There are 11,500 reasons to read this post

Don't fail this quiz.

 

 

Beer and wine are safer than liquor.

 

 I can drink alcohol and not have any problems.

 

All of the other kids drink alcohol.

 

The answers may surprise you.

 

 

Avoid becoming a statistic by knowing some

Christmas vacation is around the corner. It's a great time to be away from school, close to family and friends and worship the Savior that was the greatest Christmas present we have ever received. 


Unfortunately, this time of year also includes a rise in alcohol-related accidents. Avoid becoming a statistic by knowing some.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), deaths from drinking and driving spike around the holidays, with alcohol being blamed for about 52 percent of fatal collisions on Christmas and 57 percent on New Years compared to a rate of 41 percent for the entire year. In addition to the more than 1,200 alcohol-related deaths that will occur on the road this holiday season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that more than 25,000 people will be injured.

So what can you do? 

For starters, plan on attending Example's Christmas party.  There you will find fun and cookies and pizza and white elephants and ugly Christmas sweaters.  You will also find young men and women who are not interested in drinking or using drugs.  You will find young men and women who daily face the challenges and temptations of drugs and alcohol, but are striving to make God-pleasing decisions. 

The Example Christmas party is Saturday, December 14 beginning at 7:00. The cost is $3.00.  Lutheran North students only. 

Contact Mr. Brandt if you have any questions.  

Wrap that white elephant; Example's Christmas party is here!

Dust off that hideous Christmas sweater for Example's Christmas Party on Saturday, December 14 at 7:00. Don't have a Christmas sweater that will turn heads and stomachs? Fret not. Cajole Aunt Ethel, cousin Matilda or ol' Uncle Ernie to let you wear one of their sweaters for the evening.  They will be happy you asked them; you will be thrilled when you best all competitors at the Christmas event.

There will also be a white elephant gift exchange.  Wrap a funny, creative or quirky gift. Tell nobody what it is.  Don't even write your name on the TO: __________________  FROM: _____________ ticket.  The surprise will be greater if nobody knows it was you who gift-wrapped a live gold fish in its own water-filled bowl.

The festivities begin at 7:00 p.m. 

The cost is $3.00 and this is for Lutheran North students only.

Who is 5 times more likely to develop alcohol abuse?

Parents and students please know the research about alcohol and drug use; know that alcohol use is not an inevitable component of middle school or high school. 

 

Age of First Use of Alcohol and Drugs:

Using alcohol and drugs before the brain has fully developed increases your risk for future addiction to alcohol and drugs dramatically.  Young people who start drinking alcohol before age 15 are 5 times more likely to develop alcohol abuse or dependence than people who first used alcohol at age 21 or older.  Research for drug use and drug addiction has found similar results.

Learn more about the dangers of underage drinking and drug use.

Example's SHOCKtober event

Example's SHOCKtober event is this Saturday, October 26 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Cost: $3.00. North students only.

Here are three reasons that demand your attendance.

1.  Costume Contest:

  Compete in one of the following categories and win fabulous and really good prizes:
Most Creative Costume,
Most Like an LHN Teacher Costume,
 Scariest Costume,
Best Literary Author Costume,
Best I-Just-Wanted-To-Wear-A-Costume-And-Not-Compete Costume,
Best Book Cover Costume

2. Carved Pumpkin Contest
Bring your already carved pumpkin and dazzle your friends by competing in one of the following categories:
 Scariest Pumpkin, 
Funniest Pumpkin, 
Best Dressed Pumpkin, 
Most Creative/Unusual Pumpkin, 
Best TeacherFace Pumpkin.

The pumpkins must be carved.  While Mr. Faszholz may appreciate your drawing skills, we want to appreciate your carving skills.

 



3. Puffy, Sugary Mallow of Marsh Spitting Contest

Due to the squeamish nature of many Internet viewers we cannot be held responsible for any stomach churning reactions.  As a result we refrain from publishing pictures of puffy, sugary mallows of marsh being projected across the gym floor. 

Do you know Molly?

