Top 5

The top 5 entries on my blog with the most views

1 – Issues Men Face – February 29, 2008

2 – Risk the Bruises and Hard Knocks - September 7, 2010

3 – Benefits of Struggle – November 3, 2010

4 – A Worthwhile Search – September 15, 2010

5 – For a Friend – September 23, 2010

Champion of Freedom

Milton Friedman

1912 – 2006

Recipient of the Nobel Prize in Economics

Champion of Freedom

From ‘The Man Who Saved Capitalism’ by Stephen Moore in the July 31, 2012 Wall Street Journal

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‘Milton Friedman, who would have turned 100 on Tuesday, helped to make free markets popular again in the 20^th century. His ideas are even more important today

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'No doubt because of his continued popularity, the left has tried to tie Friedman and his principles of free trade, low tax rates and deregulation to the global financial meltdown in 2008. Economist Joseph Stiglitz charged that Friedman’s “Chicago School bears the blame for providing a seeming intellectual foundation” for the “idea that markets are self-adjusting and the best role for government is to do nothing.” Occupy Wall Street protesters were often seen wearing T-shirts which read: “Milton Friedman: Proud Father of Global Misery.”

The opposite is true: Friedman opposed the government spending spree in the 2000’s. He hated the government-sponsored enterprises like housing lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

In a recent tribute to Friedman in the Journal of Economic Literature, Harvard’s Andrei Shleifer describes 1980 – 2005 as “The Age of Milton Friedman,” an era that witnessed remarkable progress of mankind. As the world embraced free-market policies, living standards rose sharply while life expectancy, educational attainment and democracy improved and absolute poverty declined.”

Well over 200 million were liberated from poverty thanks to the rediscovery of the free market. And now as the world teeters close to another recession, leaders need to urgently rediscover Friedman’s ideas.

I remember asking Milton, a year or so before his death, during one of our semiannual dinners in downtown San Francisco: What can we do to make America more prosperous? “Three things,” he replied instantly. “Promote free trade, school choice for all children and cut government spending.”

How much should we cut? “As much as possible.”

Wall Street Journal Site

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444226904577558882802335216.html?mod=WSJ_Opinion_LEADTop

You can provide hope

Do you know that every day is a struggle to survive for many people throughout the world?

An excerpt from the June – July 2012 Impact, a publication of CMF International, will tell of a few things being done in Nairobi, Kenya.

Leaders gather for Hope talks

‘More than 50 church leaders from 20 churches in 12 states gathered in Indianapolis in March for the first Hope Partnership Dialogue, a networking event for churches involved in CMF’s Hope Partnership in Nairobi, Kenya.

The participants were inspired by Mary Kamau’s update on the ministry’s exponential growth – from 185 children in one school in 2006 to nearly 7,000 children in 14 schools today – and discussed the current realities and future goals for expansion in Hope Partnership. Updates were shared regarding the launch of the Big Dent microfinance web site and the introduction of the new VBS/Children’s Ministry program, “Good News for the Poor”, that features Hope Partnership Projects.

The sustained growth of the program is due to the vision and leadership of Kenyan Nationals Wallace and Mary Kamau and a team of CMF Missionaries, plus the involvement and investment of more than 40 churches and 5,000 child sponsors.’  

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Mary told us that there is a great need for more schools in the slums of Nairobi where CMF and the Hope Partnership work. Every dollar helps. Make a commitment to help today. Sponsor a child.

Can you give up a few things each month to help people who have virtually nothing? Put yourself in their shoes what would you want people to do for you if you had nothing and there was no hope for the future and you don’t have an education or parents who have educations or jobs or businesses?

How about a buying a few less Starbucks coffees each week, or how about eating out a few less times each month, or taking your lunch to work a few days a week, or cutting down on the 5 hour energy drinks each month, or buying off-brand clothes for this season, or not going to the beach every weekend, or waiting to watch movies until they come to Netflix or On Demand, or buying a less expensive car, or refinancing your house, or cutting your own grass once a month. I bet there are more things you can come up with to get some money to help CMF. Don’t hesitate. Do it now!

Contact CMF today:

CMF International
PO Box 501020
Indianapolis, Ind. 46250

317.578.2700

See more at

http://cmfi.org/

Hate Small Talk?

