The White House. Photo Courtesy of Kelli Mahoney

President Bush said his farewell to the citizens of the United States tonight as he faces his final days in the White House. He completed his 8 years in office with humble words about his own time as the country's leader and his continued hope for the prosperity of America.

Next Tuesday, President-Elect Obama will usher in a new era in America, not because he is the country's first African American president, but because he brings a new ideology to the Presidency. Just as George W. Bush brought about a new way of operating when he took over the presidency after Bill Clinton, Barack Obama will bring something new to the White House.

Yet, America is not the only country in transition, and it is a time when the world is facing tough choices. There will be important elections happening in the Middle East, as numerous countries face off in military battles and ideological disagreements. We watch as the world faces oil crises, economic ails, and more.

It's easy for Christian teens to get caught up in their daily lives, insulated from the outside world as they head from class to class each day. Boyfriend and girlfriend problems, homework issues, and where to go on Friday night seems so much more important. Yet, the world consists of much more than that. Just because you are a teenager, doesn't mean you cannot understand how much the world needs your prayers.

So, take some time this week to read about what's happening in the world. Watch as the U.S. and world enter into a time of big changes, and pray for those doing the changing. Ask for God's hand in creating peace and hope in the hearts of people around the globe.

Kurt Warner (2009). Courtesy of Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

The Super Bowl is coming up on February 2, 2009, and Athletes in Action has announced their finalists for the 2009 Bart Starr Award. Three players have been chosen for demonstrating leadership and character both at home and on the football field. The three finalists are Warrick Dunn, running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kurt Warner, quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, and Drew Brees, quarterback for the New Orleans Saints. The winner of the Bart Starr Award will be announced during the 22nd Annual Super Bowl Breakfast hosted by Athletes in Action on January 31st at the USF Sun Dome.

What is nice about this annual breakfast is that it honors character along with skill. There are plenty of great players in the NFL, and many of them do great things on that playing field. Yet a truly great player goes beyond catching a ball or making a tackle, and they use their notoriety to make a difference in this world. Too often we are distracted by headline-makers like Plaxico Burress or Terrell Owens who are often thinking more about themselves, or worse, committing crimes. The athletes nominated for this award are not only great players but great men, whose legacy is to be remembered not only for the joy they brought people when they were on the field, but how they helped people when they were off the field, too.

In a world where Christian teens are often told that fame and fortune are more important than character, here are men who demonstrate you can have both. You can follow the teaching of Christ, and demonstrate your faith in your actions while also succeeding in your endeavors. Let us all strive and pray to have both the faith and skill that inspires others.

• Register for the 22nd Annual Athletes in Action Superbowl Breakfast
• What is Athletes in Action?

It may not always seem easy, but it is possible for parents and their Christian teens to discuss important issues like dating and sex. No, it's not always comfortable, but those conversations are absolutely necessary. Teens need to know what the rules of dating are, and what their parents expectations are.

Yet, setting the dating rules may not be enough. There are a lot of temptations out there, and they aren't exclusive to non-Christian teens. It is so important that parents today have realistic conversations with their teenagers about sex and its impacts on teens. While the Bible provides a great background and foundation for the discussion, it is important that parents be open enough to realize that that foundation needs to be put in a modern and realistic context. The symbolism in Song of Solomon is beautiful, but teens need to understand what God is trying to say trough that symbolism.

So, parents and Christian teens need to get over the age difference and the discomfort to have a healthy and real dialogue about dating and sex. The open communication will go a long way in not only developing a healthy parent-child relationship, but also healthy interpersonal relationship.

Yes, it's only January, but you'd be amazed how quickly Spring Break catches up with you! Many youth groups like to take their students on mission trips for Spring Break, and you should start your preparation now so that you can do your fundraising and prayer preparation. Christian teens can be an amazing example to people around the world, and these short mission trips can do a lot to not only help them find God's love, but it can do a great deal to help you grow spiritually.

Going on a mission trip is not just about getting on a bus or plane and going somewhere to sing, dance, build houses, etc. It takes a great deal of preparation. Not everyone is meant to be a missionary, and it is a lot of hard work. That's why it's not just about raising money. Christian teens should also spend time in prayer being sure they are doing this for God and not for self-accolades. Time should be sent learning about the location of the mission trip. It is good to practice your evangelism skills and talk to people about your faith.

Still, all the hard work and preparation pay off. You'll spend time meeting people of different cultures, teaching them about Christ in both words and actions. You'll do good things for those who are poor and in need of your help. You'll find out just how amazing doing God's work really can be.