AMPED BLOG PAGE

Summer Jobs

2010-06-21T12:23:00.000-07:00

Now that it is summer for all you youth out there are you planning to get summer jobs? I remember my summer jobs. I was a camp counsolor, loaded mulch, worked at the movies, worked at Adventure World, worked at Six Flags, and worked at Sports Authority. Where are you guess planning at work this summer?

being lazy

2009-10-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

Being lazy

By me being lazy in my relationship with God causing me to be a poor example for my family and son and the youth I lead? At this point I would say yes. I am and have been lazy with my relationship with God. I know that when I am the opposite of being lazy in my relationship with God I feel so much better and do better and I am just better. I am to be the man of God for my sons and wife to follow and I disregard Him often. Now, because of my laziness, selfishness, and so called being tired that I will tell my son “No story tonight. You go head and pray.” Does my son see me pray at home? Does he see that I read my Bible? Does he see that I love God?

I know what he does see. He sees daddy watching TV. He sees Daddy on his computer. He sees Daddy leaving most nights to go to church. He sees Daddy helping the football team. He sees Daddy on his cell phone. What I am saying is that he sees me not being lazy with other things but when it comes to my relationship with God he may not see what I want and need him to see. I would rather my son say I want to read my bible like daddy does or pray like daddy does instead of him saying I want to play the drum like daddy or play like daddy or sing like daddy. Just by what I am doing he is getting a understanding what is important through his eyes. What do I want and need him to see through my relationship with God? Being Lazy is not one of them. This will change.

Trust

2009-09-03T08:07:00.000-07:00

I have done this so many times. Where I tell God "I trust you" then I try to go and make things happen. There are many things that I know I need to fully trust God on and wait from Him to make things happen. In some items the more I try to make it happen the more frustrated I get. I know that God has the right people, right budget, right decision, and right actions. There was this song that I remember my mother would sing when I was a kid. The words where "Wait on the Lord. Wait on the Lord. Wait I said on the Lord". I know I need to but it is hard to at times. I think I am patience person but the level of patience that Jesus had to do and say only what He was and heard the Father doing. Lord teach me.

Does anyone else have this problem?

Doing the Hard Things

2009-08-24T07:24:00.000-07:00

What causes some things in life to be hard? I am not talking about hard as in a rock is hard but hard in doing or accepting. There are many reason why this has come to mind. I thought about it some and here is what I think. Thinks are hard for people most times because a lot or reasons hear are a few:

It will take a lot of work
There might be pain
You might fail
You might hurt someone feelings

I know for me those are the main reasons that things are hard for me. I tend to want to shy way from the hard things. I don't like telling people information that I know they wont like. I don't like to do task that will take a lot from me to get it right or to do well.

However, a good leader will press through the hard things for they must be done and not avoided. A good student will do the hard things so they can achieve their goals in school. A good player does the hard things so they are ready for all challenges in their field of sport. A good parent will make and do the hard things to be the best they can for their child.

What causes you to not do the hard things?

Genreal: How busy are we really?

2009-07-29T06:52:00.000-07:00

"I am so busy"...we all hear that all the time but what is busy. Dictionary.com defines busy as such-actively and attentively engaged in work or a pastime. To me either everyone is actively and attentively engaged in work or a pastime or we don't really know what it means to be busy. I know I say it and when I think about it I am not truly busy. I don't think it is good to bust busy all the time(if one is truly busy). There is the saying that if the Devil can't make you bad he will make you busy. I think there is some truth to that.

If your day is full of work and other items or event, where is there time to do the things God might have for you to do. Here is a typical day of a High School student at Bowie High:

6 am Wake Up
6:45 Bus
7:15 School
2:35 School Ends
3 pm Sport Practice/ After school activity
5 pm End to Practice
5:15 Home for dinner
6 pm Job
9 pm End of work/job
9:15 Homework
11:30 Bed time

I know some students that are doing 2 sports and a job and school and family time. I just feel like we shaft God at with our time. Where is God's time. I ask that question for myself. I don't give God his time because "I am busy".

