Mandy

Name: Amanda Vogler                                                                    Christian Fiction

Date of Submission: October 4, 2007                                              Rating: PG

 E-Mail: Called2luv@netzero.net                   

                 *Verses in this story come from the Revolve Bible

                                                   Prologue  

            Mandy Logan was about to begin her final year of high school, and she had one thing on her mind, boys! Mandy’s parents had separated when she was 5 years old, so she began looking for that fatherly love in boys, and that is how she became boy-crazy. During the years, Mandy, Susan, and their mother, Ms. Logan, moved. “Do we have to move again?” Mandy would often ask, as she watched her mother pack.  Most of the time, it was hard for Mandy to make friends, so she started getting involved with choir and acting, to fit in. Before Mandy stared her first year of high school, Ms. Logan decided to move back to California permanently.

            Both Mandy and her sister Susan were happy about that decision. They loved California, especially Susan, now 15. Susan, unlike her older sister, was not interested in boys. She spent her time trying to look beautiful. Susan would call her best friend, Cori, and ask her what she was wearing to school, so she wouldn’t end up wearing the same thing. Susan also liked having everything just right. If Mandy set the table wrong, she would have her reset it. Her mother called her a perfectionist. Susan’s other interests were reading, and shopping. Susan was always asking Mandy to borrow money, but never paid her sister back. It sometimes got on Mandy’s nerves. Susan was also the popular girl in school. Everyone knew her, including the new boy, who had a crush on her. Sometimes, Susan’s popularity caused her to be snobby, which made her mother angry.

            Mandy had met Natasha her first year of high school. Natasha was one of the technical staff in the school musical, while Mandy was the lead actress. At first, Natasha thought Mandy was snobby, at least it appeared that way until they started talking. Ever since then, they became best friends. During their junior year, Samantha transferred to the high school, and was placed in Mandy’s Science class. One day, their teacher, Mr. Loom, assigned lab partners, and Samantha ended up being Mandy’s lab partner; and they’ve been hanging out ever since.

            Natasha, Mandy’s best friend, was the type of girl who would offer to help other people. The first day Samantha transferred to their school, Natasha walked  Samantha to all of her classes. Natasha was also very picky. If she didn’t like what was being served at lunch time, she would bring her own lunch. Natasha also had a friendly personality, which is what caught Mandy’s attention. Natasha was always making friends, even with the popular crowd. Samantha, on the other hand, was very laid back. Mandy and Natasha usually found Samantha buried deep in a book. When Samantha was not reading, she would go to the park and sit by the pond, watching the swans swim by. Mandy sometimes hung out with Samantha, whenever she had a stressful day.

            Mandy met Jesse Slake, and his brother Craig, during her freshman year. Both Jesse and Craig had been in the popular Christian boy band, The Trinity Seekers; but after a few years, the band broke up and went their separate ways. Mandy had a crush on both of them, since she could not tell them apart. One day, while Mandy was still a freshman, a girl in Mandy’s math class found out who Mandy had a crush on, and told the whole school. Mandy felt embarrassed, but Jesse and Craig felt worse then she did. “Mom, please don’t make us go to school,” Craig begged his mother. “You have to go to school, but I will talk to Mandy’s mom,” Mrs. Slake replied, giving her son a warm smile, but she never ended up talking to Ms. Logan.

            During Mandy’s senior year, Perez Kin moved to California. Perez had been one of the other members of The Trinity Seekers. The first day at his new school, Perez got lost, and walked up to the closest person to ask for directions, which of course was Mandy. “Hi, I’m new here! Do you know where I can find the office?” Perez asked, as he stared into Mandy’s beautiful blue eyes. “She has nice eyes,” Perez thought, as he listened to what Mandy was saying. “Thanks,” Perez said, as he walked away. “She is cute, but not enough to go out with her,” Perez thought as he headed towards the office.

                Natasha, Mandy’s best friend, was the first one to end up with a boyfriend. Mandy didn’t like that at first. When she found out that Jesse Slake (Mandy’s secret crush), had asked Natasha out, Mandy didn’t speak to her. After a while, Mandy got use to them being a couple, and started talking to her again. A few months after Samantha and Mandy had become friends, Craig Slake (Jesse’s identical twin brother), asked Samantha out. Mandy couldn’t believe it. After Jesse asked Natasha out, Mandy was hoping that Craig would ask her out. When he didn’t, Mandy became jealous.

            Now, Mandy was going to be a senior, and she was determined to get a boyfriend before the homecoming dance. During the summer, Mandy had been talking nonstop about how she was going to get a boyfriend. “Mandy, will you please shut up!” Susan would say, on more then one occasion. Mandy’s boy-craziness was getting on Susan’s nerves. If  Mandy wasn’t talking about the boys at her school, she would talk about her favorite boy bands. One of them, The Trinity Seekers, had just broken up. Jesse and Craig Slake (two of the members of the band), went to Mandy’s school. “Couldn’t they live somewhere other then California?” Susan often wondered, as she walked away from Mandy.

