God, Can We Talk?: I Really Don't Get This Thing Called Life

By Penny Wiser White

WHAT IS THE TRUTH ABOUT ALL THE CONFUSING ISSUES IN THE CULTURE, AND IS IT OKAY TO TALK TO GOD ABOUT THEM?

Meet the Petersons: Shawn, Vicky, and their four children- precocious Alex, deep thinker Samantha, serious John, and wise Kelly.

You will fall in love with them while they work through challenges with friends, family, school, an

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: May 21, 2024
• ISBN: 9798887389417

Penny Wiser White

Penny Wiser White felt a call from God to start One-On-One Care ministry of inner healing with a passion to see people set free, and she worked in that capacity for over forty years. She wrote her first book in 2020-Who Am I? God's Restoration of Our Lost Identity. Her latest passion is to reach young people with the truth through intimacy with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Penny lives in Connecticut and has two children and three grandchildren.

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979-8-88738-940-0_Cover.jpg

I Really Don’t Get

This Thing Called

Life

Penny Wiser White

I thank God for my grandchildren—Joshua, Alexander, and Jocelyn—

and for the many joys they have given me.

God, Can We Talk?

Trilogy Christian Publishers. A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Trinity Broadcasting Network

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Copyright © 2024 by Penny Wiser White

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.TM Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.TM. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Cover design by: Kelly Stewart

For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Trilogy Christian Publishing.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

ISBN: 979-8-88738-940-0

E-ISBN: 979-8-88738-941-7

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I want to thank the Lord, first and foremost, for giving me the opportunity to become a writer. It was not anything I aspired to or dreamed of doing. It began with God prompting me to write, giving me themes, biblical principles, stories, examples, and experiences. He also brought into my path many young people who inspired me to make their voices heard.

As I sat at the computer to write, it was always a blank slate in my head. I sincerely and purposefully asked the Holy Spirit to do the writing. I fully believe this book has been written with His inspiration. Without Him, it would be lacking.

I also want to thank my family for being so faithful with their love, appreciation, and affirmation in the many things I have tried to accomplish over the years. I think they believed that any challenge I faced, I could meet. Being a mother and a grandmother was and is the greatest fulfillment and joy of my life.

Without the loving support and devotion of my friends, I’m not sure I would’ve continued as a writer. I especially want to thank Diane Pierce. She did the editing and proofing of this manuscript with the most dedicated approach to enriching the work. It was not an easy task. It is with deep sadness that she passed away in 2021. She was probably one of the more spiritual influences that I’ve had in my Christian life, as well as an amazing friend. Her loss was profound and deep, as she died at such a young age. One of the things that caused me to sigh, though, was that she was able to work on the manuscript throughout the time of her chemotherapy. I thought it would be a burden for her, but she said it was actually what was giving her purpose and joy during such a difficult challenge with the treatments. Her heart and soul are in this book. Thank you, Diane, and I’m glad you are part of the great cloud of witnesses.

I have also been blessed with amazing mentors, teachers, and pastors for decades, including going through a very in-depth discipleship with Erilynne Barnum. I definitely have grown under the leadership of this group of mature Christians.

I started with thanking the Lord, and I want to finish this acknowledgment by thanking Him for His inspiration and kindness to me in my everyday life. I have drawn so much closer to my Lord and Savior through this process of writing, and I am waiting to hear the next piece of inspiration. He has been faithful.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part 1: I Really Don’t Get This Thing Called Life

Samantha Talks to God for the First Time

Sam and Alex Discuss How to Talk to God

Alex Helps Isaiah Deal with Being Bullied

Gram Comes to Visit

Q+A Session with Sam and Alex

Sam’s Friends’ Family Struggles

Isaiah Comes to Dinner

Family Table

Relative Truth Versus Absolute Truth

Alex’s Youth Group

God’s Promises

Christmas Preparations

Vicky’s Trouble with the Kids

Alex’s Funny Summer Antics

Family Vacation at the Lake

PART 2: I Need Some Serious Help Down Here

Sam Calls Her Grandmother about How Stressed She Is

Sam’s Faith Is Challenged about a Boyfriend

Alex’s Youth Group

Discussion about Fear

Sam and Julia Help a Friend with a Teacher Problem

Alex Role-plays with His Grandmother about Being Bullied

Sam’s Struggle with School

Camp

Alex’s Group Discuss Bible Questions

Sam Is Not Invited to a Party

John’s Youth Group

A Social Media Guest Speaker

PART 3: I Don’t Know Who I Am

Camp

Sam’s Group Discuss Body Image and Identity

Kelly’s Youth Group

Talk about Lauren Daigle’s Song You Say

Transgender Situations

Alex Brings Home a Stranger

Sam’s Classmate Runs Away and Possibly Trafficked

Kelly Hosts an InterVarsity Seminar on Human and Sex Trafficking

Kelly’s Challenges at College

John’s Youth Group’s Panel Discussion with High School Students

Family Table

Discussion about Social Media and Talking to God

INTRODUCTION

I have been a lay pastoral counselor for close to four decades. In the last ten years, the ages of the cases I have been seeing are much younger. There seems to be a desire in them to figure life out before committing to a relationship or having a family. What I see repeatedly is the inability to talk to God one-on-one. Their prayer life is either non-existent or stilted. Most don’t truly understand what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. What does that look like? How do we talk to God? My hope is this book, God, Can We Talk? will open up the possibilities of being able to converse more easily with the Father.

