Family

No Longer a Crisis Parent

Dr. Bob Barnes and Torrey Roberts
16 Jul 2024
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crisis

When I first arrived at Sheridan House, I spent some time with my predecessor about the duties of the executive director of the ministry. Driving home from the office, I felt somewhat discouraged. It seemed the job description indicated I would have to spend all my available time “putting out fires.” Crisis everywhere The next six months proved my expectations correct. Feeling like a fireman, I was simply putting out one fire after another without having any time to do prevention work. I began to feel that either I was incompetent, or the job could not be done.   An […]

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Make Summer Memories

Tom Lukasik
8 Jul 2024
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Summer ushers in the chance to slow down and really connect with our kids. Now you might be thinking, summer also ushers in challenges with kids’ schedules, trying to find time for vacations, and even our non-stop South Florida heat. But instead of looking into summer feeling overwhelmed, I would challenge you to see the opportunities to make memories that kids will cherish more than you may realize.    The little things When my wife Linda and I were foster parents, we learned how the seemingly little things were what made the kids in our home feel the most special. […]

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The Houseguest

Stephan Tchividjian
4 Jun 2024
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I came across this story that got me thinking… A mysterious letter A small family, known as the Harts, living in an average suburban community, received an unusual letter from an unknown distant relative. The letter stated that within the next several weeks they were planning to visit and were appreciative (nice way of saying expectant) of their willingness to provide accommodations. There was no contact information, only a black and white photograph with the grainy picture of an old man. You can only imagine their apprehension, confusion and curiosity. The Harts were a young couple, married less than ten […]

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Healthy Reunification is the Heart of Foster Care

Tom Lukasik
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It was 30 years ago this April that God used an ad in the Buffalo News to change our lives. My wife Linda and I saw an ad reading, “House Parents, Wanted” – 1,371 miles away from our home in Buffalo. We sold our house, sold our cars, left comfortable jobs, and took off on a new, half-time life adventure. What really made that ad stand out to us was a verse our pastor had shared a few years prior, James 1:22, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”  We set out […]

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Students Recognized with Step Up For Students Rising Star Awards

The Good News
3 Jun 2024
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Living Water Christian Academy celebrated the remarkable achievements of three exceptional students, Khloe Deraco, Ava Gunter, and Lucas Torres recently. These bright stars have been nominated and chosen to shine brilliantly at the prestigious Step Up For Students Rising Star Awards Ceremony! Khloe stands out for her incredible growth in reading, Ava’s heart of gold and exemplary character make her dazzle, and Lucas shines with his outstanding prowess in mathematics! Their dedication, hard work, and talent have earned them this well-deserved recognition. Dr. Amanda Torres, Principal, said, “We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and the positive impact they’ve made […]

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From Local Student to Global Scholar:  The Transformative Power of a Christian Education

Dr. Debra A. Schwinn
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Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) has a distinguished track record of fostering international scholars, exemplified by its continued success in prestigious global scholarship programs. In the last seven years alone, PBA alumni have received 17 Fulbright awards. This year, three exceptional graduates — Brody Eldridge, Niang Thang and Kyla Gates — earned the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) award. Their achievements will enable them to serve as cultural ambassadors in various countries during the 2024-25 academic year. Additionally, Dr. Ariel Viale, a professor of finance at PBA, received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award to conduct research and teach in […]

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Graduation Season Reminds Us Time Marches On

Dr. Bob Barnes and Torrey Roberts
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graduation season

It’s that time again…Graduation season. The close of another school year and time marches on. If you were on social media at all during the last month, your feed is flooded with caps and gowns but also it seems moments of reminiscence from all parents. There has been many a lament for time moving too quickly.   Take stock As I feel those same feelings, I am forcing myself to remember a few things. First, am I taking stock of the time that I have left. Whether this is preschool graduation, or you are looking at the college season, we […]

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2024 Vacation Bible School Guide

Shelly Pond
30 May 2024
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Churches throughout South Florida have planned spectacular Vacation Bible School (VBS) programs for children in the community to learn about godly virtues through creative, fun activities, such as games, Bible study, adventure times, movies, music and more. Check with your home church to see what they have planned or choose from the following VBS dates, times and locations listed in order of camp date.   Grace Church Boca VBS 600 West Camino Real, Boca Raton June 3 – 7, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. graceboca.org/grace-kids   Living Water Community Church VBS 1501 Riverland Rd, Fort Lauderdale, June 10 – 14 […]

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2024 Summer Camp Guide

The Good News
29 May 2024
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Memories are made and friendships forged during the carefree days of summer camp. It’s a wonderful way to provide educational enrichment in a fun-filled environment, can build character and independence and may lead to spiritual development. Here are a few local offerings listed geographically from south to north.   Trench Warrior/ King of the South Team Camps St. Thomas University, 16401 NW 37th Ave, Miami Gardens High School June 13, 7am-5pm 754-308-5578 Southatlanticfca.org   CMCP Summer Camps Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory, 500 E. Chaminade Drive, Hollywood Baseball Camp Entering 3rd – 9th Grade 1.Camper: $225; 2 Campers: $425 ; 3 Campers: […]

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Perfectly Imperfect

Rob Hoskins
9 May 2024
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My mom never uttered empty words — she spoke life and truth everywhere she went. She was a consistent example, full of true wisdom, and had a unique ability to make me smile.  But she could also be…irritably on time…showing up 15 minutes early and then ask me why I was late. Frankly, she didn’t suffer fools very well either, often being impatient when people’s minds didn’t move at the speed of hers. I also always wondered why, with all of her reading and knowledge, her superior intellect, and creative brilliance, she wasn’t as generous as she could have been […]

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