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Back to School Reset: Helping Your Family Start the New School Year Strong
After a fun and relaxing summer break, the return to school on August 24 brings a new season filled with excitement, new opportunities, and new challenges. As our routines begin to change, our calendars quickly fill with school events, assignments, projects, activities, and responsibilities. For many families, the transition from summer freedom to a structured school schedule can feel overwhelming. Parents are balancing multiple roles, while children are adjusting to new teac

Sylvia Rivera
5 days ago3 min read


More than School Supplies:Preparing Your Child for the Start of the New Academic Year
Back-to-school preparation often focuses on everything we can see: new backpacks, school supplies, uniforms, lunch boxes, and the tools our children need to succeed academically. But there is another set of tools that is just as important: the emotional tools that help children manage stress, build confidence, handle challenges, and believe in themselves. We can ask ourselves: Are we only preparing our children for the classroom, or are we also preparing their hearts and min

Sylvia Rivera
Jul 313 min read


Back-to-School Ready: Choosing a Safe and Comfortable Backpack
The school year is approaching, and families everywhere are preparing for another exciting year of learning, growth, and new experiences. Between purchasing school supplies, uniforms, lunch boxes, and everything our children need, back to school preparation can feel overwhelming, especially when we wait until the last minute. This week is also the perfect opportunity for families to take advantage of the Florida Back to School Sales Tax Holiday, where qualifying back to schoo

Sylvia Rivera
Jul 234 min read


Kindness toward others: Being the Hands and Feet of Jesus
In recent days, we have witnessed the devastating effects of the two earthquakes that impacted Venezuela. Seeing families affected, communities shaken, and many people facing uncertainty and loss reminds us of the importance of coming together with compassion and love. In moments like these, we are reminded that we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus by offering support, encouragement, and kindness to those who are hurting. One of the greatest commandments Jesus gave

Sylvia Rivera
Jul 173 min read


The Holy Spirit: His Work, His Power, and His Purpose in Us
This week, we have been learning about the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives and how essential it is for our spiritual growth to nurture a personal and ongoing relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit is not distant or inactive; He is God’s active presence within believers, guiding, transforming, and empowering us every day. Today, we will look at the work of the Holy Spirit, what He does in the life of a believer, and the many blessings that come from walking closely

Sylvia Rivera
Jul 103 min read


Living in the Freedom of Jesus Christ
This weekend, we will be celebrating the independence of our great nation and enjoying meaningful time with family and friends, reflecting on freedom. It is a blessing to live in a country where freedom is valued and protected. Yet it also invites a deeper question for each of us to consider. Do we truly understand what freedom is, and even more importantly, do we understand what true freedom is? The world defines freedom as the ability to act, speak, or think without restric

Sylvia Rivera
Jul 33 min read


Self-Control: Evidence of a Transformed Heart
You have probably heard comments like: “I’m only human,” “nobody’s perfect,” “that’s just how I am,” “it’s just a small lie,” “God understands,” or “I know it’s wrong, but I can’t help it.” Unfortunately, these kinds of phrases are sometimes repeated even among believers. When that happens, it can be disheartening because it raises an important question about how self-control is being lived out in the Christian life. Self-control is the God-given ability to govern our desires

Sylvia Rivera
Jun 263 min read


Why Fatherhood Cannot Be Replaced
Father’s Day is this weekend, and it invites us not only to celebrate but also to reflect on important issues that affect men, fathers, and families today. One of the most pressing concerns is how often the role of fatherhood is underestimated within the family structure. Fathers deserve to be heard, valued, and recognized just as much as mothers. Both parents are essential, and both carry irreplaceable responsibilities in shaping a child’s life. One of the enemy’s greatest s

Sylvia Rivera
Jun 193 min read


Return to Your First Love
I know your deeds, your hard work, and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and

Sylvia Rivera
Jun 114 min read


A Life Anchored in Truth
Lies only generate more lies, because to sustain them, we are often led to continue sinning, covering, and hiding what is not right. In the end, falsehood becomes a cycle that traps the heart. This is why walking in truth is so essential. 7: Jesus said to him: “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) We have all heard this verse before, but today the Lord placed something deeply in my heart about truth that I want to s

Sylvia Rivera
Jun 53 min read


Making the Most of Summer Break: Family Adventures Near You
Summer in St. Augustine and the surrounding areas offers families many opportunities to relax, explore, and create meaningful memories together. From beaches and historic sites to hands-on attractions, community events, and outdoor adventures, there is something for every age to enjoy throughout the season. Things to Do During the Summer in St. Augustine and Nearby Areas: VPS Summer Camp- A Christ centered summer experience for children ages five and older, designed to help t

Sylvia Rivera
May 292 min read


Why Families Love VPS Summer Camp
A summer camp experience can be truly transformative in a child’s life. It is a place where they create meaningful memories, build lifelong friendships, and explore new and exciting activities in a safe and joyful environment. At VPS Summer Camp, our mission is to strengthen the connection between our school and our families while nurturing a positive, Christ-centered atmosphere that supports the growth and well-being of every Warrior. We are a fun-filled, Christian-based sum

Sylvia Rivera
May 222 min read


Things Our Seniors Should Never Forget After Graduation
Today, all of you, as part of our Class of 2026, close a chapter in your academic journey. You are celebrating a beautiful milestone, and we could not be prouder. We have seen you grow and achieve great things. We have taught, guided, and encouraged you. We’ve witnessed you become the amazing Warriors you are today. Today is a day of mixed emotions, as we say goodbye to a great class. We are happy for you and all your accomplishments, but we are also a little bit sad to see y

Sylvia Rivera
May 152 min read


Together we are Strong, Built on Faith, Driven by Purpose, and United as One
At VPS, we are more than co-workers; we are a family. What a true blessing it is to walk this journey with a team like ours. Each member of our team brings passion, purpose, and heart to every space: In the classroom, the front office, the cafeteria, the administration, and behind the scenes. Your love and commitment to our Warriors are seen in your everyday actions. We are deeply grateful for all that you do; your work never goes unnoticed. The early mornings, the late night

Sylvia Rivera
May 82 min read


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
May 13 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
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