The reason I wrote this book was that I couldn’t ignore the consistently present themes of stress, anxiety, fear, and confusion that were overwhelming this younger generation and their parents. I was also approached by high school and college-age students who needed a listening ear. I knew it was time to let their voices be heard. This book gives voice to young people ages thirteen to twenty-one. After several interviews and listening to many studies done by Focus on the Family, Family Talk, and others, I realized that the cry for help was real.

The purpose of God, Can We Talk? is to bring clarity to the life situations and challenges that young people of today are confronted with. I also want to validate their opinions and their struggles with school, social media, friends, and their identity. A culture filled with confusion—about almost everything—does not promote a healthy environment or a safe place.

There are three parts to the book entitled God, Can We Talk?

Part 1: I Really Don’t Get This Thing Called Life

themes of family, friends, and school.

Part 2: I Need Some Serious Help Down Here

themes of social media, stress/anxiety, and fear.

Part 3: I Don’t Think I Know Who I Am

themes of identity, transgender issues, and human trafficking.

I used a family of six with children from the ages of thirteen to twenty-one to make this come alive in story form. However, the interviews (all names are changed) are almost word-for-word throughout the topics I cover. My main goal was to have their exact words, feelings, and insights made known. It is their voice, not mine, nor my opinion. There are also the voices of parents in the story to illustrate the frustration and compassion that parents feel for their children in their individual and highly personal struggles.

So, through story form, involving the separate lives of the four children—two girls and two boys in the Peterson family, I try to bring to light what it looks like to have life’s tough questions answered by including God in the conversation. I have added humor to offset some of the serious subject matter. Many of these life issues are not talked about enough with our kids. Sometimes, it is too difficult for them to verbally express their frustrations about life. Throughout the book, I also introduce what it looks like to have a personal relationship with the Father (including the salvation prayer) through the Peterson children to their friends and acquaintances.

My prayer is that, perhaps by reading about someone else’s (in their age group) struggle with the same issues, this book may help our young people through their own personal struggles and ultimately strengthen their relationship and communication with God—by talking to Him and casting all their cares on the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

God, Can We Talk?

PART 1

I Really

Don’t Get

This Thing

Called

LIFE

CHAPTER 1

Samantha Talks to God

for the First Time

Mom! Mom, you need to get up here! You won’t believe this! yelled Samantha.

Vicky ran up the stairs and went into Samantha’s room completely out of breath, expecting the worst. Samantha, what’s happened? What’s wrong? Did you hurt yourself?

Mom, it’s just the worst! shouted Sam. Look under my bed!

Vicky kneeled down to look under the bed. Oh, no! she declared. Not again! Alexander Peterson, you get in here. Now!

Alex took his time walking down the hall to Sam’s room to find both his sister and mother on their knees, and dread began to come over him. What now, Mom?

What now, you ask? Sam yelled at her little brother.

Vicky was trying not to laugh at this rather comical scene, realizing her daughter was truly upset. So she turned around to her son and said, Alex, how many times have I asked you to keep your family of turtles in their habitat in your own room? This is the second time they’ve wandered into Sam’s room. I don’t know what the attraction is in here, but anyway…

Mom, it’s not funny, said an irritated Samantha. I should be able to go in my bedroom and not find Alex’s animal kingdom crawling around.

Alex, go get your habitat, his mother said. Then come back in here and get your turtles. After you’ve collected them, go to your room and think about what you’ve done again…to aggravate your sister. If you cannot keep your reptiles under control, then they’re going to have to go outside permanently. Is that understood?

Aw, Mom, you wouldn’t do that because you’re such a good, sweet, caring mother who loves animals.

Oh, gag, responded his sister. Mom can see right through that kind of smooth talk, Alex. Just get them out of here!

But I’m the best kid out of the four of us, right, Mom? Alex said as he hurried from Samantha’s room.

Alex, go! Vicky said.

Right now?

Now!

Always so dramatic, he muttered as he left Sam’s room.

Vicky went over to her daughter, gave her a hug, and said, I’m sorry, Samantha, you know your brother is a bit of a handful, and we just have to be patient until he grows up…if he grows up.

I know, Mom, but I draw the line on turtles being under my bed. Who knows what else I’ll find crawling around? He can be so aggravating at times! How come he always gets the last word? You never let the rest of us do that.

Your father and I are working on it, honey. As Vicky left Sam’s room, she said, I love you, sweetheart.

Back at ya, Mom, she smiled.

Alex returned to Sam’s room, gathered his turtles, muttering under his breath, and left his sister’s room. At age thirteen, Alex was blonde, like his mother. He was freckle-faced, with a smile that melted everyone who met him. He had a twinkle in his eye and never stopped moving. To say he was a high-energy kid was putting it mildly. Vicky and Shawn marveled at how different their kids were, and Alex, being the last in the litter, was as different from the other three as could be. It added a lot of fun to the household, as well as some challenges. Samantha was two years older than Alex, and they really got along most of the time. It was just that Alex felt that it was his job to aggravate his sister as much as he possibly could, and most of the time, he succeeded.

Vicky went back downstairs to start working on dinner, shaking her head all the way down to the kitchen. She found herself thinking, There’s never a dull moment in the Peterson home.

* * * * *

Samantha finally calmed down after Alex left her room, grunting the entire time. She chose to ignore him. He certainly can be a pain in the neck at times, she thought. She also felt that he got away with a lot more just because he was the youngest of the four kids. The baby of the family, she thought sarcastically.