            “Mandy, you are too boy-crazy.” Ms. Logan would say. She often found herself telling her daughter this. Sometimes, when it got out of control, all Ms. Logan could do was pray, “Lord, please help Mandy to focus more on You, instead of boys.” It was a prayer that Ms. Logan found herself repeating. Mrs. Logan got married to Mandy and Susan’s father, when she was 23, after she found out that she was expecting Mandy; at that time, she was stationed over in Scotland. After giving birth to Mandy, Ms. Logan and her husband moved to California. When her youngest daughter, Susan was two years old, Mrs. Logan and her husband decided to get a divorce. At first, it was hard on Mandy and Susan, but after a while, the got use to it.

                                                         Chapter 1

            Mandy was hanging out with her friends, Natasha and Samantha; when suddenly, Natasha’s cell phone rang. “Hello! Oh, hi Jesse! How are you? We are going to get some ice cream at Sally’s Ice Cream Parlor , do you want to meet us there? Yes, Craig can come too. Ok, we’ll see you soon. Bye,” Natasha said, as she hung up her  cell phone and put it away. “Great,” Mandy thought. Natasha was inviting both her boyfriend and Samantha’s boyfriend to join us, and Mandy was jealous.  Mandy never had a boyfriend, and  she was a senior in high school already. Ten minutes later, Jesse and Craig Slake (who use to be in the Christian pop band “The Trinity Seekers”), met us at Sally’s Ice Cream Parlor. “Hey, ladies! How’s it going?” Jesse asked, as he came in, followed by  Craig. “Lord, why don’t I have a boyfriend?” Mandy wondered, as Jesse and his identical twin brother Craig sat down next to their girlfriends. Mandy secretly had a crush on Natasha’s boyfriend, Jesse, since she started high school; but when she found out that Jesse had asked Natasha to go steady with him, she felt hurt and jealous.

            Meanwhile, Susan, Mandy’s sister, was sitting at the next booth with her best friend, Cori.  They were talking about their favorite Christian bands, when Jesse and Craig walked in. “Cori, guess who just walked in,” Susan said, keeping her voice below a whisper. “Who?” Cori asked, giving Susan a weird look. “Two of the ex-members of The Trinity Seekers,” Susan replied, pretending to gag. “Are you serious? I love that group,” Cori remarked, stating to grin. “Oh, please,” Susan thought, as she watched Cori give a small wave to Jesse and Craig.Susan, who was not interested in her sister’s boy bands, decided to leave. “There is no way I am going to be in the same room with the ex-members of The Trinity Seekers,” Susan thought , as she and Cori left.

            Mandy watched, as her sister and her friend walked out of Sally’s Ice Cream Parlor; then turned her attention back to her own friends, who were busy kissing their boyfriends. “Maybe I should just leave too!” Mandy thought. “I have to go home now. I need to start writing my English essay,” Mandy said, getting up from the table. “Don’t you want ice cream?” Samantha asked, looking at Mandy with a confused look. “I’ll get a strawberry milkshake to go.” Mandy answered, turning away. “We’ll see you at school on Monday,” Natasha called after her, as Mandy walked out the door with a milkshake in hand. Mandy was glad to get out of that place.

            Later that night, as Mandy was having devotions, the phone rang. “Hello. Hey Natasha how are you? I’m sorry I didn’t stay and hang out with you guys, but I really needed to start on my essay,” Mandy lied. Why was she so afraid to admit the truth? All her life, she tried to get a boy to like her, since her parents divorced when she was little. “I need to go. Mom is calling me for dinner,” Mandy said, as she put her bible away. “Ok, I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” Natasha answered. After Mandy hung up, she turned off her light and went to bed.

            The next day, Mandy went to church with her mom and her sister, Susan. This week,  Pastor Jake talked about jealousy. “The bible warns us not to be jealous of others. 1 Corinthians 13:4 says Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. If you have any jealousy, ask God to help you overcome it,” Pastor Jake said, as Mandy’s mind started wondering. “Why is Pastor Jake talking about this,” Mandy wondered. She already knew what jealousy was, so she decided to work on her math homework for tomorrow. “What are you doing?” Susan asked, trying to keep her voice low. Without looking up, Mandy answered “I’m working on my math homework. It’s due on Monday.” Susan glared at Mandy. She knew that it was wrong to do homework while you were at church. “Put that away before mom sees you.” Susan hissed. Mandy rolled her eyes, as she put her math homework into her binder.

            After church,   Mandy called Natasha. “How was church,” Natasha asked. “Fine. Our pastor talked about jealousy this week. I don’t understand why he had to tell us about jealousy, when we already know about it,” Mandy said. “Maybe he wants you to actually learn how not to be jealous,” Natasha replied, trying to change the subject. “Maybe. Hey, do you know that one of the other ex-members of The Trinity Seekers is transferring to our school,” Mandy asked, excitedly. “Yes, I heard. His name is Perez Kin, and he’s in 12^th grade,” Natasha replied,  getting annoyed with Mandy’s boy-craziness. For as long as Natasha could remember, Mandy had been boy crazy. It sometimes got on everyone’s nerves, and today was one of them. “Mandy, I have to go. I’m driving to my aunt’s house to visit. I’ll see you tomorrow. Bye.” Mandy hung up her cell phone and got into the car to go home.

