This blog is the webpage for our local Peculiar Treasures club. We meet monthly for book discussion (Robin Jones Gunn books), games, fellowship and time to grow together in our walk as "God Lovers" and "Peculiar Treasures" (Exodus 19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:)
As a service to others, I have decided to post our discussion questions for you to use. Look in the side bar for links to the questions. Check back each month as I will add books as we get to them. Just a warning, the questions include many spoilers if you haven't already read the books. So, if you don't want the story line spoiled for you, please read the books before you look at the questions!! I hope you find them helpful! Feel free to add any additional questions that you think of to our comment boxes.
Seventeen Wishes It’s summer, and that means the
beach and other adventures. And Christy Miller’s best friend, Katie, is always
full of ideas. They’ll be camp counselors! But when Katie can’t go, Christy is
bewildered and overwhelmed by her fifth-grade girls, who have boundless energy
for anything except what Christy wants them to do. Do they even hear a word she
says? Soon they’re playing matchmaker between Christy and Jaeson, a handsome
counselor...and he doesn’t seem to mind. When Christy’s seventeenth birthday
arrives later in the summer, just what will she be wishing for?
What was the jar for that sat on the shelf in the
guys’ apartment? Have you ever sponsored a child in another country? If
so, what are some things that you enjoy and have learned from that
experience? What country do/did your children live in?
Have you ever thought about having your own
apartment and how you would decorate it?
Christy thinks about the “invisible rope” that
connects her to her parents and how, the older she gets, the more rope
they let out and let her experience on her own. Do you ever feel like
that? Does the rope seem confining or comforting to you? Or both? What
kinds of rules do you have right now? How are they different from when you
were younger or what older siblings have?
Do you find it hard to fit in to a new group as
Christy did at the God Lovers meeting?
What rule did Christy almost break after the God
Lovers meeting? Why was she tempted to break the rule? Have you ever been
tempted to disobey a rule because it was awkward to go against the crowd?
How did Christy’s friends help her? How will true friends behave when you
try to do what’s right, even if it’s inconvenient?
Why was Christy concerned for Katie? Why do you
think Rick treated Katie as he did?
How did the guys seem similarto the different animals that they
gravitated toward?
Why do you think Todd seems to hold back in his
relationship with Christy at this point? Why doesn’t he treat her
romantically like Rick did? Why do you think Christy keeps wishing for
more instead of appreciating him as Katie suggests?
What does Todd mean when he says he won’t
deliberately arouse a desire in Christy to he can’t follow through on
honestly before God?
What surprise did Christy get about camp? How
would you have reacted to that surprise?
Christy’s
cabin girls responded positively to touch and positive attention. Christy
also responded to these things from Jaeson. What does this tell us about
the power of touch and attention? How can we use these for good? Can we sometimes give the wrong message with our touch or attention? How does this tie back into what Todd told Christy about why he takes things slow?
What
was the advise that Jessica gave to Christy about counseling her girls?
What was the most important thing she could remember? Did Christy find
this advice to be true?
Do you
think it was a good idea for Christy to try to have a camp romance with
someone she would only know for a week? Do you agree with Jaeson that no
one gets hurt if they both know it’s a game? What did Christy decided
about this in the end?
What
is Todd’s blessing? What does it mean to love God above all else? Do you
think you have that kind of love for God?
What
does Christy tell Sara about kisses? (p134)
Christy
felt that the ant attack was one of her worst experiences. Has anything
like that ever happened to you? What was one of your worst experiences?
Did anything good come from it?
What
did Dean Ferril suggest Christy do during her recovery time? Have you ever
used a time of illness to draw closer to God and to pray? Robin tells about
how she did this in a recent blog entry. http://www.robingunn.com/quiet-time/
What
did Dean Ferril say Christy had accomplished during this week? Do you ever
feel like you have failed at getting through to others about spiritual
matters?
