Love In My Own Sense

Love can happen to anyone. It can be felt at an unexpected time.  To some, love is the driving force that keeps them going. To others, it simply gives them pain. But whatever’s their view of it, love being defined at the lowest and most understandable level will always stay the same ---it is the thing that makes almost all of us happy and complete.

To feel being loved by the person you loved according to many people is probably the greatest feeling one could experience. Who doesn't want to feel love anyway? Girl or boy, wants to feel that certain affection.  But seriously, why? Maybe because love is part of our lives. We simply cannot ignore this wonderful feeling. I think that we are all created for love, to love, to feel love and to be loved simply because we are created out of love.  But sometimes, this tagged as the most wonderful feeling isn’t always the source of happiness all the time. Love has been associated with things like cutting,  suicidal,  hopelessness,  loneliness and etc.  It is not at all times  the source of our inspiration but rather of depression.  But I believe that love has been created in that way. You know why? In my own opinion,  cases are sometimes like that because love comes with a double purpose.  It has an equilibrium with its effects so that it will function well in one’s life.  Take for example, no matter how much you love each other, there will still be a point wherein you feel hurt and dismayed. You know very well that there is the presence of love but you are still feeling the pain. Now why? It’s because you still need to love more and you need to conquer the fear of getting hurt and broken.  It may be very sad to say,  but the only cure in getting hurt is to love again and again until we don’t feel any pain anymore.

No matter how you’re hurt, you have to remain hopeful that love will still find its way to you because love comes to those who remain hopeful despite everything . As what they say,  good things happen to those who wait.  But the question is,  are you willing to wait?

Unforeseen Ending

She didn't see it coming

She contemplated it would be all worth it

But it wasn't a happy ending

The least among the things she could merit.

When her friends knew, they all anticipated her to be strong

Believing that she could bear the pieces of loneliness

While trying to hide every inch of bad feeling

And compelling herself her heart would pass in the phase of darkness.

What could she have done to deserve such treatment?

Or perhaps, what happened to his words of promises?

Maybe it was out of his great excitement,

And that he thought his lies would be equated to small kisses.

Yes, all she yearns for is an explanation

A simple talk that is very basic in a relationship

That no matter what she would be hearing,

Would rather come from a man as valiant as the captain of a ship. 

That alone he cannot do,

Where are your words mister?

Hopes went down

She calls you now world grinder.

Move on, that is what is left for her,

She wouldn't be like this without your sweet candor, my dear

And now you don't even bother,

That she has finally decided  to surrender. 

"Pain should make you a better person, not a bitter person."

Random Thoughts of A Dreamer

We are all travelling in this world
Finding joy and meaning in our existence
We were once young and fragile
Falling deeply in the consequences of our actions.
When can one say that thing is right?
Does it really depend on the society's view?
Or on how that someone accepted the consequences bravely?
You might even wonder,
Even I myself started thinking.

Society has a lot to say with what we do.
But do they really care?
Or they are just trying to impose their principles?
We must all be vigilant,
It's not enough to adhere to what the society wants
We all have brains and have the power to think
We must use them for our own's sake.

Right or wrong,
People will always have someting to say.
But this is what I have learned,
That no matter what that our decision is,
For as long as we can stand the counter-effects,
Then it's worth the risk.

Firing and Youthful Experience

Note: I just posted this article here. Originally from my facebook note. :)

2 April 2012- This must have been the day that the Lord has made! The first Monday of the month was loaded with lots of activities that will reawaken my soul who has been thirsty for God’s presence.

When I was informed about the youth gathering which is our first ever gathering, I was quite sad knowing that I am already in the province, it is hard to go back to the city just to attend an activity which requires, of course, money. Way back then, I never thought I would have given the chance to attend the said activity because first, it is already summer and I want my parents to take a break in their financial obligations to me and second is that, I have consumed already my savings. There was a slim chance, really. And so, I said “No” to the invitation and buried the idea in my mind.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Have you tried being surprised by God? All I can say is our God is a God full of surprises! I may not have been hopeful at first yet, He knew the desire of my heart. He knew when the perfect timing to surprise me is! Alas, the unexpected thing happened. And take note, he drowned me with surprises! Not just I was able to attend our youth gathering but lo and behold, I was also able to attend the 27th Local World Youth Day! What a big paycheck from heaven. I just cannot contain the happiness reigning in my heart. I saw Jesus smiling at me because I myself was enjoying my sweet reward. Everything happened so fast, attending the LWYD was the least thing I had in mind. How can you attend when in the first place, the parish priest in your town didn’t send delegates? But miracles do happen and dreams do come true! Through a friend from a nearby town, I was able to attend the most prestigious event gathering of the youth all over Cebu! Imagine that kind of feeling?

