I love the word Inspire. Webster’s Dictionary defines it as – to influence, move, or guide by divine or supernatural inspiration

I want to do more of this as we head into 2012. I want to inspire my husband, my kids, my friends and those that God puts in my path.

I want to inspire people to be all that God created them to be. To pull out of them something that they may not see in themselves or what they keep hidden or tucked away as impossible; that words of inspiration or encouragement will flow out of my mouth continuously to others.

One thing I have learned in 2011 is that I cannot do this until I establish it first in my home. That I must continue to inspire and encourage my husband and kids with my words of admiration and love. I want my husband to continue to be reminded that he is loved and appreciated for all that he does as a husband and a father.

For my kids, I am choosing Jeremiah 17:7-9 as my inspiration to continue to do this parenting thing the best I can. When I go out to MOPS groups and speak on Character, God began to show me these verses and to begin looking at it as though this was the end result of our parenting. Allow me to dissect each verse and show you what I see in these verses:

Jeremiah 17:

7 - But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. {Can you imagine the possibilities for our children as we teach them to trust and the confidence they have in that..powerful!}

8 - They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. {That our kids will be strong trees for God and that their roots will continually drink from the Living Water} It does not fear when heat comes {that no trial, no circumstance, no temptation will ever bring our children fear because they know Who to go to}; its leaves are always green. {Our kids are ALIVE in Christ!}

9 - It has no worries in a year of drought {that when a time of famine or their finances are being attacked, they know Who their Source is} and never fails to bear fruit {that they live in love, joy, peace, etc. bearing the Fruit of His Spirit}.

At the end of our parenting, this is what our children should like. Can you imagine presenting such a gift to God?

As we head into a new year, I challenge you to be the mom that God created you to be. Be the mom that inspires her children to have confidence in Him; that inspires her children to turn their eyes towards Him during times of doubt and fear knowing He gave you everything you need to accomplish just that as He inspires you to do the same.

What are some ways you inspire your children