Week 6 Day 4: Your Choice Now Will Stay With You

One day you will get married. You will fall in love and find the mate God has chosen for you. As you dream about that day and that guy, you probably are hoping for a few things. Of course you want him to be cute and probably hope he is rich. Some of you probably even have a certain eye and hair color for your guy. (Mine was blond hair, blue eye. Mr. Sam is neither. But he was a Texas boy.)

Now I want to ask you about other things you may want from your future spouse. Do you want him to save himself until he marries you? Do you want him to do anything more than kiss and hold hands with other girls before he meets you? Do you want him to have a long list of ex girlfriends before he meets you? Do you want him to love the Lord with everything he has so he will be able to love you better?

You may or may not be able to answer those questions easily, but I want you to really think about it. This is the guy you will be with forever. Do you really want some guy who has been involved with a lot of girls? Who may just see you as another girl? Who does not truly love the Lord? No, you don't.

You do not want those qualities in your future spouse and your future spouse does not want them in you. As you date you want to make sure you are not making mistakes with these guys that you will have to tell your future spouse. Would you rather tell him one day that you saved yourself for him or all the different physical activities you had with other guys?

Dating is fun, but just keep it at fun. Don't let it get serious and do not ever let it go too far. Have your first kiss (when you are old enough) and hold hands as you walk together. But that is about as far as the physical side should go. And if you are tempted to do more, just think about that future spouse. If you do not want him doing certain things with another girl then you should not do it either.

Choose to prepare yourself for the guy God has made just for you. Do not waste too much time trying to please some random guy you will never see after high school. Choose to be who God created you to be not what some selfish guy wants you to be.

This is my life I choose:

Write this verse on my mirror

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. " Mark 12:30

* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for anything I may have already done with a guy that is more than just a kiss.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see who I am in Christ not who I have to be for a random guy.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak out about waiting until I am married to any guy who ask.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God

Week 6 Day 3: Choosing Who to Date

I really hope you decide just to focus on falling in love with God first. But I want to go ahead and cover boyfriends.

A lot of this is black and white. So I am just going to say it like it is. Do not choose to date:

1. A non-christian: He will have different morals. He cannot love you properly because he has not experienced the love and forgiveness of Christ.
2. A christian who is only a christian when they step inside the church. If he is not living his life for Christ and has no desire to be obedient to Christ, your morals will be different. He too will pull you away from Christ not to Christ. And cannot love you like you deserve.
3. Any guy you have to change. If you think you can date him and lead him to Christ...not so much. Be his friend. Share Christ with him. Bring him to church. But do not date him.
4. Any guy you would not want your sister or best friend to date.
5. Any guy trying to be the bad boy. If he wants to have a bad boy image, he will do what it takes to be a bad boy including pressuring you to do things.
6. Any guy who does not respect your decision to wait until you are married.
7. Any guy that has a reputation of having sex with other girls. No matter what he says, he wants you to be the next girl. Plus who knows what gross disease he might have.
8. Any guy that is disrespectful to you, parents and/or teachers especially female.
9. Any guy involved in illegal activity. It will get you in trouble.
10. Any guy that you would not want your parents, youth leader, or me to meet. If you know I would have a talk with you than no.

Now you can roll your eyes at me or listen. I will share my personal story of dating the not so bad guy. I can even tell you about being careful with the church going boy. I have dated all kinds of guys. I will sit down with you and tell you the truth. Maybe you have a mom or sister who will share honestly about dating certain types of guys. I know the results and even the worst result back then does not compare to some of the consequences of today.

You have to choose to be careful. You have to choose to listen to your gut (which is actually God trying to get your attention.) One wrong choice could have lasting consequences for the rest of your life. And even if you think you are strong and can stand your ground, it get hard when you are in the fire.

Today, I wish I had made better choices. My choices in dating were stupid. (not all but most) My niece made much better choices then me. I admire her for being patience and dating good guys. She does not have the regret. I can name many friends who have many regrets and a few who do not. So, because I love you so much and want you to experience a wonderful life in Christ not hindered by stupidity, please choose carefully who you date (after you fall in love with God.) And when you are not sure on a guy, give me a call. We will discuss it.