What
did Christy learn about her dreams and God’s dreams for her? (p 154)
How
does Christy tell Sara how to accept Christ? Have you accepted Christ as
your Lord and Savior? Do you have any questions?
Robin,
Katie and Sara accepted Christ at camp. Do you remember where you were when
you accepted him as your Saviour? Who helped you to learn about salvation?
How can we teach others about Christ? How did Christy teach the girls? What
made the most influence in reaching her girls that week?
What was
your favorite/least favorite part of this book?
What lessons
did you learn from reading this book?
Ok. After a trial run at the new meeting schedule of 4th Mondays, it seems that is not going to work, so I have asked to have our meetings back on the 3rd Monday. So, our next meeting will be Sept 16th.
However, in October, instead of meeting at our usual time and place, we will be meeting at Great Skate Roller Rink on Oct 28th, which is the 4th Monday. Hopefully that will work for most.
Here is the schedule for the Fall:
Sept 16, 7-9 pm Starry Night
(Book 7 OR Christy Miller Volume 3: book 2)
Please turn in your Read a Thon pledge sheets and pledges at the September meeting!
Oct 28 6:30-8:30pm Great Skate Night ($5 entrance, $1 skate rental)
Nov 18,7-9pm : Seventeen Wishes
(Book 8 OR Christy Miller Vol 3: Book 3)
December Date and Time to Be Determined: Caroling Party
Starry Night It’s Christmastime, and Christy Miller has so much going on: family time, work, and maybe, just maybe, going to the Rose Bowl Parade with a bunch of friends. If only she could answer Uncle Bob’s tough questions. Todd’s buddy Doug gives her some insight, and she starts to appreciate him in a whole new way. Rick Doyle shows up again...but is he pursuing Christy or the cutest elf at the mall? Through it all, will Christy find someone special to count the stars with?
* What did you think about Jon asking Christy not to say Merry Christmas to the customers? What did you think of Christy's response? Do you think you would have been brave enough to do the same? What was the result of Christy standing up to Jon? How was that a witness to him?
*Why does Christy get so upset about her family's plans for Christmas and Katie being able to hang out with her friends without her? Christy has learned not to behave poorly when things don't go her way. How did she learn that? How does that help her in the end? How do you behave when your parents don't agree to your plans?
*Why does Christy want to talk to Rick? What did she accomplish with her talk? Do you think it is possible for boys and girls to be friends after they have dated? What helps or does not help that to happen?
* Doug says that Christy is irresistible to others because of her love of God. Why do you think he said that? Why does that make her irresistible? Do you think he is right about Rick's response to Christy? Think about the image you portray to others. Do they know you love God? Do you stand up for your beliefs even when others may give you a hard time, like Jon and Rick? How do you think that makes others feel about you?
*Christy wondered what it was that made her and Todd close but her and Doug just friends. What do you think the difference is?
*In a world that doesn't believe that abstinence only education is realistic, do you believe it is realistic that a guy would not kiss a girl until their wedding day? What do you think of this standard? How would it make you to feel if your boyfriend waited till your wedding day to kiss you? How do you think it would make you feel to know that your boyfriend never kissed anyone but you? What is Todd's standard for physical affection? Why do you think he set that standard? How were Todd's kisses different than Rick's?
*Have you thought about your standard for physical affection?
*Think about how Rick and Doug handled Christy's relationship with Todd. How were they different?
*Why do you think Rick was jealous of Todd?
*What do you think is happening with Rick and Katie? Why did Katie get upset about the talk about "virgin lips"?
*Todd said he was not afraid of anything in creation because he knew the creator. What did he mean by this?
*What did Todd mean when he said five of the surfers had laid down their weapons and surrendered to God?
*Why didn't Todd go the the competition after all his preperation? What did he say was the reason for going to Hawaii? What did he find more important: winning the competition or winning souls? What did you think of that? Have you ever been in a situation like that?
*Have you ever felt like God made a promise and then disappeared? What reminders does God give you to show that he is still there and will keep his promises? Do you find it hard sometimes to wait for God's timing? What promise was Todd having faith in? Why was it hard sometimes to trust in that promise?
