Beyond the Pond (Samuel) - Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions
1. Why would Cathryn not share the secret about Murdoch with her husband or children, yet she felt it was okay to tell her granddaughter, Rosalie, about him?

2. Why do you suppose Murdoch saved Cathryn when he had let others drown before her?

3. Who did you think the tall figure behind the fence was when this character was first introduced in the story?

4. There were several "fears" or "uncertainties" mentioned in the story that happened to Brady and Olivia. Discuss those fears and how best to get through them.

5. Thalia had been given a special roll by the Creator to protect the land surrounding her. What other historical events do you think she may have seen standing in one place all those years since the 1800s (besides the ones mentioned in the book?)

6. Who was your favorite character in the book and why?

7. Both Brady, Olivia and Murdoch had to make changes when they moved from their family home to a new one. Do you think the other characters in the story helped or made matters worse for them?

8. Do you think it was a good idea that Gaspar and Coyote teamed up together? Why?

9. What does it mean to you to "Rest in God?" Do you think Brady ever put his trust in God? When?

10. There are several times in the story in which rules are broken. Cathryn, Olivia and Murdoch was known not to follow certain rules. What were the results of breaking rules?

11. We don't always understand why bad things happen, or that God may have a reason when he puts trials in our life. How did losing the baseball game affect Brady's relationship with God at the time....then later?

12. Both Brady and Olivia had to make new friends at their new homes, then they both lost the new friend they had made. How did they react to this loss?

13. Compare Olivia's trust in the Cedar light to trusting in Christ. What does light do? Why did some of the characters in the story turn away from the light? Why do people turn away from knowing Christ as their savior? What are some "light" Bible scriptures?

14. Why do you suppose that Coyote would trust Gaspar again?

15. At first, Olivia was insulted that she would be asked to take a dangerous trip. What changed her mind and what gave her the courage to make that trip.

16. Olivia was told that whenever she felt like giving up to trust in the light and it would give her something she needed to continue to move on. What was it ? How did that affect Charlie? How does that affect you? Where do you put your trust?

17. What did Cathryn do to save herself from drowning? Discuss the similarities between Murdoch saving Cathryn and Christ saving us?

18. What kind of friendship did Sterling and Murdoch have? How did Sterling help Murdoch to endure his lonliness and depression at the spring?

19. Discuss Artesia's view of herself. Was she right or wrong?

20. The gospel message was discussed between several of the characters in the book. Recall how each situation came about for Linda and Brady; Cathryn and Murdoch; and Artesia and Murdoch to talk about God with someone they knew. Do you think you could look for opportunities to bring up the gospel to others in the simple way that it was mentioned in the book?
(Questions courtesy of the author.)

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