Family and Faith Magazine January 2015 | Page 6

GOODWILL MESSAGES Promoting God-Centred Living and Family Values C ongratulations to Shelly-Ann Harris and the editorial team of Family and Faith Magazine on this, its inaugural publication. Family and Faith Magazine is a timely and necessary addition to the magazine titles available locally, promoting genuine God-centred living and family values. This monthly magazine promises to sow seeds of hope as it highlights the message of Christ and encourages a way of excellence for every reader. People want to experience Christianity which gives inspiring examples, is relevant to their lives and situation, and demonstrates integrity. We believe that Family and Faith Magazine will fulfil all these by the articles and features carried in each issue, even as it makes room for the individual’s voice through its vox pops and polls. This publication has the potential to impact our nation, helping to reinforce moral virtue and build healthy families and communities. It is one more step taking us that much closer to the country of our vision 2030, the peaceful and productive place that we all want it to be, a Jamaica that is the place of choice for raising families and doing business. It is our hope that every individual, no matter who they are - the writers, the businessman, the politician, the teacher, the Police, just to name a few, will find something in the pages of this publication that will speak to them in a very real way. We therefore welcome, bless and endorse Family and Faith Magazine as it sets out to assist in making a positive difference in our country. We are heartened by the God-sized vision and we encourage persons to partner with Shelly-Ann and her team as they promote all that is good, lovely and true. Our prayer is that Family and Faith Magazine will continue to be an authentic medium through which the voice of Jesus Christ will resonate. May God continue to bless this magazine and the Team. May it reap great rewards and dividends as you choose to be a relevant voice in this time of challenge but great opportunity in Jamaica. Parenting Commission Welcomes Family and Faith Magazine I wish to commend the editorial team of Family and Faith Magazine for what is sure to be a great resource for strengthening parenting and Jamaican families. Parenting is among those personal actions, which, when aggregated, have far reaching national development consequences. The National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC) has been charged with the responsibility of strengthening the family’s capacity and parenting skills by providing them with resources and support required to produce a society where all children are exposed to and experience positive parenting. The NPSC is committed to this responsibility and is mandated to support and educate parents for the success of the nation’s children. That is why we are heartened by the introduction of a new publication such as Family and Faith Magazine that shares similar objectives. Parenting has always been accepted as an important ingredient to social stability and national development. While parents cannot prevent all the detrimental conditions, it is undeniable that parents and families have a profound influence on children and their development. Whether it is a traditional two-parent family, single mother or father, or a combination of adults and children who live together, that family unit is how every person first experiences life. The family is a child’s first source of knowledge and the prototype for how a child learns about relationships, social norms and behaviour. The challenge is that inappropriate parenting practices continue to increase indiscipline and poor social skills as the child gets older. When parents are not involved with their children, don’t respond warmly to them, don’t supervise them properly, and use harsh and inconsistent discipline, children may react with defiant, aggressive, impulsive behaviours. Parents, guardians and caregivers, must play a fundamental role in the lives of their children. It is within the confines of the family and by the quality of nurturing and socialization that is provided, that their future success or failure will be determined. It is the parent’s responsibility to show their children that they care enough to get involved and stay involved during their formative years, during their schooling, and even throughout adulthood. The NPSC is committed to the transformation of families through communication, awareness, research, education and support and we welcome the introduction of Family and Faith Magazine that we trust will help in that transformation process. Pastors Dwight & Joan Fletcher Dr. Patrece Charles Transformed Life Church SPONSORS CEO National Parenting Support Commission CONTENTS 7 Pg. The Redwoods - A Life of Prophecy, Passion and Prayer 10 Pg. Cheers to a Meaningful Christmas by Indi Mclymont Lafayette 11 Pg. Anchor Your New Year Resolutions by Faith 11 Pg. Unforgettable 2014 6 Family and Faith Magazine | 12 Pg. He Said: She Said #MaritalRape compiled by Trisha Lee 13 Pg. What Makes A Marriage Last by Dr. Barry Davidson 19 Pg. Top 7 Nutrition Habits for 2015 by Nutritionist, Paula Barrett Brown 20 Pg. Shine Your Light 23 14 Pg. ‘Feel the Fear But Do It Anyway’ – Raising Girls 16 Pg. Arguing Before Your Children Can Hurt Them by Chris Brodber Pg. Take the Family and Faith Challenge! Pg. Dressed for Church www.familyandfaithmagazine.com | 25 Monday, January 5, 2015 Pg.27 Scary, Then Not So Scary by Nia-Ashley Harris Pg.28 God’s Ground Rules for Money by Cherryl Hanson Simpson 30 Pg. Can Christian Wife and Worldly Husband Have a Family? by Anna Brown