*the following link directs you to youtube to view - I can't figger out how to add just the video wo the youtube stuff - sorry*

One more reason to keep the kids safe at home! I am glad they have a dress code and oh so sorry that our times require one. And I do realize he could not walk packing all that heat - I think the point is that lots could be hidden and it only takes one. Btw - my dh is a card carrying NRA member with an active concealed carry permit that he uses daily. I am not afraid of guns, just concerned about them being in the wrong hands with the wrong motive.

In our little suburb just this past week we have had several bomb threats including one at our only area Private Christian School. The threat at the cs was written by two sophomores who claimed that what they were planning would make the tragedy at Columbine pale in comparison.  It breaks my heart to realize that this kind of garbage is going on even in the seemingly safest places. Now those two young men, who thought they were being funny (turns out is was a joke - whatever) are now in our local juvenile detention center with a federal charge hanging over their formerly bright futures.

This is where we seriously considered sending our oldest this year (the school not the detention center!). I am so thankful we kept him home - not to keep him sheltered. Our children are active participants in their world. But home where he is learning and earning his education and not being pulled into foolishness like this with his so called "friends". Home where his dad and I are available to discuss the issues of his life and are able to help him navigate these rough waters called adolescence. We know where he is, who is with and what they are doing. I wish I would have had parents who were more involved in my teen years, lots of regret and sorrow could have been avoided. My parents loved me, still do  and they did the best they knew; but I was allowed way too much freedom, way too early.

Moms, be encouraged and challenged. Stand up for what you know is right! Do not be intimidated by what your childs friends are allowed to do. Know what you believe, why you believe it and stand ready to enforce it. Your teenagers will thank you! Even at 15 my son has shared with me gratitude for our boundaries as he sees friends of his allowed to roam and do as they see right only to be wounded and stray from Christ.

Proverbs 12:15 'The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who listens to counsel is wise.'

Be strong, be the mom and keep your sense of humor! Teenagers do not have to be the rebellious tormentors our society leads us to believe. I have thought that, and said that for years (even before I had a teenager) and many parents of teens would roll their eyes with a look of  "Just wait till you get one then you will be singing a different song." Well I am in the thick of it and while we certainally have had our issues I stand firm - they do not have to rebel. Rules are important, but without the loving support of a strong relationship a child would tend to rebel. My teenager (although I prefer young adult) is a blessing to our family and we are thoroughly enjoying walking alongside him as he becomes a man.