Hate Small Talk? These 5 Questions Will Help You Work Any Room

By Allison Graham at FastCompany.com

http://www.fastcompany.com/1843752/hate-small-talk-these-5-questions-will-help-you-work-any-room

Do you love going to events, but find yourself stranded during happy hour, tongue-tied and tucked in a corner? Initiating and maintaining conversations while networking is a necessary skill, and one you can easily improve with these simple tips.

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Questions to get the conversations flowing:

"What’s your connection to the event?" This question can uncover mutual contacts and usually leads to a more robust answer than if you asked the typical “Have you been to this event before?”

"What’s keeping you busy when you’re not at events like this or at work?" This question gives the encouragement necessary for the person to share his/her passions and outside interests. It is an excellent way to add some enthusiasm into a conversation that has hit a lull, especially if he/she would prefer to be doing that activity at that moment.

"Are you getting away this summer?" This question can lead to conversations about family, reveal special interests and, if you like talking about travel, it’s a sure-fire way to keep a conversation interesting.

"Are you working on any charity initiatives?" This question makes it easy to launch into a deeper connection. If they’re not involved with any projects, they often share reasons which is usually revealing, and if they are doing something of value they will be more than happy to share.

"How did you come to be in your line of work?" For some, the path to where they are today can be quite an interesting ordeal. Having a chance to revisit their story to success can leave helpful clues along the way as to who they are and what makes them tick.

Great Job Congressman

‘USA, USA, USA!’: See the Speech That Got a Standing Ovation in Congress Today

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/see-the-speech-that-got-a-standing-ovation-in-congress-today/

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Now it’s time for all of us to act. Get your Congressman and Senators to reduce the amount of rules, regulations and controls that the government has imposed on the people, the businesses and the economy of the US.

These regulations et al are almost all being created by one side of the political spectrum. It’s time to vote all of them out of office.

Who can thank God for you?

I just watched the Hillsong Broadcast tonight on TBN. Hillsong is a church in Australia and I originally started watching the broadcast because I love watching and listening to the Hillsong band perform.

Hillsong music is some of the best worship music around and we got to hear some of their band members perform a few years ago when we attended the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta.

My interest in Hillsong grew as I watched more of the broadcast each week and listened to the Sr. Pastor, Brian Houston. What I like about his sermons are the numerous Biblical references he makes, how he ties them together and how he helps people apply the Bible to their lives.

What I like about their service is the way they all celebrate God. I believe this is the joy of the Lord. They are excited about God, Jesus and the Bible.

A question that Brian Houston raised tonight caught my attention and got me to think about my life:

‘Who can thank God for you because of your generosity?’

What would your answer be?

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The title of tonight’s message was: ‘An Indescribable Gift – Part 2’

Hillsong site

http://hillsongtv.com/

 

Hillsong Music Video (Scroll down at the site to view)

http://us.hillsongmusic.com/

Be part of the solution

Today, Sunday, I just read the statement issued by the Paterno Family about the removal of the statue of Joe Paterno at Penn State. Below the site reference is an excerpt in italics where the family complains about the PSU investigation. It was posted on the Centre Daily Times on 7/22/12.

http://www.centredaily.com/2012/07/22/3268952/statement-from-paterno-family.html

Despite this obviously flawed and one-sided presentation, the University believes it must acquiesce and accept that Joe Paterno has been given a fair and complete hearing. We think the better course would have been for the University to take a strong stand in support of due process so that the complete truth can be uncovered.

It is quite apparent that the Paterno family, just like Joe, doesn’t get it. Joe had plenty of time since 1998 when these allegations began to surface to get a full hearing and to get the total truth out. All Joe had to do is make sure that the allegations were investigated by checking with the Administrators to whom he states he had reported the incident or call the President of the University or the Pennsylvania Attorney General who surely would have taken Joe’s call. But Joe chose either to ignore the report or keep the report hidden.

Joe wasn’t interested in the victims or the University. King Joe was interested in himself and his football program. And now the Paterno family is acting just like Joe. Just like he modeled it.

I just don’t see how you can use the words character and Joe Paterno in the same sentence any longer after what has occurred unless to say he lacked it.

His weak comment about wishing he had done more was the comment of a man who realized he made mistakes in the past, like intentionally covering up these incidents, and who was now being found out so guilt or desire to save himself in some way was causing him to make this statement and try to get the public’s sympathy.