                                                        Chapter 2

            On Monday, Mandy was talking to her friends, when she suddenly saw a boy she never saw before. “Hi, do any of you know where the office is,” Perez asked, as he walked up to Mandy and her friends. “Yes, it’s down that hall, the third door to the right,” Mandy replied, blushing. As Perez walked away, he turned and gave Mandy a slight smile. “Oh, he is so cute. No wonder he was one of my favorite members of the group,” Mandy thought, as her eyes followed Perez, walking down the hall. “Mandy, are you even listening to what I’m saying,” Samantha’s voice suddenly cut through Mandy’s thoughts. “Sorry, I was just thinking!” Mandy replied, smiling. “Do you want to go to the mall after school,” Samantha asked again. “Yes, I would like to meet you at the mall after school lets out,” Mandy replied. “Ok. Natasha and I will wait for you in front of the school,” Samantha said, wondering if Mandy was actually paying attention.

              After school, Mandy, Natasha, and Samantha, were at the mall, shopping for homecoming dresses. “Why do we have to do this?” Mandy wondered. Mandy was jealous that her friends had dates for homecoming, and she didn’t. “Aren’t you getting a dress,” Natasha’s voice suddenly interrupted Mandy’s thoughts. “Yes. I just haven’t found one that I liked yet,” Mandy lied, pretending to look at dresses. She didn’t want to admit that she had been thinking about not going to homecoming. Finally, Mandy found a plain, but very cute, pink dress. Her favorite color.

            Homecoming was only one week away, and Mandy desperately wanted a date. So, during Study Hall, she walked up to Perez. “Do you want to go to homecoming with me?” She asked, trying to keep her voice below a whisper. “Sorry, I already have a date.” Perez said, heading back to his seat. “I can’t believe she would ask me that,” Perez though, as he sat down and began working. Mandy was stunned. Perez had only been here for one day, and already he had asked someone to the homecoming dance. “Lord, why can’t I get a boy to like me?” Mandy wondered, as she walked back to her seat and started working on homework.

            That night, as Mandy was looking through a Christian teen  magazine, she came across an ad for child sponsorship. Mandy remembered her pastor talking about helping the poor. “I’d like to do this,” Mandy thought, as she picked up her bible and turned to the verse that she had highlighted. “Whoever accepts a child in my name accepts me. Matthew 18:5” Mandy read, as she put her bible down. Mandy logged onto the computer, and found the ad’s website. Mandy filled out the form to sponsor a child from Guatemala. “I’m glad I’ll be able to help a child out, Mandy thought, as she hit the send button. After Mandy logged off, she called Natasha. “Hey Natasha, do you want to go to the youth group with me? Ok, I’ll meet you at church then! Bye.” Mandy hung up her cell phone, picked up her keys and got into her car.

            At youth group that night, the youth pastor talked about purity and how you should wait for love. “The bible teaches us to stay pure until your wedding night. In Song of Songs 7:19 it says, I belong to my lover, and he desires only me,” The youth pastor said, looking around, to make sure if anyone was listening. Instead of listening to what the pastor was saying, Mandy was busy talking to Natasha and Samantha, and didn’t hear what the pastor was saying. “I cant‘ wait for the sleep over on Friday,” Samantha said, wishing that Friday would come quickly. “ Neither can I. I wish it were Friday now,” Natasha replied. “I know! It feels like this week is going by slowly, but the sleepover is going to be great! I‘m planning on ordering pizza, could you two bring some movies,” Mandy asked, looking at her friends.

            “Mandy, would you like to tell us what I just said?” The pastor suddenly interrupted. The youth pastor was  looking directly at  Mandy, knowing that she did not hear what was being said. “I don’t know, but I think you were talking about helping children,” Mandy answered, blushing. “No. That is not what we were talking about. Next time, please pay attention to what I am teaching,” Her pastor replied. Mandy knew that she was in trouble. “Sorry. Next time I’ll pay attention when you are speaking,” Mandy said quietly, as she sat back down. “That was really embarrassing,” Mandy thought. Just then, she noticed Jesse and Craig Slake looking at her. Mandy, feeling her cheeks burning, turned away. 

            On Friday, Mandy and her friends had a sleep over. “I ordered the pizza already. It should be here in 35 minutes. What movies should we watch?” Mandy asked. “I brought Sleepless in Seattle.” Samantha replied. “Great! We can watch that, and I have One Night with the King and The Perfect Man,” Mandy said, as she got the movies out. “I’ll pop some popcorn, and I brought BBQ potato chips,” Natasha replied, walking to Mandy’s kitchen. “This is going to be fun!” Mandy thought, as she popped one of the movies in and picked up two slices of pizza.

