PAUSE

Series Overview

Ever feel like life is moving, or rather, rushing forward at an unstainable pace? It seems like more often than not, that is just the way things are. But in an effort to keep up with everything and everyone around us, it may be that we are missing out on experiencing God's presence. What would it take for you to pause? To stop? To just "be" long enough to take note of the living God in the midst of our spinning world?

Parents, we want to encourage you to follow along with what we are teaching each Sunday night by being updated with each week's topic. Make it an effort to check out each week's overview and the connecting parent cue section for you and your son or daughter to talk about each week. Remember, this series is focused on the importance of "pausing" with God. The same is true with you and your teenage student. We encourage you to pause together, as awkward as it may be at times, and talk through the issues of pausing and connecting with God! No matter what you may think or what your son or daughter may tell you, believe it or not, they want to be around you! So make this a month where relationships are strengthened between you and your teenage son or daughter- make it a month for "Pausing" together.

Session One: Breathe- October 10

What's on your "To Do" list today? A big test? Practice after school? Work? What about breathing? Have you scheduled time to just stop and breathe? "Uh, sure," your thinking, "I'm going to breathe today. What kind of question is that?" But what if you took time today to pause and really enjoy the moments you are in? Instead of thinking about what is next, you decide to "be" where you really are and soak up every second. What if you decide to "pause"...and then breathe?

Parent Cue: How do you "pause"- and how often do you do it? What benefits do you see afterwards?

Session Two: Search- October 17

The Bible says that God is omnipresent, meaning He is everywhere at all times. Sometimes we are in such a rush though, that we don't even notice Him. But what if life became a big search? What if, as you went through every day, you paused and looked for God to show up everywhere you went? And what if you realized that no matter where you go or what you do, He is there? It might completely change the way you look at life- even the most mundane, ordinary parts of your day. So today, pause...and then search.

Parent Cue: Have you "seen" God lately? Where did He show up? Were you surprised to see Him where you did? Why or why not?

Session Three: Discover- October 24

Last week, we talked about how God is everywhere, and if we pause and look, we can find Him. But sometimes that is really hard to do, isn't it? Sometimes life gets really hard. Sometimes life hurts alot. Sometimes pain and disappointment seem pretty intense and God seems really far away. But even in those moments, God is there. In fact, God is known for taking even the worse situations and bringing something good out of them. We just can't always see that until we pause...and then discover that God is closer than your breath.

Parent Cue: Have you ever seen God during a really tough time? If so, explain.