Trying Harder

Contents
1. Tools for Parenting Teens
2. Learn Their Lingo
3. Movie Reviews
4. Links to Learn From
5. A Little Encouragement...And Humor

1. Tools for Parenting Teens
From http://www.realworldparents.com/starters/

Trying Harder
Is it possible that some of us have taken some of the challenge out of following Jesus for our kids? Have we described a relationship with God that is too easy, that only requires students to talk the talk and stay out of serious trouble? Is there value in setting the bar higher for our kids (and ourselves) and then making sure they notice the sweat involved in running after Jesus?
This last week, your teen’s world may have been full of basketball or other sports; thousands(!) of texts, Facebook messages, and Twitter updates; watching (or being curious about) all that sex, hype, and violence in “The Watchmen;” 30 - 40 hours of school and studying; and maybe 3 hours at church.
Where did working at following Jesus fit into that mix? This week’s talking points come from 2 Peter 3:3-9. If you get a minute to read it, you’ll be better prepared for whatever dialogue these questions church up. If your student uses the PlanetWisdom.com daily devo, he or she will be studying the same passage this week.
Talking Points:
Do you think that living the Christian life is an easy or a hard thing? Why?
What does it mean to you to walk with God every day or to live your life as a Christian? What does that look like?
Do you ever feel that getting serious about living for God is something for when you’re older? What do you think God expects from you right now?
What do you think He expects from me?
Do you think you’re missing anything you need to live the life God wants you to? Are you waiting for something to come together so you can follow Him better? [See 2 Peter 1:3.]
How many of God’s promises to you can you think of right now?
Do you think it should be easy or hard to stop doing sinful things? How about doing good things—should that just come naturally or should Christians have to work at it, even when God gives us the power to do it?
In 2 Peter, it says that we need to “make every effort” to turn our faith into actions. What kind of effort do you think we should be making?
What kind of work does it take to do good or to gain knowledge about God?
What does self-control mean to you? What are some of the areas of life in which God can help us to work at being self-controlled? Why is self-control so hard sometimes?
Do you know any Christians who really show brotherly kindness and love in an obvious way? Do you think that just comes naturally to them or have they worked in God’s power to make those choices?
Do you think you can waste your life as a Christian and not make the most of the life God wants you to live for Him?
How do you think Christians might act if they forgot God had forgiven their sins through faith in Jesus?
What the most important relationship in your life right now? How much of your life do you spend on that relationship? What is your highest priority? How much of your time do you spend working on that priority?
[Moms/Dads: Sometimes the stickiest wisdom you can give your kids is that of your own experience in following Jesus. Be sure to share your own failures and victories if you get the opportunity.]

Featured Resource: The Script
For students who want a new kind of devotional, The Script offers a new twist on the Gospel of John as they listen to, and reflect on a spoken word translation from youth ministry veteran, and former rapper, Fred Lynch. Each reading is followed by creative exercises, as well as prayer and journaling to help students take the Word of God to heart.
http://www.youthspecialties.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=426

2. Learn Their Lingo
4COL = Text Message short code for "For crying out loud."
Inbox Rot = Never responding to a friend request on Facebook or Myspace.

3. Movie Reviews for Parents
Street Figher: The Legend of Chun-Li
“Street Fighter” didn’t set any box office records, but it is aimed squarely at young action fans, including those who have spent time with the… Read Review:
http://www.realworldparents.com/movies/review/street_figher_the_legend_of_chun-li/
Madea Goes to Jail
Madea Goes to Jail
Tyler Perry’s “dramedies” are always packed with big worldview ideas. Even his crazy characters talk a lot about going to church and doing what the… Read Review:http://www.realworldparents.com/movies/review/madea_goes_to_jail/

4. Links to Learn From
Immigrants’ Children Look Closer For Love [Washington Post]
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/07/AR2009030701841.html
Teenage Stress Has Implications for Adult Health [UCLA]
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-03/uoc—tsh031009.php
Generation OMG [NY Times]
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/08/weekinreview/08zernike.html?pagewanted=1&_r=4&ref=weekinreview
How To Tell Your Teen is Abusing Drugs [Forbes]
http://www.forbes.com/2009/03/09/teen-drug-abuse-lifestyle-health-teen-drug.html

5. A Little Encouragement...And Humor
Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.- Dale Carnegie