So often we wait on opportunities to create memories.  We never want to miss one, an opportunity that is.  When one presents itself we want to be ready to take it.  But do we intentionally create the opportunity to make memories?

Teens and preteens are funny little beings.  When we, as their parents are completely predictable, they know how to play the game.  They can predict our 20 questions that tend to present every evening over supper and they give their pat answers like “Fine” and “I don’t know,”
<h3>But what happens if we shock them?</h3>
<h3>What if we do something completely out of the ordinary?</h3>
It catches them off guard and a wonderful thing tends to happen…they open up and allow us a glimpse inside.

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Try waking them up early one morning and taking them to have coffee before school.  Or how about picking them up for lunch from school one day unexpectedly?  What if out of the blue you sent your daughter flowers or left a note in your son’s truck just telling him how proud you are of him?

There was a time with my oldest son that he and I just weren’t communicating well.  Seemed like everything I said or did was slightly frustrating to him and vice versa.  I was praying one morning for the Lord to give me some insight in how to connect with him and I had an idea.  (Holy Spirit inspired for sure!)  I set my alarm for 2:00 am and went in to wake him up.  I had fixed hot chocolate in the kitchen and we sat and talked.  At first he thought I was out of my mind, but quickly we were laughing and enjoying our time together.  This has become a tradition in our family and it certainly doesn’t happen all the time. But I will get a different child up for some one on one time.  We have done things like have hot chocolate while sitting outside looking at the starts, play a short game of Skip Bo or wrap up on the couch in blankets I heated in the dryer.  These are memories that will forever be treasured in this momma’s heart.  I believe the same is true for my children as well.

You do the things the Lord lays on your heart.  Be creative and make memories.  It will strengthen your relationship and will create beautiful memories over the years.  Can you imagine how loved and valuable they would feel when they know you are willing to wake up in the early morning hours for moments with them?
<h3>Blessed.</h3>
How do you intentionally create memories with your children?

Making memories to last forever,

Candy

<strong>Thanks for stopping by!  I am having a week of celebrating my blog’s “open house” with a give-a-way each day.</strong>

On the first day I gave away “Feast of Faith.” You can still enter to win <a title=”enter to win” href=”https://candygibbs.com/welcome” target=”_blank”>here</a>.

Tuesday I gave away “Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters.”  You can still enter for that drawing as well <a title=”enter to win here” href=”https://candygibbs.com/character-qualities-strength” target=”_blank”>right here</a>.

Then I gave away “Wild at Heart” by John Eldridge.  It is a book we use in our mentoring programs with young men.  To enter, just go <a title=”enter here” href=”https://candygibbs.com/longing-for-home” target=”_blank”>here.</a>

Today’s book is Every Young Man’s Battle by Steven Arteburn.  Follow the directions below to enter:<a id=”rc-235e723″ href=”http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/235e723/” rel=”nofollow”>a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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