First off, I want to start by saying that both of you are extremely different people. So to begin with, I thought it would be difficult to write a letter concerning both of you. After a lot of thought, I realized that no matter how different you two may be from one another, I still have the same hopes and dreams for you.
I know that the hopes and dreams I have for you two are probably not the same ones you have for yourselves, but I hope some day they will be. I want each of you to follow Jesus's will for you, find happiness, smile always and learn to accept heartbreak when you should. It's hard to write an all inclusive letter on each thing in your life, but I'll give a few shout-outs to the biggest concerns I have.
About Faith:
From a young age, both of you knew who Jesus was. Though raised separately from one another, you still had that in common. I am beyond blessed knowing that I have been one of the role models in your life that has helped you become to closer to Him. At 17 and 18, I know it's hard to do exactly what God has called for us to do. You both are very different from me and I'm OK with that. I know that the both of you can be easily influenced by others around you. And other times, you're not.
You both know how to stand your ground when you need to. I just hope you remember that and always, always know how to say no. I hope that each of you follow in Jesus's will for your lives. He has a perfect plan for you—you just have to be willing to make the sacrifices along the way in order to gain the reward. I hope that both of you know you can always come to me with anything; I will always be here to listen in this subject or give advice. I also hope that you both are also listeners and counselors whenever it comes to this topic. Jesus lives inside of you and shines through you both each day. You just have to keep on that path. Taking that path may not always be the "cool" path to follow, but it is the most rewarding. Blessings will come to you each and every day. So smile and be happy... And when people ask the reason for your happiness, well, you know the answer. Jesus is the answer.
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8
About Boys:
I wanted to start by saying that no one will ever be good enough for you, but I know that isn't true. I know the Lord has a special man out there for each of you who will love you, cherish you and pursue you for all the days of your lives. I hope you find him someday. I hope that both of you pray for that man each day. I definitely pray for you both to find him, whoever he may be. Don't be afraid to wait. Don't jump at the first guy who shows you extra attention. Wait for the one. Waiting isn't easy. Believe me; I know. However, it is worth it. But you must first know to be strong in your faith before you find that man. You have to give it all up to Jesus. Trust Him, and He will place that man in your life. He will make sure you are happy and loved for the rest of your days.
"But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33
About School:
It's important. Go to class, make friends, study hard and make sacrifices. As stated in my previous article, you don't have to finish college in four years. Take the time you need to decide the correct career path; then go for it. Take a little bit of time, but not too much. You are both so young. You haven't even completed your high school careers yet. You have your entire life ahead of you and you have so much more to learn. Continue your days with an open mind to study and learn more. You won't regret it. Learning can be fun. Learning is fun! You just have to find the right strategy that works for you. So what do you do to find this, if you haven't already? Pray about it. I know times can be tough and school is always hard. But you can do it—you will do it.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
There are so many more things I would love to say to both of you, but for now those will do. Each of these topics are important but it all comes back to one thing: Jesus. Live your life for The Lord and all else will come into place. I love you both, more than you will ever know. Keep your head up and never stop smiling. I will leave you with my favorite verse, to both of you:
"You are all together beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you." Song of Solomon 4:7