Ahhh, to be a teenager.  If you are anything like me, you can barely remember because it was quite some time ago (I won't say how long ago; just know it's been a while). That's precisely it, sometimes we as adults forget what it is like to be that age.  I'm bringing this up for those of you who have a teenager or maybe a teenager. The teenage years can be a stressful time for both the parents and the adolescent.  On one hand, you have a person who is becoming adult but not quite there yet.  Hormones are changing, there are struggles to find identity, and peer-pressure are all taking place at once for the blossoming young adult.  And on the other hand, the parents are trying to make sense of this person that's before them.  The little boy or girl they once knew has disappeared and someone else has made their arrival. What to do? In the novel, "Whispers Dancing in the Dark Winds", you see the clashing dynamic of the lead character and his teenage daughter.  Of course, the treacherous relationship began because of his absenteeism for a few years. But it continued to spiral out of control because of his failure to communicate and unwillingness to admit his mistakes.
  Communication, that's the key to this element.  Are you only communicating with them when it's time "to lay down the law"?  Are you provoking them to anger by harsh reactions instead of leading them to what is right. Keep in mind, the best teacher is the example you set as well.  You can't say one thing and do another.  Those type of conflicting signals will never lead to peaceful solutions. Be open and honest and sometimes you just have to let them make their own mistakes.  We want to protect them from everything, but sometimes it's okay for them to learn to fail.  It will help them grow and step out in the world with a sense of reality.
  To all my teenagers, know that your parents love you and want what is best for you.  They have been where you are and can help you avoid mistakes. Talk with them to find out what mistakes they have made and what it has cost them. Parents, don't be afraid to share that you are not perfect. To those who have raised teenagers, what are your thoughts on this?  How did you overcome those times and what is your advice for parents of teenagers?  If you have a teenager now, what are some of your thoughts?  I want to hear from you!  Comment below.  Love you all!
  

This is definitely a different and unusual time we are living in.  Many are working from home, grief has overtaken many due to loss, and anxiety levels are at an all time high.  I never would have expected to experience what I am seeing right now.  The one thing I know is that God is control and He does all things well.  I'm praying for those who have been impacted by this pandemic.  I pray you experience supernatural strength from our God.  For those who have not been ill or lost a loved one, I encourage you to use this time to prepare for "the after".  There will be an "after this" and the outcome is up to you.  Are you sitting at home bored waiting for this to be over?  Or are you setting yourself up for a viable future?  Use this time wisely, seek God, enjoy your family, and strategize for an amazing future.  This is a major transitional period and only the wise will reap in gladness.  You may sow in sorrow now but you will reap in gladness later is my hope for you.