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The Hidden Link Between Childhood Trauma and Illness: What Every Parent Needs to Know

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Divorce

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Exploring The Christian Faith

The Christian faith is more than a set of beliefs; it's a deeply personal and transformative journey that spans generations. It's a journey of discovering and nurturing a relationship with God, finding purpose in life, and striving to live according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. In this blog post, we will delve into the essence of Christian faith, explore some foundational scriptures, and embark on a spiritual journey that leads to a life of love, hope, and purpose.

Understanding Christian Faith: Christian faith is rooted in the belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior and Lord. It's about surrendering one's life to God, acknowledging one's sins, and receiving the gift of salvation through faith. The Christian journey involves embracing love, forgiveness, and grace as central tenets. It's not merely intellectual assent but a heartfelt trust in God's promises and a commitment to follow Christ's example.

Foundational Scriptures:

John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse encapsulates the essence of God's love and the purpose of Christ's sacrifice.

Romans 10:9 - "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." This verse emphasizes the importance of confession and belief in Christ's resurrection.

Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage underscores the role of grace and faith in salvation.

Matthew 22:37-39 - "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" These verses highlight the dual commandment of loving God and loving others.

The Spiritual Journey:

Faith as a Journey: Christian faith is a lifelong journey of growth, learning, and transformation. It involves moments of doubt, challenges, and triumphs that shape one's relationship with God.

Prayer and Reflection: Prayer is a vital aspect of the Christian journey. It's a way to communicate with God, seek guidance, and find solace. Regular reflection on scriptures deepens understanding and connection.

Community and Fellowship: Engaging with a Christian community provides support, accountability, and opportunities for shared worship and service.

Service and Compassion: Living out one's faith involves serving others, and demonstrating Christ's love through acts of compassion and kindness.

Christian faith is a profound journey that encompasses belief, relationships, and a commitment to live according to Christ's teachings. It's rooted in God's unconditional love, the sacrifice of Jesus, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. As you embark on this journey, remember that faith is not without challenges, but it is through these challenges that your relationship with God deepens, your purpose becomes clearer, and your life is illuminated by the light of Christ.

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How Trauma Affects Children's Development

Trauma is unfortunately a common experience for many children, whether from physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, natural disasters, or other events beyond their control. Sadly, the effects of trauma can last a lifetime if not addressed properly, affecting their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development in profound ways. As parents, guardians, or foster care parents, it's crucial to recognize the signs of trauma in children and seek professional help if needed. In this blog, we will explore the statistics on how trauma affects children's development, as well as some scriptures that offer hope and healing.

The Physical Impact of Trauma on Children:

The effects of trauma on the body can be severe and long-lasting, even affecting the brain's development. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, "trauma can lead to changes in the brain's structure and function… creating long-lasting physical and emotional conditions." These conditions may include sleep disturbances, chronic pain, headaches, digestive problems, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Studies indicate that children who experience trauma are at higher risk of developing chronic physical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Scriptures that can relate to this include Psalm 147:3, which says, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

The Cognitive Impact of Trauma on Children:

Trauma can impair children's ability to think, learn, and process information, affecting their academic performance and future prospects. According to the American Psychological Association, "trauma can interfere with cognitive development, intellectual functioning, and academic achievement." Children who experience trauma may have difficulty with attention, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. They may also struggle with executive functioning, such as planning, organizing, and regulating emotions and behaviors. Studies indicate that trauma can reduce the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Scriptures that can relate to this include Isaiah 26:3, which says, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you."

