discovering · discovering god’s gift of personal growth 351 discovering the “discovering”...

DISCOVERING GOD’S GIFT OF PERSONAL GROWTH

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DISCOVERINGThe “Discovering” activity gives you an opportunity to learn about the real you. This does not mean just your appearance. It means learning more about your spirit, mind, health and body and your relationships with other people.

“Discovering” is divided into four sections. In each section you will learn about one part of the Girl Guard Aim.

GIRL GUARD AIMI understand that as a Girl Guard

TO EARN THIS EMBLEM COMPLETE SECTIONS

1, 2, 3, AND 4

PLUS

GROWING A LEADER

OUR OWN ACTIVITY

SECTION 1I will grow spiritually by increasing my knowledge of God through Bible study and prayer.

SECTION 2I will grow mentally by being honest in my thoughts and actions and by developing the mind and talent God has given me.

SECTION 4I will grow socially by being respectful, friendly, of service to others and loyal to my country.

SECTION 3I will grow physically by protecting myself from harmful substances and habits and by developing a healthy body.

As you complete the tasks in this activity, you will learn new things about yourself as you grow spiritually, mentally, physically, and socially.

When you finish a section of the “Discovering” activity, you will earn an emblem as a symbol of you progression in the program.

You will need to complete two sections (your choice) in order to qualify to apply for the General’s Guard Award. The remaining

sections must be completed to qualify to apply for the Catherine Booth Award. Other activities must also be completed for the

awards. See 9 for complete details.


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SECTION 1

DISCOVERING—GODGod made you. He knows and loves you. He wants you to know and love Him. In this section, you will learn that Girl Guards helps you grow like Jesus grew.

GIRL GUARD AIMI understand that as a Girl Guard I will grow spiritually by increasing my knowledge of God through Bible study and prayer.

THINGS TO KNOW AND DOComplete the Tasks, plus one Choice Task.

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TO EARN THIS EMBLEM COMPLETETASKS

1, 2, 3, 4, AND 5

PLUS

1 CHOICE TASK

Task 1Complete the following task.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ GIRL GUARDS

Luke 2:52 (NIV) states, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

Match four ways the Girl Guard Aim says you will grow with the ways Jesus grew, as reflected in the above verse.

– AND –Memorize the Girl Guard Aim.

AS A GIRL GUARD I WILL GROW: JESUS GREW:

Spiritually…

Mentally…

Physically…

Socially…

CaptainMaynor • 1m + Lead

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ 191.5 k

Jesus teaching in the temple.

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You can learn about God through His revelation. Three ways God reveals Himself are:



His Written Word

THE BIBLEHis Son

JESUS SON

One way to learn about God is by looking at the world He created. As scientists learn more about the universe, many agree the world was created and did not “just happen.” List ten things God created. Collect samples of at least three of these things. What can you learn about God from the items on your list and the things you collected? Discuss your ideas with your leader or troop.

10 THINGS GOD CREATED1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

3 THINGS I COLLECTED1.

2.

3.

7.

8.

9.

10.

His Creation

THE WORLD


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God’s final and finest creation was mankind. Read Genesis 1:26-31 and Genesis 2:7. Look up the meaning of the word “image” in a dictionary.

Image means:



List five ways you are like God and five ways you are different from God.

“This is how the love of God is revealed to us: God has sent his only Son into the world so that we can live through him. This is love: it is not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice that deals with our sins.”

1 John 4:9-10 (CEB)

WAYS I AM LIKE GOD1.

2.

3.

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5.

WAYS I AM DIFFERENT FROM GOD1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ COMPLETE

How do you know God loves you? Is it because someone told you so? Is it because of a song you heard when you were a child in Sunday school?

It has been said that, “God does not have grandchildren. He only has children.”

That means faith in God cannot be inherited from anyone else. Genuine faith is personal faith.

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Psalm 139:13

Jeremiah 29:11

Matthew 28:20b

Psalm 23:1

Philippians 4:13

John 14:27

1 John 4:10

1 John 5:14-15

Write out your own list of ways God shows His love and care for you. Your list may include:

• He gives me a good night’s rest.

• He forgives me.

The best evidence of His love is that God sent His Son, Jesus, to be your Savior and Lord. That is the Good News of the Bible!

How do you know God loves you? Many things can influence your faith in God. Number the following list in order of how important each one is in influencing your faith. (Put a number 1 beside the most important, a number 2 beside the next, and so on.)

