daddy4ms

I received an advanced copy of Growing Up by Robby Gallaty.  The byline of the book is "How To Be a Disciple Who Makes Disciples."  It releases on November 11. Gallaty's book is based on teaching he received as a new believer as well as ten years of leading discipleship groups in his own life.  H e mentions there are many books on why discipleship is essential for the church.  His book offers a practical plan of how to be a disciple who makes disciples.  He uses what are called D-Groups.  He writes the purpose of D-Groups is " to help you grow in your relationship with Christ, give a defense for your faith, and guide others in their relationship with Christ." Gallaty offers a plan selected from the life of Jesus.  He has chosen six disciplines that not only grow disciples but also helps them become disciplers of others.  The intention is to create disciples who are self-feeders and not dependent on the church for discipleship.  But ...

Bethany and I were caught off guard last week when Mitchell began thinking about what he should give up for Lent.  We had not talked about it much at home, but I guess he heard Pastor Brad mention it during a sermon the previous week.  I guess he is listening more than I think he is.  Mitchell is a creative, intelligent, and passionate individual.  As with all of us, our strengths can also show as weaknesses at times.  For example, Mitchell's passion when directed appropriately is great, but can also come out in anger or being easily frustrated.  My administrative gifts can also get in the way of meaningful conversations with others when trying to complete a task.  I share all of this to remind myself that my son is growing up.  Even though, we can clash at times, I still love him dearly and the unique personality God has given him. What can at times seem to be a self-focused, authority challenging, & quirky young man can also think deeply...

I cannot believe that my oldest turned 10 today. I can remember clearly 10 years ago. Mitchell was due Jan. 3rd. Bethany had been to the doctor that day (Thursday, Dec. 9th) and they said it would be another 2 weeks before he was born. Bethany kept talking about her back hurting most of the day. She was busy vacuuming at the church that day as well as attending choir practice that night. I think it must have been mother's intuition because she decided to do some laundry before going to bed. In our apartment below the church office, we had a dryer that when it went into a spin cycle it shook everything in the kitchen. So, we went to bed and Bethany was awakened to a crash of dishes falling to the ground because of the dryer. She cleaned up the dishes. I slept through the whole thing. I know I am a bad husband! Bethany came back to bed and could not sleep and then it happened-her water broke at 11:30 p.m. This put us into rush mode. We did not have a hospital bag comple...