A letter to my future children:

I know what you're thinking, "here comes a rant from mom." If I'm anything in the future like I am now, I'm sure you'll have had a fair share of rants from me. I tend to love a good rant. Anyways, it's 2:30 am on a school night (I know, I'm pretty rebellious, but don't do what I'm doing because well.. Sleep is good) and my mind is running crazy with memories. Some of them are terrific and some of them are painfully nauseating. But the good news is, no matter good or bad, they've shaped me into who I am today. It's taken me a while to get to this point, but I'm truly thankful for all that I've been through because it has definitely grown me as an individual and helped grow me into the person who already loves you very much. So, as your future mother and a current college student, I've taken it upon myself to give you some advice before I get old and strict.

Dating in elementary/middle/high school is usually stupid

I'm going to preface this by saying USUALLY. I fully accept that there are exceptions to this, and there are high school sweetheart couples who end up together, which is really cute and awesome. However, all I ever cared about was boys and dating.. I was never allowed to date so I was fairly proud of myself when I was able to sneak in a date or two or have a hidden relationship.. And now looking back on it, I was so dumb. Even into college, half of the relationships were not necessary and a huge waste of time.. In one of my favorite movies, Clueless, the main girl says "I don't date high school boys.. They're immature and disgusting.." Seriously, that girl has my respect.. I only wish I had that mindset growing up! I wish I had applied myself to school more and focused on my friendships and relationship with my family.. Because guess what? I don't talk to ANY of those boys.. I still talk to some of my friends from school, and my family is involved in my life on the daily.. So I'm not just being over protective when i say stay away from relationships.. Maybe your future spouse goes to school with you.. And ya know what? We'll cross that bridge when we get there.. But for now, friends are best(: Be thankful, my dad always set the bar too high for me to keep me from dating-I had to have a 4.0 in school if I wanted to be able to date.

And speaking of relationships. Save yourself for marriage

Sorry if it makes you feel weird that I'm talking about this but it's so important and too often ignored. I'm thankful to say that I've made it this far in life without making certain mistakes, but at the same time, I'm sure it's an easy trap to fall into. Really, though, It's not worth it. I know you might get hung up on someone and think it's worth it, but if that's not who you're going to marry, your emotions get so hung up on the person, and guess what? It'll end. And the pain from the end of the relationship feels like the end of the world. That's when it'll be hardest to forgive yourself. But even if you do make this mistake, I'll still love you just the same and I'll be there to listen and support you. Just remember, the Bible doesn't tell us to obtain from things like that to make our lives miserable. God knows that we are wired in a way to be with one person and he knows that the emotional pain of that not being the case is something that is horrible. He's looking out for us when he tells us to physically make smart decisions in relationships.

Experience life to the fullest

Growing up is going to be one of the wildest experiences of your life. Don't take any second for granted. Many opportunities will enter into your life-some great and some not so great.. But ya know what? You'll never get that second back. If I've learned anything in life it's that time stops for no one. They say time passes in the blink of an eye and I've found that to be incredibly true. So seize the moment, because every single one is dearly precious... God wonderfully crafted the world we live in, and he intentionally made it a fantastic place. He created this world for us Learn to enjoy the things and people he created. Have friends and be a friend. Go exploring, find things you love to do. I've found that being outside is one of my favorite things; I love to go on walks and find random adventures with my friends. Do that. Trust me, you'll thoroughly enjoy it! After all, God created everything for us to live in and enjoy.

Don't live in the past

Along with tremendous experience comes tremendous regret. More times than once you'll do something that you'll end up regretting. And not only will you regret it, but the very thought of t will make you nauseous. I remember once I snuck out of my house to meet a guy at a movie. It seems harmless, but my parents wouldn't let me go.. believe it or not, your grandpa was known among all my friends for his strictness-and I decided I had had enough.. so I snuck out.. Annnddd I was caught.. I beat myself up over it for a while, but in the end I learned I couldn't live in the past.. I had to forgive myself and move on.. Living in the past will only hurt you, so learn from your mistake, ask for forgiveness if necessary (sometimes that means asking yourself for forgiveness) and put it behind you. As new creations in Christ, we are not called to dwell on our past. We need to repent and allow ourselves to move on. Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that we would no longer have to bear the weight of our sins. He did not die for us so that we could continually beat ourselves up over our screw ups. So, as a way to glorify him, don't constantly hate on yourself for what you've done. Forgiveness is ours if we ask for it from our heavenly father.

Love The Lord with all of your heart

This is my final and probably most important piece of advice for you. A deep, growing, thriving relationship with your heavenly father is going to be the most satisfying thing you'll ever experience. Life is going to be difficult- it's going to throw some pretty nasty curve balls and you're not going to know what to do. You're going to screw up, it's inevitable. You're going to find yourself flat on your face crying harder than you ever thought you could. I know all of this because I've been there. However, in my moments of being at my absolute lowest point, my heavenly father was there to pick up the pieces and build me into being more like him. He created you before the beginning of time and dearly loves you. He created you for a purpose, which is ultimately to glorify Him. The sooner you comprehend this, the more fulfilling your life will be. I constantly pray that you will be able to experience his personal love and be able to deeply know his heart. I pray that your desire is to glorify Him and to make his name known. As your mother, I will fail you. Please understand that I'm an imperfect human and I cannot get everything right. Because of this, I ask that you not put your full hope in me. Instead of looking to me to completely fill your needs, look to your heavenly father who is fully capable of giving you everything you need and more. Look him to be your everything. John Piper says that God most delights in us when we find our satisfaction in Him. Boom. Find your satisfaction in God.

I know that life is going to be crazy- we are both going to make mistakes. Be patient with me as I'm being patient with you. Know that besides God, I am your number one supporter, and I want the absolute best for you (yes, this includes the times I won't let you go to a friends house or go to a movie with someone you like). Just know that we'll get through this crazy mess we call life together and that I'll always love you!