Discerning the Spirits November 9th, 2015

This month we are looking at the thread Spirit Discerning that God weaves through his creation and created order.  As we mentioned las week, we are called to test the spirits of the age.  We want our students to be challenged to identify and discern the idols of our time and to respond as God would call them to. We were created to worship God and if we are not worshipping Him then we are worshipping something or someone else.  We want our students to understand that God is to be the most important to us, not other “things”.  God is more important than other things, and we understand that.  In discerning the idols of our time we realize that it is not just things.  We come across different values, belief systems and alternate worldviews in our studies.  Christian education should be concerned with pointing out the values that surround various topics and compare and contrast that to a Christian worldview.   It is one of the most difficult tasks but one of the most important as well.  We ask you to continue to pray for our staff at PCS and that God would grant them the wisdom they need to speak about discernment with our children.  ~Mr. Bouwers

A Heritage of Faith Oct. 26, 2015

“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works and I will proclaim your great deeds.” Psalm 145:4-6

The room was buzzing with activity, people gathered around tables excited to get together and anticipating what was in store for them.  The grandparents came pouring in and it was as if we were bursting at the seams.  Grandparents’ day is a very exciting and special day at our school.  We got to explore how God’s story and our story intersect.  Also, how the Grandparents’ story and the story of PCS entwine. And we shared examples how the students’ story is wrapped up in all of those stories.  God’s threads run through all of them.  It weaves together to shape a beautiful picture of community.  This multi-generational event demonstrates the truth we read in Psalm 145:4-6.  

Part of this passage was on a t-shirt that our family wore for the family reunion this summer.  It was a blessing to see my aunts, uncles, mom and dad, cousins, grandma and our little family wearing these shirts.  It is part of our heritage of faith.  This heritage is alive and well and we had a chance to celebrate that this weekend.  We met with family and friends to celebrate mom and dad's 45th wedding anniversary.  We are so thankful for their example and testimony in our lives.  

Grandparents, in many cases, are the tangible link to a wonderful, real life example of authentic faith.  We thank God for grandparents and for the role they play in the lives of our students.   Thank you to our grandparents, it was good to see you and we look forward to seeing you again next year.  

~Mr. Bouwers

The Work of His Hands - A wasp nest? October 19, 2015

Sometimes things can seem scary at first but upon closer examination they turn out to be a wonder.  The other night a friend and I went out to one of our spruce trees and located a large bald-faced hornets’ nest.  The nest was found this summer and was a hive of activity.  There were times we would just go over and watch all of the black and white marvels coming and going.  The nest got to be about 14 inches across and probably 16-18 inches long.  There were two nests in close proximity to each other.  We took the smaller one apart and saw the multiple layers of hexagonal combs.  It was amazing to see that each layer was surrounded by protective paper made by the wasps.  The nest had vent holes to keep it from getting excessively hot and one main entrance/exit.  From what I read the nest starts very small and grows through the summer as the colony gets larger and larger.  It was a nest of scary size but the inside was so intricate and awe inspiring.  We did our homework regarding the nest to the point that we were confident the nest was dormant when we arrived.  This encounter with the large wasp nest led to a creation enjoying experience.  It led to more investigation and a deeper understanding of God’s creation.  I would have never had known that the Bald-faced hornets eat deer and horse flies in great numbers and I feel that would be a benefit to our family.   To God be the glory ~ Mr. Bouwers

Thanksgiving and God's Creation Oct. 13, 2015

The stillness of the lake in the morning provided a mirror for the exploding colour.  It seems that the reflection in the water stirs a spirit of reflection in me.  The deep black water, slightly rippled by a gentle breeze, extended an invitation.  I gently launched the canoe into the cold water and rummaged around the storage compartment for the paddles.  Before I could turn to see if there was a willing companion to join me my son came bounding toward the rocky shore asking if he could join me.  The canoe cut through the water as we quietly dipped the paddles below the surface and took in the wonder of God’s creation.  We navigated our way along the dense shoreline noting the evidence of His handiwork.  As we crossed the narrows towards the outcropping of large rocks we could not help but speak out loud about the beauty that surrounded us.  On Thanksgiving weekend I was thankful for this time to encounter the exquisite craftsmanship of the Creator, God’s goodness and blessings, and marvel at the redeeming work of our Lord.  As we steered the vessel back towards the shore my daughter greeted us with a smile and said in an excited voice, “Dad, you and Lucas were being Creation Enjoyers!” And it was at this point that I also gave thanks for the way our school weaves God’s threads into our curriculum.  I became instantly grateful for Providence Christian School, the staff, and the community. ~Mr. Bouwers

 

“The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.” Ps. 65:8

Creation Enjoying October 5th, 2015

Thanksgiving Day is just around the corner and the leaves are starting to turn colours. I just received word that there have been no signs of mice activity in the trailer in the near north. It is at this time of harvest and during the fall when leaves start to change that it seems just a little more enticing to go for a walk or possibly snuggle up by a fire. God’s creation is a veritable treasure trove of his artwork. We were created to have community and fellowship with him while enjoying and caring for his creation. This month we will focus on God’s thread of creation enjoying. We want our students to celebrate and discover God’s beautiful creation using all of the senses. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hand.” ~ Psalm 19. Take time to read all of Psalm 19 sometime this week and then rejoice in the gift of God’s creation, meditate on His word, and sing songs of praise. ~ Mr. Bouwers

