Well here I am again....uh only about 6 months late.... Oh well, what can I say. 

Currently at Wednesday night youth we are discussing Wisdom and Walking Wisely. We are being encouraged to read Proverbs throughout this month. I am really enjoying this series and wish that someone had walked me through this type of series when I was a teen. I think as parents we get caught up in our busy, and hectic lives and forget that our children are still in dire need of our direct instruction. So many parents (including myself) think that because our children are so much more "worldly wise" earlier these days we think they are "grown" before they really are and leave them to their own means way to soon. When in all reality they are becoming "adults" at a much later age now more than ever. I am a huge fan of Tim Elmore and have been reading all of his blog post as well as two great books he wrote "Artificial Maturity" and "IY Generation". In both of these books and his blog he helps explain how we are enabling our children to enter adulthood not prepared. I highly suggest both of these books and if you don't have time for those then sign up for his blog post or podcast. They are very enlightening.

ALL OF THAT SAID , I have been searching for ways to encourage and pray for my children daily.  I needed something that I could do quickly but thoroughly.  I just searched praying for children.  I came across many and will share a few.  I did try to print one but with my mac it disfigured it so maybe I will build my own. (If I find time to make this I will definitely post for you if you would like.)

31-Ways-to-Pray-for-Your-Children color.qxd

powered by MyBookezzz.com

Different Perspectives: Funny, I heard a comment yesterday about being more productive and spending ones time more wisely, and it got me thinking about Gods plan for our daily life. Also, about the differences men and women have on the way they view a "successful" day. Sometimes, and I do mean just sometimes a successful day to me is one where I rejuvenate my soul by doing absolutely nothing productive. Sometimes I feel that with two active kids, a husband with a stressful job, two dogs, and a full time job as household CEO, I need some days where I only do things for ME. I'm not sure most men feel the same way. For instance I could never see my dad taking a "me" day, sure he hops on his tractor or works in his shop and refills his spirit but if the end result was not an accomplishment he would have considered it a waste of a day. My husband is very similar in his rationalization of productive-me days. If he ever just hangs out on the couch with accomplishing nothing he is in a terrible mood. He is always saying that there is so much that needs to be done, and yes I agree, but I have also come to the realization that there will ALWAYS be so much to do around our house as long as we are homeowners, and in all reality unless it is causing great risk to my family's life it will still be there tomorrow. I understand that things have got to get done and I am definitely not implying that we throw all responsibility out the window, but maybe just slow down a bit and enjoy the fact that your child will only be 12 once and we will NEVER get a do over. Sometimes I need an hour to myself so that I can give my kids and husband my best. Today as I am reading in my bible I am reminded that Jesus himself was not "on" twenty-four hours a day, he also used alone time to recharge and pray. Using this down time to rest and renew in God means we are trusting God to help us in our accomplishments. "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Finding Grace in Our Youth Last month we were blessed to be able to provide housing, transportation, and FOOD for a group of six 13-14 year old boys and two college aged leaders at an event called DNOW. In the past we have housed 6th grade girls and 7th grade girls, so boys were definitely a different ball game. I have to say that they may have signed up for a life changing experience but I am the one who was blessed. I can not even put in words the feeling of joy I get when I think about the bonds in not only brotherhood but their walk in Christ that took place over this weekend. On Sunday morning as I was waiting to load them all up in our cars for the last time I prayed this prayer : As I sit here waiting on these boys to get ready to leave my house I am a little saddened but also feel much joy. What a blessing it has been to have hosted a wonderful group of young men. Dear lord, as they leave us this weekend I come to you in Jesus' name and give them over to you. I'm convinced that You alone know what is best for them. I commit myself to pray for each of these young men for whatever it is you place upon my heart. Teach me how to pray and guide me in what to pray for them. Enable me to pray that YOUR will be done in their life. Help all of their parents not live in fear of the dangers they may face but in the joy and peace of knowing that YOU are in control. I release them into your hands. Amen Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6 It is now almost a month past this awesome weekend and I am still thinking about these guys. For some reason their is a heavy burden upon my heart that keeps encouraging me to remember them in my prayers. What a trivial time in all of these boys lives as they venture through their teens. I urge any of you who are able to get involved with your local youth programs, these kids need adults who can help them maneuver this crazy life. They are exposed to so much more than we were 15 years ago. I encourage you to all have conversations with your teens, ask them questions, most of them WANT to talk to you about their lives. Check them out like you check all of your "FRIENDS" on Facebook... they are your legacy, how will you invest in them?