I asked 15 college students the question, “If you had 15 minutes to speak to a group of middle school students,what would your topic be?”  Though they stated it in different ways, without exceptions they answered…their identity.  All of the college students described how insecurity about who they were designed to be and trying to “fit in” were their biggest struggles as middle school students.

Certainly, as I have interacted with this age group fairly extensively, I would agree 100%.  The ages  8 – 12 years are some of the most difficult in a person’s lifetime.  We cannot escape our surroundings.  The name of the game in middle school is…make fun of someone before someone makes fun of you.  It is a hostile, dog eat dog environment.

Strengthening our character is no different then strengthening our bodies.  It takes time, focus and dedication.  We start with light weight and increase the amount we can handle as we commit to the process and our body begins to respond.  The same process is necessary as we seek to strengthen our character.

Several years ago, the Lord put on our hearts at CareNet the desire to strengthen the next generations of young people.  They are being eaten alive…drugs, alcohol, sex, bullying, technology, and the culture are literally overpowering them.  Overpowering Christian kids and unsaved kids alike.  Overpowering <strong><em>our</em></strong> kids who have the Spirit of Almighty God living on the inside of them.  The same Holy Spirit who parted the Red Sea and raised Jesus from the dead is theirs to give them direction, ways of escape and victory…yet, the culture, peer pressure and sin seems to be the tag line of the day.

What were we going to do about?  Not take it laying down, that’s for sure!  We began offering several mentoring programs…one of which I am thrilled to introduce you to today!

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<em>CHOSEN</em> is a Bible study curriculum for young ladies ages 8-12 years.  The curriculum is 26 lessons in all and is broken up into 4 sessions.  The curriculum comes with a Leader’s guide which contains all the lessons, explanation of activities that help to bring each topic to life, and a letter to give to the girls’ moms each week.  We want parents to know what the girls are learning so that they can have valuable discussion with their own girl about the different subjects.  Also, we have a journal for the girls to use throughout all 26 lessons.  The hope is that by the end of week 26, she will be having her own powerful and personal quiet time with the Father each day.  An amazing gift from the Father, are the 4 posters contained in the journal.  The posters are prints of four original paintings done by Ginger Nelson.  They are divinely inspired and covered literally in all of the scripture contained in each session!  The posters serve as reminders to the girls of all they have learned and accomplished.

The lessons are practical and on her level.  We talk about the character qualities that we should have as fruit of the Spirit living in us.  It is the Spirit that gives us the power we need to be more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  So, when you have a friend gossiping about you during lunch…how would the Father want you to respond?  Even at 10, we don’t have to be ruled by our emotions.  We can be Spirit lead and that is the goal…to see these girls living lives that powerfully, boldly and lovingly reflect the face of our Great King!

We would love nothing more than for you to be connected and involved with us!  If you live in the Amarillo area and would like to sign your daughter or a young lady in your life up to participate in our next <em>CHOSEN </em>session…<span >you can contact us by visiting our website </span><a href=”http://www.youarechosen.org/”><span >www.youarechosen.org</span></a><span > or calling our office at 806-354-2288.</span>  We would love the opportunity to journey with her!  OR you can purchase the <em>CHOSEN </em>curriculum and lead your own sweet group of girls through the program.  It is easy to use and we are happy to help you in any way we can.  I believe that the next generation can change the world…but we must prepare them on purpose!  It won’t happen by accident.

<span >Please contact us today to sign your girl up or to start a group of your own.  Also, please let your friends know about the program.  I would love for you to follow us on twitter @CandyKGibbs and post us on your twitter or facebook account.  For all of you Pinterest addicted, you can pin us there too!</span>

I am so thankful for the opportunity the Lord has given us with these precious girls…every time I stand in front of them and look out at their sweet, innocent faces…I am reminded that in our weakness, He is strong!!  Our enemy better look out, because oh the mighty warriors for the Kingdom that I serve!
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All my love to you!! To you be all glory, King Jesus!

Contact us today and please spread the word!