It's not always easy! A Christian Perspective for Teenagers and Parents...

I am no longer a teenager and have no teenage children myself, that said, it was not so long ago and I can clearly remember the pressure of trying to fit in, trying to find my way, and sometimes living with (what seemed) the almost constant feeling that somehow I was missing out.

Well, my teenage years passed by, I chased girls (without great success I might add), drank to excess (with a large degree of success) and pursued other pass-times, which seemed quite normal and mainstream at the time.

Looking back? I can honestly put my hand on my heart and say that the issues that I struggled with growing up were not helped by worldly distractions and pursuits. If anything they only added to the feelings of frustration and confusion.

Once past my teens, I think the issues remained but were replaced with thoughts of getting a job and making my own way.

This was way before I got saved and gave my heart to Jesus.

I would like to encourage Christian teenagers out there right now, struggling with the magnet of popular culture and peer pressure, you are not missing a thing. And to those who are not yet in a relationship with Jesus, since coming to the Lord my life has turned around, I really do not miss many of the things that my teenage existence seemed to virtually depend on.

Listed below are extracts from different websites I have reviewed, I hope you find them useful.

Extract from an article from www.youthspecialties.com This site is primarily aimed at Christian youth workers but may prove informative to parents and teens.

"...Teens' fear of the future is not as easily eradicated. The future is threatening because it's unknown. Youths' mystical, irrational behaviors are often subconscious attempts to shield themselves from the uncertainty of what lies behind that closed door to tomorrow. Don't expect teens to self-diagnose this fear, however. Fear of the future is a complicated condition with a myriad of symptoms that mask its presence, and it strikes teens in varying degrees. Rarely will they identify the grip it has on their lives. But it does impact the way teens either lean into or retreat from life. For those who perceive themselves as ready to cope with whatever the future holds, it may only be a blip on the radar screen; but for others, the fear of the future can become the behind-the-scenes director of their every action. Whether embraced or feared, it's the future that most significantly impacts teens' present." [Read more...]

An intelligently written, online Christian webzine, www.boundless.org has several contributing columnists, covering everything from dating, motherhood, media and more, all written from a clear Christian perspective.

"The Nihilism of popular culture matters because, in a world where the influence of institutions such as the family and the church has diminished, popular culture has become an important source of values for many kids. Which brings us back to Harris and Klebold. If you have been intravenously fed Nietzsche through what you watch and what you listen to; if you've come to believe that life is meaningless, then, as Hibbs might tell you, you've got two choices: You can be George Costanza or Hannibal Lector. Which would you choose?" [Complete article...]

A great site, many questions answered from a Christian perspective, plus question letters from readers. The sites search facility is also very good. www.christiananswers.net

"According to most Christians, I was a model Christian. I was doing well for myself. I was going to college, and I had a great job with a very prestigious global business institution, and at only nineteen years old. I served in several ministries in my church. I am the youth leader of my church, and I handle many business and administrative duties of my church. I have regular fellowship and prayer with God. During the Youth Service, I move in the gifts, I prophesy accurately, I teach effectively, etc. I don't mean to brag or speak out of pride, but I guess you could say I was a model Christian on the outside. However, I had a little monster, on the inside, that kept gnawing at me slowly..." [Complete article...]

"Focus on the Family" website www.family.org has two superb teen focused e-zines one for the guys (Breakaway) and one for the girls (Brio). Take a look...

"Which label best describes your family: (a) "The Brady Bunch," (b) "The Osbournes," or (c) "Fill in the Blank." Like a lot of guys, you’d probably choose "c" and would write something like, "Good, but sometimes stressed out - sort of "The Bradys Meet the Osbournes!"

"While every family has its share of quirks and stresses, who else knows most of your secrets, puts up with your annoying mood swings - and still enjoys hanging out with you? Hey, there's no place like home!

But there's certainly room for improvement. Here's some "big brother advice" from ex-teens who've been there. (Oh - and did we mention that these guys just happen to be top-selling musicians?!)" [Breakaway]

"You've probably heard that money has power. But did you know that Jesus spoke about this subject more than any other? It's true! He referred to money more than He did heaven, hell, sin, repentance, love or even His second coming. Why would Jesus concentrate so much on the dangers of money and materialism?" [Brio]

A great "Question & Answer" website for teens, www.insightmagazine.org also has an interesting article covering 19 careers from a Christian perspective to see which one may be for you. Also includes a useful Q&A interview with a teacher, department head or professor of the subject.

"On a frosty October day a group of people are taken to the Canadian Rockies. Each is blindfolded, then dropped off at an isolated location in the woods with one gallon of water, one wool blanket, and a pocket knife.

The increasing chill can be fought only by the clothes on their backs, the efficiency of their shelters, and their ability to build a fire without any artificial means (no matches, lighters, flint, steel, etc.). Their sustenance is dependent on edible plants and whatever is caught in their traps. They will be picked up in three days." [Read more...]

