Parent Newsletter – 11 November 2009
November 11, 2009
Parent Newsletter
Contents
- Tools for Parenting Teens
- Learn Their Lingo
- Links to Learn From
- A Little Encouragement…And Humor
1. Tools for Parenting Teens
From http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/
Talk About Praise
You likely experience praising God together with your family regularly at church. But how often do you talk about that experience? Why do we do it? Why does God care? What does it do for us and for Him?
Read More:
http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/article/talk_about_praise/
Featured Resource: Boundaries with Teens
In this exciting new book, Dr. Townsend gives important keys for establishing healthy boundaries—the bedrock of good relationships, maturity, safety, and growth for teens and the adults in their lives. The book offers help in raising your teens to take responsibility for their actions, attitudes, and emotions.
http://www.realworldparents.com/store/item/boundaries_with_teens/
2. Learn Their Lingo
Automagically = something that happens automatically, but that also has some mysterious, “magical” element to it. “Smart” appliances, features, etc. that do intelligent things with less help than you might expect
Mantrum = when a grown man throws a tantrum when he can’t have his way
3. Links to Learn From
Fort Hood Shooting: Five tips to help parents talk to their kids about violence in the news
http://www.examiner.com/x-14708-Toddlers-to-Teens-Examiner~y2009m11d6-Fort-Hood-Shooting-Five-tips-to-help-parents-talk-to-their-kids-about-violence-in-the-news
Teenage pregnancy does not discriminate
http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=861929&category=OPINION
Hunger in America: Half of Our Kids on Food Stamps
http://chattahbox.com/us/2009/11/03/hunger-in-america-half-of-our-kids-on-food-stamps/
4. A Little Encouragement…And Humor
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
- John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Parent Newsletter – 16 October 2009
October 16, 2009
Parent Newsletter
Contents
- Tools for Parenting Teens
- Learn Their Lingo
- Links to Learn From
- A Little Encouragement…And Humor
1. Tools for Parenting Teens
From http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/
The Foolish Joy of Mocking
Many students fall into the habit of mocking as a way for covering up their own insecurity. Afraid of looking stupid, some will mock others before they can become the victim. Eventually, the habit can become a lifestyle.
Read More:
http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/article/the_foolish_joy_of_mocking/
Featured Resource: Boundaries with Teens
In this exciting new book, Dr. Townsend gives important keys for establishing healthy boundaries—the bedrock of good relationships, maturity, safety, and growth for teens and the adults in their lives. The book offers help in raising your teens to take responsibility for their actions, attitudes, and emotions.
http://www.realworldparents.com/store/item/boundaries_with_teens/
2. Learn Their Lingo
GMAS = Acronym for give me a second.
Caraoke = Singing along with music in a car, especially loudly and passionately.
4. Links to Learn From
140 Characters of Parenting Insight [YS Blog]
http://www.youthspecialties.com/blog/2009/140-characters-of-parenting-insight-2/
Teen Sex Escalation [The Source for Youth Ministry]
http://www.thesource4ym.com/youthculturewindow/article.asp?id=96
While Adolescents May Reason As Well As Adults, Their Emotional Maturity Lags…[Science Daily]
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007153745.htm
5. A Little Encouragement…And Humor
Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.
- Elizabeth Stone
Parent Newsletter – 27 August 2009
August 27, 2009
Parent Newsletter
Contents
- Tools for Parenting Teens
- Learn Their Lingo
- Movie Reviews
- Links to Learn From
- A Little Encouragement…And Humor
1. Tools for Parenting Teens
From http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/
The Ten Commandments
Why talk about the Ten Commandments with your son or daughter? For one, our kids need to understand God’s standard for right and wrong in order to get how amazing His grace really is. The Ten Commandments is a good…
Read More:
http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/article/the_ten_commandments/
Featured Resource: The Space Between
The changes and challenges of adolescence can leave many parents feeling overwhelmed at times with fear, confusion, frustration, and a lack of understanding. But here you’ll find hope to help you understand and effectively parent your teen. Dr. Walt Mueller brings more than 30 years of adolescent research (and his own parenting experience) to help you through the tumultuous years of adolescence.
