Fatherhood

For All Life’s Moment

/ Dennis Griffith / Leave a comment

This touching video evokes bitter-sweet thoughts for me.  As a cancer survivor, it gives me reason for great thankfulness. Yet it is a reminder of my personal frailty, and that I am not promised tomorrow. (Proverbs 27.1)

I am reminded of how young my own sons were when I was diagnosed – my daughter even younger.  I remember the thoughts during the first moments I was alone, all the ways I had failed them; all that I wanted to share with them – if only given the opportunity of time. I am thankful my sons and daughters have grown, that all of them have given me cause for joy and pride, and that I have been here to see it.

I am reminded of the importance of priorities – putting first things first.  I continue to fail with this, as all too often I put my own comfort and preferences first. Yet given each new day, I am also given an opportunity to live out my priorities.

I cannot help but to think of Solomon’s plea:

“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.” (Proverbs 3.1-2)

I cannot help but hope in Solomon’s promise:

“And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord, but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.” (Proverbs 8.32-36)

For these are not only the words of wisdom I have wanted to impart to my sons (and daughter),  they are the words of my heavenly Father to me.

5 Questions to Connect With Your Kids

/ Dennis Griffith / 1 Comment

Ever stumped about what to talk about with your children? I am. The following are 5 great questions from the National Fatherhood Initiative that will help connect parents to their children and their children’s world:

  1. What Is The Most Important Thing That Happened Today?  This is a great way to get more than a yes or no answer when you ask about your child’s life and day.
  2. How Are You And Your Friends Getting Along? You’ll get to know your child’s social circle and may get a heads up on drama that could be brewing and may cause some later problems.
  3. What Is Something I Should Know About You? This question is great for growing any relationship – and you’re guaranteed to learn something surprising.  Just be prepared to have an answer, too!
  4. What Should We Celebrate Today?  Make it a goal to have fun with your kids and bring joy into your family’s life on a regular basis.  It can be as simple as popsicles on the back porch, a good grade on a quiz, or your favorite show being on TV.  Savor the little things together.
  5. Do You Know That I Love You?  You can never say this too much.  Always tell your kids you love them – and for who they are, not just for what they do.

6 Ways to Pursue Christ Thru Fatherhood

/ Dennis Griffith / Leave a comment

Scott Thomas, President of Acts 29 Network, has recently posted a brief article outlining Six Ways Fathers Pursue Christ in Their Fatherhood.  In other words, these six principles applied together help fathers to grow in grace even as we seek to lead our families in grace.

The 6 ways are:  

  1. See their children as a blessing from God
  2. Understand that their children are born with a bent toward evil
  3. Believe the gospel is the good news for children
  4. Train their children to honor and obey
  5. Practice and demonstrate submission
  6. Love their wives

To read the whole article click: 6 Ways.

Pastor Dad: E-book by Mark Driscoll

/ Dennis Griffith / Leave a comment

Pastor Dad

Father’s Day has passed, but I just read a resource I thought I’d pass along to Dads and aspiring dads-to-be.  It is another e-book by Mark Driscoll of Resurgence and Mars Hill Church, this one titled Pastor Dad: Scriptural Insights on Fatherhood. 

The premise behind this free 48 page book is:

Every dad is a pastor. The important thing is that he is caring for his flock well.

Typical of Driscoll, this book combines sound Biblical insights with some of Driscoll’s brash, over-the-top, in-your-face applications.  So it is not a book for the overly sensitive or the timid.  But, while after a quick read I can say I don’t agree with all his positions, Driscoll’s thoughts are Biblial, practical, and worth considering for those who appreciate, or are at least willing to engage, his style.