            Mandy and her friends stayed up late; talking about, school, their favorite singers, the best concerts to go to, boys, and of course, the one subject Mandy hated, the Homecoming Dance. “I can’t wait for the dance,”  Natasha said, as she looked through one of Mandy’s magazines. “I know. I can’t wait  either. I’m planning on buying that blue strapless dress I saw at the mall,” Samantha replied, popping a chip into her mouth. “are you going to the dance?” Natasha asked, looking at Mandy. “I’ll think about it,” Mandy replied, trying to drawn out her friends conversation. By the time they went to sleep, it was 2:00am.

                                                                    Chapter 3

            They woke up to the smell of pancakes and bacon. “That smells good,” Mandy thought, as she walked into the kitchen. Mom was cooking breakfast, when Mandy came into the room. “How did you sleep?” Mandy’s mother asked, as Mandy sat down at the table. “Ok. We went to be late last night, ” Mandy replied, still feeling tired from last night. “I made breakfast,” Ms. Logan replied, putting pancakes on Mandy’s plate. Mandy pored the syrup onto her pancakes and stated eating. Slowly, everyone else started to wake up and come down for breakfast. Samantha and Natasha were talking non-stop about homecoming, and it was getting on Mandy’s nerves. It was 1:00, by the time Mandy’s friends had left. Mandy took her journal out and started writing.

   Date: October 10, 2007

    I started sponsoring a little boy from Guatemala. He is so sweet. I got his picture  and biography in the mail today. I sent my first sponsorship check in as soon as I got it. Oh, there is a new boy at our school. His name is Perez (one of the ex-members of The Trinity Seekers), and he is so cute! The bad news is, he already has a girlfriend. I cried when I found out. Maybe, I can date one of the other cute guys at our school; there sure are a lot of them. Well, I have to go now.

 Lord,

    Please bless my sponsored child. Watch over him and his family. Thank you for leading me to sponsor him.

                                                                                                                                                                  Amen

         After Mandy finished writing in her journal, she put it back into her dresser and started cleaning. That was one of Mandy’s favorite things to do. Cleaning always seemed to help, when she was stressed. As Mandy was cleaning, she found a note that her mother had written to her when she went to Bible Camp.  “I remember this. Wow, it’s been a long time since I’ve read this,” Mandy thought, as she picked up the letter to read it.

My dearest Mandy,

                   This is an exciting time of your life. You are starting to become the woman God designed you to be. It seems like only yesterday, I was holding you in my arms, and now you are a young woman. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for you. Always remember, that Jesus is your 1^st and foremost husband, and that any other man that you may someday marry, will be second to Him. I love you and I want you to have a great time, while you are at Bible Camp. Be sure to write back and tell me how things are going.

                                                                                       All my love,

                                                                                          Mom

Mandy folded the letter and tucked it inside her bible. “I’ll save this for later,” Mandy thought, as she finished cleaning her room. Then she went out to run some errands for her mother. Later that night, the phone rang. “Hello. Yes, she’s here, let me put her on with you,” Susan said, as she handed the phone over to Mandy. “Hello. Mandy, this is Natasha. Jesse Slake was in a very bad car accident. They took him to the emergency room about an hour ago. That’s all I know right now,” Natasha said, sobbing. Mandy body felt numb. Jesse Slake was Natasha’s boyfriend, and now he was in the hospital. I turned the TV on and watched in silence, as the reporters told us that Jesse Slake was in critical condition after being in a severe car crash.

            The next day, Mandy went over to Natasha’s house. “How is he doing?” Mandy asked, hoping to comfort her friend. “He has a torn shoulder, a punctured lung, his hip is broken in 3 places, and he has a broken arm. The doctors also have him on life support,” Natasha replied, ready to break down in tears. She looked like she didn’t get much sleep the night before. “Why did God let this happen,” Natasha thought, as she began to cry. “I’m here, if you need to talk to anyone,” Mandy said, giving Natasha a hug. There wasn’t much Mandy could do. Natasha’s boyfriend in the hospital, and the only thing Mandy could do was pray and be there for her. “Do you want to come over to my house, and Susan can give you a facial?” Mandy asked, leading Natasha over to her car. “Yes, I would love that,” Natasha replied, her eyes brimming with tears. “Susan always gives great facials,” Natasha thought, as she got into Mandy’s car.

            As they drove back to Mandy’s place, she called her sister Susan. “Susan! It’s Mandy. I’m bring Natasha over. Would you be willing to give Natasha a facial?” Mandy asked, glancing over to her friend. “Yes. I can give her a facial, and I’ll give you one too,” Susan replied, cheerfully. “I know Mandy does not like having facials, but I’ll do it anyway,” Susan thought to herself, as she got the supplies out. Mandy normally didn’t like having a facial done. “Alright; you can do a facial on me too,” Mandy said, shaking her head in disgust. “Why couldn’t Susan understand that she didn’t like facials,” She wondered, as she pulled up to their house.

