Hi Parents:
​Every day we encounter intolerance in our world.  We find it easy to close our minds to different ideas and different people, to isolate ourselves in a bubble filled with people who think the same way we think.  Sometimes we do this without even realizing. We judge others by their race or religion or political persuasion - by their clothes, their speech, or their point of view, instead of getting to know them for who they are.  We tend to want to stay safe in our own little world, never seeking to experience anything beyond our comfort zone.  

​Some people may be afraid of different ideas because their own beliefs aren't strong.  We shouldn't be afraid to learn something new or to see things from a different perspective.  Because we can be secure in our relationship with Jesus Christ, we can also be secure in the hope that He offers. We don't need to be fearful that others could change our relationship with the Lord. 

We could be all exactly the same, but God made each of us unique.  Revelation 3:20 (CEV) says "Listen!  I am standing and knocking at your door.  If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and we will eat together."  Do we trust God enough to open our heart up to others, to be vulnerable?  Open your eyes and listen.  Listening can open our eyes wide to see the truth beyond the facts. 

Ask your child...
Do you trust God enough to open your heart, to be honest and vulnerable?

Challenge your child...
Are you frustrated with an outcome of a particular situation in your life?  Journal about the solution that you clearly see.  What do you see standing in the way?  Pray that God will open your eyes to see beyond the immediate situation and give you wisdom and clarity.
​
Prayer...
Thank you, God, for loving us as your children and for reaching out to us in so many ways.  Help us to be the music of your heart to all we meet.  Amen.

​Consider God's unceasing love for His children this week....

• Our God is all-seeing, all-knowing, all-powerful and present everywhere.
• God had us in mind even before we were born, giving careful thought to every detail, right down to the number of hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30).
• God's love for us is unceasing.
• God is with us every step of the way and will continue to work in my life - and yours - until we learn to love as God does.
• ​Read the following scriptures this week as a reminder to yourself of God's vast love for us: Psalm 139:1-18, Lamentations 3:22-23,  John 15:12. 
• What is your go-to verse when you need to remember that God loves you?

"Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13b-14 (NRSV)

​Hi Parents!
​I recently read a helpful definition of self-control:​​ choosing what I truly want over what I want right now.  The key to controlling myself is to let my real goals win over instant satisfaction.  Sounds so simple right?  The truth is, it's tough to gain self-control all at once.  Invariably, our best efforts last a couple of days and we are back to the same behavior(s). Self-control isn't about one decisive declaration.  It's making choices over and over, day after day, and starting over again when we slip up, which we will.  It's reminding ourselves what we are trying to accomplish and why it's important.  Paul said that we are runners and should fix our eyes on the prize.  Self-control isn't saying once and for all "I'm done with X," or I'm going to do Y."  It's living out those words every day.

So how do we do that?  We know we can't do it with our own willpower.  What we need is God-control.  God calls each one of us into the center of His love.  Daily, we can be reminded by the Holy Spirit to choose between the present unpleasantness of our behavior or the future blessing of a disciplined decision.  It's learning that God will help us conquer any area of our life that is out of control, as long as we remain centered in God.  With humility, remember that apart from God, you can do nothing (John 15:5).

Talk to your teen...
What choices/temptations do you struggle with each day?  
​What strategies and reminders would help you make good decisions that will benefit you in the long run?

Challenge your teen...
Talk to another friend, adult, or teacher about your struggles.  Ask them to pray for you and hold you accountable for your behavior.

Prayer...
​God, help me to hand over my struggles to you.  Let me count on the help of friends and to be filled with your presence so that I can live a better life, free of bad habits and behaviors.