Truth Flowing from One Generation to the Next— Through Strong Heart Connections

STUDENTS PAGE

March 24-27, 2010

Making Time for Heart Connections—Richard Ross, Ph.D.

     1. Heart Surprise (Today a teenager goes first): Say: Some of my friends are losing faith in the idea of

marriage because of what they see in their parents. But watching you makes me more positive about

getting married. Here is what I see . . .

Something from the Heart Surprise I want to remember:

     2. Read Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Truth

• Making time to invest in family relationships should take priority over many other activities.

Untruths

• Parents and teens should pursue their dreams without worrying about family relationships.

• Because extracurricular activities are fun and open doors for the future, they should take priority

over family needs.

• Parents need to maximize their earning potential despite its impact on relationships at home.

     3. Explore Scripture: Write what you want to remember about the Scriptures.

     4. Think It Through: Ask your family: On the topic of relationships in the home, what kinds of things

would be easy distractions for our family? Discuss ways your family may be tempted to move in those

directions and steps you can take to avoid that problem. Say: There is no “magic pill” to keep us from

distractions. We just have to work together as a family to stay focused on one another and to say “no”

to activities that weaken our heart connections with one another.

     5. Nail It Down: A parent will lead this step.

     6. Pray: Ask family members to join hands in a circle. Include this thought as you pray aloud: Jesus, it’s not

always the bad things that pull families apart. It also can be things that essentially are good. Help

each of us to be wise in our commitments so we can protect our heart connections.

     7. Blessing: Listen as your parent blesses the family.

Teen Tip: Ask your parents: What do you like most about the work you do from day to day? What do

you like least about that work? Thank them for sharing. Say: This information helps me know you

better. Thanks for caring about me.