Parenting – Page 7 – d1894e3047.nxcli.net

2 Things That Will Make Your Marriage Thrive

Do you know that the decisions you make today will affect your future as well as the future of your offspring? This does not just relate to married couples, but to the engaged and unmarried as well. I am learning on a whole other level the power of prayer and planning! Prayer and planning has been key for me during this new season of marriage. Before I said I do, and even after I remember women from every age and background were telling me how essential prayer would be to my marriage and family.

1. What should I pray about?
Pray for your husband of course, but don’t stop there. Pray over your household’s finances, your job, extended family and your children whether born or unborn. God hears your prayers. He is a God who lives in the future! He loves talking about the future with you and enjoys the process in which you discover those plans through prayer and quiet time with Him. As you are faithful I’m praying, watch the temperature and presence of your home exude love, peace and joy! Yes. You have the ability to be a conduit in which God will use to bless your house now and the houses of your offspring.
2. What do I need to plan?
It says In the word of God for us to write the vision and make it plain, so that whoever reads it may run with it and understand for it will be released at an appointed time. (Habakuk 2:2) Planning and casting vision for your future as well as your family’s is something I believe every woman should partake in. I’m learning that absolutely nothing is too big for God! Create a vision board, journal it or discuss with your spouse your plans and vision for the future and watch God bless you beyond your wildest dreams.
At the end of the day it is not about you. It’s about those who are before you and those who will follow after you. Pray over them now and cast vision over your life and the lives of your family. You have the power to change, rearrange and restore with your prayers, words and vision!

Ask Dr. Faith |5 Steps to Overcoming Betrayal

HELP! I'M HAVING MY FIRST BABY!

It had been almost 3 days of panic, frustration, and yelling. After 2 ½ days of consistent timely labor pains, all of the late night food binges and rollercoaster hormones, had led up to this moment. With both of our eyes fixed on each other, I gave her a rousing, “C’mon baby! You got this! One more push!”She takes a deep breath, closes her eyes, and once they were open, we both beheld the most beautiful thing that we had ever seen. Our son and our firstborn had entered the earth! I gave a casual smile to my wife hiding the fact that I was experiencing the scariest moment of my life. As he looked at me face to face with symbiotic screams and yelps, I felt as If I was staring FEAR in the face.
Why? You may ask. Well, fear has a paralyzing effect. If you are anticipating being a new parent, I am sure that you have heard or even uttered some of the statements below. Let’s review.
–        How can I be a father when I never had one?
–        Will I be able to provide?
–        What if I mess up?
–        I never had a baby, I don’t know what to do?
Sounds familiar? Don’t worry! New parents everywhere are collectively singing this tune like a 100 person choir.
Here are 3 tips that will have approach new parenthood with joy and with less fear and apprehension

No one size fits all – When a couple becomes new parents, they are inundated with information from everyone ranging from in-laws, media, doctors, and people like me! J While it is beneficial to receive this information, never take the one size fits all approach. What worked for others may not work for you and vice versa. Be reminded that God has equipped you with all of the necessary internal mommy and daddy ‘know how’ on being a great caretaker and parent. Prov 3:5 says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and Lean not to your own understanding.
God knows your baby – In Jeremiah 1:5, it states, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you”. Remember that God knows your baby better than you. So, when he/or she enters the world, Make an attempt to approach parenting from a perspective of learning. Every day is an opportunity to learn something different.
I’m just scared!!– I get it! The thought of realizing that something so fragile and delicate is depending on you for survival can be nerve wrecking. After all, you have barely reached a rhythm of taking care of yourself. J This was my primary plight, but I have realize that Fear only provides a mirage of your abilities. Fear is a spirit and its job is to attack your courage and torment you on why you cannot be a good parent. However, I encourage you to BE OF GOOD COURAGE!

This time is a joyous occasion! Rejoice and take in every moment. Also, since you are now a parent, expect to learn Fathering side of God. You will see many scriptures in a NEW LIGHT! J