Advice to new parents

 2020-09-29 06h30 

I just opened my eyes and thought of my brother-in-law and his wife. They are amazing people and so happy to be part of their lives. They just returned from a family visit, seeing Jasmines sister and her newborn baby.

Those first 2 years are so precious. Wished I could turn back time with all the knowledge I gathered with having my own 3 kids.

Mistakes will be made and that's ok. Parenting is a learning process, as is the growing up fase of an infant.

But their is always the advice of your own parents and that of people around you who are already parents. 

There are also many books that could help you along the way of parenthood. But you have to experience it yourself.

My ABC of parenting are some practical pointers in do's and don't s:

1. Cherish every moment. Capture as many moments as possible. Right a journal about it. Make it personal between you and your child. 
2. Make a journal of the growth of your child. Physical and mentally. You'll notice how fast things can change and when they face puberty, it's like you've already missed out on so many things.
   As you write these things down, try to reflect in comparison with your own childhood. Ask your parents how you were like when you were that age. 
3. Food: whatever books or government authorities might suggest, learn from your parents and just try to do what's right for your child. After breastfeeding or milk, you can chose between vegetables or fruit. My personal suggestion is do whatever you feel right. We started vegetables, the year after the government authorities shared to start with fruit. When they would go to a nursery, it'll be the nursery that decides.
   But stick with a routine. It'll make your life easier and organized. 
4. When your baby cries, avoid giving it a pacifier. Most of the time it's okay when a baby cries. After a while you'll be an expert in recognizing the cries of your own baby. When he/she is hungry, tired, in need for attention, or in pain. Of course you see to its needs. But when tired or in need of attention, don't react too fast. Especially when they are a bit older.
   They'll learn how to get your attention and even learn to anticipate. 
5. Babies are delicate, but don't treat them as fragile glass. They do bump their heads, fall down on their bottoms, put things in their mouth. And you know what? They'll be fine. They will learn automatically the do's and don't s. Just be aware from any dangers around them. When they know how to move, they are fast to grasp things.  
6. Something I regret doing, is to take a yearly picture. Even several shots. As a family and one of them personal on their b-day. It's nice in the same position, so you'll see the difference every year. It's part of that journal. It's great you'll put them together with something, so it'll be a reference from how they grow. If you store those pictures, get a backup!! you don't want to lose such precious pictures. Best is to have a separate album and keep them in the cloud. 
7. Don't buy too many clothes, they are growing up too fast. When they change size, get rid of the old as soon as possible. Sell them if you can or as a give away to friends or family. Put them in a box with size/age. 
8. Savings: start a bank account as soon as possible. My original plan was to save monthly and increase this amount every year, starting with a simple €10,00/month. And every year, increase by €10. Or it could be a fix amount. When they turn 18, they'll have a nice saving account. Put all the money of their birthdays, Christmas, .... on it.
   

Training for Luxembourg Marathon

Day 2 Training for Half a marathon. Wesley just finished a Runtastic run of 7.78 km in 57m 04s https://www.runtastic.com/sport-sessions/94771422-444d-4ddf-9722-cfe99cfc9bb2?sharing_token=5a4c988b3b904195ec1d16cb&share_locale=en&utm_source=runtastic.pro&utm_medium=facebook.android&utm_campaign=user_generated_sharing

First post of 2010

Newyear wasn't what I expected it to be. But hey, kids had fun, food was good, nice compagny.
In the end, I didn't really celebrated coz at 12pm I was on the highway driving home. Kids really had to sleep so we brought Sam in Nanay's place and then went home. Nice sleep and not too tired on the first day, which was actually also good.
But i had made some newyear resolutions to myself. To be more organised and persistant in the things I do. Make a nice to do list and actually finish it. It's a bit of everything. Financially, in relationship, just being organised in general, training myself (spiritually, mentally and physically). Wonder how that last will evaluate. Also be more involved in youth and doing more for Him. Serving Him and His people. No questions asked or no favor needed in return.
Praise Him and His Holy Name

family life comes first

unfortunately I couldn't make it to the youth for the last 2 weeks. So no updates where possible. I also have no update from our youth. If so I could easily post one of the notes they make here on my blog and share through their testimonies what they thought of services for now. The topic is still prayer. Something I still lack of until now. Praying and reading my bible are still hard to do, but I am keeping up with my devotions. That's a good thing.

From yesterday I am also starting to run a little. For some 30minutes I am running around the block to improve my physical condition. Motivation is I have to do my sportstests next week, but I am planning to do this each day or as I said someone, at least for 3X a week. I still believe when my physical health will improve, it will also benefit my mental health and this way I am going to read more so it will be a blessing for my spiritual health. Of course, spiritual health comes first no matter what, but I guess it's from person to person.

it's cliché but I believe in the my body is the temple of my soul kinda thing. It's new age I'm sure, but the healtier you are physically, the better you can concentrate, the happier you feel, stronger and less tired. And it's the last one that keeps me from reading. Maybe it's also to do with character only, but I was never a big reader. Ok, comics, but that's not really reading. And I mostly spend my time in watching a movie, or series, or surfing on the net. That doesn't need a lot of mental strength so also less tiring. So conclusion, running will help me in my walk with Jesus. (that's my prayer anyway)

I believe what you put into your heart and you truly believe you make a goal for yourself, it will be easier to accomplish it in the end. Faith is the key in what we do. and that we need to apply in our daily lives.
Before I really needed the youth for motivation and everytime I spend time with them, time in worship and listening to God's Word, it strengthen me. Only for a small amount of time. I only felt strong during wednesdays and sundays. After the worship that is. But during the week, it's like I let go and become spiritual tired. But today I took a new step in faith. A step I am taking alone with God and I believe it WILL make me stronger in the end. These kinda blogs are a motivation as well coz as we keep records of ourselves we become more aware of which direction we're going.

