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10.25.07My Son Gets It
Discipling my son Reece is a real world experience. I just thought I’d share an example
This is an actual conversation Reece and I had while watching an episode of “The Office.”
Reece: Why do they have Angela be a mean Christian who looks down on everybody?
Me: Well, sadly, some Christians are like Angela and are judgmental. But not all of us are.
Reece: Like us, right Dad? I’m glad we’re not like that. We’re cool and we actually like people.
Me: That’s right buddy. You are more mature than many other Christians I know. Some don’t quite understand. Let’s talk about the difference between sawdust and 2×4’s…
Blogged with Flock
Tags: TheOffice, Angela, son, father, Christianity
10.23.07Offensive Parenting
I love being a dad!
For some reason God saw it fit to give me two wonderful gifts in my son and daugher despite me messing up so many things in my life. When I look at my children I have a tremendous sense of calling and responsibility. I truly believe I was meant to be their dad and they were meant to be my children. Even more, I see so much potential for their lives and I don’t want to screw it up by being a dad in name only.
I don’t want to raise my kids- I want to train them.
Good training leads to Jesus. This includes not only teaching them right from wrong but also love, repentance, and forgiveness.
In my family we have a conviction that all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. However, I’ve known Christian parents who will quote Scripture at kids as a form of punishment. Guess what view of the Bible those kids will have when they grow older? The Bible says that Scripture is a sword and they’ll see it as a sword all right. A sword you used to cut them off at the knees.
That’s sad, incomplete, and lazy parenting.
Parents love where the Bible says to honor your mother and father. That’s true, but we ignore (or don’t know) that God also says, “Do not exasperate (really tick off or annoy) your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
I want to be a good dad and parent playing offense. The best training is proactive not just reactive. I want my kids to see that God’s Word is used in all circumstances.
One proactive step we’ve taken is to bring a Proverb (or five) to dinner with us and talk about it. We try not to be lame about it and the kids actually dig it. I’m amazed at the insights my kids have and it leads to great discussions and stories about their (and our) own real life experiences.
We also have taken our family mantra right out of Scripture- To love God with all that we are and love other people as ourselves. It is the only rule in our house.
We’re teaching them biblical principles before they break them. And hopefully, so they won’t break them. And if when they do, now they now know better and have an opportunity to apologize, forgive, and receive forgiveness.
We’re not perfect parents by any means. Far from it. But we don’t want to miss opportunities to teach our kids. Everything, good or bad, is an opportunity to train our children. From a TV show, to an incident at school, to a trip to Chuck E. Cheese’s. Teachable moments are all around us.
I have a core belief that all parents are teachers and all parents are leaders. We have to be.
Mom’s and Dads, let’s teach and lead like our kids lives depend on it.
Because they do.
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10.21.07Sunday Thoughts in Progress
- I met a guy last night who’s parents named him “The.” What a first name! His middle name is Steve. So he goes by “The Steve.” That’s actually pretty cool.
- Reece (my son) had very swollen lymph nodes. He’s going to be just fine but it always stinks when your kids aren’t 100%.
- Brock Lesnar signed with the UFC. That’s big news for my friends who are into MMA especially with Randy Couture leaving UFC. Lesnar is from South Dakota and I’ve actually met him. He is a cool guy I’m pulling for him to explode.
- Regan (my little girl) and I had a great date this weekend. She’s only five but I’m trying to set the bar high for her first date with a boy. Good thing that won’t happen for another 20 years or so.
- C’mon Eagles! Beat those Bears.
- The Office is the best sitcom on TV right now. Loving it.
- My family has a few milestones birthdays coming up. Dad turning 50. Brother turning 21. Me turning 30.
- I’m playing city-league dodgeball. Gwyn (my wife) made the offer to help me practice by throwing wrenches at me.
- My broken toe is healing nicely.
- Newest blog I’ve subscribed to: Chris Bell
- Stephen Colbert is running for President. Now that’s a guy I could get behind.
- I’m studying the book of Revelation right now. People have all kinds of opinions on that book. I know many people read it and ponder things like the mark of the beast or the Antichrist. I prefer to search for Christ. He’s my lens. And you know what? It’s inspiring and humbling to study Jesus in this book. We no longer see him as God who humbled himself as man but as God who reigns as King over everyone and everything.
10.18.073-2-1 Launch!
Back in February I met a pretty cool couple, Sean and Sara Alsobrooks.
At the time, they were preparing to move from the west coast to Knoxville, TN to start a church- Knoxville Life Church. Their eyes were filled with hope and their hearts full of vision. It’s been fun to watch their journey from then until now.
Fast forward to present day and they are having their first service this weekend. They’ve risked it all on a crazy dream God gave them. It’s very exciting to see and I can’t wait to hear how it goes. How can you not pull for a church that says things like,..
“We focus on one thing and one thing only. Jesus.”
Or
“Religion sucks. Empty church rituals suck. People are hungry and searching for God more than ever…they’re just not searching for him in churches. We want to change that.”
Check out Sean’s thoughts on his blog. While you’re at it, check out the website for Knoxville Life Church. And if you pray, let’s pray for Sean, Sara, and the crew at Knox Life.
Blogged with Flock
Tags: churchplanting, sean alsobrooks
10.16.07Boss Day
Apparently today is National Boss’s Day.
I typically think holidays like this are pretty cheesy. I always picture these days being made up at Hallmark as a reason to sell more cards. But I have to admit, I’m growing fond of them.