Below are some disturbing excerpts from a recent article in The Michigan Daily on the dangers of Molly.  Molly isn't a who, it's a drug that functions by "altering brain chemistry and increasing the amount of serotonin present to interact with serotonin receptors." While it may create the feeling of eupohoria, the drug's tragic consequences were evident at a New York City dance music festival in September.  If you are a parent don't assume your children know about the dangers of this drug. Don't assume this drug doesn't show up at weekend parties.  Don't assume that the dangers of drug use are not real.  Don't assume there is nothing you can do.  There is plenty.

Silence is acceptance.

Sure, you may receive an adolescent eye-roll or two, but neglecting to remind your children about the dangers of any drug may have grave consequences. 

"MDMA, Molly, Ecstasy — whatever you want to call it — binds to the transporters so serotonin interacts with receptors for a relatively long time, causing an unnatural response. Because serotonin influences some emotional pathways — such as those controlling empathy and happiness — users experience a heightened sense of euphoria, among other effects. But Molly can change the brain chemistry to a point that can make it impossible to return to a normal level of happiness through sensitization of the receptors — when the receptors no longer cause their expected response due to repeated and long-term exposure to serotonin — making the drug highly addictive.

Because the neurotransmitter is involved in many different physiological pathways, when it causes problems in those pathways the body can lose control. Unfortunately the symptoms — such as kidney failure, high blood pressure and seizures — can have a quick onset, making it difficult if the situation is life threatening to have adequate medical treatment. "

You can read the entire article here.   

Zero Tolerance Teaches Zero Lessons

This story is troubling.
Erin Cox, a 17-year-old student at North Andover High School in Massachusetts, received a call from a friend who been at a party and was too drunk to drive home. She asked Erin to pick her up. The consequences Erin received because she helped a friend are disconcerting.
Read more about this story and watch the video.
Erin decided to help a friend that night.  In the long run her friend's life is more important than five volleyball games and being captain of the school's volleyball team.
Erin's courage and convictions during and after the party is the real lesson.

Example's First Event

You're no longer walking into the wrong class. 
You've finally figured out what lunch you have.
You've also figured out what it is you've been eating during lunch: Mustang Surprise. 
You now know Lutheran North doesn't have a pool so that pool pass you purchased online isn't the deal you first thought.
Every textbook you have is color coded and matched to a folder.
You survived Mixer 2013.
You are settling into the year.

Not so fast. 

You still need to attend Example's first event of the year. 
It begins this Saturday, September 14 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.  The cost is $3.00. 
LHN students only. Enter through the cafeteria doors. 

Get your hot dogs!...and Example encouragement

Back pack:  Check

New pencils: Check

Locker organizer: Check

Hot dogs? Check

Once again Example welcomed freshmen and their parents to Lutheran North's Freshmen Orientation night.  As they walked up to the school for the evening's events, members of Example calmed some of that freshmen anxiety by offering the best grilled hot dogs north of Hall Road.  They also explained to parents and the newest Mustangs about our events and the benefits of being involved with Example.

During the presentation, seniors Will Kruse and Jackie Schwark encouraged students to have a great year and gave more details on Example's activities.  There were even two of the newest Mustangs who went home with Example gear.  

Free hot dogs, t-shirts and Example wrist bands? Win, place and show: the perfect Example trifecta. 

Our first Example event is Saturday, September 14 

7:00 - 9:00 p.m. 

Cost is $3.00

Heading to college soon?

If you are headed for college in the fall or have a year to think about where you will attend college next fall, you might want to watch this video.

Josh Hamilton speaks to Example

Josh Hamilton spoke to future, present and past Lutheran North students

before a recent game against the Detroit Tigers warning them about the

dangers of drug and alcohol use.

Example had a great time visiting with Josh Hamilton, five-time MLB all-star and right fielder for the Los Angeles Angels before yesterday’s Tigers game.  He was scheduled to speak to our group for ten minutes and ended up sharing his struggles with drugs and alcohol for thirty minutes.  At one point it was announced that he needed to attend a batting meeting.  When somebody from our group reminded him that, “You already know how to hit,” Hamilton laughed, agreed and resumed speaking to our group. 

Josh Hamilton explained how he fell victim to the temptations of drugs and alcohol after he was in a car accident following a spring training game.  Unable to play baseball while recuperating from his injuries, he turned to drugs and alcohol to replace the rush of playing baseball.  His honesty about his failures and the advice he gave to everyone in the room was encouraging.  He implored the young men and women to surround themselves with people that share their values.  He also reminded the group that it doesn’t matter what others may think of their decision to not drink or use drugs.  Sure some people may not understand or pressure you into changing your mind, but that doesn’t matter because you have to stay away from the negative pressures and their potentially life-changing consequences.

