On the way into work this morning, the radio station I was listening to posed the question, "What would you say to your 8th Grade self?"

I thought it was an interesting question. Many callers called in offering advice, encouragement, suggestions for stock purchases....

It's a question I've kind of been mulling over all day, and I find my own responses to be a bit of a study in extremes. On one hand, I'd tell myself not to take things so seriously. On the other hand, I'd tell myself to work harder and not allow myself to be lazy. Perhaps I've still not figured things out (OK, so I know that's true...)

So here I am... my 8th grade self. This picture was taken in 1989.

Dear 8th Grade Self, here are some things you really should know....

- The friends you have right now will still be among your best friends in 30 years. Value them. Cherish them. Nurture those relationships. You're blessed to be growing up in a small town with people who will be important to you for life -- this is unusual and very special.

- The things you deem as crises right now will seem so trivial to you as an adult. They are weighty, they will shape your life -- but in ways much more positive and strengthening than you'd ever imagine.

- You may think your parents are too strict and feel like "everyone else gets to do this" -- but be thankful for that. They're leading you down a path that is not always straight, not always clear, and they're buffering the pitfalls for you. You will absolutely thank them for that one day, and you will also raise your children just as strictly.

- Forget your idea about never marrying and living with a houseful of dogs. Married life and children are amazing blessings.... and dogs shed and aren't welcome in restaurants and hotels. Kidding... dogs are still great... but not nearly as much as a husband and children.

- Don't allow yourself to get lazy and settle for "good enough" -- you're better than that. And the rest of the working world will eat you for dinner if "good enough" is all the work you're willing to put forth.

- Remove your mask. People will like you even if you let them see the "real" you. You don't have to put on a false strong front.

- Don't be afraid to fail. Try new things. Don't limit yourself only to that which you know you can do well. Branch out! Perfection will never happen even in things you're good at -- so give some other things a shot!

- Believe in yourself. Stay strong. Stick to your principles and ideals. You were brought up with good ones. You were brought up to be strong and independent. But... don't be afraid to rely on other people too, and ask them for help.

- Being raised in a Christian home is not something to be taken for granted. Being raised in a solid family isn't either. You are blessed beyond measure.

- Don't be afraid of confrontation or think that people will "hate" you for "arguing" with them. If you have an opinion, voice it respectfully; most people appreciate and respect directness more than avoidance.

- Quit spending all your extra money on candy -- your metabolism will not always be what you're enjoying now!

- As much as you THINK exercise and outdoors will always be an integral part of your life -- your work life and family life will make it nearly impossible. Figure out now how to be disciplined in all things (including cleaning), so they require less effort in 30 years.

- Make your bed and clean your room.

- Fish is good. So is seafood. Coffee is still not.

- You WILL use math. Every day. Every. Single. Day. Pay attention! (And don't KLEP out of it in college.)

- The lessons learned in childhood will be as important as an adult as they were as a child: "Always remember who you are and Whose you are." and "Always leave a place better than you found it."

- Your childhood will forever be "enshrined in gold" in your memories -- cherish the moments as you live them.