Things to bring: Blankets, air mattress, pillow, personal toiletries, and sleeping bags.

Participants are allowed to wear pajamas to the Lock-In that meet the following requirements:
1. Tank tops are allowed but no spaghetti straps
2. Shorts are allowed, but no tennis shorts or cheerleading shorts (aka daisy dukes)

To access the Parent Permission Form, click here

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Many of us are expecting God to do an awesome work to move us into the realm of satisfaction.  We believe God for satisfaction in our finances, our bodies and on our jobs.  But, how many of us believe for satisfaction in our families–especially in the area of relationships with our teenagers/children?

We live in a fast paced society where most of our time is consumed working, paying bills and then, maybe some time for a little relaxation.  But often while going throughout our lives, we don’t stop to focus on the state of our families. Are we spending enough time with our families?  Are we training our children up in the way they should go, so that when they are old they won’t depart from it? (Prov. 22:6)  Are we instilling a firm foundation?

Of course we would love to scream an immediate “YES!”. However, the reality is that many of us are probably not spending a lot of time meditating on our joint parent/teen satisfaction level.  As children turn into teens they desire to be treated more like adults, then creating a conflict in the way parents and teens communicate.  Teenagers desire to be treated more like adults, all the while resisting adult-like (mature) responsibility.  Parents, on the other hand, desire more responsible and mature behavior from their teenagers, yet they may be unwilling to release some of their control to allow their teenager to demonstrate this growth.  This tug-of-war often causes friction and dissatisfaction in the home.  Don’t be discouraged, there are several steps that can be taken to increase your parent/teen satisfaction level.

1) Spend time sharing your family’s vision with your teenager. 

Contrary to popular belief, teenagers do feel the impact when parents are believing God for healing or increased finances.  Share with your child your confidence in God, and what you believe God will do in your life.  This will make them feel more secure and help teach them how to walk in faith as a family.

2) Take time finding out what areas your teen desires to receive satisfaction. 

Make a decision to just listen to what they have to say, and then stand in agreement with them through prayer that God will manifest greatly in their lives. Give them a word of encouragement and a scripture to meditate on while waiting on their manifestation, and watch God show up in their lives.

3) Remember that everybody’s satisfaction level is different. 

Initially when you begin your quest to increase your satisfaction with your teenager, you may discover that they appear to be content with your level of communication and some resistance may occur. However, deep down they desire your attention and love. Consistency is the key to pulling that desire out of them. It won’t be long before you see your BREAKTHROUGH!!
No matter what resistance you may encounter, just remember — every moment you spend with your teenager, you are sowing a seed into their lives that will manifest itself in a harvest. So be not weary in well doing! A healthy relationship with your child is worth having and pursing.

So pursue until you are satisfied!

It amazes me every year how farmers sow their seed and often wait months for the harvest to arrive, but during that time they continue to water their seed, pull up weeds, and spray pesticide if needed.  All this work is done in anticipation of a good harvest.  Likewise, teaching children isn’t a onetime event, but a growing season. So, when it looks like the seeds you are planting are struggling to grow, pray this prayer:   “Father I thank you that I have the grace and patience of a farmer to receive a harvest from the Word I have sown into my child. I declare God’s divine protection over my child through the blood of Jesus.  I speak that my children are the head and not the tail, always above only and never beneath. Everything they put their hands to do will prosper.  The mind of Christ and the wisdom of God rest upon them, no weapon formed against them will prosper, and nothing shall stop God’s preordained purpose for their life. In Jesus name, Amen.

So parents, be encouraged and be not weary in well doing. Your labor is not in vain. Know that if you continue sowing the word of God in your child’s life it will bring forth a harvest.

Dwayne & Denise White

RAYG Youth Pastors