13 Life Lessons

13 Things I have learned over my years...

1. God is the only one who never leaves and never hurts you. When the rest of the world turns their back, God remains. He is faihful and His love endures forever.

2. It doesn't matter what people say or how they think of you because in the end you are who you are and to the core you arent going to change for anyone. Maybe externally, but youre made the way you are for a reason...you might as well accept it and love yourself for who you are.

3. Don't be ashamed of the gifts God has given you, and be willing and open to use them. Don't compare yourself to others and let jealousy get in your heart, jealousy can destroy relationships...I have witnessed it firsthand and gone through it. (the relationship was restored though, praise GOD!)

4. Family is important. They are the ones that will always be there. They may get on your nerves sometimes and you may want to escape it, but in the end they are always there. Sometimes they hurt you and do things that cause pain, but you have to forgive them and move on. You are kinda stuck with the one you get with, forever. Make the most of it. Love them.

5. Always be grateful for what you have. When I went to Mexico I realized how selfish I was. I saw people that had nothing, and yet they were so happy and joyful. And we are discontented, always wanting more. Be grateful for your blessings and the life you have. If may not be the best, but it is better than a lot of people's. Be content, happiness isnt in materialism.

6. Friends are important. You cannot do life alone, I have tried, and I failed miserably and was at the lowest point in my life when I isolated myself from godly friends and relationships. I didnt have accountability or anyone to press me on in my walk, so I lost my faith. When I really dedicated my life to Go, I began to develop relationships that were deep and intimate. I've never really had any "true" friends until now. I have 2 of the best friends I oculd ask for and I never take them for granted. We are sisters by heart connection, even though it isnt blood, it is strong and deep and God centered. I love my friends. I need them, and thank God for them.

7. Life is unpredictable. Things happen that you have absolutely no control over, and they come from out of the blue. No one expects tragedy or pain, but its inevitable at one point or another in life. Dont try to tell when, because its not possible. I never expected my dad would have an affair and leave my family, but it happened and we had to deal with it. No one expects disease or premature death. Life is unpredictable. You never know what you are going to get.

8. Perfectionism is boring. Why try to be something you are not? Why try to be perfect and obsessive about everything? Its not the way we were supposed to live. We all have quirks and we should embrace them. I am a self proclaimed nerd, and people think I'm weird a lot of times (which is true) but I say being a dork is crazy and FUN!!! I'm by no means perfect, my life is kind of a mess, but like my Aly sister says, "Its a holy and beautiful wreck. =)" I dont try to reach perfection because I know I cant attain it. I try to be better and let God work, but like spontinaity and craziness!

9. There is so much beauty in the world outside of our American bubble. We all think America is the greatest and some think others are inferior. But after 5 years of being in a church family of hispanics, let me tell you, they are some of the most beautiful people I know. They are incredible, and passionate, and fun, and sweet, and really care about you. Dont judge somebody based on the color of their skin. Thats not fair, you have to know a person before you have the right to make judgements. I love America, but hispanic culture takes up about half of my heart.

10. Love covers a multitude of sins. How many times have I sinned against God? Too many to ever count. I regret so much, but its in His love, every time, that I find forgiveness. He takes joy in forgiving us, it makes His day! He has washed my heart and is healing me, and all you have to do is ask Him and be willing. =) it doesnt matter what you do, He is faithful and just to forgive. And when you have been forgiven, how can you hold back from forgiving others? If His love is inside of you, forgiveness will flow out.

11. Childlikeness. Even Jesus said that "If you do not become like these little ones, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven." Kids trust easily, you dont have to tell them to trust. Kids dont fear, fear is taught to kids by individuals and the collective society and culture. Kids arent afraid to ask for things. Kids are full of wonder at the smallest, most simple things. People think I'm crazy, but I like to have fun and be like a kid sometimes. I grew up fast, and I like my random craziness! God is teaching my childlikeness and its hard, but important. I'm surrounded by kids all the time! I love watching them and seeing how innocent they are.

12. Life cannot be ruled by emotions. When you let your life be run by your emotions, it turns into a mess. Thre has to be a place for reason, for prayer and thought before decisions or acting on something, and asking advice from the people you trust. Not to say that emotins have no place, sometimes its best to follow your heart, but its not the way to live.

13. Leadership isnt necessarily always being on top, but it is taking the role of a servant and putting others before self in service to them and to God. I have learned leadership and life skills through my high school group at church, _tag, and have seen this idea in practice. Leadership is service, not shining the light on self and being prideful...leading is serving and becoming as low as you possibly can in order to elevate others