Blog Posts
“The Most” of Small Group Life – “Heart-to-Heart: Loving Church” Series - This year, Presence will launch a small group facilitator skills training to train some mature brothers and sisters on how to encourage discussion and cultivate a positive, safe environment for group members to share their thoughts and needs in life. We conducted a survey to explore what parts of a small group are “the most” in different situations. May it also give you an opportunity to look into small group life as we begin this new year…
Faith and Career (Part 1) – Being a Light in the Workplace – “Heart-to-Heart: Loving Community” Series - Today’s society often leads us to believe that being a Christian in the workplace is not allowed unless you are working in ministry. However, what one believes and values determines their work ethic, decision making, conversations and relationships on a day-to-day basis. Wherever God has placed us vocationally is where we can serve and be a light for Him… 
New Year Blessings – “Heart-to-Heart: Loving Family” Series - This year’s Lunar New Year comes exceptionally early. We have just stepped into a new year, and now it’s time to celebrate the Spring Festival. During the Lunar New Year, Chinese people in different parts of the world will follow the traditions they remember and celebrate. When we say “New Year Blessings” to each other at church, have you ever considered what “blessings” we are talking about? At the beginning of the Year of the Rabbit, let us look at some greetings in Christ. 
What can you do if your child is addicted to video games? – “Heart-to-Heart: Loving Family” Series - Watching your child play video games all day will inevitably make you feel anxious and worried that your child may fall into internet addiction. At the “Walking with Children Who Are Addicted to Screens and Video Games” Seminar, Dr. Agnes Ip pointed out ways to help parents deal with this challenge.
Tips for Bringing up Active, Creative and Independent Kids – “Heart-to-Heart: Loving Family” Series - Knowing the detrimental effects screen time can have on young kids, parents often wonder how to engage their children’s attention in healthier ways. Being busy parents, it’s hard to know how to encourage kids to play and grow. As a stay-at-home mom, I have struggled with this question and sought many ways to encourage active, creative and independent play in my children.
Book Review: If You Want To Walk On Water – “Heart-to-Heart: Loving Family” Series - “If You Want To Walk On Water, You’ve Got To Get Out of The Boat” is the first book recommended in our RE:NEW “Heart to Heart: U Read, I Read” blog. This book review challenges both parents and youth to step out in faith as Peter did. No matter what age we are, what occupation or cultural background we come from, God always calls us to live a life wholly trusting in Him. We hope as parents and youth read this book and discuss the reflection questions together, they can challenge and encourage one another to live more boldly for Christ.
The Dangers of Allowing Your Toddler Access to Electronic Devices – “Heart-to-Heart: Loving Family” Series - While more and more parents are aware of the impact of gaming and internet addiction on the health of their children, many can be oblivious to the fact that bad habits such as obsession over video games and attention deficit disorder (ADD) can be caused by a parent’s decision to utilize electronic devices as an educational or accompanying tool too early in their children’s life. Contemporary studies have shown severe consequences for allowing toddlers access to electronic devices, which include the overstimulation of the brain, thus leading to a lack of focus both during learning and socializing down the line.
Eight Tips for “Correcting Children’s Behavior without Yelling or Hitting” (2) – “Heart-to-Heart: Loving Family” Series - In the previous article, we talked about the first four tips of Dr. Agnes Ip's "Correcting Children's Behavior without Yelling or Hitting" seminar, which made me realize: guiding children requires your willingness to "spend time" and your unconditional "love". If you feel that your children are often "unmotivated, having many issues, like to spend money, and hate studying", and you wish they could be "obedient, well-behaved, positive and motivated", I hope Dr. Ip's remaining four tips can help you .
Eight Tips for “Correcting Children’s Behavior without Yelling or Hitting” (1) – “Heart-to-Heart: Loving Family” Series - What most children want most is very simple: not material rewards, not praise in front of others, but just that parents "spend time" with them and give them basic respect, trust and a little understanding. As Dr. Ip shared: as long as a person is willing to "spend time" to practice these eight tips “with love”, parents can correct children’s behavior without yelling or hitting, and anyone can become a good father or a good mother.
Breaking Through the Generational Barrier – “Heart-to-Heart: Loving Church” Series - Has a conversation with your children ever ended badly because of a misunderstanding? Do you find it hard to make sense of the things that your children value, their lifestyle, and how they use their time? Have they ever said anything that hurt your feelings? Do you feel that no matter how hard you love them, there is still a barrier? You are not alone if you can somehow identify with these questions because generational communication is not always smooth and without roadblocks. However, instead of getting frustrated, you can choose to be more open-minded, willing to listen and learn, wait for the opportunity to arise, or even restore the relationship. We hope that Presence’s “Healthy Dialogue” Series will bring hope and inspiration to break through generational barriers.