What in my head: Youth

2009-07-18T22:28:00.000-07:00

Ok. I just finished a week long mission week with a group of 30+ youth. Some of them were from my church and a few weren't. I know that there are some problems with the current youth culture. Every youth culture had their own problems. However, there is something different about the culture of youth that I have the awesome privilege to work with and for. I have been trying to put my finger on it for a while now and I haven't seemed to be able to do so yet.

What makes them different? Hhere has to be a common thing with them all. I have thought about it and the things you would think would be the "it" isn't it. Most of them go to different schools, live in different neighborhoods, have different home structures ( meaning how many siblings they have or if their parents are married, divorced, single, or remarried), house hold income varies, and grade levels/age is also different. They aren't all in the same spiritual place with God. Then what is it that make a teen love they way I have seen them do. The youth I work with (for the most part) accept and love each other. Now yes I do see my fair share of teenage drama. That's a given. Where there are people there are problems.

There is something that has caused me to stop and think about these youth that I have worked with for the last two years that the past youth didn't show to this level that I am seeing now. I am not quite sure what "it" is but I like "it" and hope to see more of this "it".

In my head

2009-07-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

What's in my head. Right now it is pain. My head is pounding, but it is also pounding with thoughts. I need to blog not to try to make people come and read what Dione wrote but more so to writing my heart and feelings. By doing this it will make me a better writer and communicator. So my blog will be my thoughts on life, my life, youth ministry, parenting, the culture around us, and God. So this is going to be my "why" blog:

Why are we as a culture so concern with the following things:

Other peoples weights

Celebrates Lives

What other people are thinking

Sex

How to make more money with out working for it

The next peeson that is doing to get the "Big Break"

To me it seems like we as a culture is more concern with other people but then are so selfish. How can that be? I am looking forward to street reach so for a whole week I can think about others and do something for them. I must decrease and He must increase.

I think as a follower or Christ, husband, father, youth pastor, son, brother, and friends we need to focus on others for the right reason not just know who is doing what and why? Not with that my head is feeling a little better......I think.

For a cause

2009-06-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

Have you ever cared deeply about something so much that is causes you to take action for a cause? When I think about that question the civil rights moment comes to mind. People joined the cause of protecting African Americans civil right in the 50’s and 60’s. People would protest, lobby the law makers/ government, and give their time money and energy to the social injustice that was taking place during that time period. I thank those that took a positive stance for that cause because they helped pay a way for the better civil rights we all have today.

There is a group of young people that I applaud for their involvement in the social injustice of the Invisible Children. As we hosted around 250 or so young people Sunday through Wednesday I was inspired by their passion for doing what they could do to see the injustice of what is happening to the children and youth of Uganda. These teens and “20 something’s” flew, drove, and even hitched hiked from all over the Untied State so that they could come to Washington D.C to be a voice for the voiceless. They slept on the gym floor, titled hallways, and sleeping bags because they felt like they would and could make a difference for these children through making these horrible things that are being done to them known. These was the most respectful group that I have seen stay here at Mount Oak.

They sacrificed a lot for this cause. It made me thing upon my own life. What cause am I passionate about? Yes I am a Christian and my passion is being a strong Christian but what pulls my heart strings? What pulls your heart strings? What “cause” moves you to action? We as Christians are called to stand up against injustice. Which one/ones will you stand up for? Again I applaud the Invisible Children movement and to Lindsay Aiello for hosting over 200 people that took a stance for a cause!

Ways teenagers are like toddlers

2009-06-18T08:46:00.000-07:00

Ways teenagers are like toddlers

They bring hurricane impact to every clean and ordered room they ENTER.

They think burps and farts are the funniest things in the world

Lyrics are a secondary consideration with their music favorite music

“I want” and “I need” are interchangeable statements for both

They both think they are OLDER than they are.

