by Clarence E. Stowers | Jul 28, 2008 | Family, Leadership, Parenting
You guessed it – It’s PARENTING!!!
I’ve been thinking alot about parenting lately. Maybe it is because we have three kids at home, ages 6, 11, and 13. I think everyone would admit that there is a point in a teen’s life
when the influence of his/her parents becomes less, and the influence
of their friends becomes greater. It seems that the age at which the parents’ influence drops dramatically happens somewhere around 13- to 15-years old.
As I reflected on my life as a child, the influence I perceive that
I have with my own kids, and my informal survey, I charted it like
this…
As a parent, the awareness of loss of influence can be alarming if
you didn’t see it coming. So be warned young parents, I have just given
you a glimpse of the future.
Here is the key learning: Environments matter. Who
my daughter is influenced by as a 15-year old is dependent greatly on
the environments that my wife and I placed her in as a 10- and 12- and
14-year old.
It’s a little early to tell whether we will survive life with
teenagers, but here is the advice I would give parents of pre-teens…
- Get involved in a great church with strong youth leaders.
- As they start middle school, don’t give them the option to stay home from the youth program.
- Find a school that has strong values and where
there is good chance they will be able to find solid friends. That
might mean paying for private school or moving to a better school
district.
- Get them in situations where they are hanging with young adults who are following God.
- Teach them the joy of serving when they are very young.
- Let them participate in events where there is a good chance they might take a step spiritually.
Oh, and one last word of advice for those with teenagers—stop
lecturing and start listening. Stop giving direction and start asking
questions.
It’s your turn now…is my chart way off?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jul 23, 2008 | Christian, Christianity, Empowerment, Leadership, Vision
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW9jk6lEqbE&hl=en&fs=1]
Beginning August 3, 2008, we’ll offer a 3-part series to lay out the changes coming to Mars Hill this fall: It’s called “Trading Candy for Pearls.”
The countdown begins…
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jul 21, 2008 | Family
Oh yea, It’s on today! Me & the boys (Myles, Josh, & a couple of their friends) are on our way to see “The Dark Knight.” Yep, it’s official: It’s guy time: NO WOMEN).
(Joshua Stowers – Top, Myles Stowers – Bottom – They are my legacy)
Growing up, I was a huge fan of “Batman & Robin.” However, when I became a man, I had to put away my “childish” ways 🙂 Gone is the “fake” Batman wearing tights & enter “a MAN’S BATMAN.” I like this version of Batman because he’s not soft. So, for the next 2:30 minutes, I will immerse myself in Gotham City.
Peace yall!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jul 14, 2008 | Family
What a great time we had yesterday during worship. The Spirit of the Lord was present and the choir ministered with unusual power. God blessed me to be able to preach with power and I believe lives were changed.
Well, today I’m off and sitting @ Six Flaggs Theme Park typing this post on my iPhone. Don’t you just love technology? So, what do you do on your off day?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jun 30, 2008 | Bible Journey, Christian, Christianity, Church Issues, Communication, Family
I would like for you all to say hello to my guest blogger Chandra Ivy-Oliver. Along with others, she took the challenge to offer practical steps to help others struggling with revenge.
Dr. David Hawkins, author of ‘Dealing With the Crazy Makers in Your Life’ says “People come in all shapes and sizes. I have no problem with that. However, when these people are in my life, and they are bona fide, dyed in the wool, Certifiable Crazy Makers, I’m no longer as friendly or hospitable. Click here to read the how he deals with these people.
Dr. David Hawkins
The Relationship Doctor
Chandra’s Response to What if its family that keeps hurting you?
I believe in giving chances, not just a second chance, but chances. God had given us chance after chance when we hurt or do wrong, because I know he has done it for me. But I would start off by telling the person that is doing the hurt, how they act or react is hurting your relationship. The person doing the hurt will always blame it on you, not because it’s really your fault, but because you are the reasonable and considerate person trying to make thing right or easier.
Ex: It’s just like having a toddler with a tantrum, you keep giving in and he or she will keep acting out. Family can be the same way, there is that one person who keeps hurting you, but they only do it in public where they can front on you, then when your home or on the phone, they apologize and want forgiveness. And you accept the apology, because you want to be like Christ and forgive. If it keeps happening you need to talk to God, remain prayerful, calm, firm and clear. Reading your Bible while dealing with this hurt. Colossians 3: 8-25 helps you clearly understand.
Thanks Chandra, you hit the nail on the head!