                                                                                     Chapter 4           

            On Monday, we found out from Craig, that his brother had to be in the hospital for seven months. “How is he doing?” Natasha asked, hoping that Craig would tell us something. “He’s doing ok. The doctors took him off life support, but they have him heavily medicated,” Craig replied. Natasha began crying again. “Who will take me to the homecoming dance now?” Natasha asked, tears running down her face. “The doctors said that they’ll let  him go to the homecoming dance, but he’ll have to be in a wheelchair and hooked up to an oxygen machine. After the dance, he‘ll have to go back to the hospital,” Craig replied. “Poor Craig. His brother was just in an accident, and he was taking pretty hard,” Mandy thought, as she looked at him. “I wish Jesse were here,” Craig thought, as he noticed Mandy looking at him. Craig was starting to feel uncomfortable without Jesse, especially after the whole school found out that Mandy had a crush on both him and his brother, during their freshman year. Samantha put her arm around him. “Great! My friends still have boyfriends, and I don’t,” Mandy thought, as the bell rang to start school.

                As the homecoming dance drew near, Mandy felt even more discouraged. As she walked down the hallways, she noticed other girls holding their boyfriends hand. “Will a boy ever like me,” Mandy thought, as she walked to her next class. The homecoming dance came quicker then Mandy had hoped for. By Friday, everyone she knew had dates, except Mandy. “Lord, why don’t I have a boyfriend?” Mandy would cry. It just wasn’t fair. Ever since 7^th grade, Mandy wanted a boyfriend. Now that the homecoming dance had arrived, Mandy was even more jealous. When she got home that night, Mandy complained to her mom. “Mom. It’s not fair. All my friends have a boyfriend except me,” Mandy sobbed. “Maybe God forgot me, and gave everyone else a date,” Mandy burst into tears. “Mandy, God didn’t forget you. He’ll never forget you. He is always with you. God has a plan for your life. Look up Jeremiah 29:11,” Ms. Logan replied, giving Mandy a hug.

            “I say this because I know what I am planning for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future. Jeremiah 29:11” Mandy read, wiping her tears away. “Wow! God actually has a plan for me?” Mandy asked, looking ather mother. “Yes. God has a big plan for your life. We don’t know what it is, but if you spend time with Him, he will show you those things,” Ms. Logan said, smiling at her daughter. “Thanks mom,” Mandy said. “Lord, please help my daughter get over being boy-crazy. Help her to spend more time with you,” Ms. Logan prayed,as she watched Mandy heading to her bedroom. As soon as Mandy was out of sight, Ms. Logan headed to the kitchen to start dinner.

            That night, Mandy took out her bible and started reading. “Women of Jerusalem, promise me by the gazelles and the deer not to awaken or excite my feelings of love until it is ready. Song of Songs 2:7. Suddenly, Mandy realized that she was not ready for love yet. Even though she wanted a boyfriend, she wasn’t ready to be in a relationship. Mandy

got her journal out of the dresser and began to write.

    Date: October 16, 2007

      The verse, Song of Songs 2:7  really jumped out at me. I’ve been jealous of friends, because they have boyfriends, but I shouldn’t be. When the right time comes, I know that God will give me a husband. I have decided to  wait.

             My Pledge of Purity

On this day, I promise God and my future husband that I will remain pure. I understand that God has forgiven me of any sexual influences and activity that I have committed. I also understand that I am responsible, with God's help, for keeping this promise. To keep this promise, I will spend time reading God's word, pray, and have someone I trust hold me  accountable.

Date:

               Signature

"Women of Jerusalem, promise me by the gazelles and the deer not to awaken or excite my feelings of love until it is ready." Song of Songs 2:7

Lord,

   Please help me keep this promise. Here is a poem that I wrote, just for you.

                                         My Husband, My Savior

                                                By: Amanda L. Vogler

            I love how you love me, even though I don’t deserve it.

                You knew before I was born, and set me apart from everyone else.

I know the pain you feel when I search for love in someone besides you;

                But, when I think about the price you paid for me, I know that I can never love anyone as much as you. You’ve loved me more than any other boy ever could.

                You are my friend, teacher, husband, and most importantly, my Savior ! Whenever I turn away, You are always there waiting for me with open arms.  Thank you Jesus for always loving me.

Also, bless my sponsored child. Watch over him and his family.

                                                                                                                           Amen

            After Mandy put her journal away, she called her friend. “Natasha! It’s Mandy. Are you going to the homecoming game tonight? Great! I’ll be there in a few minutes. Meet me at the front of the school. Bye,” Mandy hung up, and raced out the door. When she got to the school, Natasha and Samantha were both waiting for her.  They walked over to the stadium and found their seats. Everyone was talking and laughing, when suddenly, they heard the announcer, “Ladies and gentleman, lets hear it for the Clubers!” The Clubers were are school’s football team, and this year, Perez Kin was on their team. Everyone cheered and clapped, some of the girls even started chanting Perez’s name. “Perez, Perez, Perez,” Mandy chanted, along with the other girls. Perez looked up at the crowed and waved, then turned his attention back to the game.

