Dealing With Today's Teens

We're offering an awesome 9 week DVD seminar by Mark Gregston on TEENS, beginning Wednesday September 9th from 7:30 PM to 9 PM.

In this encouraging and instructive video study, Mark offers proven answers and practical strategies for parents who wish to prevent their teens from falling prey to the culture in which they live.

The focus of Mark's teaching is biblical, loving and relational and helps maintain an open and honest relationship while dealing with the teenager's behavior, lifestyle and choices in life.

Seating is limited, contact us soon (708) 479-2322. $15 fee includes the wookbook.

Significance in Life

How is your life significant? Reaching out to help others is an essential part of life.

We believe our HOPE Volunteers are a big part of something worthwhile, something that God is doing.

At House of Hope - Illinois, we want our HOPE Volunteers to achieve, to accomplish, to make a difference, and to make an impact in our world. And we believe they do.

Changing Lives

Dear Therese,

Thank you for the opportunity to be useful and helpful to others outside my usual “circle of influence” of family, friends and co-workers.

When helping to support the House of Hope - Illinois, whether by donation of time, funds, or talent it provides a way for others to feel the satisfaction and sense of significance that comes from benefitting others.

It is clear that House of Hope Illinois does more than counsel, educate, and reconcile others - It changes lives.

I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of that important mission. It makes my life count for more than it would have otherwise.

Sincerely,
Kathleen C.

the reason why

I just got off of the phone with the stressed aunt of a 15 year old boy in the Mokena/Tinley Park area. She is desperately searching for help, for residential care, for John (name changed), as mom and dad are not in a position to fully help their son. She knows that our boys home is not built, but she needs answers.

Through past experiences, I was able to share a number of options with her, for her nephew. As I explained to her, this is the exact reason we are building a place to heal the hurts of teens, and to reconcile families. She is the perfect example for House of Hope - Illinois. A teen spiraling out of control and parents at a loss about what to do. Needless to say, she was grateful for the many options we discussed.

This is House of Hope ... this is our reason.

Don't go it alone!

In the previous post, I mentioned STRESS and asked how you dealt with it. As parents of teens, we can feel stressed from all kinds of life issues. Bad attitudes, legal issues, substance use ... and the list goes on.

As a parent, what can you do? What should you do?

Get help. Reach out to someone and get the support and answers you need. Support comes in different ways; peer support, prayer support, professional support.

At House of Hope - Illinois, we bring hope and help to you through group discussion, individual parent meetings, prayer support, teaching DVDs, and resource books.

As a leader in your home, you need to be thinking clearly, emotionally strong, and making wise decisions for your family.

Above all, don't go it alone. Get the support you need.

Feeling stressed?

Stress and anxiety for a Christian can take on many different shapes and forms, yet in general, for most Christians, stress boils down to one idea - lack of trust in God. Hmmm?

How do you deal with the stress in your life?

more info >>>
http://christianity.about.com/od/faqhelpdesk/f/dealwithstress.htm

Beacon of Light

We at House of Hope have an awesome chance to reach out and help others, being beacons of light, during this time of uncertainty in our world and economy. We thank God that our doors are open and we are available to teens and their parents during these difficult times. Stress can show itself in many ways. Sometimes parents just need to talk and teens need reassurance also.

Let's remember: As we encounter trials and difficult situations in life, our hope is in Christ.

Waiting on God

I was searching today some devotionals pertaining to my Waiting on God during a stormy season I'm currently in. I would like to share this by Shirley Pope Waite:

STANDING IN THE GAP

I'll stand in the gap for my son.
I'll stand 'til the victory's won.
This one thing I know, That You love Him so,
And Your work with my child is not done.

I'll stand in the gap every day,
And there I will fervently pray;
And, Lord, just one favor, Don't let me waver
If things get quite rough, which they may.

I'll never give up on that boy.
Nor will You, for You promised him joy.
For I know it is true When he said "Yes" to you,
Though the enemy seeks to destroy.

I'll not quit as I intercede,
For You are his Savior, indeed!
Though it may take years, I give you my fears,
As I trust every moment I plead.

And so in the gap I will stand,
Heeding Your every command,
With help from above, I unconditionally love,
And soon he will reach for Your hand.

