Talent Show

   
I have been very interested lately in possessing a special talent. I mean, I have, I guess what you would consider "special talents" that no one knows about; like that I can play piano, or sing. Things I can do, but it's not something I bring up in everyday conversation - "Standard Talents". 
     However, I'm not talking about those kind of talents. I'm speaking about the kind of talents that you can pull out at parties, and impress people. "Party Talents" ; an ability to do a back handspring, or a secret poker talent that took  your dorm by force. Things you don't do all the time, but you can whip out to impress people.   
   I have this friend, and she has a really, really cool talent. It's awesome, and way surpasses any party talent that I could ever dream of having. The thing about her talent, however, is she doesn't want to share it, ever, with anyone. It's just her little piece of herself, just for her. She never talks about it, but sometimes it just slips out, and your swept up in the awe of her. A true "Secret Talent".  
     I have another friend, and she has no problem showcasing her talents for everyone to see. She practices it, hones it, and never stops learning about it, constantly improving it and, of course, showing it to the world. The kind of talent we often see on T.V., or listen to on the radio. What we would think of as "Star Talent." 
    As I was driving home tonight, listening to the radio, and thinking about how I wish I could be a secret Black Jack superstar, I had a thought. Faith can very easily be put into talent categories. Let me break it down.  

     Standard Talent 

    A standard talent faith would be something everyone has, and is not that hard to obtain. Sure, with a little training, anyone could play "Hot Cross Buns" from middle C, or sing "Happy Birthday" on key. Anyone can have faith that the bus will come, or they'll have that shirt in your size. However, a lot of the time people use that same kind of faith, and apply it to God. That "Ho, Hum, life is Good" kind of thing.  Just like believing the bus will come, we believe that God is good. That is, until the bus doesn't come. When they tell you that they're out of stock in that size. When your girlfriend breaks up with you. When your dad becomes sick. Then, just like that, you're finding a new ride to school. Like my once great piano skills, you put it on the shelf, and don't look at it for years. God isn't doing your plan, your idea of what God should do- he's bad, he's mean. Sure, you'll say you can do it- I told someone just today that I could play the piano. You'll say you believe in God. But when it comes time to show yourself, you'll say, "Oh, I'm not that good at it anymore." It's something you once had, and will want to still have, but it's long since gotten rusty. 

Party Talents 

     Now, this is tends to be people's favorite kind of talent. It's loud and lets you show off, but it calls for no real commitment or actual skill. You're one trick pony show. It's that guy you know who can lick his elbow, or cartwheel with one hand. It's fun to watch, but has no depth. In Faith, it's Saying It, Not Showing It. This kind of faith is the kind of faith that makes nonbelievers mad. The hypocrites. The people who say one thing, but do another. It's like knowing a couple of choice Bible verses, and shouting them off between shots. That's an exaggeration, but it doesn't sit well, does it? No one wants to be considered that person, but so often we are. I could be the greatest black jack player in all of the world, but if you took me to Vegas and put me down at a poker table, I'd be penniless before the tournament even began. Just like those people who claim to know Jesus, but you ask them a question, and they come up short. They want to be a gymnast, but got so wrapped up in the cartwheel and all it's glory, they forgot about the back handspring. They're the people who heard that God forgives all, so they continue to simply use him as fire insurance, rather than embracing the chance in a relationship with the Father. A Fun & Games Faith. 

Secret Talent 

   Now, these are the people who really get it. They kick butt, but they're embarrassed. They don't want to be show offs. They spend hours working on their doubles, but are too shy to show anyone what they can do. They know God, and love Him, but they're afraid of the rejection and humiliation they might encounter, so they practice it in private. Sometimes, though, try as they might, it slips out. In P.E., someone might see them nail a perfect triple, but they will deny it. I, for so long, was this person. To you, I want to say, take courage. Do not be afraid - you have reason to celebrate. Psalm 56:3-4 

Star Talent 

    I was in theater for a long time, so as a veteran, I can say, that most people secretly hate people with Star Talent. They're just so good, the way they grace the stage, shoot the hoop, take that perfect shot, and it makes us jealous. We don't really hate them though, do we? They can't help but do what they love. They love to pursue their talent, make it better, be incredible, and share it with the world. We all, deep down, wish we had this kind of passion for something. This is the kind of faith God wants us to have for him. He wants to be pursued, he wants you to choose him, to dwell in his presence, to be with him everyday. Most importantly, though, He wants us to shout his name from the rooftops, to let the whole world know how we feel about our God. He is good. 

