I Am ALIVE!!! - Just had trouble logging ON!!!

Dear Loyal followers... Are there any out there?

I remembered my log on & now I am here again...

I will try to post more now...

SO Here is what I have been doing:

We have launched our church plant! www.sovgrace.org.au

I turned 40.

I am a chaplain for a Christian School.

My sister came from the USA for a month!

My parents are coming just after Christmas...

We moved to Mount Colah, NSW

We have an amazing God!

SOOOO much has happened and we are continually grateful to God! The kids are all doing well and loving the park & friends... God has been so very good to us! Thanks for praying for me and my family!

Drop a line if you are a follower, and I would love to hear how you are.

God Bless...

Patrick

Can't sleep

I have been awake since 2:00 AM and am unable to get back to sleep. As I have wrestled around in my bed praying, I thought I should just get up and have some time to pray and read. Then I think to myself, I have to go to work today and the enormity of what needs to be done is playing on my mind - just stay in bed.

I don't know about you and if this happens to you - but I want to testify that a lack of sleep can be something wonderful!

Something wonderful? Yea, something wonderful! Let me share...

So out of bed I fall, and stumble up the stairs. I check emails and facebook to wake myself, and then I open my bible. Here are the words that I have been greatly encouraged and effected by!

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say, "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for
the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, to redeem us from all wickedness and to purifyfor himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

The grace (undeserved gift) of God that brings salvation has appeared to each
and every man, woman and child! - How amazing and staggering to ponder and
meditate on this.

What is salvation you ask? Salvation is the work of God to rescue sinners (you & I) from death and separation from Him!

But this undeserved gift not only rescues us, it teaches us to say, "NO" to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age...

So what is ungodliness and worldly passions?

Let's quickly look at what godliness is and then see if we can define what ungodliness means. When God said let us make man in our own image it did not mean that we would be god-like. I think it meant that we were created with a make-up and capacity that would allow us to have things in common with God. In other words, we would be like God in very specific ways. So let me give you three ways I think we could be like God. 1) We would be able to think like God. 2) We would be able to do things God's way. 3) We would be able to work with God in His plans and purposes.

So if these three fundamental components of godliness are right then the opposite of them would be 1) not thinking like God does. 2) not doing things Gods way. 3) not working with God in His plans and purposes.

And what is strikingly confronting is that ungodliness can be the practice of the believer as well. God's people can think differently than God thinks. They can do things their own way & refuse to work with God and attempt to work independently from God. Not convinced? Have a read of the Exodus. Have a look at the Israelites history. Ask your pastor. It's true.

Now what are worldly passions?

Galatians 5:16-26 is helpful to understanding what these passions are. But in short they are the desires that are contrary (in conflict or opposite) to how we have been instructed/created to live.

So this grace teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.

I find that so incredible. This grace enables us to live opposite to what we are being encouraged to participate in. So, for example - when I am seeking material security, which we are at all times pushed to seek after, I can preach to myself that God's Word says, "but keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; neither will I forsake you." Heb. 13:5 But conversely, when I am tempted to be lazy, which I can fall into sometimes. I can preach to myself that God's Word says, "Make it your ambition to live a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependant on anyone." 1 Timothy 4:11,12

This grace of God that brings salvation is AMAZING. I'll share more about verses 13 & 14 soon!

I need to get ready for work - but before I go - time with God rejuvenates the soul and enables you to do all that God requires of you. If you are awake & can't sleep, get up and read God's Word! You will be refreshed and encouraged!

A wonderful place to live

Today we went to say goodbye to Merewether Beach. A place where we have celebrated b-day's, went to refresh ourselves on hot days, learnt to surf, learnt to swim, had breakfast, came for an early dip, came for exercise, came to just admire God's creation. We are so grateful to the Lord for this time. We will truly miss it - but we are so excited about what is ahead!




One happy man (husband / father) with his AMAZING family!!!



I love this picture!!!




How special do I feel, that my wife captured this great picture!

What a blessed man to have such a great wife and beautiful baby girl!

We have been living in a beautiful spot the last year and a bit. It has been wonderful and challenging! But we want to thank God for allowing us to live here for a season. As you can see, we were truly blessed!!!

Won't it be amazing one day when the roll is called up yonder?

What an amazing God to create such beauty!

What will heaven be like?

Discipline! Do not despise it...

