Finding a place

P 251 “What do I really enjoy doing most? When do I feel the most fully alive? What am I doing when I lose track of time?” Watching TV? Scrolling through Facebook? Oh, I suppose those don't count. Reading. Writing. An odd mix of the Bible, Sci-fi, speculative ficiton. For a long time I thought these could not co-exist. Then I found Michael Angley, Madeline, L'Engle, Lis Weihl, Frank Perreti and wondered if it really could be possible. Now I am also finding magazines and/or literary journals specializing in fantasy and speculative fiction. Perhaps I can find my place in this crazy world.

Identity

P234 “God formed every creature on this planet with a special area of expertise … You are a custom-designed, one-of-a-kind, original masterpiece … He would not give you abilities, interests, talents, gifts, personality, and life experiences unless He intended to use them for His glory.” This is to every student who has wondered “Why am I here?” “What is my purpose?” “Who am I?” “Where do I fit in?” To all those who have answered, “You are a child of God” either elaborate on this canned response and help them realize their gifts and talents or find someone who can. It is important for social development for students to find a group with whom they can identify. God created us for relationships so students need to find the group whom they can trust.

What's really important?

P161 Focus on what we have in common not the differences. I think if Christians and churches could do this, it would have a huge impact on the world. When I hear Christians comparing who is the “better Christian” or who is “more saved” I remember the story of the woman caught in adultery and the men were taking her out to stone her. Jesus told the men, “He who has no sin cast the first stone.” No one threw. Jesus told the woman she was forgiven. We are all different in some way. God created us that way. But, as Christians we know we are forgiven and it is a gift. Isn't that what is really important?

Giving Yourself to God

P218 “The moment you open yourself to Christ, God gets a 'beachhead' in your life. You may think you have surrendered all your life to Him, but the truth is there is a lot of your life that you aren't even aware of. You can only five God as much of you as you understand at that moment.” I don't know if it is my own misinterpretation, but I think some teach as though we are holding back on God. It's not easy getting to know this person that is me. There is so much depth, so much to explore—and I change with time and experience.