Raising legacy leaders is raising leaders who leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Essentially, raising children in a way that makes them leaders will help them to become capable human beings.
Remind Children Who They Came From
Raising legacy leaders means teaching them to know who they come from. The best thing a parent can do is know themselves. When you are a whole person you can teach your child how to show up in the world with that same spirit. Since our children are decoding and deciphering messages all day long they will naturally pick up the messages around them. What messages do you want your child to pick up on? When you work on yourself your child sees that. When you are continuously improving your child sees that and naturally does the same thing. No parent is perfect, but it would be detrimental to your development and your child’s to stop progressing.
Build your child up
In order to help your child receive the positive message that you are trying to instill in them, spend distraction-free time with your child. Yes, laying down the tech and actually spending time with them. Playing board games, talking, getting to know their interest, and cooking together. All these experiences at any child’s age will help them open up so you can do the work of building them up.
My youngest loves drawing and because of the career path I have recently taken as an author, he is very interested in making his own book. While the oldest has always gravitated toward musical instruments and entrepreneurship. He discovered how to play different instruments over the years and he displayed his entrepreneurial skills by making a lemonade stand and starting a neighborhood lawn business. We encouraged them by spreading the word to our neighbors and nearby family members to come to support their efforts. The skills they learned from these things are helping them in school and life. Knowing that they can take risks and that they are capable leads them to know they will be capable adults.
Routine leads to Consistency
In raising legacy leaders, consistency matters. It feels like as humans we are hard-wired to know that we work better when we have a routine. So, parents, one of the best things you can do for your kids is to create routines that will lead to consistent behavior. When my son was about 3, I felt he was ready to make a peanut butter and Jelly sandwich for himself. I probably wouldn’t have even had the thought if I also didn’t have a one-year-old and was running a home daycare, but I was. I taught him how to do it himself. Yes, it was messy at first; globs of jelly were left on the table. Later he would be taught how to wipe it up only to realize he would leave a sticky residue of jelly because he didn’t know yet how to put enough pressure on the sponge to fully wipe it clean. All this had to be learned over time.
The point is that I intentionally gave him the responsibility to ensure he knew he was capable. This seemingly small action empowers a child with the skills to become independent thinkers, who are mindful of themselves and others.
Lead by Example
When I was little I heard some parents say, “Do as I say, not as I do”. This approach to parenting always baffled me because as a parent you are your child’s first teacher. You get the amazing opportunity to instill your examples into your child. So, it would make more sense for parents to say lead by example. The truth is, every child everywhere wants to be like their parents! You are their number one influencer. When I have to be the example setter for my children; I have to remind myself to be kind in the checkout line. I have to remind myself to be present when I really want to take a call or focus on sending emails.
Minimize Distractions
The same is true for our children we have to minimize distractions like video games and screen time, why? Because the distractions cloud the mind from creative thinking. The more a child is able to think creatively the more he can be in tune with his natural abilities. As an educator, it is unfortunate that I have seen the arts being taken out of schools. For that simple fact, it is still a parent’s responsibility to help foster that love of creativity and imagination.
When a child thinks creatively he is tapping into a different part of the brain to access creative thought. Creativity is the building block of your child’s future. Let them create, imagine and wonder about the world. The more we allow our children to do this the more their thoughts are free to explore all possibilities. When they are adults and someone says, “We can’t do that” in a board meeting they will be the one to stand up and say, “why not”? Because they were given the time and space to be creative they will be able to think outside the box and come up with solutions that others might not see.
Conclusion
Parents, parenting is hard overall. Remember that you have a purpose in your parenting. The joy of parenting comes when you partner with God and let Him lead you. Your heart will soar in anticipation of who they can become or what they will do in this life. What parenting practices can you instill today to leave a lasting legacy on your child?
Save your sanity aha’s to finding rest in the lord. Learning how a short-term hospital stay left me questioning how to rest in the Lord.
It started off as any typical Tuesday, pick the kids up from their school after I get off work. Only this day as I was waiting in the car line for one of my kids to get out, I was rear-ended. The jolt was jarring and left me in complete panic because I was six months pregnant. Already flowing with emotion due to the life growing inside me, I developed back, neck, and head pain and was urged to go to the hospital.
At the hospital, I was told a whole bunch of scary things that could be wrong with the baby that they wanted to rule out. What was supposed to be a few hours of observation turned into an overnight visit. The experience was traumatic, to say the least, but after settling into the reality of what was going on, I knew God required me to rest to get me through this.
