Seasons of a Mothers Heart - Chapter 5

I am reading Seasons of a Mothers Heart by Sally Clarkson and linking up over at Home With The Boys. Remember you can also follow tweets about the book by using hashtag #momsheart.

Chapter 5 - Planning to Live
What do I want my children to know? What do I want my children to be? What do I want my children to do? These are three goals we should ALL definitely all be looking at and considering when it comes to our children.

We know that our children will not know or learn EVERYTHING, no one can. But our hope is that they will enjoy learning and know how to find the answers to questions and problems by utilizing the skills we teach them. We want them to be able to think for themselves and not rely on other people. This is one reason we homeschool. We want to be able to encourage their strengths and develop their weaknesses so that they will be able to grow up into self sufficient thinkers.

We want them to be happy and content. We want them to develop great characters that will allow them shine in this world. Sally says, "God has not always given precise instructions in the Bible, so there is no easy formula for how to develop character in children (pg 101)," but boy do I wish there was some days. It is up to us the parents to guide, teach and protect. One of my goals this year is to be a better guide. I know my children follow and learn by the examples I lay before them and lately my examples have not been the greatest. I have a few character issues that I must work on for myself so that they are not passed onto my children.

We want our children to do what makes them happy. We want them to follow their dreams and know that they can obtain anything with hard work and determination. We want them to serve others and know that it doesn't matter how small the act may be it will still make a difference in someones life. I volunteered at a state run nursing home for about 5+ years, our church youth ministry and various school functions when I was a teenager. I loved serving others and seeing the impact that was made on those I served. Over the years though "life" has gotten in the way and I have not been able to volunteer like I used to. This year even though our children are very young we are going to find ways that they can volunteer and serve others. If you have any ideas for us that a 4 and 5 1/2 yr old can do please share them.

Now where did I put that manual??????

My Life:
I love the family application idea. Make a know-Be-Do-Be-Do poster for each child. Choose a verse together that you want each child to "know." Then identify two character qualities you want them to develop ("be"), and have them come up with two ministry things they will "do". Maybe after our move we will create some posters. But I think since my kids are young we will focus on one character quality and one ministry activity for each.

Quotes and Scriptures that really hit my heart:

-I am a guide, a teacher, and a protector to them as they begin their own journey along the path of life. pg 100
-Philippinas 2:3-4 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." pg 103

 If you have read the book please feel free to share your thoughts!