Thursday, March 18, 2010

Start Here...Doing Hard Things Right Where You Are


I was ready to go out and conquer hard projects. Big responsibilities. Things far outside my comfort zone. I prayed for God to work through me in big ways. He answered me, but not quite in the ways I expected.

For instance, one night on the way home in a blizzard, my dad and I stopped for a few minutes to pick up some necessities at the store. I waited in the car and surveyed the nearly empty parking lot until my eye caught a lone car with a person scrapping snow. As I looked closer, I saw that it was an elderly lady trying to scrape off her car while leaning on a cane. She wasn’t making much progress because the snow was falling faster than she could wipe it off. I felt instinctively that I had to help her. I ran out with my scraper, and soon a few other people joined me in clearing off her car.

Nothing outwardly significant happened then, but this was the first time I had strongly heard God’s voice and responded to it. As I tuned in, I began to recognize His voice at other times. I sensed I should go talk to the girl who was crying in the bathroom at school – it turns out she was pregnant and needed help. Or that I should offer tips to someone who was trying out for the sports team – it turns out she needed advice on deeper areas of her life that she normally wouldn’t have opened up about.

What I have found out is that in order to do hard things and conquer big challenges, we need to be willing to listen to that little voice the Holy Spirit uses. The more you listen, the clearer it becomes. And in order to do the great things, you must first be a servant.

Those are the words of Elizabeth, 17, from Raymond, Maine who is finding out how teens can do things in their early years to bring glory to God. Often times however, they don’t know where to start or know how to get the results that they need.

This book, Start Here, from Alex & Brett Harris, is a great book for anyone looking to start making a difference in their lives to bring God glory. While the book is written for teens, I can see even adults learning from all kinds of concepts the book teaches, like how to fund raise, ways to get going when you feel stuck and keep going when you get discouraged, how to understand God’s will and glorify Him through your efforts, how to stand up for what you believe and many, many more ideas.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group and would highly recommend this book. If you would like more information on this book and where to purchase this book please click on the link below.
http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601422705&ref=externallink_mlt_starthere_sec_0127_01

This book has inspired my own daughter to begin her own ministry that she has set a goal of making 50 scarves by the end of the year to donate to a third world country. She is still working out the details but if you are interested in helping her meet her goal and can crochet or knit and would love to donate your scarves to help Caitlyn, please email me and I can send you the information on where to send them.

15 comments:

RCUBEs said...

Hi sister Kat! I haven't been doing much reading lately except His Word. But thank you for your reviews of "must read" books. And that's awesome that because of it, Caitlyn was inspired to do something for the Lord. God bless her. God bless you. And protect you all always.

Cathy said...

I just finished this book. Very good. I agree.

Unknown said...

I'm so thrilled that this book spoke to your daughter. That's a wonderful ministry!

Andrea said...

WOW..what a review! GOD BLESS Caitlyn!
Hugs, andrea

Debby@Just Breathe said...

That sounds like a really good book. I also think it might make a great graduation book for my two great nieces who are graduating from 8th grade. Thank you. How sweet of your daughter to make the scarfs.

Mari said...

This book sounds really good, and convicting too! Hooray for Caitlyn for listening and following God's instruction.

Thena said...

The book sounds awesome. Will definetly look for it.
Awesome about Caitlyn wanting to do something for someone else. I know how to crochet and would love to help her. Could you let me know what size she's making them?

Kathleen said...

It never ceases to amaze me how often the Lord speaks to us ... be it that still, small voice, or in the pages of inspiring book. You hit the nail head on: We've got to be listening, then obeying.

Blessings,
Kathleen

Jane In The Jungle said...

Ok that is one I need to get for my boys..

wendy said...

I lliked that post.
It is interesting....the things the Lords has to tell us...if we listen.

Denise said...

Wonderful review.

He & Me + 3 said...

I just read about this book on Cathy's blog. It sounds great. How cool about your daughter too.

Debbie Petras said...

I've heard such good things about this book. I think I just might have to read it for myself although I'm well past my teenage years.

christy rose said...

That is awesome what Caitlyn is doing. Wow! what would happen if we all took up the challenge to actually operate within the body of Christ, where we belong, and lived our life for serving one another instead of just ourselves or our own little families. I am so impressed and inspired. :)

Heckety said...

This sounds good- I think I'll put it on the wish list and get it for BBug's birthday later in the year. She tries so hard to do God's will but this would help her.


I'll gladly knit a scarf for Caitlyn! How long would she like it- polite? or Tom Baker Dr Who length??? Its a great project and more power to herself for doing something positive!