TRUE love waits

True Love Waits. Teens! I need you to check these True Love Waits rings out and get back to me ASAP! Especially if you weren't at youth group tonight...if you want a ring, I need to know this week!

The girls have picked out THIS ring. (If one of your girls picks a different ring, let me know.) 

Guys....I'm looking at THIS ring for you. Or maybe you would be interested THIS one with the Hebrew word for Sanctification/Purity. I think that's pretty sweet. Or do you want to find something else or a necklace pendant or something? 

If you're wondering why in the world we're looking at these rings read this (Parents especially need to be informed of this!):

The past three Sundays we have been focusing our discussions on Relationships 101—working to help our teens understand God’s plan for dating and marriage.  We’ve examined how the secular culture tells us we should date and discovered the reasons for God’s high standards for our physical and emotional purity.  He wants us to be holy just as he is holy. In addition, He desires to protect us from the future negative consequences of our present choices.

To bring this series to a close, Kevin and I have presented the teens with the option of publicly proclaiming their decision to remain sexually pure until marriage. This will be a small “ceremony” on April 11^th held during regularly scheduled youth group.  Parents are welcome to attend.  If, after serious consideration and prayer, a teen decides to sign the following covenant contract, we will present them with a True Love Waits ring. This ring will serve not only as a great reminder of their personal commitment but also as a conversation tool with their friends—giving them a great opportunity to share their stance on purity and possibly delve into the Gospel message. 

We are asking that parents discuss this decision with their student(s) and consider making a financial contribution toward the cost of their rings.  We are looking at sterling silver bands that will total approximately $25. Feel free to contact us with any questions as well as join us for the April 11^th Covenant Signing.  

And be sure to check out this great song by Rebecca St. James. 

Wait for Me. 

Winter Jam Recap

Winter Jam 2010. For those of you who weren't able to come you seriously missed an awesome concert. Eastern Michigan's Convocation Center was packed to the gills and many people at the end of the line had to be turned away. See>>

To check the awesome rather poor quality videos clips from a few of the Winter Jam bands, head over to Melanie's YouTube page.

WINTER JAM: this FRIDAY!!!

So sorry about the last minute planning here. We've talked a lot about this event for a few months, but March 26th definitely snuck up on us. 

In any case, this is a FANTASTIC event for just 10 bucks! You can't beat it!  Tickets are not presold, so we must arrive early enough to get in the loooong line. While we wait, Melanie or Kevin will run to pick up a few pizzas so bring an extra $2 for that cost. 

We need to know by TUESDAY who's coming and who's bringing friends so we can line up vehicles. 

WINTER JAM TOUR 2010

YPSILANTI, MI

Date: 3/26/2010 

Venue: EMU Convocation Center, 799 North Hewitt Road, YPSILANTI, MI  

TIME: 7:00PM

COST: $10 @ Door - No Advance Tickets

plus $2 for pizza and any extra cash for souvenirs 

Leave from the Eccles' at 4:00PM

Doors open at 6:00PM 

Pre-Show approx. 6:20PM

Lights Down approx. 6:55PM 

Show Ends approx. 10:20PM

LINE UP: 

Third Day

Newsboys

NewSong

Tenth Avenue North

Fireflight

Robert Pierre

Revive

& Guest Speaker Tony Nolan 

For More Information: 734-487-2282

Q&A on: Knowing You've Found the One

We received a great question on the last post and wanted to be sure all of you had the chance to check out our answers. 

Someone asked:

So I'm wondering what is love to you guys? Don't just give me the 'Bible' answer either. And how do you know that you've found someone you think your in love with? Is there a way to know for certain or is it all just guess work?

Kevin says:

This question requires a different answer from Mel and I...so I guess I'll give my half first while I wait for a job call this morning.

For a guy, Love is self-sacrifice for someone you admire. It has nothing to do with how cute you think they are (although it helps). When you realize that you'd do anything to brighten their day (like when I go on a walk with Mel) even if you don't get anything out of it...that's Love.

Even more than that, I think that Love is a commitment even more than that. I didn't want to tell a girl I loved her until I was ready to go buy a ring and pick her till I died. For me, love means that for better or worse, richer or poorer, cuter or mid-40's when you're gaining weight...you're going to be there.

The guy's job (in my opinion) is to make the money, take care of the provision, love the wife, make her feel valued, and keep her from any harm while giving her the world.

When you find a girl that you've known long enough to see her at her worst...when she yells at you and says stuff that cuts your heart out...when you've seen the worst and still think she's the best and you can't imagine life without her...you're almost in love. The only thing left is to take the plunge and decide that no matter how you feel about it 20 years from now, you'll be as dedicated to her then as you are in that moment.

That's Love.

