4 Tips On Raising Girls

Dad your job is essential when raising girls. Here are a few things that I have learned:

Daughters will usually look for a man to date and marry just like their fathers. You have to be a good role model.

Your girl needs to know that she is a princess. You show this in the way you talk to her and treat her, so be gentle with her.    

A girl derives beauty and value from their dads. She needs to know that she is beautiful, so you've got to tell her. She also needs to know that she is valued, you can do this by treating her like a princess. If you are a woman reading this answer this question: “do you think you are beautiful?” listen to your own answer. Who told you that? My guess is, it was your dad. Or maybe you will hear nothing because he never said that you were beautiful.

Date your daughter. Take her out to coffee shops, parks, bird parks, shopping and show her how he should expect to be treated. When you do this make sure you keep eye contact and focus only on her.

What about you? Do you have any tips on raising girls? 

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5 Reasons Why I Teach My Children To Tithe

see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love. 2 Corinthians 8:7-8

Generosity, tithing (10% of your income) and offering sermons are never popular. Mainly because some people don't like when you mess with their god. They feel the need to defend it. They want to to be in control and do whatever they want with what doesn't even belong to them in the first place. If you cannot give up everything (including control) you cannot be Jesus' disciple. Jesus never asked for 10%. He asks for 100%. 

I teach my children to do two things with their money: 1) to bring 10% of their income to the church and 2) to put 10% towards savings.

We have to be intentional towards generosity. We need to display it to our children and God's House is a great way to do this. Some people right now are teaching their children to gather, be in total control and fearful when comes to trusting God. Tithing is the first step. There is also offerings and the whole concept of leading a generous life.

Do you have to tithe? No. Are there consequences? Yes. 

Here are five reasons why I teach my children to tithe:

1. Tithing teaches them gratitude, NOT a sense of entitlement. 
2. Tithing teaches them that God is in absolute control of their finances NOT them.
3. Tithing  teaches them to set their treasure in the right place. 
4. Tithing  teaches them passion and zeal for God's House.
5. Tithing teaches them the principle of firstfruits. God must ALWAYS be first.

What about you? What are you teaching the next generation?

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10 Tips On Raising Boys

Here are 10 things that you need to know:

1. Reflect God’s love. Talking about it is not enough. When young the boy needs to know that he is loved. When he is a teenager he needs to know that he's got what it takes. Just tell them a million times a day: "Son I love you!", "Son you have what it takes!"

2. Discover who your child is and draw out their potential. Observe what he likes and what he is good at.

3. A father can only be a good father if they are in touch with their heavenly father. No compromise here, you have to seek God.

4. A son will imitate and reflect his father. Monkey see, monkey do! If you respect people he'll do the same. If you have integrity he will copy you. If you treat women right he will be a gentleman just like you.

5. A child derives their identity from his father. "You are a wimp!",  "You cry like a girl!", What are you speaking into your son's life? replace all the negative words with: "You are a winner!", "You are smart" etc.

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Boys Need Adventure

... a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” - God, Luke 3:22

Yesterday I went on an adventure with a really cool dude! We went to Leckhampton Hill and walked right to the top. We got ourselves lost in the 'forest'. Went to the swing and climbed some rocks. We also stopped and to eat some junk food overlooking Cheltenham. We had a blast!

Daniel is 6 now and even though he has my nature (a peaceful and laid back attitude) he does appreciate a good adventure. That's actually an understatement: He absolutely loves it!

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I've Just Been On A Date With A Younger Girl

I have got to confess it was love at first sight. I could not help it. She is the most beautiful young girl I've ever seen. Where did we meet? When did I fall in love? It was right there at the twenty weeks scan. When I saw her face through the screen. She looked like she was looking right into my eyes. It was love at first sight. 

My wife when you read this I want you to know that I've vowed to devote myself to this little girl. Hopefully together we will raise a beautiful princess that will enchant with grace everyone she meets. Above all I pray that she will enchant her Father in heaven with her love for Him.

Amy and I went out on our very first 'official' date today. I took her to a coffee shop. We spent precious time nibbling and chatting. It was a delightful, priceless time. Hear the sound of joy of a very happy little princess here. I recorded the song she wrote on our way home. If you don't know Amy means 'beloved'.

The Most Beautiful Place... Ever!

I absolutely love Cheltenham! Located at the heart of the Cotswolds Cheltenham is such a beautiful place to live. Characterised by intricate ironwork balconies and painted stucco façades, line the historic Promenade, squares and terraces. With its award-winning gardens, impressive range of stylish shops and restaurants, and its festivals of music and literature there is always something great to do.

Check out these awesome photos taken by Lorah! 

What about you? What is your favourite place?

2010 Snow Fun

The De Souza family fun in the snow! 

This year we had lots of snow so we decided to have some fun in our garden!

 

Daniel's Christmas Play

On the 9th December, Daniel took part on a Christmas play at his school. He did really well as a shepherd.

Behind The Scenes

Friday 27 August - Meeting The Mayor

D7 Band had the honour to meet and present our album to The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Gloucester. It was a defining moment in the life of our church as we established important bridges of influence between the church and the leaders of our city.

The meeting was informal and fun, we even learned a little bit about the history and heritage of Gloucester (Google it and you will see what I mean, our city is extremely wealthy in history). Alan Myatt the town crier was also there and made us all take a photo wearing official robes, what a character.(Click here for more D7 press articles).

Wednesday 1 September - Safari Park

My family is my second obsession so I decide to spoil them! We had an awesome family day out at the West Midlands Safari Park. Great day, great fun, loads of animals, good value for money! Highly recommended.

Thursday 2 September - Daniel's First Day at School

May as well finish this post with a praise report. Angela and I were so thrilled that we got Daniel in the school of our choice. God really performed a miracle here as this school is not in our catchment area and our application and dispute were rejected.This is a lovely small award winning school located on a hill with plenty of fresh air, sheep and green bushes.