BONUS - #Prepare - Evaluate

“Thoughtful Evaluation”

Job 34:4 - Let us evaluate for ourselves what is right; let us come to know among ourselves what is good.

Matthew 7:2 - Because the way that you judge others will be the way that you will be judged, and you will be evaluated by the standard with which you evaluate others.

2 Corinthians 13:5 -Test and evaluate yourselves to see whether you are in the faith and living your lives as believers. Examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test and are rejected as counterfeit?

DADs, I cannot believe that it’s been a year since we started this “passion for preparation” journey together!

I hope through this year you have found at least one message resonating with you, bringing about positive action, while helping you become better prepared.

Together we have considered thus far 52 different aspects of preparation. This 53rd edition is a “BONUS” blog, to hopefully help launch you into next year.

Thank you for being a faithful follower and reader. Thank you for wanting to be prepared. Thank you for wanting to be the Daily Active Devoted DAD God has called you to be!

Evaluate: to judge the value or condition of (someone or something) in a careful and thoughtful way

I love the days between Christmas and New Year’s. I’m not sure why, but unless you’re traveling or taking down Christmas decorations, it’s a great time to pause.

Especially pausing to evaluate.

But should we always wait until the 52nd week of every year to evaluate? Maybe just maybe that’s something we should prepare to do daily?

DADs, keeping true to our yearlong definition of preparation, I ask you today, “what needs your deliberate effort, evaluating in a careful and thoughtful way?”

How’s your physical condition? How’s your mental status? How’s your spiritual level?

I ask about all three (physical, mental, spiritual), because while two out of three may be good enough for the baseball hall of fame, our well-being, and our potential to be fully used depends on all three.

So if we used a simple scale of 1-10 (10 being highest), how would you measure or evaluate your score in these three areas today?

Are you better today than yesterday?

Now I’m not suggesting that you use a scale, but I am suggesting you prepare to evaluate both on a long and short term basis. Whatever the process it needs to provide you with a starting point and benchmarks along the way.

And whatever measurement you use to evaluate your status, consistency is key.

Want to know how you are doing? Then surround yourself with your people. People are not afraid to tell you the truth. People with a vested interest in your success.

Two questions to ask yourself in the evaluation process are: “Is what I am doing providing the greatest impact?” and “Am I adding value to those around me?”

In our prep to evaluate, asking the right questions is essential as it is written in Job 34:4: To “Let us evaluate for ourselves what is right; let us come to know among ourselves what is good.”

DADs it is only in our willingness to look into the “mirror” allowing us to truly see what we are reflecting.

Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 13:5: We are instructed to “test and evaluate yourselves to see whether you are in the faith and living your lives as believers. Examine yourselves!”

DADs as we prepare to turn the page on another year, let us also prepare to evaluate ourselves, ensuring our steps are guided in every way.

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!

Week 52 - #Prepare - Empower

“Unwrapped Empowerment”

Ephesians 4:12: "For the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;"

2 Timothy 2:1-2:"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

Hebrews 12:1: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us”

Empower: to promote the self-actualization or influence of

Within an individual’s own capacities, talents, and aptitude, every person has the potential to lead.

Some seize leadership. Some are given leadership. All possess leadership inside them.

Leadership is a choice at every level of authority.

From employee to boss. From child to parent. From student to teacher, all possess the capability, when presented with the opportunities to lead.

While some may respond, “I’m not a leader…I say, good or bad, timid or bold, inexperienced or veteran, we all have characteristics to lead.

If a person possesses an ounce of influence over another, indirectly or directly, then they are a leader.

Even my oldest granddaughter influences her little sister, and little sister influences baby brother! Sometimes good…sometimes bad! And sometimes their influence is in reverse too!

The question is not if you will lead, or can you lead, the question is how will you lead?

One benefit of acknowledging our leadership qualities, is the sharing of the gifts we have all been given.

And a life changing gift we can unwrap for those within our sphere of influence, is the gift to empower.

Which is something as leaders, even great leaders are remiss in practicing!

Ironically the “reluctant” leader is often better at empowering, than those of us seeking the leadership spotlight! For they see empowering as a necessity.

