Posts Tagged ‘For Teens’
Modeling proper virtues for your teen is important.
Why do today’s teens answer the question, “What is character?” with good looking? Since when did physical appearance become a character trait?
Society and pop culture send unchristian messages like:
- It’s all about me.
- Sex outside of marriage is the norm.
- Girls must dress sexy to be attractive.
What’s at stake with this kind of thinking? Our culture’s moral compass — and our sons and daughters’ future.
Can we help our teens reclaim Christian values so their lives make an impact for Christ? Yes. Our influence still matters.
Building a Sense of Community
Many people have different perceptions about the meaning of sense of community. A widely held academic definition of this term is ” the sense of community is a feeling members have of belonging, a feeling that members matter to one another and the group, and a shared faith that member’s needs will be met through their commitment to be together” (McMillan and Chavis, 1986). No matter how serious people’s level of involvement in the community, there are four main elements that compose a person’s sense of community.
Teen Compassion Challenge
In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise– in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? (Psalm 56:10-11)
On September 11, a man named Todd Beamer boarded flight 93. The majority of people in America had never heard this name before, but after that day his notoriety has grown considerably. Did he write a hit pop single? Did he produce a groundbreaking video? Did he write an amazing best seller? Actually, Todd Beamer did none of these things, but his actions far surpassed all musician, producer, and author’s works combined.
Are You a Caring Person?
In John 13:34-35, Jesus gives a commandment for us to love others as He has loved us.
Take this self-evaluation and decide for yourself by answering
TRUE or FALSE:
- I am never mean, cruel or insensitive.
- I treat people with kindness and generosity.
- I am charitable.
- I give of myself for the benefit of others.
- I am responsive to the concerns and needs of others.
I conclude that I am / am not a caring person because: _______________________.
Giving: The Heart of Compassion
The Christmas season is here — with sparkling lights, glittering trees, and magical store displays. But as we look beyond the external, the research on adolescent development tells us something very important about what happens in teen’s internal worlds. It’s a season that shapes their lifelong identities about giving. What are you doing this year to help children and teens internalize the gift of giving?
Of course, many teens associate Christmas with being receivers of gifts. But according to studies in human development, it is the giving of gifts that reaps the biggest psychological rewards. Parents can help teens realize these rewards by teaching them how to give back during the Christmas season and throughout the year. There are many ways to give back, including through the excellent projects listed below.