#1 Submitting to Rest
Throughout my life. God has drawn me back to rest. At first, I examine rest as if I were trying to see it from all possible sides. If I were to rest, what would that set me back? How would I operate moving forward? Who would pick up the slack? How much more work would be on my plate after the rest was over? At this point, I weigh if rest is a feasible option. When I don’t listen to His gentle nudge and continue to operate in my flesh, He forces me to rest. He does this with forced hospital stays and temporary bodily injuries. When I finally submit to God’s lesson on rest, I find myself getting out of the way so He can teach me a lesson or two about how to operate in this season of life.
#2 Busy and Rest
Rest is an opportunity to be reunited with God, a chance for us to slow down our busy lives and sit before the Creator. Even in the seasons of being busy, we can focus on prayer, fasting, and resting in God’s presence. Rest goes as far back as God’s creation. It is our gift from the Lord. The Bible tells us in Psalms 46:10 to “be still and know that I am.” That “be still” part is the beginning of rest. It’s only when you are still that He moves on your behalf.
Rest in God’s eyes is not to be seen as an afterthought but as a way of life in cohabitation with animals and nature. Rest takes us further with God. It is needful and necessary to know God on a more intimate level.
#3 Open Hands and Rest
When I had my overnight hospital stay, I finally realized, in order to rest in the Lord, I need to give up the control I thought I had. A lot of why we don’t rest in the Lord has to do with our need to control the things we think we can.
In my case, God showed me I was lacking trust in the Lord.
There’s a beautiful image that one of my friends told me about years ago. Control is like a closed fist. You’re holding onto that thing so tightly you can’t see the blessings God wants to put in the palm of your hand. When you open your fist (release control to God), you’ll be able to receive what He has for you. Some of you are good at resting in the Spirt, and others need to be reminded that it is okay to rest. Ultimately, being still is a good thing, one in which God wants to show us new things. The question is this: Are you willing to be still enough to listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit?
Hey Sis, Take a journey with me into the Bible and discover these Biblical Pro Tips for Solopreneurs! Yes, it’s absolutely true the Bible teaches you how to be successful in your ministry. The Bible is where you will find everything you need to be a successful solopreneur or entrepreneur.
In Exodus 40, God gives specific directions for building the tabernacle to tradespeople, business owners, and skilled workers; today we’d call them entrepreneurs. Bold statement alert:
Your Godly entrepreneurial journey is infused in your DNAIt’s up to you to unlock the hidden potential and rise to the invitation that God is gifting you.
I’ve never really built anything that hasn’t come out with extra pieces, wobbly parts, or pieces that don’t line up correctly. Building the tabernacle took great leadership on Mosses’ part and detailed execution from the people building it. Mosses, one of the first successful entrepreneurs, instructed a team of entrepreneurs; who worked together to get the job done. They were diligent in their work. The people were obedient to God and showed they had the ability to persevere to reach their desired result. Building the tabernacle was one of God’s early tests for following directions.
Drum roll for….the top 3Biblical Pro Tips for Solopreneurs:
Pro Tip # 1 Teamwork Mentality
Currently, I am an intern with Kathi Lipp. She is a successful entrepreneur who has a thriving ministry of decluttering Clutter Free and helping writers grow at Writing at the Red House. Her ministry is large and growing and she needs a lot of hands to help the vision God put in her heart to thrive. Like Mosses, Kathi Lipp knows light hands make less work. By working smarter, not harder we can see God’s vision come to life.
God gives us the desires of our hearts so that, He is glorified. When Mosses said yes to God; jobs opened up, and skills were sharpened. Do you see how when Mosses partnered with God everything worked out for His glory and the people of Bible times were able to partake in the fruit they all helped to produce in the tabernacle?
Pro Tip # 2 The Ability to Persevere
As a solopreneur or entrepreneur, oftentimes I feel God calling me to just keep going. A lot of times in building my writing career I wanted to give up. I wonder if it was the same back in bible times. The tradesmen were given a task to help with the tabernacle. They were told to trust God. The Bible never tells us these things but I imagine that humans over time have similar concerns…
Is my family ok?
Will things work out?
Should I move forward with this decision?
It’s no different for you and me today. I can remember the days of asking God, If I take this leap of faith will I fail? The thing He keeps reminding me is that when He is in control He will work things out. We don’t need to worry about the how or when just that it will because; He loves us so much. Start believing in God’s ability to provide, and your ability to persevere; and don’t forget to give yourself grace through it all.
Pro Tip # 3 Give God the Glory
When you want to rip your hair out on your entrepreneurial endeavors, try following the details that God lays before you. First, take a step back, pray; and think about the tabernacle. Everyone had to follow directions down to precise detail in order for the vision to be realized. It’s no different than the structure you are building with God whether it be your business, ministry, or family; every detail matters to God. Moreover, because it matters to God it should matter to you too. Let God guide you through the details like He did when commissioning the tabernacle. When you submit the details to Him He will meet you right where you are. He will ease your burden and set you on His path.