Proverbs 3:11-12 states: "My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights."

Can I ask you a question? Are you delighting in your son/daughter before you are disciplining them?

It's a pretty good question to consider, don't you think?

Here's what I think it means practically. I think it means that we as dads would be keen to spend most of our time enjoying our children, encouraging our children, laughing with our children, being affectionate with our children, and dare I say, enjoying our children so that there is a deep bond of love and joy between us & our child(ren).

So why do we discipline?

So that we can keep them on the path of wisdom and righteousness (Prov 20:7). Not because we are embarrassed, frutsrated or angry, but so that we can train them in wisdom and righteousness.

Frankly dads, this has to be modeled to our children. Our wife and children need to see us submitting to authority and welcoming correction from those whom we love and respect (friends, family members, colleagues, our church family). They also need to see us repenting of our own sin, receiving forgiveness, and walking in restoration with God the Father by empowering grace. In other words, - "a good father will live out the gospel every day in fellowship with God and his child, and he knows what to do about sin in his child's life because he's been dealing with his own sin in his own life first". (Driscoll, Pastor Dad, pg. 8)

This is a big call men. Just the other night I had the opportunity to discipline my son, but I had to ask myself, have I delighted in him lately? I need to change in this too men, but I wanted to share with you what I am learning... May we as men rise up and walk in the role we have been entrusted with. To parent with an eternal perspective, by the grace of God!

My Bride is on a Personal Retreat...

After 13 years of marriage, my wife has gone on her first personal retreat. Boy does she need more of these! It's really a pretty sad reflection of my care for my wife, boys. Something I confess here, so you hopefully will not make the same choice I did and regret it - like I am...

So, 7 kids in bed. All washed, fed & sleeping. But now the house is silent, but for the dish washer whirling and my thoughts of what a legend my bride is.

Here is what I have learnt about my wife today while she has been away.

1) the laundry is a big job... washing, drying, folding, ironing, putting away. That's if there are no stains to be removed, soaked, sown or repaired.

2) the kitchen is never closed... breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning tea, afternoon tea & dessert. That's if there are no other requests for: extras & bottles to be washed and sterilised. Food to be prepped, pots and pans to be washed up and stove to be cleaned. Menu's to be prepared as well as shopping list to be made & most importantly, sticking to a budget at that.

3) there is ALWAYS someone to spend time with... any one of the 7 children, a phone call, an email, skype request, facebook request, relatives, friends & of course when my wife's husband comes home... he wants time too and most importantly, time with the Savior of the world. That's not to mention anyone who comes to the door for a surprise visit.

4) there is always something to tidy up or clean... dusting, vacuuming, cleaning the toilets, the bedrooms, the lounge room, the windows, mopping the floor, polishing the mirrors, the silver, removing cob webs around the place & just general tidying the place. That's if no one has spilt something or wee'd on the floor or spewed after you cleaned it up in the first place...

5) there is always someone to hold & hug... the kids, each other, a neighbor in need, a friend who pops around for fellowship, a friend on the phone or over the email... that's if we can stop what we are doing in order to hold and hug someone...

I have so much respect and appreciation for you, my love. Thank you for all you do. Let me know when you want your next retreat... I owe you many!!!

I am so grateful to my Savior that He has revealed this to me. Guys - book your wife a personal retreat - SOON!!!

5 Reasons why ... the Bible is inspired:

Do you ever question the inspiration of the Bible? If I am honest, I have had to address this question in my own thinking. I am often asked on the validity of the Bible, so when I read this explanation in a book, I thought I should share it.

The book is written by Corrie Ten Boom, who is known around the world for her work for the Lord.

Miss Ten Boom spent the first 50 years of her life living peacefully with her father and sister above the watch shop in Haarlem, Holland. When World War II broke out, her family instinctively began providing 'hiding places' for persecuted Jews. Miss Ten Boom and her family spent several months in concentration camps as a result of these illegal activities, but their faith sustained them during these times. Since Corries release, she has traveled the world captivating audiences with her inspiring story.

In her book, 'Tramp for the Lord' she writes out these 5 reasons why she believes the Bible is inspired.

1) It says so. "... holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" 2 Peter 1:21

2) The effect it has upon all who believe and follow it.

3) Though some of it was written more than two thousand years before Jesus arrived on earth, yet all the writers agree.

4) The authors do not offer any excuses for their own faults and sins.

