Dear Bailey, Britton, Brooklyn, and Shelbi,
I can still remember the first day you each came to my home and sat around my kitchen table. Looking back, I think I was just as nervous as you were. I can’t believe the years have flown by as fast as they have and I’m still not sure who has learned the most – you, or me. You’ve grown up before my eyes and have given me one of the best gifts you could give: an appreciation of time. I feel like you all should be maybe 9th graders by now, but not Seniors. Definitely not Seniors! The years have passed too quickly and I fight back tears as I write this post. I have enjoyed every minute of every year we have spent together. I have loved being your Discipleship Leader. It truly has been an honor and a greater privilege than I ever expected.
Thank YOU for teaching me just how important life is.
Thank YOU for teaching me the importance of being intentional NOW and not waiting until next year.
Thank YOU for teaching me that middle school girls grow up to be Seniors in the blink of an eye.
Thank YOU for teaching me the importance of enjoying my life now; treasuring it now and not taking time for granted.
As I finish the book of Ecclesiastes, I can’t help but think of each of you when reading Ecclesiastes 12:1.
“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth…”
Remember your Creator as you head off to college and your professors challenge your faith. Remember that God is always faithful (1 Corinthians 1:9).
Remember that you are never alone, so be strong and courageous (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Remember that you are dearly loved (Jeremiah 31:3).
Remember that you have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 7:23).
Remember that greater is He who is in you than He who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
Remember that God has amazing plans for your life (Jeremiah 29:11).
Remember that your past does not determine your future, because you are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Remember that our God is a God of grace… and second chances (Hebrews 4:16).
Remember that there is power in Jesus’ name (Luke 10:17).
Remember that there is power in prayer (Mark 9:29).
Remember that God is the giver of all good gifts (James 1:17).
Remember that in all things God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28).
Remember that our God is a God of redemption (Ephesians 1:7).
Remember that God will equip you to what He calls you (Hebrews 13:21).
Remember to focus your life on God (Hebrews 12:2).
Remember your Creator (Ecclesiastes 12:1).
Life without God is meaningless. That’s basically what the book of Ecclesiastes teaches us in a nutshell. But life with God? Oh sweet ones, it’s filled with love, joy, peace, satisfaction, and the hope of heaven.
As Christians, our lives are not perfect. We are told that we will go through hard times and heartache, but don’t forget that we are promised we won’t go through them alone.
A life with God has purpose.
Don’t waste your life chasing after what this world has to offer. Focus on God and invest your days in what will matter for eternity: God and people.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 22:37-39
Solomon is right: all is vanity… but ONLY when a person chooses to live her life without God.
Choose God.
Live for Him.
Never forget your Creator.
I can’t wait to see how God is going to use YOU in our world! Keep your eyes focused on Him. Run the race He has set before you, and never forget that I’m cheering for you all the way! You can do this!
————————————————————————-
(My Discipleship Girls at my house celebrating their graduation from middle school…it feels like yesterday!
Now getting ready to plan our next graduation party 4 years later.)
Let’s Talk: What is one way you choose to remember your Creator? How can intentionally remembering your Creator impact your life?
Love God Greatly!
Did you miss Monday’s post? You can read it here!
What a beautiful letter to these young woman! They are blessed to have you as a role model! And you are blessed to have them in your life!
May these young ladies go forward in life and always remember your loving & guiding words to them!
Ohhh it really has been a blessing, Carole!:) I just treasure these girls and the time I’ve had with them!;)
My daughter is graduating from 8th grade, May 24th is the last day of school. So she will officially be a high schooler. EEK! I am not sure that I am ready~
I really enjoyed your post- it will help me cherish the next four years and remind me that I have so little time to train her in the Lord’s ways. I came into this study a little late, but have caught up. I have enjoyed the book of Ecclesiastes. Thanks
Ohhh Tracy!!! It really does go so fast! I’m so glad you are joining us and love knowing you’re enjoying the study!:) Yes, just enjoy these sweet days with her and don’t you ever forget either that God is with her just as He is with you!!!:) He will guide her and train her as well!:)
What beautiful words you have shared. Love LGG, thanks for this great Bible study!
Thanks for joining us, Shirley!:)
Angela –
Thank you for your beautiful words! I have a special young lady who has babysat my children, cared for them and loved them for 3 years, and who is preparing to move on from HS to college. I hope it is okay for me to share some of your words with her. She definitely has touched my life and has been a gift from God to our family. I want to encourage her as she walks with Jesus into this new adventure and some of your verses are perfect! Thanks so much!!
Ohhh my goodness, Amanda! Of course! I’d be honored!:)
thank you for sharing this letter, Angela. I send an encouraging, scripture-filled text to my niece each morning to encourage her on her walk and your “remember” messages to your girls will be in an inspiration for future texts to her. My niece is in middle school now and lost her father 9 months ago so she is on an even rougher road than most girls her age.
Ohhh what a blessing you are, Joyce!!! Your intentionality and sweet words spoken into her life means the world to her, I’m sure!:) I’m so very sorry for her recent loss and so thankful she has you to comfort her during this difficult time.
Wow. .that would be awesome to help those to learn of Jesus in my home and to be their for the lord as a body of believers. We must be that testimony and light for those around us.i enjoyed reading your post .whar a great ministry.my heart is all in for what great things he has in store for me …God bless in the new chapter of life for you and those girls
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