House of Hope Illinois

Dealing With Today's Teens

2009-08-23T08:36:00.002-04:00

We're offering an awesome 9 week DVD seminar by Mark Gregston on TEENS, beginning Wednesday September 9th from 7:30 PM to 9 PM.

In this encouraging and instructive video study, Mark offers proven answers and practical strategies for parents who wish to prevent their teens from falling prey to the culture in which they live.

The focus of Mark's teaching is biblical, loving and relational and helps maintain an open and honest relationship while dealing with the teenager's behavior, lifestyle and choices in life.

Seating is limited, contact us soon (708) 479-2322. $15 fee includes the wookbook.

Significance in Life

2009-08-18T09:07:00.003-04:00

How is your life significant? Reaching out to help others is an essential part of life.

We believe our HOPE Volunteers are a big part of something worthwhile, something that God is doing.

At House of Hope - Illinois, we want our HOPE Volunteers to achieve, to accomplish, to make a difference, and to make an impact in our world. And we believe they do.

Changing Lives

2009-08-07T22:12:00.001-04:00

Dear Therese,

Thank you for the opportunity to be useful and helpful to others outside my usual “circle of influence” of family, friends and co-workers.

When helping to support the House of Hope - Illinois, whether by donation of time, funds, or talent it provides a way for others to feel the satisfaction and sense of significance that comes from benefitting others.

It is clear that House of Hope Illinois does more than counsel, educate, and reconcile others - It changes lives.

I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of that important mission. It makes my life count for more than it would have otherwise.

Sincerely,
Kathleen C.

the reason why

2009-08-07T21:52:00.003-04:00

I just got off of the phone with the stressed aunt of a 15 year old boy in the Mokena/Tinley Park area. She is desperately searching for help, for residential care, for John (name changed), as mom and dad are not in a position to fully help their son. She knows that our boys home is not built, but she needs answers.

Through past experiences, I was able to share a number of options with her, for her nephew. As I explained to her, this is the exact reason we are building a place to heal the hurts of teens, and to reconcile families. She is the perfect example for House of Hope - Illinois. A teen spiraling out of control and parents at a loss about what to do. Needless to say, she was grateful for the many options we discussed.

This is House of Hope ... this is our reason.

Don't go it alone!

2009-07-26T11:46:00.015-04:00

In the previous post, I mentioned STRESS and asked how you dealt with it. As parents of teens, we can feel stressed from all kinds of life issues. Bad attitudes, legal issues, substance use ... and the list goes on.

As a parent, what can you do? What should you do?

Get help. Reach out to someone and get the support and answers you need. Support comes in different ways; peer support, prayer support, professional support.

At House of Hope - Illinois, we bring hope and help to you through group discussion, individual parent meetings, prayer support, teaching DVDs, and resource books.

As a leader in your home, you need to be thinking clearly, emotionally strong, and making wise decisions for your family.

Above all, don't go it alone. Get the support you need.

Feeling stressed?

2009-07-18T13:07:00.006-04:00

Stress and anxiety for a Christian can take on many different shapes and forms, yet in general, for most Christians, stress boils down to one idea - lack of trust in God. Hmmm?

How do you deal with the stress in your life?

more info >>>
http://christianity.about.com/od/faqhelpdesk/f/dealwithstress.htm

Beacon of Light

2009-06-15T22:03:00.005-04:00

We at House of Hope have an awesome chance to reach out and help others, being beacons of light, during this time of uncertainty in our world and economy. We thank God that our doors are open and we are available to teens and their parents during these difficult times. Stress can show itself in many ways. Sometimes parents just need to talk and teens need reassurance also.

Let's remember: As we encounter trials and difficult situations in life, our hope is in Christ.

Waiting on God

2009-06-14T14:19:00.004-04:00

I was searching today some devotionals pertaining to my Waiting on God during a stormy season I'm currently in. I would like to share this by Shirley Pope Waite:

STANDING IN THE GAP

I'll stand in the gap for my son.
I'll stand 'til the victory's won.
This one thing I know, That You love Him so,
And Your work with my child is not done.

I'll stand in the gap every day,
And there I will fervently pray;
And, Lord, just one favor, Don't let me waver
If things get quite rough, which they may.

I'll never give up on that boy.
Nor will You, for You promised him joy.
For I know it is true When he said "Yes" to you,
Though the enemy seeks to destroy.

I'll not quit as I intercede,
For You are his Savior, indeed!
Though it may take years, I give you my fears,
As I trust every moment I plead.

And so in the gap I will stand,
Heeding Your every command,
With help from above, I unconditionally love,
And soon he will reach for Your hand.

Whether your stormy season is regarding your son, daughter, relationships, employment or finances, continue Standing in the Gap until God's perfect timing comes.

