By Thomas Luttrell
Statistically, about 40–50 percent of married couples will end in divorce, and 75 percent will remarry. The rate of divorce for second marriages increases to about 60 percent, and even higher when there are children involved. This means the majority of blended families will break up. Christians, including Seventh-day Adventists, are not immune to this and tend to mirror divorce rates of the larger society.
By Thomas and Hannah Luttrell
To honor our mothers and fathers in May and June, respectively, Thomas and Hannah Luttrell—the contributors of the May/June 2023 “Parenting Paradigm” feature—interviewed two students from Chesapeake Conference’s Spencerville Adventist Academy (Md.). Victoria Imbraguglio (’26) and Jared Rivera (’27) share what their parents mean to them and give words of advice to all parents.
What I love about my parents:
Perhaps you’ve heard of "No-Shave November"? Now it's time for your lawn to get in on the inaction.
A growing number of local towns and organizations are encouraging residents to hold off mowing their lawns for "No Mow May" (sometimes earlier depending on the geographic location). This, in addition to not using pesticides will allow local native plants to serve as food for early season pollinators.
The Columbia Union Conference Multilingual Ministries Department, local conferences and the North American Division recently worked together to donate 30 portable baptistries to church plants that have shown a great commitment to the mission.
By Thomas and Hannah Luttrell
Bruce Perry, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, recommends the non-traditional “3 Rs” method to help children—especially those who are highly sensitive or neurodiverse—learn, think and reflect during difficult situations.
Regulate: Many parents try to reason with their children when they are already “unregulated”—unable to control their emotions. This can be due to being tired, anxious, fearful or hungry. The first thing parents need to do is help their child control their emotions. They can model this by not reacting in anger. Parents may need to remove the child from an overstimulating environment or immediately address their underlying physical need.
By Thomas and Hannah Luttrell and Visitor Staff
"I'm bored!" If you're a parent and it's the Sabbath, you've probably heard your kids say these words before. But Sabbath doesn't have to be dull and dry. There are many fun activities you and your family can do together. Here are just a few:
• Light a candle at sundown Friday to denote the start of a special time with Jesus.
• Start Sabbath morning with “Happy Sabbath pancakes.”
• Discover a new Christian artist or podcast.
• Create a seasonal scavenger hunt.
• Watch Hope+ Kids animated Bible stories on YouTube.
By Thomas and Hannah Luttrell
The hospital lights were dim, and medical equipment hummed quietly. I (Hannah) was still groggy from my emergency C-section just hours before. Our baby’s heart rate had suddenly dropped, and I had been rushed into the operating room.
Editorial by Austin and Celeste Blyden
Our winter baby was born in January on the coldest day of the year. She was 7 pounds, 11 ounces and 21 inches long. She had 10 fingers, 10 toes and thankfully only one nose. Her hair was soft and curly, and her skin against ours was tender and moist. And when she looked at us—her eyes wide with wonder—we melted.
Story by Heidi Wetmore
Spencerville Adventist Academy (SAA) recently held its second annual Career Day for the entire student body, grades pre-K to 12.
“The theme ‘Called to Serve,’ helped students understand that God is calling them to serve Him no matter what course of study or profession they decide to pursue,” says Carmen Esposito, SAA’s guidance counselor.
Story by Kasper Haughton Jr
The Lima church recently held its second annual Community Recognition Award Service. The program recognized 13 officers, volunteers and community leaders, as well as eight organizations that serve the Lima community, including the Lima Fire Department, the Lima Police Department, Our Daily Bread, Lima Rescue Mission, Habitat for Humanity, Bradfield Community Center, Family Promise, and Bittersweet at Betty’s Farm.