Aug. 9, 2008
The Faithful One
Well, my dear blogging friends, I have officially finished the first week of my last year of school. Yes, I am a senior! Quite honestly, I'm not sure if I'm celebrating or sighing. I actually like school.
No doubt about it, though, this has been a year of changes . . . and the year isn't over yet. The changes in my school work load have been nice. There are only a few more classes that I'm required to take to graduate: Government, Economics, and one more English. I love English, am intrigued by Government, and, well, I haven't decided about Economics.
I enjoy the home economics part, but world economics can be a little much to digest.
Entering my senior year has made me stop and reflect a little. Looking back, I see how the Lord has grown me in so many areas; in school work, of course, but in my attitude and maturity as well. I remember staring at a page of math problems in about 1st grade and crying in frustration -- but I also remember that a few grades later, I prayed over my math instead. Not to say that I never cried over an algebra problem ( there were several, in fact!), but I had learned to go to the Lord even in simple things.
Sometimes I look at the past and feel that I've grown immensely. I mentally pat myself on the back for my maturity and feel ready to tackle any challenge. At other times, usually following those back-patting moments, I stumble in some area and fall flat on my face. Suddenly, I feel about ten years old again, want to hide under my bed, and don't think I've grown in the least. What a comfort to know that, regardless of my fluctuating emotions, the Lord is faithful. He is the One who works in me "both to will and to do of His good pleasure". I love 1 Thessalonians 5:24 - "Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it." Simple and sweet. God called me, and He is the One who will tend to all the details of my life.
Praise the Lord, my faithful God!
No doubt about it, though, this has been a year of changes . . . and the year isn't over yet. The changes in my school work load have been nice. There are only a few more classes that I'm required to take to graduate: Government, Economics, and one more English. I love English, am intrigued by Government, and, well, I haven't decided about Economics.
I enjoy the home economics part, but world economics can be a little much to digest. Entering my senior year has made me stop and reflect a little. Looking back, I see how the Lord has grown me in so many areas; in school work, of course, but in my attitude and maturity as well. I remember staring at a page of math problems in about 1st grade and crying in frustration -- but I also remember that a few grades later, I prayed over my math instead. Not to say that I never cried over an algebra problem ( there were several, in fact!), but I had learned to go to the Lord even in simple things.
Sometimes I look at the past and feel that I've grown immensely. I mentally pat myself on the back for my maturity and feel ready to tackle any challenge. At other times, usually following those back-patting moments, I stumble in some area and fall flat on my face. Suddenly, I feel about ten years old again, want to hide under my bed, and don't think I've grown in the least. What a comfort to know that, regardless of my fluctuating emotions, the Lord is faithful. He is the One who works in me "both to will and to do of His good pleasure". I love 1 Thessalonians 5:24 - "Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it." Simple and sweet. God called me, and He is the One who will tend to all the details of my life.
Praise the Lord, my faithful God!
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Jul. 28, 2008
Being Still
Well, I had an entire blog written out and ready to post, but, for some reason, I want to post this instead.
One week from today, we will be starting back to school. I've been busy with that, trying to get my books and schedule organized, and on top of that, I've been studying to help teach a Bright Lights lesson, and also getting my piano teaching schedule organized. (Have you noticed that "schedule" and "organize" are two important words in my vocabulary?) With all of that, plus a few other things, I've been . . .well . . .frazzled. This morning, it seemed very appropriate that I read about Mary and Martha! In the Scripture, it said that Martha was "cumbered" and "troubled" with all of the work she had to do. Those words, sadly, describe me pretty accurately. The things I'm working on are all good and useful, but I've become so caught up in them that I've missed the "why" behind them. I'm doing them to serve my Lord, but I've become so busy serving Him that I miss speaking with Him! So, today, I took a little time and hid away. I simply sat down quietly and experienced the verse from Psalm 46 (I think!) - "Be still and know that I am God". What a time of refreshment! I need to remember that I am not the One ultimately in control of my life. I think of the verse in Proverbs that says, paraphrased, that a man may plan, but the Lord directs the outcome. Sure, it's good to plan, but, in the end, I need to know that God will work all things together for His purposes. Instead of worrying, I need to rest in the knowledge of Who God is. Instead of rushing around, I just need to . . .be still.
