Who am I?

Last September I promised a series that I used for my youth group overnight. I never followed through, and so I decided to start the new year by completing that series. I have left the wording the same in case anyone else wants to use them for a retreat. The one I posted in September is actually the second reflection. This is the first. I will post links to all of them bel

These are interactive. Take the time to pull out a journal, a notebook, a scrap of paper, or pull up your blog, or a Facebook note and spend 20 minutes writing your own thoughts down. You can share them if you want, but this reflection time is for you. If you find you have things you want to discuss, you know where to find me. :)

Throughout this weekend we will be taking time in the Word of God. You will have four opportunities to do so. Find a quiet, comfortable place – outside or inside. Take your journal, a pen and your Bible. Do not come back early. Spend the entire 20 minutes reading and reflecting quietly. We will come get you when the time is up. Please be respectful of others and do not talk during this time. What you write in your journal is personal. We will not read it and will not ask you to share it unless you want to. When the weekend is over, you get to take your journal home with you.

Open your Bible and read Genesis 1:26-27.

The Bible tells that God created us in His image. What does that mean to you?

How do you see God reflected in you?

How do you wish you could be more like God?

Are there ways you wish you could be less like God?

Open your Bible and read John 3:1-21.

Jesus tells us that we must be born again. You’ve probably heard that saying before. What does it mean to you?

Reflect on your baptism and your confirmation process (whether you are finished or working towards confirmation). How has being a baptized child of God affected your life?

Next Reflection: http://kairosverse.blogspot.com/2009/09/what-is-faith.html

http://kairosverse.blogspot.com

Walls

Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, "Don't quarrel on the way!"

Genesis 45:24 (NIV)

This verse was part of the passage during one of our worship services at the vocations conference. Kate Proctor preached a sermon on it, focusing on this verse. To set the stage, the speaker is Joseph. The one with the technicolor dreamcoat. His brothers sold him into slavery. He became the ruler of Egypt and when they came to him for help, not knowing it was him, he gave it to them - he even gave them more.

Kate's sermon was about the ways in which we quarrel with our siblings, both blood relatives and church relatives. What do you think of when you think of quarreling siblings? Kate thought of creating a wall between herself and her brother in the car seat on long car trips. She also thought of the things that we do to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, and how we should act towards them.

What do you think of when you think of quarreling with your brothers and sisters? What kinds of walls are you putting up? What can you do to break down those walls - in a loving way? What can you do about the walls that others put up?

http://kairosverse.blogspot.com