*At the beginning of the book, Robin dedicates the book to Rich Mullins, Margaret Becker and Bryan Duncan, who all wrote songs that helped inspire this book. Listen to this song by Rich Mullins and relate it to what you read in the book.
1. What characteristics do you believe make a true friend?
2. What made Todd a true friend?
3. What made Katie a true friend?
4. Was Christy a good friend?
5. Do you want your friends to be as honest as Katie, even if what they say might be hard to hear?
6. Do you think you would do something like skiing, even if it wasn't your thing, for a friend?
7. Christy liked the quote from Constantine that says, "My Treasures are my friends." Do you agree?
8. Christy's youth group leader said, "Each of us is a missionary right where we are." How can you be a missionary where you are? What are some things you can do?
9. What did you think of Katie calling the ski trip a mission trip? How was it so?
10. What does it mean to be in the world but not of it?
11. Have you ever made a "hit list" of people to pray for and witness to? Think about who you might include.
12. Do you have trouble thinking of how to approach others with the Gospel like Christy did? Do you have suggestions to share with others?
13. Christy's youth leader had them thank God for something they never consciously thanked Him for. Can you think of something like that to thank Him for?
14. Have you ever been tempted to betray a friend just to fit in with the crowd?
15. How do you think you would have handled the situation with the girls on the ski trip?
16. Christy never specifically shared the Gospel with anyone in this book. Do you think she was a witness to anyone? How does the way we live our life speak to others about God?
17. What were your favorite and least favorite parts of the book?
18. What lessons did you learn from this book?
For our little gift exchange, I used this little story, adapted from one of Robin's books, to play a game. Whenever I would say left or right, the girls would have to pass the gift that they had in the appropriate direction. At the end of the story, they got to open the gift they were left with.
Christy’s birthday was RIGHT around the corner so she and
Katie LEFT Escondido and headed RIGHT up the road to Newport Beach. On the way they had a
discussion about why Katie’s parents thought it was RIGHT for her to be LEFT behind when
Christy went to work as a church camp counselor. Katie certainly didn’t think
it was RIGHT! Christy tried to console Katie as she took the RIGHT exit and
headed RIGHT toward Bob and Marti’s house. Katie looked RIGHT at her watch and realized
they had LEFT a little to early and there was time LEFT before they needed to
arrive. Instead of walking RIGHT into the house as they normally would do,
Katie pushed on the doorbell to the RIGHT of the door. Suddenly, someone snuck
up RIGHT behind Christy and pulled a pillowcase RIGHT over her head! They threw
her RIGHT into the back of a truck and turned LEFT out of the drive. Christy
could feel the truck turn LEFT around a corner and then anther LEFT and another
LEFT before it turned RIGHT again in the drive and pulled to a stop. Christy
could feel someone guiding her and she carefully placed her feet RIGHT, LEFT,
RIGHT, LEFT and tried not to fall. She felt someone at her LEFT side before
suddenly the pillow case was pulled RIGHT off her head again and RIGHT in front
of her stood a grinning Todd with a cake full of pink sugar roses all over it!
As Chisty looked to the LEFT and the RiGHT, she could see all her friends
gathered on the patio to celebrate her birthday. It was just RIGHT!
Due to scheduling conflicts at the church our summer schedule will be slightly different. Also, because we had to cancel last night's meeting due to the storms, we will adjust our reading schedule as well.
Dates for the summer:
June 24 7-9pm Heart Full of Hope
July 27 (Saturday): 11:30am-2:30pm Christy Miller's Birthday Party.
Details for the party are in the invitations that I will be mailing out. We will NOT be meeting at the church for the party.
Looks like we could have some bad weather tonight.
Due to the distance that some have to drive, if there is a severe
weather alert anytime after 6:30 tonight, we will cancel the meeting.
That would include Severe Thunderstorm and/or Tornado warnings or watches.
