Goal setting

Each year we set new goals for our kids in three areas - spiritual, personal and academic. It helps us to be deliberate in training our kids to be purposeful in our parenting for we know that every moment counts. We know that we now have less years with our kids in our home than we have already had and that reminds us again to be purposeful. We want our kids to be prepared academically, spiritually, and with the necessary life skills to be ready for whatever God has for them later.

And honestly, looking at these sweet faces, aren't they worth the extra thought and planning it takes to be deliberate?









For more info as to how to set up goals, see my blog on Family Purpose.

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Created to be Unique -

Every summer I see yards that are beautifully manicured, every flower is in the perfect place, every bush has been planned out to make a harmonious whole. At least once each summer I think, "I need to put more of an effort into our yard, my flower beds should look like that". There are people that I pass that I think that too. "I should put more of an effort to be that put together. I could be more stylish, more tailored.". In the end though, whether it's because I am too lazy or that's just not my style, I grow to appreciate what I have and who I am. My flowers reminded me of that this evening.

Once upon a time, I planted these flowers in our front flower bed. I don't think I even paid attention to whether they were annuals or perennials. They were pretty, so I planted them. Every year since then, they come back all over the yard. They come back in strength and number each year and in the most surprising places. Each year, I get excited to see where they are going to crop up next. They weren't planned, they aren't supposed to grow alongside the sidewalk but they do and I love that. It makes smile. They are a little wild and unruly but they are pink and burgundy and white and are going to grow whether you like it or not. My backyard is like that too, a little overgrown and unruly but so very peaceful. It's me and in the end, I feel comfortable and content there.

Caileigh came out while I was pondering all of this and I just once more wanted to remind her that she was created to be unique, she's not like anyone else and God has a special and unique plan for her life. There may be others who are more polished, or manicured or prettier(not that I think that's possible, I find her to be beautiful) or have a better schedule or may be a better cook but that God made her special and unique, just the way He wanted her to be.

As Moms, I think we often compare ourselves to other Moms to our detriment. God made us unique and He gave us unique children who need us. Not someone else but us, and with His help we can be the Mom, the wife, the friend, the daughter that we need to be. I often pray that God make me the Mom that my kids need me to be.

I learn so much from other women in my life, how to be a better cook, how to parent better, a great new curricula that will change our lives. I am challenged by great Godly women to manage my home better, to make my husband breakfast and lunch a couple times a week, to speak more respectfully, to say sorry immediately but in the end I am grateful to be me. I can be a better me, but still the unique person God created me to be.

Today, I want to remind us all to be the Mom, wife, friend that God created us to be. Comparisons are odious or odorous as Shakespeare says and God made us to be unique. Be content in being who God made you to be, He doesn't make mistakes.


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Finally!

I have finally figured put how to post from my iPad. You might hear more from me now!

School is about to start up in full force in my house so I am working on schedules, chore charts and everyone's yearly goals.

I have also cracked down on any whining and complaining as well as any dawdling that has crept up on us during this summer. I know we will better off if I deal with those issues now rather than waiting for school to begin.



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