy Spirit living in them. That is why, as Bible believing Christians, we need to pray for the salvation of others, of our friends, who we know are living wrong. God will convict them and bring them to him- if they listen. Judging is not our role, sharing truth is though, but we cannot force others to make certain choices; we can just pray.

Lastly, my friend and I were discussing this very issue one day and she brought up how some people are just born gay. Maybe so. I don't know. But after centeries, millennia, of sin and evil in the world, our genetics could very well be corrupted. Sin corrupts nature by defiling the land (lack of healthy soil, produce, etc.). And when people allow evil into their lives by sinning, they also allow the devil and his cohorts to enter their lives, and it's obvious how messed up people become (we've seen it over and over), shells of the person God created them to be. And these choices just don't end when the person dies, just like parents pass on their genetic material to their children, they pass on their spiritual heritage too. This can be good or it can be bad. So ya, sure, people can be predisposed to certain negative behaviours because of their parents choices (alcoholism is a common one) but it is up to the individual whether or not they should act on those choices.

Society has intensely corrupted and ruined behaviour, so much so that it becomes a issue of whether or not your a good person if you don't believe in homosexual behaviour. You can disagree with the lifestyle and still befriend the person. Homosexuals should not be banned from jobs; we don't ban liars, but we do not need to praise and celebrate their sinful choices. Likewise, there is horrible pressure on young kids growing up. If guys or girls do not get crazy about each other from young on, people start to tell them that their gay. That is so wrong because it begins to corrupt their minds, making them start to think along sinful lines, believe lies. Rather, all kids mature at different rates. If I have a friend, or come across a girl who isn't attracted to boys, I'm not going to to tell her to check out the nearby female. No, I'd rather direct her mind to things of God; tell her that there is nothing wrong with her at all, she just hasn't met the boy God picked out for her yet.

Well this post is really long so I'll wrap things up. Let there be no confusion. Homosexuality is a sin. It's wrong, just like so many other bad behaviours. But, as always, God will forgive and he will deliver someone from their sins of homosexual behaviour. People do get delivered from sin when they repent and God changes their lives. I've heard stories of gay men, repenting, God restoring them and then going on to get married to women. The Bible is so clear on this issue. There really shouldn't be so much controversy in the church. Sin is sin- no matter which one we deal with- it's the sin we're against- not the person. God loves, always forgives and just waits for his children to return to him and say 'I'm sorry. I messed up big time. Take control of my life God. Change me.'


* All versues taken from New Living Translation

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Your Gift is not Cheap!

Hi all,

Ever had someone tell you that you needed to protect your virginity? Avoid being 'deflowered'? Many folktales and fairytales uses imagery and metaphors that have to do with a girl coming of age, and now having to protect herself from negative elements wishing to remove her innocents. History has been very concerned with the virtues of women. If there used to be such an emphasis on women having to protect their virginity- where is that sentiment now? I often wondered why there was such an emphasis on the purity of women and not the purity of men. Obviously, Christ believed in both but our secular society used to place such an emphasis on their version of 'pure womanhood' and pretty well let the men run wild.

So why this comment on past societal trends? Well, look at where we are now. We all know it is accepted practise for us girls to sleep with our boyfriends- in fact, it often seems as if it's shame on us if we don't. It's not a big deal in any circle, except for Christian, to save oneself for marriage. And even that is tending to fade into the 'old fashioned' tradition. I'm sure many of you can name a Christian girl who has already had sex without being married. It is so tempting and not just because of the simple fact of attraction to the opposite sex. It is socially acceptable. Sex is everywhere! You're the odd one out, left out, if you don't do like everyone else and get in bed. It is so easy to be sucked into those beliefs, to start to think that it's okay to have sex. It's easy to start believing the lies that the Bible is old fashioned, not relevent anymore. It's no big deal, just sex, whatever, don't be a prude, blend in with everyone else- it's very difficult to stand alone.

Now in days, sex is cheap. It really is. It's promoted on every TV show, on commercials, on billboards, in school, on adds- everywhere you go there is some degoratory portrayal of sex. It becomes almost meaningless now, which is why it's easy to believe that it's no big deal anymore. Well, those are lies. Jeremiah 2:24 in the Message Bible, paints a great image of what our world looks like- people are "Sniffing the wind for the slightest scent of sex. Who could possibly corral her! On the hunt for sex, sex, and more sex- insatiable, indiscriminate, promiscuous."

Look at the emphasis we have on being sexy too! Great for body image eh? We are expected to look sexy, show off our bodies, attract a guy- it's insane! Young girls- 11-13 year olds- even before they reach all the temptations of high school, are already experiencing them. It's so sad to see how they try to dress themselves up to look sexy, flirt with the boys. They have no concept that they are making themselves look cheap, practically selling themselves to the highest bidder. Just because there is no actually transaction of money involved doesn't make it any different. And this only gets worse as they get older.

