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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
1 day ago3 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


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

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