God will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Job 8:21

Oh yes, I still didn’t forget the second event.  God is just so awesome! He is good enough to make you happy 10x more and more! I was fired up that early Monday morning knowing that our first youth gathering will finally take place! The day that we have been waiting for. I can’t get enough with Mondays, indeed! Even though I was still feeling groggy after LWYD, I arrived at Family Park with enthusiasm knowing that it will be another fun-filled day with my co-youth and at the same time, a venue for expanding our knowledge on our service with God. With the passion and united effort of the youth council together with our adviser, Kuya Pat, with the talks conducted by our worship leader, Bro. Stephen, and of course, with our presence, the first gathering of the LOJ Youth Missions was a success! Bonds of friendships were strengthened, values were inculcated, deeper understanding of what an excellent service is all about flourished and joy ignited in each other’s hearts.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

With the two consecutive youth events I have attended, I am now proud to say that the youth is not just the hope of the church but the Church itself. Some youths may have gone astray, some may have abandoned God and some may have denied their true identity, but the challenge lies in our hands. As fire starters, may we, the Light of Jesus Youth Missions pass the burning passion in our hearts to infect a positive change of heart to the lives of others. May we keep the fire burning and continuously do what is pleasing in God’s eyes!

We give thanks to You, our Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because You have taken your great power and have begun to reign. Revelation 11:17

The young ministers of God with Tito Jonathan Yogawin. :-)

Restored Soul

This is a very personal post. It talks about my recovery, my personal story. Hope you'll be inspired and you'll also learn from my story. :)

    One cannot simply fathom such moment when one is fired up with lots of questions in his/her mind on how his/her life is going on. It’s not as easy as one plus one as what we have first learned in Preparatory School, not as simple as opening a nutshell then putting nuts in your mouth, not as silly as cracking the oldest yet the funniest joke in town but rather, it is something profound and way too personal.

    What would you do if one day, you suddenly realized that you are actually not dealing with life and living it in the right way and most especially in accordance to the will of God? I was bummed with lots of questions in my mind. Events from the past kept on rushing in my head and time after time, they finally took me to a very dark place where no one can even hear my loudest scream. I tried to defeat them, yet they kept me wide awake every time I attempted to. I tried to forget about them but the deed just made the matters worse. I gave my very best to resolve such nightmare from the past but then again they seem not cooperating. What I did not know that a result would be losing the tiny pieces that compose myself. It followed somewhat. I lost trust in myself. I temporarily bid goodbye to my dreams. I can no longer hope for a sweet future. I hate my mistakes. I was drowned by my imperfections. I don’t know how to make other people happy. I can no longer convince myself that everything will be all right. In short, I was wrapped with fears brought about my past. I can’t present myself to God. I don’t know how to explain to everyone what I am going through. I was no longer the person I used to be or did this happen to make me realize that I wasn't even true to myself anymore?

    I started writing again just today. I don’t know why but the past days or the past months, I just didn't have the audacity to release my thoughts. I can’t even face my feelings, my ideas, my thoughts and even my every day dreams. What a disheartening scenario indeed.

    One fact I know right from that very scenario-I wasn't in touch with my authentic self. I lost the knot that tied me to the reality. I let go of the rope connecting me to myself, to my family, to my friends, to the people around me and most of all, the rope that connects me to God. I became bitter with how I dealt with my day to day life. I am happy for some time and then I get deeply sad the next hours or even days. I no longer enjoy the simple things that gave me fulfillment. My mind went blank. In short, I became a lifeless person.