Have No Fear (Author: Henrietta Mears)

2009-05-25T11:34:00.002-04:00

In 1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

Please read the following short story by Henrietta Mears: Have No Fear

"One day in the mount region of Scotland, a gigantic eagle snatched a little baby out of his crib and flew away with him. The people of the village ran out after the BIG BIRD, but the eagle perched itself upon a nearby mountain crag. Could the child possibly be rescued? A sailor tried to climb the ascent, but he was at last obliged to give up the attempt. A robust Highlander, accustomed to climbing those mountains, tried next and even his strength failed. At last a poor peasant woman came forward. She put her feet upon one shelf on the rock, then on the second, then on the third and in this manner she rose to the very top of the cliff. While all below held their breath for sheer fright, she came down step by step until she stood at the bottom of the rock with the child safely in her arms. Immediately shouts of praise arose from the crowd that had gathered.

Why did that woman succeed when the strong sailor and the experienced mountain climber had failed? Because that woman was the mother of the baby. Her love for her baby had given her the courage to do what the others had failed to do.

If the love of Christ is in your heart, you too, will find that you will have the courage to do whatever He directs you to do."

As a parent, I ask what "BIG BIRD" has your baby (teen)? Is it anger? drugs? bad attitude?

In prayer ask Christ to create His shelves of rock for your ascent up that mountain to snatch your teen back from that BIG BIRD.

Nothing More to Say

2009-04-01T12:14:00.001-04:00

Taken from a new friend to House of Hope - Illinois:

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. Happy moments, praise God. Difficult moments, seek God. Quiet moments, worship God. Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank God.

This says it all!

Healthy Habits for Strong Families

2009-03-29T19:35:00.002-04:00

Too many homes are being destroyed through strife, lack of commitment, wrong priorities, bad attitudes...they are under attack! If you fight for your family, spouse and children, God will fight alongside you. He will help you create an atmosphere of peace and unity in your home. There is nothing you cannot overcome if you stay committed to each other and committed to God!

Triple "A" Relationship

2009-03-09T21:42:00.002-04:00

Teenagers are looking for the Triple "A" Relationship -

Availability - Teens are looking for someone who is not too busy to take time for them. It says we have time and emotional space for them. It tells them, they are not a bother.

Authenticity - Teens want to know you are real. Are you walking the talk? Live transparent and honest lives for them. They will see that they do not need to be perfect.

Acceptance - Teens feel they will never measure up due to the expectations and demands set on them by the adults in their lives. They long for value for who they are instead of what they do.

Parents - Go for the "A"s. Its worth the grade!!!!

Forgiveness ... 1, 2, 3

2009-02-10T08:12:00.003-05:00

Forgiveness of ourselves, our teens, family and friends can be as easy as 1, 2, 3.
Through practice. If you are like me, I'm certain on a daily basis, an opportunity to forgive shows up. How do I do it?

1. You Leave It.
2. You Forget It.
3. You Let It Go.

What will you get from this? FREEDOM.

From Frustration to Ease

2009-02-02T10:20:00.003-05:00

No wonder why we as parents, are frustrated. We are trying to change or control our teen's behavior, grades, friends, etc. in our own strength.

What if you knew there was a better way. Offered to you freely. It is God's Grace.

No matter what situation you face, God does not permit us to be where we cannot draw upon His Power, His Strength ~ His Grace. His Grace allows us to do what we need to with His Ease which we received by faith.

Lend Me An Ear

2009-01-23T14:02:00.002-05:00

Our son or daughter may not come right out and say "Mom/Dad Please Lend Me Your Ear" but there are many times that is all they want.

In James 1:19 - My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone [parents included] should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry

When our teen comes to us as parents with their troubles that is usually a time when they need our patience, understanding and encouragement. Not advice, unless asked for.

It is good to remember that "listen" and "silent" are made of the exact same letters.

Relentless

2009-01-09T19:58:00.012-05:00

RELENTLESS: (re·lent·less) Sounds like a strong word, doesn't it?

What's been on my mind is "relentless prayer". At first, it sounded pretty harsh. I had to ask myself, how does the word "relentless" go together with "prayer"?

Well, as the thought continued ... I understood that we are called to pray, remaining steady and persistent in our prayer, and never give up, as we pray for our teens and families. RELENTLESS PRAYER

For me, 2009 brings persistence, perseverance, and relentlessness as we reach out to support hurting teens and their families.

Please join me and House of Hope - Illinois in 2009 as we strive to help others.

Thank you.

they are grateful

2008-12-16T21:02:00.002-05:00

I want to say "thank you" to everyone who makes House of Hope - Illinois possible for teens and their parents. We recently had the opportunity to sit with 3 different local families at our Mokena office, all were in need of help, and all expressed their gratitude to us for being available to them without charge. A parent's tear filled eyes, a teen's smile and hug, and their expressions of gratefulness make it all worth while.

Again, I just want to say Thank You for helping make House of Hope - Illinois a place where teens and parents can turn to in their time of troubles.

How Can I Get to My Teen's Heart?

2008-12-07T18:20:00.003-05:00

TIME.

This may not be easy to hear. The saying "quality time is better than quantity" is misunderstood. Parenting means sacrifice. We need to do things with our kids and lean into them by building memories, sharing experiences and establishing strong bonds. This is a main ingredient to draw their hearts toward you.