     My youth pastor always says, "It's ok to be (spiritually) immature, but it's not ok to stay there." What talent are you? I'll be honest with you, I have been every single one of these, and often I waver between the last two. No one is perfect, or ever knows all the answers - just like we can always learn something new, and improve our talents. Keep pushing forward, and I promise you, it will be worth it. It won't always be easy, but the fruit will be sweet. 

  

   If you ever have questions, or want to talk, I'm always free. No matter who or what you are.

Keep Singing,

Olive :)

Tips, Tricks, and Tools of the Trade

   I love Daniel Radcliffe. I love Jason Sudeikis. I think they are both very talented at what they have done in life. Obviously, both men know the principles of work effort, and getting what they want out of life. I think it's interesting when Sudeikis asks Radcliffe if there was any truth to succeeding in business without even trying. I don't think, for the most part, that is true at all.  You get what you reap (except for the few times you may get lucky) So, as my high school time comes to a close, I have collaborated a set of "guidelines", if you will, that I have collected from mentors, experiences, and just life, and composed a set of life lessons. It's important for people going onto their next ventures in life, but really can apply to anyone who just wants to get the most out of the short time we have here. I don't mean to step on anyones toes, and I apologize up front if I do. I'm not trying to call anyone out- I'm guilty of breaking all of these rules at one time or another. This is honestly how I live my life, or try to, within the best of my ability. I call it, 

                           

     "How to Succeed at Life" 

                                                         

     Rule #1: Own it. 

    Nobody cares if your sister, your brother's mother, your brother's mother lover is doing it, did it, has it, wants it, etc. What matters in life, is the choices YOU make. I know, everyone says it, but seriously, nobody cares if you don't think it's a bad thing, or it was no big deal, or whatever. If you're in the wrong, you need to own it. There is no point trying to hide behind your mistakes, because I don't care what anyone says, you are judged by that. It's not pretty, but it's true. I don't care if when you called that girl a skank, you didn't mean that she was a trashy floozy, but really just a fun girl, because if someone hears you saying that, they're going to think "Oh my gosh, that girl is a trashy floozy!" and alot of times in life, you don't get the chance to give your own definition. What's done has been done- nobody's perfect. If you're going to say it, you need to own it. If you're going to choose a party lifestyle, you need to own it. You will get no respect from anyone because you say she made you, or it's peer pressure, or you just want to have fun. You put yourself in that situation, and unless someone literally opened your jaw and slammed that koolaid down your throat, it was all you. I understand, that sometimes, peer pressure can be tough. Trust me, I get it. I have all kinds of friends who do all kinds of things, and I don't agree with some of it, though it can be very alluring. When I make a mistake, all that matters is I am the first one to call myself on it. I don't always do that, because it's embarrassing, or to be honest, I don't feel bad about it, or I do feel bad about it.My choices are MY CHOICES, and YOUR CHOICES are YOUR CHOICES. Period. If you are having to constantly cover your tracks, perhaps you aren't owning your life. It's something you'll have to think about all of your life, and it's tough, but we all have to do it. We can do it together.  




