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This post was originally published at 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting in August 2014. School Bells Are Ringing Dads, in what ways can you volunteer at your child’s school? I have thoroughly enjoyed opportunities at my kids’ schools.   Several reasons to consider volunteering: your kids love seeing you there, getting to know the teachers/staff better, knowing classmates and friends of your son/daughter, help needed with students because of budget cutbacks, and the joy you receive when serving. Ways that you can serve at your local schools: ·          Mentoring-For the past 5 years, I have emailed the teachers in the grade my child is in and asked if they need any help with reading or math.   They have not turned me down.   I give 30 minutes each week helping a classroom teacher.   Our teachers are doing a great job and a little extra help from caring adults goes a long way. ·       ...

Today's new book is one I have not purchased yet. I have heard a few podcasts with the author so I plan to purchase soon.  Check it out!

To all you dads out there, Happy Father's Day!  Enjoy time with your families.  I am thankful for my dad and what he taught me about hard work.  I am thankful for Bethany's dad and how he influenced her to be the woman she is.  Happy Father's Day to the dads in my life!

Today, I am posting over at 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting on the topic of "being a dad."  This will conclude a 3 part series on "man up".  I hope it will be a blessing and encouragement to you.  It's not what you think.  Go here

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:

Newton Headstart Dads, Have you signed up to attend Strong Dad, Super Kid Event or Fathering Class at Cooper Early Education in January? See picture below for details.

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. 

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.

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.

Hesston Elementary has started a new program at the school called Watch D.O.G.S.  It stands for Dads of Great Students.  The purpose is to get more men involved at the schools as well as safety. Today was my first day.  It was a great experience.  I walked around the halls and perimeter of the building several times throughout the day as well as helped in classrooms.  My highlight was eating lunch with my daughter, playing with the kids at recess, and working with groups of students. I highly recommend and encourage each father figure in the Hesston area to sign up to be involved with Watch D.O.G.S!  It is a great program for many reasons and it a blessing to receive smiles from the students throughout the day. To learn more, contact the Hesston Elementary school or visit www.fathers.com .

Today, I finished reading Family Shepherds by Voddie Baucham.  Baucham does a great job sharing from Scripture what God's Word says to fathers.  He unapologetically calls men to lead their homes spiritually.  Several chapters were of great value to me.  They were: A Three-Pronged Approach to Biblical Discipleship Heralding the Gospel at Home Male Headship in the Home Corrective Discipline  Here are a few quotes from the last few chapters of the book: "Thus the family shepherd must view the Bible as more authoritative than the cultural trend." "Church membership is the most important aspect of lifestyle evaluation." "A healthy church will expose us to the regular teaching, preaching, reading, and singing of the Word of God that will shape the way we think about all other aspects of life." "Mature men and women in the church will gently call us out when we go off the deep end." "Rare indeed is the man who looks honest...

Dennis Rainey is the President and CEO of FamilyLife.  Check out his website . 1 Corinthians 16:13-14-"Be watchful. Stand firm in the faith. . .Be strong." "Faith is the refusal to panic." (Martin Lloyd Jones) 5 Steps Boyhood Need direction from a strong man Adolescence Hormones, Confusion, Anger "You are going to deal with me if you mess with my wife." 4 Things Every Teenager Boy Needs Identity How to have relationships (Love God, Love Others) Character  Mission (Great Commission) Manhood 1 Corinthians 13:11 Real manhood begins with surrender to Jesus Christ. What a man surrenders to will determine his outcome as a man. Real manhood repeatedly steps away from childish things. Read manhood means we courageously step up and do our duty.  "I have interviewed 40 young men who wanted to date my 4 daughters." Mentor 2 Timothy 2:2 We were made for discipleship. Every man needs to be a mentor and every man needs to b...

Jim Wideman is giving free stuff away including a Jim Wideman bobblehead.  That is a great way to start a session! Reaching Kids that Live at Your House   "Grandkids are the prize for not killing the first bunch." "3 out of 4 of things listed in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 happen at home." "It is important that we practice what we preach.   "Ephesians 6:1-4-Dads, the Lord knew this was going to be a problem or He would not have called us out. " Make Jesus King! Watch the voices your kids hear.  Let your house be an oasis. It's important to take back the kingship of Jesus in our homes. Adore Your Spouse- The greatest thing I can do for my daughters is love my spouse. Do this in front of your kids. Give Kids Your Time Be Consistent with Discipline -Correct and tell why.  Every child is different. Different is OK! -Do not compare the two. Encourage giftings- "Train up a child" is not just having a talk with our kids. Venture into t...

I am reading through Family Shepherds by Voddie Baucham.  It is focused on the role of fathers to lead their families spiritually.  Here are a few quotes from the chapters I read on Thursday: "The problem is that this family is in the same house, but never share the same space. They share an address and a last name,but they don't share life." Tim Keller is quoted in relation to the gospel by saying, "We never "get beyond the gospel" in our Christian life to something more "advanced." The gospel is not the first "step" in a "stairway" of truths, rather, it is more like a "hub" in a "wheel" of truth. The gospel is not just the A-B-C's but the A to Z of Christianity. The gospel is not just the minimum required doctrine necessary to enter the kingdom, but the way we make all progress in the kingdom." "If Christ's life is the central message, then I have to tell the news.  If my life is t...

Today, I am reading at the Perk again. Here are the three books I am reading right now: Give Them Grace by Fitzpatrick & Thompson Family Shepherds by Voddie Baucham The Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler Check back later for quotes and thoughts from these books.

Here is an updated list of what I am reading now: Give Them Grace by Fitzpatrick & Thompson Family Shepherds by Baucham Real Marriage by Driscoll Gospel-Centered Discipleship by Dodson

This morning was Donuts with Dad.  I always look forward to this event sponsored by HElP (Hesston Elementary Parents).  I could sit in the 3/4 commons all day as dads (and grandpas) come in with smiling kids.  It is a reminder to me about the importance of men in the lives of kids.  All of us dads (or grandpas) looked different (some in suit and tie, others in scrubs, some in khakis & button up shirts, some in work clothes, some in jeans), but we were all the same in our desire to be present with and available to our kids. As Pastor of Children and Family at Hesston MB Church, my desire is to see dads continue to love, be available and play with their kids.  But more important is raising them to Love God & Love Others.   As fathers it is our responsibility to train our children spiritually.  Some of us need to step in and help others where a father has checked out, has abandoned the family, or is not a follower of Christ. So, dads, how are ...

Last session starts out with a life size game of Angry Birds. Skit Guys were up next. Garnett Reid shares about God's Word and looks at inter-generational living throughout the Old Testament. He shared about heritage and legacy. Heritage-"living faithfully today". I want to challenge you, but also want to encourage you. I especially want to encourage the fathers. Psalm 90-You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. He shared the story of 3 generations. God's story is one of faithfulness. Hesed-Hebrew word for God's loyalty, His covenantal faithfulness. Dad, God will be faithful to you as you lead your family spiritually. 4 Simple Conclusions about Hesed God pledges Himself in "hesed" to every son in every generation. What words are we to teach from Deuteronomy 6? Look at Deuteronomy 5-focus on the 10 commandments. Make no image of God. He keeps His covenant promises. Showing "hesed" to thousands of generations to those wh...