Be Free!

If the Son has set you free, you are truly free.

John 8:36

Arrest Your Attitude of Ingratitude: Jail Hosts 'Bed & Breakfast' Event

Let's face it, it's easy to fall into thanklessness in everyday life. We gripe about things that for many around the world are complete luxury. When I read this article I thought, "Wow - great way to slam shut my sassy, thankless attitude."
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department has come up with a novel way to pay for mattresses. They are offering the public a chance to stay overnight on July 31st for $50. a person. In addition to instantaneous gratitude, you'll receive a T-shirt, snacks, and souvenir mug shots.
So here's to arresting ingratitude for good!

Where are you on your journey with God?

Campus Crusade has a new evangelical tool called Soularium. They use photographs to engage people in spiritual conversations. I love that and decided to use their idea to introduce spiritual dialogue about God.
My 16 year old Sara took this picture in Estes Park while we were on vacation - and she just happened to correlate it with a verse in the Psalms that she read. It made me wonder if the Psalmist saw something similar when writing this particular chapter. See if you agree by checking out Psalm 144:5 Touch the mountains so they billow smoke. (NLT)


Here are some photos for you to untangle. Looking at the photos below - which best describes where you are in your journey with God? Feel free to leave comments.



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Study shows hope can change a teen's reckless behavior

It's no mystery that teens take crazy risks - but just why they take those risks has been the source of much confusion. A new study published in the July issue of Pediatrics suggests that for some teens, "their reckless, sometimes life-endangering choices are fueled not by feelings of being bulletproof, but by the belief that they're doomed to die young anyway." The study concludes saying, "It may be as simple as encouraging teenagers to think about their futures and set goals going forward; families and communities should then support children in achieving them."

Sounds to me like teenagers need some hope.
Sounds like maybe they need some good news about their life and the world around them.

How about a dose of Jeremiah 29:11?
"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

For more on the teen study, click here.

PS22 teacher "un-ordinary" and making an amazing impact on kids

Check out this feel good video featuring Mr.B, a public school music teacher that brought YouTube fame to his students.

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An okay average really is okay ...

So another really great reason not to let your teen's not so great high school transcript flip you out. A Pennsylvania mom went too far when she accessed the school's computers and gave her daughter's transcript a little help. That kind of help is actually a third degree felony. Read the whole article here.

For more tips on keeping it cool for you and your teenager in regards to the transcript, check out chapter 8 of Parenting Your Teen and Loving It. It's entitled "Overbooked: Helping Your Teenager Manage School Stress."

Rare Yellow Lobster

Interesting ... this rare orange-yellow lobster is a one in 30 million find. So rare in fact that it's owner wouldn't dream of placing 'Fiona' in a boiling pot.




I'm just thinking that if that lobster is such an amazing, rare find ... well what does that make you? :)
For more about Fiona, click here.