Do Not Be Yoked With Unbelievers
"14Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15What harmony is there between Christ and Belial[a]? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? "
2 Corinthians 6:14-15

This is my life I choose:

Write this verse on my mirror

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. " Mark 12:30

* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for wanting to date guys that hinder my realtionship with Him.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see if and who He may have for me.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak out about waiting until I am married to any guy who ask.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God

Week 6 Day 2: Choose to Fall in Love

I pray that you spent time thinking about falling in love with God first. And I am not just talking about loving God but to be in love with Him.

Think about it, you have a chance to be part of the greatest love story. A love story that is bigger than any fairytale. The Prince of Peace will not only rescue you but give his life for you. He will fight your battles. He will heal your hurts. He will comfort you. He will be your refuge. He will answer when you call (every time). He will forgive time and time again. He will provide all your needs. He cares so much he even knows the number of hairs on your head. And one day He will ride his white horse and take you to a new heaven and a new earth where there is no more pain or suffering. This is your love story. If you are a child of God, this is your story and it does have a happy ending.

So for now will you choose to spend time with God and fall in love with Him? As I said yesterday, God will provide a wonderful guy for you when it is time. But for now, God wants you to fall in love with Him.

Click on the link and follow the words below. I think this song really captures how much God loves you and cares for you. I also like Psalm 91.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpY6L0G3JdE

Go Fish - You're My Little Girl
VERSE(1):
The ones you love they let you down
And I want you to know that I'm sorry
The choices that they made were wrong
You were caught in the middle and I'm sorry

So when the anger and the pain
Get the best of you
I know it seems like you're all alone
But I am feeling it too

CHORUS:
'Cuz you're my little girl
You're the one that I created
No one in this world could ever be like you
When you're cryin' in the night
All you need to do is call me
I'll be there for you
'Cuz you're my little girl

VERSE(2):
When you're lookin in the mirror
I hope you're likin' what you see
Because no matter what you're feelin'
You're perfect to me
Because I see you as a child
Blameless in my sight
Just spend some time with me
And I'll make everything alright

CHORUS
BRIDGE:
I know you don't deserve what you've been through
I know it doesn't seem fair
I know that there are times you think you're alone
But you've got to know that I will be there, be there

CHORUS

___________________
This is my life I choose:

Write this verse on my mirror

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. " Mark 12:30

* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for filling my life with other things beside Him.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see how He loves me everyday.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me share this love story with others.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God

Week 6 Day 1: Choosing to Fall in Love

(I am sorry I did not post as much last week but my little one was sick. But I am back and I missed you.)

True love, Mr. Right, Prince Charming, Romeo...

As a young lady, you hope to find him. Every cute boy that passes and smiles, you think if that could be him. You click on his facebook page again and again hoping he realizes you are meant to be together. You doodle his name. You daydream about the two of you together forever. The sound of his name makes you smile. I would even say right now, you are barely paying attention to what you are reading because you are thinking of him. HELLO!!! BACK OVER HERE IN REALITY! Focus please :)

Taylor Swift's song, "Fifteen," is so accurate. You think that guy is going to be the one. You think you have found true love. But she is right as you get older, you realize you were wrong. And you may have boys sweep you off your feet. You may use the word, "love." But you have your whole life ahead of you to discover who you are and why you are here. There are a couple of other things to love first.

This next few statements are not just church answers. They are the truth. They are the truth I am still trying to learn myself. So please really think about it.

Before you can fall in love with a guy and have a wonderful, happy relationship, you have to fall in love with God and who you are in Christ.

Let me clarify, accepting Christ into your life is just the first step. You need to be falling in love with Him. God needs to be in your thoughts. You should be doodling your favorite verse. As you fall in love with Him, you want to be with God. You want to read His Word and talk to Him. Your biggest desire is to be with Him. The thought of God makes you smile.

So you ask why does falling in love with God have to come before you fall in love with a guy? You were designed that way. There is a part of you that needs to be loved unconditionally. A part of you desires that intimacy. And if you do not let God fill that desire, that need, you will spend the rest of your life looking for someone to fill it. But no human can fill it. We are human. We are selfish and we will hurt one another. No boy will love you like God. Even your future spouse will hurt you. The emptiness inside can only be filled with God, no one else.