One week from today, we will be starting back to school. I've been busy with that, trying to get my books and schedule organized, and on top of that, I've been studying to help teach a Bright Lights lesson, and also getting my piano teaching schedule organized. (Have you noticed that "schedule" and "organize" are two important words in my vocabulary?) With all of that, plus a few other things, I've been . . .well . . .frazzled. This morning, it seemed very appropriate that I read about Mary and Martha! In the Scripture, it said that Martha was "cumbered" and "troubled" with all of the work she had to do. Those words, sadly, describe me pretty accurately. The things I'm working on are all good and useful, but I've become so caught up in them that I've missed the "why" behind them. I'm doing them to serve my Lord, but I've become so busy serving Him that I miss speaking with Him! So, today, I took a little time and hid away. I simply sat down quietly and experienced the verse from Psalm 46 (I think!) - "Be still and know that I am God". What a time of refreshment! I need to remember that I am not the One ultimately in control of my life. I think of the verse in Proverbs that says, paraphrased, that a man may plan, but the Lord directs the outcome. Sure, it's good to plan, but, in the end, I need to know that God will work all things together for His purposes. Instead of worrying, I need to rest in the knowledge of Who God is. Instead of rushing around, I just need to . . .be still.
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Jul. 17, 2008
This 'n' That
Once again, the hectic pace of summer has taken its toll on me, and kept me from blogging.
I have a lot to catch up on, so hang on to your hats, my friends - this is going to be a read with many quick stops!
First of all, I would like to announce that three of my friends have started their own blogs! My friend Christi ( AlwaysDreaming ) started a blog a few weeks ago, and another friend, lovedbyGod , has also been bitten by the blogging bug (after Christi and I dropped some not-so-subtle hints). Plus, another friend, Chelly ,has started a blog . . .so I would encourage you to check these blogs out!
I was awarded the "Beautiful Thoughts Award" by GraceElizabeth . It was very sweet! Thank you, Grace!
I would like to award my friends Bekka and Grace4God.
And, to finish up my Heinz 57 post, I was tagged by my sister PinkPrecious!
Eye color: Blue
Hair color: Brownish
Favorite colors: Lavender and blue
Your style: Modest, feminine, comfortable, and (so important!), affordable!
Write with both hands:No
Whistle: Yes
Blow a bubble: Yes
Roll your tongue: Yes
Cross your eyes: Yes
Touch your nose with your tongue: No
Dance: Not really - I can twirl around to music
Stay up all night without sleep: Ummm . . . why would I want to?
Speak a different language: Sorta.
Impersonate someone: No
Prank call people: Absolutly not! How rude!
Make card pyramid: Nope
Cook anything: Yes. Actually, I'm making spagetti tonight!
And now, I tag lovedbyGod and Chelly.
God bless!
Kori
I have a lot to catch up on, so hang on to your hats, my friends - this is going to be a read with many quick stops!First of all, I would like to announce that three of my friends have started their own blogs! My friend Christi ( AlwaysDreaming ) started a blog a few weeks ago, and another friend, lovedbyGod , has also been bitten by the blogging bug (after Christi and I dropped some not-so-subtle hints). Plus, another friend, Chelly ,has started a blog . . .so I would encourage you to check these blogs out!
I was awarded the "Beautiful Thoughts Award" by GraceElizabeth . It was very sweet! Thank you, Grace!
I would like to award my friends Bekka and Grace4God.
And, to finish up my Heinz 57 post, I was tagged by my sister PinkPrecious!
Eye color: Blue
Hair color: Brownish
Favorite colors: Lavender and blue
Your style: Modest, feminine, comfortable, and (so important!), affordable!
Write with both hands:No
Whistle: Yes
Blow a bubble: Yes
Roll your tongue: Yes
Cross your eyes: Yes
Touch your nose with your tongue: No
Dance: Not really - I can twirl around to music
Stay up all night without sleep: Ummm . . . why would I want to?
Speak a different language: Sorta.
Impersonate someone: No
Prank call people: Absolutly not! How rude!
Make card pyramid: Nope
Cook anything: Yes. Actually, I'm making spagetti tonight!
And now, I tag lovedbyGod and Chelly.
God bless!
Kori
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Jul. 7, 2008
Just a Poem
A couple of months ago, on a whim, I entered a poetry contest I was rather hesitant at the time, because I'd never entered a poetry contest before, and because I'd never written in blank verse before. But, (with my mom's encouragement), I decided to try it, and, then a few days ago, I found out that I received an honorable mention! Anyway, to shorten a lengthy story, I decided to post it here. Hope you enjoy!
