So for all my friends that have known me over the last couple of years they know that I changed jobs last September b/c God simply placed an opportunity in my lap. One of the main reasons for me to even consider such an opportunity was b/c I had been traveling quite a bit (2 weeks a month often) and it was not good for the family. However, one of the few perks to traveling a lot was you spent a lot of quiet time or time by yourself in airplanes, airports, and hotel rooms. So for a guy that doesn’t read a lot, I sure was flying through my reading wish list in 2010. Not the case in 2011 as I just recently took my first work trip in over 16 months. So my reading wish list had grown significantly again. I picked one up on the way out the door though. “Raising Dad” by Thom and Art Rainer. I wanted to give you a quick 2 thumbs up on this one. It was Art’s idea and he is Thom’s middle son of three. He wrote the book from the perspective of what did Thom do right as a father. Art was in his twenties when he wrote this and each chapter’s topic was determined and started by Art. Thom finished each chapter from his perspective. For those that know me also know that I start many books, but hardly finish any. This one I started and finished in 2 days. I could hardly put it down as I really enjoyed the format and direction with Art talking about topics such as:
- Dad making intentional memories
- Dad loving Mom
- Dad and his use of support and encouragement
- Dad and Discipline
- Family of Fun
- Time can never be recaptured
Overall, a great, short read for fathers with son(s) and I would highly recommend you adding it to your list.
In addition to catching up on some of my book reading, Amanda and I also caught up on some moving watching this week since the kiddos where at the Grandparents. We finally got to see Courageous at the $1 movies and boy was it a tear jerker. These guys and gals from Sherwood get better and better with each movie they create. However, this is really hard on us fathers. It is a great reminder of many things including our time is short on this earth and we better utilize it as God wants us too. Kids are big responsibility and God calls us as men to be the head of our households. It addresses many key Fatherhood topics, such as spending quality/quantity time with your kids, handling of teenage daughters and dating, providing for your family both physically and spiritually, and ultimately finding a group of believers to hold you accountable to all of the above. Men/Fathers, again I highly recommend you drop $1 and go see this at Carmike or Redbox in a few weeks. Great reminder of our Great God Given Responsibilities.
Other than that I am so thankful again for my Church home and family. Everyday I am amazed at those I get to serve with and learn from. Amanda and I have now been at CBC 12 years and just today were talking about what a blessing it has been to “grow up” in one church home since our early 20′s. Our kids don’t know any different and I am so thankful for that. As we head into 2012 I pray that anyone reading this has or is seeking the same comfort and peace from a church home. I am confident one can not fulfill his duties as a Husband, Father, or Christian w/o a Holy Spirit led Church family. Happy New year to all!