Are these true?

Misunderstood

2009-06-15T08:10:00.000-07:00

Have you have felt misunderstood? I think all of us have at some point. I think Jesus was one of the most misunderstood person ever. He came to which was his own but they did not receive Him. So many people do get it or Him. Where in you life have you been misunderstood? Maybe it is with you family, friends, when you were in school, people in the church, or any other area. Pleas share for this could encourage others.

3 Reasons Why Cool Doesn't Try - It Is

2009-05-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

Truly cool people don't have to work at it - they just are. Let's be honest: if you have to try to be cool, you probably won't have a lot of people looking up to you. Let's check out 3 reasons why cool doesn't have to try.

1. Being cool is an honor that only others can bestow upon you. Remember, the Bible's counter-parts for the modern word cool are favored and accepted. Only God and people can show you favor and acceptance.

2.Truly coll people focus on others, not on themselves. Mathew 23:12 says that those who humble themselves will be exalted.

3. Most cool people don't even realize they are cool. They are too busy making a difference

What are you those about this? Agree or disagree?

Something on my mind

2009-05-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

I spoke with a single mom the other day and some of the things she told me are bothering me. Her ex-husband use to beat her. He use to hit her. As she is telling me this I can feel myself getting angry.

I spoke with a young lady that is involved with the Invisible Children movement the other day and of the things she told me are bothering me. There are children that get taken from their homes and forced to be rebel soldiers. As she is telling me this I can feel my self getting angry.

I spoke with a married man a few weeks ago that I meet as I was out and about. I asked about his wife just in making conversation. He says she is well and a good wife. Later he asked if I lived near a particular city. I said no why. He asked because that is where is mistress lived. As he is telling me this I can feel myself getting angry.

I received a letter from our compassion child. It is great to see what a blessing $40 a month is to someone else. However, as I started to learn about the problems in his country I can feel my self getting angry.

Injustice is what i am hearing in my head. The definition of injustice is
1. the quality or fact of being unjust; inequity.
2. violation of the rights of others; unjust or unfair action or treatment.
3. an unjust or unfair act; wrong.

God calls us to care and help the injustice. Where do you see injustice and what would you like to do to change it? I want to make a difference. A BIGGER Difference. Please I want to hear for you all. I think it is time this us as a ministry can on a cause. I thank those that have set and example for that for me (Lindsay and Bitty. Just to name a few). let me hear from you.

This summer

2009-05-15T05:30:00.000-07:00

Ok the summer is coming soon. School is almost done for some of you and for others you are already done. So I ask the question what are you looking forward to this summer? What are some things you would like for the Youth ministry to do this summer besides Street reach and The Master's Inn? Tell me what you want?

Heaven

2009-05-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

My small group has decided to close out with reading Revelations. Here John describes what he sees to be heaven. It's funny how we toss the word heaven around. "I am in Heaven" or "This vacation spot is heavenly". There is no way things of this earth can compare to heaven.

Here are some ways John Describes Heaven:

"God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There should be no more pain" Rev. 21:4.

It will be a beautiful place. John describes precious stones, gates or pearl, and streets of gold (Rev. 21:10-21)

It will be a glorious place: "The city had no need of the sun or moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The lamb is its light" Rev. 21:33.

Heaven is an eternal place, where God's people "shall reign forever and ever" Rev. 22:5.

What a place to be! What do you think or hope heaven will be like?

