Copyright Page
2016 by Sami Cone
Published by Baker Books
a division of Baker Publishing Group
P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
www.bakerbooks.com
Ebook edition created 2016
Ebook corrections 02.24.2016
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1-4934-0326-4
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com
Scripture quotations labeled Message are from The Message by Eugene H. Peterson, copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations labeled NCV are from the New Century Version. Copyright 1987, 1988, 1991 by Word Publishing, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations labeled NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations labeled NLT are from the Holy Bible , New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Published in association with the literary agency D.C. Jacobson & Associates, an Author Management Company, www.dcjacobson.com.
Endorsements
Sami Cone is a remarkable young woman with the ability to look way beyond her life experiences and determine what it takes to raise healthy, responsible, God-loving children. In Raising Uncommon Kids , she gives readers practical information for the hows all parents want to know, such as How do we teach our children to love their siblings? Im thankful for women like Sami who are dedicated to teaching our next generation that things dont matterothers do.
Chrys Howard , Duck Dynasty
If you want to see your kids grow up to be men and women of great character, then this book is a must-have for you. Its an extraordinary tool that will give you some practical tips for raising selfless kids in an its-all-about-me generation.
Pete Wilson , senior pastor of Cross Point Church and bestselling author of Plan B
In her book Raising Uncommon Kids , Sami Cone shows us how to shepherd the hearts of our children with biblical wisdom and contemporary courage. This book is packed with personal stories and creative ideas your family will love. Get ready to experience more of Jesus in your everyday life and lead your kids closer to the heart of God.
Renee Swope , bestselling author of A Confident Heart and cohost of Everyday Life with Lysa & Renee on Proverbs 31 Ministries Radio
Sami Cone is such a smart woman and mother. Her refreshing ideas on raising uncommon kids gave me hope in the moment and encouragement for the future. This book is a must-have for any parent who cares enough to give their kids every opportunity to become successful adults.
Jaci Velasquez , Grammy-nominated and Dove Awardwinning vocalist
Warning: be prepared to ditch the parenting status quo! If youre looking for a spiritually sound and practical guide to take your family to the next level, look no further. Sami Cones transparent and practical style is a breath of fresh air in the parenting space. I pride myself in being wildly intentional, and now its your turngrab this book!
Carrie Wilkerson , bestselling author of The Barefoot Executive , international speaker, and award-winning podcaster
Raising kids who love God and love others is the greatest blessing you can receive as a parent. But that blessing comes as a result of a lot of hard work and discipline to model the virtues and character traits of Christ in your home. Remember, more is caught than taught by our kids! In Raising Uncommon Kids , Sami unpacks the twelve godly characteristics that will challenge and inspire you to walk closer with Jesus so you can raise kids who will change the world for Christ in their generation.
Tom and Donna Mullins , founders of Christ Fellowship and Place of Hope
I love Sami, and not just because she can light up a room when she enters but because she can make me laugh like nobodys business. Not only is she an amazing woman of God, but she is also an intentional wife and mother. Her book Raising Uncommon Kids is refreshing, inspiring, and honest. She shoots straight from the heart. I am excited to see how her book empowers moms to find the joy in finishing well with one of the most important titles we could ever have: mother.
Shelene Bryan , author of Love, Skip, Jump and founder of Skip1.org
Sami and her family have been great friends of ours, and I am so happy she has shared her life lessons! My husband and I have asked Sami and Rick on many occasions how they have raised such respectful and kind children. The answers were truthful, powerful, and Christ-centered. I cannot wait for the rest of the world to hear these ideas as well! Thank you, Sami, for helping all of us raise uncommon kids!
Kelly Sutton , TV host and entertainment journalist
Dedication
To my husband and parenting partner, Ricky, who made it possible for me to be a mother in the first place. I love you forever and for always.
And to our own uncommon kids, Kariss Nevaeh and Britton Jerick. Thank you for allowing me to see the world through your eyes. You two are the best mirror a mom could ask for!
Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Endorsements
Dedication
Introduction: Hello, Pot, Meet KettleYour Mirror Image
Section One: Your Heart at Home
1. Love Above All Else
2. Harmony Lessons Are Caught
3. Gentleness Be Careful, Little Ears, What You Hear
4. Bearing With The Secret of Sibling Love
Section Two: Your Attitude toward Others
5. Forgiveness Respect What Your Kids Need to Know
6. Wisdom Through the Eyes of a Child
7. Patience Active Restraint
8. Kindness The Need Next Door
9. Gratitude Kids Can Too
10. Peace Option Z
11. Humility Consider Others
12. Compassion Both/And
Before I Go
Acknowledgments
Notes
About the Author
Back Ad
Back Cover
Section One
Your Heart at Home
I love a good deal.
In fact, I am rather well known for my deal-finding strategies and savvy saving advice. So it should come as no surprise to learn that from a young age, my kids were known to utter phrases like, Do we have a coupon for that, Mommy?
To this day, before my kids ask me to buy something, I will often hear them telling each other, You have to wait until it goes on sale!
But I think the ultimate kicker was when I heard my (at the time) two-year-old daughter tell my mother-in-law, Nani, you can get that much cheaper at Walmart.
Frankly, I wasnt sure whether to laugh or cry.
Did I sit down daily and educate my two toddlers on how to save money by stacking coupons with store sales?
Of course not.
But at the time, we had just hit rock bottom financially due to the economic crash. We went from two modest incomes to one and had to sell a car just to make ends meet. This meant that I accomplished all of our shopping and daily activities with a double stroller.