Book Review - "What a Difference a Daddy Makes"

The book is titled "What a Difference a Daddy Makes", by Dr. Kevin Leman

I give the book four out of four stars. It was one of the most enjoyable books I have read lately.

Dr. Leman's book is absolutely fantastic. It is meant to be geared toward fathers of daughters, but I believe it is applicable to a much broader group. Leman has great practical advice throughout the book, specifically the first half. In chapter 5, for instance, Leman describes a "good dad" and encourages his readers to focus on that accolade rather than trying to hit a grand slam with every child rearing experience. This is what children will remember about dad.

Leman is also a comical writer. It was quite a joy reading this work, as he did not focus on "lists to live by," but instead told stories.

For the father, (or mother) I would recommend this book every day of the week. It works to inspire and remind of our privilege in raising children.

For the pastor, I would say there are a few aspects of this book that can help your ministry. Leman's look at birth order, for instance, is elementary and insightful. Definitely worth a read to help families grow.

For the small group study, I believe another book would be better. Again, there are not a lot of lists within.

I threw so much "stuff" away today. "Stuff" is defined as that which clutters. Went in to the office and started re-filing. I haven't seen these budget reports since they were first handed to me - wow. Trash. Oh, I remember this advertising thought. Trash. Letters that I responded to already. Trash. Here is some old Greek homework. I kept it - you never know when a fresh perspective of Philippians will come in handy (I'm a sucker for Greek).

It's called "culling", and I do it every once in a while and not often enough. I tend to lean more on the pack-rat side of life. But on days like today, when the weather changed from snow to sun twelve times over, it just feels good to let go. Now, I can look through the file cabinet and find, well, whatever I am looking for. Incredible.

I love this feeling. Why don't I do this more often?

The better question is: Why do I hold on so tightly to "stuff" in my spiritual life? We call it "baggage" or "issues" or "extras" but it is all just clutter, and I long to be free.

How do you release your "stuff"?

This weather pattern

It has been so hot here lately. Great for the rest of the nation, but we are a ski town. Talk of global warming, or drastic weather changes, or Armageddon, or Oprah having control of the weather rests on everyone's collective mind. All I can think of is the lack of snow - I like to ski.

And tonight, there is a storm coming.

The wind has been pushing everyone around all day, like that guy that used to beat up my friend Jay in the third grade. (I miss you Jay - we could play Star Wars better than anyone - unless your stinky little brother would want to be Chewbacca)

But everyone just looks at the weather, wind and all, and knows: It will bring snow.

So the question for today: Do you want the storm or the calm?