The bulk of the work for this ministry is done by the 200 local volunteers which come from churches in the area where they are ministering. The direction and organization is done mostly by a group of unpaid interns, young people ages 18-29 who have been called as Missionaries to the Youth of America by God. These young people raise their own financial support to pay for their basic expenses, they leave their lives behind for at least one year. They only go home for Thanksgiving-New Years. They are on the front lines ministering to youth and young adults, sharing the love of The Creator with His creation.

Today, my baby, my 18 yo son, Jordan headed out on the adventure of a lifetime. He is the newest intern with The 99! As a mom it was sooo hard saying goodbye at the airport this morning. I have cried barrels of tears, I will miss him terribly. I am also so proud of the young man of God he has become. He heard God calling him loud and clear and he answered the call, “Here I am, send me.”

Smiling through my tears

Our church, friends and family have bound together to support him with prayers and finances and for that we couldn’t be more grateful. I am delighted that he is going to minister with a group of young people that we all call friends. He will get to experience all sorts of new things as he travels the country. He will be living in host homes, meeting new people, visiting churches, site-seeing and sharing the truth that in Jesus is where freedom is found.

Today he is flying to Minneapolis, MN. The tent will be set up at 16655 Kenyan Ave, Lakeville, MN  55046 and the production nights are August 30th – September 22nd-Open every Friday-Sunday, 7pm-11pm. If you are in the area and want to volunteer you can message The 99 through their website or Facebook page for more information and the location of the volunteers training meetings. If you do stop by, find Jordan and give him a hug for me!

If you’d like to keep up with Jordan’s travels, he is sending out a monthly newsletter. You can subscribe in the box below.

Please keep Jordan and the team in your prayers!

The post Flying Out of the Nest appeared first on The Mom Maven.

50 Rules For Sons

In the first half of the book, the 50 rules are listed quickly, independent of any explanation—a format that appeals to the younger, 140-character generation. At the end, Tim gives the back story to each rule, explaining his personal life experience that makes the rule so relevant.

Tim’s advice covers the serious (Like yourself because most of your life your only company is yourself), and the more playful (Don’t bring home stray kittens). It reminds young men to be strong in their convictions, but humble in life. It encourages them to do good in the world as much as they do well.  He also advises people to always have cash and a toothbrush on hand. Taken from a lifetime of both failure and success, Tim’s words are powerful tools to help sons of all ages and backgrounds grow and mature into their best.

My Favorite Rules

13 “Time is your only commodity. Don’t waste it. And don’t give it to people or projects that don’t respect it.”

24 “If you want to get a tattoo, go to your closet and pick out your favorite shirt. Wear it every day and every night for 2 years. If you’re not tired of wearing it after 2 years, go get your tattoo.”

28 “If the police officer or professor are talking, you’re listening.”

42 “If you see someone who is alone, go out of your way to tell them hello.”

In the back half of the book where Tim expounds on the backstory for each rule I agree 100% with his story about rule number 24 about the tattoo. I am not a tattoo person, I have never seen one on anyone that I have liked but that is my opinion. The basis of Tim’s story is the fact that life is transitory. He says, “Your life is a series of stages, each one of which, if you’re lucky, you’ll outgrow.”

“50 Rules For Sons” will make a great gift for that son turning 16 or 18 or 21, for a high school or college graduate or for the college freshman starting out life away from home.

You will like these posts too!

Click on the image to see the post

Disclosure: I reviewed a PDF version of this book but I will be receiving a copy of my own. There are affiliate links in this post. All opinions are 100% mine.

The post Book Review: 50 Rules for Sons by Tim Hoch appeared first on The Mom Maven.

We do not have alcohol in our home and neither my husband or I drink. We have had the alcohol discussion with our boys often, especially now that they are driving too. Drugs have devastating effects too, especially if teens get involved, it is best to recognize the problem before it’s too late and send them to drug rehab tallahassee.

Even though the lines of communication in our house are wide open, they aren’t in all houses and unfortunately a lot of parents don’t talk to their kids about the serious issues.  Nearly three out of four kids say their parents are the leading influence on their decisions about drinking, so what does being silent say to your kids? Mothers Against Drunk Driving has programs and activities to prevent underage drinking, starting with the Power of Parents program sponsored by Nationwide Insurance.

To help you get started, they have designated April 21st as PowerTalk 21® day. It’s a day for parents, kids and communities can take positive steps to open communications using the Power of Parents program and work together to end underage drinking. Click on the Power of Parents Link above and download the handbook to help you talk to your teens about under age drinking. Other solutions such as online therapy can also be utilized for situations like this one.

The post Power Talk 21 Keeping Kids Safe from Alcohol appeared first on The Mom Maven.

From dresses and tuxedos to flowers, photos and limo services, high school students (and parents) could end up dishing out a ton of cash on junior and senior prom. Heck, you could throw an entire wedding for the same price.

Since teenagers have more important worries, like finding the perfect date, coming up with the cash should be the least of their concerns. With a touch of savvy planning, students can find smart ways to keep prom costs under control.

