Too many irons in the fire?

Do you sometimes feel like there is so much going on in your life that you cannot manage it all? Some things are getting overlooked, forgotten, neglected? Some might conclude, "you have too many irons in the fire."
Sometimes we are tempted to give attention to the most pressing issues and neglect those most precious - our family. A lesson we might learn from the late Ted Kennedy is that he gave priority to keeping in touch with the members of his family no matter how pressing the other issues he was facing.
In the struggle of priorities day by day may God guide us in awareness of our limitations of time and energy so that we reserve an adequate amount for Him, for those for whom we are directly responsible, for our other responsibilities and then for rest of the 'stuff' of life.
Above all, live in grace. God the Son came because we were hopelessly lost in our sinful condition - the fact we don't get it perfect should not surprise us. May we daily see ourselves as having died with Christ on the cross and made alive in our risen Savior. May God the Holy Spirit lead us to do His will.

Help your children read

- Are Dads the Key to Get Boys to Read? // Waiting for SupermanThe Juggle, the WSJ blog on choices and tradeoffs people make as they juggle work and family. September 29, 2010, 1:00 AM ET . . . The study points to another potential tactic: Getting dads to read more. Not surprisingly, parents who read a lot have kids who do so, too. But 42% of dads surveyed read books less than one day a week, compared with only 22% of moms who read so little. “We need to get more role models of men reading,”For the full article: http://tinyurl.com/27dm9vd

Seasons

With the beginning of school and the change in weather we enter a new season with our children. My Prayer is for Dad's to have time to reflect on the season of life their children are in at this time. What are they thinking? What are their concerns? What can dads do to listen to them? May God give Dads the knowledge and wisdom to provide the input needed for children to properly process information and situations. May Dad's be a guiding light through the complexities of life in the world today.

Dad's as Teachers

Dads as Teachers
How involved are you teaching your child or children? Do our sons and daughters experience as "teacher" in their life? Our children in America are involved in education on many levels from people who are non-family. Parents work and children are at school or involved in activities a volume of hours which may leave some parents primarily filling the roles of provider, disciplinarian, and observer. When we are involved teaching our children they see us in a new and positive role that can greatly enhance their appreciation and bond with us. Learning from parents enhances communication and helps the growing up process go smoother. Finding things that your child desires to learn is a good place to begin. Set aside time that works for them and utilize methods such as discovery and modeling will teach your children skills, attitudes and information. In the process your children will gain greater warmth and respect for as their parents that will remember well into adulthood.

Conversation

Summer is a great time for conversations with your children as you do activities together! Asking them "What do you think?" and when they ask, "About what?" You might encourage them to pick a subject. This can lead to wonderful discussions that give you an insight into their thinking!

Activities with the kids – It is meaningful to a child when you take time to watch him/her in sports or school activities. It is even better to do activities with them. Recreation time together can be a great time for bonding, talking, and building positive memories for your children. Seek to do what your child enjoys for recreation and play. If a child likes to fish, then fish. If they like soccer, play it with them. If they want to sleep in the tent in the back yard, join them. This shows that you care about him/her as a unique person. This helps avoid resentment over the years because they remember you only willing to give time and attention when they did what you enjoy.

Do you know when to be strong and when to be gentle?

Knowing when to be strong and when to be gentle: Stu Weber, football player and Vietnam veteran wrote a powerful book called “Tender Warrior”. The basic take away for me was the importance of knowing when to be strong and when to be tender. Men are to be the defender and protector of the family unit which calls for strength against those who threaten it. We are to be kind, gentle and caring toward our spouse and children. It is problematic when a man is tender (wimpy) to the outside world and rough with the ones in the home. God is tender toward us as our Father and powerful to protect us from evil helps us live in proper balance.