Refer to wheel…

What kinds of ways are there to "hear from God"? Are those the only ways? How do you know it’s God talking? How do we clarify the message we’re receiving? What about the world of the Bible… how does God speak to people there?

Revisit ministry.

[Display of comic books, movie cliffhangers, and adventure novels.]

Initial Impressions of Ch. 4?

pp. 35-36 We are constantly, every moment of our lives trying to make sense out of our experiences… ‘Experience, no matter how accurately understood, can never furnish its own interpretation.’" Do you agree? Why or why not?

"Think of the people who most influenced you as a child. How did they ‘make sense’ of life? Specifically, what did they teach you about the Arrows, the Romance, and what to do with your own heart?"… "Many of us heard, ‘Listen to what I say, not what I do.’ But we do quite the opposite. Think about the way your parents lived, and you will discover what they taught you." (W 53)

"Using your mother, your father, [or] another key person in your life… who did they handle their own Arrows?… What did that teach you? And what did they tell you to do with your Arrows?" (W 53-54)

"Carl Jung said that there is no stronger psychological influence on a child than the ‘unlived life of the parent.’ How did … your parents handle the longings we all have for the Romance? Was laughter common in your home? Was adventure encouraged? Did they live their dreams? Abandon them? Or were things focused on the practical, on surviving? And what did they tell you to do with your search for the Romance?" (W 45)

"Whose approach to life do you feel you adopted? Or was no one there at all to help you interpret your experiences?… If that was true for you… how has that shaped you?" (W 55)

"If your life could become a great story, if you could live in one of your favorite movies, which would you choose? Why?" (W 56)

"How close to your present life does that movie feel? Do you think you’ll ever get there? Is there another movie your life does feel like?" (W 57)

Many people watch, listen, or read the news regularly. If you do, summarize what types of stories are typically covered. How do you feel when you finish with the news? (paraphrased W 57)

Using the three elements of character (or role), plot, and setting, think about your life for a few moments. Put some words to how you see yourself and your situation. (paraphrased W 59)

What role are you playing? Victim? Survivor? Bit player? Star?

Read Buechner quote (W 63)

"Think of your favorite fairy tales [or fantasy/adventure stories]. Is there danger? Is evil given a role? Is there a hero or heroine? Does good triumph in the end? Can you see there the themes of the gospel?" (W 63)