A letter to my 16 year old self

Some of you may know that I lead a small group of Senior Girls on Sunday nights. I look forward to these nights all week long. I'm so proud of each and everyone of those girls and can't wait to see the ways the Lord works in their lives as they venture into college and beyond. Well as with most people when you spend a lot of time around teenage girls it gets you thinking about your days as a teenager. I started wondering what I wish I had done differently, or wish I had known, or wish I had done that I didn't do. You've seen a lot of these around this thing we call the internet but here is my own version...

Dear "16 year old me",

You're a pretty girl and you don't need to lose weight. Trust me, you're the smallest now you will probably ever be.

 

Try to stay out of catty girl drama. The more you involve yourself, the more your words will probably get twisted.

 

Wherever you want to go to college, go there! Don't focus on where your friends are going!

 

At this point, don't let boyfriends/crushes bring you down. Enjoy this time with friends and only give boys time who treat you great in public and in private.

 

Remember your values, hold on to things sacred.

 

You're never too cool for any church event. If you want to know the people who will really care about you- you will find them there!

 

Be sweet to your parents, you will regret it if you don't. It's better for everyone in the long run if you just stay respectful.

 

Go on and start trying to overcome your circumstances. Beat the odds. Don't blame mistakes on the hand you were dealt.

 

Trust God. He loves you. SO. MUCH.

 

Don't worry if other people have nicer clothes/cars/jewelry than you. Nobody will remember and you will probably be making fun of the clothes you used to wear one day.

 

Whatever you do, do it with everything you have! Take ownership of who you are and be proud of that!

 

Keep in touch with those people who want to invest in your life. They really do care, and you really will want them involved later on.

 

Try new things. You never know where your gifts may lie.

 

Much needed girl time

 I've been saying for months how I needed a good girl's weekend. My life has been majorly slacking on girl time lately. I've had 2 friends move away, 1 has been super swamped with just life in general, 1 is in another country, and then everyone has their busy lives! So last Saturday I got up early to head to Nashville for my sweet friend Melissa's Bachelorette Party. Melissa is marrying her fiance Clay on September 22nd and so we went off for her last bash beforehand.

I must say, I was a little nervous going into it. I only knew 1 other person besides Melissa the bride. Another girl named Melissa who I had only met because I bought a candle from her. So I was venturing into a weekend knowing two Melissa's and a handful of introductions ahead of me.

Let me tell you- it was just what I needed.

Rest ~ Late night talks ~ Eye makeup lessons ~ Delicious Food ~ Pajama Sunday ~ Snacking ~ Outlet mall shopping ~ Bachelorette Scattegories ~ Father of the Bride ~ Bachelorette Gift Giving ~ Lots of Laughs ~ Dancing ~ Did I mention eating?

 

This all rejuvenated me and while I missed my 3 boys immensely while I was gone it made me all the more excited to get home and see them!

Looking forward to seeing all my new friends at the McWedding Festivities in 2 weeks!