So I've been reading this book. It's called "Do Hard Things" by alex and Brett Harris. I'm sure alot of you have read it, or heard about it. but it has me thinking.... am i working hard?? not in a breaking sweat, sore muscles kind of way, but serving others, and striving towards a better world. Even though I am only 16, almost 17 years old, i feel as though there are a TON of ways that i can help improve the community around me. I, being the busy girl i am, spend a large portion of my time volunteering. Working at East Iowa Bible Camp, volunteering as a VBS teacher, Childrens Church teacher, Church Board Trustee. i spend a lot of time serving God, but i still feel like i could be doing more. The book has taught me that I should rely on God for everything I do. And that nothing can be done without God's work. I don't expect to be sent all the way over to China to speak truth to them, but I hope I have opportunities this upcoming school year to work with others in a way i haven't before. And work before the Lord to get the work done.
This book has also encouraged me to have a good attitude towards ALL the work i do. Whether its scrubbing toilets, doing loads of dishes, or spending hours upon end folding clothes. (even though i know the costumers are going to destroy what i just fixed as soon as I walk away.) and that simple, small, things around the house should be done with a smile on my face. I learned that lightening the load of work for others with have a positive impact on my life. Even though it's hard in the initial moment of working.
Even though I look like a stereotypical teenager, i strive to work hard, and get the most out of my teenage years. Colossians 3:23 says: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
So after half my summer, i figured i should actually WRITE something on the blog I set up.... so here it goes.
As a sixteen year old, i feel like i have done alot in my spare time, serving others, making money, doing WAY too many chores compared to the ordinary teenager.
from June 7th to July 10th, i was working at the best place in the world, East Iowa Bible Camp. i wasn't paid, but it definitely paid off with all the great memories i created. working at a summer camp allows you to meet so many new people, and soon they are your best friends. i, personally, loved serving the other staff and campers. i worked in the kitchen, did dishes, and cleaned the bathrooms. not the most glamorous job in the world, but working with the best people ever makes the job well worth it. this was my second, and final summer working there, since i need to make money for my future. bleh. oh well, God has a plan for me. and this summer i have definitely seen him work in me.
Another event that has worked for the better in my life is being a VBS teacher. I've always said growing up, that i would never EVER teach. even if i was going to die. I don't teach. Period. But God gave me the courage to work with 1st and 2nd graders and teach them about Jesus. It wasn't always easy. especially for the girl who disliked teaching to great lengths, but i got through it. And in the end, i feel like i can teach more. things like this makes me smile, proof that God has done something drastic for my future, not that i plan on being a teacher when i grow up or anything.
for the next couple weeks i will be back at Old Navy. My place of employment. It's a really nice place to work, except for that fact that it's retail. working there reminds me of school again. and soon i will be going back and learning and reading again. this really excites me because i have learned so much about myself this summer. Not only with what i want to do in my future, but what God has been doing in my life. it's so great.
then there's band camp. oh the good ol' memories of that as a under classman. this year i will be drum majoring the entire band. it's kind of nerve wrecking, but i know that with the help of the other drum major's and the band director, i will be great, and we will have a great and successful year for the raider marching band.
On August 7th, our church is making a journey to montreal, Canada. Once again i will be teaching. Only WAY harder than VBS. our church is teaching french speaking canadians english. i am not sure how hard this will be, but i pray that God will let it be a stress free week, and that we have fun and success in what we do. leaving a path for the long terms missionaries.
the next week i go back to school!! baaahhh!! who would have thunk that this summer would have gone by so fast! i wouldn't have. oh well. i know that God has definitely worked in my life. i can see it. which i don't usually see it right away. it's a great feeling that i am working for the Lord, i am ready to finish the race.
philippians 2:12-13 says:
As a sixteen year old, i feel like i have done alot in my spare time, serving others, making money, doing WAY too many chores compared to the ordinary teenager.
from June 7th to July 10th, i was working at the best place in the world, East Iowa Bible Camp. i wasn't paid, but it definitely paid off with all the great memories i created. working at a summer camp allows you to meet so many new people, and soon they are your best friends. i, personally, loved serving the other staff and campers. i worked in the kitchen, did dishes, and cleaned the bathrooms. not the most glamorous job in the world, but working with the best people ever makes the job well worth it. this was my second, and final summer working there, since i need to make money for my future. bleh. oh well, God has a plan for me. and this summer i have definitely seen him work in me.
Another event that has worked for the better in my life is being a VBS teacher. I've always said growing up, that i would never EVER teach. even if i was going to die. I don't teach. Period. But God gave me the courage to work with 1st and 2nd graders and teach them about Jesus. It wasn't always easy. especially for the girl who disliked teaching to great lengths, but i got through it. And in the end, i feel like i can teach more. things like this makes me smile, proof that God has done something drastic for my future, not that i plan on being a teacher when i grow up or anything.
for the next couple weeks i will be back at Old Navy. My place of employment. It's a really nice place to work, except for that fact that it's retail. working there reminds me of school again. and soon i will be going back and learning and reading again. this really excites me because i have learned so much about myself this summer. Not only with what i want to do in my future, but what God has been doing in my life. it's so great.
then there's band camp. oh the good ol' memories of that as a under classman. this year i will be drum majoring the entire band. it's kind of nerve wrecking, but i know that with the help of the other drum major's and the band director, i will be great, and we will have a great and successful year for the raider marching band.
On August 7th, our church is making a journey to montreal, Canada. Once again i will be teaching. Only WAY harder than VBS. our church is teaching french speaking canadians english. i am not sure how hard this will be, but i pray that God will let it be a stress free week, and that we have fun and success in what we do. leaving a path for the long terms missionaries.
the next week i go back to school!! baaahhh!! who would have thunk that this summer would have gone by so fast! i wouldn't have. oh well. i know that God has definitely worked in my life. i can see it. which i don't usually see it right away. it's a great feeling that i am working for the Lord, i am ready to finish the race.
philippians 2:12-13 says:
"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed- not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence- continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."
this always reminds me of the Holy spirit working in us. Joshua Harris says the Holy Spirit has changed us, is changing us, and will change us. so we are always changing for the better. so i work for the Lord, change for the better, and aiming to win the prize.
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