Though my time at Saddleback has been short, it has been a sight, as I sit here taking in the view on this road God is leading me down.
In junior high I had committed myself to Christ, but in high school, church had become so dull to me. I felt like I had no connection with God, and church turned into a place where I forced myself to go every Sunday just to please my Mom. I showed up, painted a smile on my face, pretending to pray; while my mind was engulfed in thoughts that focused on gaining sleep I had been losing. Eventually, we left the church for numerous reasons.
The first time I attended Saddleback was on Christmas Eve. My Mom had been looking for churches throughout Orange County and decided to check out what Saddleback had to offer. The service was more than we expected, with uplifting music and a great sermon. My Mom knew that she wanted to go back.
Though, at the beginning of the year I felt something missing in my life. A sudden urge to go to church haunted the depths of my mind. I was opposed to regularly going to a church, for I thought I would be wasting my time walking in circles at a place I would end up dreading. I tried to head into other directions to fulfill this deep urge and sense of belonging. But like a butterfly facing a strongwind, it was inevitable that I would lose, and God’s strong wind would take me where He wanted me to be. I convinced myself that it wouldn’t be so bad anddecided to try it with an open heart and mind.
My Mom and I started to attend regular services and enjoyed it. One Sunday, as Pastor Rick was giving a sermon, he mentioned something about auditioning for the band. Right then, my Mom kneed me, and I felt as if I could read her thoughts. That afternoon I went to my friend’s house and told her about everything. Though she didn’t know much about Saddleback, she knew that one of her friends was in the band. To make a long story short she talked to him, and for the first time I went to the youth group, not even knowing there was a youth group. My heart was beating out of my chest and I was on my toes meeting new people, trying to remember what name went with what face. Though I felt nervous at first, I later found out I didn’t need to be. That day I crossed a line of change, and re-ignited an electric current in my veins for God’s love.
Since then, I’ve had an unforgettable experience, playing in the band, joining a small group, and meeting a bunch of great people. I’ve found that I’m walking down this road with my eyes closed and every day I grip God’s had a little bit more tightly. I can’t wait to see what else He has in store for me.
- Tori Skene | Northwood High School
Here is an article about one of our students Jonny Dolan.
"Even before high school, senior Johnny Dolan did not think of words such as “worship pastor” or “student minister” everyday. He was actually quite the opposite. But, at the beginning of his junior year at Beckman, his view of high school brightened, and he found that these words did interest him and would allow him to become more involved. Dolan is different from the average religious high school student. Dolan proudly expresses where religion all started for him, the importance of his club F.C.A. (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), and his plans for the future.
An active member in his church, especially the church’s band, Dolan is very heavily involved and dedicated. His religious fascination started out as just a small part of his life, but now, it has expanded to further horizons and all for one reason, he revealed, “Probably because I love Jesus, that’s where it’s all at.” He leads by example, giving hope to his friends and others when they are down. He tries to invest in people’s lives and share his beliefs with others. “If they come to me with a problem, I’m always there for them,” Dolan explained.
F.C.A., Dolan’s current club, is a Christian club, where members come together every other Thursday at lunch in the Commons. Dolan decided to use his energy and do more by taking on a leadership role. F.C.A. invites guest speakers to come on campus and discuss how Jesus and their faith, in general, has helped them to overcome certain obstacles. The most admirable part of the club is that they do not discriminate against what religion students practice or whether or not students are athletes, despite being called the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. “Everyone is welcome” is openly spoken during every meeting.
Dolan has a set future. Along with his passion for religion, he also has a passion for music, and he knows both aspects will be a part of his future. Dolan can play various musical instruments, including the guitar. His plans are to study music in Australia for two years, and then, afterwards, he will most likely end up becoming a worship pastor at a church here in Southern California.
“What set me back the most is probably who I chose to hang out with, so pick your friends wisely, because they’ll influence you tremendously,” he advised. Johnny Dolan has not only made an impact on the Beckman campus, but he continues to make an impact on everyone that he meets. His preachings are not just religious; they defy all limitations and, instead, dare Patriots to embrace the world's common humanity. His religious and moral conviction and down-to-earth personality sets the appreciated Patriot apart from the rest of the crowd."
Source: The Beckman Chronicle
“My children, we should love others not only with words and talk, but by our actions and true caring.”
1 John 3:16
It’s hard to be kind to everyone. We sometimes forget that God wants us to spread His love, not just by quoting scripture and going to church every Sunday, but by showing people that we have God’s love in us. What’s the use of memorizing scripture if you’re not going to share it with others who don’t know about Jesus? God wants us to share what He gave us, not hide it away! We need to remember that God wants us to not only talk the talk, we also have to walk the walk.
We sometimes forget how much love God has for us. God’s love is so deep, and so strong, it’s indescribable! Someone once said, “If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If God had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. He could live anywhere in the universe and he chose your heart.” God loves us so much, He gave His only son to save us. He’s proud of us too. No matter how much we mess up, no matter how many times we deny Him, He still loves us. He will forever love us. He will always stay by your side, no matter what happens. Life is so much easier with God by our side. He’s there to deal with the bad, and comfort us when we are having a bad day.
My family went on vacation white-water rafting down the American River. And thinking back, river rafting reminds me of life. God is our raft. He’s sturdy, strong, and protects us from hidden rocks we can’t see. Sure, we can go down the river without a raft, but it’s cold, lonely and you get a lot of scratches and bruises. You can’t go alone down the river, you need friends and family who trust that the raft will get them down the river safely too. Along the way, there are some rapids. Ones that are big, and some that are tiny. But the raft is always with us. Just like God is always with us on our journey down life. The raft is what we hold onto, and trust. But sometimes on rapids, we fall out. And we have to really keep our eyes on that raft, and swim against the hard current, pulling us away from the raft. And once we reach the raft, we need our friends and family on the raft to pull us back in. God wants to protect us, and have us stay inside the raft and be protected. He wants us to have a good time on the river of life, but doesn’t want us to do it alone!
People often forget how much they’re worth. They think that they aren’t worth the love of God. What they don’t know is that they are! Archbishop William Temple once said, “My worth is what I am worth to God, and that is a marvelous great deal, because Christ died for me.” Christ died for you! How amazing is that? What an amazing gift God gave us. He gave us eternal life, because we are worth it. when I read what William Temple wrote, I realized how special and important to God I am! God made us so unique and special, because He loves us so much!
By Kelsey Meyers - 9th Grade - Woodbridge High School