Doing Hard Things

I've started reading Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris, and while it's directed at teens, it is hitting me right where it hurts. I've avoided hard things for much of my life, and missed out on many years of rewards as a result.

Here is the book's official description:

The next generation stands on the brink of a "rebelution."

With over 16 million hits to their website TheRebelution.com, Alex and Brett Harris are leading the charge in a growing movement of Christian young people who are rebelling against the low expectations of their culture by choosing to "do hard things" for the glory of God.

Written when they were 18 years old, Do Hard Things is the Harris twins' revolutionary message in its purest and most compelling form, giving readers a tangible glimpse of what is possible for teens who actively resist cultural lies that limit their potential.

Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life and map a clear trajectory for long-term fulfillment and eternal impact.

Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life rebelutionaries in action. This rallying cry from the heart of revolution already in progress challenges the next generation to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today.

Had my teen years been the launching pad described here, I can't imagine where I might be. I'm still toying around with the same ideas I was in high school, usually paralyzed by the fear of failure when I think of stepping out and trying anything new. Now, a teen pregnancy, early marriage and four kids later, I've found myself firmly planted in my 30's and wondering how I got here so fast.

My hard things involve career choices, lifestyle changes, and personally radical choices for God. I'm planning an all-out assault on complacency and excuses, in whatever form that assault eventually takes. God is stirring in my heart a compassion for the unborn and the women trapped in the lie of a convenient escape, for the desperately poor in Third World nations, for the persecuted and underground church around the world, and living a life clearly marked as different from that of the world. I'm excited to see what God has in store.

As a side note, do you think he has a visit with Kris in the future for me?! That would be pretty cool too.

I'm Still On an "I-Love-Kris-Allen" Kick!

And finding new reasons to love him all the time.

American Idol: The Reveal

Tonight on Idol was amazing!! For awhile I actually forgot that at the end there could be bad news. I also remembered to not go onto Facebook so I really had no idea what was going to happen. I know I voted for Kris close to 100 times so I did what I could.

I couldn't believe the amount of stars that were on tonight. They had Queen Latifah, Rod Stewart, Black Eyed Peas, David Cook, Cindi Lauper, Lionel Ritchie, Santana, Keith Urban, Fergie, Steve Martin (yes, who knew he is a musician), Nick Gentle (I love that guy, he is so funny!!) and the top 13 contestants from this season. I'm sorry if I misspelled anyones' name...I don't have the patience to research everyone - LOL!

It really was a lot of fun to see my favorites come back, including Danny (of course!), Matt, Allison and I even enjoyed seeing Anoop -dawg again. It also reminded me of when Reese was here and most of the contestants were still on. We had so much fun watching it together.

Okay so I wasn't sure what I was going to say next but they just announced the winner and I choked.....the winner is.....KRIS ALLEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh my gosh...I'm actually in shock!! Yes, that's beyond amazing!!!! On the downside, they are making him sing that stupid song again!!

Reese, we started this together, I wish I could watch you watch Kris win...I'm sure you are doing a happy dance over in England!!

For those of you who don't watch American Idol you will be happy that I can't report on it anymore.

American Idol: Down To The Top 2

Well, tonight was it. The last night to choose who will win it all.

Tonight Adam and Kris each sang three songs. The first was their own pick. Adam picked Mad World. It was a little strange but I actually enjoyed it. Kris sang Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone. I love that song and Kris did a great job. Simon even said that Kris won the first round.

The second song was the producer's pick. He picked Change Is Going To Come for Adam and I'm not sure what the song was for Kris, I don't think anyone ever said. I loved Kris. Simon thought he down played the song, but that's what I loved about it. Simon gave the 2nd round to Adam.

The third song was one that Kara (new judge) co-wrote. This was so upsetting to me. It was obviously written w/out Kris in mind. They did this a few years ago also when it was between Blake and Jordan Sparks. The song was obviously written for Jordan and Blake couldn't compete. Needless to say, Kris did not sing it well. The judges even admitted that it was too high of a song for him and they hoped that he wouldn't be judged on that song. I'm sorry but on American Idol this type of junk should not happen. This is their 8th season and they should have this figured out by now. I sure hope that people look past that and vote on Kris because he's worth it not because someone made him sing a song that wasn't meant for him.

Okay, enough ranting from me...I'm off to vote now!

American Idol: Top 3 Elimination

Okay, let me just say that I am ripping ticked. I went against my better judgment and decided to check facebook before watching American Idol. First thing up was one of my friends from the East coast talking about who gets kicked off. So, as of this moment, I know who goes home. I am going to do a play by play again this week. Hopefully it's okay with you guys, it's easier for me, and I will try not to give it away.

