Probably one of the hardest things about being a Christian is gaining the courage to be openly sure about your Christianity. I've always thought about bringing my Bible to school just to read whenever there is spare time, but I still don't. Months ago someone saw my necklace with a nail on it. Like 5 people asked what it stood for and I told them the crucifixion of Jesus etc. Well, at one point someone said, "Hey, there's writing on it." and I was like just out of instinct "It says John 3:16. It's a verse int he Bible. I can explain it if you don't know what it is?" Them: "You mean you read the Bible??" Me: "Um, yea...I'm Christian." Now I could feel embarrasment reach me. Them: "So you go to church too??" Me: "No..." Them: "Why not??" Me: "I dunno..." But I did know. My family like I said in other entries is the kind of carefree family that seems like we're all lost in this world but the truth is we are Christians. My mom says she's always wanted to go to church and yesterday I suggested praying before meals. I pray we will go to church some day soon, and that I can be in youth group and all that good stuff. Anyways, I still remember the looks they gave me. Days later, I still felt embarrassed. I shouldn't be though. Me being myself, it's obvious that I'm the type of person that struggles with my peers when it comes to my beliefs. That's why one of my favorite Christian quotes is, "You know you're on the right track when you're getting grief for your faith." I will never forget that because that quote and God's strength in general gave me the courage to bring my devotional book (God's Word for Simple Abundance) to school. I got the book for Easter and I love it. It makes me so proud to be a Christian. So, since it's testing at school (Terra Nova's) everyone acts weird during this time of year. Everyone's quiet. I can't wait til testing is over so I can pull out my devotional book in the middle of a group of people in a room where we can talk (cos we can't talk while testing is being done, duh) and I can't wait for someone to ask "What's the book about??" And I'll tell them. And when they give me that confused look that just screams "You're A Freak." I'll smile innocently and get back to reading my lovely book happily. I'm becoming Christian, I know I'm on the right track now. -Vanessa