Day 19

Day Nineteen

September 29, 2010

I have to start today by talking about yesterday. At youth group two of my friends came from school! They finally came! And the lesson was about choosing our friends. God knows what we need and when we need it. Also when I was at youth group we got to hear from my friend Alyssa who goes to Highline for running start. A lot of the older kids in our youth group go to Highline and a few go to Green River. She was talking about how The Fishing Project is being brought to their schools, too! Today they had their first prayer meeting after multiple religion-based conversations. One of my other friends told me about how her brother came up to her during lunch saying he was bored. She simply said, "Then go fishing!" So he did! None of this is about me or what I'm doing- it's about the body of Christ working towards one common mission.

So back to today. In band I got to talk to one of the seniors in my class. She is really cool. I'm bringing her chocolate chip cookies as soon as I can work it into my schedule to bake some. And through twisting my words and looking adorable (like always) I got the drum major to agree to buy me a Twinkie! At least I got to show people that even when I'm freezing and marching when I don't want to, I still have a reason to keep a smile on my face- and hopefully give others a reason to smile, too.

I didn't have English today, but I still saw my English friends. The one that I gave the challenge to is sticking with her challenge for the week. I gave her a gospel bracelet with the gospel by colors on it. Her challenge is to wear that every day and go through the meanings of the colors with everyone who asks her about it. Today was the first official day. She has already gone through the bracelet four times! My other English friend decided to start doing the challenge, too! They also have to memorize a verse to go along with each challenge. This week the verse is one of my favorites- 1 Peter 3:15.

In math we had a fire drill and we all had to go outside. I hate strongly dislike math, so I wasn't wearing my prettiest face when we went out. Some of the kids from my Chemistry class were standing next to me while we waited and they asked what was wrong with me? I guess I'm always happy and bubbly when I'm in Chemistry. By the time I made it to my last class- Chemistry- I was happy and bubbly and excited to share God's love again. But why couldn't I be like that in math? Just because I hate strongly dislike a subject doesn't mean I have to be all down and grumpy to everyone else. I'm going to work on that.

Some of my friends and I are talking about starting a prayer group or Christian club on campus. I'm actually not the one that started that idea, either. Just more proof that God doesn't need me! It's strange to say, but I cannot put into words how excited and happy that makes me feel that if I walk off the face of this earth, it won't make a difference. God will still be preached and His love will still be made known.

Now I have a challenge for you: As you read these entries think about your own life. Are you not only taking the opportunities Christ gives you, but are you also going out of your way to CREATE opportunities to share Christ's love? To tell people about the hope you have in Him? Are you willing to do new things that might be out of your comfort zone because you know it's what God wants you to do? This is definitely no small or easy task. But it's worth it.

1 Peter 3:15;

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."

Isaiah 35:3-4;

"Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, He will come with vengeance; with divine retribution He will come to save you."

Psalm 98:2;

"The LORD has made His salvation known and revealed His righteousness to the nations."

Day 18

Day Eighteen

September 28, 2010

I learned my lesson. Last night I ended my day with my Bible and talking to God through prayer. This morning I started my day with my Bible and talking to God through prayer. I asked for His help, because I already learned that I can't do this by my own power.

My friend in English has only skipped one class this whole year! I started a new thing with her this year- new challenges every month. These are hard challenges, like respecting the parental units, no cussing/ inappropriate language, and treating everyone with kindness and compassion- even if you don't like them. She even agrees to follow through with these insane requests! God is working in the hearts of His people.

In History I was one of five people to have completed the homework. I'm not a goody-goody, but it's a great testimony to show people that you can do what's right, even if everybody else doesn't. In our History books we are learning about Ancient Rome and the start of Christianity. I have to be discerning when I read about Jesus Christ in the history book because it isn't always accurate. Hopefully this will open doors to straighten out any misconceptions about who God is and what He wants from our lives.

Youth group is tonight! I made sure to invite everyone again, but it's up to them to come or not. I'm not being too forceful, but I'm not a jellyfish either :).

2 Corinthians 10:5;

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

Colossians 1:28-29;

"We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me."

Day 17

Day Seventeen

September 27, 2010

Today was so long! I finished some of my homework while in English. After playing "1,2,3- UGLY!" on Friday, I decided to be a better example today. I did my work and stayed focused.

Okay guys, I have to be honest. The Fishing Project is so hard. Today I pretty much zoned out and didn't try. I didn't really start any conversations with others because all that I could think about was falling asleep. I didn't start my day by reading my Bible. I was so selfish today and didn't stop once to think if I was doing what God wants me to be doing. We aren't even done with September and I have already started to put my tiredness, my boredom, my "needs" (wants) before God's needs. I am a horrible, horrible person! I am no one to look up to, no one special, nothing of importance. Today I learned that God doesn't need me and He's not going to be the one keeping me focused- He can always find somebody else to do my job. It's up to me to keep God and His priorities as my priorities. Only through Him am I worth anything.

I guess the moral of the story is that nothing worth anything is easy. You really have to work at it every day. One wrong move, like forgetting to read my Bible/ pray first thing in the morning, can ruin everything thereafter. If you choose to serve God and follow Him with all of your heart, you had better be ready for every possible obstacle to interfere. The Christian life isn't the easiest life, but it's the best life! One thing's for sure- tomorrow is going to be different.

