When Doing Right Means Being Different

Being a dad is not a cookie cutter role. We've all had unique experiences that bring us to where we are today. Sometimes doing the right thing can seem foolish to others. But when it comes to being a dad that intentionally makes a difference, you have to be different.

While everyone around you is running towards their personal end-zone trying to achieve what they may define success, we need to continually ask ourselves, "should we take a knee?"

Some days ago a middle school football team from Olivet, Michigan decided to be different. They had planned it for weeks. They decided that during one of their games they would do something that others would not be happy about. In the middle of this game shown in the video, Sheridan Hendrick, a player on the team brakes loose for a long run and could have easily scored. Instead, he decided to stop and take a knee at the 1 yard line.

Why?

To give Keith Orr, a special needs child, the chance to score a touchdown.



Maybe today you find yourself running towards the end-zone and you're so close to achieving your goals, but you find that you're leaving your family and children behind. Maybe long work hours and distance are putting a wedge in your relationships. Stop running... and take a knee!

Others might not understand or even curse you from the bleachers. It's ok. Your family needs that type of humility. They need someone that doesn't need the glory, but longs to give it away. And let's be gut level honest, a man that's willing to take a knee will always win the game!

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28

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Are You a Bully?

The term "bullying" has been thrown around quite a bit lately. If you're a sports fan, you've most likely heard about the Miami Dolphins lineman Jonathan Martin, and guard, Richie Incognito. 

If you're not up to speed about the latest news, allegedly, Incognito sent the second-year rookie a string of "intimidating" and racially-charged text messages and other communications, according to Fox Sports. Sources claim the incident involved monetary coercion and other bullying acts.

I'll have to admit, when I first heard this story it didn't seem to be worthy of all the attention. As a former athlete I would have considered this type of trash talk and hazing common, and in some cases encouraged in the world of sports. Add to that bullying seemed a strong word for two guys big enough to hold their own. But as I thought more about this I asked the question, "Why would this ever be acceptable?" And if professional athletes and grown adults aren't immune to it, who is?  

The truth is bullying can affect everyone—those who are bullied, those who bully, and those who witness bullying. Bullying is linked to many negative outcomes including impacts on mental health, substance use, and suicide. Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. It comes in all kinds of forms; verbal, social, physical. 

As a dad, this is what hits me hardest...

According to Child Trends:

"Children who have less-involved parents are more likely to bully others, as are those who have siblings or parents who model or endorse aggressive behavior. Parenting styles linked to social bullying include those lacking nurturing or that rely on psychological control of children; children with parents who manipulate relationships to assert power or gain attention are also more likely to engage in social bullying.” 

Wow. Can we just agree right now that we will never be our child's bully? We can so easily point the finger and judge others wondering why kids grow up to be 6'3", 315 lb bullies; but it starts with us!!! 

As fathers we cannot afford to be disengaged. As fathers we cannot afford to miss out on the opportunities to nurture and shape the character of our children. Don't just stand by cowardly leaving that responsibility to mom. If you're justifying your less than involved lifestyle due to work; find a new job. If you're bailing out on your responsibilities at home because of a weekend out with the guys; get new friends! Our sons and daughters are looking to us for love and guidance and if we don't stand up and provide those needs, something or someone else will. 

Bullying isn't prejudge. It doesn't just live in locker rooms or at school bus stops. It doesn't rely solely on social media or racial tension. It starts at the home and in our hearts! Protect those things at all cost! Don't be your child's bully...

If you’re wondering whether your child is a victim of bullying from someone or know that your child is a victim and need some guidance in how to help your child, check out these great resources that provide definitions of and data on bullying, as well as, advice on how to deal with bullies.    

1. KidsHealth
2. Violence Prevention Works  
3. Bullying Statistics  

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."
 - Psalms 127:3-5

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The Dad Hood™ 28 Day Challenge: WEEK ONE DEVOTIONAL

WEEK ONE DEVOTIONAL: DON'T GIVE UP, DON'T EVER GIVE UP

Each day brings us new hope and a new chance to do something new or something for a greater cause. Tomorrow is a blessing, not a guarantee. So at the end of the day, what matters most to you? What are you fighting for? This week when moments get tough and it becomes easier to run to comfort and bad habits, don't give up... don't ever give up. 
 
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong." - 1 Corinthians 16:13




Here are a few questions that can help you stand firm this week: 

1. What useless things am I giving my time to?
2. How can I make my comforts become less important then my goals?
3. Who can help and encourage me as I make this change happen?