I agree with the Paterno Family that the best way to help the victims is to uncover the full truth (‘We believe the only way to help the victims is to uncover the full truth’) but the Paterno family is using this statement as part of their reasoning to continue the investigation hoping to clear Joe’s name.

I believe there is a lot more to be revealed in future trials and investigations. Why do you think that Penn State agreed to the NCAA sanctions announced on 7.23.12 so readily?

I think what the Paterno family hasn’t considered is that as more information comes out it may not help Paterno or his family. This could be the unintended consequesnce.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if another Paterno Family member is implicated or others who were close to Joe as a result of further investigations?

Do I feel sorry for the Paterno family? Yes. But I would have a lot more respect for all of them if they would try to be a positive influence in this whole situation as the University is attempting to do and not be so concerned with themselves and Joe’s reputation.

This is the statement I would advise the Paterno family to issue but only if it was fully truthful:

‘What can we do to help? It appears that mistakes were made in the past and we want to help to rectify this situation. We are not sure what Joe knew or didn’t know and what he did or didn’t do but we know the type of man Joe was and he wouldn’t want this to happen again or have this outcome where so many people were hurt.

Our prayers go out to all the victims and their families.

Prayer and Faith

The commentary for these verses below caught my attention when I was reading though the book of Mark. I know from my own experience and from talking with various guys that when prayer is lacking in their lives then so is faith or a strong faith in God.

It seems that people with a strong prayer life have a strong faith in God and a confidence in God that many don’t know. Prayer may not come easily to you but it is something that can be developed if you will take the time to develop a relationship with God.

God wants us to seek Him and prayer is the way to create and build a relationship with Him. See the verses and commentary below on prayer.

If you need some help find a mentor.

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Faith is a gift from God

Growing in faith is a constant process

·         Commentary - Mark 9:24 - The attitude of trust and confidence that the Bible calls belief or faith (Hebrews 11:1,6) is not something we can obtain without help. Faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8,9). No matter how much faith we have, we never reach the point of being self-sufficient. Faith is not stored away like money in the bank. Growing in faith is a constant process of daily renewing our trust in Jesus.  

Without faith it is impossible to please God

·         Scripture - Hebrews 11:6 – ‘Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.’

All who seek God will find Him

·         Commentary – Hebrews 11:6 - Believing that God exists is only the beginning; even the demons believe that much (James 2:19, 20). God will not settle for mere acknowledgement of his existence. He wants a personal, dynamic relationship with you that will transform your life. Those who seek God will find that they are rewarded with his intimate presence.…God assures us that all who honestly seek him – who act in faith on the knowledge of God that they possess – will be rewarded.

Prayer is the key that unlocks faith in our lives

Prayer demonstrates our reliance on God

·         Commentary - Mark 9:29 – The disciples would often face difficult situations that could be resolved only through prayer.  Prayer is the key that unlocks faith in our lives. Effective prayer needs both an attitude – complete dependence – and an action – asking. Prayer demonstrates our reliance on God as we humbly invite him to fill us with faith and power. There is no substitute for prayer, especially in circumstances that seem impossible.

Pattern for Prayer – Lord’s Prayer

·         Scripture – Matthew 6:9-13 - This, then, is how you should pray:

⁹ “Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
¹⁰ your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹ Give us today our daily bread.
¹² And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
¹³ And lead us not into temptation,^[a]
but deliver us from the evil one.^[b]’

Commentary – Matthew 6:9 – This is often called the Lord’s Prayer because Jesus gave it to the disciples. It can be a pattern for our prayers. We should praise God, pray for His work in the world, pray for our daily needs and pray for help in our daily struggles.

Source of references: From the Tyndale NIV ‘Life Application Bible’

A Definition of Manhood – Summary

From the Book ‘The Resolution for Men’ by Stephen and Alex Kendrick and Randy Alcorn – from Chapter 4, Be a Man of Responsibility.

Summary of the Definition of Manhood

These seven attributes need to be developing in every young man during his teenage years. And these are the attributes we should be embracing as grown men, too, for there is eternal significance behind each of them. God wants men to be strong spiritually, mature spiritually and be able to lead and care for others spiritually in the family of God. Living as responsible men on a physical level prepares us to be faithful men on a spiritual level, where it matters most.

So if you haven’t been serious or deliberate about it before, it’s time! Accept your masculinity, being ‘strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might’ (Ephesians 6:10).

