Rather than posting the Friday's Reflection series as a way to "reflect" on my previous week, instead I am going to post a Scripture reflection. Every Friday, I will post a new Scripture, discuss my reflection of it, then give you the chance to do the same. By participating, you will have the chance to win prizes, as well as the opportunity to meet other Christian teens. =)
The Point System
Yes, there will be a point system, just like the Monday's Minute Challenge. =)
Earning Points:
*To make this more simple, please include the amount of points you will receive at the top of your post. Be sure to calculate correctly!
2 points: If you answer one of the questions. (Details below)
5 points: If you respond with your own reflection. (Details below)
10 points: If you post your response on your blog.
10 points: If you pin either the above picture or today's Scripture (below) to Pinterest.
10 points: If you join the Prayer Circle. (Details below)
Prizes:
50 points: You will receive a badge for your blog saying that you are a participant at Friday's Reflection.
70 points: You can submit your own playlist for Friday's Playlist (see below).
90 points: You can submit a Scripture that will be used for Friday's Reflection.
110 points: You will receive a free ebook of PURPLE MOON.
150 points: You will receive a personalized handmade notepad.
Today's Playlist
I think listening to worship music is a great way to get into God's presence. So every Friday, I will post 3 - 5 worship/Christian songs that are currently on my playlist. Feel free to listen to them as you work on today's reflection!
"Forever" ~Kari Jobe
"Another Hallelujah" ~Lincoln Brewster
"Set A Fire" ~Will Reagan & the United Pursuit Band
Today's Scripture . . .
My Reflection:
Being the youngest in my family, including the youngest grandkid, I have always felt as if I should prove to others that I am mature so they wouldn't look down on me. It never helped that I am short and have a quiet voice. So when I came across this Scripture as a teenager, I realized I didn't have to prove that I was mature through my own strength--instead, I could accomplish this simply by living for God! According to this Scripture, I can even be an example to those who are older than me. In other words, I could have them looking up to me!
It's often tempting to want to settle and live the average teenage life. But God is calling you towards a higher calling. Besides, why would you want to blend in with the teens at your school when we you were called to stand out? You can be an example to your friends, as well as those older than you, simply by honoring God through every choice that you make.
Your youth is the best time to begin and cultivate a relationship with God. No, it's not always going to be easy living for Him. You may be humiliated and rejected, just like Jesus was. I don't know about you, but I'd much rather be made fun of for living for God rather than following the crowd and realizing the lifestyle results in a dead end. If you do as 1 Timothy 4:12 suggests and honor God through your choices, you will be richly rewarded, and God will bless you for spending these teen years for Him rather than others.
Your Turn . . .
Answer the questions below to earn points! You will receive
2 points per question that you answer. And if you post your response on your blog and link back to this post, you will receive an extra
10 points!
*To make this more simple, please include the amount of points you will receive at the top of your post. Be sure to calculate correctly!
- Have you ever felt looked down on because of your age? Or have you felt the need to prove to others that you are mature? +2 pts
- List specific ways that you can put this Scripture into action in your own life. (Example: Sit with the girl at school whom everyone else tends to avoid.) +2 pts
- Have you ever been tempted to settle for living the average teen life rather than living only for God? What was the result? +2 pts
- What are steps you can take to grow in your relationship with Christ? (Example: Set aside at least 30 minutes every day to spend with Him.) +2 pts
- Are there any challenges you face in applying this Scripture to your life?
- Discuss your own reflection of this Scripture (as I did above -- at least one paragraph). +5 pts
Don't forget to check back to read your responses and interact with others!
Prayer Circle
If you choose to participate in this Prayer Circle, you can email me a prayer request at any point throughout the week. On Friday, I will send an email to those in the prayer circle with the updated prayer list, as well as the new Scripture for that week. You will also receive 10 extra points by joining.
Email me at christiswrite (at) gmail (dot) com if you wish to participate! =)
This is wonderful Tessa! I am going to be sure to join! =D
ReplyDeleteTW
Here is my post: http://laymedownimnotmyown.blogspot.com/2014/03/scripture-reflection.html
Delete--I also pinned the picture
--I have asked to join the prayer circle =)
Thanks for doing this Tessa, it's awesome! =)
15 points total: for questions and reflection
ReplyDelete10 points: for pinning today's Scripture to Pinterest.
10 points: If you join the Prayer Circle.
35 points total
1)Have you ever felt looked down on because of your age? Or have you felt the need to prove to others that you are mature? +2 pts
Throughout my eighteen years, I’ve felt looked down on plenty of times. Not only would my age present itself as an open door for those having not been able to find it in themselves to take me seriously, but my overall impression would, too. Like Tessa, I’m fairly average in height for my age, and my voice tends to be of the delicate and soft kind. I’m always sweet and respectful toward others as well, never concerning about who with exactly since it is a characteristic that comes naturally.
Although sometimes others might have taken it the wrong way, possibly concluding that I’m weak, shy, unable to speak up, be bold, etc. For whatever reason, at times throughout my teenage years, I’d find myself caught off guard by those around me (mostly strangers.) I’d be polite, patient, and considerate, suddenly being mistreated for no apparent reason. I’ve even witnessed being told off by complete strangers; all happening without warning.
Ironically, I could have been all smiley, sweet, thoughtful, and kind, but those who came from an opposite end from where I was could not see it. Eventually, I’d get so fed up of being the “sweet, kind, and respectful Karina,” during first encounters with strangers, in an effort to adopt a more of a firm, assured, “I know who I am and what I am doing Karina” type. I wanted to feel understood, heard, and respected. I wanted to ward off and avoid further or future mistreatment from others. But having recently turned eighteen, I have learned so much throughout my unique journey.
