What has been linked to lower rates of risky behavior among teens?

this daily ritual

God is good

Last week was one of those newsletter printing, envelope stuffing, stamp sticking kind of weeks.  Praise the Lord for great help, though!  We whipped through 1,100 newsletters in close to 3 hours flat, and the printer also performed marvelously -- only 1 or 2 pages jammed that I recall.

On Friday, however, I came in to the office to find Internet on the blink, printer on the blink, and A/C on the blink.  Most of the issues have now been resolved, but it reminds me of a lesson easy to forget -- God is good no matter what our situation appears to be.  If the printer is making beautiful copies and things are running smoothly, or if it seems unbearably hot and there are more bills than funds, even then -- God is still good!

When you think of all that David endured, his life often hanging by a thread while Saul sought to kill him, you can't help but be encouraged by his words--and also challenged to have the same kind of trust in the Lord:   "I would have lost heart unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living."  Psalm 27:13

Note:  To read the latest newsletter, click on the image below (or the one on the sidebar).

This post relates to Tuesday's (2+2 = ?).  I heard a compelling message by Frank Peretti this morning on the subject of belief and absolute truth.  If you've ever read any of Peretti's books, you know they are riveting, and his speaking happens to be the same. 

You can access the message here:  What We Believe.  It is Part 1 of two parts, with the second half of the message airing tomorrow.

If you're wondering what this energetic speaker actually looks like as he is speaking, then this is for you:  Peretti on Youtube

Property Maintenance Crew

Since it's a cool 96 degrees this afternoon, there are more kids out and about than usual.  These guys and gals agreed to pick up trash on the property in exchange for a reward.  I think I did hear one of them mutter under his breath, though, "It better be something good!"  After gathering some snacks and juice, I watched from inside until I could tell they were almost finished and then went out with the treats.

If the windy monsoon weather continues as predicted, we can probably give this crew a job every afternoon!

2 + 2 = ?

Under normal circumstances, one wouldn't think that a problem like 2 + 2 = ? would generate much discussion.  However, in a room full of teenagers, you never know.  Some argued the answer was 4, while others wanted to make it 5.  I suppose the arguers-for-5 liked the idea of a math problem not always having the same right answer.  It would certainly make test-taking much easier.

Continuing in the book of Daniel for the 3rd week, Darrell told the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego yesterday evening.  He challenged teens with SM&A's determination to stand up for their beliefs, but then focused on the source of those beliefs, asking the probing question, "How do you decide what is right or wrong?" 

Then came much lively discussion (2 + 2 included!), with Darrell sharing about absolute truth vs. relative truth, obedience vs. compromise.  It was timely, much-needed truth for these teens to hear.

Josh McDowell has long been a champion for truth, especially in sharing it with the next generation.  This article in The Christian Post was published a year ago, but it's definitely worth reading today. In it, Josh McDowell identifies the one thing that he believes is attacking teens' belief in absolute truth more than anything else.  He also proposes three ways to deal with the problem:  model truth, build relationships, and use knowledge.

Data

The Annie E. Casey Foundation has released their 2012 KIDS COUNT Data Book.  It contains reports of their research of the educational, social, econonomic, and physical well-being of children in the United States.  They have ranked Arizona 46th (out of 50 states) in child well-being.  For a quick glance at how all the states fared, check this out:

Interactive Data Wheel 

On the Kids Count website, you'll find specific information for each state.  As you poke around, you will find that this is just a sampling of the topics they have researched :

- Percentage of children living in poverty (this number has been on the rise!)

- High school students who don't graduate on time

- Number of children in single-parent families

- Teen birth rate

- 4th grade reading levels

- Grandparents responsible for their grandchildren (would you believe that Arizona is at 44%?!)

- Percentage of children who receive food stamps

I believe data such as this is helpful for getting a "big picture" glance at the culture today, especially as it relates to children and teens.  Then, begin asking yourself or your church or your friends, "What can we do to make a difference in that area?"  How can the body of Christ put feet to their faith and reach out to a teen mom, a grandparent, a struggling student, a poor family? 

Teen Camp Photos

As promised, here are photos from Teen Camp -- nearly 400 of them!  All photos courtesy of Sandi Shipley.  Enjoy!

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