Another War
Another War
Inside the car he sat and gazed alone.
The train was roaring, people chatting, but
The clamor could not pierce his thoughts that flew
Ahead to reach his journey’s end. He sighed.
“Been here before?” A voice said from behind.
His head jerked ‘round—the voice rasped out a laugh.
“I didn’t mean to scare ya, soldier boy,”
(For soldier boy he was), “rest easy, see?”
The solder looked and saw the aging man
Who spoke, and blushing slightly, smiled a bit.
“Old habits die hard.” said he with a shrug.
The old man’s eyes were knowing. “That they do.”
“So, where ya headin’? Do ya know this place?”
The soldier turned back in his seat. “I did.”
He answered briefly. Undeterred, his new
Acquaintance tried again.“ Ya got a home?”
“A fam’ly or a sweetheart watin’ here?”
The soldier drew a breath and closed his eyes.
“Not here. Not anymore.” was all he said.
A lull ensued; the whistle wailed. Again,
The soldier spoke. “ You know, it’s not what I
Had planned when over there. Thought I’d come home
And leave the war behind, but now. . .” He paused.
“Another war is waiting for me here.”
“It’s diff’rent, but the same.” The train was still.
The other trav’lers vanished, but the men
Remained in silence. The old man stretched out
His hand. “May God be with you as you fight.”
The soldier grasped the hand, “He always is,”
And strode away to face his battle ground.
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Jun. 27, 2008
A Little Catch-up
First things first; our vacation was very nice! We visited our grandparents, went to a science museum on one day, and a water park on another. At the water park, my sister received a beautiful tan, and I came home with a lovely . . .sunburn. It was kind of a bright salmon color, maybe a shade of coral - very becoming. (I wish.) Oh, the joys of fair skin!
Next: I was awarded by Bekka! Thank you - I enjoy reading your blog, too! (The award is on the side bar. It was hard enough to get it over there {like I said, I'm very techno challenged} so I'm not movin' it!) And, in my turn, I award Drgnfly1010 for her funny and encouraging blog; and PinkPrecious, my sister, because I love hearing about our life from her point of view.
And now, a few thoughts. I've been going through a confusing and discouraging time lately; it involves some things happening at church, some changing relationships with friends - that sort of thing. But even in all this, the Lord has given me a special blessing, found in two verses from Psalm 84:
"For the Lord God is a sun and a shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee."
This time I'm going through doesn't seem like a good thing at all; in fact, it feels just the opposite! Then I read the last part again, "blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee". If I trust that God does know what is best for me, if I trust that everything He allows in my life is able to be used for good, then I am truly blessed. The hymn, "All the Way My Savior Leads Me", by Fanny Crosby, sums things up much better than I can.
Next: I was awarded by Bekka! Thank you - I enjoy reading your blog, too! (The award is on the side bar. It was hard enough to get it over there {like I said, I'm very techno challenged} so I'm not movin' it!) And, in my turn, I award Drgnfly1010 for her funny and encouraging blog; and PinkPrecious, my sister, because I love hearing about our life from her point of view.
And now, a few thoughts. I've been going through a confusing and discouraging time lately; it involves some things happening at church, some changing relationships with friends - that sort of thing. But even in all this, the Lord has given me a special blessing, found in two verses from Psalm 84:
"For the Lord God is a sun and a shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee."
This time I'm going through doesn't seem like a good thing at all; in fact, it feels just the opposite! Then I read the last part again, "blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee". If I trust that God does know what is best for me, if I trust that everything He allows in my life is able to be used for good, then I am truly blessed. The hymn, "All the Way My Savior Leads Me", by Fanny Crosby, sums things up much better than I can.
'"All the way my Savior leads me,
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
That through life has been my guide?
Heavenly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith with Him to dwell!
For I know, what'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well!
Jesus does all things well. What else can I say? Amen!
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
That through life has been my guide?
Heavenly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith with Him to dwell!
For I know, what'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well!
Jesus does all things well. What else can I say? Amen!
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Jun. 12, 2008
Vacation!
This is just a very quick entry to explain why I won't be around for a week. We're going on vacation tomorrow! Yaaaaaay!
When we get back, I'll hopefully be able to catch up on all the things I want to blog about . . .and do a little template experimenting, too. ( I'm very computer-challenged, so any advice would be welcome.