As I think about the matter deeply, I believe that rude, inconsiderate people will come and go in our lives. Their actions and words may affect our moods for a while, but it will always subside, because what matters is that we remind ourselves that God is with us. Since God is with us and He is for us; we don’t have to strain ourselves by taking the role of proving to others of who we are and what we can do!
So, as I answer this first question, I can say that I’ve seen and even endured being downgraded by others, even deciding how I’d speak up and defend myself if it were to happen again. But, in the end, I don’t care for a stranger’s thoughtless and rough attitude toward me for whatever reason. I care that I will influence a smile on God’s face by containing myself, resting assured that I am who God created me to be. If a smile reveals itself across my face more than often; so let it be. If I am naturally a sweet, kind, and friendly person; so let it be. If my voice is softer than others’; so let it be. I’ll just be sorry that the next person to take it too far will discover that I’m quite articulate when it comes to injustice and mistreatment when presented without proper respect and composure. :)
2) List specific ways that you can put this Scripture into action in your own life. (Example: Sit with the girl at school whom everyone else tends to avoid.) +2 pts
-Reminding myself that I am able to make good choices by living for God
-Turning the other cheek, running into the arms of God for comfort, encouragement, strength, wisdom, peace, and joy
3)Have you ever been tempted to settle for living the average teen life rather than living only for God? What was the result? +2 pts
Not really. I don’t think so. I’m a pretty conscientious person, especially when it comes to my relationship and journey with God.
4)What are steps you can take to grow in your relationship with Christ? (Example: Set aside at least 30 minutes every day to spend with Him.) +2 pts
ReplyDeleteI find that by filling my playlist on Spotify with as much Christian songs as possible; I’m able to bathe in God’s love and care with full gratitude, contentment, and appreciation, as mentioned by Tessa. While I’m a complete music lover – I chose to allow myself to be constantly reminded of God’s presence in my life instead. I knew that music would be the best and perfect way to attain that, and I’m happy to say that it has been a real success! I have found encouragement, comfort, and hope by doing so.
I especially enjoy reading devotionals, too. By channeling my mind and ways to be turned for God; my entire world is changed. Everything is suddenly clear in a way.
I’m currently reading “E-mail from God for Grads” by Claire and Curt Cloninger. I had finished “His Princess, Love Letters from Your King” by Sheri Rose Shepherd not too long ago.
I feel that books that can allow me to know God personally are always the best books in helping me to stick to the path that God wishes for me to stick to.
Those are just two ways I’m building myself to grow closer in my relationship with God. :)
5)Are there any challenges you face in applying this Scripture to your life?
I don’t think so. Not that I know of. Since I’m still young, I’m sure there will be more times of testing in terms of mistreatment from strangers who don’t necessarily know me or care to know me. During those times, I might feel tempted to state my rights boldly with composure in an attempt to stop their impulsive wrongdoing, whether done toward me directly, to a person I truly love and care for, or an innocent stranger. But, I think as long as I hold on tight to God, I’ll be fine. I won’t find a need to fight back by speaking up as if I was a lawyer. Instead, I’d rest in keeping my poise and calling out to God for more inner strength and peace in order to keep calm in tense situations.
6)Discuss your own reflection of this Scripture (as I did above -- at least one paragraph). +5 pts
Sometimes I find myself feeling emotionally drained by the imbalance I’m sometimes confronted with in a given day. I could wake up joyful and thankful for another new and sunny day, celebrating silently for the flowers, trees, and little animals that pass by; until a stranger out of the blue ruins that moment with a sour and negative attitude. I in turn, start to feel devoured and consumed by this sudden darkness blown at me and my light, feeling lost, confused, and trapped; until God intervenes, and I am reminded of the Truth. I am not who he or she tells me that I am if it is hurtful or negative. I don’t have to drain myself trying to prove myself to others who don’t truly care to hear me out. I don’t have to allow myself to be driven away from God’s love and joy and peace found in life. I can simply rest in peace by knowing that I am who God created me to be. If I choose to not fight back by proving myself right to those who hurt me, I can truly be set free. I can truly be happy and whole, as a result. So in times where I bump into someone who will mock or mistreat me for no apparent reason or without warning; I will lift all that tension, my fear, and my hurt to my Father for Him to soak up, because I know He is bigger. I’ll hold my tongue without struggle, because I know He stands before me. :)
P.S. This was a great idea of yours by the way, Tessa. :) Congratulations on Alyson Stoner's review and recognition of your book Purple Moon, too!
Thanks for participating, girls!
ReplyDeleteKarina -- Thank you! We were friends several years ago, but had lost touch, so I wasn't sure if she would take me up on the offer. So I was very surprised, but grateful, that she agreed to read it--and that she enjoyed it. =)
Everyone who joined the prayer circles: I will respond to your emails asap! Be sure to check your inbox on Friday with the updated prayer list. =)
Thanks again for being part of this!
Tessa
I:
ReplyDelete(1 Answered all the questions (8 points)
(2 Posted my response on my blog. (10 points)
(3 I requested to be in your Prayer Circle (10 points)
(4 Wrote my own reflection (5 points)
Total: 23 points
Thanks so much for doing this. I really enjoyed it.
http://www.foreverchanged13.blogspot.com/2014/04/reflections.html
In Christ,
Sarah