I have always thought that teenagers get pegged as the menaces of society and blamed for the decline of our country. I couldn’t disagree more. Here are some reasons we should all take a lesson from teenagers.

1. Fun is a high priority. They don’t take life so seriously that they forget to have fun.

2. They greet each other with hugs, high fives, fist pounds and tackles.

3. A teenagers mind is still like a sponge. They haven’t formed opinions about everything and if they have they are willing to listen to other opinions. (one reason why youth ministry and good influences and mentors are so important to teenagers)

4. They don’t mind asking for advice and taking it. They are willing to share their imperfections and weaknesses. So many adults like to pretend that everything in their life is perfect.

5. They travel in groups. We could all learn a lesson from this about how much friendship means.

6. Teens dream and dream big.

7. If everyone were teenagers all the cars would have dents and scratches and we would just laugh when we got more dents and scratches and tell the story about how it happened with drama.

8. They ask questions and find answers. “Just because we have always done it that way” – isn’t a good enough answer.

9. Teenagers believe they can make a difference – and many of them do.

10. They don’t have programs, committees and agendas. They do have passion, creativity, spontaneity, and compassion. Which would you rather have?

Thanks to all the teenagers I have been able to hang out with over the past 12 years of youth ministry. My life is better because of the lessons you have taught me.

Here are some pictures of snow adventures. You can see that we had just enough snow to make snow angels and sled a few times before the sun melted it away. The guy with the shovel can qualify as an angel too. I love the red checks and toes and the way the kids snuggle after coming in from the snow.

Some things that I am looking forward to (besides Spring – I start looking forward to Spring in October:)

IKEA Charlotte opens on February 18th!! I’m planning on being there. Don’t try to talk me out of it. I know it’s crazy but I don’t do Black Friday shopping or December 26th rush for the wrapping paper so allow me my moment of insanity.

WinterJam in Greensboro – what could be more fun than taking a bunch of teens to listen to loud music! Not much – I love loud music and teenagers!

UNLEASH Conference at NewSpring Church!! March 12th – this will be my third year going and I always come back with encouragement and new passion to reach people for Jesus. NewSpring is contagious.

I am also looking forward to another snow day with Emma tomorrow. I love having her home with us! They might even talk me into a few trips down the hill.

I am not a cat lover. I am more of a dog person. Actually, it’s probably not too much of a stretch to say I am a cat hater! I have never liked them. I think they are evil, sneaky, anti-social, and creepy little animals. Now for the crazy part. We have a cat. It’s name is Fireball (I suggested Lucifer – but was voted down). Now for the even crazier part – it comes in my house a few times each day and has even taken a nap or two on my couch. You’ll see from this picture that even though cats are not my favorite animal they can be cute when held by a really cute four year old. I don’t know why but every time I see Drew carrying Fireball through the house I have to smile. I think it’s the four year old – not the cat.