Receive 20% off The Space Between using coupon code RWPN107 by August 30th, 2009.
http://www.realworldparents.com/store/item/the_space_between/
2. Learn Their Lingo
BION = Text message short for, “Believe it or not.”
RAWK! = RAWK is the slang spelling of ROCK, originally used by metal fans. 1) RAWK is used to express joy, as in a rallying cry. 2) It can also mean congratulations.
3. Movie Reviews for Parents
Post Grad
Students may be attracted to the stars in this cast, including Alexis Bledel (“Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” “Gilmore Girls”) and Zach Davies (“Friday Night…
Read Review:
http://www.realworldparents.com/movies/review/post_grad/
Bandslam
“Bandslam” is one of the best-reviewed teen films in a long time, but it got killed at the box office its opening weekend. Thanks to…
Read Review:
http://www.realworldparents.com/movies/review/bandslam/
4. Links to Learn From
85% of those 18-23 who make a commitment to God did so before age 14 [Fuller Youth Institute]
http://fulleryouthinstitute.org/2009/08/the-85-statistic-is-back/
Why are coming of age movies about grown-ups now? [Washington Post]
http://www.mercurynews.com/movies/ci_13207099
Abercrombie & Fitch: Worst Recession Brand? [Time]
http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1918160,00.html
5. A Little Encouragement…And Humor
Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems men face.
- Ronald Reagan
How To Journal
August 8, 2009
As we read God’s words, we begin to see how God responds to things. Doing daily devotions re-patterns the way we think and transforms the spirit of the mind. Then when we face similar situations as Jesus did, we begin to respond in the same way.
Journaling is an excellent way to both record and process what God has spoken to us. It’s also a useful tool to use at a later time, to reflect on and review some of the ‘gems’ that you have received. Without writing them down, you may forget those blessings and some very important lessons! And while journaling is a very personal time with the Lord, you may want to share some of your daily journaling with your small group or group leader. Through discussion, you may be able to look deeper into what God is speaking to you, gain new insight and even encourage others.
You need just three things to get started: a Bible, a pen/pencil and a journal.
S is for Scripture
Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. When you are done, look for a verse that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal.
O is for Observation
What do you think God is saying to you in this scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you. Paraphrase and write this scripture down in your own words, in your journal.
A is for Application
Personalize what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this scripture can apply to you today.
P is for Prayer
This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out.
If this seems a little overwhelming, take it slow and keep it simple. No matter how you decide to do your devotions, the important thing is to show up for your daily appointment, because God is always waiting for you!
Parent Newsletter – 7 August 2009
August 7, 2009
Parent Newsletter
Contents
- Tools for Parenting Teens
- Learn Their Lingo
- Movie Reviews
- Links to Learn From
- A Little Encouragement…And Humor
1. Tools for Parenting Teens
From http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/
Powerful Temptations
Have you noticed that every corner of the entertainment landscape is crawling with vampire stories? Many students are knee-deep in the craze. What makes vampires so alluring for the moment? In part, it has to do with the gut-level issues…
Read More:
http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/article/powerful_temptations/
Featured Resource: The Space Between
The changes and challenges of adolescence can leave many parents feeling overwhelmed at times with fear, confusion, frustration, and a lack of understanding. But here you’ll find hope to help you understand and effectively parent your teen. Dr. Walt Mueller brings more than 30 years of adolescent research (and his own parenting experience) to help you through the tumultuous years of adolescence.
Receive 20% off The Space Between using coupon code RWPN107 by August 30th, 2009.
http://www.realworldparents.com/store/item/the_space_between/
2. Learn Their Lingo
REHI = Text message or Instant message for, “Hello again.”
Take a digger = Commonly used to describe an ungraceful fall.