                     Rule #2: Nobody's cool, and everyone's quirky 
     "Cool" and "popular" are relative terms. They change with the situation, the scenario, the place, the times. If you live to be cool, you will never be cool, but you will be in constant agony. I know what you're thinking, "the uncool girl is trying to validate her lameness by trashing others." I'm not, truly. I'm just saying, who really sets the standard of cool? You do. Every person has an ideal to them what "cool" is, so how can anyone really be "cool", if nobody can determine the same definition? For example, cool to me is someone who is fun, makes me laugh, and is just a sincere person; but to someone else, cool might be someone who likes to party, or someone who wears Ray-Bans and spends their time being ironic. So, instead of searching for the "cool" group, spend that time enjoying who you are- with all your quirks. I'm the first to admit I am quirky. I laugh at my own jokes, think the Disney Channel is cool, read in my free time, and am constantly making jokes (and laughing at them, as before mentioned.) I have some awesome friends, and I like them because of their "quirks" - which is so often put in a dim light, but to be honest, is what makes "you" as a person. One of my best friends is totally sarcastic, I have another who makes up songs all the time, another who will sit and do Garth and Kat impressions with me. That stuff is fun, and great, and it's what makes you YOU. Don't be afraid of who you truly are, because, believe it or not, people do like you for you. There is someone out there (and I bet more than one someone) who likes you all the way; whether you be the "prude" girl who laughs like she is gasping for air, or the most beautiful girl in the world who has a dream to be a Disney princess. You don't know unless you live, with all your quirks and qualities.  
  
                                       Rule #3: Life is Do or Die 
       Life doesn't have second chances; you may have a similar situation, but it is never the same as the first time around. It has been tainted somehow- either by mistake, missed opportunity, or regret. So, whatever you do, do it right the first time. This really applies to more areas then you think. In college, you might get three grades for one class, and NO retakes. So you better be busting your butt the first grade, because you don't know if those last two grades are going to save you. Sure, you can retake the class, but if you're trying to get into grad school, is that going to look so good that you failed P.E.? Not so much. So you either do the work, or die with the consequences. That's academic, but this rule can go into your social life as well. You can either be all of a friend all the time, or don't even bother being a friend at all, because I can guarantee you, NOBODY want's the "fair weather friend". I have had one too many friends who only want to hang out when no one else is around, and will cancel on you last minute if something better comes up. Trust me, that really sucks. I can speak for the dumped, and it's heartbreak you never really get over. If you are the Fair Weather Friend, don't expect that friend to just wait around. Sooner or later, they'll come to their senses, and you'll have lost a great friend. Do or Die. Do it right the first time, because you just never know what life is going to hand you next, and there are no guarantees you'll be handed a do-over.  
                            Rule #4: Patience isn't a Virtue; It's Life 
       You will always be waiting for something; whether you're waiting for the bus, your test grade, your first boyfriend, your baby's sex, your first job interview, or death. Everyone is waiting in life, and there is nothing you can do about it. Time is something that is not in human control- you cannot add hours to the day, nor take them away. We can't speed it up to get to certain point, or slow it down to avoid an obstacle. We all have to endure what life gives us, and trust me, life is short. We try so much to get from one point to the next, that we miss everything in between. We need to just stop, slow down, and enjoy what life has given us. You'll be surprised at all the stuff you've missed along the way. 
        
                         Rule #5: Nobody knows what they're doing 
  There is only one person who knows exactly how to live the perfect life. He told us how to live it, left us basic instructions, but He's no dummy; he know's it's not easy. No matter who you are, you always have room to grow and learn. Heck, it took me 17 years to learn 5 Rules, and I know life is more complicated than that. So, I'll stumble, succeed, fall, win, learn, and grow, with the only person who knows exactly how to do everything exactly right. So, don't worry about it. It's ok to make mistakes, as long as you learn and try not to do them again. It's ok to be sad, as long as you agree to try and be happy. It's alright to be a follower, if when it's your turn to lead, you don't shirk from the light. Nobody's perfect, well, no HUMAN, except one, in the history of the whole world has lived a perfect life; we'll all make mistakes. Just promise me you'll get back up, dust of the seat of your pants, and keep going. 


