It’s funny how the summer begins with so much promise of lazy, hazy days and sizzles away at a bewildering speed.  The days are getting shorter and I just bought my cinnamon apple candle that I love to burn when the crisp fall air begs open windows and the leaves begin to burnish.

School shopping √

hair cut √

school supplies √

home school classes outlined  √

public school classes signed up for  √

 8th grade prepared for and ready for take-off.√ √

I’m gearing up for Bethany’s special ed IEP meeting at the beginning of the year, but God is showing me, as a parent, I am Bethany’s IEP.

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No, I’m not talking about the legal document required of all special education students (Individualized Educational Plan).

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I’m talking about something every parent is called to–

Every parent is to be an IEP-

Involved Effective Parent.

 

 

It’s a burgeoning challenge in these busy, distracting days to continually be involved as a parent.  Just the day to day work of feeding, clothing, taking them places, enriching their lives, and putting a roof over our kids heads can be all consuming. But that is just the tip of the iceberg- the bare minimum of what God expects.

[Tweet “Parents are to #train up, #instruct, and #encourage their #children in God’s #truth and ways.”]

As always, I’m still learning about parenting; that God’s ways are not my ways and what I think is important may not even be on His top 10 list.

God’s first thought wasn’t if Bethany got new shoes or a cute haircut and some awesome school clothes or even that I signed her up for the “right” classes. (although I’m sure He’s glad I got that all done 🙂 )

First on His list was a note to myself – “Cindy- always begin with yourself and put your heart and mind and entire being into loving me.  THEN, infuse that to all your children and grandchildren“.

Help me get that ingrained in my brain, Lord! You first in me- then You will flow out to everyone.

[Tweet “Loving #God is the #first step to #successful #parenting.”]

You shall love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being and with all your might.

⁶ And these words which I am commanding you this day shall be [first] in your [own] minds and hearts; [then]

⁷ You shall whet and sharpen them so as to make them penetrate, and teach and impress them diligently upon the [minds and] hearts of your children,

Deuteronomy 6:6,7 Amplified

With all that’s going on, it’s easy forget or mis-prioritize the most important thing in this life!

The single most important thing our children need is to know and love God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength.

[Tweet “Jesus said, what does it profit if you gain the whole world but lose your soul? #God1st”]

Everything- and I mean everything, after that is gravy!

So here we go fellow Involved Effective Parents!

As we start a new school year, let’s remember it starts with us first.

6:6 And these words which I am commanding you this day shall be [first] in your [own] minds and hearts;

[then]⁷ You shall whet and sharpen them so as to make them penetrate, and teach and impress them diligently upon the [minds and] hearts of your children. (and grandchildren)

From one IEP to another- may the Lord be with you and bless your every effort.

Surprising Treasure: Seek First the Kingdom of God- then all these things shall be added to you! Spiritual growth for you and yours! Amen!