3. Movie Reviews for Parents
Aliens in the Attic
It’s not a hardcore message movie, but “Aliens in the Attic” does reveal some worldview ideas that kids are likely to notice. Those include the…
Read Review:
http://www.realworldparents.com/movies/review/aliens_in_the_attic/
G-Force
None of the worldview perspectives in this cute-but-forgettable kids’ movie dig very deep, but the “G-Force” team does live in a world of values worth…
Read Review:
http://www.realworldparents.com/movies/review/g-force/
4. Links to Learn From
One in 10 High School Seniors Have Used Narcotic Painkillers [U.S. News and World Report]
http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/08/03/one-in-10-high-school-seniors-have-used-narcotic.html
Millions of Children In U.S. Found to Be Lacking Vitamin D [Washington Post]
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/02/AR2009080202114.html
Too much TV time bad for kids’ blood pressure [Rueters]
http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE5725UV20090803
5. A Little Encouragement…And Humor
Mother, life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get. Your life, on the other hand, is like this box of active grenades!
- Family Guy
Parent Newsletter – 30 July 2009
July 30, 2009
Parent Newsletter
Contents
- Tools for Parenting Teens
- Learn Their Lingo
- Movie Reviews
- Links to Learn From
- A Little Encouragement…And Humor
1. Tools for Parenting Teens
From http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/
Why Church?
You’ve likely read the alarming stats that as many as 80 percent of teens leave the evangelical church and don’t come back. Honestly, that’s a hard number to pin down, but it’s fair to say most churched teens end up…
Read More:
http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/article/why_church/
Featured Resource: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Teenagers in Crisis
Fights at school, sexual abuse, eating disorders, school crises … the list goes on and on. Hardly a day passes without a local crisis at involving junior highers or high schoolers. This practical resource covers the whole continuum of private and public crisis, equipping parents to work with their kids to deal with any crisis in a way that helps the individual and helps the family stay intact.
Receive 20% off A Parent’s Guide to Helping Teenagers in Crisis using coupon code RWPN106 by July 31st, 2009.
http://www.realworldparents.com/store/item/a_parents_guide_to_helping_teenagers_in_crisis/
2. Learn Their Lingo
PBB = Text message or Instant message, short for “Parent Behind Back”
Man Cave = A room, space, corner or area of a dwelling that is specifically reserved for a male person to be in a solitary condition, away from the rest of the household in order to work, play, involve himself in certain hobbies, activities without interruption.
3. Movie Reviews for Parents
G-Force
None of the worldview perspectives in this cute-but-forgettable kids’ movie dig very deep, but the “G-Force” team does live in a world of values worth…
Read Review:
http://www.realworldparents.com/movies/review/g-force/
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Episode 6 of this enormously popular franchise lightens the tone a bit and dabbles in some real teen issues like crushes, cheating, obsession, and obedience…
Read Review:
http://www.realworldparents.com/movies/review/harry_potter_and_the_half-blood_prince/
4. Links to Learn From
Counseling 101: How do I get my teen to go to therapy? [Examiner.com]
http://www.examiner.com/x-12730-SF-Teen-Issues-Examiner~y2009m7d28-Counseling-101-How-to-I-get-my-teen-to-go-to-therapy
Even the School Janitor Can Play a Role [Health News Digest]
http://www.healthnewsdigest.com/news/Education_390/Even_the_School_Janitor_Can_Play_a_Role.shtml
“No Doubt” Sunbeds Cause Cancer [BBC]
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8172690.stm
5. A Little Encouragement…And Humor
Fear less, hope more; whine less, breathe more; talk less, say more; hate less, love more; and all good things are yours.