       Life will be full of heartbreak, triumph, trials, and success. You can't always win, but you can always try. These five rules have gotten me to where I am today; but I'm not perfect. I'll continue through life, break my own rules, mend fences, and build new rules. I have a teacher, and his biggest rule is to "Do Right." If you just "Do Right", you'll be alright. You don't need to worry about memorizing every rule I say, but just focus on doing right, and you'll accomplish all these things and beyond. 
       Congratulations to the Class of 2011; I am so happy to have met every single one of you, and I wish you all the best of luck on your future. I hope you are happy, fruitful, and live life in the Light.  
      To everyone else, I want you to be happy with exactly where you are in life. You don't get a chance to redo today, so make it the best today it can be. You may not get a second chance, but you can always start over. It's never too late to do the right thing. Never. 


I love you all very much, and miss you all already. I know, however, you're going to do great things. 
With All My Love,
Olive :)
     

What do you get when the reality tv star meets the Royal Family and the King?

           I love CSI: Miami. I like regular CSI too, I suppose, but I really love CSI: Miami. I don't know-I just think it's more exciting and fun to watch. I was watching an episode earlier this week, and it featured reality stars. I guess I didn't realize that the people we see on reality tv are not really authentic, but in the show, once the "stars" were off set, they were totally different people. One was a Christian Priest, one was a married women, the other a drug dealer, and the last girl was the valedictorian of her class at MIT. However, when the cameras started rolling, they were all a gang of hoodlums from "The Burrows" in NYC. It was a good episode. 

       I think God was trying to tell me something, because later on, when I turned on one of my other favorite shows, Victorious ( I know, I know, my taste in entertainment is either preteen or old lady. What can you do?) This episode was also about reality stars: the cast was put in a reality show and the producers took their regular lives and made it into something else. It was all hypocritical of all "reality."  
    Earlier this morning, I received a text message from a close friend, basically calling me out. She was reminding me to stand firm in my belief, no matter what. So, today, I'm going to open up my heart to you guys. To this "Unsafe" haven that we call the internet. I'm going to share with you what I believe, with my whole heart. I'm not going to be "un-real" any longer.  
    I believe in the mission of the InterFaith Youth Core. It's a program that allows all people of different religions to come together and celebrate who they are and their beliefs, without fear of persecution from other people. I heard the founder, Eboo Patel, speak on it, and it just spoke to my heart. I have always believed in other religions. Let me explain this better- I believe in Jesus Christ, with my whole heart. He is the lord of my soul, and my Redeemer. However, I also believe in others getting the chance to celebrate what they believe without fear of my judgment (or others) on them. If you want to join the Interfaith movement, I recommend Eboo Patel's book, Acts of Faith:The Story of An American Muslim, the Struggle for the Soul of a Generation. He describes the movement he started better than I ever could. 
    As for what I believe, it is this. I believe there is one way to get to heaven- through the blood of Jesus Christ. I do not think you need to earn your way there, because he has already paid the price. I don't believe in trying to be perfect; however, I do try to live up to the potential that God has called for his followers. I can do this without fear, because when I fall, I know that He is there to pick me up, and guide me. I believe that being a Christian is not always easy, but God did not promise it would be easy; he merely said that he would be with us always, and would never reject me, no matter what I did. 
      There is so much more I could write, but I just have to let you know, Jesus in my life is the best thing that has ever happened to me. When I think about Him, when I think about God, my heart fills up with joy that I can't even begin to explain. It is happiness, and light, and pure. It reminds me of what is good and what is bad; it guides me through the troubling times that have come into my life this past year, and He alone has brought me and my family through them. He has held my hand, and never let go. We walked through it all together- I never felt alone, because I never was alone.   
   I have not always been like this though. I have grown up in a Christian church, but for so long I merely just went through the motions. I did the Christian things to get prizes and win respect in my family and friend's eyes. However, I felt nothing. On the outside, I was a model Christian girl; I did not party, sleep around, drink, break rules. I did what I was told. On the inside, I was greedy. I murdered in my heart, I spit on people's names, I laughed at God's perfect plan. I tried to obtain love and "fame" on my own terms, but in the end I got nowhere. By the end of my sophomore year, I was unhappy. Miserable. Alone. I felt nothing. I felt only ugly. 