Parents

Sunday school

Spending time outdoors in nature

Bible study group

Friends

Personal experiences

Going to church

Personal devotions and prayer

Relatives (besides my parents)

Listening to music

How do you know God loves you? Look up the following verses in your Bible to learn about ways God shows His love for you.


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1. GOD CARES ABOUT US AND WANTS US TO TALK TO HIM ABOUT EVERYTHING.

Begin a prayer list or journal so you can keep a record of the things you want to discuss with Jesus. Be sure to include dates to show when prayers are answered. Pray for the people or things in your journal or on your prayer list each day for one week.

2. LISTEN TO A CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN SONG.

Tell several ways the music helped you think about God.

3. MEMORIZE THE BOOKS OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS.

4. MEMORIZE THE 10 COMMANDMENTS.

5. READ THE BOOK OF ESTHER.

Think of a fun and creative way to retell Esther’s tale. Include at least five ways God showed His love for Esther.

6. ATTEND SUNDAY SCHOOL EVERY WEEK FOR AT LEAST A MONTH.

7. WITH THE HELP OF OTHER MEMBERS IN YOUR TROOP, PLAN AND LEAD THE WORSHIP SERVICE FOR YOUTH SUNDAY.

Meet with your corps officer in advance to make sure you are following the chosen theme and to share your plans and ideas.

Choice TaskComplete ONE of the following projects.


God hates sin because it keeps us from being what He wants us to be and from having fellowship with Him.

Isaiah 59:2 (NIV) states, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear you.”

This does not mean that you must be separated from God forever. He provided a way for you to have your sins forgiven by sending Jesus to die on the cross.

The following verses represent God’s plan for your salvation. Read the verses and discuss their meanings with your troop. Make sure your leader or corps officer takes part in the discussion.



Romans 3:23

Ephesians 1:7-8

1 John 1:9

John 5:24

Psalm 130:4

Acts 3:19

Ephesians 2:8-9

If you would like to become a Christian by accepting God’s plan of salvation, talk to your leader, corps officer, or pastor.

Dear God…

I am sorry for all my sins and ask you to forgive me. Help me to live according to your will. Thank you for loving me and sending Jesus to be my Savior.

Amen.

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DISCOVERING—GOD

Choice TaskSignature: Date Completed:

MY TASKS AND ACTIVITIES:

My Name:

Date:

COMPLETED

MY NOTES:

MY BIG IDEAS:

I WONDER:

Task 1Signature: Date Completed:






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SECTION 2

DISCOVERING— MY MIND AND EMOTIONSYou are unique! God made you to be one-of-a-kind, with your own strengths, weaknesses, and emotions. In this section, you will learn about your mind and emotions.

GIRL GUARD AIMI understand that as a Girl Guard I will grow mentally by being honest in my thoughts and actions and by developing the mind and talent God has given me.




Everyone has strengths. These are gifts from God and should be used for Him. Think about your strengths, then make a list of them similar to the one below.

MY STRENGTHS• Science

• Math

• Neatness

• Being patient

• Making people feel special

• Compassion

• Organized

– AND –Read about what the Holy Spirit brings to our lives in Galatians 5:22-23 (NASB).

What is Paul teaching us in these verses about qualities of character?


1 AND 2

PLUS

1 CHOICE TASK

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;”

Galatians 5:22-23 (NASB)

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What makes you feel the way you do? Think about times when you experience these emotions and complete the sentences.

I feel loved when

Just as we have strengths, we also have weaknesses. Weaknesses are inadequacies in a person’s abilities or character. We all have them. Some examples of weaknesses are not being good at math or being impatient. We can improve our weaknesses with personal effort and God’s help.

Complete the following:

The weakness I would like to improve is

For two weeks, pray and work hard to improve the weaknesses. It will take a lot of discipline, but it is worth the effort.

Two things I can do to improve that weakness are



In addition to strengths and weaknesses, you have feelings and emotions. Our feelings and emotions can be confusing. You may think you are angry when you are actually hurt, jealous, disappointed, or irritated.

I feel lonely when

I feel confident when

I feel angry when


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I feel frustrated when

I feel embarrassed when

I feel jealous when

I feel guilty when

I feel nervous when

What other feelings do you have?

God cares about your feelings and wants to help you with them. When you pray, tell Him all about your feelings and ask Him to help you understand them.