A Christian teen perspective on life from www.christianitytoday.com includes articles (from Campus Life magazine), the latest on the Christian music scene, hot websites, chat and message-board highlights, fun stuff and special offers.

"In a recent survey of almost 9,000 high school students: 92% lied to their parents in the past 12 months (79% two or more times), 78% lied to a teacher, 71% cheated on a test. Now, stack those stats up against this one: Seventy-one percent of all teens say it's "very desirable" to live with "a high degree of integrity." Something's not adding up here... [More articles...]

Describing itself as "A huge website exalting Jesus Christ" www.net-burst.net is absolutely jam-packed with articles on relevant subjects that you may not have even thought of. The site is mainly text based, and includes many links to the relevant scripture. Here's an extract of an article that would help any Christian: More than 30 "Issues That Make Christians Squirm!" oh... and what you might think to give as an informed reply (thank goodness!).

"27. I'M NOT CONVINCED - Our desperate need is not for clever arguments but for a powerful encounter with the living God. (1 Corinthians 4:20) And we need not more dramatic signs from heaven, but to act on what we already know.

The door to spiritual understanding is not human explanation, but supernatural revelation. It swings not on mind games but on a willingness to surrender our stubborn will to One who knows better than us. (John 7:17; 2 Corinthians 3:14-16; 4:3-4; 1 Corinthians 2:4-16; Luke 10:21)

Draw near to God and he will draw near to you, promises the Bible. (James 4:8) Until we respond to the light we already have, God is unlikely to squander further enlightenment upon us..." [More like this...]

This is another site I rate highly, www.passageway.org takes a look at contemporary culture in a way that is easy to relate to, including letters advice, music and downloads

"It started out when I got an e-mail from a friend who went to boarding school. She told me how she gave her life to God, and believe me, she was the last person I expected to hear that from. So that kind of interested me, but I was a bit confused, so I decided to go to a youth rally that she invited me to.

There I decided to live for Christ, but it only lasted a few short months, and I was back into partying, drinking, drugs, and a lot of bad stuff I shouldn't have been into." [Go to the site]

Don't Check Your Brains At The Door - Josh McDowell
From the back cover…

"Is Christianity just for the weak-minded and lame brained?
Can you really defend your faith to your skeptical friends?
Are you tired of being embarrassed because you don’t have the answers?

Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door gives you answers that make sense to the toughest of questions. Internationally-know defender of the faith Josh McDowell and co-author Bob Hostetler lace clarity with humor to expose common myths about God, the Bible, religion, and life and show how Christianity stands up to the test of fact and reason.

Become equipped to answers question like: Is God a cosmic cop out to squelch fun and happiness? Did writers of the Bible stretch facts into legends? Is Christianity the only way to reach God? Jesus was a good teacher, but can anyone prove his resurrection?

Answering questions like these will not only give you confidence; it will renew your sense of excitement about your faith. Don't Check Your Brains at the Door provides solid Christian evidences that even the most skeptical mind will have trouble rejecting."

www.amazon.com

Get Real: Making Core Christian Beliefs Relevant to Teenagers - Mike Nappa
From the back cover...

"What’s the BOTTOM LINE when you're preparing your teenagers to survive as believers? What MUST they know for their Christian faith to grow?

Here are the 24 essential Christian truths - identified by youth works, Bible teachers, theologians, and others who work with teenagers.

You'll find clear, compelling biblical truths to guide and support your teenagers now - and lead them throughout their lives. And you'll get up-to-the-minute information and strategies for penetrating your kids' chaotic, fast-paced culture.

24 core Christian beliefs your kinds need to know... and here’s how to tell them.

www.BooksaMillion.com

Sex Has a Price Tag - Pam Stenzel, Crystal Kirgiss
From the back cover...

"Sex Has a Price Tag is brutally frank but totally sympathetic, written to girls and guys. Here are searing personal testimonies, medical stats, and practical solutions; encouragement in the form of biblical examples, support and networking options, innovative alternatives to dating situations, and creative journaling. There are sources and links for seeking help. Sex Has a Price Tag is life-affirming, and is a life saver.

www.amazon.com

Faith on Fire: 15 Lessons to Help Teenagers Change the World - Helen Turnbull, Debbie Gowensmith
From the back cover...

"Help your teenagers live their faith by making a difference in the world! Teenagers can change the world...Use Faith on Fire to show them ways to connect their faith to servant projects in their community and throughout the world. These 15 meaningful lessons help teenagers discover how they can make a difference by...

Caring for God's creation, Serving their community, and Serving others through global outreach. With your youth group, you'll focus on fundamental elements of the Christian faith that show how and why God wants us to serve others. Plus, youth will learn to share their faith, love others and appreciate God's world, while deepening their own faith. Each service idea in Faith on Fire is linked to a Faith Foundation, along with...

3 to 5 activities to explore the link, true success stories of teenagers making a difference, and how they did it, thought-provoking quotes to encourage discussion, and spiritual action ideas to help teenagers apply their faith to life. Make your youth ministry a caring, service-minded one...with Faith on Fire."