- Swedish Proverb
Parent Newsletter – 24 July 2009
July 24, 2009
Parent Newsletter
Contents
- Tools for Parenting Teens
- Learn Their Lingo
- Movie Reviews
- Links to Learn From
- A Little Encouragement…And Humor
1. Tools for Parenting Teens
From http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/
Trusting God When Things Go Wrong
Does God care more about our obedience—or about our trusting Him? They often go hand-in-hand, but many students carry with them a kind of black-and-white view of God that their behavior is what matters most to Him. Yes, they know…
Read More:
http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/article/trusting_god_when_things_go_wrong/
Featured Resource: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Teenagers in Crisis
Fights at school, sexual abuse, eating disorders, school crises … the list goes on and on. Hardly a day passes without a local crisis at involving junior highers or high schoolers. This practical resource covers the whole continuum of private and public crisis, equipping parents to work with their kids to deal with any crisis in a way that helps the individual and helps the family stay intact.
Receive 20% off A Parent’s Guide to Helping Teenagers in Crisis using coupon code RWPN106 by July 31st, 2009.
http://www.realworldparents.com/store/item/a_parents_guide_to_helping_teenagers_in_crisis/
2. Learn Their Lingo
fauxhawk = A full head of hair combed into the middle to fabricate the look of a mohawk.
TTYN = Talk to you never
3. Movie Reviews for Parents
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Episode 6 of this enormously popular franchise lightens the tone a bit and dabbles in some real teen issues like crushes, cheating, obsession, and obedience…
Read Review:
http://www.realworldparents.com/movies/review/harry_potter_and_the_half-blood_prince/
I Love You, Beth Cooper
Almost nobody is recommending this unfunny film for teens (or anyone else). And with a barrage of teen sexual content, it’s another example of how…
Read Review:
http://www.realworldparents.com/movies/review/i_love_you_beth_cooper/
4. Links to Learn From
Minimum Wage Hike Could Lead To Job Losses [CBS News]
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/07/21/business/econwatch/entry5178888.shtml
Drawing up a game plan for life [Chron.com]
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/hso/6538772.html
Divorce: don’t discount dad, you’ll deny your daughter [Examiner.com]
http://www.examiner.com/x-5939-Divorce-Support-Examiner~y2009m7d20-Divorce-dont-discount-dad-youll-deny-your-daughter
5. A Little Encouragement…And Humor
Kids go where there is excitement. They stay where there is love.
- Zig Ziglar
Parent Newsletter – 15 July 2009
July 15, 2009
Parent Newsletter
Contents
- Tools for Parenting Teens
- Learn Their Lingo
- Movie Reviews
- Links to Learn From
- A Little Encouragement…And Humor
1. Tools for Parenting Teens
From http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/
Talking About Sex
What’s the big deal? Isn’t it just a normal, physical act? Haven’t we been freed from the Law? Why not just do what comes naturally? Why would God care what I do with my own body? Paul seems to be…
Read More:
http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/article/talking_about_sex/
Featured Resource: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Teenagers in Crisis
Fights at school, sexual abuse, eating disorders, school crises … the list goes on and on. Hardly a day passes without a local crisis at involving junior highers or high schoolers. This practical resource covers the whole continuum of private and public crisis, equipping parents to work with their kids to deal with any crisis in a way that helps the individual and helps the family stay intact.
Receive 20% off A Parent’s Guide to Helping Teenagers in Crisis using coupon code RWPN106 by July 31st, 2009.
http://www.realworldparents.com/store/item/a_parents_guide_to_helping_teenagers_in_crisis/
2. Learn Their Lingo
N4SCD = means now for something completely different.
skate foot = Shoes (most of the time skateboard shoes) with torn laces, blown out toe, holes in the soles, fraying stich lines and perhaps Shoe Goo.
