Caring for the Hearts of Our Families
Written by Pastor David Martinez Growing Up Growing up, emotions were not something we talked about much in my home. My parents loved us deeply and sacrificed so much for our family. My dad worked six days a week from early morning to late at night. He carried the responsibility of providing for our family. I did not hear “I love you” often growing up, but my father showed love in other ways. Through hard work. His love was visible in his sacrifice. My favorite memories with
May 286 min read
Self-Care as Stewardship
Supporting the Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Health of Parents Written by Melissa Mendez Mark 6:31 “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” Parenting can feel like constant pouring. Meeting needs. Managing emotions. Carrying responsibilities. Showing up even when you feel exhausted yourself. Many parents silently believe that caring for
May 214 min read
Teaching Kids What to Do With Big Emotions
Have you ever been upset or maybe even angry and someone told you to “calm down”? I’m willing to bet it probably didn’t help very much. If you’re anything like me, it may have even made you feel more frustrated. The truth is, it usually doesn’t work with our kids either. When children are experiencing big emotions, they are not trying to give us a hard time but they are often having a hard time. In those moments, what they need most is not immediate correction, but guidance
May 143 min read
Quick to Listen: Helping Teens Navigate Emotions
Scripture: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19) The book of James is often called the “Proverbs of the New Testament,” guiding believers on how they can put their faith into everyday practice. James reminds readers that wisdom is often revealed through patience, listening, and gentleness. This instruction is especially meaningful in parenting teenagers. While teens may appear
May 83 min read
How to Talk to Your Kids About Others with Disabilities
“To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 This verse is a simple yet powerful picture of what God asks of us. He doesn't ask for perfection. He asks for our posture. To act justly means we choose what is right and fair, especially when it comes to how we treat others. To love mercy means we show kindness, even when it's hard. We love showing compassion and understanding, even when it feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable. To walk humbly with
Apr 183 min read
God is With You in Every Transition
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you...” Isaiah 43:2 Transitions can feel overwhelming. New schools, therapies, diagnoses, routines, or even uncertain futures. For families with children who have special needs, change often carries extra weight. There are more questions, more unknowns, and sometimes more fear. As a mom of two adult daughters with special needs, we have experienced countless transitions. I clearly remember some of our first ones. My almost 3 y
Apr 112 min read
A Devotional for Families Learning to Supportand Walk Alongside, from the Lens of a ParentRaising a Child with Special Needs
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (NIV) “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up...” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 (NIV) There’s something about parenting that stretches you in ways you never expected. And when you’re raising a child with special needs, that stretching becomes part of everyday life. It’s learning how to n
Apr 43 min read
