Patriot Moms

Submitted By April Jackson, Patriot Mom

Every Tuesday & Thursday as I pull into the Providence drop-off line, I get a smile on my face. Those of you who know me well, may be thinking its because I’m going to have a break for 7 ½ hours…..two kids at school leaves only 2 kids at home! Yes, that is partly true but the real smile, the one that also warms my heart, is not from the break I’m getting. It comes from everything contained in that tiny Providence campus.

The smile and warm fuzzies start first in the office with our administrative staff. Those ladies are always smiling, so welcoming and so accomodating. On top of that, they keep our school organized and informed. Having come from another Classical Christian school also fashioned in the University Model, I can tell you that not all schools are like that. We are truly blessed to have those sweet gals!

Next, my smile comes from the teaching faculty at Providence. Every teacher that my children have had in the 2 years we’ve been at Providence has “knocked my socks off” in some aspect. In Kindergarten, Mrs. Keylor modeled the love and kindness of the Lord to those children every day. Now in 1st grade, Mrs. Waind offers His grace daily along with teaching skills they will need as adults. This week they have filled out an application because Mrs. Waind is “hiring” for classroom jobs. How fun and cute is that?

In 2nd grade last year we were blessed with 3 Godly women. Mrs. Bunger showed us how our children had “glowed” and then ways that they could still “grow.” (I feel like the Lord is constantly showing me ways daily that I can “grow!”) Working alongside her was Mrs. Box. What a precious sweet spirit she has! Mrs. Eads joined the 2nd grade class mid-way through the year. Even though I don’t have a 2nd grader this year, I was so happy to hear that she would be back at Providence to share her kindness and goodness with our children.

I have already learned more about the Greeks and the book of Judges in the past 5 weeks than in all my previous 33 years, compliments of Mrs. Edwards in the 3rd grade! What other school in NWA can the parent learn just as much as (if not more) than their student?

Last year, we were introduced to Latin through Magister Randall. My oldest child was so enthusiastic to learn with him each school day. Now, this year we have been blessed by the addition of Magister Janicke. Both my school-age children truly love his class and can’t wait to see him and Magister Gus each day! Latin=fun? Not exactly what I had pictured when I was told we’d be doing Latin as part of our schooling!

Knowing that my kids spend the last hour of each school day in electives completes the warm fuzzies I feel. Not only are they doing something fun (and sometimes healthy), but they find joy in the elective because they were able to help decide which one they’d be participating in.
Whether or not your children have had any of the above-mentioned teachers, I feel certain that you have similar stories of ways Providence has “knocked your socks off.” Maybe it’s another teacher, the Board members or coaches. The list could go on and on as to the many facets that come together to make Providence an amazing place! Let’s give thanks to God for this treasure He’s given us!

Submitted By Cindy Palen, Patriot Mom

God’s word has a lot to say about the little member of our body, the tongue. Our words can build up our house, or tear it down. As the mothers and managers of our homes, we set the attitude for the rest of the family. If we have a bad attitude, it will trickle down to our children, and our husband will feel it like a whirlwind of fire when he comes home from work. God warns us that our whole body can be defiled by our tongue.

James 3:4-6
Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

James 1:26
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

Here we see a person who is religious, always at church, appearing to do the right things, and yet he is deceiving his own heart. All his religious ways are for nothing because he does not bridle his tongue. We need to heed the warning because we will be called to account for our words. Jesus said,

Matthew 12:36
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

We want life to be joyful, pleasant and good, and scripture gives us this key, but we often neglect the warning:

1 Peter 3:10
For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.

We need to encourage our children and husbands. Complaining should not be part of our conversation. Groans, sighs, and discontentment are not part of a child of God’s life. Paul gives us instruction on how our words should be used.

2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
We need to rebuke when necessary, but exhort, or encourage, with patience and doctrine (according to God’s word).

God gives parents wisdom in encouraging our children. If we are angry when we rebuke our children, they will be angry as well. It is necessary to train, discipline and correct our children when they err, but if we train them with joy on our faces, our words will be like apples of gold, instead of a stench.

Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Imagine this: My child has wandered from her school work for the 6th time today, and is playing in the corner. It’s already 3:00, and she has much work left to do. I get angry because I sense the urgency to complete the assignments, and I am frustrated because of this continual disobedience. I yell and scream and force her to sit beside me until we finish all the work. When dad comes home, we are both angry and frustrated, and I complain to my husband about the child’s misbehavior.
Here is how it could have gone: I give my child her handwriting assignment to complete at the kitchen table. I stay nearby washing dishes as she begins her work. I deliberately step into another room for a few minutes, watching discretely to see if she will continue her work in my absence, or step away when I am gone. I have laundry to do, but I know if I spend my time early in the day peeking at her, I will train her to obedience, and we will both get more done today. She quits working shortly after I leave the room. Immediately, I reappear, and she is disciplined for leaving her work. I am joyful. I expected her to get up, that is why I was hiding in the hall. The discipline is executed without anger. Depending on the child, this may have to be repeated a time or two, but children do learn when negative consequences are consistently and joyfully enforced.

Colossians 3:21
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

Another scenario:
My child is at the table doing his math. I walk by with a pile of laundry in hand, and see that he is getting frustrated, and has not accomplished what I expected him to in the time he has had. I begin singing, “The joy of the Lord is my strength, the joy of the Lord, is my strength…” Then I swing by the table and say, “How’s that math coming? Do you need some help?” I will get a much better answer than if I saw him there and wrathfully said, “Is THAT all you have gotten done?! You’ve been at that for TWO hours! You better hurry up, or we’ll be late for soccer!”
Remember:
Nehemiah 8:10
…the joy of the Lord is your strength

So, as the heartbeat of our family, let our heart be in continual communion with the Lord. We can try to be joyful, but if God’s spirit is not living and active inside of us, we will fail. If our walk with the Lord is withered and dry, our words will be withered as well. You cannot get good fruit out of a dry vine. If we are connected to The Vine, Jesus Christ, we will bring forth good fruit. If we are connected to the world and the cares thereof, we will bring forth fruit worthy to be cast into the fire, and our families will suffer from our lack of diligence. Be encouraged, all things are possible to them which believe. Plug into the Vine, and He will carry you through any trial that comes your way!

Cindy Palen

Moms, please join us this Thursday for a presentation by Patriot mom and Providence 5th grade teacher, Cindy Palen.

Cindy Palen will be presenting tips and organization strategies to help your home school days run smoothly. When Cindy began homeschooling she had children ages 5, 4, 2 and newborn. Come hear the techniques she used to turn those days from turbulent to tranquil.

I love Fall! I love the changing of the seasons, the fall scents, the deep, rich colors that fall brings with it, the streets and sidewalks covered in leaves, and crisp fall mornings. I am reminded each fall as the season changes again faithfully, how faithful the Lord is. What a great time to talk with our kids about God's beautiful creation and His faithfulness year after year. I like to remind my children that just as we can depend on the changing of the seasons each year, even more so can we depend on God. How comforting to know that with all the changes that life holds for each of us we can always count on God's faithfulness.

"Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies." (Psalm 36:5).
"But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." (Psalm 86:15).

Submitted By Megan Morgan, Patriot Mom

Would you like to have 20 meals waiting for you in the freezer each month? Find 4 other families of a similar size and commit to making 2 recipes of 10 meals each and meet to exchange them. The shopping and prep takes you 2-4 hours and the cost is $80-100. You can contact Megan Morgan at montymeg@sbcglobal.net for 3 months of recipes that can get you started. Buy a supply of 8x8 pans, foil sheets, ziplocks bags and you are in business. Line the pans with foil, fill, freeze and remove from the pans in order to reuse them each month and save money. Take the frozen foil wrapped items and place them in a gallon ziplocks bag. For more tips on how to make your group a success and your dinner time smoother, contact Megan at the address above!

Please pray for these Providence mom’s this week as they travel to Frisco, Texas to represent Providence at the D6 Conference.

Teresa Webb, April Jackson, Debra Guthrie, Lori Bova

D6 stands for Deuteronomy 6:5-7 which commands dads and moms to take everyday opportunities to impress God’s Word upon the hearts of their children. D6 is foundational to raising spiritual champions for Christ.

Moses was very specific in this passage that showing our love for the Lord is not enough. We must be active in passing our faith along to our kids. It’s clear from D6 that while church is a vital part of this development, it cannot stop there. It must continue in the home. It’s imperative that you look for teachable moments with your children in all of life—in the mornings, when you are running errands, at mealtimes, and at bedtime. It’s a tough job, but we have the resources to help you accomplish your goals.

Submitted By Beck Fink, Patriot Mom

Yesterday was the first time in a very long time that I was actually at my house by myself. Garrett and Gabriel started 3 year old preschool yesterday and Caleb was of course at Providence. I really wanted to use my time to curl up and take a nap because I had been up during the night several times with Garrett and Gabe (they are going through one of those phases, I guess). But the house really needed some serious attention. So, I turned on my iPod and went to work.

