daddy4ms

Tonight, KS Strong Dads hosted its second event in Newton, KS. We had 9 families attend including 9 fathers/father figures, 13 children, 2 teens, and 2 mothers. Here are a few pictures:

Tonight, I am completing my first "Quenching the Father Thirst" class with 3 dads in Newton.  We have been meeting together for 6 weeks talking about what it means to be a dad and learning skills to help us in this role.  Below you will see the presentation of certificates at our meeting.  We will start another class in January so let me know if you are interested or know someone interested in the class. 

Today, you have a great opportunity to meet Holley Gerth at Faith and Life Bookstore in Newton.  Holley is an author of many books written for women.  I admit that I enjoy reading her thoughts on my wife's perpetual calendar in the bathroom.  Truth is truth-whether it is written for men or women.  Below you will find two days that I recently posted on social media because of their great truth.  Don't miss out on this great chance to meet, Holley Gerth today at Faith and Life from 3-4 p.m.!

This article was written by Chad Frey and appeared in the Newton Kansas on August 27, 2014      Jerry Hager has eight children — one a step child, one adopted and some who he says he hasn't always been there for. By his own admission, he's been in trouble. Tuesday, however, was one of those concrete steps to show he wants to walk a different path with his children. "I am here now, and that is all that counts," Hager said. With two of his youngest children, Hager was at the kick-off of "Strong Dads" at cooper elementary school. "My dad wasn't there, and I am on my own," Hager said. "(Being a father) is not as easy as I thought." He's not alone in seeking out some help. More than 30 father figures showed up for a barbecue meal and the first night of Strong Dads. Each either received or will receive a duffel bag with books and toys of for their children and a book for themselves. The program stresses playing with, readin...

As many of you know, I am involved with the Kansas Strong Dads Project. This project seeks to strengthen fatherhood through four different options.  They are: Strong Dads, Super Kid Events Quenching the Father Thirst Classes (6 Sessions) Father/Child Outings One on One mentoring with fathers Tonight, I will be leading my first Strong Dads, Super Kids Event at Cooper Early Education Center in Newton.  I am hoping for a great turnout and a good time with the dads and kids who show up.  The Newton Kansan will be running a story sometime this week.  Here is a link to a website and Facebook for more information.

Listen to this song I heard driving to Newton this week. It was refreshing to me as we had just talked about "living water" as we journey through the Gospel of John at Hesston MB. Also, I love the message of thriving instead of surviving, digging deep to know God's love, and sharing that love with others. 

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of being trained as a Community Trainer Mentor for the KS Strong Dads Project.  This state funded program will help encourage fatherhood through events, classes, fun outings, and mentoring. I have been assigned Newton, KS as my location.  I look forward to equipping dads through the KS Strong Dads Project. The activities are fun and interactive for fathers and kids and the curriculum is well done with great research, good ideas, and allows for great interaction and participation.  If you would like more information, please let me know. Below you will see other CTM's who were trained in Hesston, KS.

Tim Sullivan-"Soul Care" Leadership is all about influence. The church is losing its influence because of a lack of leadership. Philippians 3:12-15-Even if we are not perfect, we can ask others to follow us in the steps of Christ. Todd Franz-"Teamwork:Lessons I Learned in the NFL" FOCUS Big Picture/Small Picture (Fundamentals) Go With the Flow (or not)-"Be who you were made to be." Thick Skin (Accepting criticism w/o being offended) ATMOSPHERE Create (changing)-fear, watch me, Spirit-led CHARACTER Caring for a Response (initiated, know names) Everybody matters! How do you make them feel important and part of the team? Reaction to Adversity-Are we prepared? TRUTH Eye in the sky don't lie (accountability, evaluate ourselves?) Attitude toward criticism (how to be better teachers, leaders, etc.) Big Picture (Discipleship) Check back on Thursday and Friday for more quotes.

Yes, I spent my vacation this week in Nebraska.  I was pleased that it was not as cold as it has been the past few years.  Why did I spend 4 days in Nebraska?  My wife is manager of Faith & Life Bookstore in Newton, KS and we did books tables in Beatrice & Henderson.  My job was to load & unload books & gifts and to be the cashier.  It was fun! This was work for Bethany, but for me it was a great vacation in many ways.  No, I was not on the beach or someplace warm, but I was with Bethany 24 hours a day.  It was a blessing! We talked about a lot of things and just spent time together.  We enjoyed romantic meals at Runza, Applebee's, Chipotle, & Wendy's. Hey, don't judge! We experienced an interesting hotel that was struggling to reach 1 star status.  We spent evenings watching TV & laughing together. I also was able to get some reading done for MB study conference in January. It was also a joy to see my wife in acti...