DadAwesome

Comedian, speaker and master of creativity Bob Stromberg joins dadAWESOME for part 1 of Creativity Month. For over forty years he has traveled the world performing his very unique and perfect blend of standup, story and shtick. He’s the co-author and an original star of the megahit theatrical comedy, Triple Espresso (A Highly Caffeinated Comedy), which has been seen by over two million people from San Diego to the West End of London.  Conversation Highlights: A fathers response to hearing a crazy idea from a son... "That's Perfect" (10:50) The importance of knowing your child. Knowing truly who they are. (11:30) The importance of remembering how fast time is moving. Imagine your kids out in the future (14:30) Creative process - remember the GET acronym  The first step in the creative process - GRAB (17:45) The second step is to INTERROGATE... Ask questions (18:45) When the thought becomes an idea you can TRANSFORM (19:45) GET = grab, interrogate and transform That's what love does... it opens itself up to pain (20:50) The importance of play (21:00) Get outside and play (22:30) In Search of Greatness (22:50) Kids have a difficult time knowing how to create playful moments on their own (24:20) the creative process explained through kids learning how to play (25:10) We are all born with a capacity to experience creativity and a desire to experience creativity. That's the gift. (25:50)  What if a dad feels they're not very creative? (27:10) Dads and moms are over-scheduling their kids (27:30)  The definitive biography of Tiger Woods (book) (29:15) More free time for prisoners that for our kids... (25:40) Play is at the basic most fundamental level of creativity (31:15) We don't laugh enough as families (32:20) The difference between success in the world and success as a parent (34:15) You go from having total control to having zero control as a successful parent... you keep giving up more control (35:00) Play is important, but prayer is more important (37:00) We are at war against spiritual forces and the only way to fight is through prayer (38:00) Links for further exploration: Bob Stromberg - website  Mastering the Craft of Creativity Free Introductory Video Triple Espresso (link) 

We release dadAWESOME episodes every Sunday and since this month (March 2019) has 5 Sundays, this is a special bonus episode. Jeff Zaugg shares his reflections on the previous 4 episodes outlining 5 action steps to put this these insights around Screens, Smartphones and Social Media into action. Expanding beyond the technology theme, Jeff shares three stories about trials, pain and choosing to worship in a season of unanswered prayer. ACTION STEPS from the previous 4 episodes: Hit the "Pause Button" and calm down before responding >> “Angry outbursts teach our kids I can’t go to mom, she’ll freak out or dad isn’t safe. Consider the ramifications of that feeling. If mom or dad isn’t safe, then who will our kids run to for comfort, for advice and for admiration.” (19:45 mark of episode 59) Walk with your kids and become a "Media Mentor" >> We need to walk with and dialog with our kids be creating a safe atmosphere for conversations (20:30 mark of episode 60) Reframe technology to be a fun family connection vs. a battle mentality that frames technology as hostile >> (16:16 mark of episode 61) Avoid using technology as a negative punishment >> Try to minimize punitive conversations around screen time, social media and smartphones (30:00 mark of episode 61) Trust God to bring darkness to light >> embrace the opportunity to walk along side our kids when they are exposed to something on their screens. (20:43 mark of episode 62) Worshipping God while Walking through Trials: Acts 16:22-26 "The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods.  After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose." James 1:2-5 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. Trusting God in the Fire: Story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego Daniel 3:15 “if you will not worship, you will immediately be cast into the midst of the furnace of blazing fire…and what God is there who can deliver you out of my hands?” As the King was concerned, the only options were to bow or burn; but it didn’t ruffle these Hebrew boys because they had a third option: BELIEVE 18 “but even if he does not deliver us from the fire.” Hebrews 12:2 “who for the joy set before him endured the cross;” Hillsong song “Another in the Fire” “And should I ever need reminding How good You've been to me.  I'll count the joy come every battle. Cause I know that's where You'll be” Another in the Fire (Hillsong United) - Joel Houston and Chris Davenport talk about the story behind Another In The Fire by Hillsong UNITED Here's a link to my dad's Caring Bridge Updates

