What do you consider your first spiritual experience to be?

I would probably say when I really prayed and meant it and put myself out on the line. I was going to dig back and find my testimony on here, but I’m too lazy. It’s from last year-ish somewhere. So basically, I was at a really low place because I slept with this guy and he used me and left me after that. All my friends were like “I told you so” and I just felt horrible about everything. It was a bunch of things, but I saw a couple of blog posts about that, specifically one from Naitofnarnia, about having sex before marriage and stuff and I was just like hmmm. One thing led to another, and I was just like “I’ll see what happens” and prayed and God really answered me and it was this moment of like “this doesn’t matter” and “you’re going to be fine/you’ll get through it” and basically they have no right to judge you. That’s what happened, short of it. It took me a few months after that to actually commit to Christ, but that’s really what started all of it.

What is the most religious thing you’ve ever worn in public?

A cross necklace or my shirt that says “A Breadcrumb and Fish, Jesus Miracle Worker“. 

What is the kindest act you’ve ever done for someone?

I’m not sure, plus I feel weird sharing if I could think of one that was the absolute kindest. 

What is your favorite story from the Gospel or a religious movie?

My favorite Gospel story is the Woman at the well. My favorite religious movie is Letters to God.

Have you ever prayed with someone from a different religion?

No? I don’t think so.

Have you ever prayed in a public place?

Sometimes I pray in the car or in class, if that counts. I’ve prayed in church, but I don’t really think that counts.

Have you ever participated in a religious service other than your own?

I’ve gone to some Catholic services, but I wouldn’t count that as outside my religion since I’m Christian. I’ve wanted to go to a Jewish service, but I haven’t gotten the time to ask and stuff. I’ve heard that sometimes Jewish services don’t let “outsiders” in/have strict rules about it.

Have you ever gone outside your spiritual comfort zone in order to move closer to God?

Yea, sometimes. Sometimes it takes me awhile to be willing to make the jump.

Are you in a good relationship with God right now?

Define good. Good as in close? Not as close as I could be just because of everything going on with school and stuff. I keep the faith and pray and stuff when I can. Good as in right with God? Yes, but only by his grace. I’m no angel and I make plenty of mistakes.

What do think God’s wish is for you?

Honestly? I don’t really know. I have kind of a vague idea of how my future is going to go (I’ll be a nurse and I’ll get married at some point, beyond that the details are up in the air), but I don’t understand why it is the way it is now, that’s for sure. Overall though, I think in general it’s to become like him and mature spiritually.

Whose desires come first in your life: yours or God’s?

It should be God’s 100% of the time, but I’m selfish, so it’s a decision by decision process, so to speak. Oftentimes I make the wrong decision.

Do you struggle with selfishness? What helps you overcome this?

Yes. I’m very selfish. It helps me to overcome it knowing that the other person needs me more than they need to hear the sound of my voice telling them random stupid stuff about my day when they have a real need/problem. I have moments where I do shut up and listen to what people say. Sometimes those moments are rarer than others.

Do you struggle with false or empty relationships that distract you from your relationship with God? What relationships help you stay close to God?

Yes and no. My family can be something that makes it hard to do what I’m supposed to do, but that’s more on me than anything. They’re just difficult people to love and treat well, sometimes. Interestingly enough, I have a lot of friends/people in my life that help me stay close to God. Surprisingly, some of the friends aren’t religious. A few of them are Muslim, and that really helps me to stay close to God because I pray for them and their lives and whatever is going on. Plus like, having friend of different beliefs helps me to strengthen my beliefs and become a more rounded person because I know about their beliefs.The church I’m at now is a huge blessing to me in that regard as well. Our pastor is a really great guy who makes God relevant (not that he isn’t, but he makes it accessible and interesting) and I’ve learned a lot about God just through the sermons and everything. I really love all the people in my church family as they encourage me to seek God as well. I’m really blessed with the church I have. I know that wasn’t the point of the question, but that was basically what I was thinking about. 

When you pray, what is your image of God? What do you think of?

I don’t really think of anything. Sometimes I do think about God having his ear towards the earth or something. I know it’s ridiculous, but just how it makes sense to me. I try to, but usually don’t remember to, follow the advice of really picturing God is there with you when you’re praying and stuff, but I’m really bad at picturing that even though I do believe it. When I’m praying I’m thinking about the stuff I’m praying about and God and stuff. 

What is on your “spiritual bucket list?”

• Finish the Old Testament and finally have read through the Bible fully.
• Finish some good informational books on the Bible (Discovering the Old Testament/New Testament, etc)
• Finish The Ragamuffin Gospel
• Read the bible again
• Become a member of my church
• Become more involved with the outside world
• Do something important with my life

 

Tagging @ancient-scribe and everybody reading this.

I totally procrastinated doing this…..so gotta go study!