I don’t doubt that God can use small people in huge ways, but for me this seems colossal. I want more than anything to believe that this is God speaking and not just myself dreaming things up, but how can I tell?

I read the Bible and pray daily, but I’m still unsure. To me, the answer seems logical, but if I told anyone else, I’d get laughed to the moon.

Dazed
East Hampton, Mass.

Dear Dazed:
You’re right — God dreams BIG dreams for us, and His plans are always more exciting than what we could create for ourselves. I admire you for making His will for your life such a diligent part of your prayer time.

Just remember, though, your future career is only a teeny-tiny part of God’s will for your life. His plan also includes right now — today!

It might help to remember Jesus’ advice about living one day at a time. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:33-34).

Another great passage on this subject is Proverbs 3:5- 6.

God will guide you one step at a time. He doesn’t always give us inside information about His plans; instead, we have to step out in faith, trusting Him to take care of us. There are no quick and easy answers.

I believe as you continue to seek His will and spend time with Him, He’ll make things crystal clear.

Dear Susie:
This really cute guy recently asked me out. We’ve always been good friends, but I didn’t feel comfortable going out with him. Also, I’m not allowed to go out yet. I turned him down. Now he doesn’t speak to me, and he purposely avoids me. Did I do the right thing?

Perplexed
Torrance, Calif.

Dear Perplexed:
I’m sorry he’s ignoring you now, but that’s his problem! You’re simply obeying your parents, and I’m proud of you for making good choices.

It would never be right to go out with someone behind your parents’ backs. And when they do give you permission, don’t even consider going out with someone you’re not interested in. What’s the point? Sure, a little nervousness is normal, but if you’re seriously uncomfortable with a certain guy, listen to your head and gently turn him down.

Dear Susie:
A woman in my church says it’s wrong to wear makeup. What do you think?

Wondering
Cheyenne, Wyo.

Dear Wondering:
The Bible does tell women to dress modestly. It also tells us to be more concerned about inward beauty than outward beauty. I’ll give you my opinion — and keep in mind it’s simply my opinion.

I don’t believe it’s wrong to wear makeup. Most women feel more comfortable with a little makeup to cover blemishes or to give their face more color. God created beauty and wants us to take care of ourselves! Though our confidence and security ultimately comes from an intimate, growing relationship with Him, most of us feel a little more put together with some makeup on. When we look good, we feel good. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to look your best.

So could wearing makeup ever be wrong? Sure! If you become obsessed with how you look, if you’re unable to leave the house without makeup and it’s holding you back from having fun (you can’t workout without makeup, can’t go swimming without makeup, can’t run to the gas station without makeup), then it’s become too important to you.

Dear Susie:
I really like this guy. Last year he broke up with me for my best friend. Here’s the confusing part: Whenever they fight and break up, he calls me! Then she begs him to come back, and he does.

I’m glad I can still talk with him as a friend, but afterward I cry myself to sleep because I miss him too much. I know it’s pathetic, but I just can’t get over him, even though he keeps me on a yo-yo.

Stressed Out
From our e-mail bag

Dear Stressed Out:
Can I suggest that you re-evaluate your relationship with this guy? It bothers me that he’s playing with your emotions. Though he has qualities you admire, he doesn’t have the right to keep stringing you along.

Instead of giving all your attention to one person, I encourage you to establish several good friendships with both sexes. The more you’re able to invest yourself in the lives of others, the less you’ll find yourself thinking about him.