Teaching Integrity

What a beautiful morning!

As I was thinking about the end of the school year, children being home more, and summer activities, I thought of an important word to focus on over summer break...integrity! The concept of teaching your children about doing the right think in all circumstances even when no one is watching.

As parents, we try to always model integrity, but we don't always explain to our children what it is or give them concrete examples. Try to point out situations or people that are doing the right thing so they have a visual and an understanding of the concept.  Then explain to them why it's so important.

Several years ago, when I was doing a lot of interviewing for new teachers, I would complete the interview with the question: "Can you define integrity?" Surprisingly enough, some adults had a hard time putting this concept into words.

So today, ask them questions, gauge your child's knowledge of the subject, and make it your family word for the summer.  You'll be glad you did :)

Peace and blessings,
Lesa

 

"With courage you will dare to take risk, have the strength to be compassionate, and the wisdom to be humble.  Courage is the foundation of integrity."

~ Mark Twain

Growing

Happy Thursday!

As I walked around my gardens this morning, I was struck by so much growth! I'm amazed how fast my vegetable garden has taken off... I have so much cilantro and my romaine lettuce!  I'll be bringing salad to all the weekend festivities :)

Much like my garden is growing so quickly, I feel the same with my children. Every time I look at them they seem older, taller, and wiser. As they grow into the adults God created them to be, I too am trying to grow in my parenting.  Sometimes my husband and I just look at each other and smile, thinking...what do we have here?

Just as we prepare our gardens for growth, God prepares each of us for the next season of life.  He prepares our hearts for them to take the next steps; he prepares their minds and bodies for their futures.

As your children step into the next stage, whatever transition time it may be...preschool to grade school, grade school to high school,  high school to college or even college to marriage...make sure you transition with them!  Take some time in the morning to reflect on the past, but more importantly, pray for the future and the new adventures and memories that await your family.

Peace and blessings,
Lesa

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".
Jeremiah 29:11

Let Them Inspire You

As I sit here this morning, I'm thinking about the whirlwind weekend we've had with our family.
We just celebrated the graduation of our oldest daughter from college. As I sat there during the ceremony, I was reflecting on all the hard work, sacrifice, time, service, and passion our Abby put into the degree she just earned!  I was sad that she was already finished because it meant life was going so fast, but I was also overwhelmed with massive pride!  I was trying to process all the emotions, festivities, and memories we were making...it was just too much to take in.

On our drive home, I took a letter out of my purse that our daughter had given us.  I knew I needed to be in a private place to read it and that God would provide just the right time.  As I read the beautifully written letter, the message was so clear...God was inspiring me through my own child. God gives us these children to teach us about life and I learned so much from that letter.

I learned that every act of love you do for your kids...they remember and appreciate.
I learned that every sacrifice you make...they know.
I learned that all they really want in life is to make you proud because it's the only way they know how to repay you!

In those times when you feel like you are working so hard as a parent, just know...It is making a difference. They are listening, and if you listen, they will inspire you!

Peace and blessings,
Lesa

    "Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven."
     Henry Ward Beecher

Opportunity

Hi everyone...

Today I was thinking about something my husband, Jerry, always says. Since they were little, he has told the kids, "Never miss the opportunity to make someone's day!" I love that philosophy and approach to life, which is probably why I married him :) As parents, there are so many things we need to teach them but this simple little idea can make a huge difference in their lives and the lives of others.

I was reminded of this on Mother's Day. Jerry and the kids worked so hard to make the day special and it was great! Children love giving if you teach them how, even if it's just the gift of time, the gift of listening, or the gift of love. Ask your children whose day they can make today and teach them how, no matter how small the act of kindness is. If it comes from their heart...it couldn't be any better!

Peace and blessings,
Lesa

"Each of you must give what you have decided in your heart, not with regret or under compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver."
2 Corinthians 9:7

The Pay Off

Hello...it's a beautiful morning!

Today, I was thinking about consistency and effort... two words that come to mind when I think about  good, purposeful parenting.

As parents. our calling can be overwhelming and exhausting.  But, if we stay consistent with our guidance, expectations and discipline...it will pay off!  So many times we just want to give in to something our child wants or we feel guilty because we are so busy, and we just want to make them happy and quiet!

This approach is a quick fix and will eventually backfire as they get older.  Hold your child accountable for their actions, teach them through the tough times and remember you are the parent and they really do need and want structure :) They actually thrive in it!

Peace and blessings,
Lesa

                                  "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

                                    Philippians 4:13

Keeping It Positve

Good morning, beautiful sunshine!

Today I was thinking about the importance of positive reinforcement - not only in parenting, but in other aspects of your child's development. Our kids are involved with lots of sports and activities and it's our role to not only encourage, teach, and love our children unconditionally, but also to make sure the people they are spending time with outside of your home do the same.

During the years our daughter was playing a lot of volleyball, we were so blessed to have a faith-filled coach that mimicked our parenting style on and off the court. She not only taught the game, but also nurtured, loved, and respected her.

Whatever mentors they are spending time with in sports, the classroom, or other activities, make sure it's a good fit for your child and they are helping them grow in a positive way!

Children all have certain gifts, and it's our job to figure out what they are. Then, we can put people in their lives that support and care for that gift! It is so comforting for the other adults in your child's life to reinforce what you are doing in the home. I thank God for all of those people in my family's life. You know who you are ;)

Peace and blessings,
Lesa

"Love never fails."
1 Corinthians 13:8

Soak Up The Memories

Goodbye April and Hello May!

Welcome to crazy May :) During this time of spring, we are so busy with end-of-the-school-year commitments, work, sports, graduations, yard work, housework, and the everyday life of parenting.

How can we get everything done? The answer is simple: we probably won't! But, it's OK! In the midst of the craziness, our job is to prioritize, stop to soak up the memories, pray a little more, and enjoy.

Sometimes we are so busy running and doing that we forget to truly be present in the memories that we are creating. Take out your camera for a picture, type a cherished moment on your phone, love on your family, and really soak it up! These wildly busy times come and go, and it's easy to pass up the beauty that exists in the midst of them.

Peace and blessings,
Lesa

"This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24