3. Movie Reviews for Parents
I Love You, Beth Cooper
Almost nobody is recommending this unfunny film for teens (or anyone else). And with a barrage of teen sexual content, it’s another example of how…
Read Review:
http://www.realworldparents.com/movies/review/i_love_you_beth_cooper/
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
This strangely titled addition to the “Ice Age” saga is getting less love from critics than the first two films, but the franchise continues to…
Read Review:
http://www.realworldparents.com/movies/review/ice_age_dawn_of_the_dinosaurs/
4. Links to Learn From
Teen sexual health info on Web is often wrong, says researcher at Packard/Stanford.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvuFiag5y-M&feature=channel_page
Texting Teen Falls Down Open NYC Manhole
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,531684,00.html?test=latestnews
More Sit Down Meals = Better Behaved Kids?
http://www.realworldparents.com/blog/article/more_sit_down_meals_better_behaved_kids/
5. A Little Encouragement…And Humor
“When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished by how much he’d learned in seven years.”
- Mark Twain
Parent Newsletter – July 2009
July 9, 2009
Parent Newsletter
Contents
- Tools for Parenting Teens
- Learn Their Lingo
- Movie Reviews
- Links to Learn From
- A Little Encouragement…And Humor
1. Tools for Parenting Teens
From http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/
Sin Spotting
Are Christians intolerant and judgmental? What did Jesus mean when he said “do not judge” but “do help your brother get that speck out of his eye when you’ve removed your own plank”? We’re talking with our kids this week…
Read More:
http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/article/sin_spotting/
Featured Resource: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Teenagers in Crisis
Fights at school, sexual abuse, eating disorders, school crises … the list goes on and on. Hardly a day passes without a local crisis at involving junior highers or high schoolers. This practical resource covers the whole continuum of private and public crisis, equipping parents to work with their kids to deal with any crisis in a way that helps the individual and helps the family stay intact.
Receive 20% off A Parent’s Guide to Helping Teenagers in Crisis using coupon code RWPN106 by July 31st, 2009.
http://www.realworldparents.com/store/item/a_parents_guide_to_helping_teenagers_in_crisis/
2. Learn Their Lingo
JTOL = Text message lingo for “Just Thinking Out Loud”
Facebrag = To use Facebook as a platform to brag. Normally about a job, internship, trip, purchase or anything else that nobody really needs to know but you’d like to tell everyone because you’re awesome.
3. Movie Reviews for Parents
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
This strangely titled addition to the “Ice Age” saga is getting less love from critics than the first two films, but the franchise continues to…
Read Review:
http://www.realworldparents.com/movies/review/ice_age_dawn_of_the_dinosaurs/
My Sister’s Keeper
Based on book by Jodi Picoult, this film tackles some of the ethical issues surrounding genetic family planning, but ends up focused much more intently…
Read Review:
http://www.realworldparents.com/movies/review/my_sisters_keeper/
4. Links to Learn From
Smart Snacking to Combat Obesity [Chicago Tribune]
http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/sns-health-smart-snacking,0,7415046.story
Teen pregnancy project ditched [BBC]
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8139315.stm
Teen sex linked to children’s TV viewing [Baptist Press]
http://www.sbcbaptistpress.org/BPnews.asp?ID=30846
5. A Little Encouragement…And Humor
Nothing you do for children is ever wasted. They seem not to notice us, hovering, averting our eyes, and they seldom offer thanks, but what we do for them is never wasted.
- Garrison Keillor
He Still Moves Mountains – Notes and Questions
May 13, 2009
Mark 11:22-23 [show] And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. (ESV)
( ESV )
God can move mountains
- God created everything we see.
- He created everything with words.
- He maintains everything with words.
- He can change anything with words.
We can move mountains with God
- No matter what the mountain is, God will work with you to remove it.
We move mountains with God’s Word
- Speak to the mountain instead of about the mountain.
- Speak the desired end result.
- Believe what you say will come to pass.
We rest in God’s Word while expecting change
Discussion Questions
- Have you ever seen a miracle? Describe it.
- God invites us to work with Him to move mountains. What are some advantages to working with someone else? What are some challenges to working with someone else?
- What would your life look like today if everything you said last week came to pass? What will you choose to say this week to change your future?
- How can we be at peace while we wait for our circumstances to change?
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