Wednesday Wisdom

God has been doing some amazing things these last couple of weeks.  Sean and I are officially working with the youth now.  We are co-leading the Sunday school class and drama with another couple, who are amazing!  We have been spending more time with them lately and I am loving every second of it.  The youth here are great.  I'm still trying to get their names right and figure out who they belong to! We are already seeing God move in some of their lives and it's truly incredible to watch God transform someone into His image.  I know He's definitely molding me!

Now that we are involved with the kids, Ginger (wife of the other couple) and I want to have a day for the young girls about image.  We want to teach them the basics of hygiene, self-esteem, etc.. basically a girls' day.  So, I have a couple of books we can also teach or do a devotion together with them.  I came across an old book that I read in high school from a Bible study I attended.  I have started to read it again & within the first few pages God has already pointed this excerpt out:


"You are looking for rules to restrict their behavior.  Rules will not keep them.  The empowerment they need must be born out of relationship.  Change you focus from what they can't do to what they can do.  Tell them that they can go as far with their boyfriends as they are comfortable doing in front of their fathers.  For fathers are the protector and guardian of the virtue for daughters."
Kissed the Girls and Made them Cry by Lisa Bevere

This excerpt is regarding sex & relationships. How 'far' is it okay for kids to go, physically, in a relationship? The Holy Spirit revealed this revelation to Lisa Bevere when she was asked to speak on sex with teenage girls.  This answer is probably the best answer I have ever seen.  I know I will keep this answer in mind. 

I just wanted to share this because as a youth leader, I have been asked types of questions regarding relationships.  And sometimes I am not sure how to respond besides saying, "don't date at all."  So as a youth leader, I do feel like this is a great answer to tell students.  I do not want to say something without parents, either being there or saying something that the parents have not discussed with them.  Parents want & should be the ones discussing these topics with their children but we all know that this isn't always the case.  So, I encourage those who have to discuss these types of questions with students that this response is a great response to use.

You are worth more.

I read a twitter status yesterday by Jenn Johnson:

You are not what you wrestle with.

Since then, I have not stopped thinking about this statement.  I am guilty of judging people by their actions & behaviors at the present time.  I know to look at the heart rather than the outside but we all know that is easier said than done.  I feel like it's even harder to not hold some judgement to those that are in the church.  Especially, if the people in the church were not raised in the church.  It's also a great reminder for myself that even though I have hard times, I know that I am worth more and my God sees much more in me.

Sean and I have recently servicing our youth at Light.  Our Equip classes (aka Sunday School but only lasts for 10 weeks) started February 9th and the youth drama team started on Valentine's day.  We have loved it too!  We have partnered up with another couple whose heart is for teens & I have enjoyed every second getting to know them more & working along side them.  Our kids are dealing with some heavy stuff & it's important to encourage them that God truly loves them.  These kids are smart & I can't wait to challenge them more on what they think on topics we discuss.

This past Sunday we introduced to them that is okay and important to learn to pray for each other.  God moved & I truly believe this is the start of some thing great.  I also believe that they will start to learn what it means to have a family of friends who they can count on.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Wednesday Wisdom

My mom sent this to me a couple of weeks ago and I still think about it daily.  It's definitely reminding me to not worry so much and that God truly knows what I need best. 

God doesn't give you the people you want; He gives you the people you NEED... to help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you and to make you into the person you were meant to be. 

I hope this encourages you as you go throughout your day today!  Be blessed today and know that you are in God's hands!!