Character Matters! : Raising Kids with Values That Last

by Yates, John, and Susan Alexander Yates

• ISBN13: 9780801064104
• ISBN10: 0801064104
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-04-01
• Publisher: Baker Books

Summary

How can you equip your children to live a life of integrity before God and in service to others? Developing a character that stands firm is not something that happens automatically. As a parent, you need goals for character development and practical ways of achieving those goals. Character Matters! is the essential resource to guide you in this ongoing process. John and Susan Yates describe how both parents and children can intentionally grow in character through the normal, daily events in life. They highlight eight essential character traits-integrity, faith, a teachable spirit, a servant's heart, self-discipline, joy, compassion, and courage-and give insight into God's perspective on each. Through stories and practical examples, the Yateses share how they seek to develop these traits in their own lives and in the lives of their five children. By seeing how to use everyday circumstances as opportunities for character development, you'll discover that often the big lessons in life are best learned in the little, everyday issues. "Here's a biblical plan for raising secure, loving children-a book you need to read!"Gary Smalley and John Trent, Ph.D. "John and Susan give solid, practical instruction and inspiration for turning houses into homes." Bill and Lynne Hybels

Author Biography

John and Susan Yates are popular speakers at marriage and parenting conferences throughout the country. John is Rector of The Falls Church (Episcopal) in Falls Church, Virginia. Susan is the author of several books, including And Then I Had Teenagers, and is a regular guest on FamilyLife Today and other national radio programs.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. ix
Introduction	p. 1
The Crisis of Character	p. 5
Shaping Character
The Creator's Concern for Character
Focus Questions
Integrity	p. 17
Building Integrity
Cleaning Out
Hunger to Grow
Focus Questions
A Teachable Spirit	p. 33
Components of a Teachable Spirit
Cultivating Teachability
Focus Questions
Self-Discipline	p. 49
Developing Self-discipline in Children
Focus Questions
Compassion	p. 67
Compassion Is More Than Just Concern
Concern That Acts
What Our Children Observe
When Compassion Backfires
Focus Questions
A Servant's Heart	p. 85
Three Traps to Avoid
Five Ingredients for a Servant's Heart
Pursuing the Servant's Heart
Focus Questions
Courage	p. 105
The Relationship of Courage and Fear
Bursting Through Barriers
Focus Questions
Faith	p. 121
Make The Choice
Dependence on the Father
Focus Questions
Joy	p. 139
Faith and Joy
Where Does Joy Come From?
Focus Questions
The Home Where Character Blossoms	p. 157
The Intent Of The Gardener
The Makeup of the Garden
Intruders in the Garden
Seasons in the Garden
The Atmosphere of the Garden
The Master Gardener
Focus Questions
Our Favorite Books	p. 169
Ten Classics of the Faith for High School Students
Ten Classics of the Faith for College Students
Best Bibles
Discerning God's Will	p. 173
Ten Concise Questions to Ask Myself When Seeking to Discern God's Will
One Final Thought
Leader's Guide for a Group Study	p. 175
Notes	p. 187
Subject Index	p. 191
Scripture Index	p. 195
About the Authors	p. 197
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