    After a couple of months wherein I rested and just do random things or even not doing anything at all, I came to understand that sometimes, you don’t learn from your mistakes and I myself am the perfect example for that. I thought pretending to be strong is the ideal way to deal with heartaches, problems and issues about myself but actually the first step is to make myself equipped with what I am about to go through. I sometimes suppressed my feelings or at times I open them at the wrong time, wrong place, wrong situation and wrong people. I then said to myself that an experience isn’t enough not until you will finally learn its lesson. When one keeps on repeating mistakes, it means that the lesson wasn’t applied in real life at all. Again, I am the perfect example for that.

    “Self-improvement is unending task, kalaban mo ang sarili mo”, as what a personality said in a TV commercial. I know I made mistakes before. I forgot my priorities. I pretty messed up. Some lessons were learned, some were forgotten. Some were not applied in reality. But as long as I am still breathing, I know I can make a change. I know I can fix myself. I know I can manage to move on in my life and open a brand new beginning.

   If the past months I became a pessimist, now I look forward for a sweet future. It’s now time to stand up and continue the fight; the moment to go for my dreams; the point in time to correct my mistakes; the occasion to be happy again by embracing the fullness of life.

    I will be forever grateful to my family for not giving up on me in my journey of finding my real self again. The first week, I was so hard to deal with because according to my father, I don’t talk that much and I was putting a frown face all the time. I barely eat and always wanted to sleep but he was always there. He managed the intake of my medicines, my meal and snacks. My mother on the other hand was also very patient with me. She slept with me every night and when I cannot sleep past midnight, she gave me my medicine. My Ate N has also played a big part in my recovery. During those times wherein I was so anxious to go out and see the outside world, she provided me with the prescribed medicines. She also bought us grocery every month. She called everyday to check us especially me. Sometimes, I took her calls, sometimes I became hesitant to talk. I am also thankful to my other sister, Bhan because she dealt with me with utmost understanding and care. Many were those times I didn't answer her calls because I didn't know what to say but she never gave up. I didn't go with my parents when they visited her in the training camp but she still managed to forgive me. During those times, they were the significant people in my life including my little brother who is always with us. Albeit there were those times I didn't even appreciate the things they are all doing for me, they stretched their understanding for me and even poured out their great love and accepted me for what I am and for who I am. But most of all, I am thankful to God above for loving me just as I am and for reminding me that I am a work in progress. God made things possible for me. And for that, I will always be grateful, yes I will.

    To all my friends especially my truest friends, first of all I want to say I am very sorry. I disconnected my channel of communication with you because honestly, I don’t know what to say before or even how to talk to you when you ask me if how I am doing. If there is a word for it, it would be emotionless. I was at that stage in the first two months. I turned my phone off and I no longer open my facebook account. I know, I didn't even greet some of you in your very special day-your birthdays and for that, I am sorry. I regretted the things I did but now, what I regret the most are the things I did NOT do. What I am about to do now is to make it up to you guys. I didn’t leave you, I just have to find my authentic self in order for me to be the person you once knew again or even a better person this time. Some of you may understand me, some may leave me after knowing my story, some may befriend me but it’s now okay with me for now is the time to live life by the lessons I have learned.

    Ate Cherry, Aynd Jheau, Jared, Julie Ann, Carla, Shanel, Janeizza, Shelina, Loisa Mae, Kathleen Caye, Leslie Dianne, Lyka Germaine,  Mia Gritz, Maureen P., Maureen E., Claudine, Caroline, Philline, Zenybelle. The Francess, Wakwak, Buddy, Geng, Adik, Mama, Mrs. Cullen, Crab, Seatmate, Kring-kring, Uyab and Kabit you’ve known is now alive! Heeeee. I now realized that in this course called life; I don’t need too many friends but only those friends who will stand by me through the test of time. I miss you all sooooooo much!

With all my sincerity,

Frances Carmille E. Alpuerto

12 October 2012 at 11:54 P.M.

You Don't Really Know Me Very Well

I know the verdict is no matter what you say, at the end of the day it's still on how I perceive myself. But can I just say something? How I wish I just could let it all pass but in one way or another, I'd love that at times you also shut up your mouth.Cos sincerely speaking, you don't have the right to assess my whole personality just because you've seen a tiny portion of myself.Yes, to some aspects you may be deemed right. But geez! I dint even ask for your opinions and rationalizations. So insensitive of you actually. The more I'm exposed to you guys, the more I find my true friends of great value. Still, THANK YOU! :-)

I Give To You My Sincerest Applause

People take in much delight
Not knowing the consequences of their actions
Only to realize they are already putting up a fight
With their make believe judgments and conclusions.

