Never Unfriended by Lisa-Jo Baker – A Book Review

Sandy and Kate were my 2^nd grade best friends. It was my first year in public school and they accepted homeschooled seven-year-old me in their friend group (despite my embarrassing habit of crying every morning because I was afraid to leave my mom). We hung out at recess, sat beside each other at lunch and hung out at each other’s houses on the weekends.

We were the three Musketeers until the day of our “big” fight. Recess turned us from friends to foes as multiple messengers ran back and forth exchanging messages regarding who was no longer friends with who. Our friendship was officially declared over. This ending segued lots of tears and a trip straight to the school counselor’s office.

The school counselor, however, worked her magic and we were all friends and back in class within a few minutes. If only friendships stayed that easy…

Spiritually Preparing Seniors for College – 3 Conversations to Have (Part 2)

“I’m not going to fall away. That’s the last thing I’d do. Faith is central to me.” The camera filmed as he stated exactly what so many students think after graduating high school. Then he continued “…that bubble burst within months.”

The typical eight-hour school schedule, face-to-face conversations with parents and familiar community will largely vanish in just a few short months. High school seniors are about to write their own story. From the party scene to classes to relationships, the power to decide will be in their hands. They now sit in the driver’s seat.

They are finishing a known chapter and simultaneously preparing for an unknown one. Often more open to advice in this uncomfortable transition, there are three last conversations I try to have…

Week 1: Finding Girls For Your Discipleship Group

As my girls transition from discipleship with me to discipling other girls, I’m frequently asked “How do you find or pick a girl to disciple?”

Truthfully this step can be intimidating. Girls can say no and that possible rejection can make anyone uneasy – myself included. When I begin to feel that dread of rejection, I remind myself a couple things…

Icebreaker Ideas – Battle of the Sexes!

Icebreakers can be a life saver in discipleship groups. New leaders often dread the thought of trying to lead a group where everyone refuses to talk. Let’s face it – that’s awkward and uncomfortable.

Luckily if you can get girls talking at the beginning of the meeting, you set the tone for the rest of the time. To do this, you can set yourself up for success by beginning your discipleship group with an icebreaker.

Girls Discipleship 101

I remember the first girls discipleship group I ever led. Talk about feeling lost! I didn’t feel qualified. The lesson felt forced. I didn’t particularly like the curriculum and there seemed to be a lack of connection between the girls and I. I felt like I had no idea what I was doing!