As 2012 quickly becomes 2013 & as Punky Jr's first birthday is upon us (Jan. 5) I want to tell her a few things that I hope she always remembers. Days come, days go, weeks turn into months, and years go by. I hope to get to watch her grow up, get married, have kids of her own (when she is about 30), but if God has other plans I want her to know a few things.
1. You are unique and that is wonderful. God doesn't make copies. God made you special. Be the person that God created you to be. Be proud of who you are.
2. You loved forever and always. Not only do Mommy and Daddy and all your relatives love you, but more importantly GOD loves. God offers you salvation, not because of anything you did, but because you are a unique creation of His. Accept His gift, believe it with all your heart. This is the most important thing you will ever learn.
3. You are beautiful. You may not feel like it, and some days the mirror may seem to say you are not. But, even with bedhead, in pj's & with a runny nose, your are beautiful. Your eyes are gorgeous. Your nose is cute. Your hair has just enough curl. From head to toe, you are beautiful. Don't listen to what the world says, don't compare yourself to a magazine (that is not reality), listen to God whispering to you. He thinks you are beautiful, and so do I!
4. If you work hard, if you apply yourself, if you don't take "no" as the last word, you can achieve your dreams. If you sit on your butt, if you just wish things would change, you won't get past the couch. You have to be willing to put in the effort.
5. Sex can be a LOT of fun. But, if it is outside of marriage it carries a lot consequences. Remember sex creates babies. If you are not ready to be a Mom, don't have sex. Also, there are health risks. Be wise and wait till your wedding day. There are many reasons God designed sex to be only between a man and his wife. Trust Him, and trust your parents. Sex is MORE fun when you do it God's way.
6. Respect all those around you. Say please, thank you, I'm sorry, and excuse me. People will appreciate it and respect you more for your good manners. If you see someone that needs help, help them. Be kind to all those around you, men, women, children and animals.
7. Be neat and organized. It may take some time to get organized and to initially clean a space, but it will save time in the long run, and it is more inviting and more relaxing to be in a clean, organized environment.
8. You are not too good to work hard. Scrubbing, sweeping, laundry, helping others, do it. By doing so, and giving everything your best you are serving the Lord.
9. There are a lot of things in our world that are fun, that are enticing, that you will want to try. Not all these things are good for you. Smoking, getting drunk, doing drugs, these all carry health and other consequences, they are not worth it. Not to mention they are expensive habits.
10. When choosing what to watch, read, or do think wisely. Remember that your actions reflect your heart. Do your actions reflect a heart that loves and wants to please the Lord in all you do?
11. All people are different. Jesus teaches us to love everyone. We may not agree with their lifestyle or religious choices but we still need to love them. Condoning and loving are too different things. If you can learn this, you are a wise woman.
12. Pray, pray and pray some more. It is the best way to use your time. There will be times when you feel like praying is not doing enough, when you are down on your knees and you just feel helpless, but you are praying so you are doing a BIG thing. You are approaching Heaven, talking to God, and there is nothing better than that!
13. Be wise with your money. You may have a lot and if so, be thankful for the blessing. You may have a little and if so, make each penny count. You will always have more than someone. Share. Remember to tithe. Each penny comes from God, if you diligently return to Him a portion He will bless that obedience.
14. Jealousy is a waste of time. You will come across people that have more material blessings than you do, but if you remain faithful to the Lord, act in love, you will be reaping eternal rewards and those far outshine anything on this earth. Remember, just because someone may seem to have enough to be happy- they may not be. Life isn't about stuff (that is a lie that far too many believe), it is about our character.
15. Honesty really is the best policy. It may not always help you win or get ahead, but it is the best. It earns you respect, and it is easier to remember the truth than a bunch of lies. Your lies will eventually come back to haunt you.
16. If you follows this advice, people will want to be your friend. You will be the type of person that people respect, that people want to be around. Be choosy when picking friends. Find people that will be loyal and true. When you do, value them. Solid friendships are very special. As much as your Daddy and I love you, we know that as you get older it will be your friends you turn to for sympathy, fun, encouragement, support. Even so, NEVER forget that we are always here for you, no matter what! We love you with all our hearts and then some.
17. When you are looking for a husband look for a man that believes in Christ. This will guide all His decisions. Also, look for someone that respects all women, for you are one. Find a man that values family time over worldly pursuits, but someone that works hard and is willing to provide and protect. Find someone that you can be totally yourself with, that you enjoy doing things with and doing nothing with. Find someone loyal, loving and cute (you do have to look at him). Remember cute/sexy is in the eye of the beholder, and it is more than just skin and bones.
FINALLY...
18. I am your mommy, I need lots of hugs and mommy/daughter time. Even when you are all grown up, you will always be this precious life that was given to me to nurture and care for. My heart is full of love for you. So call and come over more than you want, because it will not be enough for me! I love you and always will. No matter what!
PS...even when you are in trouble, you are still loved, you just need to learn to do things differently, God's way.
-Mommy-