Of course it is dragging on and on. Ryan is calling Danny out and Danny says he's unsure if he'll move on or not. They are showing clips of his return home for a parade. He's very tearful as people are screaming for him. As he states it, it's going from tragedy to triumph. Of course they are not going to tell us at the beginning of the show what's going to happen (even though I already know...insert huge angry face over the fact that I know!!!!!)

Now onto Kris and his hometown. It's so cool to watch the clips of these guys going home. They are in shock over how much people love them. His parents are so emotional over him, he is deeply loved by them. Of course they aren't telling yet (insert another huge angry face because I know).

Now Jordan Sparks is singing. She won a couple years ago. I like her a lot more now that I don't have to see her every week. I couldn't stand it when she was on AI. I'm just fastforwarding it so I can move on.

It's now Adam's turn and his trip home. Man, does he get anymore annoying...apparently he does! Too prove I'm not completely without a heart, they show him going to the children's theater place where he went as a child and he talks with the kids. It was really cute. Okay, can't stand it anymore, fastforwarding again . I love DVR.

Now it's time for Katie Perry to sing and Danny just stated he's done and wants to know what's going to happen and is sick of dragging it on. I agree Danny! Oh nice Katie Perry is wearing this nasty outfit with Adam's name on it. Okay, fastforwarding again! Bummer, I only made it half way through and now I'm caught up :(

The first person competing in the finale is....Kris! Reese you saw the potential there!

Ryan just stated "Who competes against Kris?" The person competing is...Adam. Well, no surprise. To say that I am completely bummed is an understatement. I love Danny!! Insert gigantic, colossal sized angry face!!!! :( I love Kris too, but not sure he can compete against Adam.

American Idol: Top 3

Tonight was fantastic. Danny, Kris & Adam each sang two songs.

The first set of songs were judge's choice. Paula picked Dance Little Sister for Danny. I have never heard the song but he did a great job at it. Randy & Kara picked Apologize for Kris. I have waited all season for Kris to sing Apologize. It was awesome. Randy & Kara were mad because he stayed true to the song. I thought it was a great choice and Kris was smart to do the song as it's written. Simon chose One by U2 for Adam. As usual, I didn't get it and he got on my nerves.

For the second half of the show the contestant's picked their own. Danny picked You Are So Beautiful To Me by Joe Cocker. It's not a song I like but his vocals were right on. Kris did Heartless by Kanye West. The minute he announced his song I was sure it was a mistake but it was amazing! Randy even said it was better then the original. Kris proved how much talent he has tonight. Adam picked Crying by Aerosmith and for the very first time I loved him. He didn't twist it, he didn't dramatize it, he just sang it.

I don't know whose going home tomorrow. I think it's a total toss up between Kris and Danny. I wish that the finale would be Kris and Danny but I highly doubt that's going to happen.

Reese, quickly, very quickly, find Kris' performances. You are going to love him tonight. I just went to the American Idol site but they aren't listed yet. I'm hoping that by the time you get up they are there.

Top 4: Elimination Night

I'm going to type it as I watch it tonight.

Of course they are going to drag it out tonight with Ryan putting them in their normal line and saying:

Allison is....

Danny is....

Adam is....

Kris is....

The one going to safety is.....Kris! That's awesome. I don't really know if the other three are technically the bottom three or what.

Every week I wonder what star is going to sing on elimination night and tonight I'm thrilled to find out it's Chris Daughtry (No Doubt and Paula Abdul also sang, but Daughtry is the highlight for me). That guy has mass talent! We love watching him. New CD coming out in July, I'm sure Dan will buy it the second it's released. Daughtry is one of the few idols we actually agreed upon. There was no arguing in the house that year :)

This is killing me...who is going home?? I'm going to drag it out for you guys, just like the torture that is happening to me right now. Another commercial, that's the nasty thing about watching a show live. I think this is the only show that I watch live.

I did just realize something. They said that this is the exact week, three years ago that Daughtry was kicked off. It was a total shock, everyone thought he was going to win the whole thing. You think it could happen again? You think Adam could go? Oh, commercial over, only ten minutes left in the show. We'll know in a second.

Ryan just announced it's all random order. The 2nd person safe is....Adam. Okay, so nevermind what I just said. So, it's down to Danny & Allison. The panic is starting!! I'm glad I voted 125 times last night.

The one going home is.....Allison.

Y-E-S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My votes counted - LOL!!! Actually, I think that Allison is awesome. I really wish that the three going on would be Allison, Kris & Danny.

Next week will be really interesting. Down to the bottom three.

