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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He Chose The Nails

This is an amazing book that does make you linger on the hill of Calvary. It puts a taste of cheap wine in your mouth and allows you to feel the scrape of a thorn on your brow. You can almost feel the timber and the nail in your hand and almost touch the velvet dirt, moist with the blood of God. The tools of torture do tell their story. You can't help it but stop and listen as they tell you what God did to win your heart.

He Chose the Nails does not disappoint. Not only will it anwser the question, "What has God done for me?" but it will take you on a journey of torture and impact. It opens your eyes.  It leads you into an even deeper understanding of what Jesus did for us. The author doesn't just provides a description of the way to the cross, he paints a vivid picture of Golgotha and invites you into the story. This book gives you something to remember, to hold in your heart. It shows that our salvation, in Jesus is not to be taken for granted. This is a great read that will help you remember that no matter how hard life may be, he chose us. He chose to suffer and die for us. That makes it all worth it.

Another great book by Max Lucado

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest opinion as part of their BookSneeze reviewer program. I was not required to give a positive review. 

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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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