As I am reading our daily bread, a short way in doing my devotions, I share my thoughts.
Friday: Colossians 3:1-13 Seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. —Colossians 3:1
it makes us aware as we focus on God and puts our minds closer to Him and think not with our own minds, we see things from another perspective. God IS perfect. His creation is Glorious and the way He plans our lives, we sometimes don't understand, but our lack of understanding comes because we see it from a point of view from below. Everything is smaller and tragedies seem huge so we focus on them and let them take control of our lives. If we seek those things which are above and see it from that kinda perspective, we see God has a purpose, even if it all seems unfair sometimes. His plans are greater than what we could have imagine. So if we face a tradegy, don't let it set down our lives, but raise up the Name of God and praise Him from above. Ask for the purpose He sets for you.

First 180 encounter of the season 2008

180 Encounter
Wednesday 3 September 2008

- Discipline
- Begin of the last season Maldo shared the vision for 180 – a wave in the youth Group. For leadership to bring youth to a higher level – (for myself: make time for youth, even if it’s only 1 person)
Take time to spend time with God.
- Explosion will take place. Signs and wonders will take place (see in Acts)
- God will manifest Himself everywhere we go – 180 means turn away from our sins, from our old lives. (the world drains us spiritually, it’s hard)
180:

Time to take our stand of who we are in Christ and live a 180° life in Christ. Righteous, Holy life according to God (Holy life = being set apart by God for God)

180 Encounter:

A vision by itself- come Wednesday with a sense of expectancy. A life changing moment that we meet God. Allow the Spirit to move in you, to change you.
Motto / slogan of 180: Come as you are, leave changed

180 Connect:

Opportunity to connect with God – byond youth meeting, also in our everyday lives (school, work, with our friends, through chat example facebook,…)
Acts 2:42
MESSAGE:
Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Last season message: Growth – growth in quality and quantity
In acts: how do they do evangelism, prayer – many people came to know God, many miracles happened.
Word of the season is “SEEKING”
Seeking more of God who He is, seeking in our lives to do His Will, seeking in through His Word
God is bigger, greater, more powerful than we realize from time to time, we take it too often for granted.
Keytheme of the month is: “on our knees”

It is time for being serious in His Kingdom. Take responsibility for our own actions, repent for our wrongs and have discipline so we grow towards God, so we won’t mess out His blessings.
4x in Acts: key is “devoted”. Devote to apostal teaching – meditating God’s Word, fellowship, breaking of bread, communion (=remembering what Christ did for us, why He died).
Devoted to prayer.

Next Wednesday: we will be devoted to worship & prayer.
Maldo doesn’t want us to be serious and he is serious that we won’t fool around. That we be devote the Wednesdays to worship and prayer.
Faith – I believe. This was something really spoke to me and something I need to repeat for myself if I pray.
Don’t seek God only once a week, but each day – Wednesdays will change, so our heartswill be different.
Seek who Jesus is in our lives.
John 14:6 Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life
Attitude of prayer, spirit of seeking Him.

battery low

The last days of the outreach. It's different from a youth camp. Especially for me, coz this year I worked during this week instead of joining. So I missed a lot of what happened. Still, God has a plan like always and He had to remind me again of my stupidity. How is it I always complain and put the fault on others? why isn't it easier to first look into our own hearts instead of walking around it? I admit, I was tired. Already for couple of months now. I tried a cry out to our youth... wasn't I clear enough?
My expectations were too high and I was looking into the wrong direction, but God is awesome. He helps us to walk into the right way. And He helped me again in just showing me a mirror.
Thursday and friday evening we had a great worshipservice. And the Word that was shared was right to the point. Though it's late (11pm37) and I don't want to look too deep in my had what the message was about, just let me tell you this. what make it really clear is that we don't have to wait untill God will answer our prayers. Like pastor Josh said it so clearly. God isn't like the government. When something needs to be happening, we don't just sit down and do nothing except waiting untill someone else will react. NO, we need to make that step, that step of faith for our own lives, our own expectanties.

God showed me this really clearly, I even told Donnelle how I reacted during worship. I said to God: "You and I, God, we have unfinished bussiness." He is not finished with me and I am definitly not finished with me. I told Him: " I signed a contract when I accepted Jesus Christ into my life and it's a life-time contract. One that cannot be broken". What needs to be done, shall be done. But it needs to be starting with us. Basics are still the same to apply between God and us: prayer and medidating on to His Word. Sounds easy, but we all know it is much harder than it seems. Why? Because we are too much occupied with this world, it drains the strength out of our bodies, out of our souls and when that happens, Satan is drawing us further from God.

