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Before I share the hat of the day, I want to thank my good friend Michelle of Grammie Time for featuring me in a fun question and answer guest post today!  She was the first blogger to ever reach out to me and I so appreciate all of her support and friendship throughout the past year.  Michelle is the one who taught me that blogging is about community, and a word of kindness (or several comments) can go a LONG way!  Her blog is so practical and full of fun ideas – you’ll want to spend some time exploring it!  So thank you, my blogging buddy and near-empty-nesting friend for all the kindnesses bestowed on lil’ ole’ me.  Here’s a hug from several miles away!

Now go check it out by clicking here – you may discover a few quirky things about me that you never knew before!  Be sure to leave a comment if you have time – I’d love to know what you learned about me!

What’s your family map?  As you pioneer your way through the unmarked forest full of undiscovered resources and possible set-backs, do you have goals in mind?  Where are you headed with your troop?

A pilgrim is a person who goes on a long journey often with a religious or moral purpose, and especially to a foreign land.

You, mom, are a pilgrim.

Your journey is raising kids to become godly

…in a foreign land (this world is not our home).

You have some decisions to make, along with your husband, on how best to do this.

A personally designed map, tailor fitted just for your family.

What is your spiritual growth plan for yourself?

When will you spend time with the Lord each day?

What passage will you read or what devotional will you use?

Do you have a prayer plan?

“And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.” ~Luke 18:1

 

What is your spiritual growth plan for your kids?

Will you have a devotional time with them each day?

How are you teaching them to pray?

Have you given them devotional tools to use on their own?

Where will you go to church?

The Pilgrims came here in order to worship freely.

Now it’s your privilege.

If you have been meaning to find a church and just haven’t yet or you’re kind of wishy-washy about attending, it’s time to make those decisions.

If you want your kids to follow Christ and be reared in a Christian home, this is an essential step to take.

“But bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” ~Ephesians 6:4b

 

What programs does your church have for children?

If there aren’t any classes for your kids, you may want to consider either helping start some.

It’s important that they feel a part of your church.

Whenever my husband and I moved to a new town and looked for a church, we kept the kids uppermost in mind.

Were the classes kid friendly?  Did the teachers seem to love children?  Did they teach the Word of God?

How involved will you be?

You need to have a part in the ministry of your church, even if it’s just taking a turn in nursery.  You can find little ways to serve that won’t add stress.

Your kids need to see you serving in church – you’re providing an example for them.

By the same token, make sure you’re not so involved in doing at church that you don’t have enough time for your kids.

If your ministry is stressing you out so much that your biting your kid’s heads off at home…best give up that “ministry”.

Your kids should be your top ministry, before anything or anyone else. Click To Tweet

Are you going to work outside the home?

Better get on the same page with your husband!

Look at your finances closely.  If there is any way you can scrape by and stay home with your kids when they’re little, do it.

Even if it means you can’t go out to dinner once a month.

There’s no substitute for a mama.

So prayerfully consider this.

There may be times when you have to work – I did when my two youngest weren’t old enough for school and still needed child care.

Just be sure your kids are safe.

No money in the world can substitute for putting your child in a harmful situation.

How will you seek to minister to the natives neighbors?

Your children are watching you.  If you have a bad vibe going with Mr. McCracken across the fence, the kids will too.

If you decide to use the snow blower to clear off his sidewalk for him, they’ll see your gracious heart and pick up on that as well.

Taking a meal to a neighbor or getting their mail when they’re sick is shows a heart for others.

Where will the kids attend school?

-Visit the neighborhood school.  Find out as much as you can about it.  Are you comfortable sending your kids there?

-What about a Christian school?

-Is homeschooling an option?

If you would have asked me this question 26 years ago, the answer would have been a resounding “NO!”

But through the years, I actually became open to the idea.

One day I took the plunge and pulled all four kids out – grades 1-8.  No, I wasn’t trying to kill myself quickly, I felt a burden for something different for my family.

It was one of the best decisions I ever made for my kids.

Never say never.  Be sure to pray about your options about everything – including homeschooling.

How will you give thanks?

Everybody knows the Pilgrims celebrated the first Thanksgiving.

But I’m not talking about just Thanksgiving.

I’m speaking of your every day life.

You know the scenario –

you stub your toe

the dog poops in the house

kids are running around the house (like a bunch of wild Indians)

you’ve errands to run

you forgot to pay that bill

etc., etc., etc.

UGH.

But did you give thanks today?

And your kids will pick up on your thankful attitude.

What is your family plan?  How will you rear your children to grow into godly adults?  What kind of a church will you be involved in and to what extent will you be involved?  How will  you minister to those around you and teach your children to do the same?

What kind of imprint will you leave on this world?

Click here for Day 12: The Party Hat!