The Emotional Impact of Trauma on Children:

Trauma can leave lasting emotional scars that affect the way children interact with others and themselves. Children who experience trauma may struggle with trust, self-worth, and relationships. They may feel isolated, lonely, angry, or sad, and have trouble regulating their emotions and expressing their feelings. Children who experience trauma are at higher risk of developing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. Studies indicate that trauma can affect the production and regulation of hormones such as cortisol and oxytocin, which play a crucial role in emotional functioning. Scriptures that can relate to this include Psalm 34:18, which says, "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

The Social Impact of Trauma on Children:

Trauma can also affect children's abilities to form healthy relationships and succeed in social contexts. Children who experience trauma may struggle with social skills such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving. They may also exhibit avoidant or aggressive behaviors, and have difficulty creating and maintaining friendships. Children who experience trauma are at higher risk of dropping out of school, engaging in substance abuse, and becoming involved in the criminal justice system. Studies indicate that trauma can affect the development of the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for social cognition and empathy. Scriptures that can relate to this include John 14:27, which says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Trauma is a significant concern for children's development, and it can have long-lasting effects on their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being. However, it's essential to remember that healing is possible with early intervention, professional help, and a supportive community. As we have seen, there are many scriptures that offer hope and comfort to those who have experienced trauma. As parents, guardians, or foster care parents, it's crucial to recognize the signs of trauma in children and provide a safe and loving environment for them to grow and heal. Let's work together to break the cycle of trauma and create a brighter future for our children.

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Come follow me and learn how childhood trauma is more spiritual than you think. This is not like anything you have heard on a typical parenting podcast!

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The Unbroken Home: The Biblical Importance for Our Children

As parents, guardians, or foster care parents, we all desire a happy and healthy home environment for our children. However, what makes a home truly unbroken? According to the Bible, an unbroken home is a place where God’s message of love and forgiveness is central. The Gospel holds an ideal life and an example of an unbroken home before us. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of an unbroken home according to the Bible about our children, and how it can enable us to raise our children in a way that glorifies God.

1. Unbroken Homes: What They Mean from a Biblical Perspective When we talk about the importance of an unbroken home, our understanding of it needs to come from a biblical perspective. According to the Bible, an unbroken home is a home where the faith of the parents is genuine and vibrant. It is a home where the Word of God is taught, and the worship of God is central. Such homes are characterized by authentic love, respect, and understanding between spouses and their children. Biblical unbroken homes are not free from trials, disagreements or conflicts, but they are rooted in the love and grace of God, which works powerfully in the lives of each member.

2. The Impact of an Unbroken Home on Children’s Lives The home environment is the key to raising children who are happy, healthy, and successful in their future lives. An unbroken home can have a profound effect on children. It provides them with a sense of identity and security, enabling them to form healthy attachments to their parents or guardians. It can build their confidence, deepen their faith, and enable them to develop a positive outlook on life. It can provide them with an understanding of the importance of forgiveness, grace, and love, which enables them to form emotionally and spiritually healthy relationships with others.

3. Godly Parenting: The Foundation of an Unbroken Home The foundation of any unbroken home is godly parenting. The Bible instructs us to raise our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. This involves teaching our children the truth of God’s word, modeling Christ-like character traits, and providing a loving, stable environment. Godly parenting requires setting healthy boundaries, listening attentively, and being present in the lives of our children. It requires being a servant-leader, providing guidance, and being willing to discipline when necessary.

4. The Importance of Forgiveness and Grace in an Unbroken Home  Forgiveness and grace are essential ingredients in any unbroken home. The Bible reminds us of the importance of forgiveness and grace in all our relationships, including our marriages, parenting, and friendships. An unforgiving, graceless attitude can destine a home in chaos. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is necessary. It involves repentance, confession, and the willingness to rebuild what has been broken. Grace allows mercy and forgiveness to flow and enables peace and unity in the home.

5. Leaving a Legacy: The Fruit of an Unbroken Home  An unbroken home not only benefits our children today, but it also leaves a legacy of faithfulness, love, and grace for the generations that follow. Our homes can become a powerful expression of Christ’s love for the world. As we model Christ’s character and pass-on our faith to our children, we can impact not only our families but also the broader community of faith that surrounds us. Building an unbroken home in which Christ is the center is the most valuable inheritance we can pass on to our children and the world.