Follow these eight savvy tips to feel like prom royalty without blowing your budget:

1. Borrow Accessories
Dig through your grandma’s or mom’s jewelry box to find retro costume jewelry or a vintage clutch to pair with your dress. You could also ask your sister, cousin or friends if you can borrow a fabulous pair of earrings or necklace for the special evening. If you decide to invest in jewelry, make sure it’s a style you can wear for many years to come.

2. Find Frugal Frocks
Every teenage girl wants to look like a princess at prom, but blowing your budget on a formal gown you will wear only once isn’t a smart purchase. Consider a simple cocktail dress that will serve double duty for post-prom celebrations, like college formals and weddings. Browse consignment shops and thrift stores for fabulous vintage frocks at prices that run as low as $20. Or, search sale racks at stores like Nordstrom and Dillards, which offer a large discount dress selection. Don’t forget to compare prices online and search for dresses and women’s shoe coupons to score even better deals from sites like CouponSherpa.com.

Dreaming of a designer dress? Sign up for flash-sale sites like Hautelook & Daily Candy Swirl! to receive daily deal alerts on popular fashion brands for savings of up to 70-percent off.

3. Do Your Own Grooming
Extremely formal up-dos are no longer popular, so consider doing your own hair. If you’re old enough for prom, you’re probably capable of handling your own makeup and nails. You could also swap services with friends. You could easily save up to $200, and ultimately look more like your real self. Include your mom or aunt, who may also be able help curl your locks and your lashes. Gather ideas from online photos or magazines and be sure to practice the hairstyle before the big night.

4. Use Simple Floral Tricks
Make your own boutonnieres and corsages, or order them from your local grocery store. Often, their prices for flowers are 40-percent less than a traditional florist. Go for a more minimalist look, like an elegant single rose or flower with greenery.

5. Chuck The Formal Photos
Professional prom portraits cost anywhere from $25 to $75, depending on the size and number of prints purchased. Unless you marry your prom partner, that expensive photo will likely end up at the bottom of a box. Nor do formal photos really capture the memory of the night. Instead, share camera duties with friends for an honest record of the evening. Photo prints at CVS or Snapfish cost as little as $0.15 per picture and offer the option to create digital photo albums for a more memorable and less expensive keepsake.

6. Compare Tuxedo Prices
Tux rentals will set most students back $75 to $100 or more. That’s why it’s important to comparison shop. Don’t be afraid to barter for a better price. You may even be able to negotiate a cheaper rate if you recruit several friends to rent in bulk from the same store. Be sure the shop provides all the needed accessories, including a shirt, vest or cummerbund, handkerchief, shoes, tie and belt to eliminate spending extra on these suiting essentials. Better still, skip expensive extras and fill in with your own stuff for a free-spirit look.

7. Lose the Limo
Most limos have four-hour minimums and require tipping, which could result in a bill of $400 or more. Divided among several friends, the cost can be affordable. However, party buses that hold more people than limos are a fun and more affordable option, so search around for prices and negotiate among several companies. Also, consider the possibility of borrowing a nice car from a parent or relative.

8. Buy Gift Cards at Discount Prices
From pre-party decorations to such prom essentials as dresses, shoes and flowers, students can buy gift cards and save as much as 30-percent. You’ll find them at sites like GiftCardGranny.com for such major retailers as Target, Macy’s, 1-800 Flowers, and many more.

The post How to Save Money this Prom Season appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Underage drinking has emerged as the number one youth drug problem. Roughly 6,000 people will die this year in direct correlation with underage drinking—a statistic that can be greatly reduced with parental intervention. By being an informed, caring parent you can strongly impact your teens decisions regarding alcohol; 74% of kids (age 8-17) said their parents are the leading influence on their decisions about drinking.

Nationwide on Power of Parents, It’s Your Influence by MADD from MADD Online on Vimeo.

Get involved! Follow MADD on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook, follow the MADDParents blog and learn how to talk with your kids about underage drinking.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of MADD. A donation was made to MADD in my name to thank me for taking the time to participate.

The post The Power of Parents appeared first on The Mom Maven.

“Would you do it in the shower?” Ask yourself this question every time you start an activity behind the wheel. Would you eat, text, talk on the phone or change a CD in the shower? Then you probably shouldn’t be doing it behind the wheel either, right?!

Know Point B. You should have a good idea of how to get to your destination before revving up the engine. There’s nothing more distracting than trying to follow directions when you’re driving down the freeway. Make sure to check weather and road conditions as well.

Manage your time so that you do not have to multi-task or drive aggressively on the road.

Save your concentration for the road, not a conversation. The road is not the place to have a serious conversation with your passengers. Check your emotions at the door as well.

Drive Safe!