Put away your childishness, embrace your own responsibilities and be faithful to everything that is under your care. Seek your parents’ counsel, but don’t think you cannot live without their help and approval. Lead your family with courage and live every day bearing God’s image and bringing Him honor knowing you will one day be held accountable before Him. This is not just our call as men of resolution; this is our call as men.

If you’re like most of us, you may feel overwhelmed by a deep sense of inadequacy but actually this is right where God wants you. He knows that on our own none of us has what it takes to be consistently responsible. We fail miserably without His help. He never compromises the standards but He calls us to our knees so He can help us live up to them by the power of Christ. We must surrender ourselves to Him and learn to rely daily on His wisdom, strength and grace. And when we fall short, He offers us truckloads of mercy as we confess it to Him.

By His grace we don’t have to live in failure. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! This is how we live as men. This is how responsibility becomes victory!’

A Definition of Manhood – Principle 7

From the Book ‘The Resolution for Men’ by Stephen and Alex Kendrick and Randy Alcorn – from Chapter 4, Be a Man of Responsibility.
 

A Man is an Image Bearer of God

…God has given wives an amazing ability to recognize, reveal and reflect the character of their husbands…He (Husband) in turn is not to bring glory to himself…but to use all his power, authority and ability to reveal and reflect all glory back to God through his life. Unlike the animals, we uniquely bear our Maker’s image. And therefore, in all our choices, words and behaviors we need to represent Him well. This is humbling but it is also our privileged responsibility.

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My Thoughts

Just so you didn’t miss this guys, God has given wives the ability to reflect the character of their husbands. What is your wife reflecting? Also husbands are to reflect all glory back to God. Are you guys doing this?

It’s interesting that many guys don’t want to attend or participate in a church that seems feminine or is geared to women. But it’s even more interesting that items like those above and some from the other principles  in this series are pointed out to these men these guys don’t want to hear about their responsibilities, or they start complaining about the femininity of the church or they make some other excuse for why they don’t attend.

Lots of responsibility for us men if we are going to be Christians. But that’s the way it is supposed to be. The call of Jesus is not easy or simple.

Model the Relationship

All Christians need someone in their life that can advise them. Someone, of the same sex, who can help them through various situations or be a friend generally or when they have a specific situation that they need help with.

Watch the beginning of this video where Pastor Stephen Furtick of Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC introduces Pastor Craig Groschel of Lifechurch in Oklahoma City, OK to speak on ‘Toxic Words’. When Furtick begins talking about the relationship he has with Groschel you sense the sincerity and authenticity of their relationship that has been built over time.

The most important thing Furtick is doing is modeling for the people in his church, and for all who are watching, the importance of accountability and mentoring and how to do it.

Groschel speaks about the power of words and how they can lift people up or tear them down, ways we can change our use of the words we use and then he goes on to talk about some of the challenges in his life.

It’s worth the time to watch. And it’s worth the time to find someone to advise you in an accountability and mentoring relationship.

Video

http://www.elevationchurch.org/sermons

Elevation Church site

http://www.elevationchurch.org/

Lifechurch site

http://www.lifechurch.tv/

A Definition of Manhood – Principle 6

From the Book ‘The Resolution for Men’ by Stephen and Alex Kendrick and Randy Alcorn – from Chapter 4, Be a Man of Responsibility.

A Man Recognizes His Accountability

‘All of life’s privileges, blessings and freedoms that come with responsibility also come with a counterweight called accountability. Having no accountability always leads to irresponsibility. But Jesus explained that we will each stand before God one day and be held accountable for how we lived. Our actions not only have immediate consequences but eternal ones as well.

Everything in a man’s thinking changes when he realizes that he is only one heartbeat away from having to stand before God and give an account for his life.

The first thing this awakens in him is a question about his spiritual readiness for that coming day. Are you ready to meet God?

…We must take full responsibility for ourselves, our wives and our children. We must seek and discover God’s will. We are responsible for obeying the commands of Christ. This is what we will be held accountable for.

And preparing for that day is why we should become accountable to one another. We should surround ourselves with godly men who will help us prepare to be found faithful. Men, who have permission to ask us the tough questions, keep tabs on our spiritual condition and speak the truth into our lives, even when we don’t want to hear it. We need to be reading the Scripture daily, studying it deeply and obeying it willingly as an ongoing lifestyle.

