For the students/young adults

[Jaltus-bot]

Do you feel like you have changed much since a year ago?
If yes, could you comment on one or two ways?

[Syaoran]

I could not tell ya.....to be hounist I have no clue.

[Retten]

I have changed in so many way that I could not list them all here. But most import of them all is that I have come closer to God.

[Sonic_13]

I feel I've changed in so many ways! Its a terrible feeling =(

[ssj2gohan61]

i have changed quite a few of ways, im still the same but i am also more close to God and well im a bit more wise in my decisions

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Definately, more closer to God. And more wiser in life (much more wiser than last year)

[Lynx]

I have changed soooooo much this past year. The biggest change has been I've learned how to have a deep, continual trust in God. That in itself has brought about so many other changes in my life that I can't list them all.

[Syaoran]

For the record I am still a kid at heart.

[Locke]

Im more cynical than I was last year. Weird, I remember the exact feeling I felt last year, but im not feeling it this year.

Oh and the discovery of the chat room has helped me meet new and intersting new people. Like Yahshua's fancy pansy guns >.>

[Ashley]

Sometimes. Sometimes I feel a little stronger, a little wiser....I'm definately a lot closer to God than I was last year, and I have a lot of things going for me. But sometimes, especially when it seems like my world is falling to pieces, I feel like I'm still 16 and just living in an 18 year old life. It's not like it was when I was younger; I remember feeling very different at 13 than I did at 12. But not anymore; it's a lot more subtle.

[Myoti]

Well, kinda. Like others have said, I feel stronger in my Christian beliefs, I'm finding I've become more, shall we say, "debateble" instead of "argumentative", and I've become slightly less shy.

Still, I'm just a kid inside. ;D

[Lyren]

Let's see. I have definately been drawn closer to God. I am a litte wiser and a bit nicer to people. However, many times I feel that I am not as mature as I should be at my age.

[Mave]

While part of me is still struggling with pride vs humility, I can safely say that I'm more outspoken and better at surrendering matters to GOD. I can't be the same person I was last year.

[Azier the Swordsman]

Stressed, honestly. I've got so many goals to accomplish this year, and deadlines to which the clock is constantly ticking towards... I've been just a little more irritable this year than ever before because. Once I finish with everything that needs to be done I'll be able to breath a little. I wouldn't say that this has been a horrible year, but it's not been my best. Too many crazy things have happened the last year that still need to be mended back together.

[Sonic_13]

For the record I am still a kid at heart.

ABSOLUTELY! I have a feeling in the distant i'll be 40 or so and still watching cartoons, and playing video games, and jumping around playing air guitar =) I never grow out of things!

[the_lizardqueen]

The end of Highschool threw me for a loop. A year and a half ago I was a total emotional basketcase and I was disconcertingly prone to bursting into tears about the smallest thing. And even by the end of last year, I was still feeling rather fragile and uncertain. But coming out of a year at Art School and finding a job, I'm feeling a little stronger. I'm still figuring so much out, but I am definitely less frightened and far more independent than before.

I guess the only thing that hasn't changed as much is my relationship with God. I'm still clinging to him for strength and guidance.

[agasfas]

I think we all change a bit in our young adult lives.

My relationship with the Lord has grown stronger and I've leanred more about who I am, where I want to go in life and what morals I really believe in want hold close to. Each year life experiences make me a bit wiser and knowledgeable.

But for the most part I still see myself as the same caring and compassionate person who always tries to make people happy. I try to put people others first and that's still the same. And no matter how old I become, that'll never change.

The one thing I'm still working on is my self-confidence. The past can be hard to get over, but I'm learning how to little by little each day.

[Mr. Rogers]

I've changed alot. God's been workin

[Galant]

Well first of all I'll say that for the wisdom I've heard come from you on this forum, you must be an amazing woman Ashley, I wouldn't have pegged you at just 18. Keep going strong!

Now, I have this feeling I'm one of the older visitors here, perhaps not the oldest, but older than the majority. Though at 25, I'd still classify myself as a young adult.

I'd have to say that these last two years of my life have been very significant. Last night I was out for a late run and I remember thinking to myself how I do feel different since my last birthday a few weeks ago. Usually I've had a birthday I feel, oh...about a day older! But since turning 25 I do have to say that I really do feel different, as though I've entered a different phase in life. I feel like a man, matured beyond a boy, more independent. It's in the way I look at things, my attitudes, that set me apart from a lot of the younger ones I often hang around with.

I think these past two years have been vital in heading toward that change. Last year brought a lot of endings and beginnings of endings for some struggles in my life, and in a lot of changing attitudes. Attitudes towards responsibilities, ministry, dealing with people. I see a growth in compassion, and patience. Not as easily frustrated or jumping off the gun.

My confidence in some things of God. It's hard to describe it just feels like a maturing - not that I see some maturing and am trying to mature more, but that whilst that is true, I feel as though I've reached a milestone point in maturity.

I'm also excited though, the older I get the more capable I see myself as. So many people look back towards opportunities to live and to learn, and whilst that's true, I've found that with growing age I grow in confidence, and in wisdom, which increase my ability to learn, and to do.