)
But tonight, I need to finish up all of those last-minute, pre-vacation details -- making sure that everything I might possibly need in a week is in my already stuffed suitcase. Oh, boy.
God bless!
Kori
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy soul from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies."
Psalm 103:1-3
When we get back, I'll hopefully be able to catch up on all the things I want to blog about . . .and do a little template experimenting, too. ( I'm very computer-challenged, so any advice would be welcome.
)But tonight, I need to finish up all of those last-minute, pre-vacation details -- making sure that everything I might possibly need in a week is in my already stuffed suitcase. Oh, boy.
God bless!
Kori
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy soul from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies."
Psalm 103:1-3
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The past few weeks have been so busy! I've wanted to blog sooner, I really have, but somehow, it always got pushed to the back of my "To-Do" list.
Last week was spent preparing for the Vacation Bible School at our church, and this week was spent actually . . . doing it. I was an assistant teacher, and worked with a couple of my friends; we had a blast! The lesson we taught was on Creation, so one of the rooms we were in had all six days of creation shown on the walls. It's quite elaborate, and took about a week to put together. (Hopefully, I'll be able to post some pictures later.) It took hours and hours of work . . . and staples, staples, and more staples! Last night, when we took everything down, the other assistant teacher and I decided that the head teacher needed to go on the 10-step program for staple addiction, and that we needed counseling for excess staple removal. Yes, there were really that many.
Oh, and there was also the water balloon incident. Last night, we decided that we needed to use all of our balloons . . .so we filled 'em all up, and had about six buckets full. Some of us got soaked. Those of us who could run quickly didn't.
(Guess which group I was in!)
Well, in spite of being so busy, I think that's all I have to write about. Maybe I'll be able to write sooner next time. (And I thought I would have more time when school was out! Naive me.)
Jun. 7, 2008
Impossibly Busy!
The past few weeks have been so busy! I've wanted to blog sooner, I really have,
but somehow, it always got pushed to the back of my "To-Do" list. Last week was spent preparing for the Vacation Bible School at our church, and this week was spent actually . . . doing it. I was an assistant teacher, and worked with a couple of my friends; we had a blast! The lesson we taught was on Creation, so one of the rooms we were in had all six days of creation shown on the walls. It's quite elaborate, and took about a week to put together. (Hopefully, I'll be able to post some pictures later.) It took hours and hours of work . . . and staples, staples, and more staples! Last night, when we took everything down, the other assistant teacher and I decided that the head teacher needed to go on the 10-step program for staple addiction, and that we needed counseling for excess staple removal.
Yes, there were really that many. Oh, and there was also the water balloon incident. Last night, we decided that we needed to use all of our balloons . . .so we filled 'em all up, and had about six buckets full. Some of us got soaked. Those of us who could run quickly didn't.
(Guess which group I was in!)Well, in spite of being so busy, I think that's all I have to write about. Maybe I'll be able to write sooner next time. (And I thought I would have more time when school was out! Naive me.)
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May. 23, 2008
Tagged by CountryKell
I've been tagged by CountryKell . . .so here it is!
What was I doing 10 years ago?
OK, that's a tough one. 10 years ago I was 7, and it was the beginning of summer . . .I was probably either running around outside with bare feet, or reading a book.
Five things on my "To-Do' list today:
1. Read!
2.Practice piano
3.Memorize a poem ("The Altar" by George Herbert)
4.Work with Kristen on our room for our church's Vacation Bible School
5.Blog
Snacks I enjoy:
*Chocolate milk
*Pretzels
*Strawberries
*Goldfish
*Smoothies
Five things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1.Give money to the church
2. Give money to my parents
3.Buy a car
4. Build a music studio, complete with a grand piano :)
5.Ummm . . .pray about what to do with the rest ( since I can't decide!)
Three bad habits:
1.Taking too long to decide about simple things (like what to do with all this money I don't really have!)
2.Twisting my ring constantly
3.Not keeping my hands still
Five places I've lived:
1.Georgia
2.Florida
3.A trailer on the lake
4.A house just outside of town
5.A house in the country, where I am now
Jobs I have had:
*Babysitting
*Teaching piano
*Serving at different occasions (banquets, church dinners, stuff like that)
Well, I think that's about it . . .have a blessed day!
Oops! I forgot to tag someone! I tag PinkPrecious and drgnfly1010.
What was I doing 10 years ago?
