Abbie:  Fall makes me feel like a grown up.  I kinda hate that.
Me:  Summer makes me feel like a child.  I kinda love that.

On the way to the airport, my dad stopped my music.

Tasha, you know the thing that I like best about you?

Yeah dad?


Your giggle.  I forgot how much you giggle.  You're crazy.  You swim at night.  You go on midnight bike rides.  You drive like a mad woman.  

And you giggle.


He met one of my good friends while he was here.  She has a lot of sadness in her family and while we were eating pizza outside he looked at her. 

He told her that her dad probably doesn't understand how to say it. 

He told her You're a good daughter.  Your dad is blessed to have you.

I hear that all of the time.  Sometimes I'm the one telling him that.  But the look in her eyes and the way her face crumpled made me realize.

Men are so important.

I met with my cousin today for another talk.  This week was boy week.  Great I told her.  I don't have much to say about this.

But once I sat down I realized I did.

Listen.  You need to really think about this one H.  Most girls get in a mess because they don't know what to want.  You need to decide right now. 

And if you want a man of character.  If you want someone who respects you for your spirit and loves your intelligence and pushes you to greatness, then you need to think about this. 

Are you the kind of girl that that kind of boy would want to know?

It's so easy.  To say yes to the nice cute ones.  It's so easy to compromise without realizing it.  But we want more than nice. 

Nice is everywhere.

We want men who understand why they're alive. 

Men who love wisdom and the Lord.

People say that the hardest part is the wait.  But here's the secret. 

You have to embrace it. 

Don't wish on someday.  Don't mope.  Don't fall in love with every man who smiles at you.

Work on your race.  Lengthen your stride.  Push your endurance.  Chase Christ.

He's got the rest covered.

And don't doubt yourself.  Surround yourself with people who remind you.  That you are His and that He is The King. 

You are highly treasured.

When you treat yourself like you're special, boys start to understand.

So many people have Christianity and Nice mixed up.  Don't you spend your nights at home.  And don't waste them in buildings with smoky air and pounding music.  Don't let yourself become tame. 

Fall in the water.  Drive down new roads and get lost.  Really look at people when you talk to them.  Drink good coffee.  Fall in love with Scripture.  Smile because you know Him.

And giggle.