I’ve seen this statement all over lately, and at this point, I’m taking it as a sign and adopting it as my 2012 motto! It was either this one, or the “Keep calm and eat cupcakes” poster. And that just wouldn’t jive with my weight watchers plan.
Did you know the poster was first created back in 1939 by the British government at the beginning of WWII to raise the morale of the British public in the event of an invasion? In light of the chaos a homeschooling family can face, I thought it was a perfect motto for the year!
I love the crown on this one as well because it reminds me to keep my focus on my King and that if I’m walking in the Spirit I can remain calm! It’s when I start walking in my flesh that sparks start to fly. Awhile back I memorized James 1:20
“for the wrath of man [mom] does not produce the righteousness of God”.
(If you haven’t memorized this verse yet, I challenge you to try it! I think you’ll find that God is good to pop this verse into your head at the most opportune times!)
Speaking of yearly mottos…
I really desire to live my life purposefully. To be deliberate in my parenting, teaching, and care for our home. It’s so easy to get caught up in the daily grind, and to view our homemaking as a chore instead of a blessing. I really don’t want my children to remember their mama as being tired, crabby and dissatisfied with all the blessings that God has given her.
So this year, I’m resolving to be deliberate in my actions! To live life in a purposeful manner, to be present and thankful in each day!
That means prayerfully considering commitments, and even having the courage to say no to some things.
I’m not sure if I’ve told you or not, but I’m a “yes” person. It kills me to say no to people, and with the increase in my blog traffic, it’s been something that I’ve had to start doing. I’d love to make everything for everyone, but it’s just not possible. Not without sacrificing something else. Namely my time with my family.
So this year I’m focusing on priorities, I’m keeping God first, and family close behind.
With that said, I thought it would be a great idea to come up with a plan for our whole family! I’m sure they’re thrilled that I pull them into all my crazy notions. Since I’m not one to re-create the wheel, I found something that really spoke to my heart at Hither to and Hence Forth. So with a little modifications, I present to you…
The Confessions Family Mission Statement:
Being blessed ourselves, we will pray for those who do not have a Bible to read, food to eat, clothes to wear, or toys to play with.
We will encourage, respect, and honor one another by speaking in a gentle and kind manner.
We will practice gratitude by taking care of our belongings and being thankful in all circumstances.
We will strive to be peacemakers in all situations and be quick to apologize and forgive one another.
And finally, we commit to replacing the toilet paper roll if found empty.
Our family verse:
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:12-14
Just because I like to have visible reminders…
I created this printable of our family mission statement. In the event you’d like to share this with your family, I’ve made it available as a free download for you!
(Don’t worry, the toilet paper bit isn’t on the printable version, that probably just happens at our house.)
(Download trouble? Try to RIGHT click on the download link and select “SAVE LINK AS”. You will be prompted to save the file to your computer!)
Erica,
Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I love it!
Hi Erica,
Thank you so much for posting this, I love the idea of the verse included on the statement, I was inspired last year to make our family mission statement by a dear friend who asked me to photograph their family and then gave me her mission statement to place on the portrait, it was beautiful, (Thanks to Photoshop for that) so I’ve been working on my family’s statement and you just gave a great idea as to choose a verse as well.
I love everything you do, and you’r blog has become a daily must read, you truly are a blessing!
By the way, I am a yes person as well and really struggle to say no, so I totally understand where you are coming from and sure hope that you can overcome it.
just so you know the toilet paper thing is a huge issue in my home, (specially with the hubby) so I will include that in my statement as well, Tee Hee
The toilet paper bit is applicable in ANY home! 😛
Erica, This is EXACTLY what everyone loves about you and your blog. You continue to realign your priorities! I LOVE it! I love everything about this post! In fact, I was just talking to my friend the other day about the radio show you did…above all else, you want to honor the Lord.
What a great inspiration! I love the fact that you printed it out for your children. We often prayed our family verses for our children but did not write them out. I think I am adding that to my To Do list! Thanks for the idea Erica!
such a good reminder isn’t it? We also wrote a family mission statement awhile back. You can read it here:
http://perfectpieceoftime.wordpress.com/2011/11/11/identity-crisis-part-2/
I love the idea of having a verse too. I might try that!
Thanks for sharing this Erica! I just may print it, our family’s theme for the year is to Be Like Christ, and one of our theme verses includes Colossians 3:12-14!
Thank you for the reminders of why we do this…it is so good to start the new year just reconnecting with the original vision and tweaking it if needed!! If you go to The Sacred Sandwich site….they have the motto in white on red and it states “Deny Self Follow Christ”….I sent it to the copier and had it printed on heavy photo paper and framed it for the wall!
Thanks again!
Beautiful! That James scripture fits nicely with my no. 1 parenting scripture – also a perpetual journey to master…
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Keeping calm and carrying on (as my toddler is screaming about more… more what is the mystery),
Clare
I saw this sign at a homeschool class and I LOVED it from that moment. I sooo want one for my house. 🙂