Man of Influence – Part 3 and 4

What Christ Does For His Church, Men Are To Do For Their House.  (part 3&4)

Watch Over It, Protect It, Lead it, Guide It, Sanctify It.

Men are kind of like birds…

• Some are like canaries, they sit around singing (talking) all day about what they’re fixing to do but the truth is they aren’t going to do anything but stay in the same cage as they always have.
• Then you have buzzards, they sit around squawking (complaining) all day. Nothing is ever right. They are simply feasting off the hard work of others.
• Then you have peacocks, they just want to look good, it is all about them. They are ego-maniacs.
• Then you have Eagles, you cannot cage them, they soar above the rest, they are not influenced by the world, they do not strut around trying to impress others by fluffing feathers… they know who they are & if you do not, you soon will.
• They lead by example to all others.   What kind of bird are you?

They are now making square watermelons… They do this so that they can fit in the refrigerator. The way they do it is by growing them in environments that is not natural to them. As fathers, we must provide the same things for our children. We must provide an environment & show the example of what a man looks like that is willing to sacrifice & give all he has in order to shape their lives in a manner that will glorify Christ.

Pitfalls That Keep you From Being What You Are Meant To Be

Overcome the common pitfalls in the daily routine of life that distract and discourage moms or parents.

• It’s okay to not be perfect
• Spend time with your kids it won’t be perfect like you pictured BUT it is worth it
• Pray about your words and actions you are training them in the moment and for their adult life
• Make your child comfortable talking to you about the little things and they will trust you with the big things later
• Manage your priorities and allow time to focus on your kids – you only have a short time to train them

  Original story by popular blogger Tracey Eyster – translated by KSWP/KAVX listener

Pray for foster children, orphans, adoptive parents and foster parents

MONDAY – FRIDAY PRAYER FOCUSES ON THE FAMILY
Today’s  Specific Prayer Focus
Pray for foster children, orphans, adoptive parents and foster parents

Foster Care Prayer Requests

1. Pray for the children entering foster care today, that they find an appropriate, kind and loving foster family to care for them until their birth families or relatives are able to do so.
2. Pray for the sibling groups of children entering foster care today, that they will be placed together in one foster home.
3. Pray for all the foster children in care, that their first foster home is also their last foster home, as multiple placements rob children of stability and love which is required to build the self-esteem needed to grow into responsible, caring adults.
4. Pray that more singles, couples and families become foster parents.
5. Pray that all children in out-of-home care will quickly return to a safe home or find an alternative permanent and loving home.
6. Please pray for God’s intervention with all families to enable them to successfully complete programs for recovery, and allow the reunification of foster children to safe and caring birth families.
7. Please pray that the federal, state and local governments, will see the plight of so many of our children whose families are wrecked by drug and alcohol abuse, and work toward prevention.
8. Pray that God blesses all the caseworkers and staff who make decisions daily which have a huge impact on the lives of children and families.
9. When a family reunification is unlikely in a reasonable time period, we pray that God’s hand guides the judges at termination of parental rights trials to make their decision in the child’s best interest.
10. Pray for all those children whose birth families are unable to care for them, are freed for adoption, but have nobody willing to give them a forever home.
11. Pray that foster and adoptive families and their children receive the support and understanding of their communities.

 

Courageous Dad – How to Be One

The Good Friends Question of the Day: Are you going to see “Courageous” this Weekend? What do you think makes a dad a “Courageous” dad
Please Like Comment & Share! – or call 1-800-944-8443!

How to Be a Courageous Dad: (Mark Merrill Pres. Family First)
Tony Dungy and I first met in 1997, a year after he became head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Since that time, he and I have worked side by side helping men to be the best fathers they can be through our All Pro Dad program.  Recently, Tony and I were sitting in my office talking about fatherhood.  I asked Tony, “What is courage?”

“Courage is the ability to do the right thing, all the time, no matter how painful or uncomfortable it might be,” Tony said. “It takes courage to discipline at the right time and in the right way. It takes courage to say ‘no.’ It takes courage to go against the grain and say, ‘You know what, I know everybody else allows their kids to watch these television programs, or dress like that, but I’m not going to allow it.’ It takes courage to stand up for your convictions.”

I agree with Tony and would add that it takes courage for a father to:

• Create boundaries for your kids
• Discipline your children and apply appropriate consequences when they go outside those boundaries.
• Control technology, monitor electronics and establish clear guidelines for what types of TV shows and movies they are allowed to watch and the music they can listen to
• Talk to your children about intimacy and marriage
• Require your children to work
• Be a parent, not a buddy
• Ask for forgiveness when you are wrong and forgive your child when they have done something wrong

Weekend Box Office…  Bob reviews The movie “Courageous” the 4th movie from Sherwood Church in Atlanta.  The makers of Fireproof and Facing the Giants invite you to see their latest film.  The first weekend is the most important because that is hollywood’s rule of thumb – support for movies like this send a big message.   PluggedIn gave this movie 4.5 stars for family friendliness.  This movie is rated PG-13 due to a few intense moments of peril at the beginning of the movie.  The main characters are police officers and the emergency scene at the first of the movie could be distressing to youngsters under the age of 10.  Visit Plugged In for all the details Caution: some reviews on the Plugged In site may contain mature or graphic content.

Showtimes for Courageous at Lufkin Mall 9 is 1pm, 4pm, 7pm & 10pm

Dad Tributes, Cheaper Summer Vacation

The Good Friends Question of the Day: Share something special about your dad – Dad’s Day tributes are the order of the day
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11 Rules for a Cheap Summer Vacation: Plan a memorable and relaxing week by taking advantage of this year’s deals and steals . After years of staycations and frugal road trips, Americans appear ready to spend a little more on summer fun—as long as they’re still landing good deals. If you’re still looking for the perfect summer getaway, here are 11 strategies to consider:

The older I get?, Dad’s Day gifts

The Good Friends Question of the Day: “The older I get…. “
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10 Father’s Day Gift Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank: Whether he’s the household Mr. Fix It or the mower of lawns, Dad works just as hard at home as he does at his job. So how can you honor that thrower of baseballs and teacher of financial wisdom on Father’s Day without breaking the bank? WalletPop came up with cool ideas for budget-wise gifts — some are even free! — and not one

Watercooler Goodfriends Chats

Healthy Living: Why Do Some People Abuse Prescription Drugs? (KidsHealth.org)

Poll: Fewer fathers want to be stay-at-home dads (cnn.com)

New Christian School: Teenagers have new options in Education

INDEPENDENCE DAY TEA PARTY: July Fourth at the Lufkin Expo 1200 Ellen Trout Drive, Lufkin TX

• Fun for the whole family!
• Celebrate America’s Freedom with fellow Patriots
• Live Music starting at 4 pm with Booths representing our various Rights
• Food Available
• Program begins at 6 pm with Speakers to discuss the State of our Liberty: Past, Present and Future
• Program ends at dark with the Ellen Trout Zoo Fireworks Display

Statue of Liberty Singing The National Antem: Go here to