The importance of an unbroken home according to the Bible about our children cannot be overstated. It is crucial that we strive to live in homes where the love of God is central, and His message of forgiveness, grace, and redemption is practiced. Our homes can provide a safe, nurturing, and loving environment for our children to learn, grow and become all that God intends them to be. Moreover, such an environment can impact our communities and the broader world, leaving a lasting legacy of love and grace that can change our world. Let us, therefore, make it our priority to build and maintain unbroken homes that honor God, bless our children, and impact our world.

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How the Lord's Love Can Heal Your Traumatized Child

As a parent, watching your child go through trauma can be one of the most difficult things you'll ever experience. It's hard to know what to do or how to help them heal. As a Christian, one of the most helpful things you can do is remind your child of the powerful love that God has for them. In this blog post, we'll explore how the Lord's love can heal your traumatized child and help them find peace and joy.

1. God as a Comforter When children go through trauma, they may feel alone, scared, and powerless. Reminding them that God is always there to comfort them is a powerful tool for healing. Psalm 46:1 says, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Sharing this verse with your child can help them feel safe and supported. You can also encourage them to pray and talk to God whenever they feel afraid or sad.

2. Forgiveness and Grace Trauma can cause feelings of shame, guilt, and anger. In times like this, it's important to remind your child that God's love is unconditional. He forgives us no matter what we've done and shows us grace that we don't deserve. Talking about the power of forgiveness and how it can provide healing and restoration can help your child let go of negative emotions and find peace.

3. God's Plans for Their Life Sometimes when children go through trauma, they may feel like their life is ruined or that they'll never be happy again. This is where the truth of God's plans for our lives comes in. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This verse can provide comfort and hope to your child, reminding them that their future is bright and full of promise.

4. The Power of Community Trauma can be isolating, but it's important for your child to know that they're not alone. Being part of a Christian community can provide a sense of belonging and support that's essential for healing. Encourage your child to get involved in church activities, Bible studies, or youth groups. When they see that other people care about them and are there for them, it can make a big difference in their healing journey.

5. Trusting in God's Plan Ultimately, the key to healing from trauma is trusting in God's plan for our lives. Even when we don't understand why things happen or how to move forward, we can trust that God has a purpose and a plan. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Helping your child to understand this truth can provide hope and healing.

If your child has gone through trauma, it's important to remember that healing is a process. But by reminding them of the powerful love that God has for them, you can help them find peace and joy even in the midst of difficult times. Encourage them to trust in God's plan, to rely on his comfort and grace, and to be part of a Christian community that supports and loves them. With time, your child can heal and move forward into a future that's bright and full of promise.

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Guiding Children to Spiritual Freedom: The Role of a Christian Child Deliverance Coach

In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, the well-being of children is of utmost importance. As parents seek ways to navigate their children's spiritual journeys, a unique and invaluable support system emerges the Christian Child Deliverance Coach. Rooted in faith and driven by a deep understanding of spiritual dynamics, these coaches play a pivotal role in guiding parents and families toward spiritual freedom for their children. This blog will illuminate the purpose and impact of a Christian Child Deliverance Coach while drawing wisdom from the Scriptures.

Understanding the Role: A Christian Child Deliverance Coach is a dedicated individual who comes alongside parents to offer spiritual guidance, discernment, and prayerful support for their children's well-being. Their primary objective is to help parents navigate the spiritual challenges that children may face, assisting them in creating an environment of spiritual protection and nurturing.

Guiding with Scripture:

Proverbs 22:6 - "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." A Child Deliverance Coach assists parents in laying a strong spiritual foundation for their children, guiding them toward a lifelong relationship with God.

Psalm 127:3 - "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him." This verse reminds us of the divine gift that children are, underscoring the responsibility to nurture them spiritually and protect them from spiritual influences.

