Wednesday, May 31, 2006

June 2006 Newsletter

Hi All,

What if God does not answer my prayer? If you are asking this question you should probably be asking; What if God does not answer my prayer the way that I want him to? God answers all prayers, but sometimes it is not in the way that we think He should. How many people do you think pray that they will win the lottery? If you have seen the movie "Bruce Almighty" you probably remember what happened when Bruce granted everyone's prayers just the way that they wanted -- chaos. So many people won the lottery that they each received less than $20.

Is it in our best interest that God answer all of our prayers exactly how we want Him to? I do not think so. Think about when you ask your parents for something. Do you always get what you asked for? I highly doubt it. Why? Because your parents know what is best for you. It is the same with God. He knows what is best for you. In Job 30:20 Job is talking to his friends and says "I cry out to you, God, but you do not answer; I stand up but you just look at me." Job is looking for answers to his current situation and is not getting what he thinks he should. Later in Job 38 the Lord questions Job, "Then the Lord answered Job from the storm. He said, 'Who is this that makes my purpose unclear by saying things that are not true? Be strong like a man! I will ask you questions, and you must answer me. Where were you when I made the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand.'" God goes on asking Job many more questions. Finally in chapter 42 Job answers the Lord, "Then Job answered the Lord: 'I know that you can do all things and that no plan of yours can be ruined.'"

God hears more prayers every moment of every day than we could even begin to imagine:
Please God,
"… don't let my parents get divorced."

"… make the cancer go away."
"… make me rich."
"… I really want the new Playstation 3 when it gets into the stores."
"… don't make me go to Sunday school."
"… please make that cute girl like me."
"… please bring more people to our church."
Are some of these things wrong to ask for? No. I know that I have prayed for some of them. The thing that we each need to remember is that God answers our prayers in the way that He sees best for us. God also answers our prayers in His time, not ours.

This morning at the Marion High School Bible study a teacher came and sat in the room. She was early as she was a substitute and needed to prepare for the day. As with anyone that enters the room I prayed, "God, I do not know if this teacher knows who you are. It is my prayer this morning that if she does that the words that she hears would be a blessing to her. If she does not know you, please open her heart and mind to hear what is being said. In Jesus name I pray, Amen." I try to keep the prayer short and to the point for a couple of reasons. Many times the teachers and students that come in and out of the room do so rather quickly. The other reason is that I do not want to miss what is being said in the Bible study. When we had finished the teacher said that it was a blessing to hear what she heard this morning. WOW! Hearing that was a blessing to me.

I have also prayed for a couple of people in my life that have chosen to leave me out of their lives at this time. I used to pray that they would change their mind, that they would let me be a part of their lives. I do not pray this anymore. Why? God gave each of us freewill and no matter what God is currently telling them they have the freewill to listen or not to listen. I am still praying, but I am praying for what I know God can do. I am praying that God would soften their hearts to His word. I also pray that God would put someone in each of their lives that would help guide them back to God. Occasionally I see a little light at the end of the tunnel. I just keep reminding myself to leave it in God's hands. He will take care of it. Is it hard? You bet, but God is getting me through it.

So how should you pray? In Matthew 6:9-13 Jesus teaches, "This, then, is how you should pray:
'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.'"

Here is another way to pray called ACTS:
Adoration
Confession
Thanksgiving
Supplication (asking God for our needs and the needs of others)

Because of Him,

Terry

Upcoming Meetings
June:

  • Join us on the 14th for movie night beginning at 5:15 PM. This would be a great night to invite some friends, just let us know how many are coming so we can make sure that we have enough to eat (please be sure to bring $3 to help cover the cost of the meal). Are you part of another youth group? Have your youth leader get a hold of us; we would love to have you join us!
  • On the 7th and the 28th we will worship and fellowship from 5:45 to 6:45 P.M.
  • Confirmation meets for the final time on the 7th from 6:45 – 7:45 P.M.
  • Confirmation Sunday is June 11th.

Events not scheduled yet will be announced as far in advance as possible so you can make plans to attend.
The movie scheduled to be shown could change without warning due to availability.

