This morning I got an email from a sweet lady asking where in the world she should start? Start what, you might wonder? Where to start as a new believer. Basically, HOW IN THE WORLD DOES ONE DO THIS THING?
At first I wanted to forward the email on because I didn’t feel the least bit qualified to answer such a question, especially when she mentioned that “though she wasn’t saying reading the book of John as the standard answer is a bad answer”, she just wanted more.
To be more specific, she wondered, “If I don’t want to look like a complete fool as it relates to Biblical knowledge, history, early church, and generally how the Bible was compiled, where do I begin?”
I so appreciated the email because I feel like there are so many out there asking that very same question, hence the reason for this post. Maybe they’ve even read the book of John, but are having trouble interpreting it and they just need some clarity. I get that, I really do.
So, in all my naïve wisdom, as a 28-year-old still-learning-what-life-is-all-about, I am here to offer you what I personally have done, and what I know scripture points to.
1) PRAY.
I know. That’s not what you were looking for. But it’s the gospel truth. Tell the Lord EXACTLY what you are thinking and feeling, He already knows anyway. If you read a portion of scripture and you are more confused than when you dove in, tell Him. Be honest. If you can’t be honest with the God of the Universe, I don’t know who you can be honest with. And of all people, He can handle it. And He cares. So, pray.
One very specific thing you can pray if you’re just starting out as a new believer (or a seasoned believer) and treading uncharted territory is, Lord, open my mind to understand your scriptures! It is straight out of Luke, “Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures…” Luke 24:45. In fact, I have that plastered on a sticky note right in front of my computer at work so I remember to pray that. Because news flash, a lot of times I don’t always understand! He hears you! The last thing you should do is let your lack of understanding keep you from reading the scriptures. Find a translation you like that works for you. It’s okay if everyone around is you is into the English Standard Version (ESV) and you’re drawn to the New Living Translation (NLT). Don’t let comparison discourage you! Read The Message translation if you like it. There is no formula! I have personally found that for me one of the enemy’s biggest schemes is to get my mind wandering away from all or any thing Jesus. The more I allow my mind to wander and daydream, the worse off I am. The more I am in the scriptures (and it is a FIGHT at times) the more sane I feel.
2) CHURCH.
Yes, this millennial is telling you to get yourself in a church. It’s a big deal! Whether you believe in it or not, you need those people. You need the church. You need the older. The wiser. The younger. The married. The single. The children. The people. As hard as you try, you can’t (and won’t for long) survive without them. These are the people that will welcome you, encourage you, love you, pray for you, laugh with you, cry with you, teach you and grow with you. You have a place (and a gifting – 1 Corinthians 12:27) in the body of Christ, don’t let anyone tell you different. Plug yourself into a church where Jesus is the focus. That may seem obvious, but it’s vital.
Consider Hebrews 10:24-25 to help you understand why the church is of utmost importance, I really like it in the Amplified version.
“And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.”
Side note: Besides learning the discipline of prayer, this may cause you to be the most brave, but do it! You will find all manner of excuses not to go, but ignore them. Create the time go and commit! Commit until you know that if you missed, someone would notice. I know for some this may mean going alone, but if you never try it, you might not experience the blessing. Be brave, friend!
3) BIBLE STUDY.
I have found that the easiest way to meet people in church is to either serve or attend a small group or Bible study of some sort. Once you find a church, this will be a little easier, as most churches offer multiple Bible studies. If you’re not comfortable serving right away, no shame! You may not even know where you’re needed or what you’d be interested in doing. So, start by attending a weekly study either on the campus of your church or in someone’s home. And by all means, if this is foreign to you and you have no idea how to go about doing this, for heaven’s sake, ask somebody! Find someone standing behind an information table, ask the person sitting next to you, just ask. People are there to help, and they want to help! Simply put, the easiest way to get acquainted with the Word is to study it, and studying it with other people around you is even better, especially if you’re just beginning. Plus, this increases the level of accountability, and we all need someone to assist us in this. Even better: Ask if your church hosts any type of Bible class. You never know what the church might offer.
