Parenting is a divine but daunting task. When Nancy and I looked forward to our first child it was with excitement and anticipation. At the time I was on lighthouse duty for the Coast Guard so we were not near a hospital. We read up on how to prepare for it. In fact I had Nancy daily walking back and forth on the narrow walkway that led from our keepers quarters (house) to the lighthouse (about 200 feet). I wanted her to be in shape. Finally the day came and the water broke just before dinner. Contractions increased so I sped her to the nearest ferry dock to get to the mainland. A friend called the ferry system which ordered the boat to turn around mid-channel and go back to pick us up. Passengers were puzzled. Then they made record time crossing to the mainland.
We made it to the hospital with eight hours to spare. Things were not as desperate as we thought. :-) That’s the way it is when you start a family. You are on a learning curve even if you “think you know it all.” We didn’t :-) After eight children and 32 grandchildren we still don’t know it all. We’re working on it for the next generation.
Since our culture is moving fast to the left that also affects our thinking about parenting in God’s way. We know less and less about what Scripture says on this topic. It can result in problems that can be catastrophic years later. That is why I am excited about a new four session video series by Dr. Paul Tripp entitled IT’S TIME TO RETHINK PARENTING.
We have done a number of Tripp’s series over the years. He is respected for his ministry in helping families. He will help you discover better wayS to raise children as found in Scripture. The sessions are about 40 minutes long and will be shown during Sunday School (9:50 to about 10:35). Nancy and I will be leading the class and short discussion time that follows. The kids Sunday School classes and Nursery are available for little one. Here is the schedule…
1. Give Up Control Oct. 24th The goal of parenting is not to control your child’s life; they will quickly outgrown your authority if you miss the big picture.
2. Shape Their Character Oct. 31 Learn how to lovingly expose sin that is in their hearts and point them to Christ.
3. Thrive In The Teen Years Nov. 7 These years can be chaotic but the Bible helps us successfully transition to adulthood.
4. Rest in God Nov.14 Learning to rest in God as a parent is strengthened when you know God never calls you to raise kids with providing what you need.
5. Follow-up Discussion Nov. 21
Class will meet in the Youth Room or Auditorium depending on class size. We are limited to 25 people so register soon by calling or texting me at 253 549 6349. The video will no be on Livestream due to copyright restrictions.
Pastor Mark
PS Have you seen our building yet? Click here for a short drone view taken by my son Caleb.
Here here also for a short video of where our pastors disappeared to briefly in September. Enjoy.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11wE1HxpcEmXO17GwGP0IkYhR-9ERmwG8/view?usp=sharing