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Effective Parenting Strategies: How To Raise Firstborn Children The Right Way

     When it comes to parenting, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each child is unique and requires different parenting styles to thrive. However, firstborns often have a special place in the family dynamic, and their upbringing can have a significant impact on they turn out in future. In this post, we will explore the unique challenges and opportunities that come with being the firstborn in a family. We will provide practical tips and strategies for parents to help their firstborns develop into confident, responsible, and successful individuals. Whether you are a first-time parent or have several children, we will provide valuable insights into raising firstborns right. From setting clear expectations to avoiding common pitfalls, this article will equip you with the tools you need to help your firstborn thrive.  Have you read Parenting and the Curse of the Firstborn? Understanding Firstborns Firstborn children hold a unique position in the family dynamic. They are often the fi
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How to Stand Guard Over Your Mind and Heart

A visible depressed woman

     In every moment of our existence, we are being constantly bombarded on every side by thoughts, images and words that drain us instead of building us up. Despite what we know about the effects of allowing our minds to dwell on depressing thoughts, we still let it roam free. We think about the current state of insecurity, rising cost of living, the future of our kids... the list is endless. To cap it all, the TV,  radio and newspaper keep reminding us and people around us are talking about it. Is it any wonder that we are constantly fighting for a semblance of peace in the midst of all these chaos? The struggle is very real, I do catch my mind dwelling on self-defeating thoughts and I have to remind myself of what the results will be and then I mentally make a U-turn to positive thoughts. Sometimes I lose the battle. It's a daily process and it counts that you are making effort to take control of your heart and mind. I have resolved to keep pushing until I win the battle, and yes, it can be won.. 

What does it mean to stand guard?

     It means to be wise and discerning of the times and situation around us. It means being aware of the never ending battle in our minds and to keep fighting until we win and even then to still have our guard up. It is a means of protecting ourselves as Christians from the onslaught of the world around us.

Why do we need to fight for our mind and heart?

     The direction of your thoughts determine the outcome of your life. If you think you are not good enough, your life will prove you right. If you think you are enough, your thoughts will direct your life in the affirmative. The Bible sums it up perfectly in
Proverbs 23:7, 'For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he...' If you want to live a productive life, take control of your thoughts. If you want to coast along and see how it all ends, you let your mind roam free. I don't really think you want that for yourself or do you?

How damaging thoughts come 

  1. People: we are always communicating with other people whether at home, workplace, church and wherever we find ourselves. We could be receiving information that is condescending, nasty and mean and not just from family but total strangers as well. Our mind receives this and our hearts dwell on them and come up with thoughts that cause us to lose our joy, become discouraged and doubt our abilities. If you are honest, you will agree that you replay those scenes over and over in your head and those same humiliating feelings wash over you afresh each time.
  2. The media: access to information has never been easier than in this generation. Social media is constantly awash with news and happenings that are so depressing and because we are often on one platform or the other, we keep feeding our minds with harmful thoughts.
  3. Our own thoughts: with the information we keep loading on our minds, our thoughts produce their own too, especially the worst case scenarios. What have you been thinking about in the last five minutes? See what I mean?
Such is the battle we face everyday, consciously and unconsciously.

How to raise a standard against bad thoughts

  • You have to live in the now. If your thoughts are always adrift you will not always be conscious of the direction your thoughts.
  • Whenever you catch your mind thinking bad thoughts, replace them with the word of God. This is why you must know what the Bible says and then meditate on it. You will not always be in a position to reach out and grab your Bible but you can recall the Bible verses you know. Romans 12:2 says, 'Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind...' It is possible to win this battle of the mind.
  • Be careful with people and avenues that bring negative thoughts and devise a way to minimize your contact with them.
  • Mind your utterance too, before you speak bad words, you think about them first.
  • Choose to live like a child of God. I don't know anything more powerful than God's word to transform any life. Let the word of God find expression in your life.
  • Pray about it. Ask God to set a guard over your thoughts such that when you start thinking depressing thoughts, an alam will go off in your head./li>

7 Bible verses to help you discipline your thoughts

  • Proverbs 4:23: Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
  • Philippians 4:8: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:5: We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.
  • 2 Timothy 2:7: For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
  • 1 Peter 5:8: Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
  • Luke 6:46: The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:4-5: For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.
If you choose a verse for every day of the week, you will be on your way to winning this battle. Don't forget to always be on your guard. Thank you for reading. Please share this post and follow us on Pinterest and Facebook. Thank you.
I'm Rachael, a wife, mom and an entrepreneur and I love to share my experiences with other young moms as we navigate this sometimes turbulent waters of family life and raising children, learning to be financially independent while also anchoring our faith in God.

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