John 16:33;

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Philippians 3:12-14;

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Day 16

Day Sixteen

September 24, 2010

I get to write this on Monday, three days later, because right after school I got to go to a friend's house and onto our youth Pastor's house for a sophomore dinner. Let's see if I can remember my amazing day serving God...

Classes seemed really short. In English I didn't do my work. I decided it was minor enough that I could take it home and finish. (I still have a whole week to accomplish an assignment that will talk two hours tops.) So instead, Amanda and I played a game called "1,2,3- UGLY!" with the people sitting around us. It's where you all get together in front of a camera and you say "1,2,3- UGLY!" When you say 'ugly', you make an ugly face and take a picture. Even though some people might tell us we were wrong to do that and we were wasting our class time, we got to strengthen our relationships, have something to laugh about, and left a good taste in the people's mouths because we didn't shove the gospel down their throats every day. I began the year stating my views openly and honestly, started conversations focused on their opinions, so now I'm ready to be there if they have any questions.

I noticed some really shy kids in a few of my classes. I learned their names and now whenever I see them in the halls or in my classes I make it a point to say hi to them and acknowledge them by name. It's one thing to say hello, but remembering their names? That's hard.

Matthew 5:13;

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."

Matthew 6:19-21;

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Day 15

Day Fifteen

September 23, 2010

I have only been going to TJ for 15 days and it already seems like forever. I'm pretty sure that's a good thing.

In English we are still talking about hero quests. I forgot to read my Bible before I left the house this morning, so I brought my big Bible to school today and read it during our work time. I was reading Acts 22 which is pretty much a summary of Paul's conversion. What I'm learning in English can be found in the Bible! Paul went on a "hero quest" when he was on the road to Damascus. That was my smile moment for the day. I am still praying for all of my friends in that class.

Even though I hate strongly dislike math, today was the first day I really got to shine God's light during class. We had gotten our tests back and were partnered up to correct/answer questions about our work. I didn't necessarily go through the gospel with anyone through words, but I got to make some new friends that usually sit in the back of the classroom. God blessed me with ample math skills, so I got to help the other kids understand their problems (in math). And I realized that some of my classmates in one class also have other classes with me! I'm beginning to notice the people around me more.

There is one girl that I have in two different classes but I haven't had the courage to go up to her yet. I still get really scared when I meet new people. So I have kept her in my prayers and I'm asking God to help start a conversation. I'm flawed in so many ways, but when I devote myself wholeheartedly to God, He helps me do things I didn't know that I could.

Job 11:7-9;

"Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens- what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave- what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea."

Psalm 33:20;

"We wait in hope for the LORD; He is our help and our shield."

Day 14

Day Fourteen

September 22, 2010

Today was "Meet Me at the Pole" day where students all around the country met at their flagpole to pray for their schools. I was stuck on Pacific Highway in traffic, so I wasn't able to participate this year.

I finally remembered the candy bar for my friend in English! She's also in my advisory and we were eating her candy when one of her friends sat down next to us. I was reminding her about a sophomore dinner at our Pastor's house this weekend when her friend looked at her and said, "You go to church?" I don't know if it was because Amanda and I were right next to her, but she smiled and said very proudly, "yeah! I go every Sunday and now I'm gonna go to their youth group." She was going to come to youth group yesterday, but at the last minute she had to change plans. But don't worry! I'm making sure she comes next week! We talked about church and what it means to us during advisory. Then my friend took my iPod and listened to Hillsong with her other friend. Her favorite song? Hosanna!

In History we were reading about Rome and how tax collectors and the government cheated people from their money. I know that's accurate because the Bible talks about Zacchaeus! He was a deeply hated tax collector, but Jesus wanted to have dinner at his house anyone. I knew that one of the disciples was also a tax collector, but I couldn't remember who, so I asked the two guys next to me who I talked to before about AWANA. Another kid in the class overheard us and he asked (again) if I go to church. We had a small conversation about reading the Bible and how when he read it he didn't understand it. I told him I agree! The Bible is hard to read! But that's why you study it and learn the writing styles of the authors. The passage might talk about a mustard seed, but in truth it's talking about us. Praise God that this week is more than half way over!

Romans 1:16a;

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..."

Matthew 17:20;

"...I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there; and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Day 13

Day Thirteen

September 21, 2010

I love Tuesdays! I have to get to church, so unfortunately I can't go into much detail today. I am proud to say that The Fishing Project is making its way into Highline Community College! My friend texted me at lunch saying how she was complimenting and smiling everywhere. A small start that can make a big impact.

Today is youth group. I finally got the candy bar for my friend in English. She is coming to youth group tonight! As well as another friend from that class. Christ's Church youth group is gaining a great reputation in my English class.

I was talking with these girls while working and we ended up talking about the gospel. We talked about my colorful bracelet and one of my friends took the color card that explains everything. I asked her what the colors mean and she could explain every one. Not in much depth, but I was insanely impressed! I explained a bit more to her. She told me about when she devoted her life to Christ, I shared a bit of my testimony, and our friend next to us told us about her life.

In History class Amanda got to share the gospel with a girl sitting next to her! That is two gospel-talks in less than one hour! God is amazing! I have so much more that I would love to share with you guys as encouragement. God is on our side! However, I have to get to youth group so you will just have to wait until tomorrow. Remember, patience is one of the fruits of the Spirit.

Colossians 4:5-6;

"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

Galatians 5:22-23;

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."