I was surprised

2009-03-27T06:17:00.001-07:00

We are in the midst of the Gospel Journey and I must say that it is going great. We have had two breakout sessions, which have also gone well. We divided the youth into three groups: Jr. High, 9th & 10th graders, and 11th & 12th graders. I took some time to listen to each breakout session and the discussions within each group were meaningful and thought-provoking. Obviously, the leaders did a great job of running the groups and leading the discussions.
As I was listening to the groups, I heard a few things that caught my attention and made me more interested in their comments. Here is what surprised me: Our Christian youth were basically saying that they get all this "God" stuff from church, school, and parents, but they have not done anything hard or challenging with it. They have not had the opportunity to experience their faith in full effect, and they feel that they have this easy sort of Christianity.
This topic was sparked by the message, which was ‘Religion vs. Relationship’. In their breakout groups, the students discussed the differences between practicing religion and having a true relationship with Jesus Christ. Overall, what I heard was this question in a nutshell: “How can I grow to new levels with God if my relationship is easy and not challenging?” In other words they were saying, "I live in a Christian home, I go to a Christian school or I am home-schooled, I go to small group, I go to youth group, I come to RISE/discipleship, I read my bible, I pray, and I worship. So, where is the challenge in my relationship and how am I going to grow?"
From this, I gather that all three groups, in their own way, were revealing that it is not hard to be a Christian in their environment. For most of the students, it is natural and simple to have a relationship with God within their comfortable Christian homes, their nice Christian schools, their great church, and their awesome youth group. Now, I know what you are thinking: "My student goes to public school, where they face different challenges." Well, even those that go to public schools with non-Christian friends and team members still find it easy in society to be a follower of Christ. In response to this, we have challenged them to have the strongest and best relationship that they can with God. It is easy to have a relationship with God. Anyone can do that. However, it is not always easy to strive for the best relationship possible. This is where the challenges come in. They will wonder, "How pure can I be? How loving can I be? How close can I be to God? How honest can I be?" This is the challenge that Jesus laid upon us, saying “Be perfect as I am perfect”. That is almost impossible in itself, and would be hard to achieve. This creates new difficulties and challenges for our students to overcome and goals for them to strive toward.
However, there is more said here. The battle for these students to be a Christian in this society is a battle within themselves. Some students are looking for a deeper challenge with God. They are looking for and desiring that call on their life, where they will have to sacrifice. They want to drop everything and follow God with all that they have. In order for them to get to this point, do we need to challenge their relationship with God in a different manner? Is it too easy to be a Christian in our society? If so, is that a bad thing? How can AMPED Ministries help in the mindset that “It’s easy to be a Christian, therefore, I take it lightly”? How can we help these individuals grow, and how can we ensure that they are prepared to tackle any future challenges head-on?

What is your purpose?

2009-03-16T23:41:00.000-07:00

What is your purpose?
What is your purpose in life? Do you know the answer? Do you know why you are on this earth? If not, how does one find out what is the purpose of life and more importantly to know the purpose to their own life? Is there a reason for living? What do you want your life to be known for? These are questions that were asked this past week at Amped/youth group. As we looked at the lives of six randomly selected youth that came from all different religions/spiritual walks the question was purposed to them: What is the purpose of life?
The youth left Sunday questioning what is the purpose of life. We as a leadership team pointed them in the direction that we live to being God glory. We learned from other religions that they don’t know for sure if they are going to heaven. We also learned that most people believe the reason for living life is to be happy and live life to the fullest. King Solomon who was the wisest person and some say the richest person to live used all of his wealth and richest to answer the question what is the purpose of life? Here is his answer:
Ecclesiastes 12:13 (New International Version)
13 Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.
After Solomon had done and tried everything under the sun he came to see that the reason to living is to fear the Lord and to keep His commandments. In other word the wisest and richest person ever to live so the purpose of life is to being God glory. The question for us all: Are we bringing God glory with our lives. Are we fearing the Lord and keeping His commandants?

No more "F's" in school?

2009-03-06T06:02:00.000-08:00

For more students nationwide, the grading alphabet ends at "D," as school districts eliminate policies that allow children to be given failing marks. Kids and grades
school districts are changing the way they grade kids.

At public schools in Grand Rapids, Mich., high school students will no longer receive "F"s but instead will earn the letter "H" when their work falls woefully short.