OK, that's a tough one. 10 years ago I was 7, and it was the beginning of summer . . .I was probably either running around outside with bare feet, or reading a book.
Five things on my "To-Do' list today:
1. Read!
2.Practice piano
3.Memorize a poem ("The Altar" by George Herbert)
4.Work with Kristen on our room for our church's Vacation Bible School
5.Blog
Snacks I enjoy:
*Chocolate milk
*Pretzels
*Strawberries
*Goldfish
*Smoothies
Five things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1.Give money to the church
2. Give money to my parents
3.Buy a car
4. Build a music studio, complete with a grand piano :)
5.Ummm . . .pray about what to do with the rest ( since I can't decide!)
Three bad habits:
1.Taking too long to decide about simple things (like what to do with all this money I don't really have!)
2.Twisting my ring constantly
3.Not keeping my hands still
Five places I've lived:
1.Georgia
2.Florida
3.A trailer on the lake
4.A house just outside of town
5.A house in the country, where I am now
Jobs I have had:
*Babysitting
*Teaching piano
*Serving at different occasions (banquets, church dinners, stuff like that)
Well, I think that's about it . . .have a blessed day!
Oops! I forgot to tag someone! I tag PinkPrecious and drgnfly1010.
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May. 17, 2008
Hodge-podge blog!
So much to write about, so little time!
OK, for the first item of business: My younger sister, Emily, has started a blog. You can see it here at Ponderings of Pink . I am very excited for her (and of course, I didn't influence her at all!). Her first entry is so sweet - I like it much better than my first entry, in which I had absolutely nothing to say. She very sensibly wrote about her (our) family, which I have yet to do. 
I will, though; the Lord has blessed me with a wonderful family that deserves to be written about.
Speaking of families, today, my youngest brother Lars had a birthday party. A cowboy party, to be exact. What a high-energy afternoon we had! Boys were darting in and out of our house, refilling water guns, and dripping on the floor as they charged through. I watched the battle safely from the window, and was successful in my mission of staying dry. For the most part.
Ya'll have had some great comments about The Rebeloution and Do Hard Things. I like the point that Bekka and Grace4God brought up (how did they know that I wanted to write about that?) - that we tend to focus on the "big" hard things, and lose sight of the "small" hard things that God calls us to do every day. God doesn't call everyone to do "big" things (or, at least, things that would seem big by the world's standards), but He does call every Christian to do hard things. Obeying Him even when it's painful, standing against the world in small ways like dressing modestly and, as girls, staying under our father's authority - those aren't easy. The entire Christian life is made up of hard things! Most Christian teenagers aren't willing to step out of their comfort zone to do what God commands. No wonder we can't get the "big" hard things . . .we're still afraid to obey in the small things! We need to be faithful. Wherever God has placed us, whether He has gifted us with five talents, or just one, we need to allow ourselves to be poured out for Him, in whatever hard things He has planned for us. Big or small.
OK, for the first item of business: My younger sister, Emily, has started a blog. You can see it here at Ponderings of Pink . I am very excited for her (and of course, I didn't influence her at all!
). Her first entry is so sweet - I like it much better than my first entry, in which I had absolutely nothing to say. She very sensibly wrote about her (our) family, which I have yet to do. I will, though; the Lord has blessed me with a wonderful family that deserves to be written about. Speaking of families, today, my youngest brother Lars had a birthday party. A cowboy party, to be exact. What a high-energy afternoon we had! Boys were darting in and out of our house, refilling water guns, and dripping on the floor as they charged through. I watched the battle safely from the window, and was successful in my mission of staying dry. For the most part.
Ya'll have had some great comments about The Rebeloution and Do Hard Things. I like the point that Bekka and Grace4God brought up (how did they know that I wanted to write about that?) - that we tend to focus on the "big" hard things, and lose sight of the "small" hard things that God calls us to do every day. God doesn't call everyone to do "big" things (or, at least, things that would seem big by the world's standards), but He does call every Christian to do hard things. Obeying Him even when it's painful, standing against the world in small ways like dressing modestly and, as girls, staying under our father's authority - those aren't easy. The entire Christian life is made up of hard things! Most Christian teenagers aren't willing to step out of their comfort zone to do what God commands. No wonder we can't get the "big" hard things . . .we're still afraid to obey in the small things! We need to be faithful. Wherever God has placed us, whether He has gifted us with five talents, or just one, we need to allow ourselves to be poured out for Him, in whatever hard things He has planned for us. Big or small.