Upcoming Concerts/Events
May

4th Prayer at the Ballpark. Kernel's game followed by prayer and worship in celebration of the Global Day of Prayer
10th Hus Racing League. Youth working in the kitchen from 10 AM - 3 PM. Fundraiser
11th Confirmation Sunday
18th Fathers’ Day

Every Monday: Youth Prayer Time, 7 PM at the old SW Target parking lot.
Every Thursday: High School Bible Study (new time and place begin June 8th) 11 AM at Java Creek on the corner of Boyson Road NE and C Ave. NE.
Every Friday: Marion High School Bible Study (new time and place begin June 9th) 11 AM at Perkins on the Collins Road NE.

Times subject to change.

A conversation with God
Hi God. In case I have not told you lately, I love you with all my heart, soul, and mind. I know I have not told you that enough lately. I also know that I have done some things that are not pleasing to you. Please forgive for my sins. Thank you for Your grace. It is only by Your Grace that I can be saved from my sins. God I even thank you for the times of trouble that I have had because those times of trouble have made me stronger and have brought me closer to you. God I pray for that everyone would come into a closer relationship with you and that they would truly understand how much you love them. In Jesus’ precious and holy name, Amen.

Do not forget to pray. You may be thinking to yourself that God already knows what you are thinking and going through. He still wants to hear it from you. You tell your friends and family what is going on in your life, why not tell your Father God?

Copyright ©2006 180° Youth & Family Life Ministries, a ministry of Hus Presbyterian Church
All rights reserved.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

ChooseRespect.org : Preventing Dating Abuse : Home

ChooseRespect.org : Preventing Dating Abuse

Choose Respect is an initiative to help adolescents form healthy relationships to prevent dating abuse before it starts. Healthy relationships are built on a foundation of respect. Respect is a choice, and when you give it, you'll get it in return. So treat others the way you want to be treated. Learn more about how to have healthy dating relationships and prevent dating abuse.

Dark Side Of Teen Dating, Survey: One-In-Eleven Teens Suffers Physical Abusive Relationship - CBS News

Dark Side Of Teen Dating, Survey: One-In-Eleven Teens Suffers Physical Abusive Relationship - CBS News

Why does there have to be a dark side? As parents we cannot protect our children 100% of the time, but if you are like me you will do as much as you can to get close.

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Madonna crucifies herself in L.A. tour opener�|�Reuters.com

Madonna crucifies herself in L.A. tour opener

Do you really want your kids listening to Madonna? Still using sex to sell she has now added insults to the President and taking shots at Christianity to her shows. Our youth are easily influenced by what the see and hear, especially after repeated exposure to it.

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

CNN.com - 'Da Vinci Code' meets with catcalls - May 17, 2006

CNN.com - 'Da Vinci Code' meets with catcalls - May 17, 2006

The critics don't like it, go figure.

ABC News: Judge Strikes Down Ga. Ban on Gay Marriage

ABC News: Judge Strikes Down Ga. Ban on Gay Marriage

With 76% voting for this measure one would be hard pressed to believe that it will not make it back on the ballot in November reworded to meet the state's single subject rule.

The question I have is why was this not caught prior to the vote?

Columbine Video Game Upsets Relatives

Columbine Video Game Upsets Relatives

And why would it not. Our society is becoming increasingly
desensitized to violence which is a sad comment. Should dialogue be open about school shootings? Absolutely. Should it be done through a video game? I think not.

Friday, May 12, 2006

BoycottFord.com - Sponsored by American Family Association

BoycottFord.com - Sponsored by American Family Association

Ford "Proves" Commitment To Homosexual Agenda. Let your conscience be your guide.

ABC News: Does Shock Sell?

ABC News: Does Shock Sell?

What do you think? How far is too far?

ABC News: "Da Vinci Craze" Thrives Thanks to Cardinal, Judge

ABC News: "Da Vinci Craze" Thrives Thanks to Cardinal, Judge

Like the book or the movie need anymore attention. We need to be proactively educating people so they do not fall for this work of fiction. Too many people have fallen away as it is.

ABC News: Is Fatigue to Blame for Low SAT Scores?

ABC News: Is Fatigue to Blame for Low SAT Scores?

Get some sleep already. The SATs are too important.

FOXNews.com - 'The Da Vinci Code'
A Positive for Christianity - FOX Fan

FOXNews.com - 'The Da Vinci Code'
A Positive for Christianity - FOX Fan


This is just interesting reading. Check it out.

