For My Girls

Girls,  I've spent some time making a list for you of things I've learned along the way.  There will be times in life where I will probably be the last person you want advice from, but know, I've been where you are and will stand, and I love you more than anything in this world.

1. Be Kind - even when you don't want to be.  You never know when it might change someone else's life.
2. You are BEAUTIFUL! Just the way you are.
3. Learn to sew.
4. Read.  Often.
5. Cherish and protect each other.  Sisters are a blessing.
6. To have good friends, you have to be a good friend.
7. NOTHING is worth having if you don't have someone to share it with.
8. Seek Him.  Always.
9. Trust your instincts.  Don't second guess yourself.
10. Love worth having is worth waiting for.
11. Work hard, but don't forget to play.
12. Serving with a joyful heart will reward you in more ways than you could ever imagine.
13. Learn to bake.  It's comforting in all seasons of life.
14. You'll know love when you realize that someone else's happiness is a part of your own.
15. No what matter - the sun IS going to come out tomorrow.
16. When you look deeply into any anger you have, you will see that the person you are tempted to call your 'enemy' is also suffering.  As soon as you see that, the capacity for accepting and having compassion is there.
17. Don't judge.  JUST DON'T!
18. Find a cause you are passionate about, and support it!
19. Don't ever take advantage of another person's weaknesses.
20. Be in love with you life - Every minute of it!!!
21. Don't just memorize scripture - Dig in to it!  Understand what it means.
22. Keep a journal.  It's therapeutic.
23. Pray for your future spouse.  That he will know the Lord as you do.
24. When you find yourself in a useless battle....walk off the battlefield.
25. Make Peanut Butter Pancakes - they are good for your soul.
26. You are worthy because you are loved by the King.
27. You were put on this earth to achieve your greatest self, to live out your life, and to do it fearlessly.
28. When you think about wonderful things, don't forget to count yourself in.
29. Sing.  Loudly.  With the windows down.
30. Always wash your make-up off at night.  And moisturize.  You'll thank me later.
31. Invest in your footwear and bra's.  It's a must!
32. Spend time in nature.
33. Laugh.  A lot.  Learn to find the humor in life.
34. Light some candles and soak in the tub.  Every night...if it makes you happy.
35. Marry a man just like Poppy.  Your life will be abundantly blessed.
36. Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable.
37. Forgive.  But NEVER let anyone abuse your heart.
38. Let the refining and improving of your own life keep you so busy that you don't have time to criticize others.
39. Taste the food you put into your mouth - don't just eat it.
40. Take care of your body, you only have one.
41. Stop and smell the roses.  Especially when you think you don't have time.
42. Travel.
43. Be with someone who gives their love openly and generously.
44. Don't let anyone's ignorance, hate, drama, and/or negativity stop you from becoming the best person you can be.
45. When someone is going through a storm, your silent presence is worth more than a million empty words.
46. Forgive yourself.
47. Marry someone who isn't afraid to help you clean, cook, and fold laundry.
48. When you just need a break from the world - Go to Emerald Isle.
49. Learn to paint.  You can change the entire look of your house with a few coats of paint.
50. Know that NOTHING could ever change my love for you.
51. You don't ever have to feel guilty about removing toxic people from your life.  It doesn't matter if someone is a relative, romantic interest, employer, childhood friend, or a new acquaintance - You don't have room in your life for people who cause you pain or make you feel small.  It's one thing if a person owns up to their behavior and makes an effort to change.  But if someone disregards your feelings, ignores your boundaries, and 'continues' to treat you in a harmful way...they need to go.
52. Never question where you've been...it was a step to where you're supposed to be.
53. Never compare yourself to others.
54. Don't hide your trials; allow other's to see God's grace in your life.
55. Part of finding the right partner is being the right partner.
56. Dance in the rain.
57. Learn another language.
58. Never be ashamed of the scars that life has left you with.  A scar means the hurt is over, the wound is closed, you endured the pain, and God has healed you.
59. Strive to be a Proverbs 31 woman.
60. Know that Poppy and I are always here for you... no matter what.
61. Live your life with integrity.  Be the same person in front of others that you are behind closed doors.
62. Cling to your faith when life gets hard.
63. A fresh batch of cookies make everything better.
64. Art is the accomplice of love.
65. Be modest - it's attractive.
66. Even though it may be hard... DO NOT ever sell yourself short by taking the easy road.  Challenge yourself.
67. Accept the fact that sometimes you just need to cry, and you may not even understand why.  (Your husband will not understand this either.)
68. Even when it doesn't seem like it, never forget that I am your biggest fan.
69. Take naps.  And enjoy them.
70. Be the friend who seeks out and sticks up for the person left behind.  You are better than no one.
71. Don't waste your time worrying about the small things.   They are a waste of your happiness.
72.  Tell Jesus everything.  He's always ready to listen.
73. Pay attention to the details.
74. But don't try to be perfect.
75. Look for the blessings in life.  Attitude is everything.
76. Surround yourself with people whose sense of humor rivals your own.  Laughter can cure almost anything.
77. Don't cook and clean because someone expects you to do it.
78. Find what brings you joy.
79. Serve others.  And be gracious to those who serve you!
80. Know that you deserve respect.
81. And always respect authority.
82. Learn to enjoy the little things.  Even the shaded spot in the car pick up line.
83. You don't always need a plan...in fact, some of the best things in life come when you least expect them!
84. When you're at Nana and Papaw's, sit on the porch and breathe in the fresh smell of the rain during a storm.
85. Honor Him in what you put out into the world.
86. Find time to just be still.
87. Love.  With your whole heart.
88. If it gets broken, know that I will be there as your shoulder to cry on/
89. Go to church, and get involved.  Don't just sit in a pew.
90. Do a Bible study.  
91. Be the first to apologize.  
92. Sometimes you need - and deserve - to spoil yourself.
93. Be spontaneous.
94. Don't assume the worst in people.  Give everyone a chance.  Oftentimes people have many scars that they are afraid to show the world.
95. NEVER close yourself off - this world needs your heart.
96. Keep a rainy day fund.
97. Live as debt free as possible.
98. A good book, a blanket, and a comfy chair make any rainy day seem better.
99. Don't buy into the lie that your way is the only right way.  Different things work for different people.
100. Marry a man who will take bubble baths with you.