It seems families are so crazy busy these days—soccer practice, gymnastics, tennis, tutors, co-op, group classes, and music lessons, to name just a few. Of course Mom and kids love doing exciting things other than schoolwork at home.

May we never confuse busyness for productivity or having fun with real learning. It is our responsibility to ensure that real learning is taking place.

“And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

Steve

Next Seriously fast, November 7th – 15th, all or a portion. Information and signup.

Each dad had a pretty good record with a few exceptions:

>He was really tired this morning so he decided to sleep in.
>Normally, he wouldn’t have considered allowing his daughter to go out with a guy like that, but she really wanted to.
>He hadn’t touched alcohol in 20 years, but he didn’t want to offend the neighbors when they offered him a beer at the picnic.
>He has avoided ungodly Internet sites ever since he got married, and only recently slipped a time or two.
>He has been a faithful, loving husband for 20 years and only recently was unfaithful once.
>His driving record was perfect until he fell asleep at the wheel, crossed the median, and slammed into a church van head-on.

Consistency through self-discipline is very important. The one who practices it will be known as reliable and trustworthy. Satan wants the exception. The problem is that the exception can often become a pattern or be disastrous just that one time.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Steve

Seriously Fast, Saturday, November 7th, through Sunday, November 15th—a portion or all.  Sign up for all or a portion.

Recently, at a week-long conference I was attending, I spoke to a young pastor who totally shocked me. As we begin talking, the conversation flowed smoothly. I would ask him a question, and he would respond, elaborate, and then ask something about me. We were having a fantastic time getting to know each other. It was a joy. I came away from that time energized and excited.

I had many other conversations that week as I attempted to get to know other men at the conference. The contrast was shocking. Though all the men I spoke with were in Christian service, this young pastor was the only one I talked to who had such conversation skills. Notice I didn’t say “gifting.”

Think about how necessary conversation skills are in life. Whether in ministry, business, or family relationships, we need to be able to communicate effectively. The more I talk with Christian parents, the more I am convinced of the golden opportunity that awaits you in helping your children learn conversation skills. If you want your children to excel in life, they need to have great conversational skills. It is a learned skill that will benefit everyone’s lives greatly. Dad, that includes you, too. Why not make it a family project?

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)

Steve

Does your family eat three meals a day? Is that being disciplined or legalistic? Do you bathe regularly? Is that being disciplined or legalistic? Do you try to get a set amount of sleep every night? Is that being disciplined or legalistic? Do you have an exercise routine? Is that being disciplined or legalistic? Do you have your personal and family Bible time every day? Is that being disciplined or legalistic?

Isn’t it amazing how people might consider most of the practices listed above very admirable for a normal, healthy life, until they get to personal and family Bible time every day. Most people cater to their flesh (not to be confused with taking good care of their bodies, for obesity is out of control in our country). Think about your spirit, however. Shouldn’t we take far better care of an eternal spirit than a body that typically lasts fewer than 100 years? Do we?

“… It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

Steve

Business Jump Start will be offered only this once if that is of interest to you.

Hope you can make one of the two upcoming conferences.

Pity the poor wife who is trying hard to follow her molasses moving husband. Even with her “brakes on,” she coasts ahead of him.

Or maybe she tries to follow, but he waffles back and forth without a family vision, or, if he has one, won’t consistently follow it. So one minute she is following, but another, when he abruptly changes direction, she is now in front.

May I not make it difficult for my wife to follow. To do this, I have to know where I am going and then be committed to staying the course. Got vision? If no, then get one. If yes, then follow it!

“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)

Steve