dear 16 year old Jody

Dear 16 year old Jody,

Are you ready for the ride of your lifetime?  Gear up and hold on, it's going to be one heck of a ride.  Congratulations on making it to 16, trust me you have a long way to go.

You haven't yet acknowledged your true inner beauty, but you will.  Embrace your body.  Heck you may have no curves and a stick-like shape, but you're beautiful.  And when someone makes comments about your body type: laugh it off.  If you don't, it will affect you more than you think. People's opinions aren't as important as you think they are.  Remember that you know who you are. You'll make mistakes, you'll wear some clothes that you probably shouldn't, but you'll learn.

Oh, and the acne!! It gets better, trust me. Don't wear too much concealer and cover-up. Pull your bangs back, you're beautiful!

Please be nice to mom and dad.  I know you're hormonal and moody, but they know more than you think they do.  Guess what?  In a few years, you and mom are going to be best friends and you're still going to be a daddy's girl.  You may think that they're "not cool" now, but later on, you're going to be thankful for their rules and curfew.  It really is because they love you.  Also, watch their marriage closely.  You'll want to aspire to them one day.  And yes, dad will always be waiting by the window if you're late for curfew!

Cling to those who make you feel good about yourself.  Avoid those who don't! Continue to encourage and embrace your compassion.  Some of the friends you have now are the one's you'll have for a long time.

Embrace your confidence!  This is one of the best times in your life: carefree days and long nights!  Continue to eat 2 combos here and there!  The media is a lie and you don't have to be a size 0! Keep this in mind for the next 7 years! There will be temptation along the way, but remember who you are!  Obsession doesn't make you happier, trust me.  Never change for anyone, but yourself.  Along the way you'll make healthier lifestyle choices, but remember, diet is not in your vocabulary!  Pray before you make any decision.  Remember your body is a temple and keep your priorities in line.

Your insecurities are important! Find someone to console in, please!

Be prepared for a heartbreak here and there. It's worth it! But don't give your heart away too easily. And trust me on this one - right now your friends are more important than any boy that comes your way!

Don't drive on roads that have too much snow!

Jody, and most importantly, keep your eyes focused on God.  Continue to pray for your friends, they'll be okay!  Living as a Christ-Follower is much more worth it, but you know that already.  It may feel like a drag at times, but trust me, you make the right decisions.   Right now, you may think that there are a lot of grey areas, but a lot of things are more black and white than you think they are.  Continue to focus on Him!

Oh and just so you know, you haven't met your husband yet! :) He's worth the wait!