Don't fix it if it aint broke!

Our short Q&A Series seems to no longer be a short series. The high school staff and I have decided to extend the series so that our students can continue getting answers to their questions about life. I briefly wan to share what has been happening as a result from this series. As parents I think it is vital that you know the questions that your sons and daughters are asking.

First of, many of the students are asking about self-image. They are struggling to understand who they really are; in the eyes of their friends, God, and parents. They struggle with self confidence and desperately want to know that it is okay that they are the way they are.

Secondly, they have a ton of questions about relationships. Specifically what is appropriate in a dating relationship (sexual and emotional). They want to know where boundaries are, what happen when those are crossed and how to honor God and their boyfriend/girlfriend in a dating relationship.

And lastly, they want to know more about God. They want to understand how God works and how He loves them. They need help and guidance in responding to God's love and the affirmation that God is pleased with them even when they make mistakes.

The conversations on Thursday nights are amazing and I pray that they would not end after our group but that you, as parents would be intentional with the time you have with them as you drive back home. Ask them questions. Encourage when they need it, and give correction when it is needed as well.

Lessons From A Poet

I've never been one for poetry. For the most part I consider myself to fall into the category of a mans man! I like fried food, sweating, being outdoors in the mountains, BBQ's, camping, mt. bike riding, the smell of a hardware store and truly believe everything tastes better with bacon. EVERYTHING! Except poetry. There is no amount of bacon that could make poetry palatable. And because of that I don't spend much time in the Psalms.

According to 2Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." Sadly, this includes books like Leviticus and even worse, the book of Psalms! In an effort to personally grow spiritually and teach my students about God I have decided to do a six week series on the book of Psalms. The Apostle Paul also instructs us to test everything, hold onto the good and to toss everything else out. So I'm testing 2Tim. 3:16 against the book of Psalms to see if there is anything good in the Psalms.

We're starting this Sunday right at the beginning in Psalm 1. I figure we may as well begin at the beginning. I spent all day yesterday studying, praying, reading, and studying some more and came to a conclusion about the psalm. I REALLY LIKED IT! The Psalms have a way of expressing human emotions and reaction to what God is doing in a persons life. I found myself seeing God in a new light and being reminded of the goodness of God and the wisdom of following His Word.

My prayer is that the students of PULSE will have a similar experience to mine. I also pray that my macho friends won't laugh at my new found love of the biblical poetry.

Teachings in April

Just wanted to let everyone know about the teaching for the month of April. We'll be jumping around bit with some short sermon series.

Sunday Morning Teachings.
4th - Easter!
11th - Psalm 1 Intro Series
18th - Psalms
25th - Psalms

Thursday Night Teachings
8th - is a Movie night due to spring Break.
15th - We will be starting a three week series titled Q&A. For the past two gatherings students have been handed cards for them to write down any questions that they may have. We'll try to answer as many of them as possible with Scripture and practical application.
22th - Q&A part 2.
29th - Q&A part 3.