Dear Auntie Agony,
Why do we have to do chores all the time? I’m sick of it and it seems like they never end.

I don’t like chores either – but I also don’t like to eat on dirty dishes! Being in a family means sharing responsibilities for the things the family needs done. Take a soccer team for example. You need to have several forward to push the ball toward the opposite goal, several defenders to guard your goal and get the ball moving in the opposite direction, and a goalie to defend the net. One person alone can’t score, defend the team, and guard the goal. A team of one will be overwhelmed and lose.

Your family is a team. There are a lot of things that need to be done: parents need to work, pay bills, keep up the yard, do housework. They have to arrange for schooling and music lessons and sports and church activities. Their most important job is to help you know and love Jesus. In order to help your team win, your parents need you to be a good sport and pitch in with what the team needs to do.

Learn to take pleasure in a job well done for your family, whether it’s unloading the dishwasher, picking up after the dog, or keeping your room clean. Be a leader for your team, and enjoy the rewards together. The lessons you learn right now about working hard without complaining are going to help you in your school work, your future career, and your own family, one day.

Work hard and become a leader, be lazy and become a slave.
Proverbs 12:24

Dear Auntie Agony,
My dog Cocoa is really old and I’m afraid she’s going to die soon. Do animals really go to heaven?

The Bible doesn’t specifically say if animals go to heaven or not, but it would be easier for those of us who love animals if it did! Here are a few things we do know:

1. God cares for animals. He created them and according to Genesis 1:22 He blessed them.

2. God watches his animals. Matthew 10:29 tells us that not even a sparrow falls to the ground without God knowing about it.

3. In heaven there will be no unhappiness, whether our pets are there or not. We don’t understand how this happens, but He promises this to be true.

I love my dog, Brie, and it’s hard for me to think that she won’t be with me. But like everything else I love, I have to place her in God’s good hands and trust that He has a plan for her – and for me – that’s just right. Can you place Cocoa in God’s good and loving hands, too?

You care for people and animals alike, O Lord. How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
Psalm 36:6c-7a

Dear Aunt Agony,
I am 13 and almost identical to my cousin, but am a few inches taller (Like 5 or 6). She seems to get all of the boys, I am taller then almost all of the guys at our Middle School. I like this guy and I want to know if guys are intimidated by my height?

You have the same problem that a lot of tall girls do – especially at your age. At 13, you’ve already had your major growth spurt while most of the guys your age, and even those a few years older, have not. While some boys may be intimidated by taller girls you have to think of all the benefits you’re getting. You’ll have beautiful long legs and can wear jeans that won’t need to be hemmed and still look good with flip flops. More styles of clothes will be open to you. Everyone has some outstanding features, whether they are beautiful eyes, silky hair, smooth skin, long legs, or pretty hands. But not everyone has the same features! And not every guy will be attracted to the same girls, just like you don’t find every boy equally interesting. Don’t worry about intimidating guys. There is more to you than what’s on the outside, there’s the whole you – inside and out. You’ll find someone who appreciates you for just who you are and won’t take a second look at your cousin!

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 134:19a