Kids if you read this one day and you don't know these things...know that I tried.
1. God loves them unconditionally and so do we...I pray that not only will we love and accept you, but that you will percieve that...feel it...and receive that gift of love from both God and us and those you love.
2. God's "rules" are for your own good...not to deprive you of anything. God's plan is the best plan for your life and if you obey him...you will live ABUNDANTLY.
3. Sin always has consequences. Obedience always results in blessings...if not on Earth (but often times yes) then in heaven.
4. There is a big world full of heartache and pain and is in need of you to give hope, help in real/tangible ways, and have compassion. If God gives you much--you are to share much. Don't be afraid of doing BIG things for God b/c he will give you all you need...and if you fail or perceive that you do God still rewards obedience and will teach you and grow you in the process.
5. God will never leave or forsake you. Sometimes he chooses to calm the storm around you, but sometimes he chooses to just calm you if you let him. If you get angry at Him ...that is okay...praise him anyway through the storms and you'll get that lovin' feelin' back...eventually. If you walk away from God (no matter how far away), in one step you can find him and turn back to Him.
6. There is no unforgivable sin. There is nothing you can do to mess up things that he can't restore. There is "nothing too hard for God." But, still, choose your friends wisely...make sure you have some who are challenging YOU to be better and some you are challenging...but choose wisely who you will spend time with.
7. Be faithful...be a person of your word--let your yes BE YES and Your NO BE NO...sometimes saying NO is the strongest/best thing to do. Don't say...I might..we might...if we can...if it works...just say no if you don't think you'll be doing whatever it is. When you say YES--do it, be there, show up on time, have a good attitude about it, do it 100%/finish it, do all of it, "keep your oath even when it hurts"--that is what the Bible says...don't just quit b/c you're busy/you're selfish/you're lazy...whatever..if you say you will --do it. If someone calls/texts/emails you and you want to say no...be a big person and still return his/her call and say no...just return any contacts because that is respectful and honorable ...don't avoid hard conversations b/c you are going to be uncomfortable.
8. Be a person of integrity--easier said than done. This one is HUGE...there is so much to being completely honest and above reproach....uggggh...you won't be perfect at all but do your best to tell the whole truth and NOTHING but the truth (not gossip or rumors--your dad is good at not doing this!), and to RUN from things and people that cause trouble (Proverbs).
9. Be Unselfish--if you can delight in making a brother/sister happy-- do it. You 'll be rewarded--the last shall be first. Still, don't be a person who is constantly worried about pleasing people-you never will. Save some time for you to truly be who you are in life. Don't be so busy doing that you can't enjoy being.
10. Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
11. Be loving. Life is short...forgive..you don't have to forget at all...just forgive. You're only hurting yourself if you don't.
12. It is okay to get angry about things and is is okay to HATE sin and be disgusted by things on this earth...and it is, yes, it is, okay to tell others that you are saddened by things...but be sure you do it in love and still provide grace to people in your life and show them that you desire a relatinship with them...but, ...while no one is perfect -yet, it is our duty to sometimes point out things that need fixin' in those we love IF we've really prayed about it and have our heads on straight and our motives are pure.
13. Have FUN! I love having fun and laughing and traveling. I hope you take every opportunity that you can to go and do and travel and have fun! Don't rush into marriage--the right one will still be there if it is the right one! Don't rush into kids--enjoy your marriage while the two of you are free to do whatever whenever! Enjoy each other...sleep late...make memories...act silly...build YOUR relationship before you add dependents!
14. Take care of your body. Feed it good foods, exercise it, get outdoors with it, don't take stupid risks with it, and don't ruin it with dumb decisions. You only get one face--care for it. You only get one set of perma teeth...brush them you get the picture. If you have a health problem--see a doctor/even a specialist. Sometimes it is tempting to "look" just like the world on the inside and out, but we are supposed to look different as believers!!
15. Enjoy the outdoors. If you don't...maybe we over did it growing up?? Ha! Being outside is super refreshing, always an adventure, good for you, and lots of fun.
16. Don't work too much or chase after too much money in this world. It won't make you happy, it won't fulfill you, you won't ever get enough. Enjoy your family and friends and esp. your children while they are little. Time is flying. Be content. Name brands and flashy things that depreciate stink and cause stress ...and they don't make you special...just broke.
17. Be a well-balanced person. It is tough and a constant struggle to be a wife, mother, friend, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, teacher, daughter-in-law, aunt, neighbor, leader, volunteer, etc and find time for what I love......the struggle is worth it...you can't do it all well all the time but keep plates spinning. You can't have it all in life--you will have to make some sacrifices to keep your balance.
I will finish this another day and probably the rest of your life and mine if I keep a blog......I love you and want the very best for you in life.
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