From diapers to diplomas, there is one overarching issue that confronts every Christian parent: the spiritual growth of our children. It's easy to get caught up in the busyness of family life. The daily job of parenting usually spins around three important tasks: giving instructions, correcting children, and providing for physical and emotional needs.     

But keep in mind the bigger picture. Your most important task is to pass on spiritual truth and Godly values to your child. You will certainly do that through the daily tasks of parenting, by establishing rules that come from your convictions, and through day-to-day conversation. However parents must be intentional about passing on spiritual truths to their children. You can shape your children's views of God and give them a solid foundation. Through prayer, patience, and a positive plan designed for your unique family, you can take on the role of spiritual trainer in your home.   

 When you use activities to teach spiritual truth you're following Christ's example. In order to teach his disciples about the spiritual principles of the kingdom Jesus used parables. He placed a spiritual truth next to a common object or activity so that his followers could grasp the truth. You can do the same thing as you work with your children and train them spiritually.

Check out some of these ideas:

• Create family times: This is a great way to transfer values and biblical truth to your children.
• Demonstrate your faith: Another significant way to reach your children spiritually is to be demonstrative with your own faith. Praying for and with your kids, talking about what God is teaching you, and raising the awareness level about God's presence and active work in your family can go a long way. Sometimes a parent will say, "I feel uncomfortable praying out loud with my child." "Please...get over it!" That may sound harsh, but praying with your kids is important and with some practice you'll be able to do it comfortably. Work on making your faith more visible and your children will see more clearly how involved God is in our daily lives.
• Get outside: Enjoy God's creation with your child. Let nature imprint a feeling of sacredness, spirituality and a sense of wonder.
• Create a bedtime ritual: Create a routine of talking to God and doing devotions. Make it enjoyable and inspiring.
• Attend Church regularly: Let your child experience church with you and develop friendships.
• Memorize and display scriptures: Children are capable of storing away huge chunks of scriptures. Memorize scriptures as a family. Display scriptures to always keep the words of truth everywhere.
• Invest in yourself and in your marriage: Parents need to grow in their faith and become sturdy disciples of Christ (John 15:4-5.) You can only give your children what you invest in yourself. Take time to grow in the Lord and date your spouse.
• Give and serve: Teach your children the joy of giving. Do service projects together. Make giving and serving part of your family's lifestyle.
• Teach them the power of prayer: When you see an accident and someone is hurt, rather than becoming afraid, pray with your child. Ask God to send love and healing to the injured person and relieve their suffering 
• Invite friends and family of different generations to share their faith stories.

Ever wonder how you can become better parents? What are some Christian elements of Godly parenting? What do parents need to be equipped to parent today's children?

Congratulations to the New Officers that were elected at Sunday's Business Meeting.

John Carbone - Treasurer  |  Monica Friel - Nominator   |  Ken Haller - Asst. Financial Secretary

Ruth Haler - Elder  |  Terry Reeder - Financial Secretary

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South Park Church:  847.825.5507