One of my former GA and youth girls posted the question “for my 30 and older friends – what advice would you give a young girl in her 20s?” I know you all aren’t in your 20s but after a lot of thought – here’s what I came up with. Praying for you all! -Kayla Rampey

First of all, I can’t believe I’m in this over 30 category. Let’s just pretend that’s not real lol 

My advice for surviving life is to…

Always remember that life is short and you are not promised tomorrow. 

Trust the Lord always – your will is not always the Lord’s will.

It’s ok to not be ok sometimes. Don’t put on a happy face and suck it up – everyone has bad days. It’s ok to rest – it’s ok to cry – it’s normal. 

Sometimes the “happy” faces are the ones that need your prayers the most. 

Always remember that when you hurt others, you are hurting the Lord – think twice before you speak. Sometimes it’s best to just stay quiet, walk away, and pray before your speak.

Remember that whatever you say to someone before they walk away could be the last chance you get to talk to them.

Pray for your spouse before you even meet him. And of course afterwards. Only God knows what and when you need someone else in your life. 

Don’t rush God and expect Him to follow your timeline – God’s timing is always perfect if you will just let Him be in control. Never compare your life and timing to others. 

For control freaks like me, the hardest lesson to learn is you can’t fix everyone – only God can. 

When you’re overwhelmed with anything -you’re most likely trying to do it all alone. It’s ok to ask for help – it’s more than ok to pray and just say “I can’t” God knows your heart but wants to hear your need for Him.

Life is not all about money – it’ll seem like it at times because adulting isn’t the greatest but don’t get overwhelmed with what you don’t have – look around at what you do have.

Just say no to credit cards. Debt is the devil. 

Inventory your social media feed occasionally- if a person is constantly posting negative things – unfollow them. Its toxic to your mind whether your believe it or not.

On the same note – unfollow people that seem to have perfect lives – sounds mean but when you constantly see what others have – you’ll constantly compare yourself and bring yourself down.

Did I mention ask for help when you need it? Never suffer in silence about anything. 

Choose your friends wisely- you’ll become just like them. Surround yourself with positive influences that’ll encourage you and just listen when you need them to. 

Don’t dwell on the negative – focus on the positive. What you dwell on is what you’ll become. 

Never let others drag you down. You are God’s creation – you deserve better. 

Stay in God’s word and in church – you can’t survive in this crazy world without a 

Leader that will guide you through all this. 

Help others however you can – being the hands and feet of Jesus doesn’t mean mission trips for everyone – it can simply mean holding the door for someone or calling someone to encourage them.

Friends are not always your age – be friends with someone older than you that can share experiences and give you wisdom. Listen to them – they’ve been there and done that. 

Don’t look back on regrets – move forward every day. (Just keep swimming – ha ha)

Never take family for granted – you might not always get along with them but they won’t always be around. Spend time with them. Listen to their stories – one day you’ll miss those moments.

Ask your friends and family about their salvation. There is no worse feeling than having a friend or family member die and not knowing that they are in Heaven. It’s a tough question to ask but it gets easier every time. 

Don’t let fear hold you back. 

Don’t let anyone hold you back.

Being independent is great but never lose your dependence on God. 

Pray for your enemies even when you have to grit your teeth to do it. 

Laugh at yourself – you’re not perfect. 

Respect and listen to your elders – they may have crazy stories or repeat themselves or whatever but they deserve your time. Don’t get too busy to care about others. You’ll miss those moments when they’re gone. 

Above all things, trust in the Lord. His opinion is the only one that matters. Don’t live life trying to please anyone else but Him.

“Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in ALL circumstances.” 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

May God bless you and show you His grace every day!