What a treat to be asked to record a few sentiments for DaySpring’s blog, (in)courage! I’ll admit, I’m a bit intimidated. I mean, this is “DaySpring” we’re talking about. A company known for their creative writing and beautiful poetic prose. I’m just a mom of three boys who writes a bit on the side – in between loads of laundry and Google searches for new ways to make chicken for dinner. Yet, some how, the Lord has caused my path to cross with yours through this site and I’m honored.

I’ve been asked to share some thoughts with you on “The Resolution For Women“. And while it is indeed a book, that I had the privilege to author, calling women to consider thirteen unique topics that will affect the deepest and most intimate parts of their lives, it’s not merely a book. The Resolution For Women is a movement – a gathering of women who are resolving to be who God has called them to be as single women, career women, wives, mothers, women in ministry or whatever facet of life in which they’ve found themselves in. It’s a call to be content, live fully in the moment, release others from the bondage of unforgiveness, give the best of themselves to their primary calling, bless others with concern for their well-being, leave a legacy worth inheriting and so much more.

Sometimes moving forward successfully in the regular rhythms of our lives requires that we commit to a pre-determined course of action and attitude up front. It’s all about making a resolution about the type of woman we are going to be no matter what kind of environment we find ourselves in at that moment.

It’s a journey. . . and it’s one that I’m hoping you’ll take with me.

Thought you might enjoy taking a peek at the resolutions offered in the book. While each of them touch different facets of life, number 11 is specifically in regard to motherhood.

(And even if you aren’t a mom, this one is for you. Hang in there with me and keep reading 🙂 )

Resolution #11 – A Resolution To Train My Children in Righteousness

I will demonstrate and teach my children how to love God with all their hearts, minds, and strength, and will train them to respect authority and live responsibly.

A woman that I greatly admire once said to me, “Priscilla, as moms we have the privilege of molding the memories that our kids will have when they are adults. The smells, sights, and sounds of their childhood are largely determined by us. We get to create their childhood.”

The word, “create,” hung in the air long after our conversation was over. What she was suggesting is that I should “resolve” to be a certain kind of mother, steer my children in a particular kind of way and prepare a certain type of environment for them based on the memories I wanted them to think back on when they become adults. That concept caused me to become more deliberate with the rearing of my children in many areas. Everything from becoming a bread maker – so my kids would remember fondly that familiar and decadent smell of bread straight from the oven – to being focused on their Scripture memorization, I became determined – resolved – to create a childhood with specific details that I hope will be recalled to their minds when they are older.

But, I’ve noticed that nothing is more impactful to my sons than my actions. No matter what I say, or how many times I say it, what they really remember and incorporate into their lives is what they SEE me and their dad doing. That is why I included the important word “demonstrate” in this resolution point. Go back and read it again.

It’s ok. I’ll wait.

Demonstrating to our children how to love God with all of their hearts, minds and strength is a lot different and requires different “muscles” then just telling them about it. We have to LIVE IT out. We must have a passion for God that rubs off on them. As its been frequently said, “Lessons are better caught than taught.”

And this goes for everything from teaching them to be organized, or to not leave their shoes in the middle of the floor, to being an engaged part of a local church family; they often do what they’ve seen their parents illustrate.

What do you tell your children to do that you are finding quite difficult to do yourself?

Don’t feel like you have to be all spiritual when answering this question. If your response is genuinely in regard to spiritual matters then fine, but if the first thing that pops into your head is something practical like how you can’t seem to stop driving through your favorite fast food place at the same time you are trying to teach your kids to eat healthy, then that is a perfect place to start putting this resolution into practice.

I should just be honest and tell you that every time I walk past my un-made bed I feel a twinge of guilt. Most mornings, I insist that my boys make theirs. Whenever they ask me about my chaotic bed, I make up some excuse about having been a kid once and already learning the lessons and habits that I am responsible to teach them now. I tell them that “I’m the mom.” I was a kid once and now it’s their turn.

I know. . it’s feeble but it’s the best I can come up with in the hurry of the morning rush 🙂

If you are not a mom, this resolution is still worth your consideration. Last week, while I was in London, I met a man who told me he goes to church with $100 in his pocket every Sunday. He keeps his eyes open for kids that make an impression on him and have an “entrepreneurial” spirit about them. Throughout the course of the day, he entrusts them with $10 and reminds them of the important principles of giving to the Lord, saving and giving to others. So, after they’ve tithed and saved, he challenges them to find another person whom they feel led to give to, and then encourages them to figure out how they can multiply the rest. In the weeks to come, he makes himself available to answer any questions and offer any help that these little “business people” may have about what they should do. This man, who does not have biological children, has made it his task to invest in the lives of young people that the Lord has put in his path.

So, even if you do not have any children of your own, I want you to consider how you can “demonstrate” something impactful to the kids that are in your path. This is a resolution worth consideration for all of us – whether we’ve got toys strewn across our own house or not.

Resolutions like this one will reshape a life, re-furbish relationships and re-establish a legacy. And, you are just the right person to cause this process to begin. So, join me on the journey, won’t you? I’m pretty certain that every step of the way will be well worth it.

Bless you and I hope you have a fantastic day.

Priscilla, Going Beyond Ministries

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GIVEAWAY: We are excited to be giving away TEN copies of The Resolution for Women along with TEN Resolution for Men Prints!

All you have to do is to leave a comment below telling us about a man in your life that you admire and why to enter.

We’ll randomly pick winners on Friday and announce them on Bloom!

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