top of page
Search


When Words Leave a Mark: Guiding Kids to Speak Life, Not Harm
Our words are like seeds we plant in the lives of others. Once they are spoken, they cannot be pulled back, just like paint spilled on a white cloth or glass shattered on the floor. We may try to fix the damage, but the mark is often still there. In the same way, our words can either build something strong and beautiful or leave behind damage that is hard to repair. The Bible reminds us of this powerful truth; with the same tongue, we can praise God and also wound others. Tha

Sylvia Rivera
3 days ago3 min read


Honoring Our Elders: Seeing, Hearing, and Valuing the Lives That Came Before Us
When shoes and clothes become old and worn out, many people discard them without a second thought. They have served their purpose, so we move on in search of something new. Only a few pairs of shoes or garments are kept for years, often because they hold sentimental value, feel irreplaceable, or once came at a high cost. Sadly, this same mindset can spill over into how some people treat others, especially our elders. It is heartbreaking to see how often older adults are overl

Sylvia Rivera
Apr 243 min read


Building Strong Children Through Discipline and Accountability
Consistency, discipline, accountability, and love are essential foundations in parenting. When one of these is missing, the structure begins to weaken, and over time, that imbalance can lead to instability in a child’s behavior and development. Parenting, like any important responsibility, requires balance and intentionality. For example, a child is expected to complete household chores, but expectations are not consistently reinforced. There are no clear follow-throughs when

Sylvia Rivera
Apr 163 min read


He Is Waiting: Come Back to Your Heavenly Father
We all know the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and we have heard it many times. But have you ever asked yourself whether you identify more with the prodigal son or the older son? God is our Father, and we are His sons and daughters. Just like the father in the parable, God waits for us with open arms. He longs for His children to return home. He is ready to forgive our mistakes, receive us with compassion, and celebrate our return with joy. God is a God of opportunities. Unlike

Sylvia Rivera
Apr 103 min read


Reflecting on Holy Week:A Time to Pause and Honor
This week, we are celebrating Holy Week and honoring Jesus’ life and legacy. We are called to show gratitude and love by living to glorify Him. Each day is a chance to honor His legacy and learn more about Him. Holy Week teaches humility, love, forgiveness, and faith. Remembering Jesus’ journey invites us to carry these lessons into daily life: serving with compassion, trusting God in trials, forgiving freely, and living with hope. His example guides and inspires us, remindin

Sylvia Rivera
Apr 32 min read


Be the Blessing Someone Needs Today: Be Compassionate!
A beautiful reminder from Colossians 3:12 says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Compassion goes a long way. You will be amazed by how much impact a simple act of understanding and care can have on someone’s life. Being compassionate is a character trait everyone should strive to have. When we are compassionate, we touch the hearts of those we are serving. A listening e

Sylvia Rivera
Mar 272 min read


Living with Conviction and Faithfulness to God
Conviction is defined in the dictionary as a firmly held belief or opinion. It reflects a deep confidence in what a person believes and the courage to stand by it. Conviction shows when someone is not easily moved by pressure, trends, or opposition. A person with conviction does not change direction simply because circumstances become difficult. In the biblical sense, conviction is closely tied to a life of faith and devotion to God. It is not a sudden burst of inspiration th

Sylvia Rivera
Mar 203 min read


Spring Break Family Fun Guide
Next week, our VPS Warriors will be enjoying their Spring Break. A full week to rest, recharge, and spend meaningful time with family is something everyone looks forward to. Free time with the people we love is a gift, yet many parents start wondering what to do with their children for several days at home. Planning can turn that question into an exciting opportunity. Spring Break is the perfect moment to explore, create, laugh together, and make memories that your children w

Sylvia Rivera
Mar 133 min read


Cultivating a Clean Heart: Living with Integrity and Trustworthiness
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” - Psalm 51:10. Having a clean heart is a quality all of us must strive for. We have all experienced the pain and consequences of walking without God, and when we are in disobedience to His Word. Whether it was sin or a mistake, a clouded heart affects our relationships and leaves us feeling guilty and disconnected. It is even harder when we realize that our own actions have caused pain in those around us.

