My Adventure in the 2014 National Bible Bee

So. I have started this blog that chronologies my adventure this fall while competing in the National Bible Bee. Before we get started you ought to know a few things about me. My name is Jo. (Short for Joanna.) I'm sixteen and live in Wyoming. I'm a Senior in the National Bible Bee. Orlando Florida here we come! I am super excited!!!

I love Jesus. Yep. He found me a while ago and we've been friends for a while now. I've named this blog Jo's Adventure because that's what my life is. An adventure.

I mean, come on, I supposed to be following Jesus, right? Jesus was the most dynamic person in the history of the world! He posed a major threat to the ruling political parties of the day, He did unconventional things like eat with "sinners", He loved those who hated Him! He says that to follow Him you must take up your cross daily and follow Him.

Taking up a cross isn't always fun. In fact, it's usually not. But it is an adventure. And that is what we are supposed to crave. Because hardship and toil and persecution throw us right back where we need to be-in Jesus's arms. When life is fine I feel like I can stand on my own. But when something downright horrible happens, that's when I turn to Jesus and am reminded that being in the center of His will is always the best place for me.

A little over a week ago I was getting a little stressed about all my verses and such. I mean, come on, who has time to memorize 750 verses by the end of October, let alone do an in depth study on two books of the Bible while keeping up with their regular life, investing in relationships, making time for family, doing chores, school (if you're lucky), and, oh yes, starting a blog. (Which is why I am writing this at 10:16 at night instead of being in bed. Sleeping.) So here is something I wrote on my Count Down to the Bible Bee calender (Yes, I have one. Guilty.) to remind myself that in the long run the results are up to God. I just have to be faithful.

So yes. I work, I toil. I almost drive myself mad with the review and the new ones and all the little mistakes. But it is worth it. Do you want to know why? Because for this season of my life this is what Jesus has called me to do. And so I do it. In my chaotic, messy, unorganized, foolish, little way.   

Maybe I will make it [to semi's] and maybe I won't. But that is not what matters. What is it that matters, you ask? Well, let me tell you, my friend. I can sum it up in one word: Jesus. Yep. That's it. He is all that matters. 

Even I, who puff myself up, matter not. Time and time again I must be brought back to this realization: that I am only one drop of water in the ocean, one grain of sand on the seashore, one blade of grass blowing in the wind. 

But He is bigger than I ever could imagine, bigger than the universe, bigger than time, bigger, much, much bigger than the whole course of history. And He, the Master of the Universe, has called me to do the 2014 National Bible Bee. To work and ache and cry and work and ache and cry over it. Could I do any less? 

As I write this on my wall I remind myself of this: After Nationals is over what remains is not a number, a score, a place, a reward, a medal, a trophy, some fun or some fame, but the knowledge that I have done what Jesus has called me to do. I will have lived my little adventure. I will have hidden His precious, powerful word in my heart, and I will be closer to Him. 

And really, what can this little drop of ocean do? What can this little grain of sand do? What can this little blade of grass accomplish? 

Nothing. 

But if she says yes to Jesus, He will sweep up that little drop of ocean in His tempest and the sunlight will catch her and she will be a reflection of Him. And if she says yes to Jesus, He will toss that little grain of sand up in the air and all the other grains will want to be thrown up too. And if she says yes to Jesus, He will cut off that little blade of grass and dry and whither her and kindle in her a flame and she will light up the night. 

If only she says yes. To Jesus. 

So I say yes. For what it is worth. But it is all I have to give. And it will be enough. 

No guilt! No regret! No fear! Only Jesus. He is enough. So I will continue. I will press on! And when this is finally over, I will praise Him. I will praise Him even now. No matter what happens. 

Whatever it takes I will say yes to Jesus. 

I work. I toil. I almost drive myself mad with the review and the new ones and with all the little mistakes. But this is what Jesus has called me to do for this fall. And so I will do it. I will say yes. 

So LORD, here it is, plain and simple, written for You. Jo's Yes. My Yes. So. YES.


So there you are. My first blog post. Hope you like it! And, wherever you are, don't forget to live the adventure. Life isn't really lived without adventure! See ya'll later!

Jo