About.com Christian Teens

The Last Minute Valentine's Day Scramble

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 01:48:00 +0000

I've had more than one friend try to scramble at the last minute to do something, anything, to impress his/her significant other when they forgot about Valentine's Day. Now, while the holiday comes with its own set of eye rolls and protests from some people, others find it a day to celebrate one of the greatest gifts God has given us - Love.

The capacity to love is not just a romantic notion. So, if you're without a date, don't fret. Love comes in many forms. You can celebrate with family and friends. Share time together and enjoy one another's company. If you have a date, make it fun and a time for conversation. Sure, you can always rely on dinner and a movie, but sometimes going out for a simple ice cream cone or having a winter picnic indoors can make the day special. Sometimes the cheapest dates are the best ones.

The key to Valentine's Day isn't how big the gift is, but how big the sentiment. It's hard to remember that sometimes when the World is telling us that more is, well, more. Yet God tells us that of faith, hope, and love, the greatest is love. Not the greatest is a gift. Not the greatest is the biggest demonstration, but Love itself.

The Last Minute Valentine's Day Scramble originally appeared on About.com Christian Teens on Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 at 01:48:00.

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Sunday Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:3-4

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:16:12 +0000

1 Corinthians 3-4 - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."" (NIV)

God can be great company when we're facing tough times. Sometimes it's easy to turn to him and pray when we're having troubles, but one thing we need to remember is that we are also being taught lessons from God to use later on those around us. We have been given much compassion either from God directly or from those God has used around us. In those times, we are taught how to turn and provide that compassion to others.

Compassion is not the same as sympathy. No one likes pity, and too often being sympathetic feels like pity. Compassion is better when it comes in the form of empathy, which is far easier when we remember how God was by our side when we went through tough times. Take the lessons God has taught you and find it inside yourself to be supportive and a good listener when your friends and family are having troubles.

Sunday Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:3-4 originally appeared on About.com Christian Teens on Sunday, February 7th, 2010 at 12:16:12.

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What's All This Superbowl Commercial Controversy?

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:12:26 +0000

I have to admit that I actually watch the Superbowl to see the game. I know, I know...totally outrageous! Yet this year the teams playing don't seem to be the focus. This year one commercial has managed to fuel both the abortion and freedom of speech debates.

During the Superbowl this year, Tim Tebow (Heisman Trophy winner and former Florida Gator) is part of a commercial produced by Focus on the Family that discusses why his mother chose not to have an abortion when she found out she was pregnant with her son, Tim, who will most likely be one of the quarterbacks drafted early in this year's NFL draft.

There are so many issues begin thrown back and forth about the commercial, and only a small part of it is the actual debate over abortion. Typically CBS, who is broadcasting the Superbowl, has chosen not to air issue ads and definitely has a policy against broadcasting ads for advocacy organizations participating in politics and those that cause significant community discomfort. In the past they turned down ads from a number of advocacy organizations, and did so for some organizations this year, but chose to air this particular ad. The critics, however, have noted that Focus on the Family does contribute politically, and abortion is definitely one of those topics that divides communities. They question why CBS "bent the rules," though CBS felt that their old policies were antiquated and allegedly the commercial doesn't use the term 'abortion' at all.

I understand the argument made by the critics and the justifications by CBS. I also believe strongly in freedom of speech. I think the abortion debate in America is a hot topic, and a serious one at that. I think that opinions should be discussed, but I wonder if utilizing our freedom of speech on this matter is appropriate during the Superbowl? I think the timing of the commercial dilutes its significance in the debate and could potentially get lost in the funny and outrageous commercials that people who watch the game will be looking for as well as in the festivities surrounding the game itself. Yet mine is only one small opinion. What do you think? Share your opinions in the comments sections below.

What's All This Superbowl Commercial Controversy? originally appeared on About.com Christian Teens on Thursday, February 4th, 2010 at 17:12:26.

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Creating an Engaging Youth Group

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:00:55 +0000

One of the biggest challenges facing youth ministers and leaders is how to create a ministry that teens want to be involved in. Every teen seems to have a different interest, and those interests seem to change quickly over time. It becomes difficult at times to keep the youth group fresh, exciting, and balanced so that it engages the long-time Christian and those new to the faith.

There are a number of ways that a youth group can be sure to keep things fresh. The first is to create a mix of fun games and outings that sound fun to a wide range of teens. From doing regular icebreakers so that the new and old members can get to know one another to making sure that your niche groups like artists, girls, and boys can be fed spiritually all work together to keep students involved.

Yet an important part of any successful youth ministry is making sure to keep youth leaders fed spiritually. Too often leaders become busy in the work of ministry and forget that they, too, have to develop their relationship with God. Having youth retreats, offering special readings and books, and allowing youth workers time to pray can go a long way in making sure God is still at the center of the ministry.

Creating an Engaging Youth Group originally appeared on About.com Christian Teens on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 06:00:55.

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Sunday Scripture: Song of Solomon 8:4

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:25:41 +0000

Song of Solomon 8:4 - "Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires."" (NIV)

Timing is everything, and God tells us that we must be patient when it comes to love. We live in a sexualized world that often tells us sex is love, but God tells us that love can be so much more. Yet, many of us desire romantic love so much that we are willing to compromise ourselves to "make it happen."

