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Monday, August 10, 2009

100th Post - 100 Pieces of Advice from the Women

Girls, this is my 100th entry. I wanted to do something special so I asked all of the women in the family - both mine & Papi's to send some advice your way. Anything they thought would help you in life. There is a wide array of things in this list. Enjoy my daughters, and know that you are surrounded by some amazing women who love you, pray for you, and will be your heros. You girls walk with a legacy, and will continue a legacy. My prayer is that you will continue a legacy of loving God & hanging on for the adventure He has for you! It will be AWESOME!

1. Your family will always love you, help you, & care for you.
2. Even though your family will have a HUGE influence on you - you are your own person & a new creation in Christ.
3. There is no such thing as too many bubbles in the bath (you can always have a sister to help shovel the excess bubbles into the toilet).
4. Learn to have grace & mercy - you will need it someday.
5. Above all - people first, stuff & things to do last.
6. People cannot read your mind so - 1. ask 2. be specific 3. give an example if you need to.
7. Laughing at others is easy - laughing at yourself can be hard but SO necessary.
8. Make getting together with family a priority - they will become a source of strength, inspiration, fun, laughter, memories & legacy.
9. One of the most valuable things in life is time, because you only get to experience each moment once - whatever you do in life don't waste time.
10. Smile often
11. Love all - hate less
12. Dream more while you are awake.
13. Have fun!
14. Do not shave anything on - or rather off your face.
15. Recycling is NOT a lot of work but worth a LOT.
16. The 10 second rule really is valid unless what was dropped is sticky.
17. Children eating sand at the beach is unavoidable.
18. Healthy confrontation is less emotionally draining than gossip.
19. Diets are over-rated.
20. Healthy living is a good habit to keep.
21. Never say Never.
22. Read at least 1 book a year.
23. Learn to take risks - not obnoxious, stupid, harmful, etc. risks - but ones that will keep you dependent on God.
24. The U. S. standard of living is NOT the norm throughout the world - be grateful for the blessings you have.
25. You were born exactly at this time, place & period for a reason/purpose.
26. Read through the entire Bible - it can change your life.
27. If you can, double whatever you are making/cooking & either freeze it for a later use or give it to someone as a way to bless them.
28. Try to live in a way where projects are the interruptions, NOT people.
29. Know if you are a list person, and if you are . . . make lists.
30. Make memories with people you love. It is better than a gift & lasts longer.
31. Be good to your sisters, they will always be your best friends.
32. Learn to journal. You will teach yourself a lot.
33. Notice what you enjoy doing & what you are good at. That is how God gifted you - use it.
34. Give everyone a lot of love.
35. Gather people you love around you whenever you can.
36. Always give more than what you get.
37. Always look for a positive in every situation.
38. The best things in life are not things at all.
39. Always have a good pair of tweezers.
40. When you find you are worrying over something, ask yourself this question, "Do I have any control over this situation?" If the answer is no, let it go!
41. In life there will be problems to face & conquer. Don't be afraid to tackle them.
42. Facing life's problems will help build your confidence.
43. Save your energy for all the wonderful things life has to offer.
44. It's ok to eat some of the cookie dough, cake batter, brownie batter, etc. - especially with family/friends. It can be the best part.
45. If you think of something you need to do - and you can - do it immediately.
46. Put things back where they belong.
47. Flush
48. Hold hands and stay together, even if you're 80 . . . hold hands.
49. Also say I love you before bedtime. It will be the last thing their mind.
50. Wash your hands.
51. Sing as often as you can, and as loud as you can.
52. There is a BIG difference between guilt that leads to conviction, and guilt that is an end in itself. Guilt changed into conviction facilitates change and healing. Guilt only festers the soul.
53. Start & End your day with music that helps you praise God.
54. If a dish is hard to clean - soak it overnight.
55. Composting is not a lot of work & produces great dirt!
56. Remember to leave a note/candy/goodie for the mailman, garbage man, and bus drivers. They work hard.
57. Check out the clearance aisle/rack for birthday/Christmas/extra gifts to have on hand.
58. Create family traditions - don't force them, but be aware of natural ones & help establish them.
59. Don't skimp on birthday gifts - giving parties are a lot of work.
60. Yard Sales are a great place to find gifts, and things for you.
61. Get an education. high school, college, vocational, masters, on-line - whatever - it is a great accomplishment.
62. Go on mission trips - in and out of the country.
63. If you are not a morning person, get it done the night before.
64. It's worth spending more on a good vacuum cleaner - especially if you have lots of kids.
65. Don't leave plates on the table after you eat.
66. If it's too hard to scrub a pot - soak it overnight.
67. Love God over everything else.
68. Say your prayers everyday.
69. Trust your parents.
70. A good responsibility is to keep your room clean.
71. Hang up your towel after you take a bath.
72. Dental work is expensive and can be painful, so it is worth brushing & flossing your teeth.
73. If you have to do something - better to do it right the first time.
74. Even if you don't think you can - try it.
75. It's ok to make plans as long as you know that God's plan is the best & should always prevail, and is usually NOT your plan.
76. Try to sew - you may like it.
77. Always think of yourself as a student - b/c in life you are.
78. It's never too late to learn a language.
79. It's never too late to move to another country to serve God.
80. You may not always enjoy, appreciate or like your family, but they will always be there for you.
81. Always try to give people a second chance.
82. NEVER stay in an abusive relationship. You are way too precious for that.
83. It's ok to forgive people, and realize you should not be in an active relationship with them.
84. Gossip is bad, bad, bad.
85. Do things with kids like dancing, coloring, sliding, balloon fights - you'll remember how much fun they are.
86. No one can replace you - you are unique and valued.
87. Swearing is overrated.
88. Try to keep a minimum level (at least) of exercise in your life - you'll feel better (especially when you justify eating that brownie).
89. Say no to drugs. It is more than possible, and something to be proud of.
90. Volunteer.
91. Never buy something that is uncomfortable to wear - you may wear it once, but won't feel great. Fashion and function do coexist.
92. If you can travel - do it. The world is an amazing place. God is so creative.
93. Go camping at least once - you may love it.
94. It's ok to like bugs & reptiles.
95. Tears are not a weak or shameful thing, God keeps track of them all.
96. Save things family members made for you.
97. Be generous to people - we all benefit from generosity (of spirit, time, things, money, etc).
98. Marriage is not being happy all the time, it is working at love, honoring commitment, maintaining a friendship, partnering with someone to serve God - marriage is so much more than a ceremony.
99. Don't spend too much time on the computer.
100. Love the Lord your God, with all your mind, heart, body & soul. Keep an eternal perspective.