Start Here

In the spring of 2008, a book was recommended to me: Do Hard Things, by Alex And Brett Harris. 
Once I obtained the book (a gracious gift of a friend), I began reading.  I wasn't sure what to expect. The title was definitely intriguing. The description, also intriguing: A teenage rebellion against low expectations. I continued reading. In just a few days my whole outlook on life, my age and responsibility, had changed.  Through Do Hard Things I learned, in depth, the principles of the "Myth of Adolescence."

Two years later, I have been blown away again.  In their new book, Start Here, Alex and Brett have not only recapped the concepts from the last book, but have expanded them.  Carrying them further than I had ever expected. When I heard that a new book was coming, I honestly didn't know how it could ever compete with Do hard Things.  That was a completely incorrect way of thinking; it doesn't compete, it complements. It builds and further enlightens. It answers the questions I've been asking: What now? Where to start? So much to do! How?  It also forced me ask questions of myself that, previously, I was simply avoiding. What are my true motives for wanting to do this?  If any motive slightly strays from the sole purpose of glorifying the Father, then it is straying from our chief end--"To glorify God and enjoy Him forever."
If you find time to add this to your reading, you will be greatly blessed, enlightened, and encouraged.

All glory to the Father,
                         CG

Of Little Brothers

I'm always searching for something interesting to write about. So, I thought, what could be more interesting than my four funny brothers?
                                                      

Chancellor:  14 and the more artistic out of all of my brothers. The "goof", as my math teacher and friend Sarah says. Growing taller than me.  He likes things like Eragon, Ink Heart, most Science Fiction things, phones, computers, ipod, etc..  He is generally the one behind all of the more suffocating laughter in our house. He says:  "If Christopher Paolini (author of Eragon) doesn't put out another book I will go after him, riding on my dragon."

Price:  12 and tough.  He's the football player. He knows everything about the ESPN recruiting stuff, everyone on every team, including their number. Believe it or not, he is also the one who destroys everyone (including myself) at Chess. He is also quite the musician when it comes to guitar. Price says: "So far.... I sound the most normal." And... "You didn't include Skillet?!"

Wise:  8 and always the first one to have a crisp golden tan at the beginning of summer. Also a football player; a running back. He's very fast and can easily keep up with the big boys. He is always the filthiest after playing outside, and the last one to get sufficiently cleaned. Wise also loves to draw super heroes and football players. He wears certain shirts that he believes make him look "buff".  Wise says: "Well, that's true about me. "

Dozier:  4 and currently rolling around in the pile of laundry.  He believes that he was once a big, green dinosaur. He has the fluffiest blonde hair in the family. He loves Mickey Mouse, Donald, Handy Manny, Ni Hao Kilan, the Imagination Movers, and Winnie the Pooh. Dozier says: "Don't say that!" Or.... "Mommy said don't say stupid!"

It Shall Be Called Delightful

I thought this was definitely the loveliest of luncheons.... 

"We asked friends, young and old(er), to join us for anitpasti & house made pickles, tomato soup with homemade pimento sandwiches, local lettuces with shrimp salad atop fried green tomatoes, grilled asparagus, roasted beets & carrots, and desserts, including Shae’s silvered macarons."

http://www.oncewed.com/

(It's really a wedding site, but they still have fun party ideas.)

Early A.M.

        We have been in AL since Monday and already the climate has severely changed me: I have suddenly become an early riser. This is truly a phenomenal thing.

Normally, (that is, my odd-normal) I would sleep until ..... just kidding, I shall not disclose this bit of info. 

Anyway, ever since we arrived in AL I have gotten up at 7:00ish every morning! After the first few days I was simply amazed, but now I have come to realize the reasons for this sudden change.  It is this:  We are an hour behind while in AL, plus I still haven't completely adjusted to the time change, therefore 7:00 feels like 8:00, which feels like 9:00. I am quite messed up.
I can only hope that this change is permanent.  Maybe when I return home I will continue to wake at a decent hour, and even go to sleep at a decent hour.
Who knows....  
   See you at 7:00 A.M.

  Zaijian

It's Actually Real

I have stumbled across a fact that I had previously not considered, nor thought possible:  I shall soon have to grow up.
 Recently I was slaving away in school because of a certain school in which I hoped to be admitted.  Suddenly, I realized that my high school life was flying by miserably. I was always tense and stressed, and my academic performance was going south due to the uncalled for stress.  So... my parents put a halt to it and decided I should slow down.  I did slow down, relaxed, and enjoyed a stress-free life immensely.  I postponed the SAT to June (I had previously be planning for Jan.) and totally chilled.  Well, I have been chilling since because the "chillingness" was just so wonderful.  Apparently I have enjoyed the "chillingness" to much because today my dad informed me that I really have to take the SAT June 1 and I have to register by May 1.  My life in Chillingland has come to an abrupt halt.  It is sad.
Anyway.... all of that is rather unimportant, yet slightly related.  It leads to the next step in growing up.
  I also just found out that I have to take my final SAT in September and apply to the my college of choice by December 1, which means--to be safe-- I really have to apply in November.  I shouldn't be old enough to apply to college. It seems like it can't possibly be time for all of this.  I know it's the first of many life changes, but it still the first "big one" for me.  I've always looked forward to it with excitement, but now that the time is actually upon me I'm shocked that it's real.  College is real and life outside my parents home is very real as well.

Starbucks Won't Do

 Of late, I have experienced a renewed realization that I am incredibly needy for Jesus.  Incredible works of literature, good movies (including Alice in Wonderland), good conversations, Starbucks, thoughts about China, and plans for the future cannot sufficiently fill me.  I've noticed that one of the biggest, and most obvious, signs that I am very dry is when I find life monotonous.  Well, I guess it really is without Jesus.
Now I am at a place where I am overwhelmed with guilt over letting myself travel so far into the realm of "monotony."  It was within my ability as His child to take the first step to simply spend time with Him and experience the full effect of "spring" (to simply seek Him).  I have, without a doubt, spent many more hours pleasure seeking (wholesome pleasures) than I have nurturing my relationship with Jesus, who I should consider the ultimate pleasure.
Another pathetic thing is that last October when I returned to the U.S. from China I was totally enamored  with Jesus.  The crazy thing is that I got to know Jesus in a special way while in a communist country, but came back to America where there is no need to hide God's Word, or sneak to church, but here is where I have  been walking on stale bread.
I am disgustingly spoiled. I take the perfect and flawless accessibility I have to the Creator completely for granted.  Also, the accessibility I have to His Word has been totally taken for granted.
I hate that I have been living in such a draught, but I'm infinitely grateful that He hasn't left me there.  I suppose   seeing that you're in a desert is the first step in getting out.
"Great is His faithfulness...."

Our (soon-to-be) new little friend

Look at what's in the Gordon's future.  Well, not the exact dog, but the same breed.  A Miniature Schnauzer (puppy--a few weeks old). We will go get him when we get to AL for our yearly holiday in the sun.  

One problem is... there are 7 people in our family, which means that there is a strong difference of opinion over dog names. So, if you have any ideas let me know.