Can I just be honest? This is all hard. Life get’s busy, distractions pop up, you get weary. Maybe results are slim, but in the end, it will be worth it. You’ll NEVER waste a minute pursuing Christ. So to those of you who are brand new to this Jesus thing, we ARE SO GLAD you landed here! Persevere, walk it out, get honest, and just have fun. And for the record, and if you hear one thing, hear this, if anyone makes you feel like a fool for not knowing the “basics” of studying the Bible, or having to look in the table of contents to find a certain book of the Bible (which, hello, I have done just recently), then you can find a new friend. NO ONE should make you feel like that! We ALL started there. No one came out of the womb a know-it-all. You are never a fool for asking questions and being honest. Never.
If you’re looking for specific books that are more in-depth, and study books that aren’t necessarily Bible studies, a few years ago Beth compiled a list for our blog readers. You can find that here! It has some really great resources for anyone, but especially if you desire to be a student of the Word.
And if this is old news to some of you, then encourage somebody with it who has the same questions. It’s all about discipleship!
I’ve heard it said a million times by a pastor I respect greatly, you don’t just stumble into godliness, it takes work! As with most things, there is so much more you can do, but this is a start! There is hope, and godliness is possible.
We love y’all so much.
I so agree with all that Lindsee has said. I did find that having access to other translations of the bible rally does help. Sometimes one word difference meant understanding.We are now able load Bible apps to our phones, with different translations.Wow Bibles at our finger tips. Praying for you. In Christ, Julie
THANK YOU!! This is so important for so many to hear including those of us who have grown up in church. You advice is wonderful and I’m thankful for your honesty. We all need to remember what it is like to be new to The Word or to a new church even!
I’m sharing this on all my social media!
Lisa
Some churches offer a program called “Alpha” – it is a night for new believers to check out church, have a meal, and watch a short video and have others in the group to ask and answer many questions. It is a very casual atmosphere, and the videos go to the very basic questions, and can either supply answers or can assist a person in knowing some new truths they did not know. Many of the groups will even break down into women groups and men groups – to be sure there is an ease for all involved. Some have couples groups and many churches provide babysitting so that parents can have a night to focus on God, His Word, and Truths and someone else to mind the kids.
Starting a new church is H A R D! I know, I have done it recently. Even for ‘oldies’, finding a new place in the church body is challenging. Be encouraged that God sees you right where you are, and sometimes we are called to do something hard – like speak up to a stranger in church. The rewards of new friendships WILL come, and be so worth the hardship of the first step towards putting yourself out there.
Praying for those who are seeking!!!
Excellent advice! Personally, I don’t know what I would do without my church family. I am also a new person in Christ, and I have asked myself the very same question. And, ultimately, you start where you are, you start where you can, one step at a time. Bible studies are a terrific way to delve into the power of GOD’s mighty word. I just completed “I’m believing God”, and it was a life-changing process. A blessing. Thank you so much for your blog posts.
Yes, start where you are and come as you are. I completely agree!
I just read the bible. Study is good but theres a quality to reading it. Pick a book and read it. Its not always in understanding but if you’ve read it you’ll remember it when you hear it or read it in a book or hear it in a sermon referenced…
Mere Christianity by CS Lewis. Just in case you were tempted to think you entered easy. 🙂
Precept bible studies are awesome if you want to come to conclusions yourself.
Great message Lindsee! I had that same question at one time and I think you answered the question quite well!! You also provided a reminder to all of us that all it takes is baby steps and the desire to take them to get started. And reaffirmed for me that I am on the right track! Thank you!
I wanted to share that I remembered the post about the list of books recommended for folks interested in studying the Bible and have tried to find it on the blog. Thank you so VERY much for linking it in your post! It brought tears to my eyes to see how God heard me and supplied the answer! And thanks for the reminder to be aware of the feelings of others!
What an absolute answer from the Holy Spirit. A small group of people who’ve attended Via de Cristo weekends desire to get a Renewal Group revived in our community and its first meeting is tomorrow night. I offered to get things started and I planned to share one of the tracks from one of the Lifeway CDs — those 10-min devotions that no matter how many times I hear them, I pick up something new — BUT, now I am going to share this post instead. It’s perfect. It’s about “getting started” It emphasizes exactly the purpose of a Renewal Group. Thank You, Lord, for this answered prayer! (And, thank you, Lindsee!
