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{Heart4Teens.com} *Who Made Superman Super?* ______________________________________ If you enjoy this free email service, I encourage you to spread the word to family and friends that we may bring inspiration into the lives of teenagers everywhere! If you are not on the list and this has been passed along to you, you can join Heart4Teen.com readers around the world by sending a blank e-mail to: Heart4Teens-subscribe@myinjesus.com Visit our inspirational web site and read all the past articles in our archives, and view the tons of resources we have there for teens! http://www.Heart4Teens.com/Teen_Stories ____________________________________________ Be sure to check out our other inspirational email list and web site! http://www.HeartTouchers.com To subscribe send a blank email to: HeartTouchers-subscribe@myinjesus.com _________________________________________ Before we get to today's story we wanted everyone to know that we are finally able to accept credit card orders for the autographed inspirational books in our online bookstore at: http://www.HeartTouchers.com/books For those of you who don't feel comfortable sending checks or money orders, you can now order via your credit card in a matter of minutes. And remember, all the money coming in is going to our youth ministry for upcoming trips! Be looking for a follow-up email soon with detailed listings of each book! And last but not least, we now have banners that you can take off the website to help spread the word about HeartTouchers.com and Heart4Teens.com. http://www.HeartTouchers.com/grab_a_banner From my family to yours, Michael _________________________________________ "Who Made Superman Super?" By Chuck Colson Since its earliest days, TV has been a mixed blessing at best. The old joke about five hundred channels and nothing to watch has some truth to it. When programs arent appealing to our basest instincts, or boring us with banality, they are often nothing more than propaganda for a liberal, secular worldview. But there are exceptions. Some shows not only entertain, but also remind viewers of what families and fathers are supposed to do for their kids. The best example of this is Smallville, the latest take on the Superman saga. Smallville tells the story of the young Clark Kent, who is caught "between the boy he thought he was and the man he is destined to become." As his powers emerge, he is tempted to use them for personal gain, like being a football star or impressing the beautiful girl next door. Instead, he comes to understand that his "gifts" are tied to his true calling in life: to serve others through those gifts. Where does he learn this? From his father. As Alex Wainer, who teaches film at Georgia State University, tells us, Clarks father, Jonathan Kent, understands that "a superman unanchored by virtuous character" is something that should terrify us. So, Jonathan takes every opportunity--when doing chores or while standing in the kitchen--to teach his son the "principles he needs to steer through the treacherous shoals of adolescence." He teaches Clark to postpone gratification and to make sacrifices. His goal is that Clark becomes the kind of man who can worthily wield the power with which he has been entrusted. Viewers clearly understand that if Superman embodies "truth, justice, and the American way," its because of his father. Similarly, in Smallville, the man who will become Supermans arch enemy, Lex Luthor, is also being shaped by a father. Only "his fathers lovelessness and manipulations are poisoning his soul." As Wainer says, "the two fathers stark contrast is evident in the characters of their sons." Smallvilles emphasis on character, discipline, and listening to your parents stands in sharp contrast to other shows intended for the same audience, like Dawsons Creek. The contrast is apparently by design. Smallvilles executive producer Al Gough told USA Today that, on most television shows, "the kids are smart, the parents are clueless, and they never talk to each other." He wanted Smallville to be the "antithesis" of these shows. And so, Clark Kent relies on his parents for guidance. His relationship with them, and the way it shapes his character, is meant to be the shows "emotional core." And viewers clearly approve. Theyve made Smallville The WB networks highest rated show and a "must-advertise" for those seeking to reach teenagers and young adults. Unfortunately, shows like this one are still the exception. American television still remains a moral "wasteland," as it was once described. But shows like this are an occasional recognition that the ideas and worldviews that dominate so much of television dont work in the real world. They dont even work in the make-believe world. Deep down people want something better. As Smallville reminds us, the best way to produce a hero is to have him raised by someone who teaches him the meaning of the word hero -- his dad. Chuck Colson correspondence@breakpoint.org Write Mr. Colson and let him know your thoughts on his article! Copyright (c) 2002 Prison Fellowship Ministries "BreakPoint with Chuck Colson" is a daily commentary on news and trends from a Christian perspective. Heard on more than 1000 radio outlets nationwide. Visit his website at: http://www.Breakpoint.org __________________________________________ Thought For The Day: The Leadership Prayer "Lord when I am wrong, make me willing to change; when I am right, make me easy to live with. Strengthen me so that the power of my example will far exceed the authority of my rank." Verse for the Day: "...to offer ourselves as a model for you, that you might follow our example." --2 Thessalonians 3:9 Teen's Thought for the Day: "When you flee temptation, don't leave a forwarding address." Parent's Thought For The Day "The best way to teach character is to have it around the house." Coach's Thought For The Day "If a game is not worth winning, it is not worth