James, 2025
Tomorrow, for the third time in 6 years, we will drive a child to the campus of Florida College and help them settle into their dorm room. James, we can hardly believe how much you’ve grown from that curious little boy into the thoughtful, kind young man you are today. Your mom and I are so proud of you. Your compassion and chaotic humor have always brightened our home. We’ll miss your hugs in the morning and your wild questions at dinner, but most of all, we thank God for the blessing of you in our lives. As you start this exciting new chapter, remember that the Lord goes with you every step of the way. We trust His plans for your future more than our own, and we know He will give you wisdom and courage as you need them.
Before you head off to class, we wanted to share some practical and spiritual encouragement:
- Seek wisdom from God.
As James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God… and it will be given him.” Whenever you face a tough decision or a challenging problem, ask God for insight and guidance. He promises to give generously. - Renew your mind in Christ.
Don’t just be “conformed to this world,” Paul writes, but be “transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2 ESV). In life, you’ll hear all kinds of ideas; remember to filter them through the truth of Scripture so you can discern what is good and wise. - Cast your worries on the Lord.
It’s normal to feel anxious about significant changes, but Peter reminds us to “cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Pray about your fears, God cares about the little things as much as the big things, and He will give you peace. - Do not be afraid, God is with you.
When you feel alone or uncertain, remember Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” You may be far from home, but God’s hand is holding yours. He will never leave you. - Rely on Christ’s strength.
College can be hard work, but with Jesus, you can do more than you think. As Paul said, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). When you feel tired or discouraged, lean on Jesus. He will give you the strength and perseverance you need. - Work heartily as for the Lord.
Whether it’s homework or chores, put your best effort into everything. Colossians 3:23 encourages us that “whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Remember you’re ultimately serving God in all you do, so do it with excellence and joy. - Be kind and forgiving.
In all your friendships and classes, choose compassion. Ephesians 4:32 tells us to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Treat people with the same grace God shows us every day. A gentle spirit will open doors and bless others. - Choose friends who sharpen you.
You’ve been a good friend; now find friends who will help you grow. As Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Look for classmates who encourage your faith and challenge you to be better in Christ. - Call your mom.
Staying close to family matters. God commands us to “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12), and that includes keeping in touch. We always love hearing your voice and knowing how you’re doing. - Remember you are loved.
No matter how far you roam, our love for you will never fade. And remember, nothing can ever separate you from God’s love either, as Romans 8:38-39 promises, “neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” You are deeply loved, by us and by the One who holds the universe.
Halle, 2022
Tomorrow we will again make the drive to a little place on the banks of the Hillsborough River. This year will bring some new adventures for us as we will have 2 of our children enrolled at Florida College. I still don’t know what that will look like and I still don’t really know how it will all play out. If you had come to me 10 years ago and told me this was how it would look, well I’m pretty sure I would not have understood it, and yet here we are.
So friends, with that in mind, here are some things to ponder:
- Take a deep breath, During the next few weeks, it’s gonna take a bit of time to adjust.
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6) - Don’t skip class.
Nothing good comes of it. In the first week, the teachers will let you know when everything is due. Stay ahead of your deadlines, and it will be a breeze. (PS, don’t pull an all-nighter to cram for that test. The best way to remove the anxiety of your classes is to come to class ready to rock!) “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” (Proverbs 6:6–8) - You will have hard days, but you are not alone.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) - You will make mistakes, own them and learn from them.
“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,” (Philippians 3:13) - So will everyone else, forgive them and learn from them.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32) - Make a deep connection with your family in Christ, the rhythm of your life is rooted here.
“so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (Romans 12:5) - Make good friends, and look for the kind of people who are kind to all.
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10) - Call your mom. “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12)
- The days are still long and the years are still swift.
- We love you.
Jesse, 2019
Tomorrow we drive our oldest child to Florida College. I’m still adjusting to what that means and will likely continue to adjust for the next 20+ years. I know I’m not alone in the journey, and along with our family, there are many waking up this month with a bunch of adventures on the horizon. So friends, with that in mind, here are some things to ponder:
- The cast of your life will change with each season.
Within your 4 years of college, you will meet at least 7 new groups of folks who are a lot like you are now. They will move on each year, too, but the one who loves us most will never leave. So remember, his opinion matters more than anyone else’s. “…I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b) - A lot of what seems important today isn’t.
Think long-term, not short-term. “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13) - Days are long, years are swift.
So don’t waste time worrying about what you can’t control. “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6) - Every person you date is a potential spouse.
So faith is a huge deal. “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14) - We are loved immensely by our Creator.
We have been given the awesome privilege of serving our Savior. So don’t look for validation in anything or anyone else. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10) - Some things once seen, can’t be unseen. So choose wisely with what you see. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2)
- When you are young, sharpen your mind.
Store as much as you can of God’s Word in your mind and heart now—so you can retrieve more later. “Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.” (Proverbs 23:23) - Learn to be wise with money.
It will be a safeguard for you as you get older. - You become the average of the people around you. So choose exceptional friends, and be one
- We love you.
Phillip W. Martin 
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