Needless to say, this is wrong. It's terrible. It's corruption of ourselves. Girls, God created you to be beautiful and innocent, to keep your virginity until you 'become one' with your husband. He intended that men do the same. They are also supposed to protect their virginity (and sometimes I think that guys have even a harder time of it than girls, just look at how much crap a guy has to deal with if he's not sexual active, like than he's gay- it's awful). Your virginity is not cheap, it's not no big deal. It is a big deal. That sentiment, regardless of the historical ramifications, it was right. Virtue, innoncents, it is all important. You girls are not cheap; you are not meant to be used. In the Creation story, you were God's final touch, the cherry on top. Satan knew that. That's why he did everything he could to corrupt women, attack what they meant, what they had to give, what their purpose was. He knows how much God loves you and he hates that, he wants to destory it so he makes his lies look like truth and tries to get you to believe them.

But once virginity is lost, often girls think it's the end and throw away the rest of their self worth. It's not the end. You can make a choice to live as God intends, surrender to his ways. God can do anything; he can heal your virginity; he can heal your mind, the views you hold about yourself that are lies. God will restore you and make you brand new. There is always a chance to turn back- it is never to late- no matter what!

Lastly, this whole issue is why we really need to support each other, Christian girls and guys. It's horribly difficult to stand alone so we need to stand with each other. Above all else, God is with you (Hebrews 13:5) and he will never leave you. He will give you the strength to stand, to say no to the pressure around you and give you the ability to hold on until one day you can be free and sexy with your husband. Wait for it girls, just you wait.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Be Happy Girls!!

Hey there,

Taking a little detour from relationship topics today to discuss something else really important: happiness. It's always been an important part of life for me (and just so happens that my name means 'happy'). It seems to me that many people are really miserable, going through the motions of their day, repeating it again the next day and not getting any real joy out of life. That's an awful way to live!

How many of us can say that we are truly happy? Even though things lack in our lives and not everything is perfect, can we rest in the confidence that all is well, because inside, we have true happiness? Sometimes it seems that many people would answer 'no' to that question because when you are truly happy inside, it shows on the outside.

So where does true happiness come from? Well it comes from knowing who you are in God. A child of the Heavenly Father, loved and cherished. Happiness comes from knowing God and knowing his love for us, which is why it is sooo important that we spend time in conversation with him everyday, as well as take time aside to just listen and praise him. It also comes from feeling confident that we are walking in His will for us, right where He wants us to be and not doing things that displease him. God wants us to be happy. He wants us to embrace the happiness he has for us and not find it in false ways.

How many of us look for things to make us happy during the day? We hope that our husband will make us happy today, or go shopping to cheer ourselves, maybe watch TV to escape into a world that seems more interesting or plan a trip with friends to bring us happiness. It doesn't work. Those things, ya, definately, they delight us, bring us happiness but they cannot be the source of our happiness! We can't go looking for the next 'fix' to find happiness. Lasting happiness, the type that helps us be resilient through life's troubles, comes only from God. That's the happiness that we all need.

When we rest assured in God, we experience peace and happiness. God will make everything okay.
 Luke 12:31-32 states “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else and he will give you everything you need. So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom." and Jeremiah 29:11 says "'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope.'" (NLT), These verses bring me a lot of comfort and reassurance. God has only good for his children and wants to see us happy in life. The Holy Spirit inside of us is there to help encourage us, to help us grow: Galations 5:22-23 "...the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control..." (NLT). With that in mind, we just need to rest in the assurance that God's Spirit is there to help us experience those good feelings and extend them to others.

God wants you to be happy. Believe it. Most parents desire good things for their kids and God is a perfect parent, so you can be certain that he always wants the best for his children, wants to give them 'the Kingdom'. Rest in that. Relax and know that God is with you, every step of the way. Smile back, Jesus is smiling down on you.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Where is the line?

Hi Girls,

Following kinda a theme over the last couple days we've established that a Christian girl must date a Christian boy, and that this needs to be a relationship that is directed by God, with a purpose, most likely leading to marriage. So today, I want to talk about what the Bible has to say on what happens during that relationship before marriage comes around.

What do you think? How far is it okay to go with your boyfriend, or even your fiance? Hugging, cuddling, kisses on the cheek to full on making out, do the clothes stay on or come off, anything goes as long as you don't have sex? I know some people believe that kissing shouldn't occur before engagement or that a couple should never be alone together or cuddle but I've always found those ideas too extreme (not to say that it doesn't work for some people). Everyone has their own ideas on this and I believe that God will guide the heart in conviction and truth as long as we take care to pray about our actions.

Personally, I find I need more specifics on this topic. 1 Timothy 5: 1-2 says "...Talk to younger men as you would your own brothers. Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters." (NLT). Okay, so this establishes the basics- how we should treat each other in purity and respect. But when a relationship starts- kinda yucky to think of your boyfriend as your brother- but hold on, the point of the verse is still relevant. Treat each other with purity. Whatever you do with your significant other has to be in purity- nothing immoral. So I ask, how far can you go while still remaining pure?