FOXNews.com - Paxil May Increase Suicide in Teens, FDA and GlaxoSmithKline Warn - Health News | Current Health News | Medical News

FOXNews.com - Paxil May Increase Suicide in Teens, FDA and GlaxoSmithKline Warn - Health News Current Health News Medical News

Odd ... the antidepressant Paxil may raise the risk of suicide in teens. That is just scary. Are doctors simply choosing to treat the result or are they trying to treat the cause? What do you think?

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Many Youths Disregard Their Virginity Pledges, Harvard Study Says - Los Angeles Times

Many Youths Disregard Their Virginity Pledges, Harvard Study Says - Los Angeles Times

The Harvard study is based on 14,000 "subjects" that were first interviewed in 1995 and then again in 1996 and 2001. In all reality that makes the data 11+ years old. Abstinence programs have come along way since 1995. I would never be so presumptuous as to state that everyone that goes signed a virginity pledge kept that pledge.

What I would question is the sincerety of the youth in the programs. Are the people leading the programs getting everyone's buy-in? Are these even programs or is it just the youth reading and signing a pledge? What kind of follow-up is being done? Are the parents engaged in the programs? Do these youth have peer accountability partners that can help them? Parents and peers have more influence on these youth than those who are leading the courses. It is not just the teens that need to be going through abstinence programs.

If the program is actually grounded in Biblical truth with parental involvement and not just a sheet of paper it has been my experience that the youth stay committed to their pledge.

Dr. Janice Shaw Crouse disputes the Harvard University report. Check out what she has to say at: "Another Hit at Abstinence"

Friday, May 05, 2006

KCRG - News - State Confirms MS 13 Gang in Cedar Rapids

KCRG - News - State Confirms MS 13 Gang in Cedar Rapids

After receiving the email that is mentioned in this report I began searching for information and came up blank. Then last night I saw the report on the news. Regardless of the size of this gang in Cedar Rapids it is still something that we need to be aware of so we can protect our families.

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Judge Orders San Diego to Remove Cross

Judge Orders San Diego to Remove Cross

For 35 years a 29 foot cross honored Korean War veterans. Then in 1989 one veteran, yes just one, decided to oppose it being there. Now he has finally found a judge that agreed and the City of San Diego has been ordered to remove it. Never mind that in 2005 75% of voters approved a measure to transfer the property to the federal government which would have saved the cross. That too was blocked by a judge.

Do not get me wrong, everone deserves a say in what happens in this country. Just remember, it was one person that got prayer removed from public schools. What is next?

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Center for Youth and Family Ministry

Center for Youth and Family Ministry

Interesting. The question is how do we keep them from leaving the faith?

CNN.com - Teens accused of Columbine-style plot - Apr 21, 2006

CNN.com - Teens accused of Columbine-style plot - Apr 21, 2006

Violent video games, MySpace use ... Five teenage boys in a school of only 270 in a touwn of 600. Size no longer matters, small towns are just as susceptible to violence as larger cities. How did these young men fall through the cracks? Everyone is blaming everyone when this type of thing happens. Parents blame teachers. Teachers blame parents. Who is at fault? Violence is all over the current culture. After you see it for so long many either become numb to it or they accept it.

Nearly All Sodas Sales to Schools to End - CBS News

Nearly All Sodas Sales to Schools to End - CBS News
Say what you will about President Bill Clinton, but I have to give the William J. Clinton Foundation good marks for partnering with the American Heart Association to get this deal done. The major players in the soft drink industry are on board.

This was going to happen sooner or later as state legislatures and local school boards put restrictions on the sale of soda.

Will this stop childhood obesity ... probably not, but it should slow it down in the short run. This is more about modifying behaviors. When I was youth (and not it was not the stone age as some of the youth group members might suggest) pop was a treat, not an everyday beverage.

Yes, I drink my Diet Mountain Dew every day. It is time for me to take a look at cutting down too.

Monday, May 01, 2006

ABC News: Message Boards Could Be Encouraging Cutting

ABC News: Message Boards Could Be Encouraging Cutting

In this report kids looking for help found news ways to cut. If you know someone who is cutting talk to them about getting one on one help instead of on the internet.