14 Days of Healing Prayers For Hurting Parents

14 Days of Healing Prayers For Hurting Parents

by | Aug 9, 2023 | Blog

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

1: Finding Refuge in God’s Shadow

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand].” – Psalm 91:1 (Amplified Bible)

Dear Lord, as a left-behind parent, I turn to You with my burdened heart. Father, hide me under Your wings. Keep me stable and fixed under Your shadow. I pray that my children and I both find refuge in Your presence. Shield us from the snares of bitterness and pain, and guide us through this journey of healing. Your faithfulness is our protector, and Your love is our fortress. Thank You for being our stable refuge in these challenging times. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

2: Finding Peace Amidst Pain

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

Dear Lord, as I walk through this challenging season, please provide me with Your peace—a peace that goes beyond my limited understanding. Hold my troubled heart and bring relief through the comforting presence of Your Holy Spirit. Fill me with Your strength. Sustain me, Father, in my sorrow. When doubts arise, remind me of Your unwavering love. Amen.

3: Embracing Forgiveness

“Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13

Dear Lord, grant me the strength to forgive and let go of the hurt that weighs me down. Help me see my children through Your eyes, recognizing their struggles and imperfections. Just as You’ve forgiven me, help me extend that forgiveness towards them. May we walk together on a path of healing and understanding, guided by Your wisdom and grace. In the perfect and holy name of Jesus, Amen.

4: Restoring hope

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

Loving God, in the midst of darkness, reignite the spark of hope within my heart. Fill me with optimism for the future, believing that Your plans for my family are good! Strengthen my resolve to mend the brokenness and to never give up on the promises you have for my life. I pray this trusting and believing in You, Amen.

5: Finding Strength in Faith

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

Heavenly Father, I lean on Your unwavering faithfulness during this difficult time. Help me find strength in Your promises and trust in Your timing. Please guide me as I strive to mend the bonds that have been strained. I surrender my pain to You, knowing that You can can make a way where I can’t see one. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

6: Reconnecting Through Love

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” – Colossians 3:14

Dear God, teach me to love my children unconditionally, just as You love us. Soften our hearts, bridging the gap that separation has created. Give me insights on how to parent from afar. May Your love flow through me, mending what is broken and restoring our family’s unity. Amen.

7: Strength For Each Day

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” – Psalm 28:7

Loving Father, give me the strength to face each day with courage. When the weight of parental estrangement feels heavy, remind me that I am not alone. You are my refuge and my strength. In You, I find the endurance to keep moving forward and the assurance that You are working behind the scenes. Amen.

8: Trusting God’s Plan

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” – Jeremiah 29:11

Dear God, I lift up all my anxieties to You. Help me trust in Your sovereignty. As I journey through life’s trials and uncertainties, may I hold on to the promise that nothing can separate me from Your love —not trouble, hardship, danger, or even death itself. Strengthen my faith to wait patiently, knowing that Your timing is perfect. Give me the wisdom to discern the steps I can take and the ones I must leave in Your hands. Amen.

9: Renewed Strength

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

Dear Heavenly Father, as I face feelings of loss and guilt, grant me renewed strength each day. Help me rise above weariness and discouragement. Let me find refuge in Your presence and draw upon the promise that those who put their hope in You will be lifted up. Thank you for the strength You provide. Amen.

10: Embracing Patience

“But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” – Romans 8:25

Loving God, bless me with patience as I hope for healing and reconciliation. Send angels to minister to me when I feel discouraged. Teach me to trust in the healing process and look to you for the answers that I need. Allow this season to be fruitful and grant me the wisdom to embrace this waiting period. Amen.

11: Surrendering Control

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

Heavenly Father, I surrender control of this situation with my child into Your capable hands. I pray for protection over them. Help me trust Your guidance and timing, even when I don’t understand the path before me. Strengthen my faith to lean on Your understanding and to submit to Your will. Your ways are higher, and I place my trust in Your promises. The battle is Yours, Lord! Amen.

12: Dwelling in God’s Love

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” – 1 John 4:16

Dear Lord, let me dwell in Your unfailing love during this painful time. Remind me that Your love is a constant presence, sustaining and guiding me. As I hope to rebuild this relationship with my child, help me reflect Your love in my actions and attitude. Let me rest in Your love as I navigate this journey. Amen.

13: Cultivating Gratitude

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Heavenly Father, in the midst of my doubts and fears, help me cultivate a heart of gratitude. Let me find small things each day that bring me joy. I thank you for the growth I’ve achieved, the fellowship of your Holy Spirit, and the support that surrounds me. May my grateful heart bring me closer to healing and to my child. Amen.

14: Finding Comfort in God’s Word

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105

Heavenly Father, in my difficult moments, let Your truth be a light that shows me the hope I have in You. May its wisdom and comfort brighten my way, bringing encouragement to my heart. Help me find peace today, Lord, as Your promises lead me on this journey and bring healing to my family. In Your name, Amen.

To download this prayer plan, please click the link below.

