Sometimes the Best Things are the Hardest

As is probably very evident from my posts, I am a Christian. I believe that there is a God who created everything and He sent His Son to die for me and save me from my sins. But sometimes, it can be easy to doubt these things. It can be easy to wonder if there is a God and if I am just tricking myself into trusting in something that doesn't exist. It is times like this that I lament the fact that God does not show Himself. I call out that it would be easier to trust if I could just see Him or hear Him. 

But then I remember that sometimes it is the hardest things that are the best for us.If a marathon were easy, it wouldn't be worth running. If  Mt Everest were easy to climb, there would be no triumph in concurring it. If it were easy to qualify in debate (yes, everything in my life eventually goes back to that) I wouldn't be worth putting a lot of effort in, I wouldn't learn and grow as much, and the thrill of breaking would not be nearly as sweet. 

So, even though it is really hard sometimes, and sometimes the chatter of the world places doubt in my mind, I  think I am going to stick it out. I'll just hold on to trust, and pray for Him to help me through this, because I know at the end, it will  be totally worth it. 

Until next time, au revoir.

~Nat

And You Though I Couldn't Do It

Ha! I did it! I got a post up this week, just like I said I would. Oh, ye of little faith, you thought I wouldn't get it done, didn't you? Actually, truth be told, I didn't think I would get it done, but we can keep that between ourselves. Okay?

Anyway, my life lately has been pretty crazy. Added to the normal school and debate work I have to get done, was a college application to Hillsdale. Ack! I can't believe I am applying for colleges already! Time really has gone by fast.

Because of all of the work I have been doing for the application (I can't believe they require two 500 word admission essays) I don't really have time to write about a lot. So, I am just going to let you read one of the admission essays I have been slaving on for the past week. I hope you have more fun reading it, then I had writing it.

"What is good character and why is it important? You may cite examples from literature, the arts, science, politics, history, athletics, business, education or your own personal experiences."

According to Webster’s American Dictionary, character is “the…traits that form the…nature of a person.” Therefore, good character may be defined as the righteous and upright traits that shape a person’s nature. Because the essence of government will reflect the nature of the people, it is essential that the individual’s character be of a good quality.

People will transfer their character traits to those they influence, shaping the nature of society. The main vehicle for this transference is the relationship between a parent and their child. A parent plays a vital role in shaping the character of their offspring. Through words and deeds, they provide an example that the child can follow and incorporate into their consciousness. This is the reason children of criminals most often turn to crime. The character that the parent portrayed is one that condones wrong doing.

A nation’s government will echo the heart and nature of its citizens. If the people are corrupt the government will in turn become corrupt. During elections, people often “sell” their votes to politicians who promise them the most benefits. They consider their personal gain above the qualifications of the candidate. This leads to the election of nominees who willingly compromise their principles to win, fostering a political atmosphere where it is nearly impossible to garner support without selling votes to the corrupt political establishment. This summer I volunteered for the campaign of State Senator Dennis Pyle. He was running against incumbent Lynn Jenkins for the Republican spot in the Congressional race. Jenkins’ record showed her continual compromise in Washington. She voted in favor of Planned Parenthood and tax increases, both actions contrary to her campaign promises. In contrast, I was witness to Pyle’s strong character and his unwillingness to compromise his principles. But because Jenkins went along with the established political order and made concessions to gain support, she was the candidate that was elected.

By contrast, a person’s character may also have a profound effect on society for the better. During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, William Wilberforce and his small group of followers fought valiantly to end the English slave trade. Due to their determination, Parliament passed the Slave Trade Act in 1807, making England the first Western nation to outlaw the slave trade. It is good characteristics, such as these, that are the most difficult to pass on to others. Human beings have inherently flawed character, and so individuals naturally are drawn towards immorality. Therefore, it is more difficult to transfer the righteous aspects of an individual’s nature than it is to pass on the negative character traits.

Our character is our most important feature; it defines who we are and its effects have far reaching consequences. Individuals with good character can bring about momentous and beneficial change, but if a nation’s citizens are corrupt, they will bring about the ruin of the country. It is for these reasons that good character is vital, and is something for which we should always strive.

Until next time, au revoir

~Nat

The Answer to One of Life's Many Questions: Why Colonel Doesn't Have an "R"

If you have been following my blog for awhile, all two of you may remember a blog post I made awhile ago about spelling, and I complained about the missing 'r' in colonel. For the rest of you, I'll be nice and give you a link so you know what I am talking about. 

Ok, now that you are back from reading my old post, I can move on. 

The other day I was reading The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way (this has become one of my new favorite books. Yes, I do have very weird interests) and I came to the chapter on spelling. Much to my great excitement, this absolutely amazing book explained about why there is no 'r' in colonel!!!!!!! Now, I am going to pass this splendid bit of information on to you. 

"Colonel...comes from the old French coronelle, which the French adapted from the Italian colonello...When the word first came into English in the mid-sixteenth century, it was spelled with an r, but gradually the Italian spelling and pronunciation began to challenge it. For a century or more both spellings and pronunciations were commonly used, until finally...we settled on the French pronunciation and Italian spelling." 

See! I knew the French had something to do with it!

A couple of other interesting fact that I learned from the chapter on spelling:

1) For the longest time people didn't care at all about consistent spelling. In fact, in some cases they would  spell the same word two different ways in the same letter. Why can't things be like that now?

2) During the early 1900's there  was a movement to simplify spelling in the US. The Simplified Spelling Board released a list of 300 words that were commonly spelled two different ways (like judgement and judgment) and endorse the simpler spelling. They were able to get the support of National Education Association and President Theodor Roosevelt, and actually succeed in changing the way words like catalog and program were spelled. Sadly, WWI happened and so a great movement died before it could do any real good.

Well, I think I have thrown enough useless facts at you for one day.

Until next time, au revoir.

~Nat

P. S. I apologize for the fact that I haven't posted for a really long time. Unfortunately there is this thing called life, and it takes up a lot of my time. But I shall endeavor to improve, and post something about once a week. We shall see if I can manage it.