Hello Lindsay, than you for this post. I was wondering where I could find that list of resources that Beth gave us and here they are. Thank you.
This has nothing to do with the subject but yesterday I went to collect my workbook for COTD and the young man behind the counter in the book store pointed out to me that the picture on the cover is taken at one of our beaches in Cape Town (South Africa) and the mountain in the background is Table Mountain. How cool is that! So looking forward to starting that study with Summer Bible study then doing it with my group thereafter.
Have a lovely day!
Thank you for this blog post. I can see so many ways I will use this in the Young Girls Bible study at my church. We’ve been talking about how to involve absent members of the church and this is such a beginning answer for them, also. Have a wonderful day.
Linds,
I wanted to add to this to be sure that where the person goes or what they read or who they let into their life speaks TRUTH. It’s so easy to be carried away by all sorts of teachings when we are new to the faith and we are hungry to learn, and the enemy knows it. It’s easy to find yourself memorizing scripture and not see the context, and it’s easy to be blinded by other false teachers when we don’t know the Word ourselves.
I also want to add not to expect everything to happen overnight, because our flesh will be impatient, and will want to dive right in and just do everything, but letting patience have it’s perfect work like it says in James will be the best thing we can do…we keep the pace with The Lord and we grow. When you are not raised in church people of the church can be very intimidating and it’s easy to feel like you are not good enough. I want to add that there will be times early in this walk that you will feel this, but it’s the flesh inside thinking you need to measure up, and I would then say to know we all fall short and it is not anything we can DO or SAY that will get us into heaven, or know the Bible better, or find a perfect church….if you do this all by your own strength you will find the flesh side of you wanting to RUN….there is a truth I’ve learned through my mentor and it’s proved in my own life to be true:
” Truth will set you free to walk in His way, GRACE will be the motivation and power to keep walking in truth.” —-
Also if you are looking for a church STUDY the doctrine, and if you have a friend who is a Christian go over it with them if you are not sure. Jesus is the one way and only way to God,…
Lastly, don’t go to a church based on your taste in music, or because a message sounds good…Get a chance to meet the pastor or some major leaders there and get to know what they are passionate about…the Holy Spirit can move in any church that allows Him too, we just have to let Him. We just have to love Him with all we are, and that is by being obedient to His Word.
All this I have said can take time, but I know God honors that we don’t rush into it, he honors that we really seek truth.
🙂
Good morning new believer!!! In spite of sounding like a groupie…I would strongly encourage new believers to do Beth’s “Believing God” study. It was the first study I ever did, and really I only did it because my mom asked me to join her class. Words cannot express the gratitude or blessing that came from that first experience!! growing up in the church but in active rebellion for so many years, it was life transforming to learn in simple terms who God is and who I am in God!! It has been my foundation in my spiritual walk and refer back to the truths I learned through that study EVERYDAY! Right now I am looking at print out of my “five finger” mantra, “God is who He says He is! God can do what He says He can do! I am who God says I am! I can do all things through Christ! God’s Word is alive and active in my life today!” Oh AMEN!!! It has been tacked at my desk everyday since, it has moved 1 desk, 1 job, and 7 states…and the truth is never lacking! New Believers, you will be in my prayers, may God grant you mercies, grace, knowledge, and love in abundance!! Amen!! Lynne
Thank you Lindsee! We who have grown up in the church sometimes have no idea what it’s like for someone who’s new to faith to “Do this thing” Even the Christian terms we so readily use are unknown to many who’ve grown up in un-churched homes. I recall my daughter in grade school bringing a friend to church and the Pastor mentioned “sin” a couple times in His message and she asked later, “what is sin?” So important for us seasoned believers to be reminded we ALL started at the beginning, even if we don’t remember that beginning!
I so agree with your three essentials in living the Christian life with victory. Proverbs 2 powerfully reminds us to cry out to God for understanding, search for it as hidden treasure and He WILL give us knowledge and wisdom. I often pray Ephesians 1:17-20 for myself and my loved ones, asking God for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so I might know Him better and love Him more…also that the eyes of my heart might be opened to know the hope to which He has called me, the glorious inheritance that’s mine as His daughter, and His incomparably great power for us who believe!!!