5) The writers record some of the most harrowing scenes which affected them greatly, yet they never express one word of emotion. The Holy Spirit wanted the facts recorded, and not their feelings about the facts.

How refreshing to read these thought out convictions on the inspiration of Scripture. What about you? Have you thought about how to answer the question, 'Are the Scriptures truly inspired by God'? I challenge you to think this through...

I also want to encourage you to add this book to your library. If you are able to get your hands on a copy of this book, it will serve you and your wife & perhaps your older children would appreciate the book as well. You can get yourself a copy by clicking on the title, which is highlighted.

May we grow in our understanding of the power and wonder of the INSPIRED Word of God!

WARNING, WARNING - what are your kids listening to?

Yesterday, I drove home 11 kids from a year 9 camp. Holy smokes! Have you ever heard of Lady GaGa? I was shocked by the words she sang. I at one stage turned the music down to ask the kids, "did she just say, 'she wants your diseases'"? The kids all laughed and looked stunned I would be shocked by that. Then they hollered, "yes, turn it back up"!


As I reflected on the music that I allowed to be played in my car, I was quite disappointed in myself. Why did I let them play that rubbish? But then I thought, I am quiet glad I did let them listen to it, because it gave me a better glimpse into their world.


Dads, the music industry is out to influence our kids, and it is not for the good, in my opinion. You know, every song was about sex and drugs. I kept thinking to myself about the people who wrote those songs, it exposes such a revelation of their hearts. Hurting, broken, hopeless, wanting out, wanting a cure for their pain. Here's the thing - dad's, listen to your kids, and ask them questions. They are being influenced by what they hear on the radio.


What's interesting to me is that, Lady GaGa speaks of wanting your disease, in quite a grotesque way, but in another way, someone else is able to take our diseases and cure them. In reality, Jesus Christ died for our diseases so we could have life (1 Cor. 15:3).


The pain that is trying to be subsided through sex, drugs, money and alcohol will only make things worse. Dad's, I encourage you to speak to your children and your friends children. Ask them specific questions as to where they are at. And help them sift through some of the lyrics they are listening to. Challenge them on what they are listening to & most importantly, share with them how Christ died for our sins & will cure the disease in our hearts!

30 House Rules

Hey Guys - Can I share with you 30 house rules I came across? They are gold!

1. Be at peace with each other (Mark 9:50)

2. Love one another (John 13:34)

3. Be joined ot one another (Romans 12:5)

4. Be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10)

5. Honour one another (Romans 12:10)

6. Rejoice with one another (Romans 12:15)

7. Weep with one another (Romans 12:15)

8. Live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16)

9. Accept one another (Romans 15:7)

10. Counsel one another (Romans 15:14)

11. Greet one another (Romans 16:16)

12. Agree with each other (1 Corinthians 1:10)

13. Wait for one another ( 1 Corinthians 11:33)

14. Care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25)

15. Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)

16. Carry one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2)

17. Be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32)

18. Forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32)

19. Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21)

20. Bear with one another (Colossians 3:13)

21. Teach and admonish each other (Colossians 3:16)

22. Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

23. Build up one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

24. Spur one another on (Hebrews 10:24)

25. Offer hsopitality ot one another (1 Peter 4:9)

26. Minister gifts to one another (1 Peter 4:10)

27. Be humble toward one another (1 Peter 5:5)

28. Confess your sins to one another (James 5:16)

29. Pray for one another (James 5:16)

30. Fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7)

Trust this serves you as you read over them. I am humbled and encouraged...

Mum's - Do What You Can

Hey Guys - our experience has been that when you have little ones in the house, quite times, devotions, time to read God's Word can be quite minimal, especially for mum.

This can often bring discouragement and frustration. Yet how can we serve our wife in this?

Here is a great article, written to encourage mum's not to beat themselves up but 'doing what they can' when it comes to reading the word.

One mum says she has a bible in several rooms. Like in the baby's room, in the lounge room, in the kitchen. She finds that when she has just a minute, while the baby bottle heats up, she can read just a verse and think about that.

The important message is, you are not loved any less because you don't get to read God's Word. You are loved greatly & are fulfilling a wonderful role. Thank you!

Accountability

When you think of accountability, what sort of thoughts race into your mind?

I think accountability is a good thing. It is something that I need in my life and it is something I want in my life. But sometimes as guys we fear accountability. Especially when we read something like this:

These guys meant business!

