Intentional Parenting

General Conference was glorious! As it coincided with Easter and the celebration of the risen Lord, the messages seemed to fill and refill my heart. I am more motivated to more forward in faith and with more confidence than ever before.

I loved the focus on FAMILY, MARRIAGE, and PARENTING.

I loved the messages of HOPE.

I loved the clarity I gained as I have pondered a different view of FEAR and GRACE.

I loved (even more this conference) being able to raise my hand to SUSTAIN the prophet.

I loved LISTENING, LEARNING, and FEELING with my own family.

I have decided to start with one quote this week... just one. I heard it at the end of conference and perhaps that is why is resonated so deeply in my mind. I have thought of it over and over in the last 2 days. In fact, I felt inspired to create my very own printable. (My first one ever!) Here it is:

I want to be that parent – the righteous, intentional parent.

I have asked myself a dozen times since hearing it, “Kendra, was than an example of intentional parenting?” or “Maybe I could focus this principle of parenting more in righteousness.”

I have found myself drawn to the scriptures and back to various sources that teach about righteous parenting. I have been speaking with my Father in Heaven about it in prayer. I still have a great deal to learn and even more to do to BECOME that kind of parent, but here are a few things that I was reminded that I am already doing. And although I am not doing them perfectly all of the time, I have made efforts to work on each of these daily. 

1. Get up each day with a DESIRE to be a good parent. It may sound simple, but when being a good parent is a priority, your thoughts are led to ways and opportunities to follow through.

2. Hold FAMILY PRAYER and FAMILY SCRIPTURE STUDY.
   We hear it all of the time, but there is peace and power that come when a family devotes some time daily to learning of God and then speaking to Him. It really unites an entire family.

2. Take CONCERNS, QUESTIONS, and DIFFICULTIES to the Lord. Talk about each of those precious children with Him. He knows them, loves them, and knows what can be done to help them. Praying for my children is a very beautiful part of my day. 

2. Be PRESENT with your children.
   Sometimes the most intentional decisions are those that pull you away from the online world or other distractions. When I focus on my children, I hear their thoughts, fears, excitement, and dreams. Look Up! Put down the devices and focus on the people in your home. Sometimes that means joining them in a board game, jumping on the trampoline, throwing a ball, telling jokes, doing dishes, helping with homework, or any other way that you spend time WITH them.

I am so excited to put more efforts on being an intentional parent. I choose to be a mother that will desire, work, pray, and be present for my children.