In terms of resources, especially for someone new to faith the Lee Strobel books are very helpful, especially The Case for Faith. He also has some video documentaries summarizing the books on godtube : http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FJ0J2FNU
Thanks for this great post 🙂
My pastor just wrote a book called “Start Here” by David Dwight & Nicole Unice. It’s great!!!! Highly recommend it. I’ll be buying it for anyone that asks me what’s next? It’s on Amazon.
Lindsee – this may be one of my favorite posts ever of yours. You nailed it! It’s basic truth – simple wisdom. You may be a “millennial” but you are a wise one. [I love the Amplified Bible so much.]
So thankful for you and ALL the ladies at LPM – and your beautiful leader Beth, too! You’ve been such a blessing to this Georgia pastor’s wife over the years.
Much love,
GJ
You’re a treasure, GJ! Much love right back to you. You’ve blessed us ALL!
Great job Lindsee. Clear and edifying!
I would respectfully add one more point. If the person has believed Jesus, they should also
4. CONFESS CHRIST – as in ROMANS 10:8-11
Yes indeed, Annette! I was writing with the assumption that they had already confessed Christ as their Savior and that these would be the next steps. But you are so right, if not, that is of UTMOST IMPORTANCE!
So much excellent advice. May I also recommend finding s true godly mentor? Someone that can meet one on one and can really help hold you accountable and answer questions. Where I am, that is not done nearly enough.
As for books, my pastor has recommended several books to the congregation this year as part of our reading plan. Not only do we have a plan for reading through the New Testament this year, but the list of books he gave are great resources. I will add that list here as well.
1. “Knowing God” by J. I Packer
2. “Loving God” by Charles Colson
3. “Trusting God” by Jerry Bridges
4. “The Passion of Jesus Christ” by John Piper
5. “The Holiness of GOd” by R.C. Sproul
6. “What is the Gospel” by Greg Gilbert
7. “Seven Reasons Why You Can Trust the Bible” by Erwin Lutzer
8. “The Attributes of God” by A.W. Pink
Also, may I recommend “Basic Christianity” by John Stott.
There are many resources and it won’t take long to get overwhelmed. I agree with Lindsee’s 1,2,3. Asking God to open your eyes as you read and study scripture is the best way. Finding trusted Christians who are solid in scripture is very helpful. Take it slow. Absorb and really take in what you learn. That will give you a hunger and thirst to dive in for more, which is so very exciting and thrilling.
Praise be God for all the advice and resources here. LPL is a blessing.
My prayer for any believer (old or new) is this:
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To HIM be glory both now and forever! Amen.”
2 Peter 3:18 NIV
Nice post! I have such a heart for new believers! I wrote a book entitled “Introduction to the Bible, A Self Study for Beginners” just for the purpose of helping new believers get a handle on the Bible. It came out of a successful adult class with the same name that I teach at my church. Don’t know if this woman would be interested but the info can be found at http://www.introtothebible.org.
One time I was looking up what Bible did Beth use? I don’t know if she actually uses or still uses this one, but I got the NIV Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible. It has lexical aids, Greek and Hebrew dictionaries, and Strong’s numbers in the back. And it’s not huge–it’s easy to carry around!
And a 3-volume set called Faith of the Early Fathers, by William Jurgens, will give you an idea of what these early Christians believed, in their own words.
I feel as though I’ve found a long lost friend. I haven’t been here in a very long time. All of the advice given is great! Baby steps!
Well said Lindsee & Amen! How exciting to see women’s hearts wanting and desiring Christ. Wonderful words of encouragement. I loved reading this post and I love reading the words of new believers.
For those of you who are young in Christ,I’m so excited for you!
It is such a joy to walk with Jesus!!!!
You covered alot of ground well in your article.
A new believer may attend a church which has one or both of the following: a newsletter to let members know what is happening-sign up for it in either paper or-e-mail format. Call the church office during the week if you need to contact the church secretary for this and do not know who it is.
If there is a church library visit it to see what resources are there for your use.I am sure the media personnel would be happy to assist you.
Thank you, Lindsee, for posting this !
May I also recommend that if you have NOT yet found a church where you feel “at home”, be sure to ask for (or look up online) the church’s “doctrinal beliefs”; basically speaking, “What does this church believe in, to the core ?”.