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May. 7, 2008
Me? Do hard things?
Oh, it has been entirely too long since I've been on here! Not completely by choice -- it can be hard to get screen time with a 7 people/1 computer ratio.
Plus, I wanted to wait to write because I knew that after this weekend at our state's homeschool conference, I would have plenty to write about. (I had no idea just how much.)
Have you ever experienced a sudden inrush of ideas and inspiration, so much that your mind is ready to burst? This is how this year's homeschool conference affected me. Not surprisingly, it's too much for one post, but I do want to share some of it here.
At the homeschool conference, we bought the book Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris. Up until now, I haven't been very familiar with The Rebelution, but I have been thrilled with Do Hard Things. To be very honest, I'm a bit of a skeptic when it comes to teen movements, because most of the ones I've seen are all hype and not enough substance. This one is different. It presents the very real problem: That we, as young people, have allowed ourselves to be stifled by a culture of low expectations; and the solution (simple, but incredibly inspiring): Do hard things.
In reading the book, I was challenged, inspired, excited, and utterly convicted all at once. The beginning of the book was the most difficult to read. I recognized myself as one who has often believed the lie that, since I am young, I cannot do big things. Then I began to feel discouraged after reading about those who have done big things; I'm slightly behind in the "doing big things" department. Thankfully, that didn't last. A few major truths have burned themselves into my mind; one of those that I gladly grasped was that not all hard things are huge. Or even noticed. I have been doing hard things! Serving at home and church, being faithful "in that which is least" is really the first step to doing other hard things. The other thing that stood out to me was that I cannot call myself to hard things. If I strike out on my own, trying to do hard things in my own strength and for my own benefit, I'll fall flat on my face. My efforts will be useless. But when God calls a person to impossible tasks, then He will give the strength and success, and He will get the glory!
So now, I'm ready. I'll continue to be faithful in what I'm already doing, but it's time to abandon my comfort zone and . . .Do Hard Things. The Lord has already given me some opportunities, and I'm excited to see what He will do. The Lord's plans are always exciting. Hopefully, I'll even get to write about some of them here.
And now, what about you? Are you ready to do hard things for the glory of God?
P.S. I'd love to hear other bloggers' thoughts on doing hard things. If you write about it, let me know!
Plus, I wanted to wait to write because I knew that after this weekend at our state's homeschool conference, I would have plenty to write about. (I had no idea just how much.)Have you ever experienced a sudden inrush of ideas and inspiration, so much that your mind is ready to burst? This is how this year's homeschool conference affected me. Not surprisingly, it's too much for one post, but I do want to share some of it here.
At the homeschool conference, we bought the book Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris. Up until now, I haven't been very familiar with The Rebelution, but I have been thrilled with Do Hard Things. To be very honest, I'm a bit of a skeptic when it comes to teen movements, because most of the ones I've seen are all hype and not enough substance. This one is different. It presents the very real problem: That we, as young people, have allowed ourselves to be stifled by a culture of low expectations; and the solution (simple, but incredibly inspiring): Do hard things.
In reading the book, I was challenged, inspired, excited, and utterly convicted all at once. The beginning of the book was the most difficult to read. I recognized myself as one who has often believed the lie that, since I am young, I cannot do big things. Then I began to feel discouraged after reading about those who have done big things; I'm slightly behind in the "doing big things" department.
Thankfully, that didn't last. A few major truths have burned themselves into my mind; one of those that I gladly grasped was that not all hard things are huge. Or even noticed. I have been doing hard things! Serving at home and church, being faithful "in that which is least" is really the first step to doing other hard things. The other thing that stood out to me was that I cannot call myself to hard things. If I strike out on my own, trying to do hard things in my own strength and for my own benefit, I'll fall flat on my face. My efforts will be useless. But when God calls a person to impossible tasks, then He will give the strength and success, and He will get the glory! So now, I'm ready. I'll continue to be faithful in what I'm already doing, but it's time to abandon my comfort zone and . . .Do Hard Things. The Lord has already given me some opportunities, and I'm excited to see what He will do. The Lord's plans are always exciting. Hopefully, I'll even get to write about some of them here.
And now, what about you? Are you ready to do hard things for the glory of God?
P.S. I'd love to hear other bloggers' thoughts on doing hard things. If you write about it, let me know!