Hamilton also explained how important his faith in Christ has been.  He admitted that he has not made God-pleasing decisions all the time and used his descent into drugs and alcohol as just one example.  It was refreshing to hear a professional athlete share how his faith in Christ is more important than his career, friends and anything else.  Hamilton admitted his mistakes and finds comfort in Christ and His redeeming sacrifice.  He shared with the group that being in God’s Word daily is vital for daily living.

Several times Josh Hamilton referenced how he accepted Christ as his Savior.  While Hamilton clearly professed that Christ is his Lord and Savior, I wanted to clarify what God’s Word says about how we come to faith and the role God has in that conversion. As revealed in Ephesians 2: 1-9, God through Paul explains how the Almighty first came to us because we couldn’t: 

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked… But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.  

It is so comforting to know that we are declared God’s redeemed children in spite of our sins and because God, through Christ, came to us.  Our salvation, our redemption is not based on our abilities but always found in God’s almighty power and love for His creation.  Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller crafted an excellent explanation on why  it's important to understand that faith is God’s work.

“If we think that the unbeliever has the will to choose Jesus or make a decision for Christ, then we undo Jesus' words, as if He wanted to say, ‘Apart from Me you can do nothing except invite Me into your heart.’ But Jesus wants us to have the comfort that He Himself, through the Holy Spirit, has given us repentance and faith.  Far from making a decision for Jesus, the Lord's people rejoice that He has made a decision for us, to die for us, to forgive all our sins, to baptize us into His family, and to call us through His Gospel. Our faith is Jesus' work, and this is our great comfort.” - Rev. Wolfmueller

Thanks to everyone who came out to see Josh Hamilton and the Detroit Tigers.  While the Tigers didn’t win, we can all treasure the eternal victory that is ours because of the heavenly righteousness given to us through Christ’s death and resurrection.

Channel 4 Features Example's Event

Tune your television to Channel 4 tonight at 11:00 to see the story on Example's efforts to help education students and parents about the dangers of drinking and drug use as well as the legal consequences for parents hosting prom and graduation parties.

Example hosted Macomb County Assistant Prosecutor Steve Fox who spoke to the student body during the day and returned that same night to speak to parents.  Channel 4 will feature the event during its Defenders spot tonight at 11:00.

Kickball tournament and much more

Example's final event of the year is on Saturday, May 11 at 7:00 pm.  Yes, it's time to break out the kickball gear and get ready for some great fun.  Gather your most trusted friends and call it a team.  Don't have enough for a team?  Fret not, there are always people willing to play so we can create a team when you arrive.  

The important part is that you are there.  Your $3.00 entry fee gets you free access to the field, free parking, expertly grilled hot dogs, pop, cookies, a spacious area to hang out with your friends and a chance at kickball immortality.  

Don't tell anyone but there's talk of an eating contest that you will have to see to believe.  Better yet, you'll have to enter to win.

So you've never been to an Example event?  No problem.  We never take attendance and we just want you to show up and have fun.

See Mr. Brandt if you have any questions

I'm not drinking at Prom because...

What does it take to have a good time?
Prom is tomorrow and for the majority of you, you want to have the night of your life. So what do you need to do to have fun? For most of you, going to pictures will be okay. You may not be the biggest picture taker, but you get through it. Then you go to dinner with your friends at the designated table…okay not bad. I mean the food is good and you can crack a few jokes to lighten the mood. Then you get to that dancing! It's better but still not the most fun. The music is mediocre, the dances are dumb, but it’s still kind of fun.
Then the after party. Now we are talking! That is going to be the best. You’ll smile your way through pictures, eat your way through dinner, dance your way across the dance floor, and drink your way through the after party! Right? 'Cause I mean everyone is doing it and it will be the BEST TIME EVER!

Will it really? Will it be the best time ever? Because last time I checked, people puking, passing out, getting into car accidents, having poor judgment, making stupid, irrational decisions that can risk your life is not fun.

