Posted by Duston | Posted on 20-06-2009
Category : Parents, Teens, Uncategorized
Tags: christianity, Parents, summertime, teen, teen life
How To Have A Spiritually Productive Summer
I love summertime! But as a youth pastor, I fear the summer break. I fear the summer because of the vast amount of free time many teens will have. It scares me to know that many of them will not have a Bible class or a school chapel to keep them “in line.” Many teens go on long vacations and some even disappear during the summer.
Regardless of the pitfalls of summer, I believe that summer can also be a time of spiritual growth. And yes, I do mean a literal growth in your Christianity (pardon us preachers for encouraging that). I have been a Christian for a long time. I grew up in a private Christian school and my dad is a preacher. Now, I have had my fair share of rough summers. I understand what will hurt you in the summer and what will help you. The points below are some practical tips that could help you and me grow in our spiritual life this summer. These points are very simple, but such is the Christian life…simple.
The Bible says in Proverbs 3:27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Then in Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Bro. Chris Tefft, my junior high Bible teacher, used to say all the time, “Thankfulness takes thinkfulness.” How true! At many instances in my life, I have been called an “over-thinker.” Well…I have definitely thought a lot about this post. In doing so, I am very overwhelmed with gratitude to many people in my life. Here are a few of them:
1. Jesus Christ – this one is a no-brainer! Where would any of us be with out Jesus? I honestly cannot answer my own question. I am fearful of where my family would be if it was not for Jesus! The price he paid on the cross is one that none of us can ever repay! If you do not know Him as your personal Saviour, click on the link “Eternity” before you read any farther!
2. My Wife – I definitely married the sweetest, most wonderful woman in the world! To live with a psychotic guy like me, you must be wonderful!!! In all seriousness, I would not be doing anything that I am doing today if I did not have my wife Mindy with me. She is my best friend and soul mate!
3. My Kids – Alexis, Haylee, and Hayden…you are one of a kind! You humble me and keep me laughing. Thank you for giving me the privilege to be your daddy (not that you had a choice)!