Unfortunately, we live in a “fallen world”. So, even though I was raised in a Christian church and home; when I moved away, (in my case, to the big city of Houston from a much smaller city in WI), without realizing it, I followed a friend to her “church “, and, it was only after I got into Miss Beth’s Believing God Bible study online (SIX YEARS later; kicking and screaming, out of fear, mind you); that I came to understand that ‘there was something wrong and/or missing from this ” church ” !!! It looked like a Christian church, the people were very friendly, etc., and it even had “… of Christianity” in its name. HOWEVER, young believer, beware, because this specific “church” was, and still is very large; and yet IS NOT Christian, in any way, shape, or form ! It is what I found out is called a “New Age ‘church’ “, in which Jesus is a big part of it, yet their under-lying (Core/Doctrinal) belief system is that Jesus is, and I quote: ” Our older brother, and “way – show-er “. He is not their Lord and Savior, or Messiah; He is simply ONE “great example” for them. . . . I had fallen prey to one of what the Bible calls “one of the most deceptive ‘churches’ “, and when the Holy Spirit of the Living God helped me to realize these unfortunate truths; it scared me to death ! ! ! I literally NEEDED to find out what the TRUTH is, and by the grace of God, I accepted Jesus as my One and Only Lord and Savior after work the next day ! Hallelujah !!! And that was 11 years ago…
However, through that experience, now to ask about core beliefs when I walk into a new church !!!
May God bless you !
Jennifer
Southern Wisconsin
Oops . . . That was supposed to say “Now I KNOW to ask about core beliefs when I walk into a new church
In Christ’s Love, Jennifer
I love this post Lindsee
I also would like to invite anyone who would like to have a pen pal to join…
Please join the newly christian pen pal group I just created on Facebook, Shine HIS light,
https://www.facebook.com/groups/273306056174376/
Group description:
Who loves to get snail mail!? I know I do. After long time having pen pals off and on through the years, I’d love to carry out a safe location for others to meet and experience the same. This is intended to be a Christian environment but please still be precautions sharing your personal information. I or no one other in the group is responsible or liable. Pen paling can be so much fun on a budget please enjoy. Please share this group with friends and family, especially those who may live out of town. I will review to the best of my ability those who request to join this group. #sendmoremail
P.S. this is timing consuming so please limit yourself to how many pals you take on…
I created this group out of looking for and wanting to provide a safe environment for other Christian to still enjoy having a pen pal. I know times have change so much but over the course of my life I have had pen pals off and on. #allforhim
Greetings Lindsee, This is all good for a new creation in Christ to follow as they start out their walk with Christ…being in the Word as much as possible, reading and processing who you are in Christ now is great advice. When I first became a believer, I was not familiar with the Scriptures at all. I had a huge hunger to read the Word, because I knew that it was truth, and I craved truth, hope, and stability. I had never felt hope and peace like that before and craved more of it. I wanted to learn more about what had happened to me at salvation, and who I was now…Have a blessed day Lindsee, thank you for sharing.
An excellent way to go “church shopping” without leaving your home is online. Most churches now have websites and/or facebook. Information usually provided includes classes and activities, calendar of events, statement of beliefs, contact information for pastors and staff, audios/videos of past sermons and much more. All this was very helpful to me when I changed churches a few years ago.
I would just add, get yer self to the nearest bible-believing healthy church, grab two ladies from a small group/Sunday school class and go have BBQ.
Make some time every morning to read from the Bible , new living Translation or English standard version. And connect with your beloved Jesus.
Sorry ran out of room.
Coffee time with Jesus in the morning, and coffee time later in the day with your Christian buddies and other friends. (Don’t drop all your old friends unless they are leading you to do something destructive like getting soused on alcohol or drugs or sleeping around.)
Oh, Lindsee – I’m the one who sent you that email! I just logged on to the website tonight (for the first time in several days) and have the biggest smile on my face! Thank you so much for taking the time to write this post and for laying out some clear first steps. I also want to say thank you to all of you who commented – I read through each and every one and felt so encouraged! I appreciate you all taking the time to write these words. Jesus is up to something BIG in these simple steps, I can just feel it. Pray for me as I walk them out!
Much, much love to you all!
