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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: STRESSED - Begins January 18 / Ends January 25 (01/18/18)
Another test! For some reason I seen to get all stressed out over tests. Unfortunately, the online Income Tax Course I’m taking evidently has more tests than reading material. Why am I so worried? It’s an open book test. I can look up all the answers and take all the time I need to get every answer correct. Yet here I am going over the material another time, postponing the dreaded test as long as possible.

Even my husband can sense my anxiety. He turns off the TV, says he will try not to talk to me until I finish the test, then he puts on his headphones and music to keep him occupied for the duration of my exam.

One thing I have learned, though, is the more I know about the subject, the less stress I feel before testing. For example, I have always done our personal and business taxes, so am very familiar with schedule C and 1040 forms. On the other hand, since I’ve never been divorced or had children, the material on those subjects are new to me as far as tax laws are concerned. These stress me out more before testing.

Reminds me of the tests God brings me way. I am even more concerned about passing those tests because I want to get closer to God and become a better Christian. Each time I go through something, I can match up scripture to the problem and it helps me pass the test. If I am stressed about having enough money to pay the bills, I can look up scriptures on God’s provisions. If an illness comes my way, I can find scriptures on healing. If I need forgiveness from sin, many scriptures tell of God’s forgiveness. Any test of faith I may be going through is addressed in the bible in one way or another.

Preparing ahead of time by reading the Word every day and studying the scriptures helps me become less stressed over any situation I may be facing. If I do start to feel anxious, I need to remind myself to turn to the scriptures for the answers. After all, it’s an open Book test.
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This article has been read 451 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Jenny Fulton 
01/27/18
Good job describing the test anxiety and trying the idea to tests of our faith. On a side note, impressive that you are voluntarily studying all that tax stuff. That stuff intimidates me. 😊
C D Swanson 
01/28/18
Great message through your creative entry!

Blessings~
Susan Montaperto
01/30/18
Very descriptive about Taxes and tests. Liked how tie the Scriptures in at the end. Enjoyed reading it.

God bless.

Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
01/31/18
This is a short, right-to-the-point story. I enjoyed it. I think you did a great job of writing on topic.

Instead of telling me what your husband did, try showing instead. For example, I might edit that paragraph like this:
My husband came over and kissed my head and rubbed my shoulders. "I don't want to add to your stress so I'm going to turn off the TV, try not to talk, and go listen to music." He smiles at me as he slips his headphones on. "I believe in you."

That's just a quick example to show ways to create a picture for the reader. It shows what your husband does from your POV, which will resonate with the reader.

The other thing I'd suggest would be to ask someone to read the story aloud to you (or read it out loud yourself). If the person stumbles, you might have an error or an awkward sentence.

I really liked your ending. It brought the story full circle and left me with a smile on my face. The message is a great one, and one I needed right now. Thanks for sharing it with me.