Letters to my former self.

Yeah Yeah, I got this from someone else. So what? It sounded like fun.

Dear 3 year old Brooke - Well mom just had your first little brother. I know your frustrated because you don't understand why everyone cares about him so much. And I know that your jealous because this is the first time that all the attention isn't on you. However, you should know that you are going to love that little brother along with another one more than you can even believe right now. They will be some of your best friends. Hug them both all the time. You're going to miss them when you live elsewhere. A word to the wise: hide all your electronic toys, and snow globes. (Along with everything else). Once this kid is mobile, they will all be destroyed.

Dear 13-18 year old Brooke - I know your angry right now. A lot of things haven't been going your way and your having a pretty hard time with it. I want you to remember that you are loved and that despite the fact that you feel hopeless there is some much life to be lived out there. Some day this will all be a memory. In fact, these moments will be some of your greatest opportunities for ministry. Dealing with this will get easier and you just hang in there. Lean on the people around you. They care more than you give them credit for. Life is adventure and sometimes that means it's hard. Also, cut your parents some slack, they are smarter than you think and trying harder than you know.

Dear 20-22 year old Brooke - Soak up this time in your life! You are surrounded by some of the best friends you have ever had! Don't put off your senior projects until the week before they are due... You will save yourself a lot of all-nighters! Stop worrying about where your job will be or what you will do. It all works itself out. Have lots of fun and really relish in your friendships, people like you have found are hard to come by. Also, take time to grow here. It is a safe place, take advantage of that.

Dear current Brooke - Well, life has certainly been a whirlwind lately. Remember that the job you lost is not the end of the world. A lot of that business was beyond your control. Cling to your savior and the people who love Him and you. God has a plan, it is bigger than yours. Don't forget to appreciate this blessing of extra time and use it to learn and grow. You need it.