Hi Parents!
​One of my favorite movies is The Blind Side, a 2009 biographical sports drama that follows Michael Oher from his impoverished upbringing, to his adoption by Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, to his position as one of the most highly coveted prospects in college football, then finally becoming a first-round pick of the Ravens.  It's a true and powerful story about love.  We are reminded that the loving actions of one individual can change the course of another person's life for the better.  Both people are changed, not only the one being loved, but also the one's doing the loving.  John 15:12 (NRSV) reminds us "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."

​This summer, watch some inspiring movies with your teen - movies that affirm important values, inspire your devotion to God, and encourage you in your walk. Some suggestions... The Hiding Place, God's Not Dead (I & II), A Matter of Faith, The Passion of the Christ, Courageous, etc.  

Ask your teen...
Think about what you learn from a movie.  How have you applied the lessons you've learned to your life?

​Prayer... 
​Lord, empower me to make a difference, to overcome obstacles, and to lean in closer to you, so you can lead the way on loving as you would love, changing the world one life at a time journey.

Dear Parents:
​On many days, morning, afternoon, and evening pass and not once do we feel the pangs of hunger.  Sadly for many people around the world this is not the case.  The World Food Programme estimates that one out of every nine people in the world do not have enough food to live a healthy, active life.  That's 795 million hungry people! The numbers are staggering and often difficult to comprehend, especially since hunger is not an everyday part of our life.

Isaiah 58:7a (CEV) reminds us to "Share your food with everyone who is hungry."  Psalm 112:9 (CEV) says "They will always be remembered and greatly praised, because they were kind and freely gave to the poor."  Jesus was generous.  He fed and healed the poor and the unclean.  He accepted those whom society rejected.  He gave his life so that we could live.  If we want to be like Christ, we too must be generous.  It can be difficult to discern who may abuse our gifts by buying drugs or alcohol, but when we give, we are reflecting God's unconditional love.  When we see people in need, give to them no matter what they might do with the money.  God would never say "I'm going to give you all my love, but you can't do certain things with it after I give it to you."  God loves us, no strings attached.  It's the same with giving to others.  Let's donate our time, our wealth, our food and our hearts to others, not out of obligation but freely, for God dwells in the true spirit of generosity.

Challenge...
When we give, we are showing love; and that's something the world could always use a little more of.  Ask God for opportunities to serve those in need; then give generously.
​
Prayer...
​God, unite us in your love so that we recognize need and share all we have.  Amen.

Dear Parents:
Imago Dei is the idea that humanity is created in the image of God or is the reflection of God.  Each person bears the divine spark of God.  It is easy for us to forget this, to believe idealistically in humanity but not in actual humans.  We can imagine perfect people being close to God, but what about the rest of us?

​What if we really thought to look for God's presence in our family, our friends, strangers, or people who get on our nerves?  Is God really reflected in the girl who knows how to get under your skin or the guy who seems to like being a jerk?  Sure.  These two people, along with everyone else, have something to teach us about who God is.  This does not mean that everyone is perfect but that everyone has possibility.  No one is outside of God's light and love.  What would change if we really treated people as Imago Dei?

​When we see God as incarnate - embodied in our world and in our lives - faith changes.  Relationships do not get easier or less confusing; but we realize that by paying attention to and being curious about our lives, we are in conversation with God.  Maybe this already makes sense to you.  Maybe you see the face of God in people you meet every day, but can you see God in yourself?  God is reflected in us.  The idea that God is embodied in me is difficult and hard to claim.  Seeing ourselves as bearers of God's image means we have to see our lives as full of gift, potential, power, and beauty.  That is tough to do in a world in which we often are told that we aren't worthy or lovable unless we are perfect or present ourselves a certain way.

​It is bold to look at yourself every day and to claim that you are the bearer of God's image.  It is also true.  In accepting this embodied God in ourselves and others, we meet a God who grows and changes how people show up in the world, a God who surprises, who lives through hard times and joyous moments - a God who looks like us.  If we look for God in all people, we begin to see them (and ourselves) with gentle compassion and grace.  God is not a distant presence but a living force that we can see when we look in the mirror or in the face of another.  God has written part of His name on each and every one of us. 
Ask your teen...
​Who in your life reflects the image of God?  How?
Challenge your teen...
Use your phone or camera to take pictures of every person and place in which you see God's image reflected.  Don't forget to take a selfie!
Prayer...
Father in heaven, give us compassion and hope when we look for you in your people.  Amen.

Hi Parents!
​It's that time of year... the kids are out of school and summer vacations are being planned.  Where will you go this summer?  To the beach or maybe to the mountains?  Wherever you go, you are sure to experience a part of God's creation. 

​We often think of ourselves as separate from nature.  We live in human-made houses, wear human-made clothes, and sit in human-made chairs.  But in reality, we were created by the same God who created the leaves, trees, insects mountains and beaches.  Each has its own special beauty with each detail intentionally and perfectly placed. 

​Psalm 33:6 (NIV) says "By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth."  What kind of God breathes out stars? Or take the verse from Jeremiah 5:22 (NRSV) "Do you not fear me? says the Lord; Do you not tremble before me!  I placed the sand as a boundary for the sea, a perpetual barrier that it cannot pass though the waves toss, they cannot prevail, though they roar, they cannot pass over it."  Creation around us is a signpost that points to our Creator.  Stars, butterflies, waterfalls, rainbows, hailstorms, and most of all, people - all point to Gods infinite wisdom and intricate design.  Take the time this summer to look closely - to notice the breathtakingly intricate details repeated over and over again throughout all of God's creation!

Ask your teen...
If you could travel anywhere in the world, which of the great wonders of God's creation would you want to see?
 
​Challenge your teen...
Make a commitment to pick up the trash anywhere you see it on a regular basis.  Thank God for the beauty you are helping to restore.

Prayer...
​When I look at all that you have created, I want to know you better.  I can feel you smiling on me when the sun comes up in the morning and when it sets in the evening.  Walking outdoors is a daily reminder of all you have done for me.  When I am tired and weary, the beauty of your creation refreshes my soul.  In the quiet of the outdoors, I hear the gentle whisper that often gets lost in the busyness and noise of everyday life.  Thank you, God.