How to Bless Your Children
Just recently my friend Carrie and I got together to craft vision boards. After many months of Pandemic fears, isolation and monotony we craved some fresh ideas and hope for the New Year. We sat cutting and flipping through magazines. With our babes playing at our feet, while cups of tea soothed our tired mama souls.
Bless Your Child with Words:
Occasionally, we would laugh or read encouraging words out loud. At times we would quickly turn past a challenge that conviction would quickly draw us back to. Naturally, each picture and word encompassed a new hope, a new direction or goal for ourselves and our families. I have always loved being crafty and have maintained the tradition of vision boards for the last three years. Furthermore, as I was reminiscing over the years past, I realized that the same magazine cutting appeared in all three of my boards. Clearly, God was trying to get my attention. It read:
“ Bless with Your Words, A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a bible passage, encouragement, blessings can be spoken over a child for the purpose of declaring God’s protection, joy, and wisdom over them.” ( Author Unknown, Home Front Magazine, 2019)
Words and Pictures have Power:
Certainly, this gave me a foundational direction for how I would like to bless my children. After talking to moms that inspire me, this list of ways to bless your children came to fruition. These are small and beautiful things we can do to be Jesus to our children. And to invite Jesus to move in and through them.
Pray for Your Children Daily:
Furthermore, don’t be afraid to pray specific things for your children daily. I often pray for sound sleep, protection, and that my kids will be able to discern God’s truth from an early age. There is nothing too small, or too big you can pray for your children. Undoubtedly, prayer is a powerful tool that we’ve been given. One that supersedes our tiredness, frustrations and humanness.
Play Songs of Truth for Them:
Importantly, music is one of my favorite things, and as it happens my kids love to boogie various tunes. They sing along to Frozen, 80’s Ballads, and Whitney Houston. They remember so many songs, lyrics and all, it’s incredible. So why not add music that speaks truth over them. Look Up Child by Lauren Daigle is a great one, it has a good beat and even better message that encourages them to look up to Jesus in all things. Every Move I Make is another one kids love, which declares that Jesus is in control of all things.
Select A Life Verse that Correspond with Their Names:
Recently, we got our children dedicated at our church and they asked us to select life verses for each of the children. These scriptures speak to the hopes we have for our children as individuals. Clearly, the process really encouraged us to pray and examine what it is we desire for our children in their walks with Christ.
For our daughter Rose we chose Isaiah 58:11
The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
For our son Alastair we chose Proverbs 31:8-9:
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Craft Name Plates for Their Doors:
My friend Carrie created name plates to place on her kids doors, with their life verses on them. Everytime, they enter their rooms they will see those words, stemming from their mama’s heart. Declaring not only her love for them, but God’s. In no time at all those words will be memorized and repeated with ease. Those words will be engraved on their hearts and minds. Each link to their names, and very identities.
Anoint Them with Oil:
Lastly, our church recently had a dedication Sunday in which they anointed every member with oil, so that God’s gifting would be revealed in them. I know some of these, outward traditions can feel awkward sometimes. But they serve a purpose, and they will bless your heart, if you allow them to.
I asked for anointing over this blog, and my ability to write for God. As our pastor anointed me, I felt called and seen. Doing this for our children is such a beautiful gesture, bless and see them. The oil, by no means is magical but the heart and power behind it reaches far beyond into the spiritual nature of our children.
-Patience
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