Jake Sullivan joins us for part 4 of Screens, Smartphones & Social Media. This conversation dives into his family journey of adopting three kids from Ghana, Africa and the beauty found in trusting God's goodness. We discuss the challenges in communication skills that our kids are facing along with the power of living life along side our children. Conversation Highlights: International adoption from Ghana, Africa Acts 1:8 “I want my son to know who he is and where he is from” "Often we don’t get to see the blessings and the faithfulness of God until after our obedience” Love is displayed through truth. God loved through truth. Let’s love our kids and let’s speak truth to our kids. A good coach will see your weaknesses and they’ll walk along side you and help you grow. Walk with your kids more intentionally in the areas of sex and God’s plan for sex Book: Rethinking Sexuality We are teaching and living life with our kids - bring your kids everywhere with you Deuteronomy 6:6-8 "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.” Intentionally live life together. Don’t separate your home life and your work life. God’s Goodness. God is good on the mountain top and He is good in the valley. God is the lifter when your head is weary. He makes me strong. I don’t want to come across as a legalistic dad taking things from you. Authenticity & Vulnerability through screens, smartphones and Social Media. The God of our universe sees and He knows who you are Do you trust God? That He will bring the darkness to the light? We have a faithful God that wants to see us know him Do I trust the Lord? That the Lord has my kids best interest in mind? Communication - our kids are having a more difficult time communicating The ability to communicate is something that screens are taking away from the next generation. Knowing Gods goodness in the valley and on the mountain. I want my kids to see me go through a valley and never turn from Gods goodness Walk life with your children Don’t let your children's sin feel like a reflection of you as their father. Walk with them and love them and don’t try to hide your kids sin Powerful story about the Sullivan Family featured in the Star Tribune

Brad Griffin joins dadAWESOME for part 3 of our Screens, Smartphones and Social Media theme. Brad is the Director of the Fuller Youth Institute, where he develops research-based training for youth workers and parents. He recently coauthored Every Parent's Guide to Navigating our Digital World.  Conversation Highlights: Don't miss these moments Phase research from Orange - Phase Guides are an 18-part series of concise and interactive journal-style books that simplify what parents need to know about each phase of a kid’s life and give them the opportunity to discover more about their children—so they can make the most of every phase. The delicate dance of knowing when to help his daughter and when to just listen and do nothing I can rest when I am older. If it means I am going to sleep a little less to play that game or spend that extra time with my kids now, I’ll rest later. We need to ask for help - ask others for help... don't parent alone Let’s move beyond treating technology as the enemy Digital natives vs. digital immigrants.  The similarities between a school lunch room and the digital world  Let’s prioritize the relationship and keep the relationship in the center and don’t let media get in the center.  10 Things Every Parent Should Know About Gaming Every Parent's Guide to Navigating our Digital World

This is the second part of our technology conversation with Jonathan McKee and we dive deep into current realities and practical action steps. If you missed part 1 of our conversation, here's episode 59. Jonathan McKee is the author of over twenty books and has over 20 years youth ministry experience speaking to parents and leaders worldwide. Free resources at https://thesource4parents.com/ Jonathan's Featured Books: The Teen’s Guide to Social Media & Mobile Devices 21 Tips to Wise Posting in an Insecure World If I Had a Parenting Do-Over: 7 Vital Changes I'd Make Conversation notes: Common Sense Media has a study from 2015 >> teenagers average 9 hours per day of media consumption In 2012 Americans crossed the 50% mark for smart phone owners 12-17 year olds... 89% of them have a smart phone We Listen to Music For More Than 4 1/2 Hours A Day, Nielsen Says - more info Adults average 10 hours and 45 minutes per day on media Parents spend more time looking at a screen than talking with their kids or their spouse Anxiety, depression and teen suicide... Mental health is taking a dive and all the studies are saying that smart phones are playing a big part and self-esteem is at an all-time low The more time you spend on your device and especially social media, the more depressed you will be The average kid gets a smartphone at 10.3 years old Instagram and Snapchat only allows kids 13 years old or older (COPA privacy law) Free resource from Jonathan McKee: Answering 30 top questions from today’s parents No mater how many parent controls you have, you can't block everything. The best parental control is conversations with your kids Guide for parental controls from Common Sense Media How do we start having conversations and teaching truth in this world of lies? If we teach our kids truth, it's going to equip them when they are exposed to the world's lies. Three Types of Parents: (Alexandra Samuels study with 10,000 parents) Limiter Enablers Media Mentors Special thanks to: Sound Engineering:WADE B PRODUCTIONS Episode Music:Brent Haglund 