But Samantha had other troubling thoughts she was dealing with. She sat on her bed and stared out the window. She realized she did this more often than she liked these days. And her homework was not getting done.

At fifteen years old, Samantha was on her way to being tall and slim like her dad. She had blue eyes and long, wavy dark hair. A stunning girl, but she didn’t know it at this stage in her life. She felt awkward, ugly at times, and seemed to have two left feet, tripping over everything. That might’ve been due to the fact that she had grown two inches over the past year, so getting used to her new height was challenging half the time. She was always comparing herself to the other freshman girls at Wilton High School, which didn’t help. But then, Sam was also very hard on herself.

What’s my deal? Why am I in such a bad place? she asked out loud.

Sam also didn’t like that lately, she was talking to herself more, and it felt weird and uncomfortable. Staring into space wasn’t giving her any answers either, but only made her feel more alone and unsettled.

She wondered who she could talk to, because some of the issues on her mind were too personal and too messed up…at least to her way of thinking. She also felt that someone might think she had lost it and that she needed to get some serious help. She didn’t want to risk telling anyone about her fears and anxieties. She was aware that most of her friends had some of the same problems she did and would talk about their struggles with each other. But they wouldn’t go deep enough or stay with it long enough to get answers. So, she sat alone, once again, feeling lost in her thoughts and troubled by her ever-shifting emotions.

Sam started a dialogue with herself once again. Does everyone go through this junk? Do all teens face the kind of struggles I have? Why does it feel so lonely at times? Is there anyone safe to talk to about school, friends, or my family? She knew everyone in the house was downstairs and couldn’t hear her talking because of Alex’s music being on a little louder than usual.

She wanted so much to talk to one of her best friends, but she knew Amy was going through a really difficult time with her parents’ separation. And yet, Amy was one of two friends she could talk to because they had been friends since they were small. Amy had the sweetest, most caring personality and a warm smile. Whenever they talked to each other, they always seemed to be thinking the same things, and that helped them get through things. The girls were fortunate to have such a great friendship that had lasted through some real trials, and so she missed Amy more than ever.

Understandably, Amy wasn’t herself these days. Sam would see her at school near tears all the time and felt so bad for what she was going through. It was clear that Amy was under a lot of pressure, so she didn’t need an additional burden from Sam. And to be honest, she thought, I need someone to be focused on me right now and not on other things.

The Ramsey family lived one block from the Petersons. The girls had practically grown up together. They met at the playground, where their moms took them almost daily. And the two Mother’s became good friends. They were in the same kindergarten class and remained friends ever since. Sam couldn’t understand what could be wrong with the Ramseys’ marriage. Her own parents weren’t telling her anything, and Amy was quiet about it, so Sam felt a lot of distance in the situation. If only Amy felt comfortable enough to talk to me about it, she thought. There had to be a way to discuss it without Amy feeling like Sam was being nosy. Should I text her and ask if we could get together? she asked herself. No, maybe I need to give her more time, and then she’ll call me. I honestly don’t know how to handle this.

Oh, that’s great, she sighed. Back to thinking of myself all the time when my best friend is going through the possibility of her parents splitting up! That would be the worst if it ever happened in this family. I can’t imagine it. So, here I sit, not getting my math homework done and feeling overwhelmed.

Her mom’s voice broke in to her talking to herself. Sam, dinner will be ready in fifteen minutes. Oh, and bring your math homework you were having trouble with.

Samantha thought about her mom, whom she adored. Vicky was forty-five years old, attractive, blue-eyed blonde with a beautiful smile. She and her dad, Shawn, had been married for twenty-three years. Samantha knew that she had really great parents, but right now, she had that nagging feeling that her mom wouldn’t understand any of the stuff she was going through. After all, it had been forever since her mom had gone to school, and things were so different now. There it was! That was the struggle! she thought. Who can possibly get what we go through? It’s too big, too messed up, too hard! she found herself saying a little too loudly this time.

There was a pounding on her door, and Sam knew it could only be Alex because he was never quiet about anything. What do you want, Alex?

Silence.

Oh, so he’s going to play that game, Sam thought. He always has to shake everything up a little just to get attention, and he gets it, too. Fine. Come in, Alex.

Alex came in, stared at his sister, and then said…too loudly, How did you know it was me?

Oh, I can’t imagine, Alex, how I’d know since you’re the loudest, door-slamming weirdo in Connecticut.

I’ll let that pass this time. But remember what Mom said about name-calling. I think you better think a little bit more about that. I’m missing a turtle, have you seen him? He has to be somewhere in this room. Bet you saw him but weren’t going to tell me. Where is he?

Are you even kidding me, you little creep! You were in here earlier and got all your turtles. So, don’t give me that.

Alex grinned.

What are you grinning about? There isn’t another one missing…is there? Tell me! she said frantically.

Gotcha! he shouted and left the room, slamming her door.

Sam opened the door, leaned around the corner, and said, You’re such a little weasel, and it’s not funny. You just wait…I’ll get you back! You’ll be looking over your shoulder for the rest of your life!

Oh, just chill. What would life be without me around to bug you? And Sam, you better work on the name-calling.

Once again, he got the last word. Actually, this was something that irritated the whole family. Sam realized her little brother wanted a lot of attention, and he certainly got it. And just when you thought you had him figured out, he would pull some kind of drama…to throw everyone off.

