Purity-Girl's Plan for Courtship

As a very young girl - 3 years old, I heard a youth group speak about purity and courtship. This changed my life. I know it seems impossible for a 3 year old to really grasp this idea but I did. God really spoke to my heart on this issue so much that I talked to my parents and told them I never wanted to 'date' (at least not in the traditional way) that I wanted to one day have a courtship with the right guy that God is preparing for me.

That day I began praying for my future husband, asking that God would prepare my heart for him as well as prepare his heart for me. I have never stopped praying that prayer. 

My parents dated and they are very happy together and have been for almost 21 years now. I'm not here to say dating does not work or to judge anyone. We all have our own path to follow and this is mine.

God is my authority above all and first place in my life. I also believe my parents have a place in my life and helping me to make wise choices especially when it comes to choosing a future beau or mate. Parents know us best of all therefor they see and know things sometimes before we do ourselves (even if we choose not to admit it) so they can be a big help in keeping us safe and in God's hands. I desire my parents approval of the guy I enter into a courtship with. 

My parents do not keep me in a bubble or anything like that. I do homeschool but don't worry, I get plenty of social interaction with kids my own age as well as people of all ages. 

Courtship is not something my parents decided for me my Father God did and I gladly follow Him. My parents do support courtship and feel it is a great alternative to 'traditional dating'. It does not have to be called courtship of course if that sounds to old fashioned you may call it 'dating with God in mind' or whatever just be sure it is Christ centered if you are a christian which I pray you are. As Christians we should seek God's direction in ALL things especially one that will last a lifetime! Even if it doesn't end in marriage, it will still affect your life in someway. 

My daddy teases me a lot.. he is an old biker so he may be a little intimidating to some guys but the right one will not be scared so easily! He tells me when a beau comes a courtin' he will be sitting on the front porch with his gun and knife! I know my daddy loves me and will protect me as much as possible and I love him for that, but I also know that he is a Godly man that is led of the Lord and will prayerfully consider a guy for courtship or a more serious friendship when he comes to state his intentions. 

When I was 10 my daddy took me on a special date. We went to a nice Italian Restaurant and he presented me with a Purity Locket. We talked about keeping myself pure for the man I would one day marry, both physically and emotionally. He has taught me how a man should treat a lady. He shows me this in the way he treats my mama as well as me and my sister. My mama also teaches us how to properly honor the future man in our lives. She is an example of what a christian wife should be. 

I tell my mama, I will know when I meet my husband, because he will look at me the way my daddy looks at her! I love that look..

I have always wanted to find a guy that is a good friend and is like minded and shares a lot of the same interest as me. If that friendship leads to stronger feelings then I would like to explore a closer friendship with that guy where we would talk more in depth - learning more about each others interest and thoughts to see if this may be the guy the Lord would have me to one day enter into a courtship with. I prefer to spend more time in group settings or with our parents on outings. If our friendship continues to grow I would take this to the Lord in prayer seeking His wisdom for our future. I would ask myself several questions such as, am I mature enough for our friendship to be more involved? Do my parents approve of the guy? Would his parents approve of me? Can I be spiritually uplifting to him and him to me? Could I see myself one day marrying this person? If these are positive answers and I felt led of the Lord then I would be willing to move into a deeper friendship not yet courtship though. I think we can be attracted to someone by their charm & looks and I would not want to prematurely enter into a courtship based on that. If the 'special friendship' grows and our feelings are mutual, growing in a positive way not just physically, then I would feel comfortable entering a courtship. I would also like our courtship to go slow and be filled with prayer - seeking counsel from our parents, pastors and other mature Christians that know both of us. I want my life and courtship to be centered around Christ. 

I do feel at this time it is okay to go on 'dates' - if you want to call it that (as long as you are in public places) without a chaperon. I don't feel a couple should ever be alone together with the exception of driving to the theater, restaurant or wherever you will be spending your time. A public place just holds you accountable respectable couples will not overstep the rules of their relationship with others around. However if you are alone there is more of a temptation to do so, not that all will but why be tempted.