Advice for Graduates

Congratulations!! You have already made it through many trials and decisions! You have fortunately had people to help you along the way. God has enabled you to get to this day!!

Prior to making decisions for the next stage of your life, remember these 3 things: PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! Seek God's direction for your life. Ask Him to lead you; plead with Him to guide you; pray He will direct you!
Psalm 37:23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. 

You will be privileged to experience a new type of freedom. Embrace it.
You will enter a new stage of life. Embrace it.
You will make many decisions your parents have previously made for you. Embrace it.
However, with this freedom, comes responsibility.
Galatians 5:13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

The late, great Coach John Wooden had 3 principles for life. Let's apply the first one: Be true to yourself. You will meet new people. You will make new friends. You will gain new knowledge. You will be exposed to new things. You will be offered some things that are not good for you. The evil one will be after you. God will seek you as The Hound from Heaven.
When it is all said and done, Be true to yourself.

Seek a place to worship God that is right for you. Get plugged in and draw from the well of God's Spirit. Stay strong. But know when you sin, you can be honest with God, and He will forgive you. PRAY. Study your Bible. Seek out Christian friends, and keep the ones you already have.

If you need to change your plans, goals, major...it's ok. Wisely use your time and money. Seek a job that will allow you to use your passion. You want to enjoy the field of work that you will have for decades. Money is NOT the bottom line.

Keep your eyes open.

Finally, remember the scene from the movie, Courageous where Shane has been caught taking confiscated drugs for the purpose of reselling them. When he was arrested, he said things like: "You are making a mistake" "I can't make it on $36,000 a year" "You would have done the same thing" After he spends time in jail, he received a visit from Adam. At this point Shane no longer made excuses. He confessed that he let go of the real. As you enter this next season of life, don't let go of the real, but  Be true to yourself.