Sylvia Rivera
Mar 62 min read


MERCY IN ACTION: WAYS TO SHOW MERCY TO OTHERS
Mercy is defined in the dictionary as the act of showing kindness, forgiveness, or compassion to someone, especially when you have the power to punish or judge them. In a more biblical sense, mercy refers to God's love and forgiveness toward us, even when we don’t deserve it. It is a quality Jesus showed every day, especially when He laid His life and paid the price to redeem us. He showed compassion instead of anger or judgment. Mercy is a beautiful gift we Warriors can

Sylvia Rivera
Feb 272 min read


Humility in Action: Serving and Receiving
Sometimes we are reluctant to accept help because we think it makes us seem weak, when in reality, it denotes bravery and courage. Accepting that we cannot do something alone, or that we are tired and need help, is commendable, and that’s exactly what this story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur teaches us. 11 As long as Moses held up his arms, the Israelites won, but when he put his arms down, the Amalekites started winning. 12 When Moses' arms grew tired, Aaron and Hur brought a s

Sylvia Rivera
Feb 202 min read


Love Beyond Feelings: Living in God’s Love Every Day
When we hear the word love , most of us immediately think of romantic love, the butterflies, the excitement, the longing for someone special. But love is far more than that. Love is a choice we make every day to care for and cherish others. It is expressed in many forms: the unconditional love of family, the loyalty and encouragement between siblings, the compassion and support we offer to friends, the kindness we show ourselves through self-care and acceptance, and most impo

Sylvia Rivera
Feb 124 min read


Forgiveness: A Path to Strength and Peace
Forgiveness is not for others; it is for us, for our peace of mind and soul. It is not a sign of weakness, but a path to freedom, peace, and healing. When we forgive, we release the burden of anger, resentment, and hurt that keeps us bound. Yet, despite knowing this, why is it so hard to forgive? We’ve all heard expressions like: “Ask God for forgiveness because I will not forgive you, I can forgive you, but I will never forget, he should be the one asking for forgiveness, wh

Sylvia Rivera
Feb 63 min read


Raising Responsible Children: A Guide to Structure and Accountability
Consistency, discipline, accountability, and love are the essential ingredients of effective parenting. When any one of these is missing, the balance is lost, and the results can be challenging or even harmful. Like any important task, parenting requires a careful balance; without it, even the best methods can fail. Consider this scenario: you want your child to complete household chores, but you don’t consistently hold them accountable. Your child may do chores only when the

Sylvia Rivera
Jan 302 min read


Raising Bible Warriors: Instilling the Habit of Engaging with God's Word
One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is teaching them to engage with God’s Word every day. Children and teens are especially receptive to learning when we lead by example, modeling the habits we want them to develop. While it’s true that bad habits spread quickly, good habits can also be passed on if we approach them with love, patience, and consistency. Reading and reflecting on the Bible is a habit worth cultivating from an early age. We call our students Warr

Sylvia Rivera
Jan 232 min read


Kindness the Warrior Way: Planting Seeds of Love
“Kind hearts are the gardens, kind thoughts are the roots, kind words are the flowers, kind deeds are the fruits.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. This quote from an American poet captures the beauty of kindness and the lasting effect it leaves on those who receive it. It affirms that kindness is more than a feeling; it’s a way of life that grows and spreads, touching hearts in ways we may never fully see. A simple act of kindness can have a ripple effect, lifting spirits, inspir

Sylvia Rivera
Jan 162 min read


How to Honor Your Warrior Status This Semester
Another year has started, another semester to shine and honor God with our lives as VPS Warriors. Being a Warrior is not just a title; it’s a call to live with faith, kindness, courage, and integrity. We must show with our actions and trust in God that we have been set apart to serve Jesus. Honoring our Warrior status can influence our school, friends, and family, and change the lives of those around us. Being a Warrior carries a great responsibility because we should show th

Sylvia Rivera
Jan 92 min read


Embrace the Gift of a New Year
We welcomed a new year. January is a time that fills us with hope for what may come, and sometimes anxiety about the unknown. We reflected on all that has happened and considered how we can grow in this new year. The new year is a gift from God, a fresh start, a new chapter, and an opportunity to do better than before. When we see it as a blessing rather than something to take for granted, we begin to appreciate each day, each moment, and each opportunity God places before us

Sylvia Rivera
Jan 32 min read


Honoring Jesus Beyond Christmas
Over the years, excessive consumerism has made us lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. Sadly, it has also shaped the way our children see the season; they often believe Christmas is all about receiving the best gifts, when in reality, it is about giving, sharing, and showing love. For many, Christmas has become a time to buy and buy; others are simply waiting for their gifts. Some spend the holidays seeking a temporary escape from life’s worries with a vacation, and f

Sylvia Rivera
Dec 26, 20253 min read


A Festive Guide to Christmas Break Fun
This week, we ended our first Semester of school. It has been a great Semester, full of wonderful accomplishments and beautiful memories together as a family. We are ending the semester with gratefulness and excitement because God has been faithful to us. Today we start our Christmas Break, and for two weeks, our Warriors will have time to rest and enjoy their time with family. Knowing how anxious children and teens can get when they have too much free time, we have developed

Sylvia Rivera
Dec 19, 20252 min read

bottom of page