     I was reluctant to go to summer camp that year. I hadn't been since my eighth grade summer, the one before freshmen year. I didn't want to spend that time at some hokey pokey camp, where everyone was so much more developed in their faith then I was. I didn't want to feel left out, because I didn't really have many friends. My mom forced me to go, however, and I took a friend, because I didn't really know anyone there who I could room with. It turned my life around.  It was there God touched my heart, and reminded me how much I was worth to Him. How much we are all worth to him. We are precious and beautiful in His sight, and He reminded me of the great plans He has for me. He kissed away my tears, and wrapped me in an everlasting embrace. 
     My junior year, I fought Him in the beginning. I was unhappy, but it was all I knew. It was comfortable, safe. As the year progressed, he brought new people into my life, new experiences. I didn't know he was growing my strength and reliance in Him, so I would be strong enough for this year. For what is yet to come. It has taken me so many years to just get where I am today- and He is not finished with me. Not yet. 
       As most all of us know, this Friday marks the wedding of Prince William of Wales and Kate Middelton. Most everyone knows that Prince William has a brother named Prince Harry-but we don't know much about him, except that he likes to party and will never rule. Last night, I was watching a special on Harry, called "Wild about Prince Harry". In that documentary, they couldn't help emphasize how much his mother (Princess Diana) loved him. She knew he would never be king, but he treated William and Harry exactly the same. She loved them both to the best of her abilities, and both new the reverent love of their mother.

     That, is how I can best describe God's love for us. We will never be William- we will never be Jesus- we cannot be King. However, God loves us just the same. We all screw up, and are not perfect. God, loved us so much though, still. We are His creation, he would do anything for us. Even if we are the lesser thing in the universe. He loves us just the same. We are just as great in his sight as Jesus. In fact, in the Bible, God says that when the world ends, Jesus will be at his right side, and we will be right there beside him. Harry was born unimportant;  he would not rule, just a bonus in the family. His mother, however, knew. She knew the greatness he would become, and loved him just as much as the one who had greatness thrust upon him. She loved them. God loves us- more than we will ever be able to comprehend.
     That's what I believe. So, when you read this blog, you'll know exactly my perspective- you'll know where I'm coming from. I come from a loving Father, who wants to love you; all of you. No matter how broken you are, no matter what you have done. He loves all people, of all nations, of all beliefs and backgrounds. So do I. I want to be like my Father- just as most children do. 






I love you, but never as much as my Father does,
Olive :)
    

If I told you this blog was about God, will you still read it?

      
      On Good Friday, my sister was in a drama at my church. She loves to do theater, so it was really no surprise that she would be doing something like that. I was very excited to see her, but my reaction to her performance startled me. 
   The play was about a grandfather, a son, and the son's daughter not wanting to live by God's plan. At the end, each member comes out carrying a cross. To my surprise, I started to cry. I have never been more proud of my sister, in any other instance. She was proudly proclaiming what she believed, and my heart rejoiced. She was honoring the God that makes my heart glad. She was not shirking away, but yet standing firm in her beliefs. 
      I like to think that I live out my beliefs wherever I go- I know I probably don't all the time, but I try my best. I think that is so important. I think, that in all faiths, and in life, that is important. Whatever you believe, you must sell yourself to it. It really makes me think of the saying; "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything."  
      Essentially, human beings need to believe in something. As much as we claim to be independent, we cannot do things alone. Whether we believe in a God, a Family member, some principle, or even ourselves, we are putting our self worth and idea of success based on the principles of that thing. 
    The way we live our lives shows what we really believe. We can speak something, but not act on it. If we really believed it, then we would live it. That is the simple truth. 
      My sophomore year of high school, I did not know what I believed; therefore, I did not know who I was. I stayed out late on Saturday nights, I cussed around my "cool" friends, I often skipped church, and felt that my peers importance was more important than God's. Therefore, when I walked around saying I believed in God, no one took me seriously.  
    I know I'm labeled as a prude. I'm called "a good girl", "innocent", or "nice." I don't set out trying to be those things- I'm just following what I believe is right. In no way am I perfect, and I know sometimes I don't do such a good job of it, but it's my attempts and perseverance that impresses God most. He'd rather me fall and depend on Him to pick me back up, rather than not try at all. Maybe you see those things as a "bad thing", or as "no fun." I guess than, we serve different beings.  
      I just wish to you, whatever you believe, that it leaves you full. That it makes your heart burst like my Beloved does mine.  I know some of you think I'm wasting my time on this. But in the words of C.S. Lewis " Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, is of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important."  
    Whatever you think is right, that is your God. Even if you claim to be Atheist your God is No God. Sell yourself to it. That is the only way to really know what it is you seek.  
      I love the movie Godspell. Though some Christians call it blasphemy, it is not. It focuses on Jesus' teachings, and who he was on Earth, what that would have looked like. What I like most about it, though, is how those people sell themselves out to Jesus. They don't care that they are literally clowns-they follow Jesus wherever he goes; proclaiming his Name. It's catchy and fun and upbeat- and full of truth. 
        So, you may be Muslim, Jewish, or Hindu; whatever it is you are, don't let anyone call you a hypocrite. Be authentic, and though you may not always be the coolest, you'll rest knowing you are being real to yourself, and your God. That, at least, I think, is the true meaning of life. 


