Life Changes

Watching the Olympics has been exhilarating. Each participating athlete made a conscious decision to work towards an Olympic medal. That choice meant sacrificing of themselves; time with friends and family, not being able to do other things, having to juggle school work and practices, etc. In order to accomplish their goal, they had to make serious changes in their life. Think of the changes that Sydney McLaughlin had to make, who is pictured above. She is 17 years old, and had to train for many years. In the Olympics, she ran fast enough in the semifinals to compete, but then ended up in 5^th place. She now has to go back to school. Her life will never be the same. She will undoubtedly continue to sacrifice to train, and will be back in the Summer Olympics of 2020.

Maybe your child will not be an Olympian, but this is the time of the year when their lives are changing. They are entering a new school year, or entering the job market. Of course they might not tell you, but they will need you just as much as before. Life changes present them with challenges that require the ability to discern the difference between right and wrong. Now is the time to encourage them to make the right decisions. How will we prepare them for life changes and to make wise decisions?

Read the below scriptures and determine when the best time is to share them with your children.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes ^aso that it will be even more fruitful. (John 15:1-2)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

Karen Leaman

Karen Leaman has a passion for students, and for over 30 years has been volunteering within churches and other ministries, leading and mentoring students.

Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, TX where Chuck Swindoll is the senior pastor
First Church of God in Hanover, PA.

Karen, and her husband Ken, have been married for 31 years, and have a 30 year old son. They live in Allen, TX, just North of Dallas.

As Karen and Ken, repeatedly witnessed many Christian students who were active within the Church walk away from their faith shortly after graduating high school, they grew frustrated. Studies show that about 70% of young adults leave their faith after graduation, which is a huge issue since they are the future of the Church. After much prayer and searching God's direction for many years, the Leaman's felt His calling to start a ministry to address this problem. In 2014, they gathered like minded Christian professionals to help begin Young Adults of Worth Ministries. We believe that this ministry is from God, and it will be blessed by Him for His glory alone.