April's Online Class Part 2

Shepherding Their Heart Part 2

SET THE EXAMPLE FOR YOUR CHILDREN

Dear Parents,
If you haven’t had a chance to view this month’s video, I would like to encourage you to take a few moments to watch it:  http://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/76756779/c0b0d03574

Today I want to share an encouraging Scripture with you. 1 Corinthians 11:1 says, “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.”  Paul wrote those words to a the church in Corinth. He wasn’t speaking about parenting specifically, but he was giving a beautiful picture of spiritual leadership.

You see, the way you as a parent will be able to shepherd the heart of your teenager is for you to simply follow after Christ.  I know it can be intimidating to lead spiritually.  That’s why I love this Scripture. It simplifies the whole process.

1) Follow Christ, and don’t be afraid to let your teenager see you do it.

2) Have the courage to invite your teenager to follow with you.  None of us are perfect, but Christ is.  Just tell your teenager, “I’m following Christ every day, so if you want to know how to follow Him, you can follow me.”

That sounds spiritually arrogant doesn’t it?  It sounds like you are the expert in following Jesus.

Paul wasn’t expressing spiritual arrogance when he made the statement.  Paul was saying, “I love you so much, that I am willing to walk in front of you and lead the way to Jesus.”

Have you ever been completely lost?  Have you ever had the experience of stopping to ask for directions, and the person doesn’t just tell you where to go but they lead you there?

It’s so comforting isn’t it?  That’s the gift you offer your teenager when you offer to blaze a trail for them to follow in their spiritual journey.

Walking this journey with you,

Ricc

April's Online Class Part 1

Shepherding Their Heart

You are a big deal in your teens life

Dear Fusion Parents,

This month is about the importance of your role in the life of your teenager. I know there are times that the only role you feel you have is that of an ATM, chauffeur, and referee! But please know that it is a proven fact that you as a parent have more influence in your teen’s life than any other factor. It doesn’t always seem that way but it is true. Just to be honest, parenting a teenager can often be discouraging and overwhelming.

It’s during these times that you have to remember that you play a huge part in guiding and teaching your teen. And to do that well, you have to have confidence! But not any old kind of confidence. It has to be God sized. I like to call it God confidence! It’s the kind of confidence you have, when you are questioning everything and feel absolutely lost, but know that you work inside of truth!

Your teen is lucky to have you. Someday they may even tell you that!

Here is a short video to encourage you today:  http://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/76756779/c0b0d03574

Walking this journey with you,

Ricc