I love you guys, 

Olive :)

The King and I

            

"When did the defects start?" 

           "I've, always b-been this way."  

"I doubt that." 

"Don't tell me, it's my stammer!"

"It's my field. I can assure you, no infant starts with a stammer." 

    My mother and I just recently watched the critically acclaimed picture, The Kings Speech. It was a beautiful, heart wrenching, masterpiece of a movie. It will make you cry, make you laugh, and inspire you to do something better with your life. I loved it. It was a wonderful tale about two people of totally different classes defying all odds.  

      This movie made a greater impact me, than it might on others, however. When I face this scary yet exciting new monster called College next year, I plan on studying Speech Therapy. So, naturally, this movie, which is all about speech therapy, would be appealing to me. 

    This blog is not to be a movie review. There is a reason why I so much loved The Kings Speech, and there is a reason why I would like to be a Speech Therapist. The reason is the same. 

     Your Voice. 

    Those who know me, know I am quite possibly one of the chattiest girls you will ever meet. If you don't think so, then maybe you don't really know me as well as you thought. I always have something to say, and am thankful that I have the ability to say it. I want to be a Speech Therapist so that every one has the chance to express themselves, to declare who they truly are. 

      What makes me sad, though, is when people have a voice, and yet, they do not use it. Who you are, your personality, your quirks, your charm, your defects, they all add up essentially to what makes you so magnificent. People with speech impediments feel more nervous to elucidate themselves, because, quite frankly, they "can't talk right". I have found, throughout my short seventeen years, people tend to take on impediments to avoid being who they really are.  

    Now, I am not speaking of literally impediments, but imagined ones. Fears. Perhaps you do not think you are good enough, so you take on an
"Excessive Worker" lisp. Or, you think that you are too "good" or too "bad" for people to like you; so you take on a "Morally Ambiguous" tongue. The possibilities of "illness'" are endless.  

    If you have seen Glee, you know in the first season that Tina pretended to have a lisp to "get out of things". To avoid challenges, to avoid being shot down. I think a lot of us, myself included, also take on "lisps" for this very same reason. Though, unlike The Duke of York, we are more easily cured. 

     Take courage in who you are. In the beauty and wonder God ( or whomever you believe) created you to be. You are absolutely who you are supposed to be. Do not be afraid to be who you are. Whether you are a really good girl, some nerdy guy, the coolest boy in school, or whomever, don't EVER be afraid to let your light shine. Let your "voice" be heard. Never stop being you. You are much to precious, to beautiful to hide your light. As long as you are truly being you,  than no matter your Voice, your song will be sweet. 

