This year, we didn’t make any big resolutions. I am on the fence with resolutions. I think the resolve to change is good; but I also think it really is something we should work on daily.
With the start of 2013, we decided to pick a family theme. I had seen a quote on pinterest months back that I could not stop thinking about. I knew that had to be our theme. I ran it by the handsome doctor, and he agreed.
This is what I originally saw on pinterest:
This is my own simple version that sits in a frame in our den. I hope to make something as amazing as the above. It will just take me some time.
I have personally struggled with all the awful things that I see going on around me. Often times, I have become so consumed with it that I wonder how I could possibly raise righteous kids in this wicked world.
This quote was the answer for me. I have to teach my children to believe there is good in the world; by being the good in the world.
We talked about how we can be the good:
father
mother
brother
sister
friend
student
doctor
neighbor
teacher
listener
etc…
I also shared these few scripture verses as a reminder of who we are to be.
Matthew 5: 14-16
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Light your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
I then lit a candle of my own on a candlestick. We talked about the light that each of us have inside. We talked about how important it is to be the light for good. Then….
I covered the candle with a box. The kids were surprised when the light went out.
It was a reminder to them that we can’t hide our light.
Even when this world seems scary.
Even when we wonder what is happening, and watching the wickedness unfold before our eyes.
This is not the time to hide.
This is the time to share the light.
This is the time to be the good.
16 comments:
well said! love that you will put it up in the house too.
Thanks for sharing!
That is really so awesome.
I love this! We did a theme as well. We put up "Be Kinder Than Necessary" on the wall in our stairwell so you see it as you go down every day.
Andrea, this brought tears to my eyes - I feel exactly the same way about life and the world and my family. Thanks for always sharing your light. :) And I love that pic of our old stomping grounds! Talk about a trip down memory lane!!!
Seriously, you are such an awesome mom!!! Your kids have to be the sweetest! Love your great ideas!!
I love the symbolism of lighting a candle! How powerful and a great message for the kiddos. We may have to do that with Lauren! Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful!
I love, love, love this! Will you by chance be offering this as a free download? :) I would love it in either turquoise or sage green :0 But if not, that's totally fine too!! You are so awesome for always sharing your many talents and I love reading your blog and learning from you all the time! Thank you!!
Thanks for the pic of OP estates! Miss those days!! A family theme is a good idea and you've chosen a great one. You guys are great parents; your kids are lucky!
I love this quote too. My cousin made one out of wood for her house a few months ago and I loved it. I was thinking about making one for our house too. I agree tat this world is crazy right now and raising 6 kids can be a little scary but if we all look for the good in the world we can be happy.
This is soooooo awesome, Andrea. I love it! Not only are you seriously talented, but you use your gifts for the greatest good possible. You and Jonathan are a powerhouse team!
You are a beacon of light yourself. I love following your blog, it's beautiful. Thank you.
Love that quote, love the board it was on too!
love it...it makes me miss you guys even more cause I always felt you lifted me up in many regards...you are a great example to your children and to those around you!
That is the perfect theme! I loved looking at all of the older pictures. That was fun to share.
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