Superintendent Bernard Taylor told ABCNews.com that the "H" stands for "held," and is a system designed to give students a second chance on work that was not up to par.

"I never see anyone doing anything but punishing kids," said Taylor. "If the choice is between letting kids fail and giving them another opportunity to succeed, I'm going to err on the side of opportunity."

What do you thing?

Testimony

2009-02-28T08:50:00.001-08:00

What is your testimony? What has good done in your life? During the month of March we will be talking about what is your gospel journey? So what is you story?

This Sunday Night Feb. 22

2009-02-18T11:49:00.000-08:00

Feb 15th The battle of the sexes

2009-02-16T12:34:00.001-08:00

Last night at AMPED (Youth Group) we broke up into guy/girl groups so we could have a more gender specific discussion. We discussions went well. They were better than I thought they would go. Both groups started of slow but picked up towards the end. The girls group went 40 minutes pass 9 o’clock which is a sign of how good the talk was. I would like to say sorry to the parents that were waiting. The girls were glued to their seats and they left wanting more.

I do want to say to the parents that there were some deep things brought up from the youth. Now please don’t think that not my teen. I want to say it could be your teen that has some heavy sexual issues or trauma. I pray that it isn’t but it could be. Please allow for your teen to speak openly with you. Know that from the survey we took last night with the guys that 5 out of 6 guys have seen pornographic material and more than half of them looked at pornographic material this month and 1 out of 6 looked at pornography on the internet before they came to AMPED (youth group). With the ladies, do you understand what a “chick flick” does to the mind and emotions of a teenage girl? Almost all the girls feel an urge to be with a guy after a “chick flick” is watched.

What are some of your thoughts about last night if you came to AMPED or youth thoughts in general?

Feb 15th The battle of the sexes

2009-02-16T12:34:00.000-08:00

Last night at AMPED (Youth Group) we broke up into guy/girl groups so we could have a more gender specific discussion. We discussions went well. They were better than I thought they would go. Both groups started of slow but picked up towards the end. The girls group went 40 minutes pass 9 o’clock which is a sign of how good the talk was. I would like to say sorry to the parents that were waiting. The girls were glued to their seats and they left wanting more.
I do want to say to the parents that there were some deep things brought up from the youth. Now please don’t think that not my teen. I want to say it could be your teen that has some heavy sexual issues or trauma. I pray that it isn’t but it could be. Please allow for your teen to speak openly with you. Know that from the survey we took last night with the guys that 5 out of 6 guys have seen pornographic material and more than half of them looked at pornographic material this month and 1 out of 6 looked at pornography on the internet before they came to AMPED (youth group). With the ladies, do you understand what a “chick flick” does to the mind and emotions of a teenage girl? Almost all the girls feel an urge to be with a guy after a “chick flick” is watched.

Feb 8 I am going to Date

2009-02-09T06:40:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday the message was on I am going to Date. This message was for those that chose to date in High School as a teen. I advise the youth that waiting until after high school is the best option (In my opinion) but if the are going to date that I wanted to gave some insight and encouragement so that their dating relationship would last, be healthy, and Christ honoring? For those have and advice in how to make a relationship work, more so a teenage relationship, please leave your comments here?

Ask your parents?

2009-02-04T09:23:00.000-08:00

I had this thought pop in my mind about youth and their parents. So I thought I would post the question. If you could ask your parents any question what would it be?

Feb 1 discussion on relationships

2009-02-02T05:43:00.000-08:00

Last night at AMPED I think there were some good questioned asked and that the leaders did a good job of answering them. Some of the question that come from the youth where?

Why do boys smell so bad?
Why are girls so moody?
What is a good age to start dating?
Why can girls be so harsh?
Why are guys stereotyped to be insensitive?
What make a good marriage?
Why do kids make out at school?
What is the difference between being good friends and being boy-friend/girl-friend?
What was your best date?
What was your worst date?
Why do girls read into things?