Why is it some people are like that?
Then I answered myself
Maybe because if the world's filled with responsible people
It would be nothing but so flat.

Somehow, somewhere
Random thoughts keep on rushing and playing in my mind
As what my father told me,
"Each kind of people exists to test our existence and it's your choice if you'll persist or resist."

Merely realizing the fact that the good ones are always misunderstood
It always made me look up to Jesus
His struggle was more than mine
And that I should be reminded that in the end it will always be fine.

Yes, I keep on convincing myself
The best is yet to come
This pain won't last.
All things are temporary.
Waves will calm
Peace will reign
And when the time for healing has finally arrived
I'm gonna give them my sincerest applause
For without them, 
I would not have made it this far.

WARMTH's Fellowship OVERLOAD!

:)

Ready for take off to Simala Shrine!

At McDo Punta Prinsesa. 

Ooops! Something happened. One tire slipped away while we were fetching Kuya Sho. Oh no!!!

A midst the delay, we were still able to pose! Smile ladies!

At Naga.

Look at that! We are way too positive! \m/

A pose while waiting for the new transpo to fetch us.

Hungry people! One hour has passed, still waiting. But it's okay. If we have lotssss of food! :D

Finally, we made it to Carcar! Stopped and fetch Aynd. :)

We had lunch at Mang Inasal. Nomnomnom. 

Nourished souls.

Group pose! Finally we are ready for the shrine! even though it is super hot, we still managed to smile. :)

Finally, reached our destination. Behave individuals in the house. You know whyyyyy.

We offered our individual prayers.

*notice something in this picture?*

Kuya Sho and Ate April prayed ardently to Mama Mary. :)

Stairway to Mama Mary. :)

A pic with Mama Mary's Grotto. :)

Wishing well. Well, well, well.

And last stop, Theotokos Shrine at Perrelos, Carcar.

Thank you so much, Warmth Family! 

It was indeed a suuuuper blessed day with my warmth family. I really missed our bonding and I was so grateful I was able to join in their fellowship. No words can fully describe this day. But sum it all up, it was a day of blessing-thanksgiving-friendship-bonding! ♥

Changes in Time

-Frances Carmille Alpuerto-

Times flies so swiftly

As I was gazing in the lone skies

I wish you were here physically with me.

Lots of thoughts came to my mind

They have been dancing there from time to time.

I have been feeling lonely and blue

The moment I think about you

I hope I can get it through.

Oh why?

You were the first one to thrill me like no one else can

Yet you were also the one who can make me a super depressed lass.

I guess I don't deserve this kind of treatment

A lot of guys like me yet I keep on resisting.

Sometimes, I just can't understand you.

You get so jealous out of the blue.

Is it really me or is it about you? 

I would rather know the truth than keep on guessing

This game is pretty tiring.

Now please tell me honestly

What do you really want from me?

I could have guessed about it somehow

I just don't have the nerves to let them all out.

I might get tired one day

And you might lose me in the simplest way.

I Chose My Sister Than My Lover

She held his hand so tight and they both cried. The pang of pain reigning in their hearts is too much to bear. They both know it is both for their own good and that they have to sacrifice.

"Feona, please do always take good care of yourself. We can make this through. You will always be someone dear to me."

"But Carlo, I just can't let you go like this. It's too much. You are someone worth keeping."

"Shhhh. Feona. I know that. We've talk about that a while ago."

Carlo then gave Feona the tightest hug in the world a guy can give and kissed her in the forehead. He knew someday, their paths will cross again. He knew that they deserve far better than the situation they have right now.

Two years ago, Feona's family moved in a small town named Lilaville. There she met an active, bubbly, friendly guy named Carlo. Carlo was very warm to hear. At that time, they were still in their high school years. Feona in her junior year while Carlo is on his senior year. They both enjoyed each other's company not until..