And I will gladly take any more advice/suggestions/books, etc. that anyone wants to provide!
Oh Melissa, I’m so happy! May Christ reveal Himself in the most intimate of ways as you seek Him. Much love!
I don’t know if that dear lady you spoke of will be here on the blog or read this but just in case..Welcome dear sister to the family of God. If you are here on the blog let me say we are thrilled to have you and embrace you across the miles with open arms. I have thought about you so many times and prayed for you in your new relationship with Christ. I pray that you will find a good church family to be a part of, a place for your faith to be watered and to grow. I don’t know you, but my heart is so tender toward you. You asked Lindsee a great question and of course Lindsee answered it beautifully. Continue to seek Him dear sister – I just know the heart of Jesus is overjoyed to call you His own! Sincerely from your sister in Christ, Mary G.
I love that the original Melissa who emailed you responded above! That is SO COOL!
Wanted to tell you, Lindsee, that this post was excellent. Loveditloveditlovedit.
Blessings to all of you!
Hey, I am an “old girl” 65 June 6- I have finally been brave enough to end enough… not easy after 42 years of marriage, two grown sons and more enabling and co dependence than has been written in any psychological journal…. well, I did it and it is NOT easy- I have no idea regarding the future other than the Kingdom of God is my future if I allow Christ’s wisdom rather than mine to direct?? I am very insecure at this point, however very grateful to my Lord for guiding me and PROVIDING to this point- nothing like being at the Red Sea and wondering if my time is UP…. I am so fragile in my faith- I know Gideon was reduced to a number that proved our God is our strength, not our egos or our self proved(FAULTY) wisdom,…..- as the Katy Perry song says, wish I knew then, what I know now- the good news is God will WAKE us up, if we will allow him to do so- thanks for allowing me to ramble, I thought I knew more than I do now, humility and surrender are the keys as best I can judge- Love ya and blessings
Thank you Lindsee for posting this. I just gave a new believer a bible last week and then spent all weekend realizing that I didn’t tell her what to do. I printed this out and tweeked it a little and gave it to her. Thank you.
Lindsee,
This was a perfect answer to my prayers. Only mine was “Lord, how so I begin AGAIN?” I start, stumble, fall and try to stand and start again. I think because I’ve prayed, been in Bible study for years, and belong to a church that when I fall into sin that there is another way to climb out. This reminds me that He is the ONLY way to climb out. I am so thankful for His constant forgiveness and steadfast love for me. It is a journey that will end only in Heaven. Praise Jesus and thanks for the great post!
Joan
It was so good to know each other through twitter. I am a free lance evangelist preaching the gospel to unreached. I would like you to join us, for more information please visit the website.
Be Blessed,
Evg Moses Malugu.
This is a wonderful post!! I have been in church most of my long life… I just have to underscore, join a bible study group. We have a Tuesday Bible Study Group. I have only been going for about 3 years, and even though I have attended church a long time, I have learned more about the Bible in these 3 years than I ever dreamed I could! I have also met some of the most sincere women of faith. I love our group! Of course stay in the order as they were posted, but do them all.
I was wondering the same exact thing! I just so happened to stumble across this blog while browsing the web! Thank you!
After reading this great blog and listening to your #6 or 7 DVD on Children of the Day, I thought yes how perfect…Again and Again until “When the LORD JESUS will appear!” Then the again will not “Reset”.
There comes a time when the time will come! Maranatha!
Then no more agains happen, right? LOVE CHILDREN OF THE DAY and love this blog. Thank you for writing and teaching with such Sincerity, TRUTH, Passion Patience, Creativity, Excitement and Revelation….and many other anointed attributes.
Appreciate you and LPM. His Best to you all…
Lauren, Jackson, Ky.
solo
I need to be in this Bible study this summer because I am trying to get back into the habit of daily, intentional time in His Word.
Hi there i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anywhere, when i read this piece of writing i thought i could also make
comment due to this good paragraph.
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Amanda C.
Houston, TX
Me and a friend are doing it together, meeting at our houses and coffee shops!
This summer, I want to be very diligent in the word, in the midst of a busy summer. I want to stay plugged in His word!
Quirk: I sneeze about 100 times when I pluck my eye brows…like uncontrollable 🙂