“Our Children”

Ephesians 6:4 - “And you, fathers, …bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”

Malachi 4:6 - "He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction."

Note: *For this new year of 2021, the combination of my age (understanding my own fragile mortality), this current and ongoing global pandemic, and most recently the personal loss I’ve experienced of one of my students, has amplified the need to land on one word... #Prepare.

In this "pursuit to prepare" I am determined to dedicate the 52 weeks of 2021 blogging every Week about one aspect of preparation God lays on my heart. This week 8 “we talk about what it means to prepare “the children.”
As mentioned in week 1, the word “prepare” means “to establish, fix, or apply.” It conveys the idea of deliberate effort over a prolonged period of time.
Most people that know me understand my need to turn every word into either an acronym or an acrostic! (and add a #hastag as well).
Take the word #DAD for example.

To place emphasis on the important role of being a DAD I tell all listening the word DADi tself stands for D-aily A-ctive D-evotion.
Today more than ever DADs need to be a DAILY constant in their kids lives.
Today more than ever DADs need to be ACTIVE and not just in the vicinity.
Today more than ever DADs need to demonstrate their undeniable DEVOTION!

DADs need to be present DAILY; ACTIVE in their kids lives, and DEVOTED to their journey.

Let’s look at a great definition for Daily - "something that is acted upon, providing for and issued every day!"

I suggest there are (3) essential things DADs DAILY can act upon to provide for and issue everyday:

1. to promote: every child is valuable; complete and loved!

So what does it mean to promote? Growing up kids will sometimes only focus on their weaknesses and need their DAD, especially early on, to encourage and help them recognize their gifts unique only to them. It is essential to remind them DAILY, that there is only one like them precious and unique to all the world!

2. to be present: not just the big things but most things. Often your children will not always remember all the times you were there but often the times you were not!

So what does it mean to be present? As a veteran DAD for 32 years, I am still figuring this DAD thing out. Do not think for one minute men that this DAD has it all solved with all the answers to DADhood. But here is what I do know, being present not just the in big things but in most things is vital in the world of our children. Your kids will not always remember all the times you were there but often they will remember the times you were not! DADs always strive to be present today.

3. to prepare: every child needs a coach, and their first coach should be their DAD.

So what does it mean to prepare? Dads, the most essential thing in your role as the DAD is to DAILY prepare your children. Prepare them by your words, your love, and your actions. Every child needs to have modeled by their DAD, coping skills; foundational skills, and a modeling of empathy in the home.
My own DAD was a constant in my life. From little league statistician, to model train track builder, to my educational tutor; to a faithful father in the stands! My DAD was always there!
DADs, it's time to promote, to be present, and to #prepare our children and be the DAD God has called us to be #Today.

To God be the glory!

Dads “get in the game”…

Today is game day…and so is every day…

God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

“What? Study?”

2 Timothy 2:15

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel.

Psalm 119:15-16

I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.

Note: *For this new year of 2021, the combination of my age (understanding my own fragile mortality), this current and ongoing global pandemic, and most recently the personal loss I’ve experienced of one of my former students, has amplified the need to land on one word... #Prepare.

In this "pursuit to prepare" I am determined to dedicate the 52 weeks of 2021 blogging every Week about one aspect of preparation God lays on my heart. This week 6 “we prepare” for “study.”

As mentioned in week 1, the word “prepare” means “to establish, fix, or apply.” It conveys the idea of deliberate effort over a prolonged period of time.

I remember when I was a young boy in high school, I really disliked studying. I rarely took advantage, in grade school and through my college years, of my DAD's persistent encouragement to study.

In high school my DAD would sit me at the kitchen table, and set the timer for me to complete my assigned chapters to study for a test. Later, when I was in college my dad sent me monthly study calendars so I could organize myself, and record my study hours.

While I am so grateful for my DAD's endless efforts to lead me towards better study habits, I just never saw much value or held any appreciation for study until later years. Perhaps, it was because I lacked the self discipline for the required focus needed to truly prepare myself and study.

What was missing then and even some still today, is my struggle of intentionality when it comes to study. Even when I know and understand the many benefits.