It is normal to feel sad at times, but not if you feel hopeless or nothing makes you feel happy. If your feelings are out of control, talk to your parents or guardians, school counselor, nurse school, corps officer or pastor. Be sure to tell them how much you are hurting and ask them to help you find what you need to feel better.

LET’S TALK

1. FOR ONE WEEK KEEP A JOURNAL OF YOUR EMOTIONS.

This is not a journal for listing what you are doing or which friends you hang out with, but a place for writing about what you are feeling. Writing down your feelings may help you to discover what makes you happy or things and situations you need to avoid.

Carry a small notebook and write in it whenever you can. Here is a sample to show what it might look like.

DAY 2 – TUESDAY:I had a great day. I love band class. I felt really proud when Mr. D told me how well I played.

2. DAVID HAD A LOT OF EMOTIONAL UPS AND DOWNS.

You can read about them in the Psalms that he wrote. Read just the first verses of each Psalm from chapter 35 through 50. Write down the different emotions David experienced.

DAY 1 – MONDAY:Ugh! I hate school. I have a headache and I feel like yelling at everyone.

I did yell at Mom this morning.

I feel bad about it but she was making me so angry!



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5. SPEND TIME TALKING TO A WOMAN YOU RESPECT AND TRUST.

Ask her about “growing up.” Here is a sample of questions you might ask:

• Would you tell me some of your best memories about growing up?

• What made you happy?

• Do you remember things that were not good or that made you unhappy?

• What was hardest about growing up?

• What would you change if you could?

After your conversation, write down what you learned. Are things today very different?

6. THINK OF A WAY TO USE YOUR STRENGTHS TO DO A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS FOR SOMEONE.

Do you ever feel like he did—up one moment and down the next?

David was aware of his emotions and wrote about them as a way of coping.

You should be aware of your emotions, too. Each evening for one week, check your mood and try to identify why you are feeling the way you are. Use a calendar and draw a face to show how you are feeling. When you can identify your different feelings and the reasons they occur, you are closer to understanding your mind and emotions.

3. VISIT A MENTAL HEALTH CENTER TO LEARN ABOUT SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR TEENS IN YOUR COMMUNITY.

4. INVITE A CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR, PSYCHOLOGIST, OR MENTAL HEALTH EXPERT TO TALK TO YOUR GROUP ABOUT HOW PEOPLE DEAL WITH AND CONTROL THEIR EMOTIONS.

Did you hear anything that was surprising to you?


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My Name:

Date:

COMPLETED

MY NOTES:

MY BIG IDEAS:

I WONDER:

DISCOVERING—MY MIND AND EMOTIONS





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SECTION 3

DISCOVERING— MY HEALTH AND BODYIn this section, you will learn that true beauty is a combination of your good qualities, inside and out. Each day you are growing and maturing into a beautiful person, just as God planned.

GIRL GUARD AIMI will grow physically by protecting myself from all harmful substances and habits and by developing a healthy body.


What qualities make a woman attractive?

Look through fashion magazines to find pictures of women who are attractive. Write down things you see that make these women beautiful to you.

Many women are beautiful, even though you may never find their pictures inside fashion magazines. Their beauty comes from inside and includes things like character, strength, kindness, or joy.




1, 2, 3, 4, 5, AND 6

PLUS

1 CHOICE TASK

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears God is to be praised.”

Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)

List the names of five women you know and admire. Write a few words to tell why each of these women is beautiful to you.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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Now, it is time for you to inspect yourself. What things do you most admire? Make a list of your best features, inside and out.



“Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”

1.

2.

3.

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6.

7.

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10 THINGS I LIKE ABOUT ME

THINK IT OVERGod made a masterpiece when He created you. All the special things you like about yourself were designed just for you.

Before you were born, He made decisions about the shape of your ears and nose, whether your hair would be straight or curly, and the color of your eyes. Celebrate being the masterpiece God created you to be!

Memorize the following verse and think of it whenever you need to be reminded how special you are.

Isaiah 64:8 (NIV)


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Does the way you dress matter?

In 1 Timothy 2:9-10 (CEV) God gives these instructions, “I would like for women to wear modest and sensible clothes. They should not have fancy hairdos, or put on jewelry made of gold or pearls. Women who love God should do helpful things for others.”

After reading this Scripture, which do you think is most important?

Inner Beauty

Outer Beauty

Design an outfit for the picture on the right. Decorate it in a way that would be honoring to God.