Melanie said: 

First and foremost, I think dating (and marriage for that matter) involves endless prayer. If you are not bathing your relationship in prayer then it is impossible to know what decisions God would have you make. Be willing to just listen to him. There were many times I was afraid to listen...afraid His answers would be different than my desires. But I forced myself to be quiet and hear His will for me. 

Being in love is definitely multi-dimensional. It involves a deep commitment. You must believe that no matter what the other person says or does (good or bad) you will be faithful to them for always. This makes love a CHOICE. So before you get to this point when you're asking yourself, "Do I want to stand by this person no matter what?" you should see if these are true:

1. Do both of you challenge one another to grow and mature (relationally, spiritually, emotionally, intellectually)? If neither (or only one of you) is seeing growth then it's not worth committing to for a lifetime. To sharpen and encourage one another is sometimes painful, but oh so necessary. And the alternative is being stagnant (seeing no change) or even "lukewarm" which is just not an option. 

2. My second point relates closely to the first. The most important aspect of growth is spiritually--in communion with God. If your relationship does not make you MORE EFFECTIVE as a minister of the Gospel then it is time to say goodbye. This is why Paul taught us that it is better to stay single--for the sake of the Gospel. But if the two of you become an unstoppable force for Christ, then by all means come together as husband and wife!

3. Do you continually learn more and WANT to learn more about the other person? Do they always hold your attention and interest? This is not just physical. Do you never tire of talking with them, hearing their ideas, their dreams, their philosophies, their frustrations, and their successes? Then you've probably got something good. 

4. Time. Though I don't think it is essential to date for eleventy billion years before you know you're ready to marry, I do think there is wisdom found in a longer-term dating relationship. You can't possibly know and experience everything with this person that you will see in 50 years of marriage, but the longer you date the more chances there are to see one another sick, cranky, angry, excited, weird, emotional, passionate, etc. You each have SO many dimensions and the longer you spend getting to know one another, the more educated decision you will be able to make. 

And after you experience much of the good and the bad that comes with the package deal you have to ask yourself, "Would I rather spend a terrible day with this person than a fantastic day with anyone else?" If the answer is yes, then you may be looking at your forever Love. 

4. As a girl, I must say that a woman must be certain that she trusts this man with everything she has. Trust that he has her best in mind even if she gets hurt by something he said at times (knowing he wasn't INTENDING on hurting her.) Trust that he will provide for her and their future family. Trust that he will be forever faithful. Trust him with her inmost thoughts. Trust him to be the spiritual leader of their future home. 

5. And finally, don't be afraid to seek godly advice--from mature friends, godly mentors, parents, grandparents. If there are red flags thrown by these people then you might want to take a second look at your relationship. But if everyone is overjoyed with the love you have found and is whole-heartedly rooting for you, then the future of your relationship is most likely going to be blessed.

I know that's A LOT but it's what I've learned.

---------------

more anonymous questions, anyone?  Bring it on! :D

Current Discussion: Dating

The 4-1-1. (or, as Kevin likes to say, "The Down-low on Hook-ups.") These next few weeks, Kevin and Melanie will be taking the teens through a soul-searching study of biblical dating and relationships. It is evident that the message our culture sends students concerning their sexuality is completely opposing God’s plan for a sacred marriage. We invite all of our teens and their friends  to join us as we share plenty of stories and engage in some deep discussions along the way. Come with every question you always wanted to ask but were afraid to. J This is a series you really don’t want to miss!

Last week we took an anonymous survey that will allow Kevin and Melanie to assess where all of you teens are at--what you've heard, thought about, experienced, and wish to talk about (or not!)  We appreciate your honest answers.

Our conversation focus this past Sunday was "WHO should you date?" Everyone wrote down many of the specific attributes they want in a future spouse. (How should that person act, what character qualities should they possess, what interests would you like them to share with you, etc).

Then they took note of the guy or girl who they are currently interested in.  Comparing the two may have been eye opening for some of us.  Kevin and Mel challenged everyone to actually go home and continue working on a list of qualities they want their future husband or wife to have as well as a list of those "deal breaker" qualities (that is, if a guy or girl does this or has this quality there is NO relationship possibility.) And once you have your list, DON'T settle. You deserve the best--the filet mignon--so don't sink to the level of second best--the hotdog of relationships. :) 

THIS Sunday we're looking at the topic of "HOW should you date?" What examples do you follow for how to date? What boundaries and guidelines do Scripture show us and which ones do you want to set up for yourselves? Answering that timeless question among dating individuals: "How far is too far?"  Should be a greatly insightful night!  Go ahead and bring some friends with you. We know everyone is interested in the topic of dating and we welcome different thoughts and perspectives as we explore the standards God has for our lives--offering protection and guidance for our own good! 

Join us, won't you?!