Failure

Yesterday was a pretty bad day for me. After working so hard and practicing my driving for so long, I failed my test by two points. I was a wreck.

You see, I am a straight-A student. In school, if I get so much as a B on my report card, I will bawl. Of course, I fail tests sometimes (I'm also pretty forgetful), but I always work really hard to keep my grades at A's. So you can see my problem.

Well, a pint of chocolate ice cream and a Pokémon movie later, I was feeling a little better. And I was thinking, "Hang on a sec. Failing something just means you don't know everything well enough yet, right?" And if that's true, then that means that failure is a part of life. You can't be expected to know everything all the time, right? So, relax a little if you just failed that test or messed up on something that everyone else seems to know. You just haven't learned it well enough yet! I would suggest asking somene about it, and if it was a test in school that you failed, ask for a retake. Even if they say no, the teacher will appreciate your eagerness (perhaps if they say no, ask about extra credit opportunities, or do your best to study the material and nullify that bad grade with a bunch of good grades).

~Rivendell

Jesus, Take the Wheel

My youth group put on a pretty cool skit this year. It starts with a boy and Jesus getting ready to drive down the road of life. However, the problem is that the boy doesn't want Jesus' help, and tells Jesus to get in the back seat. As the road gets increasingly unfamiliar, Jesus continues to tell the boy that He knows exactly where they are, but the boy dismisses Him and continues to drive until he spots a terrifying road sign that reads, "5 miles to Hell." At this point, Jesus asserts that the reason they were there was because the boy chose to drive. The boy shouts, "Jesus, take the wheel!" The skit ends with Jesus driving and the boy in the back seat.

When we want to control our own lives, it's like telling Jesus to get in the back seat. If we do this, then we risk getting lost. But if we trust Jesus to "drive," then He will take us down the right path.

I am taking my driving test, and I feel pretty nervous. But I know that if I trust God to keep me safe, I will be okay. I hope all of you are able to do the same. Faith is a very hard thing to find, but it is worth it in the end to have it.

~Rivendell

Welcome!

Hello there, and welcome to my blog!

My name is not actually Rivendell Lothlorien, but I am a huge Lord of the Rings fan, and I also do not want to give my true identity out online. Please feel free to call me Rivendell or Pikachu (I am, after all, a Traveling Pikachu), though!

I am a Girl Scout Senior. So, this blog is part of a project as one of the badges I am earning! I am hoping to give advice to girls based on my findings in the world, and I am also hoping to tell you all about my adventures! I have the fortune of being able to travel the world, and I enjoy doing so. I might even teach you all about customs outside of the United States!

I am also a Christian. So, when I talk about God or Christianity in this blog, please do not complain. If you don't want me to talk about my religion, then go find another blog to follow. After all, I'm probably not the only one who wants to write an advice blog for girls.

Well, enough of my rambling. I have some advice to give.

Life will hit you full force sometimes. You will work your tail off, and sometimes, not get any credit for it. But remember to work hard, because it pays off; it may not pay off right away, but it does someday. It might just be that feeling of accomplishment in your chest, but that's okay, because it is one of the best feelings ever.

This works in reverse. Do not procrastinate. It is not worth it. All of that time spent playing games can be done after the work is done, and you will get that amazing feeling I mentioned previously AND not have to worry about the work. Instead, you can play until the end of the day and you won't have that feeling of "I have to get this done" the entire time. I must admit that I need to work on diligence as well.

I hope to give more advice over the next few years. If you stay tuned for more, I promise you will not regret it.

~Rivendell