I have always hated the saying, “have fun but not too much fun” followed by a nudge and a wink. What does that even mean? You mean to tell me that “too much fun” is forgetting the entire night the next morning? Too much fun is being hung over the next morning and puking your guts out! Too much fun is possibly getting busted by the cops and having to pay a fine and having that on your record forever? Too much fun is putting your life and your “friends” lives in danger because of poor decision making?

I will not be drinking at prom. I have great friends that I can have a great time with…without drinking. I don’t need some substance that risks my friendships and my life or my friends’ lives.

Neither do you.

Parker McGoldrick

I'm not drinking at Prom because...

Mercedes' faith in God is the only superpower she needs

Hi my name is Mercedes Hughes and I’m making the choice not to drink at prom. 

I won’t be drinking at prom because I understand the harmful effects it can have on my body.  I know that it hurts not only myself but the people I care about too.  But most importantly I wont be drinking at prom because when you drink you are saying that you and your desires are more important than God.  When you choose to drink you are blatantly saying that that you are above God and his plan for you, and that you know what is best for your life, not God. 

It is not in God’s plan for me and my life.  His plan for me does not include conforming to the patterns of this world, but instead it is to live according to his will.  I know it’s not always easy to stand up against the temptation to fit in by drinking, but we are never alone through temptation. 

In 1 Corinthians 10:13 God promises, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Example's Prom Presentations

On Wednesday, April 24, Example hosted two events to help inform students and parents about the legal consequences of alcohol and drug use.  Mr. Steve Fox, Assistant Prosecutor for Macomb County spoke to Lutheran North's student body during the day and then later that evening he addressed parents. 

We live in a world where information is easy to access.  Unfortunately, many students and parents do not understand the legal or physical consequences of drug and alcohol use.  Mr. Fox clearly informed students and parents during both of his presentations. 

 

 

Earlier in the week Zach explained to the student body why he would not be drinking at Prom this weekend. 

The Macomb Daily covered the student body presentation and Channel 4 covered the parent presenation.  Chanel 4's episode will air later in the week.  We will keep you informed of the date.

 

 

 

 

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them,

for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.

He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6

I'm not drinking at Prom because...

Hi my name is Danielle and I have made the decision to not drink at Prom.  Although it will be an amazing night with friends and a night we will never forget, in the grand scheme of things Prom is not that big of a deal.

I know.

Gasp!

Prom not a big deal?  You’ve got to be kidding me! The truth is, it’s not. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m just as excited about Prom as the next person, but it’s not a big enough deal for me to risk breaking the law by drinking under age for it.

• And that’s not a big enough deal for me to lie to my parents and betray their confidence in me.
• It’s not a big enough deal to lose consciousness over it.
• It’s not a big enough deal that I would disappoint my friends for it.
• It’s not a big enough deal that I would lose my sisters’ respect and trust in me for it.
• It’s not a big enough deal that I would potentially throw away my future college plans for it.
• It’s not a big enough deal that I would throw away my judgment for it.
• It’s not a big enough deal that I would throw my morals out the window for it.
• And it’s certainly not a big enough deal that I would spit in my Savior’s face and deny Him by disobeying Him.

And all for what?  One party? One night?

Certainly a great night, but not great enough to take the place of my family, friends, future and Savior.  Ultimately, you have to decide. 

Is drinking at Prom a big enough deal to you?

 

Example PROMise

Example encourages students to enjoy a drug free prom this weekend.  We will post these contracts on the wall near the office.  Stop by Mr. Brandt's room to sign an Example PROMise and get your free Example wristband. 

 

 

I'm not drinking at Prom because...

If you don’t know me I’m Megan and I’m a senior.  I’m choosing to not drink at Prom because I know the consequences. Alcohol contributes to all of the leading causes of death among teens.  In my opinion, that’s a good enough reason to steer clear.  Drinking also hinders your relationship with God in the process.

As Matthew 5:48 states, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."  Obviously, none of us can be perfect. That’s Jesus’ job. But what we do is strive to live for Him in everything we do.  By not drinking this weekend, you will not only be taking your life out of jeopardy, but you will also be setting a standard for yourself.

Christ died for us, so why shouldn’t we live for Him?

It's Just Alcohol

The following article was published on MADD's blog.  You can link to the original article and read more comments.