The highlight of my day was when my team surprised me this morning with very thoughtful gifts. I got balloons, almonds, and a Starbucks gift card (they know me well). The Happy Boss’s Day card from Hallmark was great too.
I truly have an all-star team. There’s nothing sweeter to a manager than having talented people who care.
Blogged with Flock
Tags: boss’sday, team, leadership
10.15.07Today’s Student
An honest look at students today. This is more than a statement about classroom learning, colleges, and universities. It’s a reflection of a generation who are sick of going through the motions in life. Good stuff. Thanks to Noel for passing this along.
In an age where everyone is trying to look cool- I want to be authentic. I always say to “keep it real” so that’s what I’m going to do today. I’m going to unveil some skeletons in my closet. My iPod closet that is.
These are some songs that I’m betting most people would make fun of me for having- and liking. Last night I had my iPod going and apparently was singing one of these songs out loud and my wife just laughed at me. Not because I’m funny but more in that, “You’re such a dork” kind of chuckle. I get that a lot actually.
So I figure that I’ll see who my real friends are and reveal 10 songs that I happen to own and truly enjoy that many consider cheesy. This might cost me some friendships and some cool points…
Believe it or Not (Theme from “Greatest American Hero”) - Joey Scarbury
“…Who could it be? Believe it or not it’s just me…”
Ever since I was a kid I’ve loved this song. What average Joe doesn’t want to be a hero?
Islands in the Stream - Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers
“…Sail away with me, to another world, and we’ll rely on each other, ah-ah…”
This is the song my wife caught me singing to. Oops. I have a fantasy that her and I will sing this song as a duet someday. Somehow I don’t think that will ever happen.
I Think I Love You - The Partridge Family
“…I think I love you, so what am I so afraid of…”
I don’t think I really watched the Partridge Family TV show but I definately know this song. I think an old girlfriend mixed a tape with it on it. Sadly, I can’t remember which one that was.
A Friend Like U - Geoff Moore & The Distance
“The Lone Ranger and Tonto. Laurel and Hardy. Batman and Robin. It was Snoopy and Charlie…”
This was probably the first Christian song I ever heard. But it has a special place in my heart because of the friends it actually reminds me of. Of course, I don’t really know where these friends are today so some friends we turned out to be.
Real American - Hulk Hogan Theme Song
“When it comes crashing down and it hurts inside…”
Once a Hulkamaniac, always a Hulkamaniac. ‘Nuff said…brother!
Ice, Ice Baby - Vanilla Ice
“Alright, stop, collaborate, and listen…”
It’s 7th grade all over again. Man, I used to think this guy was cool. I guess that says a lot about me. I even did the stripes in my hair. I was so rad.
I Honestly Love You - Olivia Newton John
“Maybe I hang around here a little more than I should…”
I saw this video when I was a kid. She’s just staring into the camera but if felt like she was staring at me and singing this song. I was definately crushing. But then I saw the “Let’s Get Physical” video- and liked her even more. (Just being honest).
Don’t Worry, Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin
“…And when you’re worried your face gets down. And that will bring everybody down…”
C’mon. This is a great song. It’s all done with vocals. But I’m told by several people that this indeed is cheesy.
Up! - Shania Twain
“…Even my skin is acting weird. I wish that I could grow a beard…”
Okay, this is a song my daughter likes to listen to when we have a carty (car party). So that’s my alibi. But consider this- how did it get on my iPod to begin with?
True - Spandau Ballet
“…I bought a ticket to the world. But now I’ve come back again…”
Play this song and I will stop what I’m doing and sing the chorus. In particular, I will cry out the “True” part. I don’t know why that is. It’s actually kind of a sad song when you really listen to it.
So now that you see how much of a winner I am. What about you? Do you have what it takes to share cheesy songs you enjoy?
Blogged with Flock
Tags: music, songs, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Partridge Famiy, Geoff Moore, Hulk Hogan, Vanilla Ice, Olivia Newton John, Bobby McFerrin, Shania Twain, Spandau Ballet, Greatest American Hero, cheesy, iPod
10.09.07Bill Parcells’ Commandments
I saw this on ESPN last night before the Dallas Cowboys game against the Buffalo Bills. These are Bill Parcells 11 Quarterback Commandments. Some good stuff here to chew on. Think about how it applies to your situation.
1. Ignore other opinions
- When you’re in the game be in the game. Don’t think about anything else.
2. Clowns can’t run a huddle
- Have fun but don’t be the clown. Clowns and leaders don’t mix.
3. Fat quarterbacks can’t avoid the rush
- Be strong, healthy, and energized. Not weak, sloppy, and lazy.
4. Know your job cold
- Study. Know your stuff. Prepare.
5. Know your own players
- What are their strengths? Where do they struggle? Who needs encouragement?
6. Be the same guy everyday
- Always be prepared. Always be consistent. Always lead.
7. Throwing the ball away is a good thing
- Work smarter not harder. This leads to fewer big mistakes.
8. Learn to manage the game
- Know the situation you’re in at all times.
9. Get your team in the end zone
- Stick to your big goal. Play to win. It’s not just about you- it’s about the team.
10. Don’t panic
- When the waves are crashing in and you’re surrounded by chaos, you must be the hand that guides the ship. Never press the panic button.
11. Don’t be a celebrity quarterback. We don’t need any of those
- Be a battlefield commander who will fight everyday, every week, and every season. This is a real leader.
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Tags: BillParcells, Commandments, NFL, football, life, quarterback