Raise your voice, 

Olive :)

     

The L-Word

           Let's present two hypothetical situations: The first one is a girl drooling over a picture of Justin Bieber/Jake Gyllenhaal/Zac Efron/[insert cute celebrity here]. The second situation is an elderly couple taking a leisurely walk through the park, holding hands. If I was to ask you which situation was true love and the other infatuation, could you tell me which situation was which? (Cheat Sheet: The first is infatuation, the second love)  
    You're right, you're right- that was too easy. Ok, let's try these two scenarios; One- a beautiful girl that you have admired from afar, and finally befriended and are happily dating, only to split two months later as friends. Two - A married couple having an argument, and the husband ends up sleeping on the couch. Now, this is a little tougher - you may be tempted to say true love is the first one, because at least they were happy, right? However, I am here to tell you, that is incorrect. The "true love" scenario would be the second one. Even though it was not a happy situation, the man didn't leave. He stuck around, willing to work it out. That shows true devotion.  
   BONUS ROUND! Can you handle it? Ok, here we go. First predicament - You cancel your date with your high school girlfriend to take your sister to her doctor's appointment. Second Predicament - You surprise your boyfriend and give him tickets to see his favorite sports team, which cost you two pay checks.  
       Stumped? Think this is still ridiculously easy? Would you be surprised if I told you the true love was actually the first scenario? A little confused? Let me explain this one: 
      Today, we often confuse TRUE LOVE with INFATUATION. Though it was sweet to save up money to buy your boyfriend tickets to a game, that doesn't equal truly loving someone. I often give money to people for various things, and it doesn't equal love. I know that's confusing: the second situation is a nice gesture, and it does show true sacrifice. However, the love the brother shows for his sister in the first scenario is far greater. He cancel's a date with a girl he could "love", to take the girl he has always "loved" to something as trivial as checkup. He is showing who is most important to him- his sister- by choosing her over his own happiness. 
   Woah, woah, woah- No need for the tone. I am in no way knocking your high school sweetheart. I am sure you do love them. However, there is a chance you could just be infatuated with your sweetie pie. However, I am not you, and I can never really truly be the judge of what you feel. Just in case though, let me break down some different types of love for you, thanks to my lovely friends the Greeks. 

1.Eros Love  

    Eros love- infatuation, "exotic love". Everyone falls into this category at some point. It is a selfish love, but it serves a purpose. Essentially, all relationships start with Eros' love. It is being attracted to someone, basically finding someone visually appealing. However, Eros love is often continued in a relationship. When it does, that's when relationships "don't work out"; you lose interest in that person, and essentially "fall out of love with them" when you really haven't been attracted to them at all. That is the danger of Eros love- it is a selfish, indulgent kind of love. In our youth, we often live in this, and don't realize that it is a shallow way to live. You may be getting lots of sex and be really happy, but that spot inside of you, in the pit of your stomach- it just never really feels right. If you don't mind living in this kind of love, then do it. Just acknowledge it for what it truly is. 

 2. Philos Love 

 Philos love- a love that comes from friendship. This is the kind of love lasting relationships usually start with; a friendship that leads into something more. This is also the kind of love you have for your friends. It is a better love then the first- but still, it is not True Love.  Whereas Eros love is based more off of "self interest"; what you get out of it, Philos love is based more on a give and take kind of relationship. Both partners benefit from the relationship. This is clearly demonstrated in your love for your friends. You pick your friends because you like them essentially, and you guys have fun together. You don't hang out with someone because you think their fun but you're a dud right? You both love spending time together, and care about each other. Alot of relationships live in this kind of love, and though you could be happy in this and maintain a mostly happy relationship, you would be giving up the chance of the greatest love- True Love. Which brings us to the grand finale- 

3. Agape 

     Agape love- unconditional love. This is "True Love", loving someone even when you could get nothing out of it. Now, knowing this, let's go back to our examples. The husband who didn't leave- he was willing to take his partners abuse and try again out of love. He loved her enough to take her silly insults and trash talking. He knew deep down they'd work it out, because love isn't always easy. The brother who took his sister to the doctor- he got nothing out of that. He even missed out on a good time, just so he could be there for his sister (who, in all reality, probably didn't even thank him.) The brother didn't care though, because she needed him, and he loved her enough to give it all up to be there for her. This is also the kind of love we feel for our parents, that no matter how much we yell and scream at each other, cry, wail, and moan, we know that we still love those bossy adults. We seek their approval (even when they don't deserve it) [Don't tell my parents I said that!! haha] This is the kind of love, (I HOPE) all you know you deserve in a partner- someone who will take your complaining, annoying butt no matter what. This is the kind of love I have for my parents, sister, family, and few select others. Who have my respect, and in turn, have an agape love for me in return. That is what true love is.  