American Idol: Top 4

Okay, it's midnight so I'm going to do this quickly. I know that Reese will be up soon (or up now) so I need to get this posted :)

Tonight was a fun night. It was Rock N Roll night. I was a little worried about this because Adam & Allison are clearly shoe-ins for this type of music and Kris & Danny are more pop. It turned out really interesting though. Adam did A Whole Lot of Love by Led Zepplin. Again, didn't like. I really hate the drama. All the judges said that it was amazing and no one could top it. I guess Dan got sick of our comments because we were told we couldn't comment anymore - LOL! Allison did Cry Baby by Janice Joplin. I thought she did okay, but the judges didn't like it at all (that gives me hope for Kris). Kris did Come Together by The Beatles and I thought he did a really good job. Danny did Dream On, I think by Aerosmith. I thought it was great until the very end and Simon stated it was like watching a horror show. I hate to admit it, but it was painful. The end scream was scarey, but he's still my favorite. The judges did give him props for trying something new.

And, I have to give myself props - I voted for Danny 125 times. I didn't even realize it. I voted for about half an hour straight and when I looked at my phone I was pretty impressed. What makes it even more impressive is that Dan just called me from work, and he forgot to vote for Adam. Yes!! LOL! He did just admit that Danny is his second favorite, so he'd be okay with him winning too.

Truthfully, I can't begin to guess who is going home tomorrow. I would like for Adam to go, but am pretty sure it will be either Allison or Kris. She's been in the bottom the last few weeks and didn't get much love from the judges tonight, so it should be an interesting show tomorrow.

I should go re-read this,but I have to be up in 6 1/2 hours, so I'm posting as is. Hope it's okay.

American Idol: Top 5 Elimination

Don't watch if you don't want to know who gets kicked off!! :)

Tonight was bittersweet on American Idol. Adam made it to the bottom three, an old favorite of mine was back on stage, Taylor Hicks!! I love that guy and Matt went home. Yep, that's the bitter part of the evening. We knew it was coming but it's sad.




So, Adam in the bottom three tells me that America isn't completely crazy and maybe, just maybe, there is hope that he might go home before the finals.


The bottom three were Matt, Adam & Kris. Every week they do the bottom three and then at some point they let one of the contestants go back to their seats. I thought for sure it would be Adam, but no...it was Kris. So, bottom two are Adam & Matt. That gives me even more hope.

A side note: I was wondering who voted for Adam in our poll and, it was Amanda. It cracked me up! Go girl..she knows how to vote right!

American Idol: Top 5

Tonight was Rat Pack night. I was not looking foward to this because I didn't think I would know any of the songs. It turns out I knew almost all of them. It actually was really good tonight!

Kris did The Way You Look Tonight and it was fantastic, although Simon thought it was "wet" whatever the heck that means. Allison did Someone To Watch Over Me and she did a really good job. I loved her hair tonight, she had black in with the bright red. Matt did My Funny Valentine. Simon even said that at that point he was the only believable and authentic performance. Danny did Come Rain or Come Shine and he was INCREDIBLE! Simon actually said that he was stellar, unbelievable and there to prove a point. Adam did Feeling Good. Dan loved him, I personally thought it was theatrical and over the top, but I guess that is just Adam.

I think the bottom three will probably be Matt, Allison and Kris. I really don't know who will go home, but I'm not taking any chances, I voted for Danny 50 times this evening.

On a sidenote: Amy, awhile back you mention that Adam was rejected by his own mom but I've been noticing his mom sitting in the audiance. I remembered that there was this guy who was raised by his grandma. Is this who you are thinking of? If so, you don't have to like Adam due to guilt anymore. :)

Elimination Night: Top 7 (Again!)

If you don't want to see what happened on American Idol,

please don't read on!

Tonight was sheer torture. I'm not a disco fan and they brought on some frightening scary people, who in their prime I am sure were good, but now are...not so good! Sorry Kayren, no offense if you enjoyed it. Eventually I just had to pause the TV so I could fastforward.

I was surprised when instantly Lil Rounds went home. Usually they drag it out so long but she was the first name they called and immediately told her she was going home. The second one going home is Anoop. He has come such a long way, but it was time.

The bottom three ended up being Anoop, Allison & Lil Rounds. I have to say I was SHOCKED about Allison being there.

Kayren - For the last couple of years they have done theme weeks almost every week on American Idol and disco week is usually one of the themes. Also, I had a good laugh about disconnecting my hubby's cell service. That's not a bad plan at all. I just double checked with him and he did vote at least 25 times for Adam last night.

American Idol - Top 7 (Again!)

