A Letter to My Kiddos...

Hey sweetheart...

It's late and all of you are sleeping while I type this up. You are all small right now but there are a few things I want to make sure that you know in life.

1.) Always put God first. There will be things that come up that try to steal your attention but don't let them. When you wake up first thing in the morning, pray and read The Word. Spend your whole day talking to God. If you are having a hard day, talk to him. If you are having a good day, talk to him. If you are running late, don't stress it -- talk to him. If you are early, thank him. Clearly my point is -- Just talk to him. He's in every little moment of your life. He knows what is going to happen before you do. And sometimes those things that seem like the end of the world... Well, they can lead to some of the most beautiful things. Trust in Him.

2.) You are absolutely INCREDIBLE. No seriously you are. God made you to be exactly who you are for a reason. You were sent here at this particular time because God knew that the World needed someone just like you. You will change lives. Make sure you use that for good. 

3.) Look for the beauty in the small things. There will be so many things that this world will want to convince you is beautiful... But don't be mislead. True beauty is what is inside of someone. Not the outside. I want you to see the natural beauty around you. Both in people and in the world. Pay attention to the everyday little moments. Go out and experience Nature. When you are out and about in town, pay attention to the beautiful souls all around you that God sends into our lives -- sometimes in the form of a stranger. When you are older pay attention to those smiles and snuggles from your little ones. Those are the things that really matter. 

4.) Use your imagination. Never lose that ability. Anything is possible. Don't ever let anyone tell you differently. 

5.) Ask tough questions. Don't be afraid to do the hard work and do your own research into things. Don't just take someones word for anything. Even with the world at your fingertips, read books, seek out different perspectives ... Do a deep dive. Don't be afraid to go down the rabbit hole sometimes and then allow the Holy Spirit to Guide you. If you allow God to guide you, you will know what is right from what is wrong.

6.) Allow yourself to know what it feels like to be truly loved. I hope that your dad and I will be two people who make you feel that love -- but also, don't be afraid to get your heart broken a few times to find that one person that God has waiting just for you. Sometimes it takes learning what you don't want and being let down by people to realize what you do want and to find the one person who will do everything they can to never let you down. There will be people who will try to change you, those are not your people - just know that the right person won't try to change you... They will love you and all your imperfections.

7.) Love everyone. You don't always have to agree with peoples decisions. Everyone has their own story. Remember that " Jesus picked 12 outsiders no body would have chosen and he changed the world." If there is one thing that I have cherished in this life, it's that you should never judge a book by its cover.  You will find some friendships in some of the most peculiar of people. Cherish those. 

8.) Sometimes people just need you to listen. It can be hard not to voice your own opinions, but sometimes they just need to make their own decisions and have someone to talk to and who will give them a hug. Know when they need you to talk and when they just need you to listen. That is one of the best traits you will ever acquire. Also, don't take everything that someone says personal-- we all have bad days. They may just be frustrated and venting -- Just let them do it. You don't have to let it ruin your day. 

9.) Which leads me to my next piece of advice -- Respect Yourself. There will be those people in life who you can never please. There will be people who don't like you -- and they don't even know why they don't like you. That's their problem not yours. Know when to talk away. You will find your tribe -- and when you do, they will be unlike anyone you have ever met. They will want only good things for you -- and you will feel the exact same way about them. The world becomes a much more beautiful place when you surround yourself with people like that. 

10.) You are never alone. Even when the world tries to make you think that you are -- You aren't. I mean obviously your dad and I are always here for you... not to mention your other family members. But MOST IMPORTANTLY, as I said before -- God is always there. He can do some truly incredible things if you just trust and believe in him. I mean, look at my life. He has completely changed my life in ways I never thought possible.

11.)  You will most likely do some really stupid stuff when you are younger. We all have. And if someone tries to tell you they haven't.... well then.. they are probably lying or lived a really boring life. You only live once so make the memories... Don't be afraid. Obviously try to use your head as much as possible. But know that there is nothing in this world that you could do that would make me love you any less. I want to hear about your adventures and I hope you trust me enough to share them with me.

12.) Accidents Happen. In every aspect of your life, you will experience this. There will be things out of your control. But, God put a good head on your shoulder. Know what you can and can not control -- and then don't sweat the small stuff. 

13.) Always tell the truth. Even when you are tempted not to... It's always better if you do.  

14.) Your dad and I are always a phone call away - No questions asked. We want you to feel like in those moments when you are scared or even in the moments that you just need someone that you will have the feeling " I need to call my parents..." not "my parents are going to kill me..." Because like I said above, there is nothing that you could do that would make us love you any less. 

15.) Don't text and drive. Don't Drink and Drive. EVER. Period. It is NOT worth it. 

16.) Always Drive Yourself. If you can't, call mom, dad or a sibling. I can't tell you how many sticky situations I have gotten myself into riding with someone else. You are in control of what you are and are not exposed to when you have the ability to remove yourself from a situation. 

17.) 

I'm sure there will be many more and I will keep adding on as I think of them... But here is a start. 

Love you, 

Mom