To “prepare”conveys the idea of deliberate effort over a prolonged period of time. Learning to study for me has been a lifelong process. Some of us learn that lesson, sooner than later.
Looking back, it was often the thinking about studying that was actually worse than the actual study. For afterwards, or even in the middle of it, I would begin to see its purpose.

What are you studying today?

What can you do today to help you to see its purpose? How can you “establish” and prepare today for the benefits of study?

I find my morning devotionals a spark leading me to more study. It's that spark motivating my curiosity desiring more, leading to a deeper study of scripture reading. Yet, beyond scripture reading itself, it can be something even more, a combination of fellowship and study. It is in these intense study opportunities, providing the foundation for many conversations, fueled by studying together in a huddle or a small group, inspiring the scriptures to come to life.

Psalm 119:15-16 “I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.”

I give thanks to God I had a DAD who was patient, and persistent as he planted the seeds of study habits with me. I’m sure there were days he thought the fruit of his efforts would never lead to my growth, but he persevered. And the results of his constant “preparation” took me from a distracted kid restless at the kitchen table, to a man becoming a high school principal, over a campus of nearly 3,000. I have humbly shared many times with others, “there is a God, because I became a principal.”

And even though my DAD never saw me earn my Doctorate at the young age of 61, my dad knew what he was doing. He was faithful in his steps with me. He saw a bright future for me, even when I was not so willing.

DADs, study may not be the first thing on your list, as you balance family, work, and play. But, making time for studying God’s word daily, digging deeper, and studying together with others, makes everything you are juggling more joyful. This helps you “prepare” better for each day.

DADs intentionally prepare for study today!

To God be the glory!

Ecclesiastes 8:15

“So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.”

Note: *For this new year of 2021, the combination of my age (understanding my own fragile mortality), this current and ongoing global pandemic, and most recently the personal loss I’ve experienced of one of my former students, has amplified the need to land on one word... #Prepare.

In this "pursuit to prepare" I am determined to dedicate the 52 weeks of 2021 blogging every Week about one aspect of preparation God lays on my heart. This week 5 “we prepare” for “play.”

As mentioned in week 1, the word “prepare” means “to establish, fix, prepare, or apply.” It conveys the idea of deliberate effort over a prolonged period of time.

I just returned from my daughter’s home in Arkansas. For almost two weeks with my granddaughters I attended more tea parties, built more castles, rode more slides, and watched almost every Disney movie ever released.

Playing nearly 24/7 for almost 2 weeks with “the girls” although exhausting, is a powerful gift giving and quite frankly, a precious life changing addiction I never plan to give up.

And then it’s time to come home. Time to recoup and “prepare" for the next opportunity on the calendar to play!

Men, there are a few questions you never want to stop hearing again like “daddy will you come jump on the trampoline with me?” or “Grandpa do you want to go play tea party? I know. I know. I get it. You are tired. But believe me my brothers they will stop asking soon enough, and you will one day yearn, yes I said yearn, for those sweet, precious, and innocent requests once more!

So what are the areas in your life calling you to “establish” and “apply” to “prepare you for play? Not tomorrow. But Today?

DADs, do not be like the man spending a lifetime building his house, only to die before he can actually live in it.
When was the last time you paused to play?
Zechariah the prophet shared in Zechariah 8:5 "And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.” I believe he was casting a picture, where our homes and neighborhoods are full of healthy people, yes even adults, rich with joy and hope for all present. A place held with peace, and plenty are within reach. Where play is not just evident in the children, but in those raising them as well.

DADs, what is evident in your lives, because of your intentional "preparation for play” in your homes, and literally the streets around your house, becomes a sage sanctuary for you, your family, and others?
Play is essential in your work, in your rest, and in the spontaneous moments unexpected. Play can be found in your creating, innovating, wonderment, and celebrations. Beyond food and shelter, play is the third most important biological need we as God’s children have, and yet often the most neglected.

DADs, when was the last time you truly played? For yourself, for your spouse, others? It’s time, my brothers, to “prepare to play!”
It’s time to pause, and sit down, again, either figuratively or in reality around the tiny tea party table.
Let’s begin to build those castles and prepare to play today!

To God be the glory!