…Accountability dynamically helps make us into men – humble, wise, responsible, faithful men.’

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My Thoughts

Men are designed to be responsible and as indicated above accountability comes with responsibility. To help us deal with the responsibility we need Christian men in our lives to help us be accountable. The decision to be accountable is one you have to make for you and your family and you shouldn’t wait. Time is finite. It is limited.

Your accountability partner can be a Christian man or Christian men you know in your age category or find some older Christian men to help you along the journey. A man or men you and others, that you know, respect. The simplest way to do it is just to invite a man out for coffee or lunch or to hit golf balls or for a walk or to do something that interests him.

Ask him questions about himself and find out some of his interests. Just start talking about things you have in common and build a friendship. You may need to do this several times before you begin to ask him how he does or would handle a situation similar to what you are dealing with. Don't be in a hurry. (If it is very serious contact a pastor or a counselor.) You don’t have to ask him to mentor you or be your accountability partner just tell him you would like to get to know him better.

And as this happens you can decide if he is the one you want to help you with accountability. Then explain your situation and where you need accountability and ask if he will be your accountability partner.

If you don’t think he is the one then find another man and go through the process again. And again until you find someone. For the man who you don't think would work for you but might work with someone that you know suggest to each of these men that you know someone they should meet and arrange to introduce them. See, this is also part of the responsibility and it is simple.

Is it about you or others?

I heard this comment today on Leadership from Mark Schlereth, former NFL player for the Washington Redskins and the Denver Broncos and current ESPN radio and TV commentator, on ESPN TV. He was using the comment below in the context of player leadership on the New York Jets.

‘Leadership is when you care more for the people you lead than you care for yourself.’

I think this can be applied in other organizations as well.

There are people who practice this philosophy and there are people who don’t. But it’s the people who don’t practice this type of leadership that get my attention.

Following Schlereth's advice helps you treat employees with dignity and respect and they think you want to see them and the organization accomplish their goals. 

Schlereth has an interesting Bio

http://www.markschlereth.com/about-mark/marks-football-bio/
http://twitter.com/#!/markschlereth/

He also owns ‘Stinkin Good Green Chile’
http://stinkingood.com/

Declaration of Independence and some History

Some History prior to the signing of Declaration of America

When armed conflict between bands of American colonists and British soldiers began in April 1775, the Americans were ostensibly fighting only for their rights as subjects of the British crown. By the following summer, with the Revolutionary War in full swing, the movement for independence from Britain had grown, and delegates of the Continental Congress were faced with a vote on the issue. In mid-June 1776, a five-man committee including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin was tasked with drafting a formal statement of the colonies' intentions. The Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence--written largely by Jefferson--in Philadelphia on July 4, a date now celebrated as the birth of American independence

As the first formal statement by a nation's people asserting their right to choose their own government, the Declaration of Independence became a significant landmark in the history of democracy. In addition to its importance in the fate of the fledgling American nation, it also exerted a tremendous influence outside the United States, most memorably in France during the French Revolution. Together with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence can be counted as one of the three essential founding documents of the United States government.

From History.com
http://www.history.com/topics/declaration-of-independence

The beginning few paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.

See History.Com for the rest of the Declaration of Independence

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html

Crazy College Classes That Cost Big Bucks

Are you paying attention to the courses that your son or daughter is taking in college?

How do the following classes really prepare a student for a career or for life?

If you took all of these classes it could cost over $23K.

·         Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame – Univ of South Carolina – 3 credits - $1,200 In-State / $3,150 Out of State. LG stated in a 60 Minutes Interview that she studied fame and wanted to be famous

·         The Phallus – Occidental College - $5,370. According to the Fiscal Times site they also offer a course titled ‘Stupidity’ – I have always thought that there is a lack of information in society on the Phallus

·         Joy of Garbage – Santa Clara Univ – 4 credits - $4,881 – I wonder how they experience the joy?

·         Harry Potter: Finding Your Patronus – Oregon State Univ - $237.17 In-State / $681.17 Out of State – I didn’t see the Harry Potter movies or read the books but my first thought was that this class was mistaken for the Phallus class above

·         Theatrical Fencing – University Wisconsin, Madison - 1 Credit - $331.00 In-State / $966 Out-of-State – We’re not talking about teaching the kids how to install a fence in your back yard – BTW this is offered through the Dept of Kinesiology that is the Dept formerly known as Phys Ed

·         DJ History, Culture and Technique – New York University – 4 Credits - $4,636 plus a lab fee – at the site it states that …’the class draws wealthy yet hip students from around the world to study with pros’. Is there a DJ Hall of Fame here also?