Sam shook her head and tried to think of some way to get back at him. But that’s for another time…I’ll get him back! she thought. She decided not to tell her mother about it because then Alex would tell Vicky about the name-calling.

So, she went downstairs with homework in hand, hoping to let go of this sad stuff long enough to enjoy dinner. Her dad had just gotten home from work, and Alex came bounding down the stairs for dinner. John, her older brother, wasn’t home from hockey practice.

Shawn said the blessing, and everyone began to pass the food around. Samantha, have you heard anything from Amy today? Vicky asked as she handed her the potatoes. "I know you two text all the time, but has she been able to talk with you about what’s going on with her family?

Um…I kind of thought I’d give her some space, Sam stammered. She didn’t want to get into why she hadn’t texted Amy.

Okay, honey, I was just wondering, Vicky continued. I saw her Mom at the grocery store and wanted to say hi, but she was talking to someone else. She looked so sad, and I want to help if I can. I’ll give her a call later. I hope you know you can talk to me anytime about what’s going on. I don’t want you to feel alone in this, as I know it affects your friendship with Amy, and that has to be hard for you. Is there anything you want to ask about their situation?

Thanks, Mom, I appreciate that. But no, I don’t think so, Sam whispered.

Alex turned to his father and asked, Dad, can you take me to practice after dinner? We need an extra practice tonight before the game this Saturday.

Sure, Alex, he answered.

Shawn had instilled into his children’s lives that family table at dinner time was very important, even though sports could interrupt it. However, he always looked forward to being involved in the kids’ sports. It was a highlight in his life. But it was also hard, at times, to fit it all in.

After the dinner dishes were cleared away and Sam had filled the dishwasher, she gathered the math homework to work on with her mom. She realized she honestly didn’t have the energy to talk to her mom tonight about Amy or her parents’ situation. She also didn’t want her mom to know how much of this had to do with her feeling so alone and troubled. It might come out sounding like she was more concerned with herself than her best friend. She thought, Sometimes parents are easy to talk to and sometimes not. That was part of what she was struggling with in her bedroom an hour ago. When is it the right time to talk about stuff, and who do I let all my feelings out to? She shoved her thoughts down once again. This is definitely not the time, she finally thought. She was too tired and wanted to forget about it until tomorrow.

Her Mom was a great help with her math homework, so Sam felt a little better as she headed back up to her room to finish the reading for English class. Samantha loved her bedroom, as she and her Mom had planned it, shopped for some cool things, and then decorated it together. It was one of the highlights of last summer. Her bedroom was her safe place, and she loved the fun things they had bought to make it her own. She looked around and felt like it was a cozy room, with some of her stuffed animals left over from when she was little, keeping a bit of the past. She had done a collage of a lot of pictures of her friends and family that she put up on the wall. She was constantly adding to it. The collage was framed with little white lights that she loved to turn on when she climbed into bed at night. There were also some new things she had picked up at Home Goods that were more interesting and creative. It definitely felt like it was her taste and style and a lot more grown up than it had previously been. And since she spent so much time in her room, she wanted it to be interesting, cozy, and trendy.

She also glanced at the blanket draped over the chair that her grandmother, Charlotte, had made her. Another added piece of coziness, she thought to herself. Samantha thought about her mom’s mom, Charlotte, with a smile. She adored her grandmother and felt like she was Sam’s biggest fan. What would she do without her grandmother? The kids called her ‘Gram’ and were very close to her as they had grown up with her around a lot.

Sam was thinking once again, but more on a positive note this time, because her time with her family at dinner had been nice, and her mom’s help with her math had gone well. I have a lot to be thankful for, she murmured. So, why do I get like this? Why am I so up and down and lost in my thoughts that never seem to help? It’s just plain dumb! I need to be grateful all the time for what I have, and yet, I go down this path of negative thinking and self-doubt. She also felt that she was sad a lot of the time and didn’t know the reason for that either. I seem to be okay one minute and then not the next, as if I go down some dark hole all of a sudden, she thought. She had to figure it out because this was not a good place to be in.

After finishing her homework, Sam was lying on her bed with fluffy pillows everywhere. She started to think about where she could get some answers to her many and sometimes deep questions. Sometimes, she even thought there was something wrong with her because her moods could change so quickly over nothing. As she was deep in these thoughts, she heard a knock at the door, and her mom peeked in.

Samantha, I sort of sense that you’re troubled about something. And though you may not be ready to talk about it right now…which is fine…I just want you to know that I’m here for you. I just thought I’d come up and give you a little encouragement. Would it be okay if I come in and we have a little chat?

Sure, Mom.

All I wanted to say, honey, is if you’re stressed out about anything, remember you can talk to God about whatever it is…any time.

Sam looked down at her hands and hesitated because she simply didn’t know what to say. Finally, she asked Vicky, How does that work, Mom? Like, to talk to God? After all, He’s God, and why would He want to talk to any of us? Besides, there are billions of people He has to deal with, so how can He be talking to all of us, which is the reason I don’t want to bother Him.

Those are all good questions that many of us have asked ourselves, too, Samantha. God loves all His children. The Bible says that we are all created in His image. He doesn’t need to have a relationship with the people on earth, but He wants to.

But Mom, if that’s true, how are we able to talk to God? That seems impossible and rather silly to be bothering God with our stuff.

