Dear parents,

LifeWire has launched a new, four-week series tackling four topics that can be struggles for middle schoolers. In this first lesson, we examined the dangers of lying by discussing a story found in Acts 5:1-10.

Ananias and Sapphira brought a donation to the early church leaders, claming that it was the full amount of money they earned from the sale of some property. But it was a lie-and God struck them dead for their deception. Obviously, God doesn't kill all of us when we lie, but we do pay the price for our lies through damaged friendships and a wounded relationship with God.

We encouraged our students to recognize how much God loves honestly but hates lies, how our lies can affect our lives, and the value of confession and forgiveness.

Here are some questions you might want to use as you talk with your teenager about this week's lesson:

• Why do people lie?
• What are some ways your lies can hurt other people? yourself? your friendship with God?
• What are some possible benefits of confessing a lie to someone and asking for their forgiveness.

I pray that this is a blessed week for you and your family.

In Him,

Pastor Josh

Parents, over the next few days and weeks I will be posting some articles that I feel might be some good discussion starters for you and your family. I know that the articles might hit close to home for some of you. All I ask is that you read the articles and have a discussion with your spouse and your children. Then if you need to meet with any of the pastors here at the church let us know.

The articles are not meant to make you feel guilty by any means. I just want to give you some things to think about.

Keep checking this post for updated links.

Enjoy!

~PJ~

Wednesday, February 15

http://www.youthministry.com/articles/families/spiritual-maturity-note-parents

The messages this weekend will be delivered by a different pastor depending on what service you attend, the schedule is as follows:

• 8:15 - Pastor Brian See
• 9:45 - Jim Dahrens
• 11:15 - Michael Alben

A continuation of the Tools to Build Your Life series

Hightlighted Scriptures include: Psalm 61:3-4, Matthew 13:1-23 and Proverbs 15:16-17, 20

Parents,

I saw a blog post today and thought I better share it with you. There are alot of myths out there about teens and almost all of them are false; that's why they are called myths!

This blog http://www.orangeparents.org/myths-about-teenagers/ did a great job showing why these myths are false. I would ask that you please read and let me know what you think.

Please make sure you spend some quality time with your teen this holiday season and continue the traditions. Make your teen a priority and they will make you a priority.

Praying for you,

Pastor Josh