In all honesty, I don't think I ever thought I'd get here as a child. I felt like I was going to perpetually be a child. And yet here I am, twenty-five years old and wondering what happened! I have a husband, a one and a half year old, a house, and a part time job! I have wonderful friends, and God has let me experience so much over the years!
Being the oldest of eight is always an adventure, but remember it didn't start out that way. ;) We didn't just grow out of the ground all the sudden, and each new child had a different personality and temperament. JD is always amazed that for having so many kids, each of us is totally different! I'm so glad God brought us through childhood without us hating each other at the end. Hahahahahaha.... But for real...
When there were just three of us. hahahahaha...
25 Things I Have Learned
1. God is good. All the time. Doesn't matter how I feel or the current events of the world. Disaster may still be upon us, but I am safe in His arms and forever held in His hands. Nothing, I mean, nothing will take me away from Him!
2. Everyone is having a hard time in life. Everyone. And if they aren't having a hard time now, they will. This is a broken, beat down world we live in. Life isn't always fair, but God does the unfair thing and gave us His son anyway.
3. If you need perspective, make international friends. Add someone one of your friends met on an international mission trip or make friends at an international club. The internet is awesome for this. Anytime I feel sorry for myself, I just need to talk to my friend Kalu in Nepal and realize he's still trying to rebuild his life after the earthquake several years ago. Also, having friends in Japan always warm my heart. I'm so blessed to have international brothers and sisters all across the globe!
4. If you're a Christian, stay in touch with your brothers and sisters in Christ both locally and throughout the world. Make sure you're keeping up to date with the latest prayer requests and ways you can serve locally. I know this is hard for mammas of babies, so don't pressure yourself too hard ladies, but also don't throw it out the window either! You're doing a lot of serving just by raising your kiddos!
5.Try something new every once in awhile. If you don't move, you get stagnant. I know it's hard for some of us. I could sit on my butt all day if I had the chance. However, you never know what kind of new thing you'll find great pleasure and joy in!
6. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Guys, we can't do it all on our own. I know Americans think that makes them a better person if they do it all on our own, but we weren't built to do that as human beings. It's okay to ask for help, just don't take advantage of others either!
7. If you think you need medical help, please go see a doctor or a psychiatrist. Even if it means curling into a ball and crying after you get the job done. Or get someone to call for you. If you don't have insurance, see if a local organization can help you out. You are not alone!!!
8. Just because you disagree does not mean you hate someone. Let me reiterate that. If you disagree, that does not mean you hate anyone! Even if it goes culturally against the grain, it's okay to disagree. Gain knowledge, learn about different view points, become a better person, and don't let others tie you down because they disagree with you. Be smart enough to have your own opinions.
9. Let your actions be louder than your words, but don't forget to use words as well!!
10. Be kind in a nasty world. The world does not need another nasty person.
11.Let go of what people have done to you in the past. People can be mean and almost cruel at times with their words. I think sometimes they don't even realize it. Or they do and don't care. Believe me, it's hard. I often have to give past events back to God again and again. It's hard to let go of mean words and selfish people. But don't let them life in your brain rent free. Bitterness will drag you down into a bottomless pit of darkness and anger. Do not let them have that power over you.
12. You can make great friends on the internet! Truly!! Of course, don't do dumb things and tell people your address and location right off the bat, but make time to get to know them and see what it's like in different parts of the country. I really want to see my "daughter" online one day, and I hope maybe one day we truly can get together and I can give her a giant hug! ^^
13. Find a hobby you enjoy and run with it! Right now, my current obsession is Kingdom Hearts. (Look at previous blog posts for my view on KH.) I have made SOOOOOO many friends through this video game (of all things!), and it even helped me start writing again!
Aayla is holding Wallace a shadow heartless from Kingdom Hearts. Haha
14. It really does change your heart when you have your own child. It's like a part of your heart belongs to them now, and everything that effects them effects you. Family time is an amazing thing, and I treasure those moments when I see my husband giggling with my little girl! <3 span="">
15. Never stop dating your spouse. Seriously. Make time. It is well worth the work and the money. Of course, be smart about it too, but never ever stop hanging out with your best friend. It definitely gets harder as the years pass by, but even if it's just playing a game together at home one night, make sure you're communicating!!
On our anniversary trip to Savannah.
16. Don't stop going to church if you're a Christian. That fellowship is so very important! Knowing someone has the same goals as you really is encouraging!
17. Don't stop getting in the word! I've been guilty of this recently, and I'm trying to reestablish my quiet time in the Bible. Is definitely a necessity even if you can't do it every day.
18. Learn to cook even if you dislike cooking. (aka me)
19. Try to eat healthier, and find yummy options. I know it's hard to do without braking the bank, but it's worth every penny if you do stuff from scratch and make it healthy. Christians, our bodies are God's temple, let's treat it as such.
Om rice I learned how to make in Japan! Thanks, roomie!
20. Exercise. Everyone. Especially if you are clinically depressed. Even if it's just taking a walk, make sure you exercise. (And maybe find a good cause to support in doing so!!!)
21. Save money and coupon. (my husband ironically is really good at this!) Try to save money by going to state parks that don't cost a lot of money, and visit local parks with your kids. Not everything you do has to be expensive.
Tallulah Gorge in North Georgia (the South's Grand Canyon)
22. Set a goal and work towards it! Even if it's a simple one. Maybe plan a long term one too. It may change, but it's the idea that counts.
First House!
23, Remember if you're going through a rough spot, it won't last forever. May seem like it, but it won't.
Enjoy those little moments!
24. If you can help someone, help them. It may not be a big thing, but it's the little things that add up to the big things. Have a giving heart.
International Club members.
25, Never stop learning. Just because you're out of school does not mean you stop learning. A good learner knows they never stop. Even if it's learning to be a better mother or professional. We have so much knowledge in the world now, especially with the internet. We really have no excuse.
Well, if you made it through all of that, I applaud you!! I know it was kind of long, but it felt good to write these moments of learning I've had throughout my life. If you're reading this and not a Christian, I still hope you got something out of it. Obviously my faith is my life. Maybe one day I can write FIFTY things I have learned in another twenty-five years. Hahahaha... That would be something! If you have anything to add or just like to talk, add a comment to this or my Facebook post! Would love to hear from you!
Peace to you all,
Keri Lynn
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