Newsletter June09

JUNE

MISSOURI VALLEY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

RUSH SCHEDULE CHALLENGE DINNER JR. HIGH WORSHIPHIGH SCHOOL LIFEGROUPS

2009

Ever wonder what other Teens think? Peer Pressure is a 5 : 5 0 crazy thing. Sometimes people actually pressure us 6:00 to do things we normally 6 : 3 0 wouldn’t. Sometimes we feel peer pressure that isn’t real. We imagine that peo-

HIGH SCHOOL WORSIP—JR. HIGH LIFE GROUPS

7:30

RUSH ENDS

8:30

ple expect or want things from us, and it influences us. I find myself doing this, and wonder what do people actually think. To answer this question, I have found arti-

cles written by teenagers for teenagers to help give you better insight into what your peers really think. Maybe it will encourage you, check out the above article from an 8th grader on

T H E P OW E R O F P R AY E R BY SAM EVENS 8TH GRADER

SUNDAY SCHOOL (ON 9:15 SUNDAYS AM)

Whenever your teacher at your church asks “What are some ways you praise God?” The answer “Prayer” always comes up. Contact Information: Prayer is one of the many Missouri Valley Christian Church ways we connect with God. 119 N. 4th St. Prayer is our way to thank Missouri Valley, IA 51555 God and ask for forgiveness. 712-642-4179 It says in 1 Thessalonians [email protected] 5:17 “Pray continually”. This www.missourivalleyyouth.org verse leads me to think that even though we do pray, and Hillsong it is an action, it is also a lifestyle. Hey guys I want to tell With me I usually you about one of the best worpray twice a day (maybe ship bands out there!! Hillsong has written songs like Mighty to three on occasion), but Save and Take it All along with when Mr. Al asked me to many other songs. Check them write this I started praying much more. I found myself out on I Tunes or My Space cause they are really good and praying five to seven times a day. Since then I have nochallenge us to go deeper in ticed a complete change in our worship of Jesus. the ways I associate with

people at school and church. Not to say that I am perfect with everyone, my family life is good but I don’t always treat them with respect. My grades have gotten better and I’ve just noticed not feeling as stressed, and the weird thing about that is at this time I usually get really stressed. I have finals; I’m waiting for summer, and getting ready to work at VBS and other kid’s camps. I just feel like everything has just fallen into place. The power of prayer is VERY strong. Satan always tries to get you to think that God doesn’t listen to your prayers. That is not true. God listens to and answers everyone’s prayers. He just

doesn’t answer them right away or always with “Yes”. Satan uses that to make us think that God doesn’t care. Jesus gave His model prayer in Matthew 6. 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us today our daily bread. 12Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. This is the basis of all of our prayers. We recognize Him and His greatness, give thanks, ask for blessings, ask for forgiveness, and ask for help. Courtesy of Teanlifeminis-

tries.com

PARENTS PAGE Parenting Dont’s …………..

Page 2

by Paul Evans & Al Millergren

1. Fail To Show Them Love. There are many mistakes, which may be made as a parent but never make the mistake of failing to show your love for you teens. Demonstrating your love will cover a multitude of mistakes. Your teens will realize sooner or later that you have been sincere while trying to raise them to be the best they can be. This will especially hit home when they have children of their own. 2. Expect Them To Enjoy Your Hobbies. This is especially tough for a daddy who loves sports and wants his son to play but the son has no real interest. He may be interested in the band or the schools play and really want to be involved. Put your pride on the back burner and let him enjoy his hobbies. Like I said, “this is tough.” 3. Accept Less Than They Can Do. They may struggle to make a “C” in school and that’s okay if that is the best they can do but do not accept less. Most teen’s need to be encouraged and even pushed into making good grades or excelling in some activity. Let them try it on their own but do not allow them to do less than they can do. Be an encourager, a motivator, or even a nag if need be. They may have to eventually fail at something in order for them to learn that they can succeed. 4. Force Them To Be What They Are Not. Singing in the youth choir or youth group is very commendable but singing may not be their gift. Also, as bad as we hate to say it college is not for everyone either. This is extremely tough especially if mom and dad are college educated. 5. Fail To Discipline Them. Proper discipline is key to the success of your teens. Remember, discipline is not always being negative like many may think. Praising your teens may also be used as a discipline. You may praise a teen into making good grades or cleaning his room. Coaches praise their teams in the locker room before the big game to get them to excel on the field during the game. 6. Spoil Them. Spoil them now and pay later. I have seen parents who give their teens everything and do everything for them. Later in life that teen does not cope so well when trying to accomplish a task. When they have to answer to a boss or someone in authority they may not be able to handle it without some type of altercation. Let them earn a few things. I promise, it will not hurt them. 7. Force Them To Play Sports. You may encourage them to try sports to see if they like it but do not force them to play. How would you feel if you forced them to play and they broke a leg or even their neck? If they do play sports let them play for fun and enjoyment and not for “blood and guts.” I never thought I would be saying these things because I was a “blood and guts” dad when it came to sports. 8. Let Them Miss Church. You are the parent and God put you in charge of making decisions until your teens are mature and able to make the proper choices. You may not believe it now but one day they will thank you for making them do things right, especially spiritual things. 9. Expect Perfection. In all probability you will be very disappointed if you expect your teens to be perfect in every way. There is only one who is perfect and He is at the right hand of God. Think back on your teenage years, how perfect were you? I did not say that they should not do their best but they will not be perfect in everything. 10. Be So Involved In Outside Activities That Your Teens Do Not Have Time For Family. It is great for your teen to be involved in sports, band, school plays, church youth groups, or other activi-

Parenting

Don’ts…….

ties but not to the extent of neglecting their families. List the activities, which they are involved in and how much family time they have. We only have them once, and for a short while, so let’s make it count for God and family.