"I know, honey, that’s what I thought too, but it’s true because…he said so. It’s complicated for sure, but God loves us so much that He wants to have a personal relationship with every one of us. After all, He’s called ‘The Father,’ and when we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we start with ‘Our Father.’ If He’s our Father, then we are part of His family.

While Jesus walked on the earth, He taught the people and the disciples how to pray to His Heavenly Father. That’s what we refer to as the ‘Lord’s Prayer.’ Jesus knew the strength and deep meaning of starting a prayer off in such a personal way.

I never thought of it that way, pondered Samantha out loud. But, she continued, that’s for the Lord’s Prayer, but, like, what about the other times we want to pray or…talk to God?

Well… Vicky hesitated, knowing that this was a rather important conversation to be having with her teenage daughter, and she wanted to get it right. Since God loves us, He wants us to talk to Him, but then He also wants to talk to us and help us understand the things we don’t get. And it happens in a mysterious way…this talking to our Father in heaven. We feel free to say the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ to the Father, but we all hesitate to go beyond that. And why do you think that is?

Sam was wondering what the right answer was to her mom’s question. She was quiet as she thought about how to answer. Um…I guess because the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ is known by most of us by heart, and we say it all the time, but other kinds of praying…we don’t know about. And besides, I think that it would be totally annoying to God talking to Him about my stupid little problems when He has the whole world to run.

Well, honey, smiled Vicky, I think you just answered for most of us. It’s how most of us feel. But God doesn’t feel that way. God loves when we talk to Him. Even if it was twenty-four hours a day, He would welcome it. Don’t forget, He knows your thoughts anyway. As I said, it’s a mystery. And you have to remember how much He loves you and what concerns you concerns Him. So there’s never a time or a reason not to talk to the Father, especially if you don’t feel comfortable talking to your dad or me. Believe me, we get that. We were the same way with our parents. But that’s the wonder of it, Samantha, that you can have a personal conversation with the Lord that’s just between you and Him. You may not hear a direct response from Him, but He sees and hears you, and He knows your needs before you ask.

Okay, Mom, that’s really helpful. I know Kelly mentioned something to me about talking directly to God.

Oh, and did you know? Vicky interjected. God has a telephone number.

What? He does? No, you’re just teasing me, Mom!

"Well, sort of…but there is one verse in the Bible that I love and take to heart from Jeremiah 33:3 that says, ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’"

What does unsearchable mean?

Well, I think that would mean hidden or mysterious things. And God knows all that is known and unknown, seen and unseen, understood and not understood. He knows all things. So, if God sees you and knows you and knows all things, then He’s the One to talk to. It seems complicated because there’s not a lot of teaching about it. But after all, we’re His children, and He wants to talk to us, help us, and comfort us. That’s what a parent does. So, honey, whatever’s bothering you, I would say it’s as simple as saying, ‘God, can we talk?’

Silence, as Samantha thought about what her mom had just said.

Okay, Mom, that’s totally cool. Thanks for making it easier for me because I didn’t know how to bring it up. Now I feel like I want to talk to God.

All right, sweetheart, and just remember to be totally honest with Him, whatever you’re feeling. Oh, and Sam, that question you asked about how can God hear everyone talking to Him at the same time?

Yeah, Mom, what about that?

Another mystery, honey. Vicky winked. But the best answer I can give you is…He’s God.

* * * * *

Later on, Sam was thirsty after all her own deep thinking and the conversation she had with her mom, so she decided to go downstairs to get something to drink. She was staring into the refrigerator when suddenly the back door burst open, and in walked her older brother, John. He’d been at hockey practice and stood in the doorway looking tired and angry, which was rare for him.

John was a junior in high school. He, too, was tall with dark hair. He had an even disposition but, at times, could get angry over minor things. He had lots of friends and was always active in various school activities and sports, but hockey was his favorite.

Vicky walked into the kitchen, saw her son, and asked, Hi, John, how was practice? which was Vicky’s typical question when he came home.

Lousy! John said, looking rather defeated. And please, Mom, I really don’t want to talk about it!

Okay, Vicky replied. Your dinner is in the oven warming up, so I’ll put it on the table after your shower. That might make you feel better.

Nothing’s going to make me feel better, not after that practice!

John stomped out of the kitchen and went upstairs. Sam rarely saw her brother act that way, but somehow, it was happening more often these days since he started hockey season. He loved the game, but something was wrong, and Sam was determined to find out from her big brother…at the right time, of course.

John was two years older than Samantha. She looked up to him and found him to have a fascinating personality…very much unlike Sam’s personality, which was shy, passive, and rather boring…she felt. They had a good brother-sister relationship and rarely fought. He definitely watched out for her at school, which helped her with her intense dislike of school. She looked to him for advice about a lot of things. And she loved going to his hockey games.

Sam went upstairs to see if she could ask John about what was wrong. She knew he was finished in the bathroom when she heard his bedroom door slam. Maybe this wasn’t the time to talk to him, as he still hadn’t cooled off. So she went back to her room. Samantha pondered all this and thought, It’s times like this that I need someone to talk to, who might understand what I’m going through. John talks to me, but only about my stuff, and doesn’t really talk about what’s going on with him. That’s not fair. I let him into my world of frustrations, but he doesn’t let me into his!

Then she was reminded about something her older sister, Kelly, had told her. She said that guys don’t always open up about things. They tend to keep things to themselves. Sam remembered that it bugged her, so she asked her sister about it. Kelly sat down with Sam and tried to help her understand a little more about boys.