I know, and see clearly now, that I have in my life opportunities and control. I can spend and invest my life as I like, and receive back the reward for it, whatever that is. The same is true for all of us, but so many of you that are younger have a more limited perspective on things, life, and so are more easily persuaded by fads, and the sway of the majority - those things that are temporary. The sooner one can realise that you choose how to spend your days like you spend money. Whilst you have it, it can be used for whatever you like, but once you hand it over, it's spent and you'd better be happy with what you have. Choose how to buy well, so you don't face disappointment or regret. In the same way, choose how to spend your days well. Learn to listen to wisdom - that which may not make sense or doesn't sound easy or pleasant - that which you don't understand, even don't agree with (not in terms of morality). Live a few decisions by the advise of those older, more mature, godly and respected and see how it turns out instead of always by your own reason or feeling. You will learn more swiftly and more securely than most.

God bless.

[Ashley]

Well first of all I'll say that for the wisdom I've heard come from you on this forum, you must be an amazing woman Ashley, I wouldn't have pegged you at just 18. Keep going strong!

^^ By God's grace and mercy alone. He is faithful to equip all He has called to do good works according to His purpose, that's all. But thank you for the compliment.

[Retten]

I know, and see clearly now, that I have in my life opportunities and control. I can spend and invest my life as I like, and receive back the reward for it, whatever that is. The same is true for all of us, but so many of you that are younger have a more limited perspective on things, life, and so are more easily persuaded by fads, and the sway of the majority - those things that are temporary. The sooner one can realise that you choose how to spend your days like you spend money. Whilst you have it, it can be used for whatever you like, but once you hand it over, it's spent and you'd better be happy with what you have. Choose how to buy well, so you don't face disappointment or regret. In the same way, choose how to spend your days well. Learn to listen to wisdom - that which may not make sense or doesn't sound easy or pleasant - that which you don't understand, even don't agree with (not in terms of morality). Live a few decisions by the advise of those older, more mature, godly and respected and see how it turns out instead of always by your own reason or feeling. You will learn more swiftly and more securely than most.

Ah your words are so true Galant what an inspirational post. Indeed we do need to listen more often to the words of wisdom. To forget about the fads and popularity, and all the things the media tries to program into us. For it is more important that we spend our time wisely once it is spent we can never get it back. So to chase the material things of this world we will waste much of our life, and we wont find everlasting satisfaction in the things of this world.

[Galant]

^^ By God's grace and mercy alone. He is faithful to equip all He has called to do good works according to His purpose, that's all. But thank you for the compliment.

See, that's exactly what I was talking about!



Sorry, I'm not normally too pushy, but I'm just, well, I just want give honour where it's due. Props to Ashley and a tip of the hat.

Thank you Ashley, if I could bow here I would, you're one of those inspirational, admirable, and exemplary people. Your modesty is a tribute to your character.

I'll shut up now.

[bigsleepj]

I must say that I have become much more cynical although I do believe that I'm spiritually more mature as well (not that cynicism equates maturity - in fact cynicism can be the poorest of substitutes for wit).

[DevotedFriend]

I really don't know if I've changed in the last few years or not. Sometimes I think I've gotten worse in some ways actually, but I'm probably just being paranoid.

I was pretty different as a younger teen than I am now I do know that much. I think the people around me notice a change in me first before I notice it myself.

[oro!]

Hmm, well I do have more confidence in myself this year than last. I've found I can do all things through my Lord who strengthens me, if it's in His will. I am continually trying to make my thinking like his - Romans 12:1. I am leaning on HIm, asking where He wants me to go more than before, actually thinking about the future. And he has given me the abilities to get success in school.

But the biggest change is in my prayer life- It used to be that all I prayed about was MY problems and requests, but now I see how selfish that is. I want to become a prayer warrior, and I now pray more about the attributes of God and the needs of others than myself. That's a big leap.

[Kura Ookami]

The biggest change is in what I'll watch. Last year I'd watch anything and not care about Gods will. Now I won't watch hentai. That doesn't mean i wont watch ecchi animes like Ikkitousen, though so maybe I've still got a long way to go, but I've made progress.

What you said Galant is true, but I believe that we've also got to make our own mistakes and learn from them. Sometimes the only way we'll learn is the hard way and our elders aren't perfect. They can and do make mistakes. Rely on God, not on others.

[Syaoran]

I don't even know if I changed or not.......oh well the time will come...I am only 18 year old. any thing could happen. If God wants to chang me bring it on.

[Espoir]

[quote="Ashley"] But sometimes, especially when it seems like my world is falling to pieces, I feel like I'm still 16 and just living in an 18 year old life. It's not like it was when I was younger]

Totaly! I have changed dramaticly. But *thankfuly* its not always so huge.

I have changed, in the biggest way, by becoming a Christian. My spirit has changed from being hopeless to hopeful, which filters out into my life in many diffrent ways. I don't lie like I used to. I still take myself too seriously though. I've started dealing with past wounds, which I would not be able to do two years ago. I've learned a little better how to trust, and who deserves my trust. Yep yep, lots of changeing going on.

[Ashley]

I have changed, in the biggest way, by becoming a Christian.

Truly the best change anyone could express. Congratulations, sister!

[Espoir]

Truly the best change anyone could express. Congratulations, sister!

Thanks