"Every temptation that we meet in the path of duty is another chance of filling our souls with the power of heaven." – Frederick Temple

The Dad Hood™ 28 Day Challenge: WEEK ONE MEAL PLAN

28 Day Dad Hood™ Challenge: WEEK ONE MEAL PLAN: Our weekly meal plans are based off a 1600-2100 calorie plan. Feel free to print this out and use to calculate your calorie intake. For Friday, 11/01/2013

FOOD CALORIES CARBS FAT PROTEIN Cheese Tortilla; Banana; Coffee Melt cheese in the tortilla, roll and enjoy. Cheddar or Colby Cheese, Low Fat, 2 oz 98 1 4 14 Banana, fresh, 0.5 large (8" to 8-7/8" long) 61 16 0 1 Decaffeinated Coffee, 1 cup (8 fl oz) 0 0 0 0 Flour Tortillas, 1 tortilla, medium (approx 6" dia) 104 18 2 3

	Cottage Cheese with Pineapple; Carrots with Hummus Dip; Whole-Wheat Crackers with Peanut Butter
	Whole-Wheat Crackers, 0.75 oz	94	15	4	2
	Whole-Wheat Crackers, 0.75 oz	94	15	4	2
	Peanut Butter, smooth style, with salt, 0.5 tbsp	47	2	4	2
	Peanut Butter, smooth style, with salt, 0.5 tbsp	47	2	4	2
	Hummus, 0.3 cup	125	11	7	6
	Baby Carrots, raw, 5 medium	17	4	0	0
	Pineapple, fresh, 1.5 slice (3-1/2" dia x 3/4" thick)	62	16	1	0
	Cottage Cheese, Nonfat, 0.75 cup (not packed)	120	8	1	23

	Garden Vegetable Frittata; Green Beans; Toast; Blueberries, Almonds and Vanilla Frozen Yogurt Serve frittata with green beans and buttered toast. Top frozen yogurt with berries and almonds.
	Green Beans (snap), 12 beans (4" long)	20	5	0	1
	Green Beans (snap), 12 beans (4" long)	20	5	0	1
	Blueberries, fresh, 0.75 cup	61	15	0	1
	Almonds, 6 almond	41	2	4	2
	Bread, whole wheat (including toast) prepared from recipe, 1 slice, thin (3-3/4" x 5" x 3/8")	91	17	2	3
	Vanilla Frozen Yogurt, 0.5 cup	114	17	4	3
	Smart Balance Buttery Spread, 0.5 tbsp	40	0	5	0
	Garden Vegetable Frittata, 1 serving	149	8	9	11
	Garden Vegetable Frittata, 1 serving	149	8	9	11

	Spinach Salad; Hard Boiled Egg
	Balsamic Vinegar, 1 tbsp	8	2	0	0
	Spinach, fresh, 2 cup	14	2	0	2
	Hard Boiled Egg, 1.5 large	117	1	8	9

For Saturday, 11/02/2013

FOOD CALORIES CARBS FAT PROTEIN Turkey and Cheese Pita; Banana; Coffee Cheddar or Colby Cheese, Low Fat, 2 oz 98 1 4 14 Banana, fresh, 0.5 large (8" to 8-7/8" long) 61 16 0 1 Regular Coffee, brewed from grounds, 1 cup (8 fl oz) 2 0 0 0 Bread, pita, whole-wheat, 0.5 pita, large (6-1/2" dia) 85 18 1 3 Turkey breast meat, 1.5 ounce(s) 44 2 1 7

	Chickpea Stew; Peaches; Tea Saute raw, cubed potato in oil for a few minutes to brown. Add pureed tomatoes and simmer until potatoes are soft. Add garbanzo beans and heat. Dish up and top with shredded cheese.
	Chickpeas (garbanzo beans), 0.5 cup	143	27	1	6
	Herbal Tea, 1 cup (8 fl oz)	2	0	0	0
	Potatoes, baked, flesh and skin, with salt, 0.5 potato (2-1/3" x 4-3/4")	110	25	0	2
	Potatoes, baked, flesh and skin, with salt, 0.5 potato (2-1/3" x 4-3/4")	110	25	0	2
	Red Ripe Tomatoes, 4 slice, medium (1/4" thick)	17	4	0	1
	Peaches, fresh, 1 large (2-3/4" dia) (approx 2-1/2 per lb)	68	17	0	1
	Cheddar or Colby Cheese, Low Fat, 2 oz	98	1	4	14
	Olive Oil, 1 1tsp	40	0	5	0
	Olive Oil, 1 1tsp	40	0	5	0

