Letter to my Younger Self
Dear Younger Self,
I want you to journey back with me to an even younger, seven year old self. Remember her?
You were too young to care about what anyone else thought of you which means you lived purely from the heart. You liked dancing, telling jokes, playing outside, watching Shirley Temple movies, and taking the church bus to Sunday School. Remember learning the songs, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "I've got the Joy, and If the devil doesn't like it, he can sit on a tack"? That one was your favorite. You loved leaping out of your chair during the chorus wearing a mischievous grin knowing you just told off the devil, and feeling like a BA.
This is going to sound simple, but keep going back there. You are part of God's family, and you belong in those church pews. You relish the feelings of peace and joy, but as you approach your later teen years you are going to turn away. It will be a catastrophic falling away, and you will regret those wasted years.
You don't see God as he truly is which means you also don't see yourself as you truly are. All you see are your sins and failures, not God's grace. God loves you unconditionally. You can fail knowing that there is a huge trampoline beneath you. That trampoline holds springs of grace that will allow you to bounce up on your feet again. God leaps for joy as he watches you leap back up again. He says, "That's my girl, she's an overcomer!"
During VBS this summer, you will learn a melody which will stay with you, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added onto you, Allelujah..."
This song and verse will break open all kinds of blessings in your life. It will become the key to your treasure chest in life. As you began pursuing God with all your heart, he will enrich your life with true friendship, intimacy and love. Your best friend Emily is a friend that loves at all times. She will cheer you on during the best moments of your life, and stand with you in your darkest days. Your husband Joe is your rock and faithful life companion. His character and brilliance will inspire you. Plus, he is a skilled woodworker, handyman and super hot! You like those qualities in a man!
Just when you think you couldn't get any richer, God will bless you with two beautiful kids, and a wild child niece to take care of. You will freak out almost everyday, but you will know how to love and parent them. God will be your Shepherd guiding you through all the rocky terrain and leading you to green pastures and quiet waters. His love will change you completely, making you bold, free and well able to take on new challenges.
When you get off track remember the simplicity of your seven year old self - live for an audience of one (God alone), dance, let your heart feel free, go on nature walks, laugh, watch Shirley Temple marathons and keep going back to church! You have a place in God's family, at his table and advancing his Kingdom of love.
You belong.
Love,
Me
I want you to journey back with me to an even younger, seven year old self. Remember her?
You were too young to care about what anyone else thought of you which means you lived purely from the heart. You liked dancing, telling jokes, playing outside, watching Shirley Temple movies, and taking the church bus to Sunday School. Remember learning the songs, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "I've got the Joy, and If the devil doesn't like it, he can sit on a tack"? That one was your favorite. You loved leaping out of your chair during the chorus wearing a mischievous grin knowing you just told off the devil, and feeling like a BA.
This is going to sound simple, but keep going back there. You are part of God's family, and you belong in those church pews. You relish the feelings of peace and joy, but as you approach your later teen years you are going to turn away. It will be a catastrophic falling away, and you will regret those wasted years.
You don't see God as he truly is which means you also don't see yourself as you truly are. All you see are your sins and failures, not God's grace. God loves you unconditionally. You can fail knowing that there is a huge trampoline beneath you. That trampoline holds springs of grace that will allow you to bounce up on your feet again. God leaps for joy as he watches you leap back up again. He says, "That's my girl, she's an overcomer!"
During VBS this summer, you will learn a melody which will stay with you, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added onto you, Allelujah..."
This song and verse will break open all kinds of blessings in your life. It will become the key to your treasure chest in life. As you began pursuing God with all your heart, he will enrich your life with true friendship, intimacy and love. Your best friend Emily is a friend that loves at all times. She will cheer you on during the best moments of your life, and stand with you in your darkest days. Your husband Joe is your rock and faithful life companion. His character and brilliance will inspire you. Plus, he is a skilled woodworker, handyman and super hot! You like those qualities in a man!
Just when you think you couldn't get any richer, God will bless you with two beautiful kids, and a wild child niece to take care of. You will freak out almost everyday, but you will know how to love and parent them. God will be your Shepherd guiding you through all the rocky terrain and leading you to green pastures and quiet waters. His love will change you completely, making you bold, free and well able to take on new challenges.
When you get off track remember the simplicity of your seven year old self - live for an audience of one (God alone), dance, let your heart feel free, go on nature walks, laugh, watch Shirley Temple marathons and keep going back to church! You have a place in God's family, at his table and advancing his Kingdom of love.
You belong.
Love,
Me
(Age 12)
There was a tie that went with this outfit, I just didn't have the gumption to wear it for my photo. I wish I would have.
(Age 12)
One of the best days of my life as a kid, winning the first pageant I ever entered "Jr. Miss Marigold".
In pageants I was forced to "come out of my shell", and develop interview skills and stage presence.
Yep, that was sweet little me, Mustang Sally!
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