As I mentioned before, we spent some time talking with our children on New Year's Eve about setting some goals of their own for the year. We talked about having a vision ("Where there is no vision, the people perish." Proverbs 10:18 and "If you aim at nothing, you'll hit it every time.") We encouraged them to:
1. Make a decision, whether it be one word or just an area of life they felt needed to be changed.
2. Ask the Lord for His strength to succeed throughout each day. (Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.")
3. Practice, practice, practice. "Fake it 'til you make it" isn't a bad way to live. Many things can only be learned by putting them into practice.
After we had talked and then prayed together, I asked each child to tell me what they had decided on. They began to whisper in my ear one by one, "Kindness, to please God, to obey..." When it was Sarah's turn (she's 5), she thought a moment longer, then whispered, "To write a note for somebody." :)
So this afternoon during nap time, I worked on putting these goals onto something tangible to be used as a reminder. This is only a beginning. Besides having them in the main rooms, I plan to do individual little ones to hang beside their beds so that their word will be the last thing they see at night and the first thing they see in the morning. If I add a verse, it will soon be memorized effortlessly and hopefully become a lasting part of them before the year is over.
This one is in the downstairs bathroom.
It was also a great way to use up some of those scrapbooking materials that I spent so much money on just to sit in my organizer. (Life changes, huh?) I drew the letters onto patterned papers, then cut them out just outside the penlines. Because it hangs above the sink, I covered it with clear contact paper.
I used rub-ons for this one. It will probably get read often. ;)
These are miniature wooden tiles that I stuck on the wall next to the boys' bedroom door frame.
This one is on the wall by Christopher's top bunk.
While I was making it (he chose the words himself), I asked the Lord to give me the perfect verse to go along with it. I was really excited when I found this one. It goes along with the general kindness theme that we're all working on together, also.
I stuck these to the wall over the upstairs bathroom sink. I added the contact paper after I noticed the letters weren't sticking well. It may not look great, but it needed to be able to endure the water splashes and picking fingers.
I'm working on a long wall banner for the girls' bedroom with Proverbs 31:10 and 26 on it. "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies... She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness." I wanted to reinforce this "law" in the kitchen where the girls do chores together after each meal, so this one is on the side of the cupboard next to the sink.
So, have I inspired you yet? Honestly, I wanted to embroider my words and then piece a quilt around them like this, but I had to be more practical if I was ever going to finish. I want to encourage you to get your word out somewhere, whether it is with wooden blocks piled up, painted wooden letters, or just a hand-written card. Seeing it in front of you will be a big help in practicing it.
I'm excited that several of you chose a word of your own. I put together a list of those that I know of. It's on my wall so that I can remember to pray for each of you. It's never too late to choose your word for 2009 (well, until 2010, anyway)! Leave a comment if you'd like to share. I love seeing the different words that each person has chosen.
Our List:
Me - Contentment
Amanda - Patience
Dawn - Want(s)
Tracy - Gentleness
Joanne - Faithful
Tara - Commitment/Believe
Jen - Neighborly
Fontaine - Go
Katie M. - Prayer
Sharon - Now
Stacy - Joy
Heather - Optimistic
Julie - Bless
Dani Joy - Relationships
Rachel - Time
Blessings,
P.S. You're not too late. I'll keep on adding to the list. Go ahead and join in at any time! :)
13 comments...Thank you! I love to hear from you!:
Hi Amy,
I LOVE your oh-so-practical ways and places to post your words/ideas/verses. I can't wait till we move back into a house of our own so I can do some of those things as well. Thanks for adding me to your list :) You and yours are on mine as well. --Fontaine
Love these ideas! Thanks for sharing.
I am laughing only because I have my word NOW on my computer. I used my scrap stash as well. ;)
I LOVE THESE! I love that you put them around the house as regular reminders to live the way you want to live and I love that you put your personal touch to each one! They turned out beautifully!
I love these ideas! Especially the one by the toilet paper roll :) ,think of how many times you'll read that in the course of a day.
I had a hard time picking a word. I had it narrowed down to five, then this morning I looked at the Sunday School lesson that said "Called to Joy". That was on my list. So that decided it, my word will be JOY. I'm just a few days late, maybe my word should have been Punctuality.
Such pround, yet simple reminders! I used to draw on my mirror with lipstick when I was younger. Somehow that does not sound like the thing to do now though...he/he.
I know I'm late to the party, but my word for the year is going to be optimistic!
Wonderful post! I loved so many parts of it.
Also, thank you for your kind comments on my blog and for the mention on yours. :)
It's hard to think of just one word because there are so many I'd like to be reminded of and work on...but I'm going to go with BLESS, for this.
Hi there! I love the words and phrases! I think I will try some! I think my boys will love it. My word for the year is relationships.
Hi,
Love the signs and reminders. Great idea. I think Time will be my word. I need to budget my time more wisely this year and not let it slip away faster than it needs to. Thanks for the inspiration.
OK, Amy....I finally chose a word for this year :)
Commitment.
Thanks for the inspiration to carry this idea through!
These are wonderful words! And incredible ways to remember what's important in a day. :o)
My word for this year is - Imperfect. Because I am, and I'm learning to accept and embrace that.
Great ideas!! My kids would love this! My word Gentleness.
Almost a month late to join in but I choose "beginning". I saw this quote recently on another blog (Stampin' Mama):
This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind...let it be something good.
I am beginning a new phase of life on Friday - I will be retiring after 40 years of work. While I anticipate much relaxation, I do not want to spend all my days in idleness. This quote will be posted where I can see it each day to be reminded to use my time well.
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