            The homecoming game was great. Mandy couldn’t keep her eyes off of Perez. “He’s really a good football player,” Mandy thought, as she watched him play. Mandy was not into sports, but she could get use to it, and for the first time in her life, she wasn’t thinking about how cute he was. Mandy was just enjoying the game. By the time the

game ended, the Clubers had won. It was their first victory. Every year, since Mandy had started high school, the Clubers had lost, until now.

                                                         Chapter 5 

            The next day was the homecoming dance. Mandy was dreading this day since school stared, but today, Mandy didn’t seem to mind. At 2:00pm, Mandy called her friends. “Hey Natasha! Hi Samantha! Do you want to meet somewhere and get our hair and nails done?” Mandy asked, hoping that they would say yes. “Ok, that sounds great! How about we meet you at Kathleen’s Beauty Parlor,” Natasha suggested. “Ok! I’ll meet you two there. Bye,” Mandy hung up her cell phone, grabbed her keys, and got into her car. When she got there, Natasha and Samantha were waiting for her. “Thanks for waiting for me!” Mandy said, as they walked into the parlor. “Hi, may I help you?” A nice woman asked, smiling at them. “Yes, we are here to get our hair and nails done,” Samantha said, looking a little nervous. “Ok. Please follow me,” The woman replied, leading them back to three chairs.

            At 5:00pm, Mandy and her friends were ready to go. Of course, Mandy’s grandmother came over to take pictures of the girls before they left. When they finally got to the school, Craig and Jesse were waiting for us. Natasha was so happy to see Jesse, that she started crying. “Baby, I’m here now. Everything is going to be great,” Jesse said, as  he pulled Natasha close to him and gave her the most romantic kiss. “Ok, can you two please stop kissing?” Mandy thought, as she watched them. After a few minutes, Craig suggested that they go into the building. Mandy was thankful for that, she was actually looking forward to the dance. The gym had been decorated for homecoming, and boy did it look nice. “It must have taken a long time for the student body to get it ready,” Mandy thought, as she looked around.

            During the night, everyone was dancing and having a great time. The DJ was playing some really great music. Some of them, Mandy knew, while others she didn’t care for. “This is great! Even though I don’t have a date, I’m having fun hanging out with my friends,” Mandy thought, as she danced along with everyone else. Then, Craig surprised her and asked, “Mandy, do you want to dance with me?” The song that was playing was a slow song, but she wanted to accept Craig’s offer. Mandy looked over at Samantha, who nodded her head, and Mandy took Craig’s hand “Thanks! This means a lot to me,” Mandy said, as they began to dance.   It was the best night of her life.

            Later that night, after the dance was over, Mandy was sitting on her bed thinking.

“I had one of the best nights of my life.” Mandy thought. “I didn’t end up with a boyfriend, but I ended up with something better. I ended up with friends who love me and will be there for me.” Mandy thought, smiling to herself. Mandy got her journal out and started writing.                                                   

Date: October 17^th, 2007

       Tonight I went to the homecoming dance, and for the first time in my life, it didn’t matter that I didn’t have a boyfriend to take me. I had a great time just hanging out with my friends. Samantha’s boyfriend Craig, even asked  me to dance a slow song with him. In a way, I am glad that I didn’t have a boyfriend, because he would have been jealous.

Lord,

   Thank you for teaching me that boyfriends aren’t everything. Mom was right, You are my husband. I love you. Help to fall more in love with You and only You. Also, please bless my sponsored child. Watch over him and his family. And please watch over my future husband. Help him to wait for me, because I am waiting for him. Thank you for loving me, even though I don’t deserve it. Please forgive me for not spending time with You, and trusting You with my future. Heavenly Father, here is another poem that is written, just for you.                              I’ll Keep Loving You                                                                                                                   

                                                               By: Amanda L. Vogler

                                                                        Though the waiting is long

                                             And the road is tough, my heart holds on.

                                                   Though I may stumble along the way,

                                                                you hold my hand, so close I’ll stay.

                                                   So Heavenly Father, this is for you,

                                       no matter what goes wrong, I will keep on loving you!

Help me to do better next time.  

                                                                                                                                                 Amen

                       After Mandy finished writing, she put her journal away and called Natasha. “Hi Natasha! It’s Mandy. Would you like to go to church with me tomorrow? I’m going to share my testimony with everyone. Ok, I’ll see you there then. Bye,” Mandy said, as she hung up the phone, walked into her bedroom and went back to her bedroom. As she was walking, she thought about what her mom had said. “God really did have a plan for her, and most importantly, she learned to wait for her true love,” Mandy thought, as she turned off the light and went to bed.

