#26- I Am Second, God is First

So recently, I was struggling with wanting to be in the spotlight. Other people I am very close to were in the spotlight and I was backstage. My mind knew that the feeling of attention I wanted was wrong, but my sinful heart would not submit. I also felt lost, hopelessly lost in the middle. I told myself that I was mundane, normal (you all are like Priscilla, normal? No way!) After talking to my mom and reading scripture I realized that I am second and always will be. And I am loved like crazy by God and others! For goodness sakes, the silly thoughts us humans have! I read Isaiah 43:1-7, what a wonderful passage! God tells us that he loves us, we are honored and precious in his sight and he would give big, mighty Eygpt in exchange for us. Me. You. A whole rich nation in exchange for me?!? That’s right, God never makes junk.

Priscilla

#25- Read Through the Entire Bible

About a year ago I received a Bible reading schedule and a challenge. Two days ago (Saturday, November 29th) I finished the challenge. As you have probably guessed the challenge was to read through the Bible, no time limit, just the hope that I would hide God’s word in my heart. Thanks to the Lord I did. I believe that reading all of the Bible, God’s word to us, is a huge step in your Christian walk. I hope to read through the Bible again this year. My family was such a blessing to me and an encouragement when I finished. Can not wait to see how God will teach and guide me this next year!

Priscilla

#23- Started Commenting on the Rebelution

So the guys who wrote the Do Hard Things book (Alex and Brett Harris) have a blog called the rebelution and one of the aspects of the blog is that teens can post discussion questions and other teens can respond with their thoughts. I recently made an account on the Rebelution blog and now am taking part in discussions. This was hard for me because sometimes I enjoy sitting back and listening to others talk but sometimes I need to go out and make my voice heard and engage in Christian community. I hope to be able to have good discussions and conversation with other Christian teens through doing this!

Priscilla

#22- Began An Auto Upkeep Book

So if you hang out at the Bower’s, you may see that our schooling takes initiative and self control. Our parents philosophy is “teach them to learn, and let em’ learn!” If there is a certain subject we want to study, we find books and study on that topic. We have oodles of books in our house and sometimes browsing our shelves can start the pursuit of a new project or skill or subject to learn about. Our parents have also really wanted us to know about auto upkeep and how to be able to do basic auto work. I am good with my hands and after finding a book in our shelves I started working on it. This was hard because the first chapter (vehicle identification and the history of cars) seemed boring and the book sat on my school shelf for a while before I picked it up and started doing it. It turned out to be great. There’s a reason God gave you a brain. To learn about Him, the things He has made and enjoy it! Once you grasp the idea that any kind of learning is learning about God (math, science, history etc.) you are on the right track and you have true brain power!

Priscilla

#21- Gave Away One of My Blankets to Refugees

So recently, some people in our church were collecting blankets for refugees. I wanted to give a blanket so we got an extra blanket that we had and got ready to give it. I was passing by my bedroom when I saw that I had two blankets on my bed. Both were Christmas gifts and they were very warm and cozy. I realized though that I was super blessed to have two blankets on my bed when others had none. I also had a comforter. Stunned by my blessings and gratitude I hurriedly grabbed my extra blanket, washed it and gave it to the refugees. Some things can be hard but rewarding.

“The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives.”

Psalm 37:21

Let’s look at what we have and then give even more.

We can love Jesus in the hungry, the naked and the destitute who are dying…. If you love, you will be willing to serve. And you will find Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poor.
Mother Teresa

Priscilla