Let a man sanctify the Lord God in his heart and he can thereafter do no common act. All he does is good and acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For such a man, living itself will be a priestly ministration.
~A.W. Tozer (from The Pursuit of God; last chapter "The Sacrament of Living")
I am going to be eighteen soon. I'd love advice from my readers who are older than myself.
If you could go back and talk to your eighteen -year- old -self what would you say? What would you do differently? What are you glad you did?
(: Smile a lot :) When you begin to feel annoyed, take a deep breath and smile. Even if you don't feel like it.
And make a conscious decision to enjoy life where you are right now.
What I would do differently would be to read my Bible more. What I'm glad I learned is what it feels like to give your time and your heart to a child and that pain when they are taken away. I think it made me more appreciative of my little cousins, even it was one of the hardest things I've ever gone through.
It's so hard for me to realize that 18 was already two years ago for me, but in looking back I hope I can offer some encouragement from someone who's "been there":)
I guess the best advice that I could give for you would be to seek The Lord while He may be found, and call upon Him while He is near.
Focus on your goals, (or find goals if you don't have them) and stick with them at all costs. One thing I regret doing at 18, was not starting a college degree. At 18 I thought I knew what God wanted me to do, and I didn't act upon it. Now, two years later, I am still trying to start the things I should have started then. So I would encourage you to press on in the things you know God wants you to do right now, and don't wait any longer.
I am so grateful for the time I spent in the Bible Bee. I would give anything to be 18 again, and do the Bible Bee one more time. The lessons I learned in the Bible Bee were so valuable,they will impact my life forever!
Keep your focus on The Lord and don't allow distractions to keep you from focusing on the real goal of life, To Glorify God!
It's so easy to be overcome by fear and regret, and to become discouraged, and trust me if you don't have anything that is keeping you focused and purposeful, you will become very overwhelmed, and discouraged. You have to view obstacles as hurdles to leap over, and give God your burdens, and struggles.
May God richly bless your 18th year with His strength, and wisdom. May your year be filled with all the blessings of peace and provision. May you understand the love of God, and know that He is working all things out for your good to you who love Him. I pray that God will supply all your needs according to His riches and glory by Christ Jesus.
I have really enjoyed knowing you as a friend, and sister in The Lord, and I hope and pray that God brings to pass all that He has promised in your life. I look forward to the next time I get to see you, and in the meantime, have a Wonderful birthday, and a very profitable 18th year growing in the grace and Knowledge of The Lord, who loves you beyond all that you can imagine.
Lots of love,
Elanee
" Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb: And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like? Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it." Isaiah 46:4-5,11
Happy Birthday! My advice to you as you turn 18 would be to listen to your parents, and not overlook their insights, and advice. This is something I wish I could have done differently when I was 18.
Thank you so much everyone! I shall print these off, read them, and keep them to look back at! Thanks especially to Mrs. Smythe for taking time to encourage a younger woman!
(: Smile a lot :) When you begin to feel annoyed, take a deep breath and smile. Even if you don't feel like it.
ReplyDeleteAnd make a conscious decision to enjoy life where you are right now.
What I would do differently would be to read my Bible more. What I'm glad I learned is what it feels like to give your time and your heart to a child and that pain when they are taken away. I think it made me more appreciative of my little cousins, even it was one of the hardest things I've ever gone through.
Happy Birthday!
Dear Amiee,
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard for me to realize that 18 was already two years ago for me, but in looking back I hope I can offer some encouragement from someone who's "been there":)
I guess the best advice that I could give for you would be to seek The Lord while He may be found, and call upon Him while He is near.
Focus on your goals, (or find goals if you don't have them) and stick with them at all costs.
One thing I regret doing at 18, was not starting a college degree. At 18 I thought I knew what God wanted me to do, and I didn't act upon it. Now, two years later, I am still trying to start the things I should have started then. So I would encourage you to press on in the things you know God wants you to do right now, and don't wait any longer.
I am so grateful for the time I spent in the Bible Bee. I would give anything to be 18 again, and do the Bible Bee one more time. The lessons I learned in the Bible Bee were so valuable,they will impact my life forever!
Keep your focus on The Lord and don't allow distractions to keep you from focusing on the real goal of life, To Glorify God!
It's so easy to be overcome by fear and regret, and to become discouraged, and trust me if you don't have anything that is keeping you focused and purposeful, you will become very overwhelmed, and discouraged. You have to view obstacles as hurdles to leap over, and give God your burdens, and struggles.
May God richly bless your 18th year with His strength, and wisdom. May your year be filled with all the blessings of peace and provision. May you understand the love of God, and know that He is working all things out for your good to you who love Him. I pray that God will supply all your needs according to His riches and glory by Christ Jesus.
I have really enjoyed knowing you as a friend, and sister in The Lord, and I hope and pray that God brings to pass all that He has promised in your life. I look forward to the next time I get to see you, and in the meantime, have a Wonderful birthday, and a very profitable 18th year growing in the grace and Knowledge of The Lord, who loves you beyond all that you can imagine.
Lots of love,
Elanee
" Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb: And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like? Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it." Isaiah 46:4-5,11
Dear Amiee,
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
My advice to you as you turn 18 would be to listen to your parents, and not overlook their insights, and advice. This is something I wish I could have done differently when I was 18.
Love,
Mrs. Smythe
Thank you so much everyone! I shall print these off, read them, and keep them to look back at! Thanks especially to Mrs. Smythe for taking time to encourage a younger woman!
ReplyDelete