by John Notgrass $18.00

Each year another class of high school graduates moves into a new phase of life. For those who come from faithful households, helping them remain faithful must be a top priority for their parents and churches. As these young people make decisions about education, career, finance, and marriage, they need to keep in mind the Biblical principles that should guide their adult lives.

In his book, Make It Your Ambition, 26-year-old John Notgrass expresses optimism about the role young adults can play in building strong families and strong communities of faith. Instead of following the example of those who leave the church and make unwise decisions after high school, they can set an example for others by their devotion to the way of the Lord.

Subtitled “Encouraging Young People to Live for God’s Glory,” John’s book is a call to action. He believes that young people have much to offer and that they should take advantage of the opportunities before them. In addition to offering commentary on education and home life, John examines what the Bible says about setting goals, managing finances, participating in the political arena, and preparing for marriage. Drawing on his own experiences, John advises young people to think about where they want to go in life, plan how they can get there, and keep in mind the legacy they want to leave for future generations.

John argues that building families of faith is not automatic; it requires diligent effort that begins long before marriage. He asks, “Since we want our children and our children’s children to be faithful to the Lord, what should we do now to work toward that goal?” He encourages the development of attitudes and habits — such as a desire to work diligently, a positive view of children, and respect for the needs of others — that will help to make successful marriages.

The book closes with this challenge to fellow believers to work together in unity as they share good news with the world: “As different members of the body of Christ, we have different gifts. Each of us has an important place to fill in the household of God. We have the opportunity to represent our Father well, to promote the welfare of his family, and to welcome others into it. Make it your ambition to do your part.”

John is the oldest of six children. He graduated from high school at home in 1997. Over the past few years, John has continued studying on his own a variety of subjects, including his special interests of history and government. He has cultivated his musical ability and recorded two compact discs of his original songs. John is a regular columnist for Home School Digest magazine, a speaker at homeschool events, and a solo actor portraying individuals from history. He works as a partner with his parents in the Notgrass Company, publishing homeschooling curriculum and other resources that help parents teach the heart, soul, and mind. He lives with his parents, four sisters, brother, and grandfather in Middle Tennessee.

Ages 14 and up.