	Garden Vegetable Frittata; Green Beans; Toast; Blueberries, Almonds and Vanilla Frozen Yogurt Serve frittata with green beans and buttered toast. Top frozen yogurt with berries and almonds.
	Green Beans (snap), 12 beans (4" long)	20	5	0	1
	Green Beans (snap), 12 beans (4" long)	20	5	0	1
	Blueberries, fresh, 0.75 cup	61	15	0	1
	Almonds, 6 almond	41	2	4	2
	Vanilla Frozen Yogurt, 0.5 cup	114	17	4	3
	Bread, whole wheat (including toast) prepared from recipe, 1 slice, thin (3-3/4" x 5" x 3/8")	91	17	2	3
	Smart Balance Buttery Spread, 0.5 tbsp	40	0	5	0
	Garden Vegetable Frittata, 1 serving	149	8	9	11
	Garden Vegetable Frittata, 1 serving	149	8	9	11

	Pea Pods and Hummus
	Hummus, 0.3 cup	125	11	7	6
	Peas, edible-podded, raw, 12 pea pods	17	3	0	1

For Sunday, 11/03/2013

FOOD CALORIES CARBS FAT PROTEIN Cottage Cheese and Egg Breakfast Wrap; Grapefruit; Coffee Regular Coffee, brewed from grounds, 1 cup (8 fl oz) 2 0 0 0 Flour Tortillas, 1 tortilla, medium (approx 6" dia) 104 18 2 3 Grapefruit, 1 fruit (3-3/4" dia) 74 19 0 1 Cottage Cheese, Nonfat, 0.75 cup (not packed) 120 8 1 23 Egg white, fresh, 2 large 34 0 0 7

	Spinach, Avocado and Turkey Pita; Cottage Cheese; Applesauce; Iced Herbal Tea Place spinach, avocado and turkey in pita; serve with applesauce, cottage cheese and iced tea.
	Turkey breast meat, 4 ounce(s)	118	5	2	19
	Cottage Cheese, 1% Milkfat, 0.5 cup (not packed)	82	3	1	14
	Avocados, California (Haas), 0.13 fruit without skin and seeds	38	2	3	0
	Avocados, California (Haas), 0.13 fruit without skin and seeds	38	2	3	0
	Applesauce, unsweetened, 0.75 cup	76	21	0	0
	Bread, pita, whole-wheat, 0.5 pita, large (6-1/2" dia)	85	18	1	3
	Bread, pita, whole-wheat, 0.5 pita, large (6-1/2" dia)	85	18	1	3
	Herbal Tea, 1 cup (8 fl oz)	2	0	0	0
	Lettuce, leaf salad, 2 cup, shredded	20	4	0	1

	Portobello Burger with Cheese and Tomatoes on Wheat Bread; Corn; Orange; Yogurt; Tea
	Herbal Tea, 1 cup (8 fl oz)	2	0	0	0
	Yellow Sweet Corn, Canned, 0.2 cup	27	6	0	1
	Red Ripe Tomatoes, 4 slice, medium (1/4" thick)	17	4	0	1
	Bread, reduced-calorie, wheat, 2 slice	101	19	1	6
	Yogurt, fruit, 1 container (5 oz)	141	26	2	6
	Oranges, 1 fruit (2-5/8" dia)	62	15	0	1
	American Cheese, 1 slice (1 oz)	106	0	9	6
	Mayonnaise, regular (mayo), 0.5 tbsp	45	0	5	0
	Mayonnaise, regular (mayo), 0.5 tbsp	45	0	5	0
	Portobello Burgers RECIPE, 2 serving	143	9	11	6

	Cooked Spinach Topped with Hard Boiled Egg
	Hard Boiled Egg, 1.5 large	117	1	8	9
	Lemon Juice, 1 fl oz	8	3	0	0
	Spinach, frozen, 0.5 cup	27	5	0	3

For Monday, 11/04/2013

FOOD CALORIES CARBS FAT PROTEIN Open Faced Egg Bagel; Orange; Milk Bagels, oat bran, 0.5 bagel (3-1/2" dia) 91 19 0 4 Oranges, 1 fruit (2-5/8" dia) 62 15 0 1 Milk, nonfat, 1 cup 83 12 0 8 Egg white, fresh, 2 large 34 0 0 7

