“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:11 (NIV)
Growing up in my youth group I remember learning this verse and hearing sermons about it. Our youth leaders would always remind us that just because we were teenagers did not mean that we couldn’t make a lasting impact, and so this verse was given to us often. Now, when I look at my son and think about his future, this verse comes to mind. I have prayed since the day I found out I was pregnant that he would be a world changer. I pray that he will follow God’s plan for his life and make a difference in the lives of others. What better verse to go with that prayer than this one? I remember just from when I was young being so passionate and wanting to see change but fearing what others would say or think. If only I would have put this verse to use more often maybe I wouldn’t have been so afraid. I knew the verse, but I don’t think that I truly tried to grasp it and live by it, because lets face it… I was young, and young people can’t make a difference, or that is how it feels. I want all my children to know that they do not have to be a grow adult to make a difference and to see change happen. If they are passionate about what they want to see changed then they can do more good than an adult who has no passion! Our children are the future, they must believe in themselves and believe that they can make a difference.
Photo Credit: Linh Do 
The idea of “going green” is a big task and a little overwhelming. But, it is something that I am passionate about. One thing in particular that I am passionate about is helping people realize that the most simple changes made make a big difference in the long run. You don’t have to drive an expensive eco-friendly car or have a new expensive house built that is more eco-friendly to help the environment. While those things make a difference they are not the only way. Taking the transition one step at a time and starting off with the things that we do immediately make just as much a difference for our own health and the Earth. For example, washing clothes in cold water cycles reduces the amount of energy we use and still gets the clothes clean, plus saving money on our bills. There are tons of simple and easy things that we can do take make a difference without turning our lives upside down over night… its one step at a time. I have written an article as a guest blogger for 
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” 
