RAISING TEENS FOR CHRIST

  How to lay your burdens down at the foot of the cross. Written by GodLife on 18/08/2020 Series: Weekly Devotional Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30           Hello! We haven’t met yet, but I think we have something in common. You and I both have the tendency to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. But here’s a secret: we don’t have to! God has already overcome the world and all its heavy chains. (John 16:33)          I bet we have another thing in common — we both have a hard time laying down our burdens. About three years ago, I was determined to carry my burdens — medical issues, problems with friends, struggles in school — on my own, and that sent me down a spiral of anxiety and depression. I don’t want you to make the same mistakes I did.          You see

            Bringing up any difficult subjects with your teen can feel uncomfortable. And your teen isn't likely to respond well to a lengthy lecture or too many direct questions. But having a conversation with your teen about difficult issues is not something you should shy away from.           Even when it seems like they are not listening, you are the most influential person in your teen's life. It is important to lay a strong foundation before the window of opportunity closes.           A good way to strike up a conversation about drugs, sex, or other uncomfortable situations is to ask a question like, "Do you think this is a big issue at your school?" Listen to what your teen has to say. Try not to be judgmental, but make your expectations and opinions clear. It is important that your teen understands that you don't condone certain behaviors and that they know the consequences of breaking your rules. 

  Look how she's changed, Look how she's grown, The personality changes I should have known The make up she wears, Each day it gets thicker Why is she doing this? To grow up quicker? The days she comes in She runs to her room Is it really possible, Too feel so much gloom? The tears in her eyes, Her heart as it breaks She will learn to realize Her minor mistakes I cuddle her in I miss times like this The young girl that smiled My gorgeous 'Little miss' Now her dancing, and prancing The games we did play Her sorrow, it drifts memories So many miles away I call her down As I do each time To ask her to share with me The troubles of her prime The response was different To the one I used to know She stared up at me She was beginning to let go The stories she told The rumours she'd heard No wonder my princess Had not said a word The thing she said next Opened my eyes To a world I'd never known A world of hurt and hated and lies 'Mum' she said As the tales unfur

  (For parents and teenagers)            S exuality education is defined as teaching about human sexuality, including intimate relationships, human sexual anatomy, sexual reproduction, sexually transmitted infections, sexual activity, sexual orientation, gender identity, abstinence, contraception, and reproductive rights and responsibilities.           Sex education is designed to help young people gain the information, skills and motivation to make healthy decisions about sex and sexuality throughout their lives.          Sexuality education has been shown to help prevent and reduce the risks of adolescent pregnancy, HIV, and sexually transmitted infections for children and adolescents.           Developing a healthy sexuality is a key developmental milestone for all children and adolescents that depends on acquiring information and forming attitudes, beliefs, and values about consent, sexual orientation, gender identity, relationships, and intimacy.           All children and adolesc