[deacon blues]

With our graduates embarking on a new journey in life, what could you say to them about what you know now and what you wish you had known back then?

1. Don't be afraid to speak up for yourself---if you don't, usually nobody else will.

2. The majority of the people who you think will be your best of friends in the future, probably won't---with the exception of one or two.

3. Don't waste all your time trying to please everybody. Seek to please the Lord and He'll take care of the rest.

4. Credit cards are the spawn of Satan.

5. You won't know what living is until you have children.

6. Take advantage of your freedoms now in the areas of time and money. One day you'll be married with kids and if you are responsible you will put them first. So travel as much as you can and see the world.

7. Understand and know money matters early. Get good counsel and advice. Start investing as soon as you can. You can have a million dollars much easier if you start now than if you put it off until later.