            That Sunday, when Mandy woke up, she could not wait to get to church. As soon as she could, Mandy took her shower, and put on the nicest outfit that she owned. “come on, it’s time to go,” Ms. Logan said, as she got into the car. “I’m coming,” Mandy replied, as she locked the door behind her. “I can’t wait to share my testimony this morning,” Mandy thought, as got into the car. When they got to the church, Mrs. Logan, Susan, and Mandy went in and found a place to sit. “Hi Mandy,” Natasha said, as she joined Mandy and her family. “How are you today?” Mandy asked, looking Natasha in the eye. “I’m doing ok. Jesse’s back in the hospital, and I stayed with him last night, Natasha replied, looking a little better then she had two days ago. “That’s great! I’m happy for you,”   Mandy said, looking around, trying to find the pastor.

            Finally, after she spotted him, Mandy got up and walked up to him. “Pastor Jake!” Mandy said, looking a little shy. “Could I share my testimony this morning?” Mandy asked, hoping that he would let her. “Of course you can! I always incourage people to she their testimonies. It helps other people grow,” Pastor Jake replied, giving Mandy a warm smile. “Thank you,” Mandy said, turning to head back to her seat. The worship team started singing, to signal the beging of church service. Mandy stood to her feet, and began to worship, something she hadn’t done in a long time. Ms. Logan looked over at her daughter and smiled. “Thank you,” She whispered, thanking God for answering her prayer.

            After the worship team left the stage, Pastor Jake came up and made an announcement. “One of our kids in the youth group has a testimony they would like to share,” He said, looking right at Mandy. Mandy could feel her cheeks burning, as she walked up to the stage. Mandy looked over at the crowed of smiling faces, and began to share her testimony.

            “I have been boy-crazy since I was 6 years old. Part of that is because my parents are divorced, so I don’t see my dad to often. The other reason I was so boy-crazy, is because I didn’t have a strong relationship with my Heavenly Father. When I started middle school, I started wanting a boyfriend, for the wrong reasons. The verse, Song of Song 2:7, really stuck out at me, because earlier this week, I learned something. I don’t need a boy to make me happy, only Jesus, my one true husband and Savior, can make me happy. I stand before everyone now, to tell you that I am no longer boy-crazy,” Mandy said, her cheeks now brigt red. As Mandy left the stage, everyone stood up and started clapping. Mandy knew that sharing her testimony was the right thing to do. “Maybe I’ll write a book about it,” Mandy thought, as she sat back down with her mom and her sister.     

                                                                            Fast Forward

                        Mandy pulled the van into the school’s parking lot, and waited for Luke to get out of school.  “Thank goodness,” Mandy thought, as she put Aaron’s bottle away. Aaron was in his car seat, fast asleep. Finally, Mandy spotted Luke heading toward their van. “How was your day?” Mandy asked her son, as he climbed into the back seat. “Fine,” Luke replied, rolling his eyes. Mandy could tell, by her son’s tone, that he had a bad day. “I have to stop at the book store, then we’ll  pick your father up from work  and go out to eat. How does that sound?” Mandy asked Luke, without taking her eyes off the road. “That sounds great mom,” Luke replied, smiling.

            Mandy walked into the bookstore, with Aaron sleeping in his car seat. As she looked at the books, she noticed her book, Called 2 Wait, was added to the best seller’s list. Mandy smiled, as she picked up the book, remembering when she wrote the story. A lot had changed since then. She was married now, with two children of her own. Mandy put the book down and started to walk away, when she noticed a teenage girl staring at her. “Would you autograph my copy?” The girl asked, handing Mandy the book. “Yes! I would love to,” Mandy replied, signing her name on the first page. “I read the book, and it really helped me,” The girl said, turning away to pay for the book. Mandy smiled. “At least someone is touched by my writing,” Mandy thought, as she found Luke and walked back to their van.

            “I’m glad that I waited for my husband,” Mandy thought, as she drove to pick him up. Solomon, Mandy’s husband, was the best man she ever met. He was everything she looked for in a man, but what caught Mandy’s attention was Solomon’s love for the Lord. Mandy knew, from the moment she met him, that he was the one. Mandy and Solomon had met during a mission’s trip to Guatemala. At first, they started hanging out as friends. Two years later, on Mandy’s birthday, Solomon asked her to marry him, and they’ve been together ever since.

            As Mandy was driving, Mandy thought back to their first year of marriage. Six months after Mandy and Solomon Latake  had gotten married, Mandy found out that she was expecting their 1^st child. It was very exciting. Mandy’s mom, Mrs. Logan, and her grandmother threw a surprise baby shower; with Susan’s help. The day Mandy’s baby was born, everything seemed perfect. Suddenly, two days after the Latake’s brought their new baby home, the child died. Mandy went into a  short-term depression shortly afterwards. “Lord, why did you take my baby?” Mandy asked, sobbing into her husbands arms.

            The following year, Mandy became pregnant with her second child, Luke. At first, Mandy was afraid that the baby was going to die, just like the other baby did. “Mandy, God’s going to protect our baby. We just have to pray and believe, that God won‘t let this child die,” Solomon said, as he saw the fear in his wife’s eyes. Mandy nodded. “I know, but I can’t help but wonder if God doesn’t want us to have children, since we sponsor them,” Mandy replied, tears beginning to form. Solomon pulled Mandy close to him, and held her, as Mandy began to cry.