Are you guys sick of my American Idol play by play? At first I was doing it for Reese, but last week I learned that she can pretty much watch the whole show online. I debated about doing it again, but it's something to talk about so I decided to go ahead :)

Tonight was disco night, and we are still the Top 7 since they saved Matt last week. Lil Rounds started the evening with She's Every Woman, and I wasn't impressed. I really thought she would be one of the powerhouse singers but it seems like she holds back every night. Next was Kris. He did She Works Hard For The Money. It was amazing. I thought it was going to be terrible, but he made it his own and a few of the judges called him brilliant. Then onto Danny, my favorite! He did September and as always he did a great job. Allison did Hot Stuff. I like her, but didn't like the song. Adam did If I Can't Have You and it was okay...sorry, still don't get him. Matt did Staying Alive. It was okay, I'm not sure it will save him this week though. Anoop did Dim All The Lights and he did a fairly good job. I think he gets better all the time, but I'm not sure he'll make it another week.

I'm not into disco at all, or this era of music for that matter, so most songs were very unfamiliar to me. I really don't know what's going to happen tomorrow. I assume the bottom three will be Lil Rounds, Anoop and Matt with Lil Rounds going home for sure. I think it's a toss up between Anoop and Matt. After these bottom three go home it's going to be a pretty tight competition in my mind. I'm thinking that the finals will be Danny & Adam but who knows how America will vote.

Elimintation Night: Top 7

Don't Read If You Don't Want To Know What Happened :)

I have to tell you that when I first learned of the save on American Idol, I thought it was ridiculous. But, tonight, I'm glad they have it, and I'm glad they used it.

Tonight the bottom three was Anoop, Lil Rounds and Matt. I seriously thought that it would be Lil Rounds, I never imagined it would be Matt. But, I was wrong. It was Matt, and thankfully, they saved him. I grew to really like Matt by watching Reese, she really enjoyed watching him and I learned to appreciate his talent. He's really gifted, he's not always consistent, which is a big downfall for him so hopefully he can do well next week and stay in.

The bad news, next week two go home.

American Idol - Top 7

Okay, it's time for my weekly rundown of American Idol. Looking back this week, apparently this is all I'm capable of, considering I didn't do any other posts. So not good!

Anyway, last night was songs from movies night. I wasn't that impressed. The night started off with Allison. She did I Don't Want To Miss A Thing by Aerosmith. One of my all time favorite songs. Truthfully, I didn't like it. It sounded like it was too low for her range. Anoop did Everything I Do and it was great, I was really surprised at how well he did. Adam did Born to Be Wild. I have no comment. Danny did Endless Love and of course did an excellent job :) Kris did Falling Slowly. I have never heard that song but he did a pretty good job. Lil Rounds did The Rose, which always makes me think of Amy. I guess I'm just not a fan of hers either. She did okay, but it wasn't wonderful. And, Matt did Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman. It was pretty good.

Like I said, no one stood out as fantastic to me. I thought Danny and Anoop were really good and everyone else was just okay. I was looking around online because I couldn't remember what one of the contestants sang and I just found out that you can pretty much watch the whole show right here.

I actually was thinking Anoop might go home tonight but after last night, I have no clue. He did a really good job where some of the others just didn't do well. I think it could be Lil Rounds who goes tonight.

It's Over

Occasionally throughout the last few months I have taken over the blog and put my two cents out there about American Idol. I had high hopes for this years AI and for the first few weeks watched faithfully. I tapered off for awhile because I was bored but started watching again toward the end of the season.

Over the years of AI, I have been a die hard fan. I've voted for Taylor Hicks, Chris Daughtry, Blake Lewis and Bob Bice to name a few. I was so excited last week to learn that the Davids were going head to head. I love David Cook, a true rocker. I'm not really into the other David. Don't get me wrong, he's amazing, I'm just not into power ballads.

Going into the finals tonight, I truly thought that David A would win. The reason - I don't believe a true rocker has ever made it this far. They seem to loose out to the girls or the ballad singers. I am thrilled tonight that David Cook won!

I'm sure that Nancy over at Chocolate Ink is thrilled tonight, he's from her home town!

-Heather

He's Baaacckk!!!!

Yep...Simon is back to his normal self and I love it! LOL! Tonight was the first night of Hollywood week and he was back to his old tricks. Tonight I heard a lot of "that's dreadful" "that's ridiculous" "I can't stand anymore of that" I'm sorry, but I love Simon when he's just "keeping it real" as Randy would say. :)

There are a few people that really stood out to me this evening. I tend to like people with more of an edgy voice and there were several of those. The story that I loved is the story of Josiah. He's lived in his car for over a year just traveling around singing and he's only 18. I have to admit that I was shocked when they put him through to Hollywood. I didn't think he was that good, plus he's an American who sings with an English accent - go figure! But, tonight I thought he did great. Plus, he seems really sincere and desperately wants to be there. He's not my favorite, but I think it's pretty awesome that he's received so much encouragement from the judge's and I'm excited to see how far he goes.

Post by Heather