November 25, 2011

what a difference a year (or 13) makes!

When I was at my parents' house yesterday, I came across a stack of my senior pictures. It. Was. Horrifying.

Because I'm getting brave in my old age, I'll post one here.


On the upside, I think I look younger at 30 than I did at 17 ... but is it any wonder this girl never had any dates?

As I marveled at the outward changes in the last 13 years, I started to think about the inward changes, as well. While some things can be attributed to "growing up," I think most of it is directly related to God's work in my life.
  • I used to worry about everything. Now, I rarely worry about anything.
  • I used to think only of myself. Now, while I'm still quite selfish, I've learned to love others.
  • I used to get angry easily (just ask my siblings). Now, it takes a lot to get me fired up.
  • I used to be extremely self-conscious. Now, I am confident in who I am and what I can do.
  • I used to think life wouldn't truly begin until marriage. Now, while I still hope and pray for a husband, I know I can live a full, happy life as a single woman.
By no means do I think I have "made it." I am more aware than ever of my failings and my need for Christ. But I am also aware of how much He has done in and through me. 
    And I praise the Lord that I no longer look like I did at 17!

    7 comments:

    1. Two thoughts. No, let's make it three.
      1. That was the t-shirt that wouldn't die.
      2. The lipstick?!?!
      3. God is so good and merciful to not leave us in the state we're in at 17 - Christ's work was equally needed in my own heart - it's no wonder we get along so much better now! :)

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    2. It's funny—I virtually never wore lipstick (or any makeup beyond powder, for that matter), but I thought I needed it for my senior pics. Also, check out the hideous eyebrows. I just dug out my yearbooks to see how many times I wore that shirt on picture day. Amazingly enough, only once ... but it was in 9th grade!

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    3. Oh my goodness, so funny! Hilarious the things we think are so fashionable, and then 13 years later...what was I thinking?! Ha ha ha...

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    4. Oh, and I'd like to add that I love the part about living a full life as a single woman! It is so amazing to come to a place of peace, knowing that God is in control and will give you what you need! :)

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    5. Any advice on how to curb the worry? I find myself worrying about everything lately.

      Props to you for posting this - and including the picture!

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    6. Whoops, forgot to click "email follow-up comments" so I'm posting again to do it. :)

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    7. @Holly—It is a great place to be! That's not to say I never have my moments of doubt, but knowing—and truly believing—that God has a plan really does bring peace!

      @Very Sleepy Girl—For starters, I do have a lot less to worry about than you do ... after all, it's just me that I need to take care of! I used to be the biggest worrier there was—to the extent of making myself sick. I guess one thing that's helped me is realizing that worry won't accomplish anything. If I'm worrying about something that I can change, then I should change it. If it's out of my control, then I pray about it and ask God to help me not be afraid and trust in His plan. I think it also helps to talk things through with someone. When I was having health issues a year and a half ago, I talked through all the "what ifs" with my mom, and just verbalizing my fears helped curb them.

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