March 31st, 2014 A True Underdog Story?

What draws us to an underdog story? Is it the triumph of the “human spirit”?  Or is it the inspiring stories of individuals that, despite the odds, pull themselves up out of the quagmire of their circumstance “by their own boot straps”?  I think both of these fall short of what really draws us to these stories.   This humanistic worldview does not seem to jive with a Christian worldview but these stories, nonetheless, remain favourites of ours.  What is it then that draws us in?  I do believe it has something to do with biblical truth that is not always highlighted but still remains evident.  God has always been in the habit of partnering with unlikely “heroes”.  Story after story in the Old Testament illustrates God’s use of the little ones to carry out His will or to be his messengers.  Even in stories like The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien,  small hands are used to accomplish a great task not out of sheer power but a humble and contrite disposition. Favour falls upon those who are bent to the will of a high calling.  I think we find the story of the underdog compelling, in part, because we long for the source of all love and power to partner with us to do great things for the Kingdom cause.  We can illuminate the truth of the Word by diminishing our role and letting the glory and power of our God shine through.  We are called to be poor in spirit, to become nothing so that God’s power can be revealed in us.  It is moments and postures such as this that we are able to grow, that we are able to be taught, and that we are fully able to partner with God.  It is an encouraging thought that God, in His infinite love for us, chooses us despite all that we lack.  It enables us to give it all for His glory, and honour and praise.  May His transforming power be evident in your life this week as we seek to grow and learn more about Him, His creation and His created order. 

                                    ~ Mr. Bouwers 

March 24th, 2014 New Venture - Junior Kindergarten!

As some of you may have heard, we are starting a new venture here at the school that is rooted in a long time program.  Our Sonshine School program has been running for over 10 years and we are very thankful for that program and the many children it has blessed throughout the years.  It has effectively served as an equivalent to a junior kindergarten program under the capable leadership of Mrs. Mary-Jane Tigchelaar (Mrs. T).  The time has come for Providence to take the next step and formalize the junior kindergarten program at the school.  It is with much joy and now anticipation that we move forward with a formalized junior kindergarten program starting in September.  Mrs. T is excited to provide leadership in the classroom as we welcome our youngest learners to the PCS community.  Junior Kindergarten will run on Mondays, Wednesdays and every other Friday.  We will also be offering non-curricular activity days to coincide with our junior and senior kindergarten options.  These activity days are optional for our junior kindergarten and senior kindergarten aged students on Tuesday and Thursday to provide a full time option for Christian families.  It provides us with another opportunity to partner with Christian families who are searching for full time options for their children and desire a Christian education and a Christian atmosphere.  If you have any questions regarding the program or if you require assistance to enroll your child please feel free to contact the office and we will be glad to assist you.  Feel free to send this to other Christian families who are considering the education of our youngest learners. 

March 18, 2014 Transitions

We can look ahead on the calendar to March 20^th and celebrate the start of spring.   The weather is starting to turn and I am sure we will experience the tumultuous ups and downs of the weather as we navigate through the transition.  Navigating through transitions is a large part of what we do at Providence.  We have recently had a number of family tours and interest as we transition into a new program for our early learners.  It is not only a transition for them but also for many new families as well.  We cling to God’s promise that he will be with us where ever we may go and whatever hill or valley we walk.  Through these transitions we can count on God’s faithful presence.  We continue to rely on his providential hand as we transition with our students into the final term of the school year.  In all of the transitions, be them painful or joyful, highly anticipated or approached with trepidation we must remember that our big and mighty God has the whole world in His hands.  He goes before us.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Yes, rejoice in the Lord.   Spring is coming. 

Photo from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

March 3rd, 2014 Longing and Waiting

Spring. It is a wonderful season that comes after the long, cold winter.  This winter has been especially cold and snowy but the students have remained in relatively good spirits.  I wore a bright yellow shirt today to try and encourage spring to arrive just a little bit sooner but if the temperature is any indication I do not think I succeeded.  I saw a recent post that made me smile; it said, “Dear Winter.  I am breaking up with you.  I think it is time I start seeing other seasons.” As I long for spring it brings to mind a few things.  First, I realize that we have Ash Wednesday this week which brings about the season of Lent.   It frames that time right before Easter where we celebrate the hope of the resurrection.  Secondly, I think of Springfest.  It is a wonderful community event that deserves our support, our attention and our volunteerism.  This is one event that we go out and meet the community where they are and share just a little bit of who we are.  I urge you to consider contacting some of the organizers and seeing how you can help make this a quality event in our community.   Finally, I am reminded that all things come in the Lord’s time not ours.  We may be taken by surprise that something has come to fruition or even ended much quicker than expected or we may feel like we are constantly waiting, like this long expectant spring season.  We can stand on the promises of God that he will bring in new life, restore and heal all aspects of creation in His time.  Waiting and longing for these things is not always easy but it’s worth it in the end.  ~Mr. Bouwers