Whether your stormy season is regarding your son, daughter, relationships, employment or finances, continue Standing in the Gap until God's perfect timing comes.

Have No Fear (Author: Henrietta Mears)

In 1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

Please read the following short story by Henrietta Mears: Have No Fear

"One day in the mount region of Scotland, a gigantic eagle snatched a little baby out of his crib and flew away with him. The people of the village ran out after the BIG BIRD, but the eagle perched itself upon a nearby mountain crag. Could the child possibly be rescued? A sailor tried to climb the ascent, but he was at last obliged to give up the attempt. A robust Highlander, accustomed to climbing those mountains, tried next and even his strength failed. At last a poor peasant woman came forward. She put her feet upon one shelf on the rock, then on the second, then on the third and in this manner she rose to the very top of the cliff. While all below held their breath for sheer fright, she came down step by step until she stood at the bottom of the rock with the child safely in her arms. Immediately shouts of praise arose from the crowd that had gathered.

Why did that woman succeed when the strong sailor and the experienced mountain climber had failed? Because that woman was the mother of the baby. Her love for her baby had given her the courage to do what the others had failed to do.

If the love of Christ is in your heart, you too, will find that you will have the courage to do whatever He directs you to do."

As a parent, I ask what "BIG BIRD" has your baby (teen)? Is it anger? drugs? bad attitude?

In prayer ask Christ to create His shelves of rock for your ascent up that mountain to snatch your teen back from that BIG BIRD.

Nothing More to Say

Taken from a new friend to House of Hope - Illinois:

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. Happy moments, praise God. Difficult moments, seek God. Quiet moments, worship God. Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank God.

This says it all!

Healthy Habits for Strong Families

Too many homes are being destroyed through strife, lack of commitment, wrong priorities, bad attitudes...they are under attack! If you fight for your family, spouse and children, God will fight alongside you. He will help you create an atmosphere of peace and unity in your home. There is nothing you cannot overcome if you stay committed to each other and committed to God!

Triple "A" Relationship

Teenagers are looking for the Triple "A" Relationship -

Availability - Teens are looking for someone who is not too busy to take time for them. It says we have time and emotional space for them. It tells them, they are not a bother.

Authenticity - Teens want to know you are real. Are you walking the talk? Live transparent and honest lives for them. They will see that they do not need to be perfect.

Acceptance - Teens feel they will never measure up due to the expectations and demands set on them by the adults in their lives. They long for value for who they are instead of what they do.

Parents - Go for the "A"s. Its worth the grade!!!!

Forgiveness ... 1, 2, 3

Forgiveness of ourselves, our teens, family and friends can be as easy as 1, 2, 3.
Through practice. If you are like me, I'm certain on a daily basis, an opportunity to forgive shows up. How do I do it?

1. You Leave It.
2. You Forget It.
3. You Let It Go.

What will you get from this? FREEDOM.

From Frustration to Ease

No wonder why we as parents, are frustrated. We are trying to change or control our teen's behavior, grades, friends, etc. in our own strength.

What if you knew there was a better way. Offered to you freely. It is God's Grace.

No matter what situation you face, God does not permit us to be where we cannot draw upon His Power, His Strength ~ His Grace. His Grace allows us to do what we need to with His Ease which we received by faith.

Lend Me An Ear

Our son or daughter may not come right out and say "Mom/Dad Please Lend Me Your Ear" but there are many times that is all they want.

In James 1:19 - My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone [parents included] should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry

When our teen comes to us as parents with their troubles that is usually a time when they need our patience, understanding and encouragement. Not advice, unless asked for.

It is good to remember that "listen" and "silent" are made of the exact same letters.

Relentless

RELENTLESS: (re·lent·less) Sounds like a strong word, doesn't it?

What's been on my mind is "relentless prayer". At first, it sounded pretty harsh. I had to ask myself, how does the word "relentless" go together with "prayer"?

Well, as the thought continued ... I understood that we are called to pray, remaining steady and persistent in our prayer, and never give up, as we pray for our teens and families. RELENTLESS PRAYER

For me, 2009 brings persistence, perseverance, and relentlessness as we reach out to support hurting teens and their families.

Please join me and House of Hope - Illinois in 2009 as we strive to help others.

Thank you.