Can Guys & Girls Be Just Friends?

I have five brothers. Let me tell you, if a guy is taking the time to search you out, be interested in what you are doing or taking time to be with you. Hands down, he likes you. Guys don't just naturally do that kind of thing. It takes a special interest or admiration for a man to do this.


However, we live in a society where adults are getting married later in life. So what do we do? It's not like we can avoid working with, serving with or being with the opposite sex until it's time to get married. (Although, that would be highly convenient. My brother David is a fan of arranged marriages.)


Here's the reality: I'm hopefully going to be married longer then I am going to be single. And when I am married I will need to know how to communicate with, encourage and work with other married and single men. It's not like you get married and then never find another man attractive. You get married and then you still have the balancing act of trying to control your heart, emotions and physical attractions.


I believe as a Christian ALL that I do in word, action and deed is my worship towards God. The men in my life are not play things to be teased, mocked or used for gifts. The men in my life are not slaves to serve me, cuddle me or please my every whim. The men in my life are not just "brothers" that I get to string along, idolize or pray marry me. The men in my life are a gift from God.  


Can a guy be just my friend? Nope, he is way more than that. Every single conversation and interaction I have with him should reflect and demonstrate to him the truth of who he really is: an image bearer of Christ to a dying world.


-Elizabeth

This YouTube video has been sent to me several times over the last few weeks. I decided to take the risk and post it on my blog. I'll post my thoughts on this video on Tuesday. In the mean time I'd love to know what you think about it. True or false: Can a guy and a girl be just friends? 

"Lord,
       Open my ears!
       So much of what I read in your Word speaks of the importance of hearing.
       Wisdom demands it;
       Righteousness requires it;
       Understanding necessitates it.


I see so much of selective hearing.
Am I a selective listener?
Do I only hear what I want to?


Oh, Father!
      You know I long to be
              wise,
              understanding,
              discerning. 
Teach me to hear from people,
        experiences,
        expressions,
        tones from life....
With an openness of mind,
a totality of heart,
and an abandonment of my own preconceived ideas.
Help me to learn. 
Teach me to open my ears and really hear." 


-Carole Mayhall 

Wisdom

‎"We have been forgiven much so we eat, we live, we breathe, we give, we even sweat Love."

Watch this and be blessed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyXSFnZijSs&feature=youtube_gdata_player

-Elizabeth

"Should I seek a career doing what I love?"

"Don't pay too much attention to that questionable advice--'Seek a career doing what you love.' Ain't nobody looking to pay me to go fishing. Instead, learn to love what you do--the work you must do because it matches your God-given talents with what others need from you." Rabbi Daniel Lapin