Trees have always carried a significance for our family.

We used Crepe Myrtles to decorate our indoor wedding and we gave mini potted tree seeds as our wedding favor.

In addition to that, we feel that the Lord has specifically called us as a family to "seed planters". This has taken on different meaning in different seasons such as church planting, missional living, and yes, having babies.

When I first heard Andrew Peterson's song, "Planting Trees"(lyrics below), I silently wept through the song, feeling an instant connection with his words and the calling I felt the Lord had put on our lives.
Then I saw this video, where Andrew tells the story behind the song. He explains that in a discussion group with other ministry leaders where they were discussing the question "What are you doing to push back the darkness?" When the time came for his wife to answer, she humbled the group with her answer of, "I'm raising these three kids." I cannot tell you how deeply this resonates with me.

As you could probably tell after reading this post, the Lord is stirring in me a different way of child rearing than I have been practicing. He has burdened me to pray dangerous prayers for my kids that they would raise up to be fearless, mighty warriors for His Kingdom. He's stirring me to plant trees.

Can you imagine what the next generation would be like if parents just like you and me started praying for our children to be mighty warriors? What would it be like if we started investing in our trees for the purpose of pushing back the darkness? If we started praying offensive prayers for our kids instead of just the safe, defensive ones?

What do you think? Do you want to join me? Check back here to see how the Lord grows me on the journey and I would be so encouraged to hear from you on how He does the same for you.

Planting Trees, Andrew Peterson
We chose the spot, we dug the hole
We laid the maples in the ground to have and hold
As Autumn falls to Winters sleep
We pray that somehow in the Spring
The roots grow deep
And many years from now
Long after we are gone
These trees will spread their branches out
And bless the dawn
He took a plane to Africa
He gathered up into his arms
An orphan son
So many years from now
Long after we are gone
This tree will spread its branches out
And bless the dawn
So sit down and write that letter
Sign up and join the fight
Sink in to all that matters
Step out into the light
Let go of all that's passing
Lift up the least of these
Lean into something lasting
Planting trees
She rises up as morning breaks
She moves among these rooms alone
Before we wake
And her heart is so full; it overflows
She waters us with love and the children grow
So many years from now
Long after we are gone
These trees will spread their branches out
And bless the dawn
These trees will spread their branches out
And bless someone

**Andrew Peterson has never heard of me, but I have no problem giving free publicity to someone who has changed my life. Buy his song on itunes here.