Author: jacksonkarris@gmail.com

#TEN

In 10 days, my oldest daughter turns 13. For me, turning 13 was the beginning of a series of poor decisions and reckless behaviors that followed me into my early twenties. When I reflect on my teenage years, there are some things I wish I knew.

In honor of my daughter’s 13th birthday, I’m going to share 10 things I would tell my 13-year-old self. Over the next 10 days, I will share one truth per day leading up to her 13th birthday. Grabbing hold of these Biblical Truths have been life changing for me. I’m going to share these with my daughter and I pray they bless her. I pray they bless you too.

“She will always be average or below average, Mrs. Williams.” That’s what my first-grade teacher told my mom. Although I don’t remember hearing this specific conversation, the theme of not being smart enough, pretty enough, or good enough continued throughout my elementary school years. This was one of many labels put on me early in life that served as the foundation for the challenges I faced with self-esteem and self-worth as a teenager.  

If I could go back and have a conversation with my 13-year-old self, I would tell her that she is created in the image of God and designed uniquely for a purpose that aligns with His plan for her life. I would also tell her that she is fearfully and wonderfully made, and that ONLY GOD has the authority to label or define her. I would point her to the Bible to find out who God says she is. And I would remind her that she is a Masterpiece!

Truth #10

You are a Masterpiece

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

Karris

This summer, I spent the day at the zoo with my grandson, niece, and daughter (left to right). It was one of the best days of my summer. Watching the three of them “ew” and “ah” as they watched a gorilla climb a tree, a baby elephant drink from a bottle, and a polar bear swim right up to them. It was one for the books. However, the most interesting thing about the three of them, is the way they finish each other’s sentences and how well they know each other. When I asked my grandson what sauce he wanted on his chicken nuggets, my daughter answered, “he likes ketchup.” When I asked my niece what kind of sauce she wanted on her chicken nuggets, my grandson answered, “she likes ranch dressing.” When we went into the souvenir shop, my niece grabbed my grandson’s hand and pulled him straight to the elephants. She knows how much he loves elephants. I was continuously amazed at how much they know about each other.

Later that day, I dropped my grandson off and told his dad about our adventures. I also shared my amazement at how much they knew about each other. He turned to me and said, “yeah, that’s because they spend so much TIME together”. I hadn’t thought about that, but he was right. They spend a lot of time together. For the better part of a year, they spent every day with each other.

As I drove off, the Lord reminded me that the same relationship my grandson, niece, and daughter have is the same relationship He wants to have with me. And the only way to have that kind of relationship is to spend TIME with Him.

TIME in prayer.

TIME reading His word.

And TIME in fellowship with other believers.

How much TIME are you spending with God?

Karris

As 2017 comes to an end, I’m thinking about new attitudes, behaviors, and habits I need for 2018.

In 2018, I WILL…

Face my FEARS

There are so many things I want to do. Blog posts I want to write. Words I want to say. Activities I want to participate in. Places I want to visit. People I want to meet. However, I’m often overcome with FEAR. It eats away at my confidence, destroys my self-worth, and leaves me paralyzed. It prohibits me from jumping out of my comfort zone and taking risks. In 2018, I will face my FEARS. When FEAR comes upon me, I will acknowledge it, seek to understand it, and DO IT ANYWAY!

Say NO more often

I over commit myself. I’m a people-pleaser. I like to be needed. It gives me value and self-worth. However, it leaves me emotionally and physically exhausted. Over commitment deceives me. It disguises itself as an important cause or a good deed and I can’t say NO. However, when I say YES to something I should say NO to, I take an opportunity to serve away from someone else. In 2018, I’m going to say NO more often. I will hold on tightly to my YES and reserve it for the things God wants ME to do.

Relinquish my need to be RIGHT

As I get older, I find myself thinking a lot about what it means to be RIGHT. In my daily interactions at work, with friends, and with family; I’ve come to the realization that I don’t need to be RIGHT. I will no longer require someone to own their part in a situation, disagreement, or argument for me to have resolution. My peace will not be tied to someone else’s ability to acknowledge their role in a problem. I relinquish my need to be RIGHT. In 2018, I will focus on being reconciled and not on being RIGHT.

Prioritize SELF-CARE

There is no prize for the person who takes care of everyone else, but invests no time or effort in taking care of themselves. I’m not sure why I think it’s an admirable quality to spend my time ensuring others are okay while neglecting my own health and well-being. In 2018, I’m prioritizing SELF-CARE. I’m putting effort into eating right, exercising, and activities that contribute to my overall health.

Spend more time with GOD

The only way to understand who you are and your purpose in life is to know the One who created you – GOD. The only way to know GOD is to spend time with Him through prayer, studying the Bible and in fellowship with other Christians. In 2018, I will spend more time with GOD.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”(Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

What will you do in 2018?

Karris