Just Do Something

I am constantly wondering, often guilty of worrying, if I am doing what I'm supposed to be doing; if I've made the right decisions; if I'm going in the right direction. This curiosity spans throughout any and every aspect of my life. But now, as a senior in my last semester of college, it pertains most significantly to my ever dreaded future in "the real world," i.e. my future career in teaching.

Kevin DeYoung begins his book Just Do Something proposing the idea of my generation being a "tinkering" generation. By "tinkering" he's alluding to the indecisive, dynamic, discontent nature that consumes this generation of young adults. It's true. How often do I waiver in my actions? How often do I feel unsatisfied and in wonder of new options? How often do I question who I am and who I'm becoming? How often do I play around with these ideas without actually going anywhere or accomplishing anything? Every moment of every day.

So far, this book has spoken and given peace to these troubling aspects of my soul in two quotes:

1.) "Does God have a secret will of direction that He expects us to figure out before we do anything? And the answer is no. Yes, God has a specific plan for our lives. And yes, we can be assured that He works things for our good in Chirst Jesus. And yes, looking back we will often be able to trace God's hand in bringing us to where we are. But while we are free to ask God for wisdom, He does not burden us with the task of divining His will of disrection for our lives ahead of time."

2.) "God is not a Magic 8-Ball we shake up and peer into whenever we have a decision to make. He is a good God who gives us brains, shows us the way of obedience, and invites us to take risks for Him."

In other words, if we wait around for a direct path to be laid out before us, we're wasting time. Take action. Make moves. Decide wisely. Use the Bible for discretion. Risk Courageously.

In my life, I'm starting to think that this book being placed in my hands may be a bit of divine intervention. It could not have come at a better time. Recap: Senior, final semester of college, unsure of student teaching/certification endeavors, weighing options. This book is lighting a fire under my rear, that's for sure!

Could it be this simple? Why not. I'm willing to just do something. Are you?

It's definitely sparked my interest in pursuing a new and interesting teaching opportunity shared with me by a family friend. More on this later:) But let me just tell you, it's exciting!

Again: Just Do Something. Kevin DeYoung. I highly reccommend. Get a copy in your hands. Or you can borrow mine!

Note: DeYoung is the senior pastor at University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan, less than a mile down the road from my humble duplex here. Amazing. A friend of mine lent me his book, and after reading about the author, I couldn't have been more pumped! I'm going to hear him speak this Sunday, and cannot wait to see how God speaks through him in person!

'Tis the Season

In spirit of the holiday, I am thankful for humor & children who provide it on a daily basis.

Singing the First Post Blues

The text below is now optional reading, or what many of my professors at MSU like to call "enrichment." This could also be plainly explained as "the reading no one will ever do." My ever-so-blog-friendly sister Rachel (shameless plug) suggested I restrain myself from anything too deep or long-winded for my first post. Unfortunately, she was 4 minutes too late. Therefore, I am singing the first post blues & leave the following reading as discretionary.

Cliches become cliche for a reason. As a phrase becomes trite, it should also gain legitimacy. Although it may not always be true, its repetition must mean that more than a slight truth lies within said phrase. Speaking of which, the title of my blog is a play-on-words of an old saying or cliche I've grown up with: "To each his own." While this normally expresses that everyone is different and has their own opinion, I plan to write in order to share just that - my personal outlook, the way I see teaching & preferences I develop from the experiences I encounter throughout school & my professional career.

In order to spice things up, I slightly amended the wording. With a swift addition of a "t" & the capitalization of an "h," I present to you the gist of my passion for life. I am downright pumped to teach & love on the children of God's world. Yes, Jesus does love the little children of the world. & my hope is that I can shine the light of Him in me into the darkest corners of schools across the United States (& one day, the world).

From what I've gathered with my elementary school visits & observations thus far, in those dark corners hide forgotten or unmotivated children. Most often times, those children are our children who have special needs or learning disabilities. I cannot wait to grab them & pull them out into the world with everyone else - where they belong! Exciting!]

& now, if you lasted through all of that... besides giving yourself a round of applause, pat on the back, all that good stuff... treat your ears a special tune from one of my favorite blues singers. & no, she's not singing about the battle of writing ones first blog post. Possibly because the song is from 1927. I cannot help that I love old things like sayings & blues.

Enrichment #2: If you enjoy this, check out Fiona Apple's equally as lovely cover.

'Til next time!