Responsibilities of a Christian Child Deliverance Coach:

Spiritual Assessment: These coaches assess the spiritual atmosphere in a family's home and discern if there are any negative spiritual influences affecting the children's well-being.

Prayerful Support: Through prayer and spiritual guidance, coaches offer parents the tools to engage in spiritual warfare on behalf of their children. They empower parents to create an environment of spiritual protection.

Discerning Spiritual Influences: Drawing inspiration from Ephesians 6:12 - "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." - coaches assist parents in recognizing and addressing spiritual influences that may affect children's behavior and emotions.

Scripture-Based Strategies: Coaches equip parents with Scripture-based strategies to nurture their children's faith, build resilience, and impart biblical values.

Impact and Significance: The role of a Christian Child Deliverance Coach extends beyond the immediate. By guiding parents in creating a spiritually secure environment, they contribute to the children's emotional, psychological, and spiritual growth. These coaches bring clarity and confidence to parents, enabling them to navigate their children's spiritual journey with purpose.

Closing Thoughts: As parents seek to lead their children on a path of spiritual freedom, the presence of a Christian Child Deliverance Coach becomes an invaluable ally. Through their faith-driven guidance, discernment, and prayerful support, these coaches play a pivotal role in fostering a strong spiritual foundation for children. By nurturing a deep connection with God and guarding against negative spiritual influences, they pave the way for children to walk in the light of Christ throughout their lives.

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New Podcast

I am pretty excited to announce my new podcast. If you're a Christian parent or guardian of a child with behavioral issues and you feel that there is something more spiritual going on. Come join me for my weekly podcast.

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Every parent desires the best for their children. One impactful way to shower blessings upon them is through the power of spoken words. Decreeing Scriptures over children is not just a ritual; it's a faith-filled practice that releases God's promises and protection into their lives. In this blog, we'll explore a selection of Scriptures that can be decreed over children, transforming their journey with the grace and truth of God's Word.

1. Protection and Safety: Decree: "I decree God's shield of protection over my children, guarding them from harm and danger."

Scripture: Psalm 91:11-12 "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."

2. Wisdom and Knowledge: Decree: "I decree that my children are blessed with wisdom and understanding, making righteous choices."

Scripture: Proverbs 2:6 "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

3. Divine Favor: Decree: "I decree that my children walk in divine favor, finding favor with God and people."

Scripture: Luke 2:52 "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."

4. Confidence and Strength: Decree: "I decree my children are strong and courageous, facing challenges with confidence."

Scripture: Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

5. Love and Compassion: Decree: "I decree my children grow in love, showing compassion to others."

Scripture: Colossians 3:12 "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

6. Purpose and Calling: Decree: "I decree my children fulfill their unique purpose, walking in God's divine plan."

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

7. Health and Well-Being: Decree: "I decree divine health over my children's bodies, for they are fearfully and wonderfully made."

Scripture: Psalm 139:14 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

8. Obedience and Honor: Decree: "I decree my children honor and obey God's Word, experiencing life's blessings."

Scripture: Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you."

Decreeing Scriptures over children is a spiritual act of love that shapes their identity, character, and future. By aligning our words with God's Word, we activate His promises in their lives. As parents and caregivers, let's embrace this practice as a powerful tool to cover our children in God's love, protection, and purpose, nurturing them into the individuals God intends them to be.

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The Mind, Will, & Emotions

In the rich tapestry of human nature, the interplay of the mind, will, and emotions weaves a complex and beautiful pattern. From a biblical perspective, these three facets play significant roles in shaping our thoughts, decisions, and responses. In this blog post, we'll explore the intricate dynamics of the mind, will, and emotions and discover how aligning them with God's truth can lead to a more purposeful and fruitful life.

The Mind: The Gateway of Understanding: The mind is the epicenter of our thoughts, perceptions, and understanding. It's where knowledge is processed, ideas are formed, and perspectives are developed. The mind can either be a fertile ground for truth or a battlefield for conflicting thoughts.