·         Arguing with Judge Judy: Popular Logic on TV Judge Shows – Univ of Calif Berkeley – 1 credit - $415.40 in-state / $1,178.03 Out-of-State – this should help your kids who can’t find a job argue with Judge Judy while they watch the show

·         Sport for the Spectator – Ohio State Unit, Mansfield – 3 credits - $278.25 – Maybe this is for those who see sporting events as a social occasion and aren’t too interested in the outcome or they want to meet someone else.

·         Learning from U-Tube – Pitzer College, Claremont Calif - $5,318.75 – From the Fiscal Times site - Apparently we were having too much fun. Did you know that, “Radical media theorists have looked with utopian zeal to a moment in the media future which turns out to be upon us: a time where access to the production and distribution of media is democratically available outside channels organized by capital?”  Although this could be a bit amusing I believe the future of education lies in greater use of the Internet

·         Geology and Cinema – Univ of Minnesota, Twin Cities – 4 credits - $1,506.80 In-State  $$2,168.32 Out-of-State – From the Fiscal Times site - Knocking out your physical science requirement and getting to watch such cinematic gems as Tremors and Journey to the Center of the Earth sounds like a liberal arts student’s dream.        

The source of this information is:

http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2011/06/21/10-Crazy-College-Classes-That-Cost-Big-Bucks.aspx#page1

Possible Blog Topics

Topics that I have heard discussed, read about or thought about during the past few days that I am considering blogging about.

·      Changes that the Phillies should make to their roster this year and what is causing their problems. Should the view be short term or long term?

·         The bottleneck in public education and related  issues

·         Thoughts and feelings about US healthcare

·         Ruling by Chief Justice of SCOTUS John Roberts on the health care law

·        Reposting my previous blogs about Joe Paterno and Penn State with additional comments in light of e-mails just being disclosed

·         Comparing the fall of the Roman Empire with the current state of the US. Many similarities

·        Do US politicians want to make the US and its citizens better and stronger, control them or just gain power and wealth for themselves?

·     When an authoritative leader uses his position power to coerce and intimidate followers or employees (examples – Joe Patterno , the cult leader from the show the Mentalist et al)

A Definition of Manhood – Principle 5

From the Book ‘The Resolution for Men’ by Stephen and Alex Kendrick and Randy Alcorn – from Chapter 4, Be a Man of Responsibility.

A Man Can Lead a Family Faithfully

…Having the responsibility necessary to start and faithfully lead a family is a clear attribute of manhood.

Manhood does not mean you should marry, but you should be able to.  There is nothing wrong with waiting to get married, but many men delay it for decades because they are so immature.

If you are a single man, you should already be learning and locking down the character qualities necessary for marriage and parenting in your heart right now.  And if you’re already married, it’s time to live them out on a daily, diligent basis.

Furthermore, if you are raising a son, you should be teaching him – by your words and actions – the roles and responsibilities of a husband and a father. Show him how to love and provide for a woman, as well as how to train and lead his children. Pursue with him the goal that by the time he reaches twenty, he will already be mature enough to get married if he chooses. Then whenever he does, he will readily assume his position as leader, a man who will protect and provide for his family in every necessary way. He won’t be flying blind or needing you to handle everything for him. He will be a man. Ready to step up to the plate and hit the long ball and he will join you in considering it his privilege to lead his family well.

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My Thoughts

I think the most glaring oversight in this section titled ‘A Man Can Lead a Family faithfully’ is the lack of references to daughters. A man’s relationship with his daughter is very important to her and her future and will impact her relationships with men throughout her life.
This relationship or lack of relationship between you and your daughter can cause your daughter to be happy and secure or unhappy, insecure and full of doubts.

As a father you have a responsibility to raise your sons and or daughters to become responsible and productive adults so that they can raise their children the same way.
Our children learn a great deal from us by what we model. Take the time to learn how to model being a father to your sons and daughters. It’s never too late to do the right thing. Your children’s future and your legacy are in the balance.