Teen LWML—On the Go in Michigan This Michigan teen group from Our Shepherd Lutheran School in Birmingham meets three times per week at lunch hour to share a devotion, plan mission activities, and make bracelets - which they sold at a craft fair for mites. Two adult LWML members serve as group liaisons. The Girls Guild of St. John, Cheboygan were the first teen group to form in Michigan. They meet monthly and have held a bake sale, hosted a taco dinner, supported mite-giving, and planted flowers on church property. They traveled to Grand Rapids to attend their district LWML convention. In the works: mission service trips outside the zone. Seven teens in Scottville, Michigan, met for a pizza party with two Mission-Ministry Vision consultants to set the wheels in motion. The group, The Next Generation, subscribes to the Quarterly and aims to help others by serving Christ through mission service and peer ministry. "Something fishy's going on here!" That's what the teens called the zone event they planned at Golgotha Lutheran Church in rural Wausa, Nebraska. Activities included supper, games, Bible study, making take-home favors, and learning about what Teen LWML can look like in a congregation. Topic: Peer Pressure By Margaret Hinchey Bible Verse: Then the devil took him to the holy city, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, 'If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down' (Matthew 4:5-6a NRSV). Commentary: Has your mother ever asked, "And I suppose if someone told you to go jump off a bridge, you would do that too?" It's a parent's way of reminding you to ignore the kind of pressure that friends put on you each day. Some eighth graders were asked what kind of pressure they endure. The list was long—pressure to smoke cigarettes or marijuana, have sex, cheat on tests, drive illegally, stay out all night, drink. You could probably add to the list. Peer pressure doesn't stop when you graduate from high school either. Everyone experiences peer pressure. Even Jesus was tempted to give in to peer pressure. But Jesus withstood the devil's temptation to "jump," no matter how good his offer. God has given you the ability to make wise decisions for yourself. He has promised that He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). He loves you even when you're not sure that you love yourself. Stand firm—don't jump! Questions for consideration: What kinds of pressures are strongest in your life; which one have you given into lately? How can you remind yourself not to "jump"? Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for giving me the ability to make decisions for myself. Help me to make wise decisions. Keep me from "jumping" into a situation I cannot handle or should not enter. Give me confidence in Your love for me. In Your Name, I pray. Amen. Do you have ideas you want to share? Do you know what LWML teen groups are doing in your district? Please write us and send original or electronic photos to: Gina Franke, 104 Fourth Avenue, Smithville, TX 78957, readersrespond@lwml.org Our Readers Ask ... Teen Talk Q: My friends at school are always commenting on the clothes I wear. They say they're just joking, but their comments still hurt my feelings. What should I do? A: First of all, it can be disappointing when people you consider friends are hurtful. Look in the mirror at the outfits you are wearing. Do they make you feel good about yourself and compliment your body style? Are they appropriate for your age? If you answered yes, then you have two choices: (1) the easy way - simply ignore the comments; (2) the tougher way - rethink how you expect to be treated by your friends. If their actions aren't up to your expectations, you can explain how their comments about your clothing hurt your feelings and let them know if they continue, you can't remain their friend. After all, God created everyone to be treated with kindness and respect. Don't expect less for yourself. Any questions for Teen Talk? E-mail us at readersrespond@lwml.org