The Will: The Determiner of Choices: The will represents our capacity to make choices and decisions. It's the force that directs our actions, behaviors, and responses. The will empowers us to exercise agency, and it's through the will that we align ourselves with God's plans or stray from them.

Emotions: The Tapestry of Feelings: Emotions add color and depth to our human experience. They encompass a range of feelings, from joy and love to anger and sadness. Emotions can be influenced by circumstances, thoughts, and spiritual states. Though emotions are a vital part of our existence, they must be guided by God's truth.

Scriptural Insights:

Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." This verse emphasizes the importance of renewing the mind for discerning God's will.

Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." This verse guides us to focus our minds on virtuous and godly thoughts.

Proverbs 4:23: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." This verse highlights the significance of guarding the heart, which influences both emotions and decisions.

Harmonizing the Triad: The mind, will, and emotions are intertwined and often influence each other. Renewing the mind with God's Word helps align the will and emotions with His truth. When the mind is grounded in God's wisdom, the will can choose His ways, and emotions can be channeled in healthy and God-honoring directions.

Living in Alignment: To live a life in alignment with God's design, we must seek to align our minds, wills, and emotions with His truth. Renewing our minds through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and seeking God's guidance allows us to make choices that honor Him. As we cultivate emotional well-being under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, our emotions can reflect His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

The mind, will, and emotions form an intricate trinity that shapes our human experience. By aligning these aspects with God's Word and relying on the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can transform our thoughts, choices, and feelings into instruments that honor God. This harmonious alignment leads to a life filled with purpose, discernment, and emotional well-being, allowing us to thrive in our relationship with God and others.

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Unveiling the Portrait of Jezebel: A Biblical Perspective

n the pages of the Old Testament, amidst the annals of history, a name emerges that carries a weight of significance and a cautionary tale. Jezebel, a woman whose name has become synonymous with manipulation, deception, and spiritual degradation, is a figure that Scripture presents as both a historical character and a symbol of ungodliness. In this blog, we will delve into the biblical perspective on who Jezebel was, examining her life, influence, and the lessons we can draw from her story.

The Historical Context: Jezebel was the daughter of King Ethbaal of the Sidonians, and she married Ahab, the king of Israel. Her marriage to Ahab introduced pagan practices and beliefs into the kingdom of Israel, leading to a severe departure from the worship of the one true God. Her influence extended beyond the palace walls, as she sought to establish the worship of Baal and Asherah, idols that drew the hearts of the people away from God.

Jezebel's Characteristics and Influence: Jezebel is depicted as a strong-willed and cunning individual who used her position of influence to manipulate and control others. She orchestrated the murder of Naboth to seize his vineyard for Ahab, displaying a ruthless disregard for human life. Jezebel's actions were not only morally corrupt but also spiritually devastating, as her idolatrous practices led many astray.

Biblical Warnings Against Jezebel's Ways: In the New Testament, the name "Jezebel" is used metaphorically to describe individuals who exhibit similar characteristics of manipulation, false teaching, and immorality. In Revelation 2:20-23, Jesus addresses the church in Thyatira, warning against a woman who called herself a prophetess and was leading people astray. This warning serves as a reminder of the danger of following the path of Jezebel, both historically and metaphorically.

Lessons and Takeaways:

Spiritual Discernment: The story of Jezebel highlights the importance of discerning between true and false teachings. It reminds us to be vigilant in evaluating the beliefs and practices we encounter, ensuring they align with God's Word.

Guarding Against Compromise: Jezebel's influence led to compromise and a departure from God's commandments. Her story emphasizes the need to stand firm in our faith and resist the allure of worldly ideologies.

The Power of Influence: Jezebel's influence over Ahab and the nation underscore the profound impact individuals can have on shaping the spiritual climate of a community. This serves as a reminder of the responsibility we have to use our influence wisely and for God's glory.