God’s Threads: God Worshippers September 28, 2015

We are worshipers. It is woven into the fabric of who we are. God designed us to worship and fellowship with Him. We can fall short of celebrating and worshiping God for who He is, what He has done and is doing and all that He has created. In reality, we are called to stand in awe and wonder of our great God and to grow in the grace and knowledge of our triune God. The phrase, “All of life is worship,” should ring true. Worshipping God is not limited to songs we sing, prayers we pray, and sermons we hear. These are definitely to be included but there is so much more. God created perfect order and shalom. In that perfect order, all glory belongs to God. In doing our work, we are called to do it for the Lord as joyful acts of service. You see, to serve God is to worship. God gave us this world to enjoy, to play in, to explore. We worship God when we enjoy the delicate complexity of an insect’s life cycle and a spiralled sea shell, or the immense awe of a super-moon lunar eclipse, and discoveries throughout His universe. We worship God also when we work, when we stand in awe and when we give Him all the glory. ~ Mr. Bouwers

Woven Together, Sculpted by Him September 21, 2015

In 1464 the statue of David was commissioned. The artist was Agostino and in two years’ time he had but carved a few rough pieces. Ten years later, Rossellino was commissioned to take up the work where someone had left off. The project could not get off of the ground. In 1501 Michelangelo was commissioned to complete the statue. Just over a year later, on September 13, 1502 he started his work and he completed the statue just over two years later. All of these facts you can read for yourself on the internet. What strikes me is how long it took for the completion of the project. A six tonne slab of marble sat for over 35 years until Michelangelo worked steadily at his masterpiece. “Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.” ~Michelangelo. Do you ever marvel at how God has woven you together? How He has sculpted you? In Ephesians 2:10 it states that we are God’s masterpiece, His handiwork, yes, His workmanship. A masterpiece is a work of outstanding artistry, skill or workmanship and a representation of the artist’s best work. That is what we are, God’s best work through the redeeming work of Jesus. That is who our teachers are. That is who our children are. C.S. Lewis said, “We are, not metaphorically but in very truth, a Divine work of art, …it is natural for us to wish that God had designed for us a less glorious and less arduous destiny; but then we are wishing not for more love but for less.” God has crafted us as His masterpiece so let us take time to marvel in that truth Today. ~Mr. Bouwers

Borrowed Prayers - September 14, 2015

In reading a few dedication prayers for the upcoming school year, I thought I would put some thoughts together for the start of another amazing year serving in His school. This is a combination of other people's thoughts and words.  Sometimes other people who have gone before can just say it better or capture how you feel in that moment.  The Anglican tradition of having a book of prayers is something I have admired.  I do wish I had a copy of that book to reference at different time in my life.  Just because they are borrowed prayers does not change the meaningfulness in which I include them in my prayer life.  ~Mr. Bouwers

Powerful and almighty God, You are an amazing God! We come before You at the start of another school year in praise and petition for Providence Christian School. You've had a plan for these children since before time began, and You’ve known that our lives would weave together this year. Please give us the gift of Your Spirit so we may discern their needs and how they can be met. Show us what is needed to teach Your little ones, Your masterpieces, and develop the gifts that You've given them. Let our enthusiasm be evident every day, because our joy comes from knowing You. Jesus, You are ever-faithful and unchanging. Fill us with Your strength and perfect peace each morning to carry us throughout each day. Put a genuine smile on our faces and help us to be as patient and loving with Your children as You have been with us. Surround us with supportive, positive influences and help us to speak only truth and light so that others will consistently see You in us. We dedicate this school year to You: Let Your name triumph over all competing forces. We thank You for giving us Your Word so we have a place to turn, a compass to guide us and a foundation to build upon. Thank you for filling us with the passion and enthusiasm that can only come from having the gift of Your Spirit. May Your name be glorified in everything that happens here as Your mercies are made new each morning. We put this year in Your hands because there are no better or more faithful hands to put them in. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen

September 8, 2015 God's Threads: Woven Together

Welcome back to another school year and the exciting next steps in God’s plan for our lives. Isn’t that really what it is all about, God’s plan for our lives? Through each season of our lives God, the Great Artisan, pulls and weaves the threads to create a beautiful tapestry. The thread of your life, for a time, is woven together with mine. We know in His providence that he is the grand designer and master craftsman. The thread of your life pulled through and guided to represent the handiwork of our Creator God. You are a masterpiece of His…. I can take a step back, even now, and see how instrumental God is in this time and in this place. We welcome and enfold new students and families that are now woven into our community. I cherish the tapestry. As the threads entwine we rest in the knowledge that as we respond to God’s call, He will continue to work for the good of those who love Him. I am so very thankful for the intersection of our lives as we work together to serve our amazing God. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10.

May God continue to bless our paths, light our way and prompt us to follow Him. I pray He holds you in the palm of His hands and that we would continue to be broken and remade in the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. God's Threads: Woven Together. ~Mr. Bouwers

Lessons from the Inbox June 8, 2015

In my inbox each morning, I receive the Bible verse of the day from BibleGateway.com.  It is a great way to start the day and to view different pieces of scripture.  Today’s verse of the day comes from Habakkuk 3 and it is verse 19:  “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,  he enables me to tread on the heights…”  This verse comes at the end of Habakkuk’s prayer, the end of this book of the Bible.  It reminds me of the time I used to spend teaching a unit from Habakkuk called “Every Bit of Who We Are.”  In fact, our grade 8 students at Providence also complete this same unit.  In this book of the Bible, Habakkuk is fed up with the injustice around him and pleads for the Lord to do something about it.  God assures him that He will do something about it and that He will use the Babylonians to teach the lesson.  That does not sit well with Habakkuk and he listens to the indictment the Lord brings upon his people.  In closing Habakkuk acknowledges that the Lord is Lord of all things, knowing that in full time God will be the one to make things right.  He says in 3:17-18, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”  As we too look around at the injustice in our world and we struggle to understand it, I can echo what I hear from Habakkuk. Let us keep our eyes focused on God’s sovereignty as we see evidence worldwide of injustice.  Let us rejoice and be joyful in our Lord and Saviour.

~ Mr. Bouwers