Interviewing My Friends #2: Nicola

I talk a lot about myself on my blog, so now and then I try and switch things up and talk about my friends and family. This post is my second interview in my "Interviewing My Friends" series thing. I really enjoy asking my friends questions, and getting to know them a bit more, plus they also give great advice sometimes. 

A couple days ago, I got to interview one of my favourite people. She was a youth leader from my old church's Youth Group, and was always ready to answer our questions and give advice. I am a shy person, as I am sure I have mentioned in this blog before, and she was one of the few people at my youth group that helped me to open up and get a little more involved in the activities, like the Christmas Plays, which were always enjoyable. She has been a friend, teacher and a role model to me during my time at the Youth group and still now. I really enjoyed planning these questions and reading her answers to them. 

Growing up:

1) Were you ever bullied at school or were people ever bullied at your school? Was anything ever done about it?

I was never bullied at school and had really great friends. Bullying did happen though, like in any school, we had anti-bullying days where we would talk about the issue of bullying. We were a good community and looked out for each other. Kindness was encouraged at all times.

2) What was the best advice you were ever given growing up?

Be yourself, everyone else is taken.

3) What were your hobbies growing up?

Horseriding, athletics, netball, reading, socializing, shopping.

4)How would you describe how you were as a child and teenager?

I was social, enjoyed hanging out with friends, worked hard at school and tried to keep all the rules.

5) Did you like school?

I loved school!

6) What would be advice, now, you would give to your younger self...if you could?

I would probably tell myself to not rush or wish time away, and to push the boundaries more!

Christian Life:

7) How did you become a christian and how old were you?

I first understood that Jesus loved me and had dealt with the wrong stuff I had done and would do when I was around 7 years old. Since then I have been getting to know him and building a relationship with him. Throughout different seasons of life, this relationship has changed and developed (like any relationship does). I got baptized when I was 14 and really wanted to dedicate the rest of my life to getting to know him and living life on purpose for him.

8) What is your favourite bible verse, and why?

Argh, I have so many favourites. But Ephesians 3v20-21 is one of them. It says: “ Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

I like that it says how God can do above and beyond our wildest dreams, through his power in us, so that we can make him more famous!

9) What do you think is the easiest part of being a christian, and what is the hardest part?

For me, the easiest part is saying “yes” to God’s love and acceptance of me, that is irresistible. The hardest part is remembering his love for me, in every moment of the day, that God’s love doesn’t change no matter what I do or don’t do!

10) What was your favourite part of working in youth group with young people?

There were so many good times that it is impossible for me to choose a favourite. One of the things I most appreciate about spending time with youth is that they are (most of the time) refreshingly honest and open. They know how to have fun and yet can also have very stimulating discussions. We found our times with the youth so life-giving, we would be exhausted after a youth group night, but in a good way!

11) How has been a christian affected or changed your life?

Entirely. I am who I am because of Jesus Christ.

12) I have friends who are interested in becoming a christian, but they see it as confusing and their parents think its all nonsense and do not want them going to church. Do you have any advice for them?

I think God desires a relationship with everyone he has made. If people are interested, they can go directly to him, talk to him and ask him to show himself to them. He will always answer that prayer. If people are looking for God, and they earnestly seek him, they will always eventually find him.

13) Do you ever find it hard to follow your christian walk?

Life is hard. Without Jesus, it’s impossible!

Other (Random) Questions:

14) What is your favourite quotes, and why?

“Go girl”. It is my mum’s way of motivating me to do anything; the hard, the daring, the brave, the normal- Go girl!

15) What is one thing you would like to see change in this world?

I want to see more love. There’s too much hatred and brokenness and the only way to make things better is if we are willing to love- others, ourselves and God. Life would be so much better that way.

16) Some years ago, I talked to you about alcohol and getting drunk. What do you think of drinking, and have you ever been drunk?

I think drinking alcohol depends on your context and your motivation. I think it is important to always ask yourself the question “why am I doing this? Or why do I want to do this?”, if your motivation seems good, then go ahead. Some examples of wrong motivations for drinking are: Wanting courage, wanting to numb your feelings, wanting to fit in, wanting to forget. I think someone should be very careful drinking alcohol if those are their reasons for doing it.