We don't want to have people out in hail or otherwise bad weather.
But, if it is just raining, and there no alerts, the meeting will still be on. Hope to see you all tonight!
Here is a list of books in chronological order. These books
can be read in three book volumes or single titles.
Christy Miller Series
Vol 1
Summer Promise
A Whisper and a Wish
Yours Forever
Vol 2
Surprise Endings
Island Dreamer
A Heart Full of Hope
Vol 3
True Friends
Starry Night
Seventeen Wishes
Vol 4
A Time to Cherish
Sweet Dreams
A Promise is Forever
Sierra Jensen Series
Vol 1
Only You, Sierra
In Your Dreams
Don’t You Wish
Vol 2
Close Your Eyes
Without a Doubt
With this Ring
Vol 3
Open Your Heart
{Read the first book
of Christy and Todd: The College Yearshere. Until Tomorrow)
Time will Tell
Now Picture This
Vol 4
Hold On Tight
Closer Than Ever
Take My Hand
Christy and Todd: The
College Years
(Read books 2&3 now)
As You Wish
I Promise
Katie Weldon Series
Peculiar Treasures
On A Whim
Coming Attractions
Finally and Forever Christy and Todd: The Married Years Forever With You
Stand Alone Books
Love Finds You in Sunset Beach
(Sierra)
Cottage By the Sea (Sierra has a cameo appearance)
Canary Island Song (Todd’s dad) *Actually takes place about
the same time as Finally and Forever and and probably best read before that book,
but this book does not need to be read to read Katie. Also coincides with Forever With You.
You might also want
to read
Departures
(Anytime after Christy Book 11)
and
Christy Miller’s Diary
(After the College Years & Katie books)
Several of the characters make appearances in the Glenbrooke series. The Sisterchick books also have familiar faces pop up. You never know who will show up in one of Robin's books!
Some of us were able to travel to Southwest Baptist University on April 29 to hear Robin speak. It was delightful to hear her tell her story of her dream that wouldn't go away. We were able to talk with Robin, get pictures and have her sign books.
What
happened on the trip to Hawaii?
Do you think Christy handled the situation well? What would you have done
in that situation? Does the fact that "it all worked out in the end" justify the lies that Paula told? How might her lies have affected other people?
Todd’s
dad said that his life would be full of bridges and each bridge would come
with a choice. He wanted Todd to always make his own decisions and then
follow through on them, not because others influenced or persuaded him to
make the choice. What were some of the “bridges” that any of the
characters had to “cross” in this book? What are some examples of
“bridges” that Todd allowed Christy to cross in this book or others in the
series, without trying to influence her decisions. Can you think of any
“bridges” in your life like this? Why is it important to make these
decisions ourselves?
Christy
and Paula are best friends, but their friendship has changed and come upon
some challenges since Christy moved away. Why is this? Have you ever grown
apart from a friend like this either through distance of different life
experiences? What was that like? Were you able to continue the friendship?
Christy
is eager for her friends to become Christians like she has. What did she
learn about trying to help others become Christians? What is the best
thing we can do for our friends as we wait for them to choose the free
gift of Salvation that Christ offers us?
What
lessons can we learn from the missionaries that never gave up in the face
of difficulties in Hawaii?
Christy
and Paula got to experience a lot of new things on this trip. They were
faced with new foods, traditions and challenges. How did they handle these
new adventures? Do you like to try new foods and go on adventures? What do
you think of Christy’s decision to always eat whatever it says over the
restaurant door.
Have
you ever thought about your future husband? Do you pray for him? Have you
ever written a letter to him? How are you preparing yourself to be the
best wedding gift for your husband? How do you think Christy’s letter
helps her in her relationships with guys?
Todd
tells Paula to hold out for a hero. What does he mean? What did Christy
and Paula learn about the best way to attract a guy? How does it affect
boys when we flirt and tease them with actions or dress? What does that
tell them?
