Week 11 - #Prepare - “Vision”

Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision the people perish, but happy is he who keeps the teaching.”

Habakkuk 2:2 And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.”

Did you know that the word “vision” is found 130 times in the Old and New Testament?

While many of those occurrences referred to characters in the Bible actually "seeing" a vision, Habakkuk 2:2 gives us three very straightforward, essential, and simple instructions we can follow as we prepare to“construct" a vision.

Habakkuk 2:2 says,"And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.”

Number one, God tells Habakkuk,"write the vision,” literally write it down! Secondly, God exhorts, "make it plain on tablets,” write it succinct and make it clear!"

Finally, God shares, "so he may run who reads it, “make it easy to remember.”

If someone asked you today, “what’s your vision your own personal vision”, what would you say? And do you have a vision statement for your family as well?

Vision statements are typically one of the very first things any team or organization creates as their continuous destination pointing towards the desired level of success. Ironically it is rarely a priority or viewed as essentially important for ourselves.

So why the urgent intentionality of focus on the importance of visioning when it comes to other entities when often withholding one for ourselves and our families?

Well, I don’t want to get into the debate of what the definition of a vision statement is, but I was taught and have practiced to write a "vision" in terms as the “preferred future state.” In other words, something “to become” and daily to strive towards.

A vision statement should be short and memorable, but potent and direct. Something measurable and meaningful.

Just as God guided Habakkuk.

DADs, the sooner we become intentional in our own developing and preparing of our own vision for ourselves and family, the sooner we can begin to journey down that path of fruition.

DADs, let’s get around the table today. Not just in the conference rooms or boardrooms. But in our living rooms and our family rooms as well.

Casting a vision for the teams you lead is no doubt valuable but casting a vision for your family is eternal.

As it says in Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision the people perish, but happy is he who keeps the teaching.”

DADs, prepare your vision today.

* Dads, for the last two weeks we have placed emphasis on the urgency to prepare our mission and our vision. So how do you undergird both of those? You set goals to undergird them. Next week we explore and prepare for the importance of setting goals. Stay tuned!*

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!

“Are You On Mission?”

Luke 4:16-21 - 16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read,17and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:18“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 20Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him.21He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

So I am sure that anyone reading this does not need to be convinced that Jesus had a mission and understood His mission. Not only did He know His mission, understand His mission, (and thankfully for all us) He carried out His mission anointed by God.

And over 2000 years later we are all still talking about His inconceivable and unparalleled sacrifice.

Did you know the Bible says that we are all anointed?

In 1 John 2:20 "But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.”

And with this “anointing” comes responsibility! Did you know that we all have a mission? But there is a difference in “having" a mission,” and being “on" mission!”
Which one are you? If you are like me, I seem to always have a mission but, often lose sight and fall short.

Jesus was “on” mission His whole life. Now, I’m not saying we are "to be" Jesus. But we can be “like” Jesus. We can be “like” Jesus by striving to stay “on” mission.

So what Has God laid on your heart for your mission?

What do you need to “establish” today to #prepare for your mission?
Mission is not achieving the goal, creating the latest and greatest rave, or becoming a position in life it’s what you do with it, how it impacts others, and elevates those you come in contact with along the way.

In essence, wherever you are there is your mission.

The question is what are you going to do with it?

My brothers, don’t delay. Prepare for your mission today.

Let’s work to “stay” on mission.

Don’t wait until you “arrive,"…YOU are already there!

To God be the glory!

*So how do you stay "on" mission? Next week we will talk about the importance of continuing to evolve and #prepare your vision?

Dads “get in the game”…

Today is game day…and so is every day…

God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

“Our Finances”

Proverbs 21:5 - "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty."

1 Timothy 6:10 - "For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

Oh, how I wanted to skip over this topic of #prepare and finances!

How many mistakes have I made in the area of finance over the years?

The book I could write could be called, “everything NOT to do when it comes to finances!”

You name the mistake in regards to finances, and I’ve done it!

I could simply say, "been there, don’t go there!” Maybe this will be the title of the book?

So in this moment, and in keeping with this year long blog series encouraging us all to get on the path to “#prepare”, let me ask the first question:

What do you need to do today, “to establish, fix, or apply” when it comes to your finances?

In Proverbs 21:5, it reads, "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty."

Now remember as I’ve expressed I am NOT the expert in this field, but I am a good encourager, so the words that I share I hope only serve as a reminder of yet another area of focus in which we all need to #prepare.

My first thought is, "oh how I wish I could turn back the page on all the past mistakes I’ve made in this area, but then, in my self talk, and my encouragement to you I say,  STOP! Stop this way of thinking and begin to prepare today your financial strategies.

One expert in my research said, "The key to preparing your finances is to be both deliberate and diligent."

Deliberate and diligent in wherever you are whether you are initiating a plan, well into the middle, or close to arriving towards financial security. "Deliberate and diligence" are essential elements for preparing your finances.

Asking the questions; “What’s the end in mind?”, “What do I hope to accomplish?” and “What will be my financial legacy?”

My brothers, these are all questions for my own careful and intentional self reflection this year and as I have stated before there is no time like the present it is time to #prepare for our finances 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!

“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."

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!

“Looking for Others?”

Romans 15:1 - “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”

1 Peter 4:10 - “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace”

Who are the “others” in your life? Beyond the “ones” in your circle every day who are the “others” within your next levels of influence needing your hand this very day?

