Journal of the Rocky Mountain Classic

3 Days Until Tournament

By Allegra Tschappler

Okay, must...not...freak! I'm so excited about the RMC, yet almost afraid of it. That resolution to not worry whether we lose or win is constantly in my mind, but it doesn't keep me from being rather scared about the whole thing. But Dad said that stress is good, and I'm trying to believe him.

Steps we are taking to get ready for this huge, scary thing:

Lydia and I are trying to go to bed earlier. The more sleep we have, the better off we will be (theoretically). Plus, that way we can get up earlier and work on debate and speech more! What incentive we have...

In addition to sleeping more, we are going to take Vitamin B, some other brain-empowering supplements and some pills for wellness maintenance. If we got sick this week, well, we would know God didn't want us to go. To see the benefits of protein (bars of which, we are hopefully going to be taking as well) and Vitamin B, please see my other blog: http://credohealth.blogspot.com.

As well as preparing our bodies for debate, we are also frantically writing negative briefs. It's a long process, and I'm learning just how much time I should have spent on them before. But oh well...it's too late to worry now!

These verses are helpful:

Philippians 4:6. Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

Psalms 37:5. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act...

Psalms 40:3. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.

Psalms 62:8. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah

Isaiah 40: 28-31. Do you not know? Have you not heard? Yahweh is the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth. He never grows faint or weary; there is no limit to His understanding. He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless. Youths may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.

Luke 16:10. Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much; and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much.

We must learn to be faithful with what God has given us: whether it be the opportunity to participate in speech and debate, the money He graciously gives us, or any other gifts He may so lavishly bestow on us. If we will be faithful stewards of His posessions, He will say at the end, "Well, done, good and faithful servant." That is the end to which I strive.