Wow! I have not blogged in nearly a year! However, this year as I finish up Junior year and get ready to begin my Senior year, I am trying to be intentional about writing and blogging not only because it’s a great outlet for me but also so I have something to look back on later in life.:)

Anyways…Today is my 17th birthday!! I feel like there are so many important lessons I have learned over the years and so, I thought since I am 17, I would put together a list of 17 of the biggest things I have learned.

1.INVEST in the people in your life and love them well.

Ephesians 5:1-2 “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

2.A little text, note, smile, or hug can go a long way for somebody.

3.Listen more than you speak.

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”

4.Be spontaneous; the best and most fun moments are those that are not planned. Don’t think too had or plan too much!

5.EXPLORE. There are so many cool places to go and people to meet where you are. Branch out.

6. Always be real and honest. Bottling things up makes you feel worse and you never know who may relate to your story and current pain. Your struggles can mean hope and encouragement for someone else.

7.Recognize the power you carry and walk in because you are filled with the Holy Spirit. You are not called to walk in fear but to walk bravely, boldly, and confidently into any situation.

8.Know who you are. You are chosen, loved, seen, worthy, and fearless in the eyes of God. Don’t let words, people, or circumstances tell you/convince you otherwise.

1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

9.Be present in every moment.  Time passes quickly, make the most of every moment.

10.Take pictures. Lots of them. In the moments you feel the most joy, freedom, and peace, capture it so you never forget.

11. Sometimes you will feel lonely, but you are never actually alone. Sometimes God calls you into the wilderness for a season and that’s a time when he is molding and growing you. Don’t forget that Jesus himself spent time in the wilderness too. What is He trying to say to you? How can you grow? How can you shift your focus and intentions?

Hebrews 12:2-3 “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

12. Never be afraid to say no and set boundaries in your life. Say no if you feel pressured into something. It is okay to say no to things if you’re overwhelmed and busy.

13.But bravely say yes to the things that are uncomfortable and scary. This is how you grow. This is where God uses you. Step bravely and boldly into the unknown, knowing that it is all a part of God’s plan.

14.Never let yourself be overwhelmed by the now. Look at things with an eternal perspective. That thing that’s stressing you out and seems so big is just one little pixel out of the millions that make up the entire photograph of your life.

15.Prayer is SO powerful. Don’t forget to pray for everyone and for everything. Nothing is too big or too small to pray for.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”

16. Start and end your days with God’s word. It changes your outlook on the whole day and opens your eyes to things you’ve never seen before and presents you with opportunities you’ve never had before when your eyes and thoughts are fixed on Jesus.

“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.”

17. Friends are so good and so important. God never intended for us to be alone. He calls us to be in relationship and fellowship with others. Spend all the time you can with friends. Encourage them, love them, speak into their lives, and lean on them.

Proverbs 27:9 (TPT)“Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy,
for good friends are like the anointing oil
that yields the fragrant incense of God’s presence.”