Kelly was the oldest of the four Peterson children. At twenty years old, she was a sophomore at the University of Connecticut. She looked very much like her father—with wavy brown hair— and had the same easy-going disposition. Kelly was an interesting and, at times, quite a serious girl, but overall, she and Sam did well together, maybe because they were five years apart. So when Sam needed some girl talk or help, she would talk to her sister and ask for her advice. She figured Kelly had been there, done that.

Sam reflected on a conversation with her sister, One thing that is emotionally healthier about girls is that we talk about our problems, Kelly stated emphatically. I mean, we tend to over-talk our issues and obsess about them. Sometimes that’s not good either. But guys don’t often want to talk about what’s bothering them. Frankly, it’s annoying. Remember when I was going with Brad last year? That was one of the things that caused us to break up.

Yes, I remember you saying that, Sam recalled. It was very frustrating for you. Did you ever talk to him about it?

I brought it up many times, and every time, his answer was the same, ‘I don’t want to talk about it now…maybe another time…just not now. Besides, it’s not a big deal.’

But I knew it was a big deal, and I wanted to help him through whatever was bothering him, or at least let him vent.

She and Kelly had gotten interrupted in their discussion by one of Kelly’s friends texting her, so there was nothing more that Sam learned about it. She hoped that wasn’t what was happening with John and that he would open up about what was going on with hockey. Sometimes, big brothers don’t want to talk to little sisters, she thought sarcastically. What could we possibly know? Maybe it’s not about hockey. Maybe it’s something else. I just wish I knew.

* * * * *

The following day, while in the kitchen baking banana bread, her mom said, Sam, I think you’ll be happy to know that Kelly is coming home for the weekend for a short break.

Really? That’s great. I can’t wait!

But then, a sad look passed over her face, and Vicky noticed it. What’s the matter, Samantha? I thought you’d be excited to have your big sister home.

I am, Mom, but… And she got quiet again.

But what?

Sighing, Sam answered, The only thing is…well, she’s always…so busy with her friends when she comes home from school. Sometimes too busy for me.

Honey, I know. That has to be hard. I know you want to spend time with her, and I’m sure she wants to spend time with you, too. When kids come home from college, there can be a lot of people pulling at you to get together. It will be the same for you when you go to college. And when you come home to visit, your little brother will want your time too, but you’ll be catching up with friends and won’t have time for him.

Well, since I’m not going to college, that won’t be a problem! she insisted.

Her mom let that comment go by, thinking, She’s still too young to even consider going away. Note to self…leave that subject alone for a while.

* * * * *

Samantha stretched out on her bed and looked out the window as the morning sun warmed her face. It looked like it was going to be a nice day. Part of what made it nice was that it was Saturday, her favorite day of the week. Her dad, Shawn, would be home, which meant some fun spending time with him. It also meant the family would be together for their traditional Saturday breakfast of pancakes. She loved her dad very much and was grateful that he was her father. He was also easy to talk to, like her mom, but in a different way.

She was feeling very lazy this morning and realized that she had a good family life. Not like her friend, Amy. Amy was probably waking up this morning feeling very sad, which then made Sam feel sad for her. What must that be like? she asked herself out loud. I can’t imagine going through this life, especially at my age, with my parents breaking up. And also not knowing about the future. This life is tough enough. Just the drama at school, issues with friends, and feeling anxiety about grades and the classes I have is enough for me to deal with. But to have to worry about going home to a family that was in trouble would be more than I could handle.

Maybe I’ll text Amy and see if we can meet at the ice cream shop, she thought.

As she lay there, thinking, Sam decided to take her mom’s advice and ask God a question. Though feeling awkward, she finally asked, God, can we talk? This felt a little strange to her, but how else was she going to learn or know if God was listening if she didn’t try it?

Here’s the thing…I don’t understand, um…why my friend has to go through this. I thought that families were always supposed to stay together. I know You made marriage and so…umm…I thought You would always keep a husband and wife together. So, how come the Ramseys want to separate, especially when it’s causing their kids so much unhappiness? Don’t kids come first?

Samantha was beginning to feel a little less weird talking to God, so she continued, Amy said that her mother was very unhappy and wanted her father to move out. How can that be? Can’t You fix this? If they are Your kids too, why can’t You help them stay together and make her mom happy again?

Samantha started to feel awkward about asking God too many questions, so she thought maybe she should stop and wait for an answer. She sat on her bed with her feet dangling over the edge, nervously pulling her hair into a ponytail. It was very quiet. God, why aren’t You answering me? she whispered. Still nothing. Her mom had assured her that God was always listening and, though answers didn’t always come right away, they would come. Vicky also told her that when we ask, seek, and knock, God sees us, hears us, and knows we are looking for His advice and His comfort and that He would be faithful to answer. Not always in our timing or in the way we think He would answer.

She decided to sit very quietly for a little longer before going downstairs. It was at that moment that something popped into her head.

Your Heavenly Father is here with you.

Wait. What? Where did that thought come from? she asked herself. Is that me, or was that You…God?

Sam was stunned. She looked around her room to see if someone was talking to her. There’s no one, she thought. How is it then that I feel like someone just talked to me?

Before Kelly left for college, she told Samantha that when we pray or want to talk to God about something, God will speak to our inner being. Kelly said that it was kind of this sweet mystery that you felt as if God was talking to you, even though you couldn’t hear Him. So, Sam decided to be still and let the thoughts continue, and maybe she would hear some more.