There are a ton of temptations in dating and romantic relationships, yet love will find each of us in time. One of the hardest lessons to learn is that finding the right kind of love, the kind that makes us feel good about ourselves and God, requires patience and discernment. Take some time to pray this week that God provide you the patience to wait for the love you truly deserve.

Sunday Scripture: Song of Solomon 8:4 originally appeared on About.com Christian Teens on Sunday, January 31st, 2010 at 12:25:41.

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Kurt Warner Retires

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:42:55 +0000

Kurt Warner (2009). Courtesy of Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Even if you aren't a football, or even sports, fan, as Christians you probably know who Kurt Warner is. The Arizona Cardinals Quarterback made his announcement today that he is retiring from football. At 38 years old, he feels it is time to end what could end up being a Hall of Fame career.

One reason I looked up to Warner is that he continues time and again to set a positive example for Christians everywhere. He was a man who worked hard and came up through the football ranks the hard way. He never hid his faith, in fact he speaks all over the country about it, and he makes decisions by allowing God to guide his actions.

The admiration of his teammates, fellow players, and fans is well earned for a man who maintained his integrity in a career where temptations abound. He is someone I would hope speaks to the heart of Christian teenagers, and while I am sorry to see him retire from the sport, I know we will continue to see wonderful workings of God through Kurt Warner in the future.

Kurt Warner Retires originally appeared on About.com Christian Teens on Friday, January 29th, 2010 at 19:42:55.

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Sunday Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 01:38:27 +0000

Philippians 4:6-7 - "Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel."" (CEV)

Have you ever had anyone ask you why you seem so peaceful, even when things seem to be so bad? A lot of times, Christians are blessed with a peace about them, because God offers it when you pray. God provides us with a knowledge that He is always there with us. It gives us comfort and guidance even in the darkest of times.

I often envy those who seem so at peace with themselves. Yet it is in those moments that I realize I am not at peace because I haven't been in prayer enough or have been distracted away from God. When I am at my best is when my relationship with God is strong through prayer and study. It is then that peace comes for me, and most likely for you, too.

Sunday Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7 originally appeared on About.com Christian Teens on Sunday, January 24th, 2010 at 01:38:27.

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How Much Time Do You Spend Wired?

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 12:02:32 +0000

A recent study reported that teens spend over 7 hours a day on their computers, phones, iPods and more. Do you think that's true? If it is, how much is social and how much is schoolwork?

I thought about the statistic for a while, and I know that the world had changed a bit since I was a teenager in school. Today I think the computer is a natural part of schoolwork, and a significant amount of work and research is done electronically. And we've all heard the lectures about staying safe on the web (though a refresher never hurts).

What I did find fascinating was that the increase in media use in no way decreased book reading. It was nice to see that, even as our use of technology increases, we still have time for something a little 'old-fashioned.'

I think that it is important that we understand that technology today has made being wired a natural part of our lives. At the same time, we cannot forget that there are plenty more things to enjoy in God's creation. Being wired all day to electronic media can sometimes make us forget that we need to spend time in prayer, enjoying nature, and meeting people in person. It just takes a little balance.

How Much Time Do You Spend Wired? originally appeared on About.com Christian Teens on Saturday, January 23rd, 2010 at 12:02:32.

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Tell The Truth, The Whole Truth�Really?

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:57:39 +0000

Ask yourself, "How honest am I?" Telling the truth isn't easy. We all know we should. We've read the Bible verses, we listen to the sermons, we even know the consequences. Yet, why is being honest one area almost every single one of us struggle with?

Most of us find that using big lies isn't an issue. We don't do it, because there is every sign that those big lies will get us into trouble or cause us a headache down the road. It's those 'little white lies' that seem to be the problem. We use those smaller lies to get out of a dinner we don't want to go to, avoid something someone asks us to do, or to avoid hurting someone's feelings. Yet, at what point do those little lies become so natural that the bigger lies come more easily? Where is the line drawn in the sand?

Honesty may not be the most natural thing in uncomfortable situations, but it's the right thing. If someone doesn't look good in that shirt, is it better to spare their feelings now so they get made fun of later? It's easy to learn to be tactful in your answers. Don't want to go out on Friday night because you're tired? Then tell your friends you're tired, but look forward to being rested enough for a good Saturday night out. There are ways to be honest so you don't come off as rude, and that honesty can go a long way to improving the way you feel about yourself.

More Reading About Honesty:

Tell The Truth, The Whole Truth�Really? originally appeared on About.com Christian Teens on Friday, January 22nd, 2010 at 19:57:39.

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Sunday Scripture: Ephesians 3:20

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 17:18:19 +0000

Ephesians 3:20 - "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."" (NLT)

Living up to our potential. It's easy for people to tell us that we have so much potential, but sometimes it can be difficult without God's hand in our lives. It is through him that we can reach our true potential.

Yet what does that 'true potential' mean? The world can have all kind of expectations of us, and we can think we know what we want. Yet, when we turn our future over to God, it is amazing what things open up. God has a way of turning our lives in directions we didn't even know existed. He has a way of working through us to accomplish His goals. By surrendering to him, we can see amazing things in ourselves and go well beyond the potential anyone thought we had.

Sunday Scripture: Ephesians 3:20 originally appeared on About.com Christian Teens on Sunday, January 17th, 2010 at 17:18:19.

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