Belief

[close] Martin is the author of a collection of seven short stories collectively called 'The Animal Parables'. Don't be deceived; on the surface they may have the appearance of children's stories but each one has profound life lessons enfolded in the narrative. The Author will be available for questions and discussion on the writing of these stories and the subject matter that they tackle. From December through to April (and most probably beyond).

[close] This group arises from the liberating narrative promoted by the psychologist writer Carlos Daniel Bermúdez Pinzón, in Scarf Woven of a Magical Duel, Transparent Allies his writing integrates real problems with imaginary, towards the transformation of suffering.

[close] A place to discuss all the unique aspects of Deaf culture as highlighted in the thriller Silent Fear (A novel inspired by true crimes) by Lance & James Morcan. This group can also be an intersection of sorts where Deaf and hearing people can engage and learn from each other.

[close] What is your next step towards growth and change in different life areas? The big idea of Next Step Club can be aided by a quote, book reference, and warning... Charlie Jones seems to have been attributed with saying, "You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read." I would say its more expansive than that, may include the networking, relationships we have, the media, resources we think on, the experiences, willingness to change, and intuitive leading we receive. Another quote: "Nothing changes if nothing changes." Gary Keller's book 'The One Thing' brings us some focus within the madness of multitasking that the above quotes might cause. "I gotta grow in everything now!" He reminds us that success can come by narrowing our concentration to one thing, prioritizing, being realistic that our willpower, energy and time is finite, and big can be bad. And, a warning: Don't worship growth, be adaptable but have a sense of direction and focus. Your and my identity is not wrapped up in some better future version of ourselves, which would be idolatry. You are worth enough exactly as you are right now because you are made in the image of God with inherent value, and can have a personal, faith-derived, grace-bought relationship with God through Jesus Christ, establishing your significance and peace outside of time. That said, are we made to be selfish, independent, apathetic, unfriendly, lazy, isolated, aimless without purpose people? Or does it take courage and wisdom to explore the next conversation, action step, book/resource we might need to take in the spiritual, learning, vocational, financial, relational, physical health (and more) aspects of life? The culture of Next Step Club is listening to others as a friend wanting progress for their "brother/sister" and increasing self-accountability through expression to those peers of the steps you are seeking to take, things you are learning.