Hey my name is Val Crossan, and I’m a sophomore at Avon Grove High School. I have been attending Ground Zero ever since I was in 6th grade and I will never forget the first time Mike shared his ‘opinion’ about dating during one of his sermons “back in the day” shall we say. What always stuck out in my mind was his comment “the only reason people date is to get physical”. I didn’t believe him for the longest time, arguing that people date for the title, or just to fill a gap of loneliness in their life, but definitely not just because they want to be close to someone. In middle school I had quite a few “crushes” shall we say…but they never amounted to anything. I’d get asked out and say no, I’d rather be friends…which was the truth. I wasn’t really interested in being with someone at that time…but it wasn’t because of where I was with God, it was just me. In ninth grade things changed, and I really really wanted to be with someone. All my friends now were dating and you know…I wanted to have that stereotypical Friday night with a guy on the couch, yeah, all that. As I’ve said before in my testimony I had been letting guys and other stuff get me off track and on the mission trip things changed. It was pointed out to me numerous times that I didn’t need to look to the guys I liked and my other guy friends for security, because all the security I need was in Christ. It was after that when I began to think long and hard about dating…and everything I could possibly remember from all of mikes sermons about relationships with people of the opposite sex began flooding back into my head, It was then that I had a TOTAL perspective change…and I realized just how much sense Pastor Mike’s “opinion” of dating made. I got to thinking about it and realized that I couldn’t name one relationship between two people that had little to no physical intimacy. After this hit me I began to prayerfully consider not dating. God really laid on my heart that this year needed to be a year for him…NOT OTHER GUYS (no matter how cute they are! Hehe) So-I listened. Now people talk and many of you may have heard me say, “I’m not dating this year.” So-just like Tyler Weitzel…you ask yourself…”So what…like after June 10th when school is out you are dating?” The answer: who knows. I’m taking baby steps with this one…letting it be ALL God, and NO VAL! If he tells me no dating, then that’s what it’ll be. Now let me be the first to admit how FREAKING hard it is! It’s REALLY HARD! I am probably tempted even more now than ever because I know I’ve already said no. But I rely on God for the strength I need. Some days are just “lonely days.” But something always happens on those days that helps me out! Like just when Im saying “God this is it…I QUIT!” He gives me the strength to keep on going on. God always seems to come through. I don’t know if anyone else has ever noticed that…but he really does! It’s so easy to be like “oh I just want someone to hold me and to love me” but really-God will bring the right person into your life just when you need them! God has shown me so many times this year that his plan is the best plan…so I guess I would encourage you to remember that. And constantly be seeking Him if you are in a relationship or considering one. And if you aren’t-seek him anyway! God is so awesome, just when you’re like “God I really cant do it…” that is when he really comes through and carries you the rest of the way. Lastly I found this quote and I really feel compelled to share it. I know as a girl I am consistently looking to worldly things…such as love, to satisfy me. If that is you- remember this! “The only things bigger and better than falling in love, is knowing you don’t need to fall in love to be happy.” Thanks.