Now, women who desire to prepare well for the NARM exam, a requirement to obtain the credential of Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), can enjoy a comprehensive course that is designed with the highest standards of excellence and that is written from a Christian perspective.

This course is designed and written by Susan Oshel, CPM, who has been serving childbearing families for over 3 decades.  We are so blessed and so excited to have Susan as part of the Charis family!

I have recently been asked to be a consultant for a group of people going through a parenting course to be sure the information and suggestions in the curriculum are scientifically accurate and Biblically sound.  Wow-- What a tall order!.... but I am honored and humbled to be given such an important task.  As you can imagine, I am seeking much wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit. 

Because parenting has been in the forefront of my mind, it will be the topic of this month's note.  (In case you don't know, my husband Todd and I have been blessed with 4 children.  Eric is 19, Joy is 11, Joel is 8, and Rose is 6.) 

I have spent quite a bit of time thinking about the foundations of parenting on which we build the HOW-TOs.  For instance, a major foundation on which my husband and I have built our parenting choices is the importance of being a good example to our children of the Father Heart of God.  Although we know that even on our best day we are an imperfect example, it is very important to us to be the best example of God the Father we can possibly be as we care for our children.  This foundational value effects our day-to-day parenting.  We have come in contact with so many adults who, as a result of their earthly parents' poor example, seem handicapped in their relationship with God because of an inaccurate view of His Fatherhood .  Todd and I want our children to be so comfortable and confident in their place as children of God that they are never hindered as they grow in relationship with Him. 

I have also been pondering the goals Todd and I have had for each season of growth in our relationship with our children.  These goals shaped how we chose to care for and relate to each child during each season.  Our goal for our relationship with them during their infancy, for instance, was to develop a deep bond of trust.  My husband and I knew that in order for them to learn to honor and obey us during their toddlerhood, they must first learn to trust us during their infancy.  That goal led us to be very attentive to their needs, seeking to make our decisions based on what was the very best for them regardless of what was convenient for us at the time. 

I have had the privilege of helping new parents discover (using scripture as a guide) the foundations and goals that are important to them, and then to put practical "feet" on those foundations and goals as they walk out the day-to-day parenting adventure.  Their experience has been much like my family's:  Having those values in the forefront of their minds has helped them greatly when they have been challenged.  (If you've been a parent for at least a day, you know that your parenting choices will be challenged!) 

I want to encourage each of you to spend a little time thinking about the foundations and goals that are valuable to you.  Sometimes we get so busy caring for our children that we forget WHY we do what we do.  When we have solid "WHYs", it is so much easier to be confident in our parenting decisions.

Charis Childbirth Services
149 Business Park Drive
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462
www.CharisChildbirth.org

 Kristin Schuchmann ~ International Director
(757)639-5325  Fax (757)497-2398


Susan Oshel ~ Director of Midwifery Studies
(321)206-3464