Early in the 18th century, Samuel Wesley (brother of John Wesley) formed a religious society with regular small-group meetings. Called "Band Societies," these single sex groups were designed to facilitate mutual accountability. All who wished to join were required to answer the following questions as evidence of justification and an accompanying desire to grow in God:

Have you peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ?

Do you desire to be told of your faults?

Do you desire that every one of us should tell you, from time to time, whatsoever is in his heart concerning you?

Consider! Do you desire that we should tell you whatsoever we think, whatsoever we fear, whatsoever we hear, concerning you?

Do you desire that, in doing this, we should come as close as possible, that we should cut to the quick, and search your heart to the bottom?

Is it your desire and design to be on this, and all other occasions, entirely open, so as to speak everything that is in your heart without exception, without disguise, and without reserve?

After joining, group members could be asked the preceding questions "as often as occasion offers," while the following questions were asked at every meeting:
What known sin have you committed since our last meeting?
What temptations have you met with?
How were you delivered?
What have you thought, said, or done, of which you doubt whether it be sin or not?

Now, I would have at one time dodged this sort of accountability, but for some reason I long for this kind of accountability. Why? Because I don't have anything to hide. You see, I hid many things from people I loved and it bound me up so badly. Then Jesus revealed to me that He died for my sins and would change me if I would put my trust in Him. You see, I need/want others looking and watching at how I am living my life. I know in my heart that I avoid accountability when I am doing something that I am ashamed of or in fear of being rebuked or found out for... Oh brothers - learn from my mistakes and make yourself accountable. Many of us are living like this man pictured below. And it ought not be!
Brothers I urge you, make yourself accountable. It will serve you as you seek to lead your wife and children.

Noah turns 8

Happy Birthday Noah

Today my third child is 8! It's amazing how you relive the actual day they came into the world. We were living in the Blue Mountains of Australia. My wife and I went to have dinner after we dropped the older two off at a friends house. This was the first time my wife's mum was able to witness the birth. It was incredible & special.

Today, 8 years later, we are so grateful for this little guy. Full of energy, life & joy! He makes us laugh. He likes a good rumble. Most importantly, he is growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We love you Lord, for this gift of Noah in our family!

Setting an Example

As a father, I sometimes read instructions from God's Word and want to pass them on to my children. Much like Paul did with Timothy. Paul instructs Timothy - 'Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity' (1 Tim. 4:12).

My oldest is going to be 13 later this year & I want to be creative in helping him apply this passage to his life now & remind him of it until I'm taken to glory. No he's not going to be a pastor, that I know of, but I want to equip with him some wonderful Scriptures that he can be applying to his life now. I want to encourage him on how he can live in such a way as to be an example to others. However, I don't think it is just about instructing him but actually setting and example for him. This instruction from Paul to Timothy is a pretty big ask when you think about it. And yet, Paul is not asking Timothy to do something that he is not carrying out himself - aye?

In my great desire to serve my son & instruct him with what Scripture says, I think I need to begin to evaluate how am I going in my own life.

So - How am I setting an example to my wife and children in:

speech: What am I talking about? What is my tone? How's my vocabulary? Am I being vulgar & unhelpful? Is my speech full of grace & gratitude or complaining and negative?

life (conduct): Am I lazy? Am I disciplined in personal area's of study, health, finances, work? Is there evidence of righteous living?

love: Does my son see me loving my wife the way Christ loved the Church? Am I loving my son by talking about the difficult things - not just the easy things? Am I loving my Savior more & more each day? Am I sacrificially loving others.

faith: Am I modeling how to be a faithful husband and father to my family? Am I showing them how to be a faithful member to the body of Christ? Faith is not unbelief, but faithfulness & commitment.

purity: Am I being sexually pure? Am I bringing things into my home that are going to cause my kids to stumble or be unhelpful to my bride? More importantly to my Savior?

You know, there are area's that I am not doing so well in. Area's that I desire to repent of and change. And you know, having this little reflection brings me such hope. Why? Because my salvation is secure! Yea, God loves me just the same as He did yesterday. I can win no more of His favor by addressing these issues. I can however know He is gently changing me to be more like His Son! I am so grateful for His loving conviction. Oh what a Savior!

Hey dads, fathers, husbands, grandpas, uncles - men of God - let's set an example for our children!

