First of all, I want to tell you how proud you make me. You have made a remarkable impact on my life in the way you love, serve, and care for your family, friends and so many others. You are selfless in many ways and I know God is going to use you to further his kingdom. You have flourished in the way you act, speak, and serve. I am amazed by the subtle yet wonderful ways Jesus is already using you to tangibly impact the people in your life. I am beyond proud of the beautiful, young, Godly woman you are becoming.

13 was probably the hardest age for me. We had just moved churches and I felt so alone and unwanted, by everyone. There are so many things I learned from that experience. Things I had to learn the hard way. Things I wish people would have told me or reminded me of. So, with that being said, here is a list of 13 things that I wish someone had told me when I was 13:

1. Do not beat yourself up over the past. In Jesus, there is forgiveness for all sins no matter what has happened. (Galatians 5:1)
2. Never feel like you need to act, dress, or talk a certain way to impress a guy, cliques at school, or even in the youth group. As a follower of Christ you were created perfect and you were approved by God long before you could be disapproved by others. (Galatians 1:10)
3. Surround yourself with wise people that believe what you believe. Older, the same age, even younger. Do not ever feel like you are in this alone. God has placed people in your life to help. (Proverbs 19:20)
4. Your education is important. However, you are not defined by your GPA, the classes you take, or the college you might attend. Yes, you do need to stay focused in school and do your best. But it is important to take a step back from your future sometimes and focus on the things God has put in front of you. (Matthew 6:34)
5. You are beautiful in a unique way. It is so important to know that, even if no one has told you. God took his time to create you and make you the beautiful girl that you are. (Psalm 139:14)
6. It is OK if you do not fit in. It is OK if you are not exactly like every other girl. No matter how much pressure there is to fit in. It is not always easy to stand out, but it is a good thing and it can make you stronger and braver than you have ever been. (Romans 12:2)
7. Don’t forget to laugh. As you get older, school, relationships and life seem to get harder. But never be so focused on the hard times that you miss out on the good times. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
8. Always, ALWAYS, respect your parents. They may make you mad and you may think they are being very controlling, but trust me when I say they are just trying to do the best they can can at raising you to be the great Godly woman you are intended to be. (Exodus 20:12)
9. Never doubt the power of prayer. You should pray the hardest when it is hardest to pray. (1 Chronicles 16:11)
10. If you think you have blown God’s plan for you, rest in this; You, my love, are not that powerful. God made a specific plan for you and nothing will change that. Do not be afraid to trust your unknown future to a known God. (Jeremiah 29:11)
11. A woman’s heart should be so hidden in the Lord that a man has to seek him to find her. Pursue the Lord in all that you do and he will put everything else in it’s place. (Psalm 37:4)
12. Have an accountability partner. Be willing to tell her everything. Be willing to go to her for prayer. Be willing to pour your heart out to her. (Proverbs 27:17)
13. Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle. (Hebrews 13:6)