November 2024 Newsletter
Courageous Girls: Know the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of the Digital Dilemma
Words of Love
Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10
Words of insight
In a world where we are constantly bombarded by technology — from TV, phones, computers, video games, and social media — we have lost the art of slowing down and being present with the people we are with. Courageous Girls know how to be aware of their own needs, recognize the ways that their digital influences affect them, and engage with care, caution, and a clean heart.
We were never meant to be in relationship with a screen. We need eye contact, hugs, fresh air, time and space to think critically, be creative with our hands, and play outside.
Our digital devices can create internal turmoil on many levels. We need to be aware of the ways devices help us, but also aware of when they are being harmful to our health, relationships, and our time with God. A Courageous Girl is able to regulate the time she spends on her devices as well as the kind of the material she focuses on when she uses them. Make sure you have time to just be still, not only for healthy brain development but also for your heart and soul.
Parenting Tips
Learning to have boundaries with our devices is a powerful skill that most adults have not yet mastered. Therefore, it’s important to listen for God’s guidance and stirring in your heart regarding your own usage rather than simply comparing yourself to others (i.e. At least I’m not on my phone as much as...).
Consider what example are you setting for your daughter. We can be discerning about how we use our digital devices to do good and avoid doing harm to ourselves or others. The digital world is not going away and is a part of the world we live in. However, like Romans 12, we do not have to conform to the patterns of this world. God desires us to live an abundant life with Him.
Updates
As you reflect on the past year, consider how you can make an impact on the new beginnings ahead.
You can support CG with a tax-deductible donation.
Become a monthly donator: $10, $25, or $50.
These funds are going toward the new CG App, curriculum editing and design updates, a new Courageous Girls Podcast, CG leader training and resources, admin. support and staff.
Learn more and donate HERE.
Help us fund the Courageous Girls Podcast, coming 2025!
Hosted by founder, counselor, coach, author and executive director, Terra Mattson, this one-of-a-kind podcast will help you with every important aspect of raising your daughter in a world full of confusing messages.
Alongside leading experts and experienced CG mamas, we will be answering common questions, equipping you to show up for your daughter with growing confidence.
DM us @mycourageousgirls to submit your questions or topics you want Terra to cover!
Merch Store
Take advantage of our Fall Free Shipping
and get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping!
Get free shipping through October 31st when you use the code: FALLFREE
100% of your purchase supports the mission of Courageous Girls and helps keep the CG curriculum free.
Visit the CG Shop
Monthly Challenge
Consider a digital fast.
1. Take a moment to write out a list of how your devices serve you and how they improve your life. Then, write a list of how your devices cause you anxiety, stress, hurt, harm, sadness, guilt, etc. Decide which device(s) you want to take a break from and commit to an agreed-upon time period (a night, a day, a week, a month).
2. Help hold each other accountable during this time and use one another to find creative alternatives for technology use.
Do something without taking photos; instead, actually live in the moment and take mental pictures with your five senses. Try to avoid texting people you are not with. Consider reading instead of watching TV.
3. Journal about your experience so that you take notice of the changes in your body, mind, heart, and spirit. Take it a step further and challenge a friend, neighbor or sibling to join you in the fast.
Our Favorite Resources
Is your group registered on the App?
Now you have access to all CG offers in the palm of your hand...with special features CG leaders will LOVE!
Go to your favorite app store on your phone and search for Courageous Girls to download and get started.
Get more details HERE.
Helping Moms Raise Confident Daughters Courses
One of our favorite ways to encourage healthy mother-daughter relationships is to schedule monthly one-on-one dates.
Through the Christian Parenting platform, Terra Matton’s video courses provide a regular rhythm structure where you and your daughter can grow together and nurture godly confidence. Just pick the course that fits her season of life.
Learn more HERE.
SAVE THE DATES
Join us for the 2024-2025 Parenting Teens Workshops.
Location: Rolling Hills Community Church, Tualatin, OR — Courtyard Room
$5 per attendee/couple (bring your spouse for free!)
Register HERE.
Limited space so register early.
November 20th
Through the scope of CVI assessment, Jeff & Terra Mattson, LPC, LMFT, teach parents how to parent a child's individual wiring, impacting their identity formation, gift discovery, time management and conflict/communication.
January 22, 2025
Terra Mattson, MA LMFT, LPC, and Annie Beckstrand, LPC Associate, will walk you through helping your teens develop a sexual ethics and healthy relationships.
March 19, 2025
Heidi Tilltotson, LMFT, and Marlys Peterson, LPC, of Living Wholehearted will provide insight on helping your teen with big emotions, including depression & anxiety.
May 21, 2025
Terra Mattson, MA LMFT, LPC, and the LW Counseling Team will discuss how to develop a student's EQ and what transitioning from parent to coach/mentor can look like.
Eager to hear more from CG’s cofounder and director, Terra Mattson?
Click HERE to check out Terra’s speaking schedule.
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