A Prayer You Can Pray In The Midst Of Conflict...

Have you ever considered what it means to obey Paul's command to, "rejoice in the Lord always: (Philippians 4:4)? Does it mean to rejoice even in the midst of conflict? You might be asking, "What on earth is there to rejoice about when you are involved in a dispute"? Well my friend, if we open our eyes and consider God's lavish goodness to us, here is the joyful kind of worship we could offer Him, even in the most horrendous types of conflict.

Oh Lord, you are so amazingly good to me! You sent your only Son to die for my sins, including those I have committed in this conflict. Because of Jesus I am forgiven, and my name is written in the Book of Life! You do not treat me as I deserve, but you are patient, kind, gentle, and forgiving with me. Please help me to do the same with others.

In your great mercy, you are also kind to my opponent. Although he has wronged me repeatedly, you hold out your forgiveness to him as you do for me. Even if he and I never reconcile in this life, which I still hope we will, you have already done the work for us to reconcile forever in heaven. This conflict is so insignificant compared to the wonderful hope we have in you!

This conflict is so small compared to the many other things you are
watching over at this moment, yet you still want to walk beside me as
I seek to resolve it. Why would you stoop down to pay such attention
to me? It is too wonderful for me to understand. You are extravagant in your gifts to me. You offer me the comfort of your Spirit,
the wisdom of your Word, and the support of your church. Forgive me
for neglecting these powerful treasures until now, and help me to use them to please and honor you.

I rejoice that these same resources are available to my opponent.
Please enable us to draw on them together so that we see our own sins,
remember the gospel, find common ground in the light of your truth, come to one mind with you and each other, and restore peace and unity between us.

Finally, Lord, I rejoice that this conflict has not happened by accident.
You are sovereign and you are good, so I know that you are working through this situation for your glory and my good. No matter what my opponent does, you are working to conform me to the likeness of your Son. Please help me to cooperate with you in every possible way and give you the glory for what you have done and are doing .

(The Peacemaker, pages 84-85)

Read & Study God's Word

I was reading the intro to a book I recently bought. I found these provoking and stirring words: "Much of what we learned has come from studying the Bible - the Answer Book". What a wonderful, humble and transparent confession.

It got me thinking about how I am reading the Bible. Do I view it as a chore, or as a delight? Do I read because I have committed to it or am I studying it because it has Answers. Good questions to consider.

How about you? How are you going with reading your Bible?

If your not doing so well - today is a new day. Pick it up and be encouraged and refreshed. It is the Answer Book!

If you are new to Bible reading you may wonder, how much should I be reading? Well it doesn't really matter how long - just read... Though, I recently was challenged by a colleague at work. He was sharing that some of the leaders at his church challenged them to remember, when they wrote the date 2010 - to let that be a reminder to spend 20 minutes reading God's Word and 10 minutes praying. That's a helpful idea. But if you don't do 20 minutes that doesn't mean you are not acceptable. It's just a suggestion. So - pick up the Bible and learn about the greatest Answer to Life: J-E-S-U-S!

You know, its one of the disciplines I want my children to see my wife and I doing. Why? Because God's Word is full of wisdom. Mostly importantly, it tells us the Gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I challenge you - to read & study the Bible... You will learn so much about our wonderful Lord, as well as be guided as you seek to parent with an eternal perspective.

Assuming can get you into trouble!

Have you ever learned about the danger of assuming? Fortunately, I learned an important lesson at a young age.

I remember as a young man, working in a Bible Book Store in Modesto, California. The owner of the Book Store was very professional and taught me heaps.

One of the most important things he taught me was the danger of assuming anything.

There was an order of books that I had marked at the wrong price. The previous lot of books were marked at a different price & I assumed that these books would be marked the same. I was wrong in assuming that.

I remember my boss came to me and asking me why I did what I did. I told him that "I assumed that these books would be the same price." He asked me if I new what assuming does. I said, "no, I don't." He informed me that, 'when I assume things it makes an "ass" out of "u" and "me".'

I have never forgotten that... It was a hard way to learn an important lesson & it has stuck with me.

I hope you are not assuming anything of your wife, children, or friends. Things like, assuming that they know you love them. You are glad that God has given them to you. I also trust that you are not assuming that your colleagues, relatives, neighbours or strangers know who Jesus is. They need to know & someone needs to tell them. Will it be you?