Years ago, I did an exercise called “laying down Ideal”, where I was asked to lay down the ideal version of myself. It was so powerful I have never forgotten the takeaway lesson that I received from God. I am human and because of it I will mess up, I will fail. That became my mantra for a while until I forgot all about it and came home to a kitchen that seems to have a million dishes in the sink, the counter full of clutter, and bedrooms with clothes slung all over the floor instead of in the hamper that is also in their room…Yes, teens!
What I wanted to see when I got home was an alternate reality. The ideal version of who I think I should be, two responsible young men who put the dishes in the dishwasher, tended to the cat’s needs, and have dinner well on its way.
The Struggle
I still struggle with laying down ideal, the ideal vs. reality, the ideal version of myself and my family vs. the reality. In a perfect world, my kids would be put together all the time, and my house would always be tidy. The reality is that we still struggle every morning—after eight years of practice—to get out the door for work and school. The reality is that, if you came over right now, you’d wonder why the floor looks like it has stains on it that have been sitting there for a few weeks.
Maybe you’re in the same boat, sometimes wishing you had an ideal version of your life—or your kids, marriage, or even yourself. But what if you stopped hoping for the ideal version of your life and simply worked on your reality?
Finding the True you
Are you still with me? Okay, here’s what I want you to do. Close your eyes and imagine all the things you wish you had. Imagine your perfect life. Then, I want you to let it go. Yep, say goodbye to it.
Now I want you to visit your reality—messy dishes and all. I know it’s not as fun as the other version but stay with me.
Look around. What do you see?
A mess? Could the answer be a better routine where everyone does their part, and where you actually ask for help?
Constantly late? Could the answer be better time management and new bedtime routines?
You can make your reality better by doing small things to improve your situation. Are you willing to take steps forward to make your reality one that you are happy with?
How to Start Laying Down Ideal
Setting aside your concept of an ideal life helps you move toward the version of you God created you to be.
What is one small or big step you can take right now to move toward the reality God wants for you? Leave a comment below.
Are you searching for the things that will make you whole? There was a time I was seeking identity and found Jesus. I thought being married—or having kids—would make me whole. But I found out Jesus is the ultimate hole filler. While I was seeking identity, I found Jesus. Maybe you struggle in this area too. I want you to know you are not alone. Join me as you learn to reflect on His truth.
Seeking Identity, Finding Jesus
Seeking identity, Finding Jesus
If you knew me back then, you’d think I had it all together. According to society, I had the ideal life:
Married? Check.
Two kids? Check.
House? Check.
Business owner? Check.
From the outside, it looked like I had no problems. All the while, I was suffering from what I call long-term memory loss.
I actually didn’t know who I was. My identity was wrapped up in the things I thought I was supposed to do—and who I thought I was supposed to be.
Finding Jesus
The running narrative that played in my head at that time was doubting my ability in everything: my effectiveness as a wife, parent, friend, and business owner. Further, I felt guilty all the time for not being enough or doing enough.
God stopped me one day. It felt like a lightbulb came on, and everything from that point forward made sense. He started playing a highlight reel where I showed others kindness and generosity, where I was obedient to Him and served others happily.
And you know what took me by surprise?
It was all true!
He brought to mind the times I loved others, served them, and was kind.
In this highlight reel, I was loved beyond measure, from when He formed me to my dying breath.
Reflection: Seeking identity and finding Jesus requires you to reflect on how you see your identity vs. how God sees you.
Your Identity vs. God’s Truth
The loop you choose to play all day can either be hurtful or edifying. If you’re suffering from long-term memory loss like I was, start to listen to your loop and become aware of the things you’re telling yourself. Then start to think about the things God thinks about you. The Bible holds wonderful treasures He’s waiting for us to find and delight in.
Just in case you’re not sure, here are a few things your Father says about you:
You’re a royal priesthood.
You’re His heir.
He calls you wonderfully and fearfully made.
You are the light of the world.
Your Father takes delight in you!
God’s Truth in Action
Let’s have a little fun! Leave a comment below about how God sees you. Simply close your eyes and meditate on His goodness, love, and faithfulness. Let’s call it our “I am statement.” Who are you from God’s perspective? It can be a verse from the Bible or words or phrases that God is laying on your heart or both. There is no wrong answer. Drown out the negative reel that’s been playing and replace it with God’s truth!
Scriptures to help you delight in God’s Word:
“If any of you lack wisdom, ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).
“For the Lord takes delight in His people He crowns the humble with victory” (Psalms 149:4).
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).
