A frank conversation about teens and technical virginity

A weekend away with your teenager for "the talk"...

Signing an abstinence pledge...

Purity rings...

All good things right? But are they effective?

Researchers at Yale and Columbia University found that teens pledging virginity until marriage are just as likely as their peers to contract an STD. You might have to read that sentence again. According to Hayley DiMarco, those who pledge abstinence are more likely to engage in other forms of sexual experience... thus the STDs AND the term "technical virginity."

Great news: Many of our kids are saving THE act of sex for marriage.

Bad news: These technical virgins are doing just about everything else sexually.

I guess it does depend on what the definition of is is.

If you're open to a frank and open discussion about these things, I invite you to listen in on a conversation Dr. Jim Burns had with Haley DiMarco, author of Technical Virgin: How Far Is Too Far?

WARNING: These necessary conversations are NOT for the faint of heart. You have been warned.


Part 1: Is your child a technical virgin

Part 2: Is your child a technical virgin

Honk if you love Jesus... text while driving if you'd like to meet him.

Amazing Story: Four Years Later

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The power of a sense of humor

Below is a video of some college students—who probably should have been studying—but instead decided to make a video of themselves doing some amazing and funny things with ping pong balls and cups. Check it out...


The video above is on its way to 510,000 views. I was told that it was shown on television a number of times. A lot of people have seen this video. Thanks to Youtube, a lot more people will see this video in the future.

But think about that for a moment... from the university president's perspective.

Since colleges and universities prefer to be known for their academic and athletic excellence, and since the university's name is so prominently displayed and tied to the ping pong frivolity in the viral video, it would be difficult to imagine the regents and administration of Olivet Nazarene University laughing along with the rest of us. From the point of view of the stewards of ONU, the video feels little like watching a child do something funny yet slightly questionable in public. Yes, it grabs everyone's attention, it's often humorous (hey, it's not your child), but you know when that kid gets home mom/dad will offer some sort of "instruction."

If you know anything about colleges and universities, you know that the public's perception of the institution matters to them greatly. Rightly so. Some donors and alumni might see this video and express concerns that it pictures the university in a less than stellar marketing light. What would parents of potential students think about the college? The list of possible concerns and complaints the leaders of the university would have to field about the above video could become a major public relations headache.

In light of these (and other) legitimate concerns, what should be the response of the leaders of Olivet Nazarene University?

Watch the video below. It's the response of the university professors, staff, and even the president of the university himself.







Now, note the title of this post. Do you agree? If so, why? If not, why not? (If not, what title would you have given this post?) I'd love to know what you think... and why? The comment link is below...

The top 8 signs you're too old to be trick or treating

8. You get winded from knocking on the door.

7. You have to have another kid chew the candy for you.

6. You ask for high fiber candy only.

5. When someone drops a candy bar in your bag, you lose your balance and fall over.

4. People say, "Great Keith Richards mask!" and you're not wearing a mask.

3. When the door opens you yell, "Trick or..." and can't remember the rest.

2. You have to carefully choose a costume that won't dislodge your hairpiece.

1. You're the only Power Ranger in the neighborhood with a walker.


* Thanks Mikey's Funnies

Your blood speaks a better word than all the empty claims I've hear upon this earth

Your blood speaks a better word
Than all the empty claims I've heard upon this earth
Speaks righteousness for me
And stands in my defense
Jesus it's Your blood

[Chorus]
What can wash away our sins?
What can make us whole again?
Nothing but the blood
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can wash us pure as snow?
Welcomed as the friends of God
Nothing but Your blood
Nothing but Your blood King Jesus

Your cross testifies in grace
Tells of the Father's heart to make a way for us
Now boldly we approach
Not by earthly confidence
It's only Your blood

[Chorus]

We thank You for the blood
We thank You for the blood
We praise You for the blood
We praise You for the blood
Nothing but Your blood
Nothing but Your blood King Jesus

If I were Satan...

"If I were Satan and wanted to fatally stunt the growth of disciples to maturity, what would I do? I would divert the leaders from fulfilling their God-given function of equipping the saints [Ephesians 4:11-12]. Instead, I would distract them with other good and high-sounding activities that have nothing to do with growing people to maturity and engaging them in ministry. This is exactly what has happened. We have shunted our spiritual leaders into being program developers, administrators, and caregivers."
—Greg Ogden, Transforming Discipleship, page 41

Disciplemaking Is Relationships

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Just for Fun

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Finally! Training Especially for Volunteer Youth Leaders

Training that comes to you... from your biggest fans at Cadre Ministries! For complete details... go here.