These were some of the questions that were asked last night? Here is your chance to ask questions you didn't get to ask? Parents I would love for you to ask questions to the youth about dating and relationships. Ask away!

Say hello or speak your mind

2009-01-28T22:05:00.000-08:00

This is a place to just say hi or as an open topic starter. If there is a topic that takes off then I will move it to its own blog. So come on speak you mind.

If you could.....

2009-01-26T05:35:00.000-08:00

I wish I could...... finish the statement. I want to hear about things you wish to happen.I would love to hear from all.

President Obama

2009-01-20T09:18:00.000-08:00

I am here watching and listening to President Obama address the Nation on the first day that he has become the 44th President of the USA. I couldn't help but wonder what changes are ahead for us? What will these changes be? How will they affect me and my family, my church, and the Nation? As a youth pastor I think how will this affect the youth?

The one thing that changes is that more youth will have hope that they can really be and do anything. With Obama becoming President it gives so much hope to all. How do you think things will change?

Pac Man- Highest Score (go to bottom of page to play)

2009-01-14T12:08:00.000-08:00

So far I have 16,000 Who will beat me? Post your score here!

When is it ok to start DATING

2009-01-13T08:39:00.000-08:00

This is a hot topic with a lot of teen and parents. The opinions with this topic vary from teen to teen and parent to parent. I have my own personal and ministry view when it come to teen dating but what I want to hear and see is some discussion on teen dating between youth and the parent? Each side has their own feelings. So I say let them be heard. We are going to be talking about dating and relationships in the month of Feb. at AMPED on Sunday Nights at Mt. Oak Church. I think this will be a good start to the topic. So how do you feel about it?

Here is a link that I found on teen dating? Tell me what you think.

SKI MO

2009-01-13T08:37:00.000-08:00

Ski Mo looks like is on hold for right now do to a lack of youth sign ups. We had a leaders meeting last night and we discussed why is there such a lack of interest in SKI MO this year. So i want to hear for you all. What is the deal with No SKI MO? Open up be honest?

Complaing

2009-01-13T08:33:00.000-08:00

Parents, how do you deal with complain in you home? Youth, why do you complain? How can we fix a spirit of complaining? I would love to hear some feed back.

Sex Ed

2008-11-14T23:50:00.000-08:00

I have been doing some reading on Sexuality and youth. Here is an article that might help cover some points when it is time to have "The Talk". Please leave comments....

Spiritual Sex-Ed
Talking about sex involves more than the birds and the bees. Make sure you include the Bible, too.
by Jim Burns

When it comes to teenage sexuality, there's good news and bad news. The good news is, even though they are in the minority, thousands of teenagers are taking seriously the biblical mandate to refrain from sexual intercourse until marriage. The bad news is that far too few parents are stepping up as the primary influence in their children's sex education.

Studies tell us that only 10 to 15 percent of junior high and high school students receive positive, healthy, value-centered sex education at home. I recently spoke to 400 parents on the subject of teaching our children about sex. I asked the parents, "How many of you received positive, healthy sex education at home?" Eight people raised their hands! They hadn't received sex education from their parents and they were passing that silence on to the next generation.

Most young people base their decisions about sexual activity on three factors. The first is good old peer pressure. When a teenager lacks a strong moral and spiritual base, the pressure to conform to the world's standards is just too strong. Few of us have strong moral fiber innately built into us. Someone has to take the time—sometimes lots of time—to instill a child with a sense of morality.

The second factor is emotional neediness. Show me a young person with a low view of themselves and an extreme desire to be accepted by their peers and I'll show you a young person who can be fooled into instant intimacy and easily seduced sexually.

Studies on both the liberal and conservative sides of sex education tell us that kids also make sexual decisions based on a lack of information. Today's young people are bombarded with hundreds of sexual images a day. Yet Christian parents often spend too much time telling their kids that sex can lead to AIDS or pregnancy and far too little time helping their teens understand their sexuality from a healthy, biblical perspective.

