Boynton Beach Oceanfront Park
We visited the Boynton Beach Ocean Park. Very nice and quiet beach in Palm Beach County.
Parent Category
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What causes fights and quarrels among you?
This is an underlying question that is in the back of my mind constantly. As a husband, parent, and human being, I am constantly confronted with situations that make me think about this.
Well, today during a meeting with the staff at Christ Fellowship this was shared and it reminded me of it’s origin.
The Bible speaks very clearly about it in the book of James chapter 4. It starts with a question. “1a. What causes fights and quarrels among you?” in other words what makes you fight or have conflict with others. This can be your spouse, children co-worker, neighbor family member etc.. (stop and think for a few seconds and fill in the blank). But it immediately answers that question, 1b “Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? What does that mean? Basically what it says. Our desires, wants, things that we wish with passion cause that. It comes from those desires that are battling inside your head, your heart. Those unfulfilled or fulfilled desires that take over our mind, our time, our everything and displaces everything to the side, including the person in front of us that we might love and care for, or a stranger and even more importantly… God.
The next verses should be read slowly and with attention as it will probably speak to you in some way.
2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.
3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
4 You adulterous people,[a] don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us[b]?
Then the problem is with me, (put your name there). Yeah sure, others are the problem too, but it starts and ends with me. If we are honest to ourselves we probably will see an image of what might have happened to ourselves a few hours ago, maybe a few days or months ago when I said or did something that later I may regret. I can remember too many times when this has happened.
But how can I stop this vicious cycle? Thankfully God gives us not only the answer of why it happens, but also how to avoid it.
6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”[c]
This speaks about humility. God favors those who are humble, in a few words those who do not rely in their position, wealth, knowledge, strenght etc… but someone who sees others as important too. Not self centered. Sounds good in theory but how can we do that? The answer follows.
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
In a few words it speaks of a dependency on God, not our own strength or reasoning. It speaks of going to God and see Him as your Father, as your provider and trusting that in His time and purpose he will lift you up.
If we walk in the light of this biblical truth we will see a transformation in our lives and those around us.
D.A.R.E
D.A.R.E is a nationwide program that is offered to schools to inform and empower kids of all ages to say no to drugs, alcohol, peer pressure, internet safety and bullying, and to be a confident, yet not a proud individual, that can influence their peers in a positive way.
I am really impressed in what they do. If this program is not offered in your school ask for it from your local police department, your school teacher or principal.
Matheson Hammock Park
A glimpse of Matheson Hammock Park in Miami. This could be your next in the list for your summer plans. My recommendation, go early to enjoy cool temperatures and a benign Sun, or late in the afternoon to enjoy sitting in the beach and then the sunset colors and ambiance. Great family oriented place. You can also bring your bikes and enjoy the trails and scenery.
The end of this year’s competition season.
We have been at the Region 8 Excel Regional Competitions, in Myrtle Beach, SC. An amazing and fun time for both athletes and parents from Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
The kids got to enjoy a fun competition with other athletes from nearby states. Parents got to cheer and support their young athletes, along with their siblings, and create unforgettable memories.
I want to congratulate each and every athlete, their coaches and clubs. This was a learning experience that will serve greatly for seasons to come.
Big thumbs up, hugs and high fives to all the dedicated parents whom lovingly and selflessly are behind curtains supporting and encouraging their children not only during competition but also day in and day out through training.
CARING FOR YOUR CHILD’S LEOTARD
Here is something I found while browsing on the internet. Good tips to care for your child’s beautiful and expensive leotards.
- Buy at least 2 garments if you plan on wearing them more than 2 days in a row. Spandex requires more than a day to dry.
- To retain maximum shape and flexibility, never twist or wring your garment when washing. Gently knead the garment and rinse with cold water.
- Do not use fabric softener as it can build up over time and reduce the ability of the fabric to breathe and manage moisture.
- To help your garment dry faster, roll it up in a clean, dry, light colored towel and squeeze.
- DO NOT use your garment as a swimsuit. The chemicals in a pool, and heat within a hot tub, will quickly destroy the fabric.
- Keep sunscreen away from your garment as it can stain light colored fabrics.
- Wash your garment after each use with mild detergent such as Woolite® or Dreft® to avoid the buildup of body oils. (Shampoo can be used if you are in a pinch)
- Do not dry your garment in the sun as it will bleach the color and toughen the fabric.
- Avoid rough surfaces and velcro from mats while wearing your garment as it can cause pilling, snagging and/or tearing.
Credits: https://plumpracticewear.com/pages/washing-and-care
Nancy Edison – A Story of Faith.
I love the story of Nancy and her son Thomas Edison, whom as a kid was labeled “addled” (unable to think clearly, confused) by a school administrator where he attended. He was then taken out of the school by his mother Nancy, who decided to home-school him. Years later he became one of the greatest inventors of his time. He invented the electric light bulb.
Her attitude was one of not giving up on her child. We can learn from this woman who trusted, believed and saw that her son was special, and the result of her work was a brilliant man that became an inventor. Each one of our kids is special. Do not allow anyone to label him/her or be discouraged when things do not appear to be working out. Your son/daughter is a gem and it is up to us to bring the best out of them. No one else can do it better, no matter what the limitations appear to be.
Encouraging and caring for our young athletes
Gymnastics is a sport that has become extremely competitive for very young athletes. That is why parents have the necessity to be involved in nurturing, encouraging and caring for them. Coaches train our kids in what they know best….gymnastics. But we have a major role to play in their emotional and health well being.
Emotionally, we need to constantly motivate them to follow their coaches instructions, to stretch, to condition, to train hard, and remind them of the results of doing such things consistently. Praise them every time they conquer a new skill, show them to enjoy every milestone they reach, encourage them when they are struggling trough one. Talk to them, ask them how their workout went, keep an open line of communication, let them know that you are in this with them, that it matters to you too.
The nutrition requirements in this sport are very demanding, so we need to research, learn and provide them with such type of nutrition. Watch closely if your child looks, or comments that he or she is tired at all times, or if they are very prone to injuries. That is a sign that they are not getting the proper nutrition and hydration. Sugars, foods and drinks, prepared with high contents of sugar should be avoided. (See this link Sugar, friend or foe?).
They need to consume high quality protein found in eggs, chicken breast, fish, protein, shakes and bars for snacks (watch their content, read the labels). Vegetables, seeds and grains provide them with the wholesomeness of nature with vitamins and minerals, healthy fats, and life giving macro-nutrients. The list goes on.
Last but not least they need to stay hydrated in and out of the gym.
Yes, you can! Don’t be overwhelmed, ask your child coaches, read, learn, research and make the necessary changes, and you will see your young ones thrive even more.