my thoughts on sweet sixteen | + an exciting announcement

Yep, it's that time of year again.

The time where hearts and love and all that craziness seems to be all we see wherever we go! And, I'll be completely honest, I love it.

I know I've read lots of articles and Pinterest quotes and Instagram posts that glorify a lack of contentedness at the time of life we're each at. Things like, "This is the loneliest time of year," or "I can't go anywhere without thinking of him," and other little phrases like these.

Guys, I don't want to flush these feelings down the toilet. Emotions are real, and I understand the pain of losing someone you love. But I want to lovingly tell you that this won't help you get anywhere!

We can be completely, perfectly, and wholly content if we focus on the things that God has given us in our time of life.

I love Valentine's day not because I love this guy or that friend. I love Valentine's day because it reminds me of God's unending love for me!

He's shown me this through His Son. Through His Grace. Through the blood He spilled for us. Through His example. Through the blessings in life He gives us.

So, this Valentine's day, I want to call you alongside me to embrace a heart of contentment and a spirit of true love. Not because we have everything that makes us happy or because we have a perfect soul, but because God has instilled us with everything necessary to live a life of happiness.


Now if you read the title of this post, you're probably wondering how I am going to start on my actual topic. And to be honest, I kind of went off track there. But God gave me something to say, so I figured I'd say it. :) Around this time of year is something else that I think is kinda awesome, my birthday.


Now for the box office hit topic... my thoughts on turning sweet sixteen!

For some reason, this unusual number that lies between the awkward thirteen and the major eighteen has become a popular milestone.

I had a friend a few years ago who could. not. wait. to turn sixteen. She cracked me up as she told someone she was "almost sixteen" only six months before her birthday. But you know what, good for her enthusiasm!

I heard a story of a gal' whose parents hosted an overrated, extremely pink, multi-thousand dollar birthday party complete with a brand new pink convertible, a surprise appearance by her favorite celebrity artist, and what seemed more like a wedding than a party. I don't say this with a spirit of condemnation, just as an example of what a sixteenth birthday looks like these days.

I'm turning sixteen today!

And to be perfectly honest, I couldn't dream of celebrating it in any other way than my other birthdays. Yes, I'm excited to be a year older and a step closer to glory, but all I really want is to grow closer to my Savior, my friends, and my family.

I just read an article online that had a big collection of advice to sixteen year olds. I sifted through some of it with a grin, and in some cases, a grimace. But I did find some valuable truths that I wanted to share with all of y'all.

1. Do the things you love, not the things others love. Follow your passion and be yourself, but don't be afraid to make yourself better. 

This made me smile. One of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite movies, The Greatest Showman, says, "No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else." How true is that?! It's true that comparison and a desire to fit in can come at any age, but it's true that in the teenage years it can be a bit more of a challenge. I love the song "Just Be You" by Anthem Lights and Sadie Robertson. It is true, there's no one else like you, so be the best you you could ever be!

2. It isn't important OR beneficial to have a boyfriend/girlfriend

Y'all... it's true! I've not had a serious guy/girl relationship ever, and I don't feel like I've missed out on a huge part of growing up or that I'm any less because of it. My simple advice is: Know who you are and Whose you are before you even think about starting a serious relationship. And honestly, you aren't going to get married at 16, 17, or even 18. So stop worrying about romance and just have fun with your friends!

3. Your parents are right 99% of the time

Scientifically and statistically, they're technically right only 80% of the time, but I think my mom reads this so I'm going to play it safe. ;) But in all seriousness, our parents have been through pretty much everything we'll go through. And, they have a few years to look back on it and give us the best side of the story along with the greatest advice. I know it can be hard to understand in the moment, but I've had so so so many times that I look back and see just how right my parents were and how wrong I was. Guys, why don't you and I just go ahead and admit that they're right and that they're there to help us? I'm here going through the same things y'all are, and we can keep each other accountable. We only have a few years with them. So now is the time that we can build a strong relationship with them. That is one of the most important relationships we will ever have.They love us so much, the least we can do is love them back by honoring what they say. 

4. Remember who you are and Whose you are

It's as simple as that. I really can't say it better. Just get in the Scriptures and you will see what God says about who you are. When we are in Him, we are who we are truly meant to be. 

Those are some great pieces of advice from some strangers who I suspect are pretty great too. Now, I'm going to switch gears a bit and tell y'all about what I do instead of New Year's resolutions. 

I've always loved the concept of a New Year's resolution, but I also love the concept of a bucket list. Now I know y'all are probably thinking, "Girl, you can do both." And, I know that. But I thought of something that was both combined, and I sure think it's pretty special. 

Last year, I started a new tradition. I came up with 115 things I wanted to accomplish while I was 15, along with some crazy dreams that I figured I'd throw in there. 

All in all, it went well! But, this year, I'm going to purpose to keep my list somewhere that I'll know where to find it. I don't know where it is, but I'll keep track of it this time. Haha

I'd love to share with you my "116 Dreams for My Year of Being 16," but I've run out of time. 

But, I'd love to tell you about one of them. (Shoutout to the people who scrolled down to read the announcement...) 

A podcast for Ever Higher is in the works!! It's a dream that's becoming a plan right now, so I don't have any dates or other info for y'all, but want to tell you that Lord-willing, we'll get to begin sharing some truths for our generation through a podcast later this year! 

I hope each of you have a blessed February 7th! Y'all mean the world to me. Keep living ever higher for our King!

|Brooke|

Now it's your turn! Hit up the comments with your thoughts from this post.