Stress For Teens

I know this is a big time change in subject from spiders and windshields, but is it?

A couple of days ago I was reading a blog from our drum major at the high school where my daughters are in the drum line. He name is Jocelyn and she is a really sweet young lady and a fine Christian. In here blog(actually Zanga), she expressed a lot of pressure in her life. Everything from siblings to school to college--just so much pressure.

I spend a lot of time with the kids at the high school. I drive equipment trucks on the away games. I take lots of video footage for an end of the year video. My wife chaperones the trips. It really is a big part of our lives. It is a great organization.

Because I spend so much time with them, I see so many young people who are just stressed out--big time! I just think that is a shame. It should be one of the happiest times in their lives. I just mention this so that we can all be aware of this to the point that we listen, counsel, and in general, help these kids deal with pressure.

I think that we as adults tend to think that children, especially teens, do not want to hear what we have to say. This may be true for some, but I believe the great many of them not only need direction, but want it.

The Mighty Spider

Have you ever seen the power of spiders? They are amazing little creatures. Yesterday, I was driving along and had to stop for a red light. When I stopped, a little spider, not much bigger than a pencil point, crawled out onto my windshield.

My mind started working. I thought, "When I take off, that little guy is going to fly--and in a hurry!" As you might guess, that did not happen. 25, 35, 45, and even 50 miles per hour, and he hung on for life. He balled up and would not let go. I would stop at the next light, he would crawl until I took off and then ball up and hang on again. It was amazing!

I was going to blog about the lessons I could have possibly learned from this little spider. I even thought about some names for him. But I would like to know your thoughts first. What would you call such a creature? How would you apply my story to life? Looking forward to hearing from you!

Seeing Opportunities

It is awesome coming back from some of the most powerful worship times I have ever experienced. Zoe always brings me into the presence of God and that is the purpose of worship. Learning how to become "incarnate" to the world has given me a new outlook on serving God.

I begin to see more opportunities to help other people in the name of Jesus. From waiters at the restaurants, to people "hitching" on the side of the road, to our own struggling members, there is much to be done in this world right in our own back yard.

I pray for us all to be able to not only see opportunities, but to step into people's lives with the power of the love of God and minister--really minister to the needs of people. God help us to be that sweet smell to the world in which we live!