"Feona, I have something to confess to you. Please don't tell anyone about this especially to the guy. Promise?", Shaira, her younger sister of one year whispered to her.

"Hush. I won't. Ate promises. Okay?" She replied.

"Ate, I really like Carlo. He makes me happy and everytime I see him smile, my heart leaps with joy!" Shaira shared with excitement.

Feona didn't know how to react. She knows the very fact that Carlo is attracted to her and is already planning of courting her but her little sister, her concern is she will first experience her heart being broken.

"Shaira, you are still very young for that. Focus on your studies first."

"But Ate, Carlo is my dream guy. He makes me happy without him knowing it."

"Shai, please listen to me. It's now time to sleep and stop thinking about Carlo now, okay?"

Feona was very bothered that night. The thought made her super sad most especially the concern is towards her little sister.

Weeks later...

"Ate! Ate! Where are you? My head aches so bad!" Shaira exclaimed with great pain.

"Shai! I am coming. My goodness. Don't roll on the floor. Here, take my hand. We'll go to the hospital."

They head to the nearest community hospital and Carlo was there to assist them. Both parents were in US and the ones left with them are their relatives which are on vacation.

"Shaira, we will wait for the diagnosis. We will not leave you, okay? Feel better." Carlo stroked her hair and assured her. Shaira painted a little smile in her face upon gazing his presence. Feona knows that Carlo alone would make Shaira feel better and she is happy about it.

"Miss Feona Lopez, I need to talk to you and discuss important matters. Go with me outside." The doctor commanded her to follow her outside the room for instructions.

"Miss Lopez, I am afraid to say that your sister has a brain cancer. It is now on malignant stage. We cannot cater the needs of her sickness, she needs to be brought to the US. We have contacted your parents already and they feel so sorry. They are now processing your trip to US for medical treatment and probably, you might live there. So here, your mother gave me this number. Call her ASAP."

Feona was dead shocked by what she has just heard. She couldn't believe each word the doctor is saying. She felt as if the happenings were way too fast and she could not grasp the idea of living forever in US. She wants to cry yet she has to remain strong for Shaira. She feels sorry for their situation.

"Shaira, Mom gave this number to the doctor. We have to call her. And Shai, don't be shocked. We will be leaving for US ASAP. The hospital in our country cannot cater your needs. We need to seek the doctors help in the US. Stay strong Shai. I love you!"

Feona hugged her sister so tight and kissed her left hand. She doesn't know how to act okay in front of her and most especially to Carlo. He was very disappointed and sad. He was shocked and his eyes were melancholic.

After one week, they finally had their tickets for US..

"Carlo, please let us not make this hard. I love you but I love my sister more."

"But Feona, she will understand. She knows right from the start I just treat her like a little sister."

What they didn't know is that Shaira was behind them watching them cry and expressing each other's sentiments. Shaira was crying deeply inside that to the point that she could no longer contain it and suddenly, her head ached again, she fainted and collapsed.

"Shaaaaaaira! Oh Lord, please. I am so sorry. Carlo, help me. She is bleeding!"

Carlo then called the ambulance and brought Shaira to the hospital. She was bleeding massively and is also emotionally drained. The doctor said her condition is getting ill. She needs to feel being loved and taken cared of by that one person she adores in order for her to have strength and the answer for that is---Carlo.

"Feona, I just can't do it. It's way too hard to fake my feelings. I love you so much Shaira and I will marry you."

"Carlo, I know this is very painful but this will prolong my sister's life. Help me please. I am begging you."

One week after, the three of them went to US. After two weeks, Shaira and Carlo got married. Shaira's condition got better and better and Feona was happy about it but deep inside very sad. Every night, she cries herself out and asks God why He didn't give Carlo for him. Not until one day...

(TO BE CONTINUED)

With Love, Milk Tea

Sitting all alone with my milk tea

Feeling like there's no tomorrow

I wanna feel your presence

To delight me in my loneliness.

Time passes by so slow

I wish I could freeze it somehow

I am not used to being so lonely

That is why I need you so badly.

Oh babe, I have been munching here like the world's gonna end

Still waiting for your real presence

Why are you so far to me in the first place?

