What I Would Tell My Teenage Self

On this weeks BlogHop, the question is: If you could go back in time and tell your teenage self one thing, what would you say? What a tough question! I have been thinking about it all day and I have a whole list! I have 40 something years worth of experience to share. How can I decide what would make a difference? How would I know that I would take my own advice? It's hard for me to do that now! And even though I'm kinda 'messed up' from all that I've been through... my experiences are what God used to make me the person I am today. If I could tell myself anything at all I might be to easy and end up being a big 'ol ball of fluff in my old age. I wouldn't want that. I like who I am. I like being strong... and that only comes from adversity.

While I wouldn't want to shy away from the hard times in life, I guess my advice to myself would be more about how to 'navigate' through them. Here are 5 things that I decided I would tell myself.

1. PUT GOD FIRST!
Above and before anyone else, there is God. He should always hold the #1 spot in your heart and in your life. Guard that place with all your might and never let anyone or anything be in competition for it. If there is competition... that's a sure sign that the person or thing does not belong in your life. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

2. BELIEVE GOD!
Read God's Word, learn it, know it, trust it.... BELIEVE it! And then DO WHAT IT SAYS! We serve an Almighty, Powerful God. If He can create this world from nothing, then He can certainly preserve His Word for His children. Believe God... and obey what He says!

3. IT IS NOT YOUR JOB TO MAKE OTHER PEOPLE HAPPY!
Don't be a people pleaser. Keep your eyes on God and remember that He is the ONLY one you need to make happy. You do that by following Him and obeying His word. Live your life for God and set out to please Him and Him alone.

4. DON'T JUST LET YOUR LIFE HAPPEN - MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Just like driving a car.... you need to be at the steering wheel of your life. Decide where you are going and make every effort to get there. Don't just jump in the backseat and then wonder how you got to where you are. Keep your eyes on the road (God)! The slightest distraction can send you way off course, or even in a ditch. Watch where you are going so you don't have to climb out of any messes you're sure to get yourself into. With God in the #1 place in your life, He will direct your path.

5.  DO IT AFRAID!
If God gives you gift, a talent, or an opportunity.... use it! It can be a scary world when you're first starting out. But God is with you. He will never leave you or forsake you! If He equipped you, if He called you, if He's leading you... He will make a way! It's OK to be scared. He never said we only have to do the easy things. It's alright if you're afraid... DO IT AFRAID! But please.... DO IT!

These are the 5 things I wish I really could have gotten a hold of many years ago. These are the things I would tell my teenage self.

Thanks for reading!
Mary Ann :)


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