playing." Deep Thought For The Day: "As you make your way through this hectic world of ours, set aside a few minutes each day. At the end of the year, you'll have a couple days saved up." _________________________________________ ALL-STAR Ministry --The Youth Church of Faith Community Church in Janesville, WI If you are in 6-12th grade and live in the southern Wisconsin/northern Illinois area and would like to check us out, we meet every Sunday night from 6:30-8:00 PM at Faith Community Church which is located at 2931 Lucerene Dr. in Janesville, WI. (About 4-5 blocks south-east of The Skating Place.) Currently we have students from Fort Atkinson, Milton, Janesville Craig, Janesville Parker, Orfordville, Clinton, Beloit Memorial, Beloit Turner, South Beloit, and Hononegah. E-mail me back if you have any questions about our weekly meetings or would like to come to any of our events that are listed below... We have way too much fun and then, most importantly, talk about issues that are relevant to you as a teenager. _______________________________________________ Change Is Here! All-Stars will be extending its time to 6:00 - 8:30 PM on Sunday nights. 6:00 - 6:30 will be time for the youth to chat and discuss anything they want with the youth leaders or each other. 6:30 - 7:00 PM will be for games or fun activities and then 7:00 - 8:30 PM will be for the lesson and discussion time. Students are still welcome to "hang out" after 8:30 PM if they want, as the leaders are usually at the church until at least 10:00 PM, and some nights even later. (For the past couple of months the students have continually complained that we are running out of time before we get to really discuss the topics in full and asked if we could have longer teaching times... I know, most of you are probably now getting back up off the floor from the shock. We have been most encouraged that the teens have been wanting to stay longer to be able to discuss the lessons more fully.) The Outlet: "Get plugged into Jesus Christ!" (Teen Cell Groups) Wednesday night community groups for teens! This night is for those teens who want to dig deeper than what we do in All-Stars, but may not be ready to be a part of the Extreme Teens. These cell groups will also be doing special activities with each other as the year goes on to build community. "The Extreme Teens" (formerly the Core Group) will be starting Sunday March 16 from 5:00 - 6:00 PM at the church. This group will be very extensive with weekly homework, memorization, service projects, etc. Students interested in this group will have to fill out an application, provide references as to why others think they should be involved with this, and sign an agreement as to what is expected of them. (If your teen will also be attending All-Stars that night, they are encouraged to bring a sack lunch or snack to tide them over until 8:30.) We are very excited at what God will be doing with our youth! ______________________________________ UPCOMING EVENTS 3/7 - 3/9 -- Fort Wilderness Winter Retreat (Cost: $94. This price does not apply to those who helped with the Chili dinner. Your cost is $74.) Checks should be made out to "FCC Youth" and the balance is due on or before Wednesday March 5th. Teens will be meeting at the church at 4:30 PM on Friday March 7, departing for Fort Wilderness at 5 PM and returning to the church around 7 PM on Sunday evening. Teens will have regular meeting times where God?s truths are taught by the Fort Wilderness staff members but will also have plenty of time for fun activities. Activities included in the price are: Horseback Riding, broomball, ice skating, cross country skiing, nature hikes, inner tubing, etc. All meals are paid for, however your teen will want to bring money for fast food on our trip up and back as we will be stopping for food during the five hour drive. Extra spending money is up to you and your teen for snacks or purchases at the "Canteen". Teens need to bring their own bibles, towels, sleeping bags, and pillows, along with very warm clothes and winter gear. Warm hats or ski masks, gloves, boots, and layers of clothing are a must. _________________________________________ Author MICHAEL T. POWERS www.Heart4Teens.com "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20 ___________________________________________ Would you like to see your story in Heart4Teens.com? Writer's guidelines can be found on our Web site here: http://www.Heart4Teens.com/guidelines/ ___________________________________________ "I need a daily source of inspiration and encouragement in my life!" SUBSCRIBE: To become a Heart4Teens.com Member send a blank e-mail to: Heart4Teens-subscribe@myinjesus.com Then get ready to laugh, cry, and be deeply touched by some of the best stories on the Internet! __________________________________________ UNSUBSCRIBE: Send a blank e-mail to: Heart4Teens-unsubscribe@myinjesus.com __________________________________________ Do you feel as if life has no meaning for you? http://www.greatcom.org/english/four.htm __________________________________________ Reading Books, Changing Lives! For those of you who would like to purchase the books from the HeartTouchers.com bookstore via your credit card, you can now do so! You can now order a number of different autographed best-selling inspirational books for the same price you would get them in the store, the shipping to you is paid for, and you are helping change the lives of teenagers and those they come in contact with! And best of all, every penny from the book sales are going to youth ministry to help pay for a life-changing winter retreat and a missions trip to Guatemala this summer! To purchase via credit card or for detailed descriptions of each book visit: http://www.HeartTouchers.com/books |
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Touching Lives - One E-mail at a Time! Author Michael T. Powers - HeartTouchers @ aol.com
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