A message to me at 16...

I know this was the theme for last week and I missed it, but I still wanted to write about it

Hi, 16 yr old Staci...

There are so many things I could say to you...I would love to warn you about some of the hurts and disappointments you have ahead of you over these next few years, but really, those are the things that have shaped and molded you in such significant ways.

Actually, the hurts you have from friendships and relationships during your teens- prepare you for the priceless friends you have ahead of you and how to cherish them...so hang in there and KNOW God blesses you in ways you never dreamed with authentic relationships that challenge and inspire you. Oh yeah, and the "boy thing"- don't get serious with ANYONE- you have an AMAZING man waiting for you a few years after college...he's worth the wait!

There are so many little bits of advice to give you, too many to even write, but here are a few to think about 16 year old Staci...

-Believe God, and don't try to take things in your own hands or jump ahead as you are waiting on HIS timing...rest in knowing GOD loves you and has the best for you

-Finish what you start and finish strong in the things you do

-Join the track team, turns out you love running(maybe even more than cheerleading)...

-Be open to new possibilities that you weren't expecting...like some of those "non-TCS" girls at church...turns out they will be some of your best friends...and you will always have a blast when you are with them...who knew, right?

-Fall in love with the Bible- it's full of great wisdom that helps you make big decisions...

-In 1999, you will go through some craziness and actually almost lose your life- but turns out that God uses that to amaze you, change you, make you more bold, and give you certainty that God is Sovereign- yield to the process HE has for you...

-Be sure to ask questions about things you don't understand- I know you get scared to look dumb, but turns out if you don't know what something is there is probably someone wondering the same thing...

-Forgive quickly and move on- grudges only really hurt YOU...

-Allow God to mess with "your" plans...

-Love learning new things...also, read more...a great book is Stephen Covey's 7 habits of Highly Effective People...

-LOVE people and invest in their lives...

-Lastly, have fun being you-big curly hair and all!

Much love- 31 yr old Staci