valYOU meal: Help! What’s Happening To My Body?

Puberty

OK, so it’s a funny word — but what is puberty, anyway? Puberty is the name for the time when your body temple begins to develop and change as you move from child to adult. During this process the brain chemistry causes the body to change in ways that make sexual reproduction possible.

The “Body Temple” Changes

The LDS Parent’s Guide describes puberty.

“The processes are clean, good, and divinely mandated. There is no certain schedule, but this process usually begins between ages eleven and thirteen and can continue through adolescence and into early adulthood.

For Girls
At puberty, the girl begins to menstruate, her hips broaden, her breasts develop, body hair grows under her arms and in her pubic area, and she may gain weight.

For Boys
The boy begins to create seminal fluid and sperm cells. His shoulders broaden, his muscles expand, his voice deepens, and he gets taller and heavier. Body hair grows under the arms, on the face, and in the pubic region.

Natural Cycle of Boys and Girls
When puberty is complete, a person is capable of creating life through sexual union. A natural cycle or rhythm begins in both genders. Approximately every twenty-five to thirty days, an egg is released from the girl … In the boy, millions of sperm grow …. they are automatically released or ejaculated. This usually happens during sleep and is called nocturnal emissions or “wet dreams.” Sexual dreams are not always present, but they can trigger a nocturnal emission or ejaculation. In either case this is not masturbation.”

(From Chapter 5: Teaching Adolescents: from Twelve to Eighteen Years,” A Parent’s Guide)

Why do I Have Such a Strong Sexual Desire?

Sexual desire is caused by brain chemistry that begins during puberty.

During the teenage years, the two most significant sexual hormones, testosterone and estrogen become active. 

In addition, the brain releases neurotransmitters such as dopamine, vasopressin and oxytocin in your body.

Sexual desire is a real and a very powerful part

                                of your human make-up.

Alma taught his son: “See that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love.” (Alma 38:12) He did not say we should suppress or eliminate our passions but rather bridle them—harness, channel, and focus them. Why? Because disciplining our passions makes possible a richer, deeper love. (Bruce C. and Marie K. Hafen, “‘Bridle All Your Passions’,” Ensign, Feb 1994)

So strong is sexual chemistry that “fire” is often used as a symbol to represent sexual feelings and desires. You are biologically and divinely designed to have these sexual thoughts and desires. If you are normal, it is impossible NOT to have them.

What matters is how you control these desires when you have them.

Satan knows how to add fuel to the fire caused by the powerful sexual chemistry.

For example, when you

- sit alone with your partner in the dark long enough,
- look at a certain pornographic image even for a few seconds,
- stay in the shower for just a few more minutes, or
- focus a little longer on a particular sexual thought,

Satan knows the “fire” is more likely to burn out of control and become a dangerous fireball.

Even the best young people will have difficulty in managing the fireball created by the body’s pleasure chemistry in such situations.

At times the fireball of sexual feelings can be triggered by the simplest touch or thought!

The earlier you intervene to manage the “flame” of sexual arousal, the easier it is to control.

Fire inside a fireplace brings warmth and safety. In a similar way, sexual intimacy in its authorized use in marriage strengthens the love between husband and wife.

For now, you can learn skills that can help you manage the flame of “sexual desires.” After marriage you can enjoy the warmth of the fire in the safety of a fireplace

…and not an out of control fireball.

Super Deluxe VALYOU MEAL

Watch the video or read the article of Boyd K. Packer, “‘Ye Are the Temple of God’,” Ensign, Nov 2000 

Suggested Activities:

-Watch the video or read the article of Boyd K. Packer, “‘Ye Are the Temple of God’,” Ensign, Nov 2000

-Read the e-zine article “Personal Purity,” by Jeffrey R. Holland,  New Era, Feb 2000

-Study the e-zine  ”Sexual Chemistry of the Body” .  Write in your Reaching For Virtue Workbook what you have learned.

-If you have any questions text your Personal Trainer.