Jonathan McKee joins us to kickoff our Technology month. With over 20 years youth ministry experience, Jonathan speaks to parents and leaders worldwide. He’s the author of over twenty books including the brand new THE TEEN'S GUIDE TO SOCIAL MEDIA & MOBILE DEVICES and IF I HAD A PARENTING DO OVER. Jonathan, his wife, Lori, and their three kids live in California and he resources parents with ongoing resources at TheSource4Parents.com.  The research is clear, parents overwhelmingly look back and say “I wish I had spent more time with my kids" Song: Cats In The Cradle-Harry Chapin The YES Factor - no matter what, if my kids came to me to ask “Hey dad, will you do this?”, the answer would be YES. Overreaction is never the answer. Be careful with saying to yourself, “I’ve got this”. James 1:19 - quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to become angry Hit the “Pause Button” and take time before responding. After giving your kid time to cool off, ask them what they think the consequence should be It was me messing up that gave me the insight to do it right the next time “Angry outbursts teach our kids I can’t go to mom, she’ll freak out or dad isn’t safe. Consider the ramifications of that feeling. If mom or dad isn’t safe, then who will our kids run to for comfort, for advice and for admiration." The most important thing I tell parents when they begin learning about culture and media is “Don’t Freak Out”. Boundary Fast >> don’t add boundaries, but instead begin the process by working on bonding. We must bond before we can add boundaries The Segue - the dissolve from one thing to another. We must slowly fade back on our boundaries as our kids grow older. Kids need clear boundaries, but those boundaries must pull back as they approach leaving the home and deciding for themselves. We need to look for opportunities for our kids to practice making decisions for themselves. MORE INFO: Free resource from Jonathan McKee: Answering 30 top questions from today’s parents Special thanks to: Sound Engineering:WADE B PRODUCTIONS (itswadeb@gmail.com) Episode Music:Brent Haglund 

Mel Ellenwood shares about trusting God while moving their young family to the Czech Republic to be youth ministry missionaries. This conversations builds upon our monthly WISDOM theme while adding a powerful perspective of doing hard things as a family. Mel unpacks the power of humility and asking for forgiveness in the moments of messing up as a father. God takes pleasure in us. God loves us because we are His. Understanding this will transform the way we take pleasure in our kids. Mel and Amy's Josiah Venture Website

Edrin Williams joins dadAWESOME for part 3 of our monthly WISDOM theme. This conversation challenges us to enjoy the journey and love our kids from a place of being loved by our Heavenly Father. Edrin is a pastor at The Sanctuary Covenant Church in Minneapolis and with his wife Shanequa they have two beautiful girls, Taylor 8 & Harper 2. Give the the gift of your presence to your family Step in and enjoy the journey of being a dad Your kids trust you and need you to be a big safe adult who loves them Friday night family night. The power of protecting these moments. We must receive love from our heavenly father Remember you're a beloved son of God Invite mentors to speak into your fathering Let your kids enjoy the process (stop over managing and pushing them) Celebrate your wife (cheer her along) Intergenerational Relationships (look ahead, your peers and younger dads) Pursuing mentors and Godly friends to learn and grow in your dad role. If you want to make a difference in this world, one place you can change the world is being present and making a difference in your kids. Asking intentional questions to help our kids think through their choices. It's our job as fathers to care for the souls of our children Let your wife know that supporting your family and your kids is a top priority Dads! Your role is more significant than you realize. Coffee Recommendation (Twin Cities) - http://cuppajava.com/ Book: Father Factor More info on Edrin: www.sanctuarycov.org https://www.instagram.com/edrinspeaks/

Mark Matlock is back for part 2 of a conversation about Growing in Wisdom. This episode unpacks the seven marks of a wise person and explains how the hero's journey applies to helping our kids find wise influencers. Mark walks us through cultural changes with how we pass down wisdom followed by practical ways we can accelerate wisdom acquisition for our kids. Seven Marks of A Wise Person: Trusts in God Walks in healthy relationships Seeks God's council Speaks carefully Is self-controlled Manages their resources Lives in peace James 1:5 "And if anyone longs to be wise, ask God for wisdom and he will give it! He won’t see your lack of wisdom as an opportunity to scold you over your failures but he will overwhelm your failures with his generous grace." Culture expert and veteran youth pastor, Mark Matlock, will help you line your family’s story up with God’s story in the world around you, helping you raise wise children who have the character, values, and mission that allows them to go out into the real world and live out a real faith. Raising Wise Children explores these themes: Helping your child make decisions The importance of failure Knowing God’s story for your family Changing the story your family is in The pursuit of wisdom, and much more God has placed us here to interact with and represent him to the world by engaging with the culture—not retreating from it. Raising Wise Children: Handing Down the Story of Wisdom (Mark Matlock)

Mark Matlock joins dadAWESOME for part 1 of our Growing in Wisdom monthly theme. The conversation explores the benefits of letting our kids fail along with valuable insights around us as dads needing to grow in wisdom before we can lead our kids towards wise choices. How can we accelerate the acquisition of wisdom in our kids? How can we encourage strength and confidence to help our kids stand on their own? Culture expert and veteran youth pastor, Mark Matlock, will help you line your family’s story up with God’s story in the world around you, helping you raise wise children who have the character, values, and mission that allows them to go out into the real world and live out a real faith. Raising Wise Children explores these themes: • Helping your child make decisions • The importance of failure • Knowing God’s story for your family • Changing the story your family is in • The pursuit of wisdom, and much more God has placed us here to interact with and represent him to the world by engaging with the culture—not retreating from it. Raising Wise Children: Handing Down the Story of Wisdom (Mark Matlock)