Dear Parents:
​Every single person on the planet is different from everyone else - right down to his or her DNA.  How empowering is it to think of yourself as unique; to think that you are the only YOU in all of creation!  We don't always see ourselves that way.  We don't necessarily want to be unique; we want to fit into the culture around us; have a certain look; wear the same type of clothes; listen to the same type of music.  We want to be considered normal.

Devotions for the week of [January 25-31] focus on the question "am I normal?"
​It's probably fair to say that your teen has asked this question from time to time.

​Ask them...

• ​Do you have habits you consider weird?
• ​Which of your habits - weird or not - come from your convictions? (IE: daily devotions, praying before a test, movies you attend, moral behavior)
• ​Who determines what is normal for you? (friends, parents, grandparents, God)

Encourage them...​

• Reflect with them how God has blessed them with gifts, talents and abilities that manifest themselves in unique ways. 
• Help them to see that they are OK as they are. Negative self-talk hurts, and much of it comes when youths compare themselves to other people, seeking approval.
• Be available as a parent to listen.  Pray that God would give you the knowledge and words to talk to your child.
  

​Challenge them...
​For the next 30 days, tell your child to practice being kind to themselves.  Let these ideas help your teen learn to accept, embrace, and celebrate what makes them unique:

• ​Keep a gratitude journal - every day write 3 things you are thankful for; one about yourself, one about another person, one about the world.
• Have your teen make a list of what they believe about themselves and think about where each idea comes from.  Then ask: Is it from God? Is it true? Am I judging myself?
• Challenge them to be different.  Teach them that fear is a choice, but it's not wrong to choose sometimes.  Tell them "fitting in" doesn't mean you are necessarily being yourself.
  

Scripture to draw on...
John 15:19b, Psalm 139:14a, Romans 12:2, II Timothy 1:5, 2:15, I Peter 4:10, Luke 6:31

Dear Parents!
​As a way to encourage your youth to spend daily time in God's Word, the DEVOZINE is a monthly periodical that is handed out. Each week focuses on a particular topic.  This week...
​A HEALTHY IMAGINATION!
​
[January 18-24 +imagination]
​A healthy imagination sparks excitement, a zest for life, and a way to see beyond what is, to what can be.  Remember your child as a tot and how they could turn an ordinary box into a castle, a cage for pets, a car, a Barbie house? God can take that imagination and plant dreams and desires into their hearts as they continue to mature!

Take a moment with your child to reminisce (go on a short drive, have a cup of coffee/soda, or sit down with them over the evening meal).  Look at pictures, retell stories of how they played pretend as a child, or have them share their favorite childhood memories. 

Ask them...
"If you could change one thing in the world​ or in your own personal world, what would it be and why?"
​"What is one of your dreams for the future?"

Encourage them...
To imagine, hope and dream!  Remind them that just because they are growing up, doesn't mean they have to lose their imagination, dreams or aspirations!  During their devotion time over the next week, allow these questions to help your teen learn from the past and dream for the future.  Share your own dreams or aspirations and how they shaped you and your walk with God.

​Challenge them...
"How can you use your imagination to show others that God is always with them?"

Dear parents,
This week we discussed the AWKWARD topic of sex.  We focused on the scripture from 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 which in summary tells us to RUN!

R - Remember your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit
U - You have a choice -"I am allowed to do anything - but not everything is good for you." (NLT)
N - Not every choice is beneficial.

RUN from sexual sin Paul tells us - "no other sin so clearly affects the body as this one.." "You do not belong to yourself for God bought you at a high price.  But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him."

We shouldn't just walk away from sexual temptations, or do our best to avoid those situations. We should RUN from them! That word clearly implies a definite decision and course of action. If we swim with sharks we are going to get bit. 

And sexual temptations are everywhere - even in our hands everyday (our phones - it is so easy for pornography to find us).

It is important to help teenagers draw some lines between what is God's plan and what isn't, with the goal of helping our students choose God's plan! All of this is based on making wise choices. We gain wisdom by praying, reading the Bible, talking with trusted friends, parents and leaders, and observing the possible consequences of our decisions.

Your influence as a parent is the greatest factor for your child's choices.  Even if you didn't make wise choices as a youth you can still encourage your child to choose God's path. 

Maybe your child has made choices that aren't beneficial for them.  Help them to understand that God's grace and forgiveness covers them when we are open with God.  They can start over fresh today!

As you find time to talk with your teenager about this week's lesson, here are some questions you might want to ask:​

• Why do you think the Apostle Paul said to "run from sexual sin"? Why "run" from it?
• We talked in this lesson about making choices to follow God's plan.  What are some wise choices that they want to make that are beneficial for them and follow God's plan for sex?
  • Possible examples: Waiting until they are married to have sex, choosing to close the internet window if inappropriate pictures appear on their screen, etc.

If it is too awkward to talk with your child about this - consider writing them a letter.  

I pray that this is a blessed week for you and your family!