Being next to you is all I ever wanted.

The way you stare at me

The way you hug me

The way you kiss me

The way you hold my hand

You always thrill me like no one can.

Oh when will I ever see you again my prince?

I miss you and that's what my heart says.

I am now becoming poetic

All these reigning feelings I can't contain

It feels like I would burst if I will not release them

Somehow, I do hope you also feel the same.

I love you and your past.

I am willing to fight until we both will last

Love is not a sprint but rather than a marathon

Therefore we must continuously nurture it with love, patience, trust and understanding.

I love you and your present.

Oh how I love to see you enjoying the kind of life you are living.

Letting me enter into your life is such a big thing

I would like to cherish everything.

I love you and your future.

You always tease me about marriage and stuff

And you know that it makes me awkward.

Yet you always assure me of the future

That your mind has been set that it will be forever you and me.

Now, I take the last sip of my milk tea

Thoughts of you still entertain my brain

I can truly picture out if you were here with me

Making happy memories effortlessly. 

How Far Is Too Far? Lies Teenagers Say About SEX.

Buzz! It's been a while that I had my last blog entry. My brain took a long rest or perhaps, I was just lazy encoding and writing my thoughts. But series of events happened to me lately which urged me to move into action and bring awareness to the teens nowadays. Yes, it did alarm me because I am also a teen and it makes me so sad that teenagers have distorted beliefs and they're trying to deny the reality.

PMS or pre-marital sex, ask a bunch of guys on what word they can associate to it and I am pretty sure you won't get shocked upon hearing them say, "Lami!". That four-letter word is the closest and the most appropriate word to describe sex, friends I have interviewed said. Let's face it, we all have different kinds of needs. Our body needs food, we need to socialize and interact with the people around us, we need to have spirituality, we need to be educated, and lastly, there's a need for a physical contact or rather, the feeling of intimacy. I believe that those core needs must be met first before going to the last need but I bet, most teenagers who have been doing the deed won't agree with me. Now why? Their answer would be simple. The last need fulfilled all the kind of needs they have. The thought really scares me. What kind of mindset does the youth of today has? 

I won't deny the fact that I, myself knows many things about sex, making love or any thing associated to it but I am confident enough to say that because of the knowledge I gained, I am fully aware that I should not engage in to it. If teens say they do it out of curiousity, what would be the best response? I say, you don't have to smoke just to know it's effects, you don't have to drink to it's after effects and same as saying, you don't have to try PMS just to know how it feels. Trying PMS won't even answer your curiousity, it will only lead you to becoming more and more curious and the more curious you are, the more you want to do it. 

Now why am I against for PMS? The answer would also be simple. I believe that there is a time for it. The "pre" means "before" now why do it ahead when there is really a perfect time to do it and not just for the sake of doing it, but doing it with love and with the blessing of the Lord? When my friends shared to me their experiences, on how they were so thrilled upong doing it, the pleasure and the fun they are getting, it made me even more proud of myself that I am still a vrigin. I have talked to lots of guy friends, you know what's the common denominator? They do it just for the sake of doing it. Some use girls, even their friends just to fulfill their sexual needs. Some just met bitchy girls at bars and right there and then, give the lead. But, ask me what is their verdict and most of them said, "They still want to marry that pure girl in the future."  Isn't that a sad thing? For in the end, it would always be a girl's loss. Poor us, really.

So the fuzz, how far is too far? 

Is that a valid question to ask? In a world where sex is seen in every medium and condoms are being handed out in schools, what is a Christian teen to do when confronted with conflicting advice about what constitutes a sexual activity or abstinence? Here are the top 10 lies Christian teens tell themselves when it comes to answering the question, “How far is too far?”

1. Everybody Does It

Everybody? No. Not everybody is having sex. While the media and people in school may make it seem like everyone is having sex, there are just as many Christian teens (and non-Christians, too) waiting until marriage. Doing something just because everyone else is doing it is just giving into peer pressure. It takes a stronger person, or a person backed up by the strength of God, to resist temptation. When you stand up to peer pressure you are actually saving yourself from committing sin while being a good Christian witness to other teens around you.