She asked, God…was that You?

Silence.

She couldn’t believe that thought had come from her. It must have been God speaking to me, but I didn’t hear a voice, she thought. Wait, that must be what Kelly meant by a still, small voice inside us? Whoa, that is totally cool!

She knew that this was a big moment, and she didn’t want to lose the feeling of peace mixed with joy, a little fear, and uncertainty, but mostly joy.

Her cell phone was buzzing like crazy, but she wasn’t about to interrupt what she was experiencing, so she muted it. She was a little surprised that she didn’t even look to see who it was.

She continued with her thoughts, but I want to have that feeling again, so maybe that’s what it means to talk to God. There weren’t words she could think of to describe what had just happened in her bedroom. She doubted…then she believed…then she doubted again. But the feeling she had was real and very calming. She felt a kind of peace and didn’t want it to stop. But she also knew this was something that was incredibly amazing, life-changing even, and she wanted to experience it again. She realized that even if she didn’t hear back from God each time, she would still talk to Him as much as she could because of the feeling she had inside. It was like nothing she’d ever experienced.

She was reminded of what her mother had said the night before…that we don’t always hear from God, at least what we think it means to hear from Him, but that He always speaks. Samantha knew she was going to treasure this experience in her heart forever, but she wasn’t sure she was going to share it with anyone, at least not yet.

Oh, thank You, thank You, God. I think that was from You, and I’m so grateful, she said, looking upward.

Samantha jumped off her bed full of energy, put on her jeans, the sweatshirt she had gotten at camp, sneakers, and took her hair out of the ponytail. She looked in the mirror with a smile and said out loud, Okay, gotta say you look pretty darn cute, Samantha Peterson…go figure, and went downstairs for breakfast. This is going to be a really good day, she thought.

CHAPTER 2

Sam and Alex Discuss

How to Talk to God

It was a sunny Thursday afternoon in October. It had been raining several days on end this fall season so far. But today, everyone was more upbeat with the sun out. Vicky had spent the morning working at the Bridgeport Rescue Mission doing some accounting work. Shawn was at work. Tug, the Petersons’ five-year-old white Labrador, was holding down the fort, waiting for Alex and Samantha to come home from school. It was his favorite time of the day when he could get some real loving.

As Alex and Samantha walked into the kitchen, they saw that their Mom had started dinner. Vicky greeted each of the kids with a hug and, of course, asked how their day was. She usually got a grunt from Alex and a few words from Sam. Vicky noticed that her usually energetic son was kind of quiet and asked Alex if everything was all right.

Yeah, Mom. It’s good, I guess.

That doesn’t sound like you. Did something happen at school? Vicky asked.

Do you mean with the teachers, the snobby kids, and of course the basic jerks, the dumb homework, the weird girls…you mean any of those things? he groaned.

Oh, Alex. That was pretty funny, actually, added his sister. Am I one of those weird girls?

Um, give me a minute, and I’ll give you an answer. Let’s see…Sam is weird. No, she’s not…yes she is…no, she’s not. Okay, the vote is in… you’re not weird. Strange, yes…weird, no.

Very funny. Always the comedian, said Sam.

Well, interjected his mother, that was a clear answer to my question, Alex.

Yeah, I know, Mom. Let it be said that I’m articulate. Note the big word…and at the same time, I am witty. But if you asked Sam the same question, you’d be here until tomorrow night with her answer. Right, Squirt?

Hey, only John is allowed to call me Squirt…not you. You don’t get that privilege. It’s the name he gave me. You’d have to come up with your own name for me. No! I take that back, Samantha snickered.

Oh, let me at it. I could spend the whole afternoon and evening coming up with a few good ones for you. I think I’ll do that instead of my homework.

Okay, you two. Now, can I get an answer to my question, Alex?

Umm…it’s okay, Mom. I’m fine…just the typical, everyday…teenage…I hate school…junk.

Alex walked over to the refrigerator and planned on emptying it as best he could. He was always hungry and preferred unhealthy snacks, which his mother did not accommodate him with, much to his disdain.

Sam, I fixed your shorts that you wear for tennis. So, you’ll have them for tomorrow’s practice. And I talked to Julia’s mom about taking you girls to the mall this weekend. I know you both have the school dance coming up, so we thought we would take you out dress shopping. How does that sound?

That sounds great, Mom. Oh, and Julia and I want to treat you and Mrs. Wilson to lunch.

Oh, honey, as sweet as that is and generous…you save your money. When you’re rolling in dough, then you girls can take us out for lunch.

Oh, gag, laughed Alex. Now I really have to go to my room. The air is a little too thick in here, and it’s not from Mom burning anything. Way to go, Sam…how to get on Mom’s good side. He picked up his books, gave Tug a pat, and left the kitchen.

You got to admit, Mom, he’s a funny kid. I would hate to look inside that mind of his and see what’s really going on.

Vicky smiled with no response.

What are we having for dinner? Samantha asked.

Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans…pretty boring. But you all seem to like my meatloaf, so I keep serving what works. And I won’t burn it, she laughed. I did make an apple pie before you got home.

Sweet!

Yes, hopefully, it will be sweet, her mother smiled. So, how did you do with your math teacher today after struggling so much with your homework last night? Were you able to talk to him?