After spending "quantity" time with your teen, they will begin to see that you really are there for them and care enough to listen to them. In time, they will share their heart with you. Depending on how hard your teens may be or how controlled and manipulated they are by their "world of influence", it might take a significant investment of your time up front. However, it is never too late to start.

Start now. It can be your greatest Christmas gift to them.

God is working

2008-12-06T15:44:00.006-05:00

What is God doing at House of Hope - Illinois this month?

bringing new teens to HOH for help

bringing new volunteers

bringing new Board members

growing our faith

making us smile :)

We believe God can and does use us to change lives and our communities. He is creating a place where teens can come to and be accepted, listened to, and loved with compassion. This is House of Hope - Illinois.

Be a Prisoner of Hope

2008-12-03T12:46:00.004-05:00

Be a Prisoner of Hope? Are you crazy? You've never met my teen! You don't know what I'm going through. You may be right. But the Lord knows. He is your Hope.

Take a look at John 16:33 (NASB) ~ "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage [hope]; I have overcome the world."

We were never promised a struggle free life ~ especially in the parenting department. Wow. Life comes with ease and hardship?! I can't imagine being a parent these days without hope. I would have sunk a long time ago taking my daughter with me.

Believe that your circumstances are subject to change. Not simply because of our strength but because we can rely on our Lord's strength to help us overcome our adversity.

I challenge you to be a Prisoner of Hope. Hope in our Lord. He is just waiting to help us. Let's run to Him.

Cell Phone vs. Bible

2008-12-02T11:26:00.003-05:00

Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we turned back to go get it when we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to our Kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?

Hmmmmm............makes me stop and think, where is my Bible, where are my priorities?

Oh, and one more thing - Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because JESUS ALREADY PAID THE BILL .... And no dropped calls!

A Word Aptly Spoken

2008-11-29T08:49:00.004-05:00

There are times when I have to catch myself when I speak to my daughter. Whether in conversation or in discipline. How is my attitude? What words do I use? Will they bless her and touch her with tenderness. Or will they curse her and cut her deeply?

Ephesians 4:15 tells us to speak "truth in love". Our attitudes toward our teens affect how our words will be received. Our tone of voice and the look in our eyes may convey a much different message than intended. The truth, even from Scripture, can hurt and be rejected if spoken from an unloving heart.

In Proverbs 25:11 "apples of gold in settings of silver" are thought to be golden balls arranged in silver baskets to be used as table ornaments. No doubt they were carefully hand-crafted, valuable and very beautiful......So should the use of our words be.

What I've Learned about Prayer and Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T09:11:00.003-05:00

Today is Thanksgiving. I wish to share what the 4 week prayer/thanksgiving campaign has meant to your HOPE for Families parents, teens and me.

We sat with a Mom one evening and prayed over her and her son. We encouraged Mom to run toward one of her fears. The Lord was there that night and heard our prayers and fears. Since we brought them to Him, our Lord showed Mom He was there. She faced her fear and received an unexplained blessing from the Lord.

One Dad has been updating us on his journey with restoring relationships with his children. The Lord has put some godly counseling in his journey and has been pouring out His blessings upon this family.

One of the teens is not exactly sure what a relationship with Jesus is like but is able to trust in us at House of Hope. We at House of Hope believe that we may be the only Jesus our teens see. With a childlike trust, the teen has taken the tools learned and applied it. The family has been enjoying more joyous moments than before.

As you know this campaign was placed on my heart a few weeks ago. I'm so grateful that I followed my heart. I learned much through this process. I truly believe the Lord prepared me for a few heavy duty events that occurred during this time. The details are not important, but I will tell you that both events did not hit me as hard as they may have before I put my faith in prayer and thanksgiving. I was able to draw strength from my Heavenly Father due to my growing trust in Him these past few weeks. As hard as the circumstances were, I DELIBERATLY found thanksgiving and blessings in them. Why you may ask, because I've learned that I can only do what I can but my Heavenly Father can do EVERYTHING.

Thanksgiving expresses our gratefulness to God for all that He has done for us. We are just letting our God know that we are thankful not only for the spiritual blessings of salvation, forgiveness and eternal life, but also realizing He is sending His blessings to us daily.

May our Heavenly Father pour out His blessings to you and your family on this wonderful day of Thanksgiving.

new this week November 23, 2008

2008-11-23T17:54:00.003-05:00

thanks to Mike Rhodes and his inspiring message Friday afternoon at the PASS office in Tinley Park, I'm learning more about "microblogging" ... Twitter, Facebook, Causes.com.

Learning to be in constant connection "in 140 characters" or less.

teen suicide

2008-11-12T14:24:00.000-05:00

I'm thinking today about teens and suicide.

How terribly sad. Words cannot express our grief when we hear a story about a teen's death. How do we stop this? How do we make a difference?

I have to ask myself ... how hopeless was their situation(s) that might have led them to take their own life? Where are we (as a family or as a community) when all this is happening? Where should we be? Didn't they have anyone they could have talked to? If they did reach out to someone, did they listen?

As a community, lets keep on reaching out together and perhaps prevent another teen death. Be aware. Listen to them. Refer them to someone.