The biblical perspective on Jezebel paints a portrait of a woman whose actions serve as a cautionary tale. Her life warns us of the consequences of straying from God's truth, embracing idolatry, and allowing manipulative behavior to flourish. Jezebel's story invites us to reflect on our own choices, influence, and commitment to following God's ways. As we learn from her mistakes, we can strive to live lives that honor God, uphold His truth, and avoid the pitfalls of compromise and deception.

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The Mind, Will & Emotions

In the rich tapestry of human nature, the interplay of the mind, will, and emotions weaves a complex and beautiful pattern. From a biblical perspective, these three facets play significant roles in shaping our thoughts, decisions, and responses. In this blog post, we'll explore the intricate dynamics of the mind, will, and emotions and discover how aligning them with God's truth can lead to a more purposeful and fruitful life.

The Mind: The Gateway of Understanding: The mind is the epicenter of our thoughts, perceptions, and understanding. It's where knowledge is processed, ideas are formed, and perspectives are developed. The mind can either be a fertile ground for truth or a battlefield for conflicting thoughts.

The Will: The Determiner of Choices: The will represents our capacity to make choices and decisions. It's the force that directs our actions, behaviors, and responses. The will empowers us to exercise agency, and it's through the will that we align ourselves with God's plans or stray from them.

Emotions: The Tapestry of Feelings: Emotions add color and depth to our human experience. They encompass a range of feelings, from joy and love to anger and sadness. Emotions can be influenced by circumstances, thoughts, and spiritual states. Though emotions are a vital part of our existence, they must be guided by God's truth.

Scriptural Insights:

Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." This verse emphasizes the importance of renewing the mind for discerning God's will.

Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." This verse guides us to focus our minds on virtuous and godly thoughts.

Proverbs 4:23: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." This verse highlights the significance of guarding the heart, which influences both emotions and decisions.

Harmonizing the Triad: The mind, will, and emotions are intertwined and often influence each other. Renewing the mind with God's Word helps align the will and emotions with His truth. When the mind is grounded in God's wisdom, the will can choose His ways, and emotions can be channeled in healthy and God-honoring directions.

Living in Alignment: To live a life in alignment with God's design, we must seek to align our minds, wills, and emotions with His truth. Renewing our minds through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and seeking God's guidance allows us to make choices that honor Him. As we cultivate emotional well-being under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, our emotions can reflect His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Conclusion: The mind, will, and emotions form an intricate trinity that shapes our human experience. By aligning these aspects with God's Word and relying on the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can transform our thoughts, choices, and feelings into instruments that honor God. This harmonious alignment leads to a life filled with purpose, discernment, and emotional well-being, allowing us to thrive in our relationship with God and others.

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Who is a Guardian ad Litem?

As of March of this year, I started my journey on becoming a Guardian ad Litem. It is not a easy job but it is a job that helps children to be placed in the right home. I have been threatened, hated and even called satan but some of the parents, guardians and grandparents of the children but that does not deter me from helping.

So what is a Guardian ad Litem? A Guardian is someone who advocates for a child that has been involved in some kind of neglect from their caregivers. Once the department of social services become involved us Guardians get assigned to that case to work side by side with them to advocate for the child to the judge. We write court reports, we do interviews of all parties involved, we are authorized to obtain medical records and mental health records by the judge to get as much information that we can to determine if the child is where he/she should be or not. We then give our court report to the judge and the judge makes final determination of where the child should be placed based on our findings. Most of the cases that come through my email are cases of drugs, prostituting their children out, domestic violence, physical neglect, or even abandonment of the child all together. It is not a easy job but I am proud to be a Guardian ad Litem.

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As we enter into the season of Easter, children everywhere are filled with excitement and anticipation about the arrival of the Easter bunny and what goodies he will bring. But while this is an exciting time of year for our children, there is much more to it than just goodie-bearing bunnies. Today, I would like to talk about the spiritual significance of Jesus' blood and what it means for us.

