Here I AM: Pressures of Being Yourself in the Midst of Your Peers

Today, both boys and girls are facing peer pressure. This is nothing new under the sun. It just seems that the age that they face pressure is much earlier. The following video is from The Camp Rock movie, when Peggy sings at the Camp Rock Talent Show. All summer, she was under the shadow of all of peers, and HERE SHE IS; letting everyone know that she is her own individual with her own gifts, talents and dreams.

As you watch this video, think back how it was for you as a child, a teen and now, an adult. Help your children to overcome peer pressure by letting them know; first, that you can relate to this type of pressure, that you are concerned, and them help give them the tools they need to overcome this pressure. Find resources to help deal with bullying, which is more serious than peer pressure. Let them know they are unique, special and have a purpose. Let them know that they don't have to give into any pressure that their peers present, which includes giving up their own individual identity.

Please feel free to leave your questions or comments below and thanks for blogging with us. G-d bless.

Can Children Pray Without a Parent?

Mark 10: 13-16
People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." 16 And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.




Today during school, we came across in our daily devotion, the question, Can children pray without a parent? The answer is surely, yes. When our children are young, we are told to train them up in the way the Way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Children are "little" people. All people are created in the image of G-d. (Genesis 1:26-27).  Therefore, children should have the right to come to G-d too. I remember when I was a little girl. My mother raised me in Church, as a baby. I would lay in a bassinet during church service. I couldn't even talk or walk. All I could do was lay their and listen, sleep and sometimes cry. But I was in Church. My mother was bringing me to Y'shua/Jesus. She was planting the seed. Later, as I grew in years, I begin to pray to G-d, on my own.

Today I have my own children. I believe that we must pray together as a Congregation, with other believers and with family; but in order to develop a personal relationship with G-d, we need one on one time with Him. Y'shua, the Son of G-d, our Blessed L-rd and Savior, often prayed to the Father, alone. So it should be with all believers, even children. That is why I am training my children to pray alone to G-d.

Parents, when you are praying, teach your children to pray. In your own prayers, pray for your children to learn to pray to G-d alone. Below are some books that can help you get started with prayer. Prayer should always be sincere and from the heart, but these books will help you in your endeavor. G-d bless.

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Edom will be humbled for it's wickedness against Israel: The Words of YHVH through the prophet Obadiah

Yesterday's lesson was about Edom/the Edomites. They were the descendants of Jacob/Israel's twin brother, Esau. Israel and Edom are relatives, but Edom decided to turn its back on Israel. We read the book of Obadiah. Obadiah was a prophet who, by the words of YHVH, proclaimed the destruction of the Edomites, for all the wickedness they had done against Israel. Since G-d is the same yesterday, today and forever, this prophecy is for all those who incite violence in the land of Israel; G-d specifically naming the Edomites, descendants of Esau. Take a look at/listen to this video. Listen closely to the words from YHVH. Clearly and sure, thus saith the L-rd, and if  He said it, then it shall surely come to pass.