It's “Just” Alcohol (Guest Blog)
By Guest Blogger | April 20, 2013| Filed in: Power of Parents , Underage Drinking

By Barry Adkins, whose 18 year-old son, Kevin, died of alcohol poisoning on the day he moved out on his own. In an effort to raise awareness Barry walked, from Arizona to Montana, with Kevin’s ashes in his backpack, sharing his story along the way. Barry is also the author of "Kevin’s Last Walk, A Father’s Final Journey With His Son." 

It's just alcohol; at least they’re not doing drugs.” How many of us have said this, heard it, or thought it? Often, we think that as long as they are “just drinking” our children will be okay, but we couldn’t be more wrong. Most illegal drugs are tried for the first time under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol kills more than all illegal drugs combined. The younger your child starts drinking, the more likely they are to become an alcoholic. Still think it isn’t a big deal? Try using Google to search for the term “alcohol abuse” and check out how many results you get.

I am not advocating that we go back to the days of prohibition. It didn’t work before, it won’t work now. I am advocating educating our children about the dangers of alcohol abuse. As a society we do a lousy job of discouraging our children to drink. Television shows and movies glorify binge drinking. They show people getting drunk and having a “good time.” They don’t bother to show you the bad things that can happen when your child drinks. They could get behind the wheel and kill someone or themselves, die from alcohol poisoning or get a DUI. For your precious little girl, it’s things like rape, sexual assault, unwanted pregnancy and STD’s. For that boy you are so proud of, he could be assaulted, or assault someone, or become an unplanned father.

Those precious children that you have held, burped, changed diapers and loved, have hopes and dreams.  They dream of growing up and finding a cure for cancer, helping starving kids around the world, going to the moon, being president, (insert your child’s dream here). They will also be faced with many decisions. Decisions like where they want to go to college, what they want to study, where they want to live, who they want to marry, how many grandchildren they want to bless you with, etc.

All important decisions, no doubt, but the decision your child makes about alcohol will define their lives. Make even one bad decision about alcohol and all of the above hopes and dreams can vanish into thin air.

It’s too late for my son Kevin, who died of alcohol poisoning, on the day he moved out on his own, but it’s not too late for your child. The decisions your child makes about alcohol will have a profound effect on how their life, (and yours), turns out. Educate yourself, and then educate your children. Be a parent, not a buddy, sit down with your child and make a list of the good things that can happen when they drink and the bad things that can happen. It will be an eye opener for both of you. Use news stories that involve poor decision making under the influence of alcohol to start a discussion. My son, Kevin, used to say, “Yeah, yeah dad, you don’t have to tell me again, I know what I am doing,” but he didn’t, and it would cost him his life and alter mine in a way I could never have imagined. Pause for a moment and close your eyes. Imagine yourself getting that “knock on the door” while your child lies dead in a morgue.

Folks, I’m begging you, act as if your child’s life depends on it, because it does.

When you lose a child, the most that you can hope for is to make something very good come from it. That is what I plan to spend the rest of my life doing.

Something very good will come from this…

Prom is in the air

Lutheran North's Prom is Friday, April 26.  Young men are looking for creative ways to ask their dates to this annual event and girls are searching for the perfect shoes to match their perfect dresses.  Prom is certainly an exciting time.

Once again Example is doing all it can to encourage young men and women to avoid the temptations of drugs and alcohol during Prom season.  Take a look at some of annual events and the different activities Example has hosted in the past.

This year is no different.  Plans are underway to help make Prom 2013 fun, safe, God-pleasing and definitely worth remembering.  

One of our main events this year will take place on Wednesday, April 24.  From 10:45 - 11:50 am. Example will host an assembly featuring the Assistant Prosecuting attorney for Macomb County, Mr. Steve Fox.  Mr. Fox spoke at an Example event earlier this year and we are excited that he is willing to return and share his unique insights and experiences. Parents are welcome to attend this assembly.  Please check in at the office and then head to the gym.

Parents, later that evening at 7:00 Mr. Fox will return and discuss the dangers of drug and alcohol use, legal implications for both parents and minors, the dangers and penalties with K2 and other related issues. This will be a great opportunity to learn how we can help our children, families and community avoid the dangers of drugs and alcohol.  Mr. Fox's evening presentation will take place in the media center.

