After the birth of our child, Amanda and I decided to reach out for some advice from some Godly friends who have had great success raising their kids. These three families have proven that whatever they did worked, and we wanted some of that! Each one responded with incredible advice and encouragement, but one response stood out as a perfect example of how God-given friends respond to one anothers needs. My hope is that after reading this response, you’ll not only see the love and respect between our two families, but also gleam some great tips on raising children God’s way. But what will stand out more than anything is that pure, honest people who put God first in everything do exists….. and make the BEST friends! My prayer for you is that you seek out friends who honor God. They truly will reshape your life.

Jimmy and Amanda

First, congratulations on such a beautiful girl! Secondly, we are honored that you would ask us about raising our kids! God has been so gracious to us and blessed us with good kids! OK, now to the answers...

1. Christmas - We always celebrate the birthday of Jesus with a birthday cake to Him and a song to Him. Then we write on paper what gift we are bringing to Jesus this year. Kids can be very creative with this! We do gifts within our budget and we take the time to talk about how blessed we are to get gifts on Jesus' birthday. Santa still visits our house and fills our stockings (some people have different convictions, but it is fun for us!) We also teach the kids to give (ex. we sponsor a boy and girl in another country and buy gifts, with the kids help, for them.)

2. Family Devotions - this is a 24/7 thing. We started by getting tapes with Scripture being read by kids on it and playing that as our kids went to sleep. You could start that right away. Family devotions are fairly regular. Scripture is taught constantly though! We talk about God's Word in every situation that we face. EVERY SITUATION.  Kids have to know that God's Word is not a scheduled love affair but a lifelong passion.

3. Education - We always interacted with our kids. Studies are constantly showing that kids whose parents spend lots of quality time with them develop their emotional intelligence more rapidly than those who don't. The Key is hands on fun and answering all of those curious looks and questions as they grow. It is so fun!!!

Finally - my advice (unsolicited I know)....When God gave you this child He gave you the combination to unlock the potential He placed in her and will hold you accountable for that unlocking. Here is how we find that combination (most of the answers you are and will be looking for).

Spirit Led Lifestyle - you have to be passionately pursuing God for your personal growth constantly.

Time with your daughter and lots of it!!! The more time you spend with her in every stage of her life, the more God will reveal her personal needs and ways to grow her in His image!

Your Marriage - Yep, believe it or not, your marriage takes precedence here. I did say that. She needs to see a Bride and Groom madly in love to understand how Jesus (the groom) and His church (the bride) are to interact. You two need to be in love, and in love in front of Naomi! I now have a teenage girl, who is beautiful and talented, who does not have a boyfriend and never has. That makes a daddy's heart swell, but part of the reason is she has such an understanding of Godly relationships and she sees that she is not defined by who she dates but by her relationship with God. She longs for what my wife and I have and that can only be found in a relationship with God. Be in love! Crazy in love with each other! And Naomi's heart will be unlocked to the love that God has for her.

Love you guys and we are so proud of you!

Be God's!!!