The post Teen Driving Safety Week appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Below are a few texting tips for parents to help their kid’s text responsibly, courtesy of Predicto Mobile, the leading online and text message based survey company:

• Check the school’s cell phone policies.
• Speak with their teachers about what they are doing to limit text use and find ways you can work together to combat the issue if it becomes a serious problem
• Talk to your kids about the dangers of sexting.
• Find out who they are chatting with and look at the cell phone bill to see what time of day they are texting the most
• Encourage good academic behavior. Find out when their exams are, offer help with studying, etc.
• Make them work for it. If texting during school gets out of control and you see a spike in your bill, ask your child to get a part time job to cover their text message cell phone plan.
• Don’t text them when they are in class. Occassionally you may need to get in touch with your child during school hours, find out when your child has breaks in between classes or what time they take lunch and use that time to send texts
• Petition your cell phone provider to offer a way to limit cell phone text message service during school hours.

“Kids have pioneered text usage and it’s become somewhat invasive in a classroom setting,” says Eyal Yechazkell, CEO of Predicto Mobile. “Many schools have already banned cell phones, and we’ve all heard horror stories about kids sexting in school or using the service as a way to cheat. Parents need to take a tougher stance and talk with their kids about texting in the classroom to make sure it doesn’t interfere with the learning process.”

The post Texting During School appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Below are a few helpful tips from Predicto Mobile , the leading online and text message based survey company, for parents looking to successfully integrate into the texting community:

1) Learn the lingo: There are pre-established acronyms like LOL, TTYL and BRB. Not every sentence is meant to be written using only the first letter of every word.

2) Don’t invade their tech space: Don’t text your kids until they text you, otherwise your kids will think you’re a poseur.

3) Use but don’t abuse: Don’t be the next of victim of text addiction.

4) Make it all inclusive: Make sure you have an all inclusive rate plan so you aren’t like “OMG” when your cell phone bill arrives

5) Just Say No: “Sexting” is inappropriate at any age

6) Don’t text and drive: Texting accidents are becoming increasingly common. Recent studies have shown that drivers who text are four times as likely to crash.

“Texting is an appealing way for parents to reach their kids while simultaneously boosting their “coolness” factor,” says Eyal Yechazkell, CEO of Predicto Mobile. “But parents also need to be careful they don’t over do it. Kids are pretty astute and can sense when their parents are trying too hard.”

The post Texting Tips for Parents appeared first on The Mom Maven.

The winners of the Chicken Soup for the Soul: Extraordinary Teens are #9  Bethany and #29 LilyK! Congratulations to all of tonight’s winners.

The post PUR and Extraordinary Teens Winners appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Dr. Selznick calls these kids “Lego kids” because of their amazing spacial abilities. That describes Jordan, even at age 14 he loves to spend hours creating interesting things with his Legos and other building toys. Dr. Selznick suggests that there are 2 styles of Shut-Down Learners, I realized I have worked with both types. One of my homeschool co-op students is definitely a Style 1-disconnected, unmotivated and difficult, while Jordan is a Style 2-Pleasant and Terribly Insecure.

“The Shut-Down Learner” gives suggestions to parents and educators on how to help these students see their strengths and work on improving their weaknesses. I am incorporating some of the suggestions into this fall’s homeschool day.

Here are a few samples of De. Selznick’s advice:

1. Identify the “cracks in the foundation” as early as possible. Find a professional who knows the “red flags” to identify for early learning problems. So much heart-ache can be avoided if you address the skills weaknesses early.

2. If the cracks are widening, seek outside help if possible. Don’t be passive and wait for the schools to intervene. They may, but it’s often a long process. Many of the children I see are not bad enough to warrant the school’s intervention. It’s a negative snowballing effect. Use word of mouth in your community to find people who can intervene

3. Know the kind of reading problem you’re targeting.  There are essentially two types. In the first type the child has trouble decoding the words and reading fluently. This type is the largest majority of the struggling kids. In the second type, the child can read fluently, but has great trouble understanding what he/she has read. Get clear on what you are targeting!!!! Don’t scattershot your remediation.

4. Take the heat out of the interaction. For most of the struggling kids, the daily ritual of yelling about school is a constant. Households are tense. Lots of blame goes around. Pecking at your child, nagging and yelling are not working. Why continue?

5. Find the child’s true strength and help kid embrace it. The shut down learners that I know do not feel very good about themselves and they do not see their strengths. Most of these kids are very solid in the visual spatial dimension of ability. This is often not valued in school. The kids need to learn to value this trait and see it as a potential.

6. Find someone to connect and mentor your child in school. If your child is older, push the kid to have one adult in the building as child’s mentor. It should be someone that your kid can form a relationship with. Too often shut-down learners go through school not bonded to anyone. This is tragic.

7. Keep your humor. Try not to let school problems become all consuming. Go out for an ice cream sundae with your kid even if he hasn’t done his homework! School problems can be so all consuming – don’t lose touch with your kid’s good qualities.

Fortunately, the value of The Shut-Down Learner doesn’t end with advice. Dr. Selznick shows you how to apply this advice. With great sensitivity, he writes about several of the shut-down learners he has known. He shares their conversations and insights and shows how they didn’t let their learning problems and the rigidity of schools destroy their lives.

If you think your child may be a Shut-Down Learner I suggest you get the book and visit the website www.shutdownlearner.com, and get involved in helping your child succeed.

The post The Shut-Down Learner appeared first on The Mom Maven.