Background: We are going through a series on the values of our church. In order to help us think about these values, our City Life Houston Starter Team will answer questions related to each specific value. Let’s see how they do!
Authenticity
Tell us something that you are working through in your faith right now?
Right now, I’m at the acceptance stage of my parents’ divorce and my father choosing his mistress (who is eight years older than me) over his entire family. I’m still deeply hurt, much more so my mother. I might always be hurt by this, but I have reached the point where I have become adjusted to the hard facts. I can’t go back to what life was back then, all I can do is move forward. Through the entire mess, I’ve had Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13 in mind, that God will never ask me to forgive anyone any more than He has already forgiven me. Forgiveness isn’t a one-and-done deal, it’s something we have to actively choose every day.
Generosity
When has someone’s generosity toward you or how you have been generous towards another changed how you see God?
During my first year as a brand-new nurse, I had a particularly tough shift on my med-surg unit, six patients, no nursing assistant, I don’t think I ate lunch that night either (I was working nights too). During shift change I cried because I was so tired and overwhelmed. A nurse named Melissa hugged me and gave me great words of encouragement, to believe in myself. I’ve been a nurse for twelve years and I’m determined to be a Melissa to other brand-new nurses and student nurses which is to be generous with encouragement and time (particularly listening).
Excellence
(2 parts) What is one verse that has inspired your walk with God this year? Now, write the shortest reflection and application you can possibly do with the verse stated above.
“…All things are possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23b
Reflection
In the passage with this verse, Jesus expels from a child a demon who is actively trying to kill him. The disciples cannot, but Jesus can. He explains later it can only be driven out by prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29).
Application
When we fast, we become super-focused on God and His Will.
Creativity
Write a paragraph using the words, City, Life, and Houston, but that makes no mention of the church.
The City of Houston is a culinary wonderland. You name it, you can find whatever foods you’d like in different varieties: French bread, tiramisu, chicken tikka masala, bubble tea, jollof rice, pad Thai, fried chicken, cupcakes, macarons, and more. In Houston, variety is the spice of life.
Diversity
(2 part Question) Given that we have a diverse church as well as a diverse writing team, what stands out to you most about being a part of this team? Why should someone read what we write compared to other Christian blogs?
Because we are a diverse church, of different races, cultures, upbringings, careers, and interests, we have a wide variety of perspectives. I’d promote Starter not just because of our cultural diversity, but our diversity in our commentary of Scriptures as it gives the reader something to savor and really think about and apply to their lives.
Boldness
I’m not afraid to answer these 6 questions…
1) What’s something about your faith you used to be embarrassed to admit, but aren’t anymore?
Oh dear, before I really knew Jesus, I thought a relationship with Him was transactional, that I either go to church or go to hell. When I gave my life to Jesus, I realized it wasn’t true, the truth is He loves me and wants a relationship with me, and this is true for everyone.
2) The one area of weakness in your writing?
I’m a woman of few words, written or spoken.
3) Your favorite pizza topping is…?
Sour patch kids (just kidding!)
Seriously, I like a bit of hot honey on mine with prosciutto, it’s a great mix of sweet and heat, salty and savory.
4) What was the last thing you watched on your TV before answering this question?
The last thing I watched on TV was a baking show with a Dr. Seuss theme (forgot the name, sorry!).
5) You write the best when…(place and time?)
I write best at home in the morning.
6) If you had to choose a place to live outside of Houston, where would it be? (Has to be within the U.S.)
I’d choose somewhere between North Carolina and Maine, where I can see the fall leaves change every year.
City Life Starter 
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