Our best defense against these three factors is God's Word. Lay a spiritual foundation for sexual purity early and reinforce it often. Teach a biblical view of sexuality that helps your kids understand that God created our sexuality and sees it as very good (Gen. 2:18–25; Gen. 1:26–27). Help them understand that the reason God gives strong instruction on the sins of adultery and fornication is because he wants the best for his children and their future marriages (Ex. 20:14; 1 Thess. 4:3).

Don't be afraid to challenge your kids with the powerful words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, which teaches us that we are to refrain from sexual immorality because our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and we are to honor God with our bodies. Parents must talk about all of the issues of sexuality with their children, but they can't miss providing the spiritual foundation that will ultimately produce the fruit of purity in their children's lives.

—Jim Burns is an author, speaker, and the president of YouthBuilders. Learn more about his work at YouthBuilder.com.
Something to Talk About

My wife, Cathy, and I created this list of things we want to talk about with our daughters relating to sex, dating, and sexuality. The first seven topics should be covered before a child reaches puberty, but follow your instincts if you feel an issue should be covered earlier or later. I've also included Scripture references where appropriate.

* Appropriate touch and inappropriate touch
* Definition of puberty
* Changes in hair and body, including body size and shape
* Menstrual periods
* Sexual organs
* Sexual abuse, harassment, and teasing
* Emotions
* Sexual attraction
* Infatuation versus real love
* Masturbation
* Pornography
* Sexual intercourse
* Virginity
* Reasons to save sex for marriage (Ex. 20:14; Matt. 19:4-6)
* Pregnancy
* Dangers of sexual relationships
* Partying
* The cultural influence of sex and sexuality (Rom. 12:2; 1 Thess. 4:3-6)
* Abstinence and purity (Phil. 4:8–9)
* How far is too far? (1 Cor. 6:18-20)
* Dating
* Homosexuality (Rom. 1:26–27)
* AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases

Taken from How to Be a Happy, Healthy Family (W) by Jim Burns.

Comments?

Release Your Grip

2008-11-03T09:35:00.000-08:00

I read this in a parenting article. What do you think?

When your teen questions your ideas or authority, its tempting to hold more tightly to them and to your rules. But questions don't always reflect rebellion, and they need the freedom to step outside your box in certain situations. Of course, there's a big difference between trusting them them and recklessly abandoning all rules. They can take new steps of responsibility within the context of accountability. If you expect nothing but the worst, that's probably what you'll get. Trust balanced with wisdom is essential.

As you teach your teen moral,spirit, family values or rules, you must guide them towards making these values personal. Keeping them in a safe little box only keeps them dependent on you. You must be willing to pull back enough to give them the chance to walk on their own, while staying close enough to teach them their mistakes.

After me say this is it hard for you to release the grip if so why?

Your youth and Church

2008-10-27T07:14:00.001-07:00

Your youth and Church.
Here at Mt. Oak we have a nice size group of youth that attend the 10:30 service. Most of them either sit with their family or sit with each other youth on the far left hand side of the PSFH (facing the stage). Now I figure there are some youth that drive their selves to church, other get rides from friends, and then there are come with their family. The question I have to the parents is do you have to make your youth come to church? Do they put up a fight? Do they desire to be in church weather you are there or not? Maybe give some pointers/advice in how you have guided your youth to want to be at church.

To the praents

2008-10-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

Hello parents. I am starting this poll to receive insight, information, and concerns that you see, feel, or hear pertaining to your youth or the youth culture in general. This will be a blog for you to receive information about youth and youth culture. I will also post information about the youth ministry here as well. What I would like to do first is post many poll questions to get a feel where the parents of our youth are with their youth in their homes or that you may be involved. Outside of that, the comments I would like to see from this first blog post would be what kind of information, questions, or posting would you like to see? This will help guide me in helping inform and supporting the parents. So the blog is open and let's use it to become better parents, teacher, and examples to the youth/your youth.