Saturday, November 21, 2009

Extreme Makeover

dear daughters,

Our brains are amazing, especially in early adulthood. Between the ages of about 16 and 24, scientists say the brain undergoes a complete renovation, like reorganizing a closet. Some things are thrown out, and what remains is reorganized so the closet makes more sense and has more storage space. If the process goes well, then the closet – or the brain – looks different and is more useful than before.

This brain renovation thing is part of God’s plan, but it puts emotions in high gear. At your age, you probably laugh a lot and cry easily, get upset frequently and fall in love quickly. You may tend to react and then reflect, rather than the other way around. This is why you see some of your friends making surprising decisions that will last a lifetime. Your brain is under construction and your emotions are supercharged. But, emotions must never rule. We are to be ruled by God’s Spirit. This renovation period is a training time for life, to teach you the value of trusting God rather than your emotions.

Knowing the Designer is doing a lot of work in you right now should excite you. He has a grand design in mind because He loves you. So tame your emotion, believe His Word and follow His Spirit. Then the redesign will be just as God intends –beautiful and right on time!

“The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6

living to love, loving to live,
momma b

Monday, November 9, 2009

The Path of Life

dear daughters,

Aimee is already working on her spring class schedule at college. She met with an advisor to discuss her goals for graduation and develop a plan. It makes so much sense; doesn’t it? She met with an advisor who knows the system. The advisor has experience and sees the big picture. The advisor can show Aimee the path she should take.

Would you agree that life is even more important than college? Our life is a gift from God, and what we choose to do with it is our gift back to Him. God is the author of life, and He’s the only one with the big picture. He designed it. He knows how it’s meant to work better than any person could ever know.

Because God loves us, He advises us of the path we should take in life. He gives us the Bible, which outlines the way to the joyful life He wants us to have. He gives us His Holy Spirit to counsel us and help us know truth. He uses writers, teachers and preachers to help us as we learn. And He welcomes our prayers to seek His wisdom.

I pray you go to God, your great life advisor. He knows the big picture and the best plan for your life. Let Him show you the way.

living to love, loving to live,
momma b

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Beautiful change

dear daughters,

Fall pumpkins and cooler weather are here. The leaves are starting to turn all shades of yellow, orange and red. Every season is full of change, but this one is so obvious and beautiful! As a young woman, you are beginning to change too. You’ve experienced changes before, but most have probably been under your parents’ roof. Somehow change is easier when your address stays the same. But now is the time for big changes: college, jobs, and maybe marriage. Change is very pronounced in this season of life, like the autumn leaves.

My biggest changes happened before I was thirty. I changed colleges three times and majors four. I changed boyfriends and even husbands. I changed hometowns, houses and jobs. Some of my changes were happy, and some were not. Some were easy, and others very difficult. Some changes came from my listening to God; others came from my ignoring Him. Ten years from now, you will look back and see many changes in your life, too. I pray that you will like what you see. I believe you will, if you’ll look to God now for His help and guidance with every step you take, and every decision you make.

Take hold of God’s hand as you walk through this important season of life and don’t let go. You are a changing creature, but your Creator is always the same. Let Him guide you into the changes that will let you be all He designed you to be. He has your best life in mind, a more joyful life than you can imagine!

living to love, loving to live,
momma b