Ben's testimony is wonderfull to hear when we are in such trouble or empty minded. He never gave up, he kept on going and stayed faithfull to the very end. How he did that? With God's unconditional love in his heart. He knew God was there at his side all the way and it made me see that He helps us if we let Him.

Friday, during worship, the battery of my soul was recharged, but like all batteries, they need to keep on recharging all the time and that is what I forgot to do. I got disconnected from God and putted all my strength and energy into my wordly doings. But instead of gaining strength out of all the things I was doing to order my life, it made me even more tired than ever. My thoughts about it was I am tired fysically and mentally, but none of this was true. The tiredness came from deeper within, it was my soul that lacked the strength to keep me running for God. Worshipping Him was the answer and connecting to Him the solution in finding the power for my soul. Ben knew this and even in all the pain he had to go through, he never gave up. Like his dad said, he never complained, never was depressed, coz he found the POWER OF GOD.

God's Word shall help me to find this truth. It shall help me to fully understand what it means to wear the full armor of God. Don't rely on your own strength, but rely on God and on Him alone.

Now physically tiredness is shouting my eyes and I just pray that I will continue to talk more about Him this way. A way I can share the world about His Love. But I pray as well my friends who joined the outreach can teach me another way. To evangelise on the street and start sharing in Brussels about God's Word. Praising, worshipping Him with all of my heart and show people what a difference our lives can be with Him in it. Creator of all, Giver, Bringer of joy and peace. Building up relationships, making friends and shining light into this world. Are we ready for revival? Me, not quite yet but I am getting there. God will reguide me to where I need to go and He will show me what my purpose will hold. Thank You Lord, for sharing , for opening my heart to You and for sending me this team of friends from the States to help me see Your Truth.
God bless you all. Amen

Powerful Worship

Another wednesday service of the youth?! Nope, it was a bit different.

Sometimes it seem all the same, we start worshipping, someone comes to share, one or more announcements, and than it's time to go home. And how fast the sanctuary is empty... But understand some people come by public transport so they need to catch their bus.

Wednesday 27th of june 2007, a day of a new encounter I pray. Service starts at 7pm and I saw a lot of new faces. Didn't recognize most of the people who where there and for the first time my cousin joined us. I'm glad she feels joy with our youth group and pray it will have impact on her view of things, most of all, why we are raising our hands to the One and Only, Our Creator, Our Maker.

And I also hope next time there will be more of our CCA youth group present.

What was so different about this service? James was back :) and when he plays the drums, the worship is already more powerful. No, that wasn't it.

At first I felt tired. Didn't feel like worshipping. Why I was there than. Coz I have a committement to our Lord and I have to put my own feelings aside, so that's why I was there.
And I praise Him I was there. Coz it had again a big impact on my spiritual life. The fire in my soul is burning again and that's why we need to keep on going to services, to be involved in His Work, being involved in Ministry.

It supports us, it reminds us, it encourages us, it feeds us,...

For me anyway. And having the youth in my life is a blessing. It gives more purpose in my life to guide them. But doubt strikes when I have weak moments, when I know I sinned, when I feel insecure, unsure. That's the time faith is weak in me and I call out for help.

That night He answered!

He was present in that sanctuary and I wasn't the only one who noticed. And once more: one man CAN make a difference. Lord, bless my brother Maldo, he is so committed to you and I am glad he is our youth leader (pastor). He shouts for joy as he starts sharing to us and he has our attention. And like always when Your Spirit guides men, they will say the right words.

The end of school is in sight. Vacation is going to start and this service is called the last of the season. But for me, it is a start of committing my time for serving Our Lord. Many projects are planned for this summer and I want to be part of it. Not for serving the people alone, but most of all for serving Him. Difference this time, I AM part of it. Every year I was talking about it, sharing to others, encouraging THEM to be part of serving and be part of missions. But realizing I didn't took part of it myself, how can you lead people this way.

Ok, getting of track here. Wednesday evening. What can I say more? The Holy Spirit was there and I felt It. I heared It. The vision that Maldo once shared, appeared before my eyes once more. Happened to me before. A big torch in the middle with a big flame, representing Jesus. And all of us, youth, standing around it. Some close to the fire, having also torches in their hands that are shining bright, others standing further. And the further you are from that fire, the less bright the torch is shining. But everyone who is holding a torch guides the ones without one to the Torch in the middle. In darkness, the light is always winning. And if we raise up our lights all together in faith, there will be no more darkness, only light.

It's a message of hope we are sending to this nation. And through the many projects we CAN make a difference, starting here in Brussels. Bringing hope to people, shining our lights on the dark streets of this city. Bringing peace and joy. Giving the people a reason to smile. :-)
And with the strength God is giving us, with His Presence always protecting us, we can move forward in faith.

God bless you. Hope you will add comments and I'll ask to encourage each other. Don't be just a youth group, but be brothers and sisters who will stand firm together in Christ.