We can begin a few activities that have been floating around in my mind but we just haven't had the time to follow through with.
One of those ideas is our character study. I'm really excited about this one.
Here's the plan...
We begin by making some apples out of card stock and writing the character traits on each. At the beginning of the week (or however long we feel like spending on each one) we put up our apple on the wall, discuss the word, its definition, and read the corresponding verse. And of course, we talk about the different ways to express it.
Every time I see them demonstrating this trait, a star goes up on the apple (each child has a designated color - It wont be discussed who's color is who's, I don't want it to turn into a competition, I want them to focus on their own personal growth.) There will be more to it, activities to go along with, depending on my energy level ;)
It's simple, but I think it will be enjoyable, and hopefully, it will be a wonderful learning experience.
Our list...
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness,temperance, ..." Gal 5:22
A few quotes from the Pearls keep coming to mind as I prepare for this that I thought were worth sharing.
"Discontented parents breed discontented children."
"A bitter root cannot produce sweet fruit."
"If "the joy of the Lord is our strength," then surely the joy of the parents is the strength of a child."
Savor those words for a minute.
We easily recognise the weaknesses and areas in need of improvement in our children, but often fail to see the source of their undesirable traits. It is learned from the parents. How can we expect our child to show perfect patience when we so easily loose our temper? How will they learn contentment when they witness our covetousness?
I realised that this is more important for me than it is for the kids. I cannot expect anything from them until I correct myself first.
So now that I've told you, I HAVE to follow through. You can hold me to it. I'll let you know in a week how much "love" we have expressed.
6 comments:
What a great idea!
You're brave! I don't post my ambitious plans because I'm afraid I won't follow through...
I love those quotes, they are so true. I know those things somewhere inside of me, but I tend to not think about them. Thanks for the reminder.
I'll be sure to ask you how your week of love went next week. ;)
Great post. I have been feeling so blah and so down lately and how can my children be joyful if I am not? Oh thank you this brought tears to my eyes. I needed this. Bless you and your beautiful family.
Jessica
Hmmm... I like this simple approach much better. Maybe we'll try something like this. Then again, maybe I'll just think about it. ;)
By the way,
that picture of all your kids should be blown up and framed. It's the best family photo I've seen in a long time. Perfect!
I agree with Amy and you should definitely blow that picture up of all the kids. It's gorgeous!!
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