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Tag: #family

Grateful for Family and Friends

During COVID-19, God has allowed me to take the time to reflect, and He has shown me a lot. He showed the areas I need to improve upon, like spending more time with Him through reading the Word. One of the habits I have improved on is taking each morning to pray to God. I give thanks for being able to see another day and continue the purpose God has set out for me, and I read a short devotional to conclude.

I am reminded of all the blessings the Lord has given to me in my life. I was able to travel to two different countries, graduate during a pandemic, find a supportive church home through KCC, and so many other extraordinary things. None of it would be possible without the encouragement of my family, friends, and God.

To My Family:

My mom and dad have always wanted to experience and explore the world in ways they did not get the chance to do. They have supported me financially to study abroad, help pay for undergrad, and provide necessities. They have given me unconditional love through good and bad times. My family is the one who will have my back, especially during tough situations. They have shown me how to give back to others regardless of the circumstances they are in. They helped me learn right from wrong through earthly and heavenly examples. They are one of the many influences that shaped me into the person I am today.

To My Heavenly Father:

I am grateful for Him always walking beside me through valleys and mountains. I am thankful that He sent His only son to die so we could live again. I am grateful that HIs love endures forever. He has forgiven me of all my sins. There are too many things that He has done for me, my family, and friends. There are too many blessings to count.

To My Friends:

I am happy that God has led me to them. They have found many ways to make me laugh. They helped me find the positives out of the negatives. They helped me shape my interests and ideas of the world around me. My friends embraced who I am, like God and my family. They stayed up late at night with me to study or talk about anything. They gave me advice about my situation. They were another group to which I could relate.

I am thankful to every person who has come into my life and helped me become a better person. 

#family, #friends

The role of children

Contributor: K. Wyatt

There is an old saying that states it takes a village to raise a child. Well, once that child is raised, it is up to them to become a part of the village that will raise the next generation of children. Adults and parents are responsible for instilling positive values and beliefs in children. But those children, even as adults, have the responsibility of using what was taught to them to become functioning members of society. 

Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) states, “start children off the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” It is a child’s job to learn, play, grow, and make mistakes. The mistakes that children make are what turns them into the individuals who will lead in the future. Of course, a parent or another responsible adult is the one teaching them right from wrong. A child will not know stealing is bad until someone tells them it is. But once they know better, it is up to them to do better. 

First Corinthians 13:11 (NIV) states, “when I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” Even children who do not have a good upbringing or have positive role models have the same responsibility. Psalm 27:10 (ESV) states that “for my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in.” All children must find their way to God and spread love and His Word to the next generation. Then those children will spread it to the next generation (Joel 1:3), whether this is through biological reproduction or spiritual mentorship. 

Today’s children play a large role in what the children of the next generation will be like.

There is an old saying that states it takes a village to raise a child. Well, once that child is raised, it is up to them to become a part of the village that will raise the next generation of children. Adults and parents are responsible for instilling positive values and beliefs in children. But those children, even as adults, have the responsibility of using what was taught to them to become functioning members of society. 

Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) states, “start children off the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” It is a child’s job to learn, play, grow, and make mistakes. The mistakes that children make are what turns them into the individuals who will lead in the future. Of course, a parent or another responsible adult is the one teaching them right from wrong. A child will not know stealing is bad until someone tells them it is. But once they know better, it is up to them to do better. 

First Corinthians 13:11 (NIV) states, “when I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” Even children who do not have a good upbringing or have positive role models have the same responsibility. Psalm 27:10 (ESV) states that “for my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in.” All children must find their way to God and spread love and His Word to the next generation. Then those children will spread it to the next generation (Joel 1:3), whether this is through biological reproduction or spiritual mentorship. 

Today’s children play a large role in what the children of the next generation will be like.

#Children, #family, #friends, #generational

Finding the Right #Church

Have you considered worshipping in a place that needs and appreciates your gifts? However, not only your gifts, it needs the gifts of your family members. Now, consider those collective gifts poured into the community that ultimately changes our world. This sounds like a wonderful place for a family. Hebrews 10:24-25 speaks about the importance of the assembly of believers, encouraging one another, working together, and sharing the heart of Christ. However, how does a family find the right church?

My husband and I pondered this question sixteen years ago after relocating to North Carolina. We found one very similar to our church in New York. After attending for one year, I could not settle in. A co-worker invited me to Koinonia Christian Center Church (KCC). As soon as I heard the Word of God preached in such a practical life-applicable way, I connected but my husband and children – not so much. My traditional husband liked a smaller congregation. My children were afraid of starting over and being the new kids on the block. It did not take long to see we were welcomed into a loving family and not lost among the crowd. We had found our church home. We unpacked all our baggage! Today, we worship freely and serve in our local church. 

My two oldest children are adults now. Times have changed, and I wondered what do young families today look for in finding the right church. As I chatted with some families, many said a good Bible-based children’s ministry was vital. Other key factors included humble leadership, welcoming environment, great worship, and a strong penetrating Word.

One couple shared their story after relocating, leaving the KCC-Greenville location. Their search for a church home took twenty months. As working parents, they desired a worship experience that would break up the hardness that builds around the heart from working all week. The long search created a starvation for the Word of God. None of the churches they visited hit the mark. They wanted an all-encompassing church, a place for their children, worship music that spoke to the heart and soul, and a Word from God that was meat, not milk. Finally, they did find one. Surprisingly, an opportunity arose to relocate again. After praying, the family relocated to the Raleigh, NC area. They re-connected with the KCC-Raleigh location. With over fifty different ministries to serve in, they knew their gifts would be used and greatly appreciated. Looking back, their experience created a deep affection for authentic fellowship and taught them how to prioritize their search. 

As you seek the right church, here are some factors to consider:

  • Pray for God’s leading.
  • Research the church’s core values.
  • Learn what the church has to offer for every family member.
  • Find out how you can become involved.
  • Research the church’s community participation.

Please review our website for information. You are in our prayers and are welcome here!

Until we meet again…

#church, #family, #findachurch

CONTACT

1405 SW Greenville Blvd.  
Greenville, NC 27834

info@kccfamily.com

P: 252-752-1898
F: 252-752-6884

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