wise words

My favorite month of the year is slowly drawing to a close. Like Anne of Green Gables, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” Oh, October. Something about the cool air it brings with it makes me feel refreshed and reminds me of new beginnings with excitement about the future.

Pull up a chair and enjoy some prickly pear cactus tea with a small snail to hang the bag! How is your week going so far? I have lots of laundry and lots of school to do!

We picked pumpkins this weekend and managed to get a few pictures with everyone looking the same direction and not constipated, so there’s a win.They may roll their eyes when I break out the camera now, but one day, my family members will all be glad we took them! Even D is used to it! Although he says few words yet, he does say, “Cheese” when the camera is brought out. Yes!

I have been busy sewing four pinafore jumpers and a jon-jon to hopefully use for our Christmas card picture this year. I finished the Jon-jon and one and a half dresses. Coming along!

I had to get a new blue Micron pen after I have used the same pen since 2016. It might seem kind of weird I remember such a strange fact, but it came from a girl in a small group I had back then. We participated in Super Summer at Mississippi College in 2016 and I led a small group of senior girls who were super fun. The first day, I used a purple pen that was bleeding through my Bible terribly and she handed me a blue Micron pen to use instead and I have used that pen ever since. She is beyond college now and living life, but I will always remember this little kindness. I love counseling, leading, and parenting girls. Despite the inevitable drama and ever-present sass, it is always rewarding.

I have thought through some concepts and phrases to use with girls that we all need to keep in mind. I am a boy mama now, too, and I don’t want to leave anyone out! Even if you are not a girl mom biologically, but lead a small group, teach school, have nieces, grandchildren, whatever the case, these are all super relevant. I even need to remember these myself. Enjoy!

Not everyone will like you and that is alright.

Your opinions matter.

You are only responsible for you. Always do what is right.

Be the nice girl.

There are things money can’t buy.

People are more important than stuff.

Everyone is created by God so look for something to appreciate about them.

God created you for a purpose.

In this world that celebrates busy, take a valuable moment to be still and know He is God.

It is okay to say no. One can only do so many things well. Do not spread yourself too thin.

All anyone can ever ask of you is to do you very best. If an A is your best, I expect it, but if your best is a D, then a D will do (I am having flashbacks to 10th grade geometry).

Be who God created you to be without comparison to anyone else.

Time is a precious gift. Don’t waste it.

Keep trying.

You are pretty.

Celebrate everyone’s accomplishments. Someone else’s achievements don’t overshadow your own.

Say nice words about others or people will assume you will say the same about them behind their backs.

Conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.

I know there is so much more I desire to instill in girls everywhere, especially my own, but these are a few that came to mind. The world needs strong girls committed to Christ who know what they believe, why they believe it, and live it out everywhere they go. I pray for you as your teach girls or raise girls, or simply ARE a girl in this world. Don't soften the Word of God, but speak the Truth to them in LOVE (Ephesians 4:15). Love girls enough to tell them Truth. I hope these are good reminders for you too! God bless you, my friend!

...live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27

Love,

Charis