Fast forward parenting

I know, I know... some of you who are parents are just going to roll your eyes at this whole blog... you'll say something like, "wow, tell us something we don't know."

As you probably know (if you don't go back to about the second blog that I ever posted and read), Pam and I have been learning parenting on the fly for the past 15 months, roughly. For the most part, it has been an adventure of joy and fulfillment. Yup, we've had some issues to "deal" with, but for the most part, this is has been the most incredible journey of my life.

But there are days.... (Hold on, this is gonna get messy!)

I was bragging earlier today about what a great kid this certain 17 yr old is... and he is. But I should have known better than to start spouting off. Where does the attitude come from? I'm sure I wasn't like that as a 17 year old... (Wonder if my mom reads my blog....). Anyway, I feel such a huge responsibility to do everything I can to make sure Ben is prepared for adulthood. I talk when I feel like I need to talk, and I try every day to model the things that I think are so crucial for him. And yet, days like today, I wonder if he is getting anything....
Then, as I sat down at the computer to check some blogs that I regularly follow, I read an entry from a pastor that I have a huge amount of respect for talk about fear, and how we are to stand against it.

To quote a friend, "shablam." I really am just a dumb sheep. I need to talk about stuff that needs to be talked about... and I need to model those things as best as I possibly can. I need to show how consequences are a part of life. And I always need to be honest. But I also MUST rely on MY FATHER, and the work of the Holy Spirit to work in Ben's life. I'm not God. And I cannot live in fear for his future.

I don't know how long I will have this much influence on him, and I must be a good steward of the time that I have. But I also know that as much as I love him, God loves him more. And, whether I like it or not, Ben is approaching that time in his life that he is going to be held accountable more and more for his actions (and inaction).

This "fast forward" parenting process has been hard... and it's been rewarding. And I wouldn't trade it for anything...

Wow... I love it when a pastor goes on a rant, AND knows what he is talking about.  Check this out...

http://www.perrynoble.com/2009/03/17/terminology-or-transformation

And a big amen...

New Chapters, Missed Opportunities

You need to spend some casual, relaxed time with someone... someone that you've been thinking for some time, "I need to have them over for dinner."  I've just been reminded the past few days that when seasons change in someone's life, it effects lots of people.  Now, before you all make a collective, "duh," just humor me.  

I know this... I've known it for some time.  But, like most of us, I let life get in the way, and don't always put a high value on relationships.  Then, life happens, and change comes, and I'm left with regret.  I'm not trying to be Danny Downer, but we all need to be reminded of this from time to time.  

There is someone on your mind right now that you need to meet at your favorite coffee house (everyone say, "I need Starbucks!).  Someone keeps coming up in conversation with your spouse that you both want to have over for dinner... do it.  Fire up the grill, enjoy the carcinogens, and have a great evening.  

Life is too short.  I have long been convinced that God brings people in, and out, of our lives, for the benefit of both, and in His perfect timing.  Don't miss those precious minutes.

More lessons from rugby

Improvement is key in my book.  Seriously, forward progress in whatever you are doing or want to do is more important than the final result.  Now, I know somebody will probably challenge me on this, but that's cool, 'cuz I'm going to stand by it.

Case in point:  tonight our Eagles Rugby team faced Brentwood on a cold, wet, pitch (field).  Brentwood is good... they always are.  And, after letting Franklin push us around last week, this should not have been much of a game at all.  Not so fast my friend.  At the half, we were still at a 0-0 tie, and the Brentwood Brumbies were in shock.  Our young Eagle team had corrected many of the issues that plagued them last week, and were playing their hearts out.  When the final whistle blew, the Brumbies had scored a 22-5 win, but the Eagles had made their presence felt and Brentwood knew they had been in a "scrum."

The Eagles had listened to their coaches, they made adjustments from their game last week, and they came ready to play.  Major improvement was obvious.

Don't get me wrong... we didn't win, and nobody likes walking off the field with an "L."  But we made progress.  Oh, that we could all say the same with life... progress.

Are you making progress with a more healthy lifestyle?  Are you making progress in getting out of debt?  What about progress in organizing your closets?  Closer to tithing? The list goes on and on, but you get the idea.  

Most of us just keep doing the same thing and hope for different results.  That's a great definition for stupidity.  The Eagles showed everyone present what happens when you set out to improve.  Have a plan, and execute.  Learn from mistakes, and don't make them a second time.

Finally, my boys had a very solid game.  Jake continued to push guys all over the field from his "second row" position, even carried the ball a time or two; Zach shook off his "first game" jitters from last week, and was all over the field - good feet, good hands, and some great runs; Ben continued to be a leader from the "8 Man" position, and proved just how hard his head is; and Chris stepped up huge in the B side game.  I'm really proud of all the guys.  Gotta get ready for Coffee County next Friday night.

Insecurity

This was really meant to church leaders, but I think there is a message here for everyone.  Take a look....

www.stevenfurtick.com/uncategorized/masquerading-insecurity

cut and paste link into your browser....