Fall in love with God. Let God fulfill that need that only He can. And after you fall in love with God, you will be much happier with the man He has for you. And you will save yourself a lot of heartache of all the boys who will hurt you. You will be secure and safe in God's love.

Think about it. Talk to a parent, myself or someone if you have more questions or need more help understanding. I do not want you spending the rest of your life going from guy to guy looking to be loved. I want you to fall in love with God and experience His unconditional love. And do not worry, God will bring your dream guy at just the right time.

This is my life I choose:

Write this verse on my mirror

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. " Mark 12:30

* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to forgive me for not letting Him truly love me and spending time with Him.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see how much He loves me.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me talk to Him throughout the day.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God

Week 5 Day 2-4: Choose No Tude

"4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Cor. 13:4-7

Love, it is not rude (an OMGosh, roll your eyes attitude), it is not self seeking (Life's not fair feeling), it is not easily angered (slam the door and storm off), it keeps no record of wrongs (does not hold a grudge and have a silent treatment.)

Love can hold its tongue from rude comments, it does not throw a fit if it does not get its way, it does not get mad over every little thing, it forgives and forgets.

Which one of those is difficult for you? Do you smart off to your parents, teachers, or friends? Are you more concerned about getting your way instead of what is best for you and others? Do you get mad at every little thing? Do you hold a grudge and remind others what they did to you?

For the next 24 hours, I want you to be aware of these responses. Sometimes they become so natural we do not even notice. But it is very important we realize how we are responding to others. Is it in love even when we do not get our way or agree?

And as you start to realize you are not responding in love, ask God to shut your mouth until you can. Before you open your mouth to argue, make a rude comment, etc, ask if it is showing love. If it will not show love then do not speak. Stop the thought in your mind. Just because you think it, you do not have to say it. Choose love over attitude.

(And not only will you be showing love, you will get in a lot less trouble.)


This is my life I choose:

* as I brush out the tangles, to seek forgiveness for my attitude.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see how my attitude hurts others instead of showing love.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to shut my mouth unless it is showing love.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God

Week 5 Day 1: Choose Love Not Envy

"4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Cor. 13:4-7

Being patient may get easier, being kind may be simple. But love is also not envying what someone else has or being boastful of what you have. And that means...

1. Not being jealous of another's looks, clothes, grades, parents, home, phone, hair, life, boyfriend, etc
2. Not rubbing in anyone's face what you have or what you can do better than someone else.

I will sum it up this way:

1.When you love, you do not have to compete to be the better the person.
2. We all were created by God. We all have sinned. We are all saved by grace. Therefore we are all blessed.

When we become consumed about the differences between ourself and another and things turn into a competition of who is better, we lose sight of loving one another. We love what they have, not who they are. If you look at someone and envy what they have, you not only lack love, it builds hate. A small amount of envy can build into a huge wall of hate. And most importantly it can keep us from seeing what they may not have and need, which could be Christ.

Let's choose to be aware of envy and pride. Let's stop it before it takes hold of us and miss the opportunity to share the love of Christ.

And one more thing, I love you gals!!!

This is my life I choose:

* as I brush out the tangles, to seek forgiveness for envying what others have instead of being thankful for what God has given me..
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see those who are missing the most important thing not what all they have.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak words of love not boastful words.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God

Week 4 Day 5: Choose to Remember You Are Loved

We have been discussing how to love others. Sometimes it is hard to love others when you feel so unloved and alone. Whether you lost a parent, sibling, friend, or grandparent, it can be hard to love again. But stop today and choose to remember how much Christ loves you. Because of his love we can love others.

1 John 3:1

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him"
Romans 5:8

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us"


Romans 8:39
"neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord"

God's word is true and so is His love :)

It is my life I will choose…

*To read my verse

"4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Cor. 13:4-7

* as I brush out the tangles, to ask God to thank God for loving me.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see His love for me today.
*as I brush my teeth, to tell God I love Him..
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God