Thoughts on Raising kids...

One thing that always happens to me whenever I am away from my family (or they are away from me) is I take more time to pray for them and to reflect on what they mean to me. Lately I've been thinking about how important my kids are to me and how much I want God to help me be the best Father possible to them. It seems that our culture today is trying very hard (and winning the battle if you ask me) on telling Christians how we are to raise our kids.

In my quiet times God always seems to reveal things to me about how I am called to raise my kids with Danae. Here's what I feel God wants me to share with others. Especially those with daughters:

Dads - go after their hearts...that is where obedience and respect will grow from. Take them on dates (even if they are little) make them feel special. Compliment them often...on everything. Girls want to be adored, admired and sought after...if you don't give them this attention now they will go looking for it in some dead beat guy later. Set a standard of how a man is supposed to love a woman by how you treat and love your wife. Your girls are being taught and trained what to expect from guys by how you treat them and how you treat your wife...think about this responsibility often.
Help around the house. True leaders lead by example! True leaders are servants...like Jesus. Help your wife with everything...especially in discipline when they are younger. Lead with love and not with anger.
Most importantly teach your kids about God - pray with them, do Bible studies with them, teach them to memorize God's Word. Make them want to mirror your relationship with Christ.

Moms - You too have to lead by example. You are with them probably more than any person ever will be...this means that you have endure more headaches than anyone...God will bless your continued efforts! Don't get so wrapped up in the moment that you lose sight of what you are really doing...which is loving your kids and raising them to know the Lord. Teach your kids to obey you the first time...this helps with the patience thing. :) Lead by example in your walk with God and your kids will want to follow in your footsteps.

Ok, I'll get off my soapbox. I love and miss you guys.

Will