In just about a week, I will be celebrating two decades of living. I have learned many lesson throughout my teenage years, and I have been pondering them as I think about the upcoming years. Here are a few things I learned during my teens.

1. Mom will always be your best friend. She understands just about everything happening, and knows the perfect cure for heartache. She also gives the best hugs.

2. Dad will always protect you from those silly boys. He may give them a hard time before they take you on a date, but he only wants the best for his little girl.

3. Laughing till 3 am with your best friend is the best medicine you could ever need. plain an simple.

4. It was okay to not have a boyfriend in high school. Sometimes you aren't ready to have that commitment in your life. You got to know yourself before you can love anyone else.

5. Sing the wrong words while driving around with the windows down. Nothing will clear your mind faster than jamming out T-Swift

6. Express yourself. Show people what you care about, and embrace each talent you have even if it is different than others.

7. Get a job. It was very rewarding to be able to spend money I earned. It was also nice to be able to buy dinner for my family every now and then. I also learned lot from my summer job about treating others.

8. Get involved in a youth group. My youth group was always there when life was fun and life was hard. Being connected with a body of believers really helps the soul.

9. Do something different with your hair. Nothing felt more inspiring than chopping 14 inches off my hair, or adding a hint of purple.

10. LOVE. It is so important to love people the way Christ loves us. If I learned anything throughout my teenage years this is the most important. Love with a radical love for people that leaves a lasting impression of the goodness that is Christ.