“Ideas and Resources for Everyday Christian Living”—that’s the tagline for this blog. I’ve mentioned that line several times over this last year, but as you know, I love forward momentum. My desire is not only to use the blog to share places where resources can be found but also to provide a way for the blog to be a resource of its own.

Over the next several months, I’ll introduce some of these thoughts and ideas, and I’ll implement them gradually. But there is one that I simply can’t wait to begin: “Teen Talk Tuesdays!” Let me give you a brief back story and then share some fun news.

The Background

As a single woman who has never had a spouse and never had children, I will transparently share with you that I am often disappointed that we as believers often (not always!) compartmentalize our teaching within generational groups. One thing I loved about my former church in the Detroit area—from the first time I attended as a visitor in the 1980s—was the cross-generational interaction within the body of Christ. I’ve not seen many churches that do it as well as they do, so for that particular area, I give props and a shout out to Inter-City Baptist Church of Allen Park, Michigan. My current church, Spring Creek Church of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, runs a close second! I love learning from other women (and men) of all ages. I view each person I meet as someone who can teach me something—regardless of the year of their birth!

In writing the final stages of the major revision for The ABCs of T2:3, I have been reminded in my study of Titus 2:3-5 that teaching the younger women falls on all of us; as my mother often shares from what someone told her: “Each of us is older than someone!”

So, I would like to try something brand new for me, and something that will be a brand new element of this website. Every Tuesday during the summer months of June, July, and August, I will be handing over the blog (for that day) to two teen contributors. This will be a mentoring time for them, and it will give them the opportunity to try their hand at writing/blogging on an existing site. In the process, Petals from the Basket can be a resource for teaching, encouraging, and edifying young believers in using their talents and desires through this platform.

But, I need your help.

I need you to help spread the word by telling your friends, your students, and your children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews about this opportunity! Starting today, and running through May 15th, I will be accepting “applications” for teen writers. This is a non-paid position, but a position that I hope will allow all of us to encourage those who are younger than we are—you as the supportive readers and I as the blog host and mentor. Two professional writers and I will be selecting the winners from all entries received. Please note that all five elements of the guidelines must be met prior to acceptance of the application.

Here are the guidelines.

1. Applicants must be between the ages of 13-18 at some point during the 2013 calendar year. The applicant may be either female or male. The blogger should note that the primary readership of Petals from the Basket is female (though we have numerous male readers) and literally range in age from 13–92!

2. Applicants must provide written consent from at least one parent or a legal guardian. This consent form will be sent to the applicant once the application essay is received.

3. Submit a short essay on the impact a Christian teen can have through blogging. Please note the impact as it relates to unbelievers, believers, or both. In addition, please include a minimum of one Scripture verse (please include the text of the verse and not just the reference).The essay must be double-spaced and at least one-half page in length. It should not exceed one full typewritten page. Please include your name, city, state, and an e-mail address where you may be reached—with the consent of your parent(s).

4. On a separate page—not as part of the essay—please share your faith story (testimony) in one-half page or less. (Because the focus of this blog is faith-based, this is an important step if I am to hand over the blog to you twice a month!)

5. Submit your two-page entry (essay and faith story) via e-mail attachment (either a Word document or a PDF) to PetalsfromtheBasket(at)gmail(dot)com. [Please use standard e-mail fomatting: this is altered to avoid spam.] Please use the words “Teen Talk” in the subject line. All entries must be received by midnight, CST, on Wednesday, May 15, 2013. The two winners will be announced on Friday, May 17, 2013. Two winners will be selected. Each winner will submit two blog posts a month for his or her two assigned Tuesdays (six blog posts total) in the months of June, July, and August 2013.

I look forward to taking this next step and reading your essays!