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One key to looking and feeling your best is to eat a healthy diet that includes a variety of nutritious foods. Log on to http://chicagotrainingcenter.org/pdf/4MyPlate-forTeens.pdf to find a guide for teens that lists the different types and amounts of foods you should eat every day.

Use this food guide to plan a balanced menu for one week. Plan your breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks so you have the correct number of servings of each of the food groups every day. Be sure to plan to use proper portion sizes. Show the completed chart to your leader.

FOOD GROUP MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT SUN

Fruits

Vegetables

GrainsAt least

half should be whole grains

Dairy

Protein Groups


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Exercise is essential to look and feel your best. To stay in shape, you should be physically active for an hour every day and participate in vigorous exercise for at least one hour, three times each week. Ask your doctor, P.E. teacher, coach or health teacher to help you develop an exercise plan that is right for you. Monitor your exercise for 21 days. When you finish, show the record to your leader.

THIS RECORD BELONGS TO:

DATE EXERCISES/ACTIVITIES LENGTH OF TIME

1.

2.

3.

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5.

6.

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When we hear the word hygiene we think about cleanliness but hygiene includes all the good habits to follow to keep healthy, clean, and fresh. Keep a record of your daily hygiene routine.

Check the boxes on the chart when you complete each item. Show the completed chart to your leader.

MY HYGIENE CHART MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT SUN

TeethBrush After Meals

and Floss Daily

FaceWashed Once Washed Twice

Bath or

Shower

Used Deodorant or

Antiperspirant

HairClean and Combed

NailsClean and Trimmed

ClothesClean and Neat

SleepList the Number of Hours Each Night


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Now try it yourself. Look at the labels of your favorite soft drinks, sauces (ketchup, barbeque sauce, salad dressings, etc.), candy bars, cookies, chips, etc. to find the number of carbohydrates and then do the math.

g Carbs = tsp of sugarCreate a display or graph showing your findings.

* http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/how_to_convert_grams_of_sugars_into_teaspoons

3. CHECK TO SEE IF YOUR HEALTH RECORD IS UP-TO-DATE.

If it has been more than a year since you had a physical examination, ask your parents to make an appointment for you to see the doctor. While you are there, check to see if you are current on vaccinations. Do not be afraid to talk with the doctor about any questions you have concerning your health.

4. PARTICIPATE IN A TROOP MAKE OVER.

Try new hairstyles, make-up, and colors of clothing to see which look best on you. If possible, invite professionals to help with the event.

5. FASHION TRENDS, HAIRSTYLE, AND MAKE-UP STYLES CHANGE OVER TIME.

Look through old family photos to find pictures of your parents or grandparents when they were in their teens. How do the styles compare with those of today? If possible, scan a photo and include a copy with your answer.

1. DOES BEING HEALTHY MEAN WE SHOULD NEVER ENJOY “JUNK FOOD”?

No, but we need to be aware of how much of the foods and drinks consumed each day are high in calories and fat or have little nutritional value. Limit those things to an occasional treat. Keep track of all the “junk foods” you eat and drink for one week.

List them here:

DID YOU:

Eat too much?

Totally avoid junk foods?

Eat a balanced diet?

2. HOW MUCH SUGAR IS HIDING IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS YOU CONSUME?

According to Michigan State University Extension*, about 4 grams of carbohydrates equals 1 teaspoon of sugar.

FOR EXAMPLE: One brand of ketchup has 4 carbohydrates in one tablespoon of sauce. Using their formula, you will discover that a tablespoon of that particular brand of contains one teaspoon of sugar.

4g Carbs = 1 tsp of sugar



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DISCOVERING—MY HEALTH AND BODY

My Name:

Date:

COMPLETED

MY NOTES:

MY BIG IDEAS:

I WONDER:

MY TASKS AND ACTIVITIES:Task 1Signature: Date Completed:








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SECTION 4

DISCOVERING— MY RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERSGod wants you to have healthy relationships with others. Sometimes this is hard. In this section, you will learn about different families, how to behave in a helpful way, and where to get help if you need it.

GIRL GUARD AIMI will grow socially by being respectful, friendly, of service to others and loyal to my country.



TASK 1, 2, 3, AND 4

PLUS

1 CHOICE TASK

No two families are alike. Your family may have many members, or only a few. You may live with two parents or one. You may stay with your grandparents, an aunt and uncle, or a guardian.