For more information contact John Brandt: JBrandt@lhsa.com, 586-781-9151 Ext. 118

AAM: Day Six

Matthew 26:41

"Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

 

1 Timothy 4:12

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

What is this AAM all about?

AAM: Day Five

Knowing these facts about underage drinking can help you

avoid tragic consequences...

AAM: Day Four

Here is some important information for students to know and parents to share with their children:

According to the 2009 College Alcohol Survey, college and university administrators estimate alcohol is involved with...

30% of academic failures

38% of physical injuries

58% of violent behaviors...

and more tragic consequences

AAM: Day Three

Example showed this video to the student body a couple of years ago during Prom week.  We thought is was perfect for day three of Alcohol Awareness Month 2013.

 

Isaiah 12:2

“Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.”

AAM: Day Two

April is Alcohol Awareness Month

April is Alcohol Awareness month. 

 

It's also the month for Lutheran North's Prom.  Example encourages parents and students to do everything they can to make a difference and stop underage drinking. It's not as difficult as many will lead you to believe.  Parents and students, it may take some courage, but you are not the only ones taking a stand. 

 

Throughout this month Example will provide information, suggestions and God-pleasing alternatives to underage drinking.  Check out Example's tweets and follow us on Facebook.   

^{Colossians 3:1,2,17}

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.... And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

 

Example's 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

Last year tenacious defense assured Carrie and her basketball chums a championship.  Coordinating uniforms with pictures of animated dogs from a television series, brought Joel and his hoopster pals a first round exit from Example's 3-on-3 basketball tournament. 

This year Example's 3on-3 basketball tournament is back.  It takes place on Saturday, March 23. Hoops action begins at noon.

Tournament Rules

• Team rosters can include up to five players.
• Only two of those players may have varsity experience
• There is a separate tournament for guys and girls
• This is a single elimination tournament.  Lose and go home.  Those who stay will be champions!
• All teams must have their players in the gym at noon. 
• Pizza, pop and snacks will be provided
• Your team roster needs to be given to Mr. Brandt by Wednesday, March 20th
• Cost is $3.00 per person whether you play or whether you watch in stupefied fascination

No injuries. Lots of fun. Great encouragement

February's Example event was a great time.  While a video is in the making that chronicles the night's excitement, we thought we'd share a couple of highlights.   

We opened the gate, turned on the stadium lights and enjoyed Sled-Fest 2013.  After last year's raging controversy, Example added various competition categories: the two-man team, the four-man team, the four-peopled co-ed team, the five-female team, the I'll-just-run-the-length-of-the-football-field-without-a-sled team.

Once the Sled-Fest champions were crowned, the action moved inside with a very fun and somewhat dangerous game of blind-man dodge ball.  

Thankfully, there were no extreme dodge ball injuries.  Egos will heal and most of Mr. Schlump's injuries were not life-threatening. 

Example would like to thank Carrie for courageously sharing her story.  The encouragement she shared and the encouragement she received from people in Example and from God's promises to His people, are what makes this group rewarding.

Example would also like to thank Steve Fox, Macomb County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, for sharing his insights concerning the legal and social consequences of illegal drug and alcohol use. 

We ended the evening with these verses from II Corinthians 4:7-12

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, 

so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. "

Blind-man dodge ball

Example's next activity is this Saturday, February 23.  One of the activities will be blind-man dodge ball.  While we won't describe all the details of the event, you can be sure that the activity will involve fun, screams, laughter, perhaps some bruising, laughter, random rule-making and an opportunity to surround yourself with others that share your willingness to have fun and make a difference.

The festivities begin at 7:00 and the cost is $3.00.

Being a parental Example is important

"...in 2012, the GfK Roper Youth Report says 73% of youth report their parents are their leading influence on whether they drink alcohol or not while less than 2% say it's the ads they see or the media they watch."

According to a Joseph Rowntree survey…

“Children who watch parents drink 'are twice as likely to binge on alcohol'

Joanna Moorhead, offered these insights in her column in the online publication, The Guardian, “It's so much easier for us to blame the media, friends and the Internet for all the bad stuff our children get up to.  And maybe this means that, instead of berating my 17-year-old daughter for sometimes, over-indulging in alcohol, I should be turning the spotlight on - gulp! myself.”