Parenting

5 Ways to Impact-fully Give Back …Without Breaking the Bank This Season

The holiday season is a time to reflect on what truly matters—connection, generosity, and family. While the holidays often bring joy and celebration, it’s also the perfect opportunity to teach the value of giving back. Not just with money, but through time and resources. By coming together as a family to support meaningful causes, we strengthen our bonds and gain a fresh perspective on our financial priorities.

One practical way to start is by creating a family giving plan. Discuss what causes resonate most with each family member, whether it’s supporting a local food bank or helping a family in need. Setting a budget for giving and sticking to it ensures that everyone is involved, both financially and emotionally.

For those on a tighter budget, volunteering as a family is a wonderful way to give back. Serving meals at a shelter or organizing a coat drive teaches valuable lessons about compassion, community, and hard work. Encouraging sustainability by donating gently used items is another way to practice giving while decluttering your space.

By fostering generosity and gratitude during the holidays, we create a lasting tradition of giving that extends beyond the season, building a legacy of kindness for future generations.

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Confidently Shaping Self-Concepts

Leave a Comment / Faith / Barbra Reed

Identity is a powerful force that shapes every aspect of who we are and how we interact with the world around us. It is the deep-rooted understanding of ourselves, formed through memories, experiences, relationships, and values, and influences how we behave, think, and perceive others. Often, we look to external sources—like what people say, what we own, or what we do—to define our worth. However, true identity transcends these surface-level markers. It is built from a foundation of self-awareness and is nurtured through the relationships we form, particularly in our formative years.

In understanding who we are, we can begin to recognize the deep influence of our upbringing, especially parenting. The voices of those around us—whether positive or negative—play a significant role in shaping our perceptions and, consequently, our identity. But it’s crucial to remember that identity is not solely defined by external factors; it is also rooted in a spiritual understanding. As John 15:16 beautifully states, we are chosen by the Creator and appointed to live with purpose and impact, long before we begin making moves in the world. When we embrace this truth, we find a deep sense of belonging, love, and worth that is independent of our actions, possessions, or the opinions of others. This revolutionary perspective shifts our identity from a mere reflection of external influences to a powerful realization of who we are at our core.

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Cultural Continuity: The Power of Boundaries in Armenian Christian Tradition

Leave a Comment / Faith / Hripsime Bartholomew

In the heart of Armenian culture, where faith, tradition, and community intertwine, the practice of setting boundaries has always been a cornerstone of both personal and familial life. With Christianity as the foundation of our national identity, Armenian households became sanctuaries of spiritual devotion, where the teachings of Christ were passed down from generation to generation. Parents instilled in their children the understanding that the home is a sacred space—one that must be protected through clear boundaries that reflect love, compassion, and respect for others. Just as Jesus Christ exemplified the importance of setting boundaries while maintaining empathy and selflessness, Armenian parents taught that the boundaries within our homes should protect our values and promote kindness, humility, and service to others. These boundaries are not only essential for personal well-being but also serve to preserve cultural identity and continuity across generations. In a world where cultural assimilation threatens our ancestral heritage, these boundaries help keep the richness of our Armenian and Black roots alive, ensuring that we pass down a legacy of faith, love, and integrity to our children.

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