Quote for the Day from Cara: "I need to pay more attention to her because I would want people to pay attention to me, if I were me."

Oh my goodness. I just realized that Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is doing a special "After the Storm" show tonite. That is only my favorite show in the world. So I might be a little distracted as I type this. Or I might just wait till the show's over. And you'll never know...mwahahaa!!

So today was interesting. Usually I have my jr. high class for 1st, 2nd, and 4th hours on Thursdays, but today their 3rd hour teacher was sick, so I had them all morning! Which was fine with me, because I love them (and yes, I would say that even if some of them didn't read this) but I think being in the same classroom for so long got to be a little much for some of them. They ended up being a little mean to each other and fighting and stuff. But it was all good. We had a good time. It was also interesting because the entire grade school went on a field trip and took the principal and the secretary with them, so we were quite literally on our own. Plus nobody unlocked the doors before they left, so we were all upstairs and completely oblivious to the fact that some of the late-arriving students were effectively locked out. I got a pretty humorous description from one senior of her attempts to get in the school. She knew her class was in there, but she couldn't see anybody, and come to find out, her class had been sent up to the library after all because their teacher was sick. It was just crazy, I tell ya! But we did get stuff done, in spite of it all!

Okay. I just have to say some things here that I have been needing to say for quite some time. I know that some of you are going to think I am targeting certain people, but I'm not. I have been thinking about these things for a looong time. And even though some of you are still going to think to yourself when you read this, "I know exactly who she's talking about" you don't! Cuz I'm not talking about anyone in particular. This is just a rant, okay?

Anytime I say things like this, I feel like people are going to think that I am against marriage. I'm not. I believe very strongly in marriage. I believe God ordains marriage and when it's done right, it can be the most beautiful thing ever. Key phrase: "when it's done right."
I am extremely disturbed when I see people taking marriage lightly. I believe that when you commit to marry someone, it is serious, and it is for life. No turning back. There should not be any thoughts of, "well, if it doesn't work out, we'll just get a divorce." NO. God wants the relationship between a husband and wife to be a picture of His relationship with the church. Has he ever divorced the church or been unfaithful to the church? NO. I believe marriage should be taken very seriously.

That being said, I do of course know that there are times when abuse and unfaithfulness make it impossible for marriages to work out. But that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about going into the marriage without a sense of true commitment.

I am disturbed when I sense that people are rushing into marriage. What's the rush? I know that's going to sound funny to some of you because you're thinking, "well, that's easy to say, just cuz YOU haven't rushed into it." Please understand, I'm not saying people have to wait as long as I have. And I'm not saying people need to wait until I'm ready for them to get married. When it comes right down to it, it's really none of my business. But this is my blog, and I get to express my opinions here! I would just hope that people are waiting until they are ready! Ya know? People have their whole lives ahead of them to be married. Why put extra stress on a marriage by getting married so young? Are you going to go to college? Are you going to have good options for a career? What if you end up having a baby right away? It is my firm belief that people should not get married until they are ready to have kids, because it could happen. That doesn't mean they have to have kids right away, obviously, but be prepared for the possibility! Surprises (not accidents!) do happen!!

It is a proven fact that young people change tremendously between the ages of 18 and 25. You might not even be the same person when you are 25 that you were when you were 18. What if you don't like the person your spouse becomes after they grow up? Seriously!

I want to reiterate that I am not targeting the people you think I am. Yes, there have been four different couples I know who have announced their engagement within the last month. But I'm not targeting any of them. Or maybe I'm thinking of all them. You'll never know! The point is, these are the things that have been on my heart, and the things I would like for EVERY person who is considering marriage to consider. Marriage is serious. I have watched too many of my friends go through painful divorces. I have seen too many unhappy marriages and painful situations. I have witnessed too many regrets and hurts and "if onlys" to just let it all go by. God has a wonderful plan for each of us. He has only the best in store. I hope that we all truly seek out His will. My deepest desire is to have God's smile of approval on my life. I hope that's what you want too!

There is too much pressure in our society to get married. I feel it all the time. Sometimes you are made to feel as if you are not normal if you are not married. That's not okay. God has a different plan for every single (no pun intended) person He placed on this earth. There are many things that are much worse than being single! (I hesitate to say that, because by saying "worse" the implication is that being single it "bad" and it's not, but hopefully you know what I mean.) I guess I will have to resort to the motto that has been my quote for some time so in honor of Chris I will say: "It's better to be single than wish you were!"

Well,this hasn't been polished, and hasn't been said as well as I would have liked, but it has come from my heart. No apologies. This is how I feel.

I'd like to give a shout-out to all my single friends. I love all my married friends, but this is for you single guys and gals. God has a plan for you! You might meet the man/woman of your dreams tomorrow or next week or next year or when you get to Heaven and fall at Jesus' feet. The important thing is that we follow Christ and His will for our lives. I love you all and I know the struggles you face! Anytime you want to talk, I'm here!

Love, love, love to all who read!