            Now,  ten years later, Mandy was busy taking care of their two children; Luke, who was 10 years old, and Aaron, who was three weeks. “I am very blessed,” Mandy thought, as she looked at her children through the rearview mirror. At that moment, Solomon stared walking towards their van. Mandy got out and sat in the passenger’s side, while her husband got into the driver’s seat and strapped in. “How was your day at work?” Mandy asked her husband, smiling at him. “It went really well. I got a promotion, so now we can take that trip to the Bahamas,” Solomon replied, pulling Mandy close and giving her the most romantic kiss.

            “Yuck!” Luke said, as he watched his parents kiss. Mandy and Solomon both laughed, as the pulled out of the parking lot, and headed to their favorite restaurant to eat; which was normally Big Blue Lobster. “Mom, thank you for taking us out to eat,” Luke said, as he put the book he was reading down. “You’re welcome,” Mandy replied, turning around and giving Luke a smile. “Remember, when you have a bad day, pray, and ask God to give you peace,” Mandy said, as Solomon pulled into the restaurant parking lot. “Thank you, Heavenly Father, for blessing me with the best family I could ever have,” Mandy thought, as they walked into Big Blue Lobster to order their dinner.

                                                       My Testimony

“Women of Jerusalem, promise me by the gazelles and the deer not to awaken or excite my feelings of love until it is ready.” Song of Songs 2:7

            I have been boy crazy since I was in 2^nd grade. Part of that is because my dad wasn’t around. I also didn’t  have a strong relationship with the Lord. Sometimes I would try not to be boy crazy, but I always went back to thinking about them. It got so bad, that I started buying books and magazines of my favorite guy celebrities. I even carried pictures of boys around. Finally, I decided to change.

            That change started in October 2005. I started sponsoring a child. That gave me something to think about besides boys. Then, earlier, in 2006, God told me to lay it all down at the cross. I’m glad I did because I feel like I’ve been renewed. It’s a slow process, but I’m learning to trust God and keep my mind pure and think about him, instead of boys.

            “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth-for your love is more delightful than wine. Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfume; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens love you! Take me away with you-let us hurry! Let the king bring me to his chambers.”

                                                                        Song of Songs 1:2-4

One of the things I’m learning when I spend time with God, is that we are his bride. He loves us so much. When we “really” worship Him, we are led into His chambers. He wants us to have a relationship with Him.   Admit it, we all want to be in a relationship with a boy, but what about spending some time with our Creator? If I had a choice, which we do, I’d rather have a relationship with the Creator, who loves me for who I am, than be with a boy who doesn’t love me at all. Wouldn’t you agree? I also learned that we are the bride of Christ. What that means, is that us, as a church are Christ’s bride. He is looking for a church that has a pure, and open heart for Him.      

                “They are blessed whose thoughts are pure, for they will see God.”

                                                                                                   Matthew 5:8

            Before God started changing me, I had trouble keeping my thoughts pure. I would think about things that I knew I shouldn’t think about. Once God started changing me however, I have been careful of what kind of thoughts go through my mind. If an impure thought goes through my mind, I rebuke it. That is why it is so important to put on our spiritual armor. Which I will explain in the next paragraph.

         “My bride, your lips drip honey; honey and milk are under your tongue.”

                                                                                          Song of Songs 4:11

            When I first read this verse, I did not understand what it meant. Then one day, as I was reading this verse, God revealed the meaning to me. What this verse is saying, is that we should be careful, and only say kind loving words. Our Heavenly bride-groom, Jesus, loves it when we talk nicely to one another. It is hard to watch what we say, the bible says that the tongue is the hardest thing to control, but with God’s help, we are able to control it. The bible also says to put on your spiritual armor, which can be found in Ephesians 6:11-19, “So stand strong, with the belt of truth tied around your waist and the protection of right living on your chest. On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong. And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows of the Evil One. Accept God’s salvation as your helmet, and take the sward of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” The spiritual armor protects you from anything the enemy tries to throw your way, even temptation, rather it  be boys, food, self-image, etc.

            “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”

                                                                                    Hebrews 13:4

If you read this verse, you will see that there are two meanings to it. The first meaning, which is pretty clear, is that we should not have sex until we are married. The second meaning, we should keep our minds pure from sexual thoughts.

            That, I must admit, was a tough one for me. Sometimes I thought about what it would be like to hug and kiss a boy. I even thought about what it would be like to have sex. I knew those things were wrong, but I thought about it anyway. Now that I’m starting to change, I’m more careful about what goes through my mind. It isn’t easy, because I sometimes have an urge to think about boys again, then God reminds me that He is in control. It is best to wait until you are married to have sex. God created it as a gift between a husband and wife. It is a gift that you two will share. Waiting until you are married is the best form of protection. It works 100% of the time. I don’t know about you, but I would rather hang out with my friends and have fun, than take care of a baby because I made a mistake. Wouldn’t you agree?