As
Todd gazed at the lights of Molokai,he realized that the closer he got to
them the easier it would be to tell which one he wanted to end up at. He
used this analogy to help him in making a big decision. What did he mean
by this? Have you ever had a big decision that you needed more details and
clarity to decide on? What kinds of things might help you make those kinds
of decisions?
Do you believe in "God Things"? What are somethings that happened in this book that might have been "God Things"?
Who
did you relate to most in this book?
What
were your favorite and least favorite parts of this story?
What is the most important lesson that you learned from reading this book?
Please visit these sites, look over their information and prepare to vote on which ministry we will support this year.We will be voting on a ministry at our meeting Monday, so please choose one that you would like to vote for.
Blood Water Mission http://www.bloodwatermission.com/ (This is a ministry listed at the back of On a Whim, the book where Katie and Eli fund the African water projects.)
Compassion International http://www.compassion.com/default.htm
While the actual organization that the God Lovers sponsor children
through is not named, Compassion is a good one. We would not need to
sponsor a child, but could donate in other ways (provide birthday or
Christmas gifts for children or add to the unsponsored children's fund
for example)
Next meeting of the Peculiar Treasures Club will be :
February 18, 2013
We will be discussing
Island Dreamer
We are making posters featuring our favorite quotes from the books. You can make your poster with any kind of media, any size and using a quote from any of Robin's books.
Future Meetings:
March 18: We will discuss Praying For Your Future Husband by Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer
April 8: Skype meeting with author Robin Jones Gunn. No book assigned this month.
May 20: A Heart Full of Hope
June 24 (Date moved up due to FUEL trip): True Friends
July 27 (Saturday): 2nd Annual Christy Miller's Birthday Party. No book assigned this month.
1. What are some of the challenges that Christy faced in this book? Can you relate to any of them?
2. Todd memorized the 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians in this book. The chapter that describes what real love is. What are some examples of this kind of love that we saw portrayed in this book?
3, In a future book, Christy makes a statement that Todd is not as perfect as everyone thinks he is. Can you think of some examples of areas where Todd could improve in this book?
4. What are some areas that Christy needs work on? Did she show improvement by the end? How?
5. Discuss the incidents that happened on the ice cream date. Both Todd and Christy were presented with situations that could cause jealousy. How did they handle those situations? What does the "love chapter" have to say about jealousy? What did you learn from this chapter of the book? What did Christy learn?
6. Christy helped Alissa without realizing how much her words meant. Does this encourage you to be a witness to those around you who may be making some bad decisions? How do our actions and examples encourage others?
7. Why did Christy give up her position on the cheer team? What kind of pressures and influences did she have that might have made that decision difficult? Have you ever had to make a hard decision like that in obedience to God?
8. Christy had a lot of people giving her advice and trying to influence her decisions. Who were some of these people and what were they trying to get her to do? Were they giving good or bad advice? How can we know who we should listen to?
9. Why do you think Todd took Jasmine to the prom? Why did he believe that Christy would understand his decision to do so? Do you think he should have taken Jasmine? What kind of relationship do Christy and Todd have at this point? Is it a healthy relationship?
10. How do you feel about the relationship that Rick and Christy had? Was it a healthy relationship? What was Rick's motivation for befriending Christy and encouraging her to go out for cheer and to go to the prom? Were his motivations pure?
11. What did Katie learn from her experience with the prom? What did Christy learn from Todd, Rick and Katie about proms and relationships?
12. What were your favorite and least favorite parts of this book? What is the most important lesson you learned from this book?
Jan 21: Suprise Endings Feb 18: Island Dreamer Mar 18: Praying for Your Future Husband April 8: Skype meeting Robin Jones Gunn April 29: Robin Jones Gunn @ SBU May 20: Cancelled due to weather June 24: Heart Full of Hope July 27: Christy Miller Birthday Party August 26: True Friends Sept 16: Starry Night Oct 28: Great Skate Night Nov 18: Seventeen Wishes December 16: Caroling Party
