“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!