Archive for the 'real advice' Category

July 4, 2008

Lynn, a mom to a teen, read my book “Real Issues, Real Teens: What Every Parent Needs to Know“. In it a teen shares that if she could tell her mom anything, she would tell her about all the times she struggled with a guy who was physically abusing her and was making her feel like her life didn’t count.

I shared with parents how important it was to listen — all the way to the end. Without lectures, or “in my day” stories, and without freaking out, and gave practical helps to reconnect with their teen and to really hear what they were saying.

A mom named Lynn read that story and that chapter and had a great talk with her teen son–one she didn’t expect and one that was amazing to her. This is what she had to say: (more…)

Filed under: RTF books, family, real issues, youth worker resources

June 30, 2008

Don’t live down to expectations. Go out there and do something remarkable.”
~Wendy Wasserstein

Filed under: real advice, real quote

June 27, 2008

Do Hard Things?

by Maddee Schrader, RTF Staff Writer

She fidgeted, twitching a French fry between her fingers. Juan and Kara were seated behind her. Most people would not hear their conversation, or care. But she inherited good hearing from her mother. It was genetic, so how was the guilt she felt her fault?

Kara sighed, the sound fighting for rights in the chatter of the cafeteria. “I don’t know anymore. Why shouldn’t I?”

Juan took a moment to answer. “You still have your mom.”

Kara snorted. “Yeah, in all her Walgreens-employee glory.”

“She’s still someone.”

“Yeah? Barely.” (more…)

Filed under: Maddee Schrader, Real Teen Faith Writers, friendship, real advice, real story, suicide

June 26, 2008

7 Steps to Wise Decisions

By: Debra Weiss, RTF Staff Writer

For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.  Proverbs 8:11, NKJV

Many of us, as teenagers, are at a point where every decision—no matter how small—has the potential to shape our futures for good or bad.

But God has not left us to make our own decisions. He offers guidance to those who are willing to seek His counsel.

I have found that there are seven steps to wise decisions. (more…)

Filed under: Debra Weiss, Real Bible Study, Real Teen Faith Writers, faith, faith in action, real advice

June 24, 2008

So, I was sitting around talking with the RTF Writing Staff about this month’s topic: Do Hard Things.

This is what came up in the conversation. These are the hard things:

• Trusting God
• Taking the time to stop and seek His direction
• Being nice to those around me (has to be the sibling factor)
• Letting something go when I think I’m rightNot trying to make someone be nice, if I think they are being unkind to another person, even it has nothing to do with me or a loved one
• Sharing my faith with spoken words
• Caring about someone who is rough around the edges
• Forgiving someone who has deeply wounded me
• Not complaining!

Why don’t you join the conversation? What does it mean to you to “do hard things”?

Filed under: faith, faith in action, real issues

June 23, 2008

 Hey Suzanne,
I am a 21 year old girl, with a huge calling. A couple years ago I came across my calling from God. Here is a link to my story: http://www.lifechurch.tv/message-archive/my-secret/5  

I am the last 16 minutes of the video. My goal is to start a home for girls in my community, for post abortion, addictions, and abuse, After I get out of school, but right now, I’m trying to establish a charity organization. One that is faith based and for the community. To get some experience and my foot in the door. I’m doing it on my own and need some advice. You are an amazing woman with many accomplishments. Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you could just give me a little advice for a girl doing this from scratch, that would be great. Thanks again. JY

(more…)

Filed under: Change*the*World!, T. Suzanne Eller, faith in action, loss, real links, real story, teens making a difference

June 18, 2008

Thank you for your article in Christianity Today on self-injury. Recently, my son told me that a friend of his from church was cutting himself.  This boy’s former girlfriend did this, as well, and that was why his parents made him break up with her.  They have since told him that he cannot be with anyone until he is sixteen. 

 

So, yesterday he came home with us from church and spent the afternoon. When he left, my son told me that he was still cutting himself and that he was secretly going with the girl behind his parents’ backs. My son also showed me three knifes that his friend entrusted to his care. I am friends with the mother and do not know what to do about this. If I tell her, then the boy will know that my son betrayed his confidence. If I do not tell her, what will happen to him?  After reading your article, I see that counseling is a necessary step in the healing of this problem.  What do you suggest?  Should I tell or just continue to pray that he stops and seeks help on his own?

A worried mom (more…)

Filed under: real advice, real issues, self-injury

June 16, 2008

 

Real Life Downloaded, one of our favorite curriculum resources, shares this lesson: A Text From God.

Use it in your small groups, or for private Bible time.

Filed under: faith, youth worker resources