No, Sam sighed. I made an appointment with him for Friday afternoon to go over some of the stuff I don’t understand. But seriously, Mom, like, he’s so hard to talk to! And he looks over my head when he’s talking to me, even if there’s nobody else in the room. What’s up with that? Most of the kids are getting bad grades in his class. It kind of makes you wonder if it’s him.

Give it a little more time, honey, and if this doesn’t go well Friday with him, you might go to the academic counselor and talk to her. Mrs. Sharpe is really easy to talk to. You certainly know that from past conversations you’ve had with her. Right?

Okay, that makes sense. And yes, she’s a good egg.

Sam gathered up her books, grabbed a seltzer from the refrigerator, and headed upstairs with Tug.

Samantha, remember…don’t let Tug up on your bed, please.

I know, Mom. Did you hear that, Tug? No dogs jumping on my bed.

* * * * *

Sam spent the first half hour looking at her texts and answered the ones she wanted to. The others she would do later. She put her phone down and started on her World History homework, which was her favorite course this year. She was dreading doing her Algebra and Spanish homework, so that was going to have to wait.

But at least I don’t have that much homework tonight, she thought. I’ll have to ask the Lord to help me with those subjects for sure. Thank You, God, that You’re always there for me. Thank You for helping me with school, especially when I don’t…You know…want to go to school. But at least knowing that I can talk to You anytime about this and how to help me with my tough subjects. I guess we’ll have to have a long talk about me and school…huh? But it will be okay because You’ll help me get through it. You rule, God.

An hour later, there was a knock on her door, and Alex entered before Sam could say to come in. Alex was not off to a good start with his sister.

Sorryyy, Sam. I know I’m supposed to wait until you give me permission to enter your room, but I need to talk to you.

Okay. I sort of got the idea you weren’t doing so hot when we were downstairs. You sure covered it up well. What’s up?

Well, you know Mom…like, she not only has eyes in the back of her head but she’s got an antenna that if there’s anything wrong with us kids, she’s on it. But this time, I didn’t really want to talk to her about it. So, can we keep it here? And that means you too, Tug…no blabbing to Vicky and Shawn.

He gave Tug a few strokes and then sat on Sam’s other twin bed. Alex started to invite his dog up on the bed, and Sam stopped him.

Sorry, Tug, but Mom says you can’t be on our beds, even though you’re the best dog in the whole world. Aren’t you, boy? Tug wagged his tail and laid down on her rug.

Okay, Alex, what’s on your mind?

Promise you won’t laugh?

You actually asked that question? Sam snickered. The kid in this family who’s always making all of us laugh asks me not to laugh? Okay, then I won’t. I promise.

Umm…how to start? So, it’s like this. I know that you…oh, man, this is tough to get out my mouth…but you kind of let it slip that you started to talk to God. Okay, I got it out. So far, so good. You’re not laughing. When you said you talked to God, I always kind of thought that was a little weird. Even though you and Kelly talk about how amazing it is. And John doesn’t say much about anything to me about stuff like that. So…like, I wanted to hear from you why you talk to God and what it’s like. I mean…umm…I got this stuff that I’m dealing with that I want to talk to God about. Because like He…God…gets me. I know that’s pretty funny coming from me, right? And we’ve talked about it at camp and youth group, but, like, I just want to hear an experience…that maybe you had. Does that make sense?

Wow, Alex. Way to go. Got to say, it’s my favorite subject to talk about. But if you’re serious that you want to understand it…I’ll tell you. But if you’re going to make fun of me about talking to God, then I won’t tell you.

No, Sam. This time, I’m serious, and I won’t joke about it with anyone. Don’t think that it would be too cool to make fun of talking about God or talking to God. Yeah…no. I’m serious. ‘Cuz I want to be able to talk to Him, too…like you.

Sam hesitated as she thought of how to start. She knew this was an important moment and whispered under her breath, Please help me, Lord.

"So, there was this one day when I was really struggling about a bunch of stuff. But mostly, I didn’t understand what Amy was going through with her parent’s separation. Like, she’s one of my best friends, and I didn’t know how to help her. I even found myself staying away from her or even texting her. I didn’t know what to say to make it better. She was always so sad in school, and I just felt like I didn’t know what to do. I was so confused about it all and even pulled away a little. Not cool.

Believe me, Alex, I so struggled getting this…talking to God thing…started. But I remembered something Kelly said…that it was as simple as saying, ‘God, can we talk?’ I’ve learned a lot since then, and now I talk to the Father all the time. It really is the coolest thing ever…trust me. I actually said, ‘God, can we talk? I really don’t get this thing called life.’ I was being totally honest. It was just that simple.

Okay, so you said that to God? ‘Can we talk?’ And then what happened?

That was the hardest part at first…getting started. I didn’t hear anything after I finished talking to God about Amy. It’s hard to explain. I know He knows everything, but I had to tell Him the whole story of why I was upset about my best friend. I asked Him why the Ramseys were separated…that didn’t seem right, and could He please fix it?

Did He…answer you?

No.

No?

"No. So, Alex, here’s the thing that I learned, though. We can talk to God anytime about anything or anyone. Like, we don’t always hear or get an answer right away, but He always hears us! Do you remember the conversation we had at dinner one night…that the Holy Spirit is in us and with us twenty-four-seven? When we invite Jesus into our heart, the Holy Spirit comes and lives in us. Like seriously, He’s always with us. And believe me, I’ve learned from camp and