Help me to maintain my sanity...my child is now a teenager! Dad is now "too old and out of touch!" His voice is changing and my socks are disappearing! I swear there is a stranger in my house! Better yet...there is a "teenager in my house!" Please pray for Brother Ray as his hair (what's left) turns from black to gray. For all of my brothers and sisters who have survived the "invasion of the teenagers," I would love to hear your testimonies.

-- Anonymous, September 07, 2004

Answers

Bro

-- Anonymous, September 07, 2004

As the father of a 20-year old and a 16-year (near 17) old, when folks ask about my family status, I tell them I have two children: one is in college and one is insane.

Let me tell you about God's sense of irony. My 20-year old is dating (she goes to a local university) and we get to see her current (for lack of a better term) "gentleman friend" on occasion. Whenever I see him, I have to fight what the Apostle Paul describes in Romans 7 - the inner conflict between my higher and lower natures. My higher nature wants me to get on my knees and pray for the young gentleman, while my lower nature wants me to whack him in the skull with a golf club.

For now, I follow my higher nature. Whenever I think about succumbing to my lower nature, I remember myself at 20 and then I thank God for staying the hand of the father of whoever I was dating back then.

-- Anonymous, September 07, 2004

Ahh Parson Ray, I'm too busy coping with a "pre-teen" daughter so my advice is totally useless for your current parental predicament :-) QED

-- Anonymous, September 08, 2004

My Dear Hair Changing Brother Congrats to you Truely if you did not know Jesus before you will meet him now (smile).I have a 17 year old and a 13 year along with my 3 year old. All boys. I have been told on many occasions (including in public) how I am going grey by the day. My Children used to take videos of my hair so now we don't take the video camera out on family trips (smile). It is a good thing to be out of touch with them. I enjoy my sons especially for that reason. Constantly talking with them and being open to them has created a wonderful and very fulfilling environment of trust and dialogue. Yeah I still lose it on average of once every three days but I know others are loosing it all day. I am blessed with three fine sons. All gifted and using their talents to the glory of God. I am one of the unusual stories which may bore you to death but I was rigid and unyielding in setting the standard for my sons early and they now are following with greater energy since they have been allowed to watch me struggle with life's problems. Don't worry about the socks and the undervest. I have a sign on my drawers " You can take, borrow or use anything except the underwear, The line stops there". So far my underwear is still there and so are my sons. May God continue to guide you. Your job is more important today as these are the last days before you release them into the wild. That point I use and celebrate with my sons constantly. On a praise note my oldest son graduated from high school valedictorian (forgive my spelling)and has also graduated with his Royal Scool of Music Grade 6 Organ Certificate with honors. He has been the organist at my Church's 8:00 service for most of the summer break. My 13 year old has now been offerred the same organ scholarship as the oldest son. There is no greater satisfaction than hearing the musical praises of God coming from your children.

Best Wishes and Prayers from Bermuda

-- Anonymous, September 08, 2004

Oh Dear Brother, Aliens have invaded your home for the time being. But, be encouraged, in the "fullness of time," the "human beings whom God blessed you with, will return.

A. D. Williams

-- Anonymous, September 15, 2004

I heard something that was pretty funny Sunday from a guest minister. He said "They say our young folks are off the hook....Well guess who raised them."

Just a bit of humor, but a wealth of truth in it.

-- Anonymous, September 21, 2004