2. It’s No Big Deal

Sex is a big deal. Ask any Christian teen who struggles with having had sex before. There are a lot of emotions and spiritual struggles that come from having had sex outside of marriage. It is one of the reasons God placed such an emphasis on sex and relationships in the Bible. Sex is a beautiful act that comes out of the marriage covenant, and it means more than just an action.

3. Virginity is a State of Mind

Some people use the term “technical virgin” when describing their sexual status. Usually this means that the person has not had a sexual act that involved penetration. Virginity is more than that. Virginity is not a state of mind, but it is the conscious choice to not involve oneself in sexual acts until after marriage. Usually this excuse is used if someone wants to justify participating in sexual activity.

4. Sex and Love are the Same Thing

Sex and love are very different, but they are meant to complement one another. If you are in love it does not mean you should have sex. Sex is an act. Love is an emotion. They are very different, and it can be dangerous to mix them up. You should never feel like you have to have sex with someone just because you want to show them you love them. There are plenty of non-sexual ways to show your love to someone.

5. Sex is a Minor Sin

Pre-marital sex is sin. Sin is sin. However, it is dangerous to think that sex is a minor or equal sin to all others, because it can put you in a frame of mind to make bad choices. Sexual sin is still a defiance of God, and no sin is acceptable to God. Yes, you can be forgiven, but you will have to live with the sin you have committed, which can be difficult if you are not prepared to deal with sex emotionally.

6. Oral Sex Isn’t Really Sex

Oral sex is a sexual act. Just because Christian teens are not having sex in the textbook fashion, it is still a sexual act that bonds a man and a woman together.

7. Third Base Isn’t a Big Deal

Third base, also known as “heavy petting,” is a big deal, because it can lead to other things. Not only is it a form of sexual action, but it can lead to sexual intercourse. It is very easy for Christian teens to get caught up in the moment and forget about any desire to stay abstinent. Sin is very tempting, and it does not always come with warning or stop signs. Going to Third Base can be a danger zone.

8. My Will Can Overcome Any Temptation

God’s will can overcome any temptation. If you feel you have the strength alone to conquer any temptation, you are setting yourself up for trouble. Man is known for falling into sin, especially when there is an overconfidence in the self. Christian teens need to keep their eyes on God, and allow God to help set boundaries so they can resist the temptation. The Bible is full of helpful advice when it comes to coping with temptation, and it can be a useful tool.

9. Watching Porn or Masturbating is Less of a Sin Than Having Sex

A lot of people believe that pornography and masturbation are helpful in preventing a person from having sex. However, having sex is not just about the act, but it is about the frame of mind. If you have lust in your heart while you are watching pornographic movies or masturbating, then there is sin there.

10. I’ve Already Had Sex, So It’s Too Late for Me

It is never too late. While the idea of “born-again virgin” may seem a little like “technical virgin,” it is not the same thing. Many Christian teens that have already had sex choose to act as if they have never had sex and vow to wait until marriage. Having sex is not the end of the world. God is very forgiving, and He smiles at those who return to Him with a desire to do His will. While the temptation for someone who has had sex can be even stronger than the virgin, it can be overcome with God’s help. God is waiting 

But hey, it is never too late. God doesn't condemn us, it's our sins that separate us from Him. So 

for everyone out there that struggles with sexual sin, I want to tell you all something that is very serious. You can be new again! You can get your purity back. Never think “just because I’ve gone too far, I can’t get it back.” You can! God is a merciful, forgiving, loving God. Purity isn’t just about not “going too far.” Purity is a lifestyle, a state of mind. You must not only protect your body, but your heart & soul as well. I’ve been there before, I’ve fallen short of the glory. But I’ve learned that if I call on God whole heartedly & ask Him to make me new, He will. God has already forgiven us.

1 Cor. 6:20- You were bought with a price, therefore honor God with your body.

We must forgive ourselves.Once we learn to accept the fact that we’ve fallen short & identify where we need change, to be more Christ like, we can be new again.No more loopholes. No more “well its technically not sex.”

Ephes. 5:3- But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or any kind of impurity, or greed, because these are improper of God’s holy people.

We need to guard our hearts, bodies, & souls. And, teens, the secret is seek God in your lives! Blessed day! :)