Katie’s Beer

Dear Suzi,

Thanks for the blog jog (like a memory jog, I guess). I’ve been stuck since Sunday with thinking of something interesting to write about. Your post today (click on the above article title or cut and paste this - http://swansmith.blogspot.com/2004/06/fear-factor-this-morning-i-am-afraid.html) has got my wheels turning.

I’ve got news for you: No need to start a home Bible study for teens. You are already conducting a teen home Bible study! You have lots of teen boys coming over to your house very frequently. I know they feel very welcome at your home because I’ve seen them. They aren’t going to someone else’s house; they are coming to your house. I’ve seen my own daughter’s reaction to your home; it is a warm and inviting place that she loves to visit. She also loves to spend time with you and senses Christian love from you.

You and Tim live your Christian lives openly and your home prominently displays Christian messages. You have an inviting study area, a fun family room and welcoming dining area that is attractive. You provide food to whomever wants it and make each teen feel welcome. Kids see you openly reading the Bible and listening to music with a Christian message. It is very clear to visitors that this is a Christian home and the people who live there love God. They may not say anything, but they aren’t blind; they notice everything I’ve just listed. Those teen visitors will remember your home and example for years to come.

I know what you mean, though. You are thinking of a more formal Bible study with kids sitting with their Bibles open and maybe pens and paper. But I think the Bible is already open (you and Tim) and the pen and paper is their young minds. I’m not saying you shouldn’t pursue your idea. I just think that you’ve already got a bible study going on; consider tweaking things within the format you’ve already got to keep it natural and attractive to the kids.

Also, consider inviting a trained pastor in to offer a bible study in your home, so that you don’t blur how the kids view you. I think you already hold a powerful position as a Christian mom and dad; don’t try to be the pastor, too. Just an idea to consider.

I’m also talking to myself in this reply, because I have a similar situation with my own kids’s friends. Rob is finishing up our basement right now and one of his goals is to create a place for our kids to have friends over. You have challenged me to consider the impression our family makes on our own visitors, especially now that my youngest will soon be a teen. Keep up the good work.

When parenting starts to feel overwhelming, I remember my pastor’s reminder to me: “In Rev. 14:13 it mentions that we will rest from our labors and our “works” will follow us when we go to heaven. What can we take with us from this earth -PEOPLE, especially the ones the Lord’s entrusted to us in our homes.”

Revalations 14:13: Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

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