Things I will tell my children...

* Daughter: If a man loves you, really loves and cares for you, then he will not ask you to disrespect yourself. So, if some guy swears he loves you, but is pressuring you to get physical, he is loving himself first. Don't fall for the 'but I'm in love' trap. It will snare you every time. The next thing you know, you are excusing behaviors that you know are wrong.

Now, go read 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye.' (that book just might be a sweet 16 present... or maybe earlier, who knows!?!).

Son: Don't mistake lust for love. Treat all women with respect. Don't let your desires take over to where taking someone for granted isn't a big deal. Treat every woman as your sister, until you are ready to be in a committed (i.e. close to marriage, one that will honor and glorify God) relationship. (I'm hoping that the future hubby will have more to add here).

Yeah, you go read 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye,' too. Borrow it from your sister. (or she can borrow it from you, whoever is born first, gets it first).

* If you feel as though you are doing something wrong, maybe even living your life wrong... PRAY ABOUT IT! Faithfully pray to God, and He will give you the answer. You just have to be prepared to hear what He is saying. You may even have to change your life. Go for it, it will be worth it.

* Read the Bible the WHOLE WAY THROUGH. Do it more than once. You will learn more from God each time you read it. Think of it as an instruction manual for life. Be aware that Israel is you. When you complain about gifts from God (manna), when you would prefer to go back to sin (Egyptian slavery)... keep reading, many more will jump out at you.

* Take TV and movies for what they are worth. As in entertainment only. It helps to think of how characters are doing things wrong with their lives, seeing how they put themselves first in everything... and the failures that can come of it. Realize that it's fiction, and in no way reflects real life, even when it seems like it does.

* Be aware of the lessons God is teaching you. When you put yourself above God, things will not turn out right. Yes, that means that YOU or ANYTHING ELSE can become a false god. Emotions, careers, family, friends, relationships, hobbies, lifestyles, idea of something...anything. An idol isn't just a graven image. It is anything that takes your focus away from God.

* It really is best to 'turn the other cheek.' This can be difficult, but just realize that the feelings that come from retribution are just as fleeting as any other emotion. Just know that loving someone, even if they aren't good to you, is GOOD for that person. And Jesus told us to love one another. It's always good to listen to Him! (John 13:34, and others)

One caveat: you don't have to stay in a relationship with someone who treats you unwell. I'm not saying 'put it with it' in that regard. Just be kind to those who aren't kind to you. It very may well be the only real love they ever experience (but hope that it's not!).

* When you go off on your own, be it for college or anything else; be sure to find a great church as soon as possible. You really do need it, and it's not being disloyal to your home church. Not getting involved with a local church makes being caught up in worldly things much easier. And that is not good, my child. It can only lead to darkness, not light. You do not want to be in the former.

* Learn how to witness early on. Don't be shy about it. Read everything that you can. Be discipled by other, more mature believers. (hopefully by then, I will be better at that, then I can help you).

* Never feel as though you are alone. You aren't. God is with you, always. He is the only One who can actually always be with you, know you fully (even better than yourself), and only wants what's good for you.

* Your parents love you very much, and only want what's best for you, too. Think of that before you rebel. If you have some unresolved issues lurking around in your mind, talk with your parents about them. We love you, nothing will change that.

I know you will want to experience many things on your own... but just know that you really CAN learn from other people’s mistakes. Trust me! ;)