	Chickpea Stew; Peaches; Tea Saute raw, cubed potato in oil for a few minutes to brown. Add pureed tomatoes and simmer until potatoes are soft. Add garbanzo beans and heat. Dish up and top with shredded cheese.
	Cheddar or Colby Cheese, Low Fat, 2 oz	98	1	4	14
	Olive Oil, 1 1tsp	40	0	5	0
	Olive Oil, 1 1tsp	40	0	5	0
	Peaches, fresh, 1 large (2-3/4" dia) (approx 2-1/2 per lb)	68	17	0	1
	Chickpeas (garbanzo beans), 0.5 cup	143	27	1	6
	Herbal Tea, 1 cup (8 fl oz)	2	0	0	0
	Red Ripe Tomatoes, 4 slice, medium (1/4" thick)	17	4	0	1
	Potatoes, baked, flesh and skin, with salt, 0.5 potato (2-1/3" x 4-3/4")	110	25	0	2
	Potatoes, baked, flesh and skin, with salt, 0.5 potato (2-1/3" x 4-3/4")	110	25	0	2

	Lentil Burger; Grapes; Almonds; Salad; Frozen Yogurt; Tea Top Lentil burger with tomatoes and spread and enjoy on Italian bread.
	Red Ripe Tomatoes, 4 slice, medium (1/4" thick)	17	4	0	1
	Romaine Lettuce (salad), 2 cup, shredded	16	3	0	2
	Herbal Tea, 1 cup (8 fl oz)	2	0	0	0
	Almonds, 0.25 cup, sliced	137	5	12	5
	Bread, italian, 2 slice, medium	108	20	1	4
	Vanilla Frozen Yogurt, 0.5 cup	114	17	4	3
	Grapes, 18 grape, seedless	35	9	0	0
	Vegan Lentil Burgers, 1 serving	128	24	2	5
	Smart Balance Buttery Spread, 0.5 tbsp	40	0	5	0
	Smart Balance Buttery Spread, 0.5 tbsp	40	0	5	0

	Turkey Breast with Salad
	Turkey breast meat, 4 ounce(s)	118	5	2	19
	Lemon Juice, 1 fl oz	8	3	0	0
	Romaine Lettuce (salad), 2 cup, shredded	16	3	0	2

For Tuesday, 11/05/2013

FOOD CALORIES CARBS FAT PROTEIN Cream of Wheat with peanut butter and banana Cook Cream of Wheat according to package directions. Stir in peanut butter and sliced banana. Serve with milk. Peanut Butter, smooth style, with salt, 0.5 tbsp 47 2 4 2 Cream of Wheat, regular, cooked with water, without salt, 0.75 cup 94 20 0 3 Banana, fresh, 0.5 large (8" to 8-7/8" long) 61 16 0 1 Milk, nonfat, 1 cup 83 12 0 8

	Black Bean-Rice-Spinach-Salsa Wrap; Grapefruit Heat black beans and premade brown rice. Add to tortilla, along with spinach, sour cream, avocado, salsa, and shredded cheese. Serve with a grapefruit.
	Cheddar or Colby Cheese, Low Fat, 2 oz	98	1	4	14
	Sour Cream, reduced fat, 2 tbsp	41	1	4	1
	Avocados, California (Haas), 0.13 fruit without skin and seeds	38	2	3	0
	Salsa, 0.13 cup	9	2	0	0
	Grapefruit, 1 fruit (3-3/4" dia)	74	19	0	1
	Beans, black, 0.6 cup	136	24	1	9
	Brown Rice, long grain, 0.5 cup	108	22	1	3
	Flour Tortillas, 1 tortilla, medium (approx 6" dia)	104	18	2	3
	Spinach, fresh, 2 cup	14	2	0	2

	Vegetarian Spaghetti with Lentil Sauce; Cantaloupe Fully cook lentils until soft to add to pureed, seasoned and cooked tomatoes for 'meat' sauce.
	Red Ripe Tomatoes, 4 slice, medium (1/4" thick)	17	4	0	1
	Red Ripe Tomatoes, 4 slice, medium (1/4" thick)	17	4	0	1
	Spaghetti, cooked without added salt (pasta), 0.5 cup	110	22	1	4
	Lentils, 0.6 cup	138	24	0	11
	Lentils, 0.6 cup	138	24	0	11
	Cantaloupe, 2 wedge, large (1/8 of large melon)	71	17	1	2
	Parmesan Cheese, grated, 3 tbsp	68	1	5	6
	Olive Oil, 1 1tsp	40	0	5	0
	Olive Oil, 1 1tsp	40	0	5	0

	Spinach Salad; Hard Boiled Egg
	Hard Boiled Egg, 1.5 large	117	1	8	9
	Spinach, fresh, 2 cup	14	2	0	2
	Balsamic Vinegar, 1 tbsp	8	2	0	0

