Dear Teen-Age Self. . .

 I came across this great blog one day and found the author had written a wonderful book for teen girls. . .

 

 

  Her book was written to help young teen girls realize the beauty of God’s grace. She tells them they don't have to be all, do all, appear all. All you need is Jesus, and this book is a gentle reminder to teen girls to rest-rest-rest in Jesus’ love.

 

And so in her blog this day, she asked people to write letters to their teen-age self and tell themselves things, give advice, whatever is on their heart.  Sounded interesting to me, so I gave it a try.

 

 

  

 

Dear Teen-Age Me. . .

Thought I would give you some advice I wish I had heard back then with you. . .SO, better late than never right?

Hear it goes Sweetie,

Don't be scared, fear is from the enemy. God is with you always.

God is bigger than any circumstance.

Don't be afraid to be you.

You don't have to be like everyone else.

Learn to laugh at yourself, it makes life so much easier.

 Appreciate the thick, curly, frizzy hair God gave you. Grown women spend BIG money to get the body of hair God naturally gave you.

And when you blow out those birthday candles with your long pigtails hanging down. . .pull them up before leaning over to blow. Hair torches very quickly and doesn't smell good.

When Mom cuts off your waist length hair into a pixie, don't cry.  Our hair grows really quick.

If people laugh, it's their problem, not yours.

When you grow into the Farrah Fawcett feathers, remember they do not have to be perfect.  Throw on a headband and give the hairspray can a break every now and then.

When you and your friend decide to dress up for costume day at school, just remember you have to take a drivers test right afterwards; no time to change

 

Learn to stand strong on your own and not just when your best friend is beside you.

 

Jesus is with you, you're never alone.

 

You are much stronger than you think, don't forget.

 

Talk to people, they really don't bite.

 

Being sensitive can be a wonderful trait, but beware of it letting you get hurt over the littlest of things.

You can't please everyone all the time.

Your Heavenly Father is pleased with you.  Rest in that fact.
 

Don't stay in the box, get out and do adventuresome things. . .it's way more fun. (I know you dressed as a clown and went to school, but be even more adventuresome than that.

Don't waste your time always wishing for that wonderful, perfect boyfriend.  The right one will come along in God's timing and it will be worth it.

Quit daydreaming about Barry Manilow, he's too old for you.

Don't stop playing the violin.  You'll be sorry that you quit.

When you start writing that short story, don't quit.  Take it out of the trash can and keep writing.  You will be glad you did.

Make more friends.  Know that some are just for a season and some will be for a lifetime.  But make them. The more you have the more fun life is.  

I know you love to read, but read more of a variety of writings.  The Nancy Drew Series is wonderful, but the classics and biographies and others are wonderful too and will expand your mind.  Oh, and when you grow up, Winnie the Pooh will still be a favorite of yours.  He is a classic.

Get more involved in church and community activities.  It will make you stronger and more confident.

Look outside of yourself more and onto others.

Don't covet the curves you see the other girls having.  You are special just the way you are.  Learn that now, because the curves never come. . .and it's ok.

Thank your big sister more for the things she did for you.  She'll be even more awesome later.

The enemy loves to lie in your ear.  Don't ever listen.  Listen to that other voice that whispers in your soul.  And learn to kick the other one to the curb.

You are a daughter of the King; hold your head high and be confident in that.

Don't allow your joy to depend on your circumstances or put your happiness on the shoulders of other people. At some point you will be let down.  Put your joy in the Lord always and you will be just fine.

 

You will become more confident in time.

 

  And when people take your picture, quit kissing the guy and look ahead.

 

 

 

Weigh your decisions on God's Word and not on people's opinions.

I'm sorry to tell you this, but life will have more pains, but you can make it through because You have Him who is greater, He who is bigger, and who loves you more than anything.  He will give you strength and courage when you need it.

Life will also have many joys and because of Him, start counting your blessings early and not just the big ones but the little tiny ones too.  Open your eyes to see ALL of them everyday and thank Him for each one.

Look for the lessons He brings your way and learn from them.

You made the most important decision of your life at the tender age of 12.  I'm so proud of you.  It will carry you through the rest of your life.  He, who died for your sins, will carry you into adulthood and give you a great life.  Don't worry and fret. Look forward to it and enjoy each step of the way.  It only gets better.

You are a great gal hon, keep your chin up, your knees knelt in reverance, hands raised in praise, and eyes on the Lord.  Your gonna be just fine.

You are loved!

From your grown up, more secure self,

Kris

What would you tell your teen age self?