Being a parent is tough
work at times.
It would be so much
easier if we were wise, wonderful and consistent with our own values all the
time.
However, as we all know,
but often don’t want to admit to our children, we are not the models of wisdom
and grace that we want our children to become!
One of the areas that
sometimes suffers with our children is that of spiritual matters. We don’t know
all the answers to our own questions, let alone the children’s as well. We
aren’t as consistent with prayer or Bible study as we feel we should be. We
hope that school or Sunday School will answer the questions and provide the
practices that we do not do.
As parents, we are the
most significant influences on our children, and if we want holistic growth in
all areas, including spiritual awareness of God and commitment to contribute to
God’s kingdom on this earth instead of just ‘getting a good job’, our children
need to both see, and participate in, our own journeys - of growth and of
struggle.
A book I read years ago
encouraged:
Parents who believe that
their children are already able to have a relationship with God “include
their children in all spiritual activities in which they themselves
participate. When the parents praise, the children praise. When the parents
intercede in prayer, the children intercede. When the parents engage in acts of
service, the children are invited along.
They foster a daily walk
and talk experience with Jesus. Prayer is spontaneous in seeking God’s
direction or help. Words of praise or thanksgiving are frequently on the lips
of family members. There is an expectation that children will comprehend and
experience a spiritual reality of God’s presence.”
“Children can tell how
you believe in them. They can feel if you consider them equal members of the
body of Christ. They know if you consider them second class spiritual
citizens.”
Helping Your Children
Walk with God by Phil
Phillips
With five young
children, it didn’t seem possible to find time for a consistent ‘quiet time’.
It was helpful to me when a friend said, “Have a noisy time!” So, together, we
sang and danced and worshiped with lots of noise instead.
When Dean and I have
read something interesting or helpful in the Bible, we have shared it with our
children, when we have gone through hard times and needed prayer, we have asked
our children to pray for us and with us.
As a school we are
learning that God calls us to walk with him. As winter comes, and longer nights
make family time more easy, let’s make short pockets of time to ask the
children what they are learning about God, what they are praying for, how they
are growing, how they would like prayer and support in their spiritual growth.
It can be harder as
children grow into teenage years to start these conversations, but if you are
well practiced in being a fellow-Christian brother or sister with your
children, the conversations will continue, and both delight and challenge you
in the future!
Helen Pearson
Assembly
This Friday we are having a
special ANZAC day assembly at 9.10am.
Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend.
Wanted:
We are in need for some parent help
in a number of areas in the school at the moment.
Vanessa would love to have a roster
of people to come and listen to the
children read on daily basis. Please let Vanessa know on vanessaho@mahu.school.nz
if you are able to help.
Vanessa would also love to hear from you if you are able to help sort the school journals for an hour once a
week.
We are still
looking for parent help to finish the data
entry for the school library. Please
contact the school office if you are able to help.
Registration forms for Hockey have already gone home and are now due back. The hockey fee for the season is $80 and is due now.
The Year 5 and 6 students will be playing with Snells Beach School. Their practices are after school on Wednesdays at Snells Beach School. The Year 2-4 students will be playing for MCS and will be having their practices at MCS after school on Wednesdays. Students are required to have their own stick, shin pads and mouth guards for practices and games.
If you have any queries please contact Nicolette on 021 307 387.
If you are interested in praying for our school, you are
welcome to come along to a prayer meeting being held each Tuesday morning,
during term time. The meeting is from 8.50am - 9.20am in the crèche room, in the chapel. Any
queries please contact Louisa Kimber through
the school office.
Parent Group Meeting
The Parent Group would love to see you at their Meetings. The next meeting is this Wednesday 22nd April in the school office. If you can't make the meeting but would still like to be involved please contact Isabelle Franks on Isabelle@conetworkz.co.nz and she can put you on the minutes list.
The Parent Group would love to see you at their Meetings. The next meeting is this Wednesday 22nd April in the school office. If you can't make the meeting but would still like to be involved please contact Isabelle Franks on Isabelle@conetworkz.co.nz and she can put you on the minutes list.
COMMUNITY NOTICES
Making the most of your assets
The “You Are” team are joining with Kingsway School to help the people of
Vanuatu. We are inviting woman to join
us for a fun and inspiring evening.
Fundraising
for the people of Vanuatu
Thursday, April 23rd – 7pm-9pm. Cost - $20 (supper included)
Learn about dressing your body shape, helping your teenage daughter develop
their social brand and more.
Register now: www.you-are.co.nz
No comments:
Post a Comment
We welcome your comments on our blogs. Thanks!