I am absolutely delighted today to bring you a guest post from my friend Carey Scott. Her husband and I got to know each other through a small critique group in ACFW when I first started writing in 2005. I'm always looking for new tools and encouragement as I parent my kiddos. Here's Carey:
“Sara,
you’re beautiful and smart… and you have Jesus in your heart! Now go be
the light of the world!”
I
speak these words to my daughter as she heads off to school each morning. Usually,
she smiles at me and says, “Mom, you always say that!”
She’s
right… I do.
Why?
Because
I want to speak blessings into her life. Words are powerful, and when we speak
truth and life into our kids, it sets them up for success.
Do
you bless your children with your words?
I
don’t consider – “God bless you” – after a sneeze to be a
blessing. Instead, I’m talking about speaking words with the intention to affirm
and encourage your kids.
Do
you do that?
By
definition, a blessing is the infusion of something with holiness, divine will,
or one’s hope or approval. So when we say a blessing over our kids, we are
speaking out our hope for their lives as well as endowing God’s love, power and
grace into them. It tells our children they are loved, and that we want the
best for them. It teaches that God cares and loves them, is present for them,
and has a divine purpose for their lives. Our words also have the power to override
the voice of the accuser.
But
most importantly, we bless our children because to them… our words bring life. “Words kill, words give life; they’re either
poison or fruit—you choose.” (Proverbs 18:21)
And
when we say a blessing out loud… it empowers
our children to step into their calling with confidence. It releases a tidal
wave of favor on them. This intentional act has the power to transform
their lives and set them on the right path.
My
husband wrote a blessing specific for each of our kids. Each night at
bedtime, he speaks it over them.
They
love it.
No
matter how young or old your children are, you can bless them with your
words. You can bless them in the crib or bless them when they bring their
families to visit you at Christmas. As their parent, your words are powerful
regardless of their age.
Where
do you start?
- Ask God for the
exact words to share with each child. Seek Him before you commit a
word on paper.
- Once you have a
clear direction, write or type out their blessing.
- Find time each
day to speak it over them. It might be on your drive to school, at
bedtime, or at the dinner table.
To
get an idea of what a blessing could look like, consider this example:
“Sara, I bless your
life as you become a wonderful woman of God. I bless your mind to remain
sound, with wisdom and discernment in all decisions. I bless your body to
remain pure until marriage and to be healthy and strong. I bless your
hands and feet to do the work God has planned for you. I bless your mouth
where words of truth and encouragement will flow. I bless your heart to
remain loyal to God’s will for your life. I bless your husband-to-be and your
future children’s lives with richness and unity. I love everything about
you, Sara, and I am proud to be your mother. You bless our family and your
friends in so many ways.”
You
have a responsibility and a privilege to speak words of life and truth into
your kids. And because this world can be cruel, their thirsty spirits need
that encouragement daily.
As
long as there is breath in your lungs, be intentional to bless your children.
This
is a sample devotional from Carey’s book, Raising Godly Kids, available at the
Kindle store for only $.99 (limited time). You can also purchase the paperback
version on her website. For more
information about Carey, visit www.CareyScottTalks.com.
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