Did you know that having a positive mindset doesn't just make you better? It makes everyone around you better. What we are talking about here is NOT “fake”, “peppy” positivity. Some of us, a lot of us, are naturally negative people and struggle being optimistic. Some of us will have to work hard on retraining our mindset to be positive, which comes as we focus on the eternal truths of God. As faith-filled parents, we need to be positive by placing our hope in Christ, and create a positive, Christ-centered home environment for our kids because life is hard! 

Trusting in God for your future can help give you the strength to work hard towards the vision that you have for yourself and your family. 

Flipping the Switch

We are positive not because parenting is easy. We are positive because parenting can be hard. Do you allow the stress of parenting to get the best of you? You have to overcome negativity and challenges to live out God’s will for yourself and your family.

Positive parents drive a positive home culture. Culture refers to the beliefs and behaviors that determine how a family should behave, such as: interactions, expectations, rules and consequences. Your family's home culture should reflect your family’s vision. Do you have a vision for your family?

At Candlewood Church, our purpose is that we exist to be difference makers in our city. Our core values are:

• Gospel - we believe, live out, and share the Gospel
• Devotion - we are devoted followers of Christ 
• Character - we strive to display Christ in all we do
• Family - we build healthy families 

It’s good to know what you stand for and to live it out! 

What Do You Stand For?

As a parent, you have a big role and responsibility in creating the kind of journey you and your family will experience day in and day out. 

It’s good to create a Christ-centered, family culture that

• encourages your children
• fosters connected relationships and teamwork with family members
• allows your kids to learn and grow
• provides opportunities for them to be their best and do their best 

The culture you build in your home drives expectations and beliefs which drive behaviors which leads to habits. And habits create the future. 

What kind of home environment do you want to build? Ask yourself:

1. What do we stand for?
2. What do we want to be known for? 

You may have already answered questions such as these, but a good place to start is to use Candlewood’s Purpose and Core Values for inspiration. 

• Do you believe in developing champions who humbly serve others as Jesus did?
• Do you want to be known for making a difference in the lives of others in your community?
• Do you pray for your children to be devoted children of God who believe, live out, and share the Gospel?
• Do you stand to be a game changer in life?
• Do you want to lead your children to Christ so one day you will call them sisters and or brothers for eternity?
• Do you want to be known for living and working for God in all you do? 
• Do you stand for giving generously? 
• Do you want to be known for displaying Chrit’s love to every life you touch? 
• Do you want to be known for inspiring and empowering as many people as possible, one person at a time?
• Do you stand for storing up heavenly riches?

With your God given gifts and the family God has given you, what vision do you believe God has called you to? If you have a vision for your family, know it and share it with your family or create one together as a family. Knowing your family’s vision allows you all to be on the same mission together. When you are all on board, going in the same direction, you can make a difference.

The Hard Part 

Here’s the hard part. After creating and defining a vision for your family, it doesn’t matter what you have decided on if you don’t live and breathe that purpose. Every day we all face spiritual warfare, where there are spiritual forces of evil seeking to sabotage God’s will for our lives, so you must work relentlessly to keep your eyes focused on your vision. 

If you don’t set the example, your family will not catch the vision and will not live with purpose. Now is the time to start showing them you are on a mission! We don’t get burned out because of what we do. We get burned out because we forget why we do it.

Join Us at The Parenting Conference 

Building healthy families is one of our Core Values. Need more parenting encouragement and guidance? Candlewood Church is excited to host a Parenting Conference on March 24-25, 2023. Register for the Parenting Conference today! Childcare is available for ages 1-4. If you are interested in childcare during the Parenting Conference, please register for childcare here.

Additional Information

If you have any questions about parenting, would like a pastor to pray for you or are looking for a church home, please connect with Candlewood Church today.