For Wednesday, 11/06/2013

FOOD CALORIES CARBS FAT PROTEIN Yogurt with Fresh Peaches; Wheat Bran Muffin; Tea Tea, brewed, 6 fl oz 2 1 0 0 Wheat Bran Muffins, with raisins, 1 muffin, toaster 106 19 3 2 Yogurt, plain, low fat, 0.5 cup (8 fl oz) 77 9 2 6 Peaches, fresh, 1 large (2-3/4" dia) (approx 2-1/2 per lb) 68 17 0 1

	Dilled Shrimp with Farfalle; Broccoli; Roll; Peaches; Milk
	Peaches, fresh, 1 large (2-3/4" dia) (approx 2-1/2 per lb)	68	17	0	1
	Broccoli, fresh, 2 spear (about 5" long)	17	3	0	2
	Butter, unsalted, 1 pat (1" sq, 1/3" high)	36	0	4	0
	Butter, unsalted, 1 pat (1" sq, 1/3" high)	36	0	4	0
	Milk, nonfat, 1 cup	83	12	0	8
	Dinner Rolls, wheat, 1 roll (1 oz)	77	13	2	2
	Dinner Rolls, wheat, 1 roll (1 oz)	77	13	2	2
	Dilled Shrimp with Farfalle, 1 serving	136	15	2	14

	Chicken Marsala atop Whole Wheat Spaghetti; Broccoli; Cottage Cheese and Almonds Topped Pineapple; Herbal Tea
	Whole Wheat Spaghetti, cooked (pasta), 0.6 cup	104	22	0	4
	Chicken Marsala RECIPE, 0.5 serving	141	5	3	21
	Herbal Tea, 1 cup (8 fl oz)	2	0	0	0
	Almonds, 0.25 cup, sliced	137	5	12	5
	Butter, unsalted, 1 pat (1" sq, 1/3" high)	36	0	4	0
	Butter, unsalted, 1 pat (1" sq, 1/3" high)	36	0	4	0
	Cottage Cheese, Nonfat, 0.75 cup (not packed)	120	8	1	23
	Broccoli, fresh, 2 spear (about 5" long)	17	3	0	2
	Broccoli, fresh, 2 spear (about 5" long)	17	3	0	2
	Pineapple, fresh, 1.5 slice (3-1/2" dia x 3/4" thick)	62	16	1	0

	Spinach Salad; Hard Boiled Egg
	Hard Boiled Egg, 1.5 large	117	1	8	9
	Spinach, fresh, 2 cup	14	2	0	2
	Balsamic Vinegar, 1 tbsp	8	2	0	0

For Thursday, 11/7/2013

FOOD CALORIES CARBS FAT PROTEIN Yogurt with Fresh Peaches; Wheat Bran Muffin; Tea Tea, brewed, 6 fl oz 2 1 0 0 Wheat Bran Muffins, with raisins, 1 muffin, toaster 106 19 3 2 Yogurt, plain, low fat, 0.5 cup (8 fl oz) 77 9 2 6 Peaches, fresh, 1 large (2-3/4" dia) (approx 2-1/2 per lb) 68 17 0 1

	Whole Wheat Pita with Tuna Salad and Tomatoes; Raisins; Milk
	Raisins, 0.5 small box (1.5 oz)	65	17	0	1
	Milk, nonfat, 1 cup	83	12	0	8
	Mayonnaise, regular (mayo), 0.5 tbsp	45	0	5	0
	Mayonnaise, regular (mayo), 0.5 tbsp	45	0	5	0
	Bread, pita, whole-wheat, 0.5 pita, large (6-1/2" dia)	85	18	1	3
	Bread, pita, whole-wheat, 0.5 pita, large (6-1/2" dia)	85	18	1	3
	Tuna, Canned in Water, 0.75 can	105	0	1	24
	Red Ripe Tomatoes, 4 slice, medium (1/4" thick)	17	4	0	1

	Brown Rice with Chopped Broccoli, Cauliflower and Almonds; Applesauce; Milk
	Almonds, 0.25 cup, sliced	137	5	12	5
	Almonds, 0.25 cup, sliced	137	5	12	5
	Brown Rice, long grain, 0.5 cup	108	22	1	3
	Milk, nonfat, 1 cup	83	12	0	8
	Butter, unsalted, 1 pat (1" sq, 1/3" high)	36	0	4	0
	Butter, unsalted, 1 pat (1" sq, 1/3" high)	36	0	4	0
	Broccoli, fresh, 2 spear (about 5" long)	17	3	0	2
	Cauliflower, raw, 0.5 cup	13	3	0	1
	Applesauce, unsweetened, 0.75 cup	76	21	0	0

	Pea Pods and Hummus
	Hummus, 0.3 cup	125	11	7	6
	Peas, edible-podded, raw, 12 pea pods	17	3	0	1