God loves us and wants to spend time with us. This is difficult since he is in Heaven but there are lots of different ways we can hang out with him and get to know him better. Different things work for different people. Don't be afraid to keep trying different things until you find something that really helps you get closer to God.

Spending time with God is not about a magic formula, a certain amount of time, or the effort you have to put in. It is about sparing any amount of time to connect to your God in a fun and real way. The focus should not be on what you are doing but who you are doing it for.

15 things you might like to try:

1. Read the Bible – this book is full of stories about God and what he wants us to know about him.
2. Pray – prayer is talking to God anywhere, anytime, any place. Simply tell God what you are thinking and feeling. You can use the time to thank him for what he's done for you, ask him to forgive you for any sins, and ask for anything you (or your friends or family) may need.
3. Church - hanging out at church and worshipping God with other Christians is a great way to get to know him better.
4. Christian Books – while the Bible is the best book, there are lots of other good books about God and living as a Christian too. There are lots of different sorts for whatever interests you. Check them out!
5. Music – listen or play a cool Christian song that really brings you close to God.
6. Nature Walk – go for a short walk in God’s creation. Many people feel close to God out in nature.
7. Video – watch a Christian movie which shows a Bible story or a modern story about living for God.
8. Poetry – Write or read poetry about your Creator, Saviour and Lord.
9. Art – draw, paint, sculpt or craft a piece to say thanks to God for what he has done for you.
10. Discussion – find a close friend or group of friends and discuss a Bible passage and its meaning in your life.
11. Testimony - share what God has done for you with someone else.
12. Meditation – get away from all the noise by yourself and simply “be still” with your God. Let him speak to you in the quietness.
13. Journal – get a notebook and list your thoughts, questions, reflection and revelations about God. Use it like a diary to record what you think about God every day.
14. Bible Helps – grab some Bible commentaries, dictionaries, concordances or other Bible aids to take your study of the Bible to a whole new level.
15. Get Creative – find your own way of connecting with God. God is a huge and creative God and he just wants to spend time with you.

Remember: the aim of any worship or time with God is to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

Blogs Based on actual questions asked by young people:
Hopefully these considerations to some big questions asked by young people are helpful to you. Please note that while I have done my best to be true to what the Bible and the Seventh-day Adventist church teaches, I may not always have got it 100% right. So please don’t just take what I say but keep searching out answers from God for yourself.
If you have any further questions, on these topics or any other, please feel free to:
1. Keep exploring the answers using a Bible, Christian books, Google, prayer, friends, family, youth leader, pastor, school chaplain, and an open heart.
2. Come say hi and chat to me in person when I am at your church or in your region.
3. Email me at LanceBoulton@adventist.org.nz
Don't be afraid to ask questions. God is bigger than your biggest question and isn't afraid of what you are wondering. Let your questions drive you into a fuller knowledge and experience of God (rather than driving you away from God).