A Story - Big Picture Faith

Book Review: Do Hard Things, by Alex and Brett Harris

Title: Do Hard things: a teenage rebellion against low expectations.

Authors: Alex and Brett Harris

Publisher: Multnomah Books, 2008

So yes, I haven’t read that final biography of Charles Spurgeon yet :-)

"Most people don't expect you to understand what we're going to tell you in this book. And even if you understand, they don't expect you to care. And even if you care, they don't expect you to do anything about it. And even if you do something about it, they don't expect it to last. We do." - Alex and Brett Harris

This is one of my favourite books for young people! Do Hard Things is all about challenging the 'teens' in today's culture to see that there is more to life than friends and video games. Rather, the teen years are the "launching pad of life."

It's about what you do after you've become a Christian. Your heart has changed, and so must your life. 

There are five kinds of hard things:

• Things that take you out of your comfort zone
• Things that go above what is expected or required
• Things that are too big to accomplish alone
• Things that don't earn an immediate payoff
• Things that challenge the cultural norm

I like this book because it is practical as well as being about the history of adolescence. There are a lot of books that talk about feelings, or relationships, but Alex and Brett have taken the challenge and written this one. They've also written Start Here, a follow-up book about how others are doing hard things, and just how you can get started and join them.

I think every Christian young adult should read this book, because that;s who it's written for - a whole generation willing to serve God above themselves.

Love,

Rhoda :-)

when it starts to get old

I know that you know that we all know that feeling that you get when you go to a conference or church or a revival service and you refocus on God and you determine to live completely for God everyday for the rest of your life.

(whew! I think that's a run-on!)

And then... I also know that you know that we all know that feeling that you get about a month later, when that all-out crazy surrender starts to get old.

It's almost like a sugar-rush. You have your fun for a while, but a few hours later you're nothin' but pooped! Unfortunately, these spiritual sugar-rushes don't last for months and years and the rest of our lives. They usually only last for a little while, and when our sugar-rush is over, we wonder why we don't feel so spiritual anymore.

Am I right? Or is it just me?

When the whole thing starts to get old, let me tell you that it doesn't mean you're not real, or you're not a good Christian, or you're not as spiritual as Susie over there. (apologies if any of you are named Susie :) ) But, it does mean that...

YOU'RE HUMAN!

Congratulations! If you haven't figured this out yet, we all go through these ups-and-downs stages. Ask any girl who's been a Christian for a few years and she's gone through it at least a few times.

God sees us go on our spiritual roller coasters everyday. He knows what's going through your mind when your having a blast on the loop-de-loops and hills, and He knows what you're thinking when you come to the slower, straight  end of the roller coaster. He's seen it billions of times. He reminds us in the Bible that the high-low times come to all of us:

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man, But God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13

So, when you find yourself getting "bored" with what God is doing in your life, sit down, have a cup of tea, or coffee, or hot cocoa, or whatever you love to drink, and get real with yourself. Remember why you are here, who you serve, and who you are. Then get up and live your life with that stuff in mind. Don't be seeking your next spiritual sugar-rush. Live this moment as a real girl in a real life that should be appreciated.

How to Make Someone Feel Special

I have a job at a small Subway restaurant near us. Once when I made the customer's sandwich and wrapped it, I charged him for it. He paid and I gave him his sandwich in a bag. He then took the bag, looked me in the eye and said, "Thank you, Bonnie. Have a great day!"

You know what? I felt so special!!!

He had obviously seen my name on my nametag. I have only ever heard one customer say my name to me before, and that was him. It completely made my day. He took the time to look at my nametag and then use my name to thank me. 

It seems like such a small thing. But it wasn't! I glowed for the next hour!

Names are something everyone has. Sure, some people have the same name, but it is still them. I can't imagine myself with another name! Bonnie just wouldn't be Bonnie if I had a different name. 

A person's name defines them. It is them, come to think of it! People feel special if you use their names. I certainly feel special when someone uses my name.

My sister has an unusual name. Her name is Danella. (Pronounced Dan-ella, it's pretty straightforward!) Most people pronounce it either Daniella, Danyella, Danielle or any of a hundred other derivatives!

Yet she feels so special when someone takes the time to learn how to pronounce her name and then proceeds to say it right. Especially someone she doesn't know very well. She told me that because it is pronounced wrong so much, it is doubly awesome when someone makes an effort to say it right.

morguefile

Here's a challenge today. Use names more often. (And in connection with complimentary terms, too, I might add!)

People feel special when you use their names. I don't know how many times I've said that in this post, but it's true and I want to get the point across!

Just a quick (and relevant) Bible verse too before I close.

Philippians 2: 9-11 NLT says (emphasis added):

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Blessings to you all!

~Bonnie