Praying for Character

Last year at Family Camp, Trent and I started an annual tradition of sitting down and talking about what we see God doing in our family. We then determine what character qualities we want to take the year and pray over each person and we write that those qualities down on a plate in our kitchen. This plate stays on our island as a reminder to pray and actively encourage that character development.

I don't know about you, but I have found that the pressure of the world is for us to set goals for our kids to be things like the most athletic or smartest kid in their class. I see this all around me and I have certainly struggled with it myself. Can you imagine how this world would be if parents pursued their children's character like they do their performance?

Last year we asked God for Boldness for Trent, Peace for me, Godly Confidence for Jack (and we have so seen that develop this year), Security for Sam, and Joy for Ruthie (also very evident now). It is so great to look back and see where God has brought each of us in these areas. We are still shaping out this year's for me and Trent, but I am pretty sure about Service for Jack, Discipline for Sam, and Security for Ruthie. This has been a great practice for us that I would encourage you to try with your family.

Grandparents, we would love for you to join us in praying that over the kids.

SIDENOTE: I find it hard to get a good whole family picture during the year because someone is always gone or someone is not cooperating in the 1 hour that you scheduled for picture taking. Luckily at Family Camp, we are always together so we get a few good family pictures in.

OK so maybe some are better than others. Oh and that was western night. We don't normally dress like that. :)

This bottom one was 10 months ago in those same shirts as above