Unconditional LOVE.

I feel like people's view these days of unconditional love is so messed up. Our society's idea of "dating" shows us that you can begin a relationship with someone and end it conveniently at anytime - this is the same when it comes to friendships. They show us that when you become dissatisfied, uninterested, or you face any problems, you can just quit and move on. In my mind, this is just not okay... If we just always quit when things get rough, then what's the point of relationships anyway? Friends say things to each other like "I'll always be there for you no matter what," but it's becoming so cliche... Do we really mean it, much less even know what that responsibility entails?? I don't think we fully understand this concept, but I intend to learn from my Savior... He teaches that love is patient, kind, completely selfless... And it NEVER GIVES UP. I think (actually I know full well) that the key to unconditional love is selflessness. As soon as we begin to step out of the mindset of "I want" and "I need" and into the mindset of "they want" and "they need," I feel like the statement "I will always be there for you" will actually become reality. I want to live this out. No matter what happens in a friendship, I want to learn to be patient and kind... Love doesn't get easily angered. Jesus loved us with an unconditional love even when things got REALLY TOUGH for Him. I'm tired of living like relationships are disposable. I'm ready to really truly always be there for my friends and love like Jesus loves me. You feel me?

Your Purity: Wisdom From a 10 Year Old.

So my mom, my sister and I were having a conversation in the car today about dating and purity, and Hope had an awesome analogy that I wanted to share. Picture this: you have $1000. Now this isn't just any $1000 - it was given to you by someone special.. To hold for someone special. One day at the mall, you find some really cute clothes and decide to spend some of your money on them... But it's okay because they only cost $50 and you have $1000 right?! A few days later you hear a new song on the radio and decide to buy it for $1.29... Not to worry though, it's ONLY $1.29. But you don't end there...the cycle continues... Little by little the money you were given is gone.

Your purity is a gift from someone special (God!) meant for someone special (your future husband or wife!). Even though it might be "only a kiss," or "only holding hands," you are spending something that could be saved for your spouse! Would you rather give your husband or wife $990, $500, $50, or just some loose change? Or would you want to present $1000 to them... Completely whole and unused??