What makes your family different from other families? What makes it special? Talk with members of your troop about how families are different and why that is okay.



All families experience difficulties. The Book of Ruth is about a family in crisis.

Read Ruth to learn about the difficulties the family went through. What held the family together when things were hard?



Invite a family counselor, psychologist, corps officer, or pastor to talk to your troop about common family problems and strategies for solving those problems. Participate in a discussion following the talk.

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When the behavior of one individual has a negative effect on other members of a family, it causes stress. Below is a list of behaviors that may cause disagreements in families. Use the checklist to find out whether you could be adding to the amount of stress in your home.

YES NO

Do you complete your chores on time, without complaining or being reminded?

If you share a bathroom, do you limit the amount of time you spend getting ready and clean up after yourself?

Do you get permission before borrowing someone else’s belongings?

Do you turn off electronic devices at meal times?

Do you snoop in things that do not belong to you (for example, texts, diaries, mail, etc.)?

Do you constantly interrupt others who are busy or talking on the phone?

Do you limit your noise when someone else is studying or resting?

Do you ask for permission before bringing home a friend?

Do you treat others the way you want to be treated?

Do you let others know your schedule well in advance?

Do you always tell the truth about who you are with and where you are?

Do you keep your promises?

Do you come home on time or call if you will be late?



When you have a disagreement, do you get angry or yell?

When you need something, do you negotiate a solution rather than demanding your own way?

Do you do homework without being reminded?

Based on your answers, are you causing stress or doing a good job of getting along? Talk with your parents about the list to learn which areas are most stressful for them and try to work on those areas.

Friendships do not just happen; making and keeping friends takes effort. Choose a friend to help you with this task. List the top five things you look for in a friend.



1.

Ask your friend to make their own list. Compare the lists. Do you expect the same things? Why or why not?

2.

3.

4.

5.


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Do you expect a friend to be trustworthy? Learn how important it is to trust a friend. Go on a “trust walk”. Blindfold your friend and lead them around for a few minutes. Be sure to keep your friend safe and protect them from harm. Change places and allow your friend to have a turn leading you. After the “trust walk” answer these questions:

• What were your feelings while you were blindfolded?

• Was it harder to be the leader or the follower? Why?

• What was the hardest thing about being blindfolded?

• Was your partner a good leader? Why, or why not?

• How can this experience help you trust others?

There is a friend you can trust at all times, no matter what—God.

1. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF TELEVISION SHOWS AND MOVIES ABOUT FAMILIES.

Watch one with your troop or a group of friends and discuss the following questions:

• Is this family portrayed realistically?

• Is anyone in the family always ridiculed or put down?

• How is this family like your family? How is it different?

• After watching the show or movie, do you feel differently about your family?

2. THE BIBLE CONTAINS MANY ACCOUNTS OF FAMILIES.

Read about three of them. Use a concordance to find Scriptures, or ask your leader, corps officer, Sunday school teacher or pastor for suggestions. Share what you learn with your troop.

3. ONE WAY TO SHOW YOU LOVE AND CARE FOR SOMEONE IS BY DOING KIND THINGS FOR THEM, SUCH AS MAKING A BED, IRONING A SHIRT, OR BAKING COOKIES.

Make five gift certificates that can be redeemed for services. Decorate the certificates and give them to friends or family members for Christmas, birthdays, or any time you want to show how much you care.

4. DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING TIME WITH YOUR FRIENDS?

Is there someone you share everything with, who enjoys listening to the same music and watching the same television shows? Friends do not have to copy each other in order to be close. You should encourage your friends to be independent and think for themselves.

Get together with a few friends or other girls from your troop. Discuss the following questions:

• Are there advantages to being just like your friends? Are there disadvantages?

• What problems can come up if you are too much like your friends?

• What problems can come up if you are extremely different from your friends?

Make with a plan for staying close, without becoming too dependent on your friends.

5. DOING JOBS OR CHORES WITH A FRIEND OR A FAMILY MEMBER CAN MAKE THEM SEEM EASIER.

Is there something you need to do, but have been putting off? Ask someone to help you tackle the project. Take before and after pictures to show your troop or bring the finished product to a troop meeting to show what you accomplished.

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

Psalm 56:3 (NIV)



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DISCOVERING—MY RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

My Name:

Date:

COMPLETED

MY NOTES:

MY BIG IDEAS:

I WONDER:






discovering · discovering god’s gift of personal growth 351 discovering the “discovering”...

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