CHAPTER 12
RAISING CHILDREN “Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.” Proverbs 23:13-14 (NIV)
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eanie and I have four children who are now grown, and I am so thankful to say that they all love God and are pursuing the dreams He put in their hearts. However, we both will readily admit that it is not a result of our “single-handed perfect performance” as parents. Raising children is a job meant to be done along with God their Creator, and His “Instruction Manual”—the Bible. What an honor—and a relief—to work with Him raising up our children. I thank God for the blessings he has given us in our children and, now, our grandchildren. Whenever I write a book, my wife is a big part of the process, but that is especially true in this chapter. Because she will have so much to add on this topic, I am going to change the format slightly. We will write this chapter as a team. Because I think it will be helpful for you to distinguish from whose perspective the comments and insights are coming, we will mark each time the writer changes with our names. I have witnessed my wife’s daily requests for God’s wisdom on this topic during decades of parenting, and I hope you enjoy gleaning from her wisdom and experience. 55