   Now this IS the Olive Blog- so you know we're going to take it even deeper. This Agape love, this is the kind of love Christians talk about. A love that is not deserved, and can never fully be returned. As humans, we will never be able to have a perfect agape love- that's why we have divorces, break ups, etc. What we thought was Agape, could have just been Eros or Philos. However, I believe that there is a God loves you with the full meaning of Agape. That is something to feel safe in.  

    You don't have to be in a relationship to know what "true love" is. You can be in a relationship, however, and only know infatuation. I often suffer a bad case of infatuation- however, I can catch myself before hearts are broken in the process (usually). If you haven't been so lucky, don't give up on love. Don't give up, because once you experience that Agape love, that "True Love", you will be so greatful. Some of us won't really get that till we have had many trials, some of us are smart/lucky enough to find it on the first try. Don't be fooled though- Eros and Philos; those feel good because they are good. Don't trick yourself into thinking your love is something it's not- look at your parents. How you love your siblings. How you love your friends. How you love your partner. If it's right, then it's right. If not- fix it. Most of all, love with all your heart. No matter what anyone says, Love is Good. 

i LOVE you guys, 

Olive :)

Who Says?

     
   It's been a while since we have chatted, I apologize, but a girl gets busy. It was spring break! Though I'm envious of those of you  whom jet setted around the world, I am confident I had one of the best spring breaks ever. I learned alot. It is definently something to "blog about."  
    I got the chance to spend the week with my Aunt, and see all my baby cousins. I just can't say enough how much we learn from kids. I was even reading a book today, (The Book Thief) and even they mentioned the wisdom of children! I knew I didn't come up with that on my own.  
   So many times in this past week, I have told my cousins they were beautiful.  Almost every time, they smile and say "I know." Now, don't call them conceited, because they give compliments just as much as they take them. Perhaps, they just know something that we, as teens, seem to have forgotten.
   They understand the power of just getting to be you. The power and amazement that comes with being who you are, and loving it. No one else in the world is exactly you, you're truly one of a kind - a rarity. In culture, we tend to find rare things exciting, fantastic- beautiful.  
   I know, not everyone is going to say you're beautiful. Thank the Lord that simple words don't stop something from being true, right? If it were, think of all the messes we'd be in. For all the times you have said, "Get Lost" or "I hate you" or "You're Ugly." If we had the power to actually make those things a reality, the world would be in a dire place.
   Fortunately, we cannot. No amount of wishing away what we consider "ugly", "fat", "not worth anything"; it doesn't make us any less beautiful. Now, I know that alot of times I look in the mirror and call myself fat, ugly, or compare myself to the beauty of my sister, a friend, some celebrity. It's crazy though, because I bet half of those people are in the mirror doing the same thing, and the other half,well, they have it figured out.  
    I am uniquely me. I may resemble my father and my mother, but no one else in the whole entire world is me. They don't possess the same skills, the same humor, nada. I am the only Olivia Grace in the entire universe who looks and thinks like me. That is what makes you so beautiful- what makes you "you". 
     Not your outward beauty so much as what is inside- that's what shines through. Sure, you may not be a Selena Gomez or Katherine Heigl, but when someone gets to know you, that's when people start to see you in a new light. They see who you really are. That version of you- that's beautiful. 
   I know I have blogged about similar ideas, but it's because I struggle with this, just as much as anyone else. Knowing the truth, and acting on it are totally different. So, from now on, I vow to see myself for who I really am. Beautiful. Perfect - even when I screw up. You were made the way you were for a reason.  Allow yourself to be beautiful.  

   

You've Got Every Right to a Beautiful Life,

Olive :)