A repost from past pages--
Recently, I received an email from my daughter-in-law in anticipation of their first daughter's sixteenth birthday on September 14th. It read:
Recently, I received an email from my daughter-in-law in anticipation of their first daughter's sixteenth birthday on September 14th. It read:
"I had an idea to create a book for Katelyn with the topic being: “What I wish I had known at 16.” I only have so much to say, but thought it would be great to get wisdom from other ladies who have been a part of her life."What follows is written to my granddaughter, Katelyn, on the event of her sixteenth birthday.
I wish I had known:
*That grandmothers aren't really old-fogeys--I wish I had known that their hearts feel like they are sixteen forever.
*The difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge and the wisdom to use it in a timely manner.
*How important it is to keep a log of my life.
Corrie Ten Boom says, "Memories are not the key to the past but to the future." I would have journaled so much more.
*That gossip is anything (whether true or untrue) about a person that could bring them unhappiness, a pain in the heart, a feeling of rejection.
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man's inmost parts. Proverbs 18:8
*It is important and wise to say good things at the proper time
A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11
*That an unjust word spoken about me or those close to me is like a darting swallow, seldom finding a place to rest.
Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest. Proverbs 26:2
If you have never watched a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, make it a point to and this proverb will come alive for you.
*That everything that happens to me will work out for my good and God's glory, if I am following God's precepts.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
It is our responsibility to know what it means to love God and to act upon that knowledge with wisdom from above. The Bible says if we love God, we will follow His commandments.
*And that even when I am not following His precepts, He can change ashes to beauty in the twinkling of an eye when I exhibit true repentance.
Yes, there are consequences to pay for my actions, but true restoration awaits those with a repentant heart.
*How important it is to follow His precepts in every thought, every word, every action of my life.
*How important it is to allow only wholesome reading, listening and viewing material into my heart, my mind, my spirit.
*The joy of spending quality daily time alone with this great God of our Universe.
*That it is okay to be me; to walk, to dance to the beat of a different drummer.
*That just because I am the only one standing up for a cause doesn't mean that cause is wrong.
And if you think one can't make a difference, take a look at this incredible photograph by Anita Robertson.
*That a gentle answer turns away wrath
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
*That mercy triumphs over judgment
.........and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! James 2:12
My dear precious Katelyn,
We are so proud of you on so many levels; for your dedication to your education, your passion for God and missions, the way you stand up for what you think is right--your courage.
All of these are gifts that God has given you and you are choosing to use them in the right way.
But keep humility uppermost in mind, knowing that except for the grace and mercy of God any of us can make a wrong choice at any given moment.
That is why it is imperative to stay in God's Word, to seek Him daily and to acknowledge our total helplessness apart from Him.
This is but the tip of the iceberg of the things I wish I had known.
Always remember that God's mercies begin afresh every morning and ours should also.
When we can do this, we will have become a little more like our Savior and that should be our goal.
Happy 16th birthday. I can hardly believe these years have passed this fast.
All my love,
Mimi
September 14, 2010
P.S. We need to have another photography session and SOON!
