Friday, August 15
Today my siblings and I were all tired from staying up late. Since we were all tired, lets just say we weren't in the best of moods and easily got on each others nerves... :) The biggest lesson I learned from it was that God calls us to be patient and merciful to people even when they might not deserve it. He also taught me that no matter what happens during the day every day is beautiful. All of it! The bad things that happen as well as the good things paint a beautiful picture called TODAY. God uses them to sharpen and refine us.
"There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others But if you have been merciful God will be merciful when he judges you." James 2:13
"Give, and it will be given to u. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure u use it will be given back to u." Luke 6:38
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him." 2 Chronicles 32:7
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." Psalm 3:5-6
I recently read a book, Do Hard Things written by twin brothers Alex and Brett Harris. It was an amazing book. I was challenged in many areas of my life. As I looked at my life and the world, in which we live, I realized how far expectations of teenagers have fallen. Most people expect only trouble to come from us and that does not make us want to excel at all; however, teenagers are also at fault. We constantly choose the easy way instead of taking the hard way that God has called us to take. We choose complacency instead of living a radical life for Christ. We choose to do what is easy for us instead of the hard things that help us grow.
I want to break this cycle!!! I don't want to live in the bondage of satan's lies anymore. I don't want to live a selfish lifestyle. I want to break free from this slavery and follow a better path, a path God has called me to take. I want you and the millions of teens around us to take this challenge with me. Can you imagine what a world would look like with an entire generation radically living for the Lord and, instead of taking the easy road, taking the hard road?
Alex and Brett Harris invite us to join The Rebelution movement. They challenge us to be a generation that rebels against low expectations and does hard things for Christ. On their blog they have a challenge called the "100 Day Challenge."
This is what they wrote about the challenge on their blog: "Are you serious about doing hard things? Then take this challenge: Over the next few months, chronicle at least one hard thing you do each day. Your goal is to count all the way to 100 in three months. This is a great way to develop a habit of pushing yourself. If it sounds hard, that’s the point.
You can do this in a private journal, on your blog, or on Facebook or Twitter (#100hardthings). Entries can be as simple as “15. Finished my homework” or as complicated as “16. Organized a fundraiser.” They don’t have to be big, as long as they pushed you outside your comfort zone. Sometimes the hardest things are the smallest things. Check out the action items below to get started:
Take Action:
Make your first entry: “1. Accepted the ’100 Hard Things’ Challenge.”
Choose your platform (e.g. choose/buy a journal, post on Facebook, etc.)
Tell your parents, pastor, or friend about the challenge.
Invite a friend to take the challenge with you."
So, I've decided to take this challenge. It's going to be hard. REALLY HARD! Satan is going to try everything in his power to stop me. I know that I won't be able to do this on my own, but I know that I can do all things through Christ.
I invite you to join me on this journey. Take the challenge with me and/or follow my blog as I write about how God is working in my life. But be warned that if you take this journey, God will start working on your heart and you will not be the same after 100 days! He may ask you to do some pretty hard things. Don't let fear stop you from allowing God to work in your life. God specifically tells us not to fear in the Bible. He is always there helping, guiding, and directing us. He is not doing it because it's his "duty" but because he WANTS to!! He loves us so much and the reason he calls us to do hard things is because he wants the best for us. He desires to see us grow and mature in our faith.
God is calling you to do hard things for him. Are you willing to answer his call and listen to him?
"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."
Isaiah 41:10
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, whohave been called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28
"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."
1 Timothy 4:12
Day #1
Accepted the "100 Hard Things Challenge"
READY, SET, GO!! - ROYAL TAILOR
I thought it was about time to do another one of these posts. :)
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Hello! I wanted to share with you a post my good friend Khloe wrote on her blog All Things Good. She started a series called BeYOUtiful. It has been wonderful so far and I can't wait to see what else is in store! Hope you enjoy the post! By the way I also wanted to share a video that I was able to watch on a WONDERFUL church retreat. The video came to mind once I read Khole's post. It totally went along with her message to young women. Such a good message to remember and share with friends!
Hiya!! I decided to post some more pictures of my sweet 16 birthday hoedown. I had a wonderful time dancing and visiting with friends and family! A BIG thank you for all who came and made me feel so special and loved! :)
Mommy and me
Daddy and me
Me and my siblings!
Missionaries from Liberia!! Burkhead Family with New Tribes Organization.
Our musicians and caller!!
Got my hair done!!
My weird brother
Missionaries from Guatemala! Ted and Kim Treadway with the World is Yours Ministry Organization.
Today is my 16th birthday! I had a wonderful time celebrating with friends and family on January 4 at my hoedown birthday party and today I am having fun at home with my family. I am so blessed!!