As I was dusting (one of my least favorite chores) Steven Curtis Chapman’s “One Heartbeat At A Time” came on. The Lord really used the words of this song to speak encouragement to my heart! As I dusted the sweet pictures of my boys (with tears in my eyes), I was encouraged and strengthened to continue my work as a mom and challenged to do it joyfully!

On top of all that, I was so very thankful for a loving Father that gave me what I needed, exactly when I needed it! We serve an awesome God! I thought other moms might be encouraged by the words of this song as well.

Click HERE for the link to the song. When you get to the page, just click the play button.

Calling all Providence Dads!

This is your first official opportunity to meet up with other Providence fathers this year for an event tailored for you. Tuesday, September, 29th at 6:00pm (ending at 7:30pm) at the West Campus Fellowship Hall. Craig Bova is spear-heading this excellent time of food/camaraderie (6:00-6:30pm) and productive meeting time (6:30-7:30pm). You’ll be encouraged in your roles as a Providence husband and father, and you’ll have a great time of fellowship with like-minded men.

Donations will be accepted to help cover the cost of supper; if everyone brings $2 or more--that should do it. A homework pass will be awarded to those who attend.

Submitted By Megan Morgan, Patriot Mom

This month the Morgan and Vittiello girls tried out a new activity and really enjoyed it. Here's how you can do it too! Each month there are introductory craft classes on the 2nd Friday of each month. These include papermaking, leatherworking, and pottery throwing in the morning and sewing, knitting, and crocheting in the afternoon. Each class is about 30 minutes and costs approximately $5. Most are geared for ages 8 and up, but they also have ceramic pottery painting for the littler ones.

Go to http://www.craftycottage.net/ for more information and directions.

There are also half price gift certificates available at http://www.nwahomepagedeals.com/ to make the day even a better deal!

I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Patriot Moms,

One of the many benefits of being a mom at Providence Academy is the wonderful friendships with other Patriot moms. We highly encourage you to attend the Mothers of Providence events, as well as the moms night outs. If your class hasn't planned a moms night out yet, then plan one!

This picture was taken at the 7th grade mom's night out Tuesday evening at the Marketplace in Springdale.

Ladies, take the time for friendships. You will be truly blessed.

Our next Mother's of Providence "Get Connected" night is on Tuesday, September 22nd at 6:30 p.m. at the west campus. This is for ALL moms at Providence Academy. (Teachers, you are always welcome too!) Please mark your calendars now, so that you can attend.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Proverbs 27:17 "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." (King James Version)

I just got an email from CitiScapes magazine and every year they do the “Best of NWA" poll. I just finished it and one of the questions on the link was Best Private Schools. They had a drop down menu where Providence was listed. Here is the link: http://www.bestofnwar.com/

Let's all vote for Providence for the best school in Northwest Arkansas.
Have a blessed day!
Susan Nettle

Submitted by Jenny Bunger

You may already be aware of this, but I just read about a new science museum opening at the university this month. It's called the University of Arkansas Discovery Zone, and is geared toward K-12 students. I thought it might be of interest to the PCCA families. Here's a link to the article:

http://coehp.uark.edu/7393.htm

Hope everything is going well in the new school year!

Submitted by Lori Bova, Patriot Mom

Dr. Kathy Koch (Celebrate Kids) delivered a message at the NAUMS conference this summer titled “The Number One Leadership Mistake”. She purports that the primary mistake in leadership is that leaders do not know who they are FOLLOWING. They know what kind of leader they are and who they are leading, but have no focus on someone BETTER than themselves. She stated that NOTHING shapes our leadership abilities and style more than those we follow. She asked us, “Who is on your Board of Followership?” “Who do you look to for direction, for words of wisdom?” She challenged that those we follow should have self-control, self-respect, and respect for others.

After thinking about this, I realized that God should obviously be the Director on our Board of Followership. He is the standard and He called us to follow Him. But, who else do I look to for encouragement, style, or direction? Where do I turn? Do these individuals reflect God’s heart? Do I listen too much to the world? Do I even seek wise counsel from other believers?

Ladies, draw up your org chart. Plop some names in the blanks. May be your grandfather, a former teacher, or another mom. Think about it. If someone doesn’t meet the criteria, fire them! Get them off your board and fill that position with good, Godly people.

Below are two quotes from Dr. Koch that really stuck with me:

Words…use them only to HELP, never to HURT.

Do everything on PURPOSE with PURPOSE.