Matthew 26:28 states "for this is my blood of the [new and better] covenant in which [ratifies the agreement and] is being poured out for many [as a substitutionary atonement] for the forgiveness of sins."

The atoning blood - John 1:29

Redeeming blood - Romans 3:24

Cleansing blood - Hebrews 19:4

Remitting blood - Hebrews 9:22

The blood justifies - Romans 5:9

The blood of Jesus incorruptible - Acts 2:27

The blood of Jesus precious - 1 Peter 1:17-21

The blood is a spiritual weapon - 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Through his ultimate sacrifice, Jesus shed his blood in seven specific ways to pay the price for our sins. When we look at these seven instances where Jesus poured out his life-giving blood, we are led to a greater understanding of what he endured for us—an understanding that should fill us with profound reverence, awe, and gratitude.

To get an understanding of just how much sorrow and stress Jesus endured, let's look at Luke 22:40-44 This is where Jesus is begging the Father to take this cup away from Him IF it is the Father's will. The Lord sends Jesus an angel to strengthen him, but the scripture goes on to say that he intensely prayed more to the point he started sweating blood. Upon research, I found that this is a real thing but it is also a rare thing. When someone sweats blood it is called hematohidrosis, where tiny blood vessels can constrict and dilate to the point of rupturing, causing blood to seep in the sweat glands. This rare phenomenon only happens when a person is under extreme stress physically or emotionally. Jesus knew what he was about to suffer for us because of his love for us. Let us not forget all of the reasons Jesus gave his life to us.

The number 7 is the number of perfection, spiritually speaking.

The sweating of blood - Luke 22:40-44

The stripes on Jesus' back and shedding of blood at the whipping post - Isaiah 53:5

He was bruised and suffered internal bleeding from being beaten - Isaiah 53:5

The shedding of blood when he received the crown of thorns - John 19:2

The blood that was shed through Jesus' pierced hands - Matthew 27:35

The blood that was shed through the piercing of Jesus' feet - Matthew 27:35

The blood that was shed through the spear to Jesus' side - John 19:34

It's important to remember that Jesus' atoning blood was shed for our benefit—not just during the Easter season, but throughout the entire year. This is why we should strive to live in a way that honors his sacrifice daily. As Paul wrote in Romans 12:1-2, we should live every day as living sacrifices to God in order to receive His mercy and grace.

[fostering-the-inner-child]

[fostering-the-inner-child]

The Bible clearly tells us that children are a blessing from the Lord and should be welcomed with open arms (Psalm 127:3). Yet, in many cases a mother can experience deep disappointment and sadness when her baby is not what she expected. This feeling of rejection is something that the unborn child can pick up on, sometimes even as early as the womb. By speaking to the unborn baby, a mother has an opportunity to encourage and show them love before they are even born, giving them a sense of security in knowing that they are deeply loved by their parents. We hold a great responsibility when we are blessed with a child.

Rejection at this stage can have a profound impact on a child’s life, shaping their self-esteem and relationships with others as time goes on. In Luke 1:45, Elizabeth rejoices upon hearing Mary’s greeting even though she was pregnant out of wedlock. Her response teaches us that all children should be equally welcomed regardless of the circumstances under which they were conceived. As parents, it is our responsibility to ensure our children feel loved without any feelings of rejection or inferiority due to outside factors such as financial status and gender.

God’s Word tells us to be kind (Ephesians 4:32) and know that all children are born with unique gifts from God (Romans 12:6). It is our job as parents to nurture those gifts through unconditional love and acceptance instead of rejecting them for being different than what we expected. Furthermore, we must not forget that God gives us grace during difficult seasons of life where it may seem impossible to provide for your family financially or emotionally (2 Corinthians 12:9). Embrace your pregnancy with joy knowing that each child comes into this world equipped with purpose from their Creator.