But wherever we are on the leader spectrum, in our preparation to lead, we must encourage growth in others, and empower those we serve, leading to greater heights.

To empower, prepares others throughout the process, to become better equipped, and can balance our own areas of deficits enabling the achievement of the bigger goal.

As Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:12, “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.

So DADS…I have two questions for you...

Will you acknowledge, and maximize your leadership role?

And who do you need to empower today?

DADs…let’s prepare to be the leader today. While always looking for those to empower along the way.

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!

**Today we prepare to“Empower." Later this week we will consider how critical it is to prepare for considering how to “Evaluate"in our lives.

*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.

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.

Week 51 - #Prepare - Collaborate

“And Then…”

Proverbs 27:17 - Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.

Nehemiah 4:6 - So we built the wall and the whole wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.

Romans 12:4-5 - For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Rarely does a successful architect design and build a project on his or her own to completion.

The architect often creates the initial model or prototype, presents the work to the team of colleagues, “and then”…

the real dreaming begins!

DADs, in your professional and personal lives, are you open to “and then,” or have you already heard enough even before you walk in?

Have you turned on your “already always listening” mode where in your mind you have all the answers, or are you open to the potential of “and then” offering true collaboration?

Ken Blanchard has a saying, “All of us are smarter than any one of us.” We work in teams, whether that group is our family, our co-workers, or our community. If we want to accomplish anything significant we can’t do it alone.

DADs, how is it, we can find ourselves as the leader of our families, and in the boardroom thinking, “we alone must have all the answers?”

English poet John Donne, writing in the 17th century, famously wrote that “no man is an island,”comparing people to countries, and arguing for the interconnectedness of all people with God.

DADs, if in our hearts we believe in the statement, “no man is an island,” but yet our actions don’t align, then we become a living contradiction.

So how do we prepare for collaboration?

By first recognizing the talents we possess, then amplifying those gifts by surrounding ourselves with those in our lives sharing the vision, who unconditionally love us, and just want the opportunity to contribute.

So what are the possibilities, and what will happen when we allow others to “play” in this journey together?

Collaboration leads to dreaming. Dreaming leads to creativity. Creativity leads to innovation, and then, ultimately leads to engagement.

Engaged teams. Engaged workplaces. Engaged churches.

And then, most importantly, collaboration leads to engaged homes! As Proverbs 27:17 reminds us all, Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.

DADs, let’s prepare for the opportunities for collaboration today.

And then…a whole new world will open up!

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!

**Today we prepare to“Collaborate." Next week we will consider how critical it is to prepare for considering how to “Empower" in our lives.

*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.

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

Week 48 - #Prepare - Delivering the Goods!

"and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" - Matthew 6:13

"Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy." - Job 29:12-13

"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures." - I Corinthians 15:3-4

deliver : to give results that are promised, expected, or desired

Why is it, no matter how old we are we can still get excited when we see the UPS truck on our street, just hoping the driver will stop at our house with a special delivery just for us?

There is something magical about getting a delivery, no matter a package or letter, big or small!

Even my dog Sienna gets excited every evening when I ask her if she wants to go to the mailbox with me.

Today as I’m writing this, I’m wondering with anticipation if the gifts I ordered online yesterday will be here in time for Christmas?

How contrary to the excitement when we are the ones receiving, compared to when we’re the ones doing the delivering. I wonder what would happen if our giving matched our receiving?

DADs, how is your delivery service? Do you deliver in the rain, sleet or snow? Through crisis and chaos at home?

At the height of the busyness, do you make what matters most your priority mail?

Or do you discover your “delivering” sometimes falls short of the customer’s expectations. Customers including your colleagues at work, and even more importantly your family at home?

Again, I ponder, why is it we have such high expectations like a kid on Christmas morning, receiving the long awaited presents, but sometimes fail to carry out those same expectations when we are the one to deliver?

When I think about our preparation to deliver I’m reminded of the maxim we were all taught as a child, “The Golden Rule.” The principle of treating others as one wants to be treated.

The most familiar version of the Golden Rule says, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

During this time of year when we are in the middle of the holiday season of giving and receiving, I especially like to reflect upon this scripture found in Job 29:12-13:

“Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy."

