Advancing God's Kingdom in the Family System
By Manoela Paz Celebrating Christmas is a powerful yearly experience for each one of us. CHRISTMAS is ALIVE, reminding us of what Jesus did for us and that the Holy Spirit, the one the Father sent when Jesus went back to heaven (John 14:16,17), is living in us right now to help us live a […]
There are many sweet stories of Mary and Jesus’ relationship—from the first miracle of Jesus turning water to wine at Mary’s request (John 2)—to watching Jesus as a child at the temple teaching elders from His wisdom (Luke 2)—to observing Jesus and His disciples building the Kingdom of God (Luke 8). And on the cross, […]
Pro Deo et Patria! About 9 years ago, I was an international student who was given a life-changing opportunity to serve in the United States Army. I was recruited because my country of birth, Nigeria, is home to Boko Haram, the deadliest terrorist organization in the world. I will not go into further details. Through […]
Trust in and rely confidently on the LORD with all your heart. And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn […]
As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; And you will be comforted in Jerusalem. Isaiah 66:13 (AMP) Happy Mother’s Day to every woman with the heart of a mother. Thank you for your sacrifices. Thank you for the comfort you give. Thank you for fighting for the lives of children. May […]
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers in the United Kingdom, Nigeria, and everyone celebrating Mother’s day today! How awesome! Our Heavenly Father has given us the unique ability to comfort our little ones! God comforts us and we in turn are empowered to comfort our children. We cannot give what we do not have in […]
Then the angel replied to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you [like a cloud]; for that reason the holy (pure, sinless) Child shall be called the Son of God…Then Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; may it be done to me […]
As we recently celebrated my oldest daughter’s 14th Birthday, I reflected on my teenage years and the challenges I faced, and the journey towards realizing who I am and who God created me to be. It is so important to instill in our children their true identity—guide them to discover their true identity. Help them […]
As my older children are fast approaching young adult age, I am becoming more aware of the importance of the right career choice for each of them, especially in the uncertain times we live now, where things are changing and shifting every day. I was blessed with parents and an older sister who recognized my […]
Hello there, everyone! How was your holiday? This holiday was better than I imagined since I spent it with my son. He has moved into his first apartment. Honestly, I kind of invited myself over, but that is beside the point. I was not expecting him to say yes- I was expecting him to tell […]
The more time passes as a parent, the more I realize how little I truly understand parenting. Even if you are not a parent, this post will encourage you. We need each other to walk on this earth and raise our children. Children are a masterpiece of God. Parents or caregivers are the caretakers, coaches, […]
To better contextualize this post, please consider reading Teaching Your Kids About Disappointment (Part 1). Disappointment in our kids usually shows up as rapid overreacting to a change. What seems like a minor bump in the road to us as adults is a huge deal to our kids who haven’t yet learned the mental flexibility […]
Disappointment is one of the most difficult forms of emotional pain. It is also one of the most difficult to deal with in our children. What makes it so difficult is its intensity. We experience disappointment when we expect something to happen, but it doesn’t. The more we have anticipated enjoyment or relief from our […]
Since I only have one child and only one chance at raising him, I find myself reflecting on my parenting practices and experiencing a pang of regret from time to time. I am pretty aware that I could have done better or have done more or less. My child is 22 years old, and I […]
As I ponder the parenting styles of the past, I see that I did have guinea pigs to train. I was glad to be an older mom; I had more time to know Jesus after a near-death experience. Someday, I will share my experience. Before becoming a parent, I deepened my faith in Jesus and […]
Happy Veterans Day to all military veterans! While I separated from the military about four years ago, I still find myself singing military cadences. Last weekend, I sang “I’m a steam roller baby, I’m gonna roll all over you…” as steam rolled out of my little kettle. Also, I marched around the house with my […]
Telling my 5 year old son that his baby brother or sister had died and was no longer growing in my belly was one of the most heartbreaking things I have ever done. Telling him that his uncle died just a few months later, and attending the funeral was a close second. Coming home from […]
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along […]
While driving the little ones to a pumpkin farm last week, I found myself reflecting on my motherhood experience and the sacrifices I have purposefully made for the little ones. I observed that motherhood has indeed given me the opportunity to redo my childhood. It has given me the opportunity to be the mother I […]
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) This scripture is both a commandment and a promise/covenant. God is faithful to do His part. Are we intentional about doing our part? Parents have the responsibility to start off their […]
The truth about Christianity is that Christians experience trials or challenges like everyone else. The difference is the hope that grounds us and the peace that lives in us. We believe all things work together for the good of those who love God. We know that affliction is only momentary and God’s comfort empowers us […]
Is there anybody who is more idealistic than the parent of a newborn child? Those eyes were fixed on that infant for hours on end. We were overwhelmed with emotion both of joy and fear: delight at the wonder of life and this creation that we held in our arms and fear at the responsibility […]
We tell our children that we are proud of them when they have accomplished something. Our children’s accomplishments are significant, but we should also recognize them for who they are. The things our children have done, completed, achieved, or produced make us proud of them. As a result of what they haven’t done, we feel […]
Whether we realize it or not, most families have been touched by abortion. It is … Modern Day Well: the Coffee shop
God is amazing! He provides us with glimpses of His character through our friends and relationships. We can see His nature reflected in the eyes of those who come in and out of our lives. A few nights ago, I explained to my daughter, “there are friends that stick closer than a brother or sister, […]
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