I could be specific and tell you exactly what lines we drew in our relationship before getting married but then you'd just be listening to another person's list of rules when this is the kinda thing that has to be from your own heart. I've read about a couple that had sex before they were married but then they sought forgiveness; however, after that they both agreed not to lie down with each other. It was just too tempting. You really should not even put yourselves into situations where you feel tempted. That's a key thing I believe. If the temptation starts and you hear a little buzzer going off in your head- hello! You're about to cross the line. 1 Cornithians 10:13 states "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." (NLT). Kinda nice to know really. If a couple becomes tempted to go further than they should- crossing the purity line- than God will give them a way out. No one has sex without thinking- somewhere along the line people have to make a conscious choice- it never 'just happens'. But look to God and a way out of your temptation will be provided- always. (and it only makes sense to be smart and avoid those situations in the first place)

When you are pure and acting in purity, you are free from feeling guilty, you are innocent, chaste. The best thing a couple can do is openly discuss this subject, spend time in prayer about it as a couple and as individuals, then come together and figure out how best to treat each other in purity as 'brothers and sisters'. Until the vows are said before God, you are technically in the brother/sister catagory with each other, only afterwards do you become husband and wife (and get all the benefits of marriage). Which is why some people believe in having short engagements and not dating before for too long either- too tempting, especially when God has confirmed that you're with the right guy- just get married already.

So where is the line? You know the two of you are safe if you're acting in purity towards each other, guilt free, honouring and respectful in treating each other as you would a brother or a sister and not feeling driven by temptation to do more. So go ahead, love that fiance or boyfriend, in all PURITY!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

A Fling or the Real Thing?

Hi Everyone,

Ever had a friend, or maybe this is you, who enjoys frequent dating, seems to have a different boyfriend or love interest every month? I've often wondered why they do that. Why just move from one person to the next over and over again, like sampling a buffet table?

For me, dating is a means to an end- marriage. When a girl meets a guy and is interested in him, she wants to get to know him better- well, awesome! But then the trouble starts, why pursue dating him? Dating implies a greater level of intimacy that's out of the realm of friendship. This means that the moment the girl is interested in the guy, she's thinking of the future, of being intiment. So when she's thinking about kissing, hugging, holding hands, being close- is there any thought that this guy could be the one? Otherwise she's just sharing herself around with various guys with no end game in mind, sampling the produce. That doesn't sound like something Father God would want his daughter doing.

You do not need to date a lot of guys in order to find the one that's right for you! People seem to be under the immpression that's it's really important to date a few guys before getting married- that's such a lie, the biggest misconception. I was told that by people before I met my husband (not that I listened to them). I was never closed to dating someone as long as he was the right one for me, as long as I felt it was okay from God. And God will tell you! I knew if a guy were to ask me out, exactly what I should tell them- until my husband, it was 'no' and ya, that's usually not a lot of fun but it's worth it in the end.

Let me tell you this right now- you do not need any experience of any sort! What girl wants to be in a relationship with a guy who's had tons of experience? Not only does it make her feel self-conscious but it makes him think he knows it all, and it brings tons of bagage into the relationship. Past relationships are not forgotten, they do not just 'go away' when you meet the one. Rather, if two people who have a past get together, it's important they work through everything with God and each other, seeking forgiveness and release from their pasts- otherwise they will not be able to be totally free with each other in the future.

Look at the divorce rate now- and God detests divorce! In the Bible it is referred to as adultry in all situations except for marital unfaithfulness. I believe God can save every single marriage no matter what happens if the husband and wife turn wholeheartedly to God. Divorce is what people do who have multiple flings and relationships (without being married)- breakups are practise for divorce later. People get addicted to the desire for that spark again, a new experience, fun of a new crush- don't think those feelings just disapear when you get married. Devotion to God, loyalty to each other, keeps the spark in the marriage- not the 'feelings' of the couple. Who wants to be divorced when their older? Keep serial dating and the odds are you probably will.

Going on 'dates' with different guys, is not necessarily a bad thing unless it leads to intimacy later. Having dinner, seeing a movie, getting to know a guy- it's not wrong. What you do afterwards though can be (unless good friends is what you become). I have friends who've been in previous relationships, just a few, and turned out to fall in love and get married- God led them out of the wrong relationships and to the right one. But then I have friends whose relationships led them to the wrong guys and away from God.  So what did I learn from my friends? That past relationships have no relevance to the future because God brings the right guy around in the right time- those relationships just create bagage.

I guess what I'm saying is that dating relationships are not necessary. Let God be your close friend, Jesus your 'spiritual boyfriend' until He brings the perfect guy to you. Why not just hang on and wait for the real thing? It will be worth it. God will speak into your heart if you are listening to him and not your feelings of being 'in love' so to say. Trust me, trust God- waiting is worth it. In the end after all, we're answering to God for our actions.

Be faithful girls!