Meditating on these words, not only prompts me to receive each day, as a new gift from God, but on the flip side, encourages me to approach my preparation daily to deliver, in such a way, that each receiving... “hearts sing with joy.”

Dads, what new approach do you need to prepare today, enabling you to "deliver the goods" which you have promised in a special way?

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!

**Today we prepare to“Deliver" Next week we will consider how critical it is to prepare for considering how to “Collaborate" in our lives.

*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.

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.

Week 48 - #Prepare - REGROUP

Are you prepared to regroup?

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. - I Samuel 30:6

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. - I Peter 5:10

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. - Psalm 23:1-2

To “regroup” can be defined as “to reorganize (as after a setback) for renewed activity.”

DADs, seeing the need to regroup can be half the battle. However, many choose to remain oblivious even when alarms are going off all around them.

I say many “choose” because, in their attempts to make their fields ready, in their preparation, they have not made themselves "ready" for life's detours.

In other words no Plan B.

Not having built-in alternative plans “just in case” alters our abilities to pivot in the process.

Some may look at the idea of regrouping as retreating and weak. But the ability to humble ourselves is essential, for seeing the need for taking "time outs" in your preparation to regroup.

Without a level of humility there will be limitations in your ability to regroup.

In the midst of our regrouping we must remain encouraged as David was in the example found in I Samuel 30:6,

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”

Acknowledging the potential need to regroup, before the actual need to regroup, equips us as we prepare for the struggles of life, allowing us to persevere, and to clearly see our options.

In I Peter 5:10 we are reminded there will be setbacks along the way, but as we choose to regroup, we will also be renewed. “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

DADs, do not deny the crossroads or avoid the areas of your life needing reorganized and renewed.

DADs, what in your daily activities, requires your acknowledgement of the alternatives along the way? Where do you need to regroup?

DADs, when needed, don’t delay, redirect and regroup 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!

**Today we prepare to“Regroup." Next week we will consider how critical it is to prepare for considering how to “Deliver" in our lives.

*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.

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.

Week 48 - #Prepare - LOSE?

What Do You Have to Lose?

Philippians 2:4: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Psalms 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”

Matthew 16:25: “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it”

Little did I know last December when I prayed over the potential aspects of “preparation” I would write about for 2021…that this week’s (week 48) focus would land on the topic of preparing to “lose.”

This week’s writing comes on the heels of my beloved buckeyes defeat to the team up north (University of Michigan). I’m thinking this topic for me personally may have been better served up last week!

But, God definitely has a sense of humor.

One of my favorite quotes that works in both good times and bad, in winning and losing is “this too shall pass.”

Life…real life, is a series of ebb and flow. We all know this but are we ever really prepared for this?

As we seek consistency in our lives there will be highs, and lows. The lows are the struggles not always pleasant, but necessary for our growth. The Proverbial “growing pains” we face brings about new meanings around each encounter.

So how do we prepare for loss as we endeavor to strive in the midst of inevitable hurt, pain and sorrow to continue to see the big picture…to keep perspective?

Perhaps we start by losing self, kindling a desire to see others and their needs. As Paul wrote to the Phillipians,

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

The reality is, we all have things in our life we need to lose. Things that hinder us, keeping us away from what matters most. Distractions from accomplishing kingdom goals.

In the gospel of Matthew 16:25, we are told,

“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

DADs, losing will hurt. Especially if what you lost means something to you. And there are times in our lives when losing hurts even more. Quoting a friend of mine recently, in conversation about the buckeyes recent loss, he said “bad days in November are tough to rebound from.”

But DADs here is the good news found in Psalms 46:1:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

When we suffer. God suffers.

When we lose, God is right there beside you.

Are we ever totally prepared for all the opportunities to endure loss in our lives coming our way?

No.

But like the prodigal son, preparation for loss includes knowing we always have a home with God, who literally runs to us, to greet us, no matter what, with open arms.

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!

**Today we prepare to“Lose." Next week we will consider how critical it is to prepare for considering how to “Regroup" in our lives.

*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.

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.