14-Days-of-Healing-Prayers-For-Hurting-Parents-PDF-1Download

Brazilian Brigadeiros

Brazilian Brigadeiros

by | Jun 18, 2023 | Recipes

Ingredients 

1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tbsp unsalted butter
sprinkles to coat

Instructions

  • Add all the ingredients to a saucepan and heat on the stove (low-medium heat).
  • Continuously stir the mixture for about 10 minutes (or until the spoon leaves a trail) without letting it bubble or boil.
  • Immediately transfer the brigadeiro mix to a heatproof bowl and let cool for about 30 minutes in the fridge.
  • Remove the bowl from the fridge and set up workstation with some water to prevent sticking and sprinkles to coat.
  • Wet hands and take about a tablespoon of the mix and roll in a ball using the palm of your hands.
  • Roll the ball in sprinkles to coat and enjoy!
* You can also use other toppings such as shredded coconut, crushed nuts, finely ground instant coffee, etc.
*Try using brigadeiro as a topping or filling for cakes, brownies, and other pastries.
Tiffany’s Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Tiffany’s Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

by | Apr 23, 2023 | Recipes

Ingredients 

1/2 cup (100 g) almond butter
1/3 cup (80 g) unsalted butter
1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg
1 cup (100 g) almond flour
1/4 cup (32 g) coconut flour 
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup chocolate chips 
3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350º. Soften the almond butter and unsalted butter at room temperature.
  • Mix the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl using a whisk or fork.
  • In a separate bowl, add the butters and sugars. Beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy then add vanilla. 
  • Add the egg and beat until fully incorporated.
  • Using a spatula, fold all of the dry ingredients into the butter mixture.
  • Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and using a medium cookie scoop, make rows of cookies about an inch apart.
  • Bake for about 12 minutes until golden. To prevent any carryover baking, cool on a rack.
* I prefer using dark chocolate chips since they have less sugar and more antioxidants. Dark chocolate is also a good source of soluble fiber, vitamins, and minerals (iron, zinc, and magnesium). Semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips can also be used in this recipe. 
*Dry sugars work best; I like using either coconut, raw, or brown sugar.
* You can use any type of almond flour or ground nut flour.
*Like all cookies, these are best enjoyed fresh. You may also follow my gift packaging example from my photo above.

Building Steady Faith in Uncertain Times

Building Steady Faith in Uncertain Times

by | Jan 25, 2023 | Blog

Jenga is one of the most popular party games. Its name comes from a Swahili word meaning “to build.” Now, picture the Jenga tower standing sturdy and tall. As each player takes their turn, the missing blocks destabilize the structure and bring it to the brink of collapse. Each player becomes more anxious as the game progresses, and sure enough, when a key piece is removed, the tower comes crashing down. Sometimes life can feel a lot like Jenga.

In today’s challenging times, many are left overwhelmed and exhausted; even balancing day-to-day life can feel unsettling. According to Psychology Today, anxiety and depression are on the rise globally. So what do we do when facing a mountain of unsteady circumstances? Where do we turn when even the best coping mechanisms fail us?

First, we need to acknowledge that there is a God who cares about us. He is ever-present and all-loving. God is still in control, no matter how chaotic things appear to be. The Bible teaches us that those who put their trust and confidence in Jesus will never be let down. Our part in experiencing God’s care is to approach Him in prayer, recognize our limits, and thank Him for being a good provider. Our anxious minds then become still.

Thankfully, we can also rely on God’s peace. It is His gift to us, and it is found in the person of Jesus Christ. The world tells us we should strive to control our circumstances, but God’s peace will give us guidance, strength, and the courage we need to persevere. As we allow God’s peace to rule in our hearts, we become better equipped to prevent stress from toppling us over. Ultimately, peace through Jesus Christ makes balance easier to maintain.

Let’s remind ourselves to ask for God’s grace when facing mounting fears and towering concerns that steal our attention, time, and energy. Turn to Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who delivers all who trust in Him. Even if the Jenga blocks start tumbling down, as they will from time to time, don’t give up. God is there. He promises to keep us peaceful on the inside. The gift of God’s peace, in turn, becomes the foundation for building steady faith and a soul-satisfying hope!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.

Isaiah 54:10 

BEST EVER BROWNIES: Minimum Fuss, Maximum Flavor!

BEST EVER BROWNIES: Minimum Fuss, Maximum Flavor!

by | Jun 2, 2022 | Recipes

Ingredients 

2/3 cup almond flour
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2/3 cup chocolate chips
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350º. Butter an 8×8 pan and dust with cocoa powder or use a cupcake pan with paper liners.
  • Mix the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl using a whisk or fork.
  • Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20 second increments, stirring after each one. Be careful not to overheat or burn the chocolate.
  • In a separate bowl whisk the egg, sugar, and vanilla for 1-2 minutes.
  • Pour the chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar, whisk quickly until incorporated.
  • Fold in the dry ingredients and any additional nuts or chocolate chips.
  • If using a cupcake pan, fill paper liners approximately ¾ of the way and bake for 10-12 minutes. If using an 8×8 pan, bake for 15-20 mins. Bake less for more fudgy goodness or longer if you prefer them cakey.
* Use dark chocolate if you enjoy richer brownies. Nestle Toll House and Enjoy Life are two gluten-free chip brands that work well. 
*Any type of sugar can be used as long as it’s dry. I like using either coconut, raw, or brown sugar. 
*If you want to make a dairy free version, you may substitute the butter for any type of oil. 
*You can use any type of almond flour or ground nut flour.