Are You Listening?

INTRODUCTION

As the first installment of our weekly leadership email, this email will start off with a brief introduction on format, content, and intended use of these emails.
Each email is broken into three sections, Introduction, leadership and Prayer.
These emails are intended to better equip our children and ourselves to be better leaders and fuel spiritual growth.

Leadership- Each email will put emphasis on a particular leadership trait that is further emphasized during the monthly 5+2 meeting.

Spiritual Growth- Emphasis on spiritual growth will initially emphasize prayer, the cornerstone of our faith.


Each one of you on this email distribution has been designated as a leader within the 5+2 kids club (or your children have)..
These lessons will be best used when both parent and child interact together, and who knows perhaps you both learn something about each other and grow a little closer.
The lessons are intended to be short, direct and to the point, with the hope that the parents will make the lesson suitable for their own particular child, but, maintaining the overall emphasis..ie this week is being a "good listener"..
Thank you for your time, contributions and the difference you are making in our community through 5+2.


LEADERSHIP
Good Leaders are Good Listeners.
Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you.
Exodus 18:19


As the leader of a 5+2 project or a team leader asked to do something for a project , you set the tone for communication.  A leader's communication must be consistent, clear, and courteous.  But leaders must also be good listeners. When leaders don't listen...

• They stop gaining wisdom.
• They stop "hearing" what isn't being said.
• Team members stop communicating.
• Their indifference begins to spread to other areas.
• Ultimately, poor listening leads to hostility, miscommunication, and a breakdown of team cohesion.

How are your listening skills?  Parents, give both you and your child a comprehensive review of your listening skills.  Remember, to expand your feedback to include their ability and willingness to listen to you, their friends, and the kids they lead.  If you don't get good grades on all fronts when you review yourself, then quiet down, listen up, and work to become a better communicator.


PRAYER
There are many ways to communicate to God through prayer, and praying scripture is the at the very foundation.  There is no single "right way" to do it. We can pray God's word verbatim, or as a paraphrase using our own words, or as an inspiration for extemporaneous prayers.  Praying scripture keeps God's Word at the center of our prayers, so that we are praying according to his will and his ways.  His promise is that when we do, we can have whatever we ask!
So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11


Scripture:"Lean not on your own understanding, but, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path" Prov. 3:5-6


Paraphrasing scripture:
Father, help______ not try to figure things out on his/her own.
Help him/her to turn to you for guidance in every decision he/she has to make.
Show him/her how clearly you will help him/her understand what to do, if he/she will only pray and ask for your help.


We have chosen to start with paraphrase scripture, that this will help knit your children's heart's desire with the will and desire of our Father.  Perhaps this will even expand and increase your use of scripture in your prayers. May your prayers be strengthened in their effectiveness.
At the end of each week we will provide a paraphrasing scripture along with a leadership trait in an effort to improve our leadership and spiritual growth within 5+2.

Blessings
"5+2, making a difference in the community around us,one step at a time..."
5plus2kidsclub@gmail.com
http://www.5plus2club.com/