Don't do like I did and assume things...

Another Book For Your Library

You gotta -- gotta -- gotta get yourself a copy of this book!

My son's have enjoyed it so much. Actually, I have enjoyed it as well. How to make paper airplanes, make a battery, learning the rules of chess & poker, learning how to build a catapult, learning the rules of grammar... the book is a must! It will serve you and your boys... Gets em off the Wii, off the computer, away from the TV & out doing stuff with their hands...


Dad's once you get it - go through it with your boys! I've been loven it & I want to do it more...

You can pick up a copy from any of the following places: just click here!

Danger Danger - gotta let your kids try this at home!

Over protective parents can sometimes take the fun out of kids having a go at some "dangerous" activities. It ought not be!

I'm sure you don't want your boys growing up as wimps and we don't want our girls unaware of fun activities that create a bit of danger. They'll have fun - for sure!

There's a book you can purchase with some ideas of dangerous fun for kids. Just click on the highlighted area... but the pictures around, offer few examples of exciting, supervisable, & relatively risk free dangerous things we should let our children do... Have fun with it - I know I will!

No Hope...

I sat with three young men on Friday. I asked each one of them to give me some goals that they would like to achieve this year. One goal in four areas of life. Financially, physically, spiritually & academically.

Out of the three guys - not one of them could offer a goal. So I began to feed them with some ideas on goals that they could attempt to achieve. Still, they refused to dream of what could be.

Where has the dream in young men to do something with their life gone?

I finished the day reflecting on these three boys. Each one healthy, each one capable, each one a man of the future, but with no hope.

Proverbs 13:12 reads: Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

In the old testament a woman by the name of Rachel wanted to have babies but could not. She became jealous of her sister just as Jacob (her husband) was of his older brother. This jealousy made their hearts sick.

These young men can look at what others are doing & be jealous which makes their hearts very sick. And yet, they could aim for something & find fulfillment by achieving what God has enabled them to do.

Isaiah 40:31 reads: but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Those who hope in the Lord are described as, "trusting in or looking expectantly to." You see, I want nothing more than these young men to hope in the Lord. Not in money. Not in good grades. Not in physical abilities or musical abilities. There hope must be in the Lord! And when they are trusting in the Lord, He will renew (exchange) their weaknesses which will give way to God's strength.

The Hebrew word used in this passage for this verb is used of changes of clothes which can symbolize strength and beauty. Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ instructs us to clothe ourselves with Christ (Ephesians 4:24).

Well dads, there are alot of young men who need a male role model. They need to be encouraged to hope. How do you help a young man hope?

Here's four ways...

Holler praise

Offer to model obedience.

Patience will be required

Encourage often

Perhaps you can practice this with your own children, I know I need to.

You know - we can often be tempted to think we need to do more. But the Gospel is our HOPE... have a look at Romans 4:18-25 & rejoice in the finished work of the cross...

A great addition for your Library: Do Hard Things

If you have kids that are between the ages of 8-10 you want to get this book and read it before they get to the next age bracket. That way you can prepare yourself for how to encourage your child, and put into practice 'Do(ing) Hard Things'.

If you have kids that are 10-12 you want to get a copy for yourself and a copy for them. Then you can work through the book together and encourage each other to put your mind to 'Do Hard Things'

If you have a child between the ages of 13 - 18 you want to buy yourself a copy, your wife a copy & your child a copy as well as all of their friends...

You can buy copies of the book by clicking on the title: DO HARD THINGS

I trust this resource will help you in your role of parenting with an eternal perspective...

2010 Begins...

Hello - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all! I trust you have had a wonderful season of celebration with family & friends! I trust you are ready to get cracken into 2010 with new vigor! I trust you have thought through some plans & purposes for the year. My mother always said, "if you aim for nothing - you hit nothing"! How true is that...

Well, even though my entries have been scarce thus far, it doesn't mean that I have given up on this blog. In fact I am trying to marinade in all that I am being taught, and considering what is appropriate to share and what not to share...

As I continue to work through this, let me share just a few random articles/entries I have been chewing over lately...

Haiti crisis : please read this article. Click 'Haiti crisis' to read the article.

Tattoos: a great entry by a mate of mine who has thought through reasons why others get tatted! Well written, comical & provoking. Click on 'Tattoos' to have a sticky beak.

Be back soon with more!