I finished reading “Daring Greatly” by Brene Brown a while ago. The book yet remains on my desk. It is that good. I find myself flipping through the pages because I know that my eyes will land on words that will inspire me and challenge me. To grow. To stretch.
While it is not a book on parenting, she has a very powerful chapter on parenting. She shares this quote:
What we are teaches the child more than what we say, so we must be what we want our children to become. (Joseph Chilton Pearce)
Our. Lives. Teach.
“Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside of your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night.” (Deuteronomy 6: 6-7, The Message)
Today I linked with …. Three Word Wed. and Wed. Prayer Girls and Create With Joy and Wordless Wed. and Doing You Well and A Little R & R and Winsome Wed. and From Dream To Reality and Wisdom Wed. and Wordless Wed. .
Very true, our children follow our actions more than our words. When we live godly lives we impart them in ways we do not know.
Our lives express more than mere words ever could.
Thank you to both of you for stopping here & commenting. Reading your comments, I was reminded…
“Preach the gospel, and if necessary, use words” (Francis of Assisi).
What an important quote to remember! I’ve been reminded often lately that if my actions don’t match my words, then my words are pointless. Thanks for joining the party at Tales of a Pee Dee Mama.
True, 100%. I think this with my students all the time…so much more than just grammar and writing. Thanks for sharing!
Yes. Teachers share more than they realize. Blessings!
I started this book but must admit I have yet to finish. I’ve had a hard time lately staying focused on one book. I end up trying to read multiple books at the same time and well that doesn’t work. I do love what I’ve read so far. I love your three words (I always love your three words!). I think about this often and how true this is. While my children were not raised in a Christian home and are young men now, I know we still have the ability to impact their lives by how we live our own lives. Our lives do teach! Love you friend!!! You bless this 3WordWednesday community with your posts.
I absolutely love this! And it is just so true- if our children are rooted in the fundamental beauty of faith and all that means as we live our daily lives, it will be who they are as well. I see it in my kids- and I love love love it!
Thank you! Coming to realize more & more that our children need to see authentic and genuine faith lived out each day more than they need a devotional or to hear a sermon. Thank you for stopping & commenting. Have a wonderful weekend!
I have got to read that book. What a beautiful pic!! Thanks for linking up with Candypolooza!!
It is a great book! You won’t regret reading it. Thanks for stopping back here. It is appreciated!
Hey Joanne! I’m a whole week late! Lol! Yes, we are our children’s first teachers and God gave them to us to steward over. He will judge us on how well we do that. I love these verses in Deuteronomy. All of the students at our school(as young a 2) memorize Deuteronomy 6:3-9 at the beginning of the school year. Thanks so much for sharing and thanks for linking up!
What a great verse for kids to learn from a young age!
This is so true. It’s so important how we model what we want our children to become. Means more work on us, huh? 🙂
More work = Greater reward 🙂
I’ve modeled what I want my children to learn yet one refuses to have a teachable spirit. There’s no guarantee in life; children become young adults and choose their own path. Sometimes it’s completely opposite of what they’ve been taught. Very discouraging!
Hi Deb –
Imagine my surprise to see your name in my inbox. I have been praying as to my response. You are right – we have no guarantees. Sometimes they do choose completely opposite of what they’ve been taught. But this much I know – our God is completely able to do the impossible & that is to change a heart. As I have prayed on this since this morning, I have 2 verses coming to mind. And them seem best juxtapose…..
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” (Gal. 6:(, NLT).
“It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all that I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” (Isaiah 55:11, NLT).
The word has been sown in their lives. You have modeled. And now do not give up. Continue doing the work – with prayer. On your knees. Interceding for their lives. Do not give up. Do not grow tired. And in His time, you will reap the harvest. I love how the verse in Isaiah says, “always”. His Word always produces.
Deb, I so LOVED meeting you at WOF! Seriously. I have often wondered if the purposes were beyond what met the eye. And I truly believe that to be.I so took to you as you are precious! And so, dear friend, DO NOT GIVE UP. Do not lose hope. Do not let the enemy discourage you. You dig deep into our God & FIGHT! Fight for your kids. Fight for your family. And let’s stand shoulder to shoulder & win this one. May we one day stand in eternity with all our family & give praise to the Lamb that gave His all for us.
Know that I will be praying. Not just saying it. No platitudes. Only sincerity. I LOVE your mom. I cherish the heritage that we have given. And I know that our God is able.
Love & Blessings,
Joanne
Joanne, I have read and re read this response and your email and want you to know your words are lifting up my weary heart. There are many battles brewing simultaneously in my life right now; health, children, grief, uncertainty over the future, college decisions, learning to trust more, surrendering ALL of my life to the Lord. I am tired but remain hopeful and cling to His strength. I’m learning more and more that there are no “chance” encounters but divine interventions like meeting at WOF. I know how much your emails have meant to my mom and how she passes along your encouraging words to me along with your prayers. I keep reminding myself that nothing comes into my life without passing through the Fathers filter and that He knows the beginning, the middle and the end. He certainly knew what was ahead for me and He’s been loving and gracious enough to bring you along side of me and mom to love us, comfort us and pray. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. Keep posting such blessed thoughts and may God strengthen you as you give so much of yourself to all of us!!
Love!!! ~ Deb