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!
Post A Comment!
Posted by Grace4God
Posted by GraceElizabeth
Posted by Bekka
Posted by drgnfly1010
Posted by drgnfly1010
Posted by Grace4God
Comments
May. 10, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Grace4God Oh yay! Another rebelutionary...or, at least, now.
I haven't read all of the book yet, but I have read the first part...I just got it last night. :)
But, I've followed Alex and Brett's blog for quite a while, and I'm on the forum. This movement really does have substance to it. Great way to put it, by the way!
I think that "Do Hard Things" is desperately needed in our culture....but, thinking about it, last night, I began to think of all the things "I forgot" to do or "didn't have time" to do. For instance, making my bed. I forget some days...I really do. But, if that's expected of a little child, why not a teenager?
Anyways, very good thoughts...
Were you the one that asked what a zenith was? I couldn't remember...anyways, a zenith is a "peak of human praise" or something along those lines. :)
In Christ,
Grace
I haven't read all of the book yet, but I have read the first part...I just got it last night. :)
But, I've followed Alex and Brett's blog for quite a while, and I'm on the forum. This movement really does have substance to it. Great way to put it, by the way!
I think that "Do Hard Things" is desperately needed in our culture....but, thinking about it, last night, I began to think of all the things "I forgot" to do or "didn't have time" to do. For instance, making my bed. I forget some days...I really do. But, if that's expected of a little child, why not a teenager?
Anyways, very good thoughts...
Were you the one that asked what a zenith was? I couldn't remember...anyways, a zenith is a "peak of human praise" or something along those lines. :)
In Christ,
Grace
May. 10, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by GraceElizabeth Oh, I need to get that book- I've been wanting to, because I've heard nothing but good things about it! I share your skeptisism about teen movements, but though I have not personally gone to a Rebelution conference, I have been impressed in what I have experienced! There's a conference near us this year, and I would like to go, if possible! I'm glad to hear you good opinion about the book, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the congratulations, and the sympathy! It has been really hectic, but everything has gone well so far and there are only 4 more events and things are winding down. You encouraged me a lot, thank you!
~Grace
Thanks for the congratulations, and the sympathy! It has been really hectic, but everything has gone well so far and there are only 4 more events and things are winding down. You encouraged me a lot, thank you!
~Grace
May. 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Bekka I actually haven't bought the book yet, mostly because I'm kinda broke right now...:) But I've heard very good things about it!
I agree with them that Christian teenagers should be rebelling against mediocridie and doing hard things, however, I don't think everyone is called to end slavery or change American politics. Rather, it's the faithful living every day, following Christ, obeying your parents, and doing your schoolwork diligently--you know, doing good in the small things, that is probably most people's 'hard thing'.
I'm on the forums and I read their blog, and this movement, or whatever you want to call it, is good, but I think Rebelutionaries tend to get focused on the 'big' hard things and forget that most of life is the small, routine, things that we have to do faithfully.
So there are my thoughts. :)
I agree with them that Christian teenagers should be rebelling against mediocridie and doing hard things, however, I don't think everyone is called to end slavery or change American politics. Rather, it's the faithful living every day, following Christ, obeying your parents, and doing your schoolwork diligently--you know, doing good in the small things, that is probably most people's 'hard thing'.
I'm on the forums and I read their blog, and this movement, or whatever you want to call it, is good, but I think Rebelutionaries tend to get focused on the 'big' hard things and forget that most of life is the small, routine, things that we have to do faithfully.
So there are my thoughts. :)
May. 13, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by drgnfly1010 I was, like you, skeptical at first of the Rebelution movement and I still don't know a lot about it--but I heard about "Do Hard Things" and I'm so looking foward to buying it! Your good review of it encourages me. I really like your blog.. may I add you to my friends list?
May. 14, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by drgnfly1010 TY :)
RYC: Yep, driver's license.. the laws here are wacky and all sorts of weird stuff so it's taking a while.. lol. :)
~Bethany
RYC: Yep, driver's license.. the laws here are wacky and all sorts of weird stuff so it's taking a while.. lol. :)
~Bethany
May. 17, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Grace4God Hi!
~I'd have to agree with Bekka above....Doing Hard Things is about small Hard Things too. :) I think making your bed was the analogy given in the book.
How are you doing?
In Christ,
Grace
~I'd have to agree with Bekka above....Doing Hard Things is about small Hard Things too. :) I think making your bed was the analogy given in the book.
How are you doing?
In Christ,
Grace