Serve the LORD with fear and

rejoice with trembling.

Psalm 2:11

     I have struggled with knowing who I am. I didn't know what I wanted to do when I grew up. But then one day it hit me really hard. I wanted to be a singer. But what kind of singer did I want to be? I didn't know yet. I thought it wasn't cool to be a Christian artist. So, I tought I had to be a secular artist, singing about how much I love this boy or how much I want to be with him. I started to become what I thought was "cool" in the eyes of the world. I didn't realize that in the process of trying to fit in with the world, I was losing my true identity in the Lord. I grew so far apart from Him that I didn't even recognize His voice. That scared me. I knew how important it was to listen to Him. My parents always told me to obey Him. But how could I obey Him when I couldn't hear Him. I had to stop what I was foing and turn back to Him. I had to find myself again. So, I asked God for His forgiveness. Of course He forgave me, but I had to forgive myself. I had to know that I am who God created me to be. It took me a very long time to figure out what kind of singer I wanted to be. But now I know I want to be a Christian artist. I know it is going to be a hard way there. But I know that I'm on the path God wants, and I trust he'll help me succeed.

          -Victoria T. Kaopua, 15, Kealakehe High School, Kailua-Kona, HI

Your way is the best way, Jesus. Help me to do

Your will and not the will of the world.