For the Girl Who Graduated...
Graduating is such an exciting time. New seasons, new possibilities and the future is open and bright. The only problem with this is that life seldom meets our bright-eyed and inexperienced expectations and in turn, can cause huge disappointments, frustrations and sometimes, even a loss of hope that things will ever turn out great.
But life is so much more than unmet and unrealistic expectations. It’s a journey with twists and turns, ups and downs, mountains and valleys, and ultimately, a destination. It’s packed with lessons, problems and achievements you never thought were possible. It will lead you down unknown territory and bring you out on the other side a more confident, powerful and impactful person. That is, if you allow it to do so…
So whether you’ve just graduated from high school, college or an internship and are getting ready to head out into the big, bad world, or you’re entering a new season of life and are ready to see something grand happen, then I want to write this to you…
“Don’t be in a hurry, the right man will come at last.”
Ladies, don’t worry. He’s out there! The love you’ve always wanted will find you when you keep your heart set on God. Allow Him to mold you into a woman ready for it.
But once he does find you, give your Prince a break! He’s dealing with just as much insecurity and fear as you. Fill in his weaknesses, don’t point them out.
On the road to marriage there will be many a suitors who will find you. Don’t let your relationships define you. You are worth more than how people treat you.
Guys are just as emotional as women! FOR REAL!
Never be afraid to be yourself. If it’s not what he wants, it’s not worth your time.
Don’t be so quick to give your heart away. It’s far more valuable than a dinner and a movie.
NEVER feel like you ever owe your body to someone who hasn’t vowed his fully over to you.
It’s okay to cry.
It’s okay to move on.
You need someone who challenges you. Don’t settle for fluff.
Wait for a guy whose dreams you can chase, and who wants to chase your dreams too.
Don’t be afraid of someone who is different than you. How boring would it be to be married to YOU!
Learn to cook… and fast!
PLEASE budget your money! It will save you so much trouble down the road.
Always be generous with your time. People will need you to just be there.
Girl friendships are hard! It’ll be okay…
“You must give up the life you planned in order to live the life that is waiting for you.”
Don’t be afraid to dream big. It’s going to take you to places you could never imagine.
I know you think you have your 5 and 10 year plan, but if you take a chance on God, He will exceed your plans. Trust me, He’s WAY more creative than you are.
This world is so much bigger than your small town. Go see it!
No matter the culture, language or age, people all want to feel valued. You can give that to them.
The bible will keep you centered. Read it like you mean it!
Don’t take yourself too seriously. You’re going to fall down a lot. But always remember to get back up, learn and move forward.
Give grace to others who fall down.
Try your best not to judge. It leaves something icky inside you.
People are all trying to find happiness. Don’t be in a hurry to assume intentions.
Every single person in this life, at some point, will let you down, because people are imperfect. Find value in God. He’s got you covered.
Don’t be so quick to think you’re over your insecurity issue. It starts to flare up once you get married.
Give grace to yourself first. If you won’t give it to you, you won’t give it to others.
Never think you know everything. Learning is a part of growing and the moment you stop learning, you stop growing. Don’t be a baby.
Always have faith. It’s the power to bring what you hope for into your reality.
Share your gifts with others. You will sow into your future.
Not every opportunity is from God. Don’t be in such a hurry to make big decisions.
Stay humble. It opens doors.
You’re not always wrong.
You’re not always right.
Too much word and you dry up. Too much spirit and your blow up. Put them together and you grow up. Live in balance.
“Life’s what you make it. So let’s make it rock!”
Live loud. You’ll get easily distracted if you don’t.
Don’t read between the lines. People usually aren’t that deep.
The mountains are always a wonderful place to go and talk to God, but remember He doesn’t live there. He lives in you.
Be fierce in your convictions but quick to admit fault.
There’s a LOT you can learn from people who disagree with you, whether it’s to point out something new or to help you understand why you believe in something.
You can’t put God in a box. So He did it for you. It’s called the bible. Read it and don’t get weird.
Don’t debate with people to make your voice be heard. Dig out what’s going on in people’s hearts and then value what you find.
You’ll NEVER guess the ending to Gossip Girl!
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t find love in a hopeless place. You find mistakes. Tread lightly.
But never let a mistake become a part of who you are. Instead, lend a helping hand to freedom for someone else.
There is nothing the devil can do to you without your cooperation. His threat is real but his power is weak. Don’t fear him.
Your dreams will help people you’ll never meet. Don’t pursue them for recognition.
Sometimes you won’t get treated fairly. Your promotion comes from God. Wait for it.
Voices will tell you you’re the only one who struggles with “blank.” It’s NEVER true.
Sometimes counterfeit opportunities come right before the God ones do.
It usually feels suckiest right before an exciting season.
Every chapter in the story of your life can lend itself to the bigger picture. Don’t get distracted by what lies ahead. Keep your focus on writing this season well.
“I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead. I run straight for the divine invitation of reaching the heavenly goal and gaining the victory-prize through the anointing of Jesus. So let all who are fully mature have this same passion, and if anyone is not yet gripped by these desires, God will reveal it to them. And let us all advance together to reach this victory-prize, following one path with one passion.”
There’s no need to fear the unknown when you’re walking hand in hand with the Creator. He knows what lies ahead and He’ll lead you, not with a 20-step plan to total fulfillment, but with a one-step-at-a-time drawing that will lead you on the greatest journey you will ever know.
There’s a life that is waiting for you. Now here’s to the journey!