At the end of the day, there are times I pause and reflect, unwrapping the day's events. It is in this reflection it becomes clear how self absorbed I can be, missing opportunities to impact “others” intentionally with a kind word, a polite gesture, a small sacrifice, or just a simple acknowledgement.
Everyone reading this I am sure has heard the quote, “you only have one time to make a first impression,”. There have been so many times I have failed in my first introduction with a person. In most cases, I have been blessed with the opportunity to reconcile the relationship over time. But what about those we may never have a second chance. Those we bumped carts with in the frozen food section at the grocery store, standing in line boarding our flight, or simply passing by on the street while on vacation.
How many times do we have the chance to reveal Jesus to others? Not only in our words, but our deeds and actions?
How can we even in our spontaneous moments of our busy schedule, elevate “others,” empowering their preparation, by receiving our random acts of kindness?
Proverbs 3:27 - “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.”

Why do we withhold? Why as Christians are we not on alert, seeking those occasions to be the hands and feet of Jesus to “others.” Especially in fleeting glances and second chances?
In our definition of #prepare, one of its characteristics is to “establish.” 

As we all go about our travels of the new day, will “others” know we are Christians by our love?

Yes! 

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.”

Ezra 7:10

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.

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!

Dads “get in the game”…

Today is game day…and so is every day…

God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

“Do You Play?”

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.”

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!

Dads “get in the game”…

Today is game day…and so is every day…

God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

"It’s a Great Day to be Alive!"

Psalm 118:24

"This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.”

For years, my students heard me say “Its a great day to be alive!” The origin of this “mantra" began one hot August afternoon, on a long walk out to the practice fields for the second practice that day (in the midst of two-a-day practices for football season). The players were dragging, and so was this coach!

And then, from the rear one of my fellow coaches, (Coach Stephens), swiftly caught up and sprinted past us all, exclaiming along the way, “It's a great day for football gentlemen!”

Isn’t it funny, if we are paying attention, even the simplest statements at just the right moment, can challenge us and become a call to action?

As I quickly responded to the coach's exhortation, without thinking, I found myself picking up my pace and breaking into a trot to join him.

From that day forward, I enthusiastically reminded others, in my many roles; as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal, (adding my own version), that everyday is "a great day to be alive” to anyone that would listen! When I spoke at FCA or church, I always provided a little extra “intel” telling my audiences that my daily reminder of “Its a great day to be alive” was simply a paraphrase of Psalm 118:24,"This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.”

DADs, if we don’t allow ourselves to #prepare for our work with the appropriate mindset, then our work will soon cease to provide fulfillment. The joy of “doing" becomes a burden versus a blessing. When that happens our opportunities for positive impact is diminished.

So, DADs, I ask these questions in regards to your own work:

What needs your deliberate effort?

What do you need to do to #prepare today to help make it a better place, and to increase your sphere of influence?

When I was the principal, we started a tradition for seniors on their last day of school. A symbolic exercise representing both an end to one part of their lives, and a beginning to another called the “senior walk.” On that final day the seniors would gather in the commons, I would celebrate the legacy they were leaving, and I then shared the emotional story of walking my own daughter and son to the door on each of their last days of school, as both their parent and principal.

I explained with the gathered seniors that once they walked out the door, they could turn around and come right back in, but it would be somehow different. Walking out as a senior, they would then be returning as a graduate.

But before they each individually walked through the door, receiving a hug from me, I read to them from Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

DADs, what if we saw each day in our workplace as a gift and a ministry? What if we were more intentional to live and to share with others the blessings of each day, with the focus on those things “admirable” and “praiseworthy”. Therefore, in our own work, our mere presence would support others to #prepare to be the best versions of themselves?

DADs, maybe we should all stop counting down the days we have to work, and start to #prepare making every day at work count for ourselves, but more importantly for those that we serve and for those working beside us.

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!

"The Place to Start...Home"

DADS, 

Week 3 - #Prepare -“The Place to Start...Home"

Proverbs 24:3-4: By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

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.

What are the things you need to #prepare at home? What needs deliberate effort to “fix” at “home?” (And I’m not talking about in the backyard or in the garage!)

I have shared with my wife numerous times, (to remind myself as well) with all the blessings, all the accolades I may have received, all the acknowledgements for things outside my home, it is only amplified and given true meaning because of her love and support.

"Meaningless and shallow" would be the gathering and collecting of things without having or at least striving to have my own house in order. 

Purposeless! Meaningless!

As Solomon, who many would consider the wisest ever says in Ecclesiastes,“like chasing the wind."

The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 11:34, “If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home - so that when you come together it will not be for judgment.”

DADs, if we are not taking care of our families first, feeding them physically, emotionally, and spiritually, then we are missing the boat, plane, taxi, Uber or whatever your choice of transportation is!

1 Timothy 5:8 - “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

How can we truly as the DAD, child, and disciple of God, really celebrate “success" at work, at play, or even at church if we deny our responsibilities at home?

Does this mean all things must be perfect? All things at home in order?

Does this mean we beat ourselves up knowing there are areas of our lives at home that need a greater “deliberate” effort?

No! But to be “intentional" is key as we #prepare our homes.

It is the striving for. The aiming for. The focused action of “establishing” family goals, as the DAD, bringing your house together, and “preparing” your home to a place where it is very clear God is at the center of it all!

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!

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!