Posted by Posted in 100 Hard Things Challenge, Bible, challenges, do hard things, faith, Home, Living for God, me, myth of adolescence, teens, teens doing big things, the rebelution

#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

Posted by Posted in 100 Hard Things Challenge, Bible, Books to Read, challenges, do hard things, faith, Living for God, myth of adolescence, stuff to do, teens, teens doing big things, the rebelution, words

#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

Posted by Posted in 100 Hard Things Challenge, Books to Read, challenges, character, do hard things, Family, Living for God, me, myth of adolescence, teens, teens doing big things, the rebelution, words

#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

Posted by Posted in 100 Hard Things Challenge, Bible, Bible attributes, Bible characteristics, challenges, character, do hard things, faith, gospel and outreach, Home, Living for God, myth of adolescence, teens, teens doing big things, the rebelution

#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

Posted by Posted in 100 Hard Things Challenge, challenges, character, do hard things, faith, Living for God, me, myth of adolescence, teens, teens doing big things, the rebelution

#19 and #20- Did the Dishes without Anyone Telling Me and Listened to the Holy Spirit’s Voice

So sorry I have not written in like forever. Yes, you guessed it. More computer trouble. 🙂 Anyway I have not really been doing a hard thing every day, it is harder than it seems. I hope to be getting a bit more on track in the future. Yesterday my mom and sister were gone. I was at home with the task of making dinner. Everything was going well until I saw the stack of dishes. Note: we do our dishes by hand. Here was what the conversation between me and the Holy Spirit was like when I saw them.

Me: wow those are alot of dishes.
HS: yes, you should do them.
Me: I’m not even on dish duty tonight. That’s Celia and Jace’s job tonight. Why bother?
HS: aren’t you doing a hard thing challenge? This would be a hard thing.
Me: yeah. I forgot about that. I’ll prepare the dih water for them and bless them in that way. Note: to hand wash the dishes you need very hot water and our sink takes forever to get hot water.
HS: hard things is about going above and beyond. You should actually do the dishes.
Me: okay…..man, these dry dishes are really in the way.
HS: are you thinking what I am thinking?
Me: yes, yes, I know. I should probably put them away.
After doing the dishes, drying the dishes and preparing dish water for the dinner dishes I felt so relieved that I had decided to do the hard thing. It made my heart sing when my sister said, “thanks Priscilla for doing the dishes. It was such a blessing not to have it take so long.” Don’t wrestle with Angels like Jacob, just listen to what God has for you and do it.

Priscilla