Extra Gum Emotional Father-Daughter Origami Commercial

I got a bit emotional (OK, and teary) with this TV commercial from Extra Gum. Watch it and you'll understand why.

Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God

An artist said, "We can participate in the arts to the glory of God by enthusiastically enjoying the arts, recognizing God as the ultimate source of the creativity and beauty that we enjoy." The arts can help us sort out and discipline our emotions, so that, from our hearts, we might serve God and our neighbors as we are called to do in Christ.

I would like to introduce you to the beautiful hymn that moved me to tears, "Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God" written by modern liturgists Keith Getty and Stuart Townend and sung by Kristyn Getty (video above). The violin solo at the beginning is “Gabriel’s Oboe” by Ennio Morricone, from the movie soundtrack “The Mission” and the melody itself is heavily influenced by J.S. Bach. Also included is a reading of The Lorica (Breastplate), a prayer of protection traditionally attributed to Saint Patrick of Ireland.

A True Love Story In Pictures You Won’t Easily Forget

I want to share this story with you. Their photos easily tell the entire story. Taylor and Danielle, two young people deeply in love and demonstrates the Christian definition of "true love." True love is NOT  a feeling. It's not about being happy, or having your needs met. True love is all about self-sacrifice and what you can give to your partner. 

Click here to see what I mean.

(h/t The Poached Egg)

How to Help Victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) If You Live Outside the Philippines

My family in the Philippines were spared from the crushing agony and unimaginable grief of loss brought about Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). But many are still suffering from the devastating calamity. According to a report, 10,000 people are estimated killed by the storm twice stronger than hurricane Katrina and Sandy.

This is a time to pray for those who need God's strength the most right now will experience it and a time to help demonstrate God's goodness to Filipinos in any way we can.

In response to several inquiries regarding how to send help to Filipinos affected by the Typhoon, I would like to inform the public that online donations from overseas donors may be sent through the following organizations (Sources: CNN.com, Rappler.com & @candyreyes):

Emergency support

Philippine Red Cross, 1-212-687-6200.

CARE, 1-800-521-2273 within the United States or +1-404-681-2252 outside the U.S.

Catholic Relief Services, 1-877-435-7277.

Convoy of Hope, 1-417-823-8998.

Mercy Corps, 1-888-747-7440.

Oxfam America,1-800-776-9326.

Adventist Development and Relief Agency, 1-800-424-2372.

Food and water

World Food Programme ,1-202-747-0722 or +39-06-65131 for international calls.

Samaritan's Purse, 1-828-262-1980.

World Vision,1-888-511-6443.

Action Against Hunger, 1-877-777-1420.

Shelter

ShelterBox, 1-941-907-6036.

Habitat for Humanity, 1-800-HABITAT.

Architecture for Humanity, 1-415-963-3511 or text REBUILD to 85944 to make a $10 donation from your mobile phone.

Medical assistance

Americares, 1-800-486-4357.

International Medical Corps, 1-800-481-4462.

Direct Relief, 1-805-964-4767

Helping children

U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 1-800-367-5437

Save the Children, 1-800-728-3843.

ChildFund International

(UPDATE: Another way to help is to send Team Rubicon to the Philippines. Team Rubicon is a group of US Military veterans and medical professionals committed to relief and disaster response. It will be your way to offer help to Filipinos by sending experienced and qualified rescue volunteers to towns affected by Typhoon Yolanda / Haiyan. Click here to help send Team Rubicon to the Philippines.)

Marriage is NOT For You

I love this post from blogger Seth Adam Smith. Something worth reading!

Seth is married to his wife Kim for a year and a half, but he concluded that married life isn't for him. Why? Because he realized that, marriage is about the person you married.

One doesn't get married to make him or herself happy - you marry to make someone else happy. Your marriage isn’t for yourself, you're marrying for a family, for your future children.

Miss World 2013 Megan Young Says "Sex is For Marriage" and "I'm Against Abortion"

 
It's refreshing to see this message bluntly expressed on TV.

I don’t follow beauty contests but the recently crowned Miss World, Megan Young of the Philippines caught my attention. I got interested not because of her world-class beauty but because of the statements she made that are also important to me as a father of a young daughter.

The 23 year old actress beauty queen openly said on TV that she is pro-life, does not use contraceptives, opposes divorce, and thinks the only way to avoid unwanted sex is to just say no.

In an interview with foreign journalist Karen Davila, Young said, Well, I’m pro-life and if it means killing someone that’s already there, then I’m against that, of course. I’m against abortion.

When asked about the Philippine Reproductive Health Act (RH) bill and contraception, she said, I don’t engage in stuff like that as of now. I think that’s – uh, sex is for marriage. That’s my belief. So, when it comes to the RH bill, as long as my beliefs are no abortion; it should be with your partner for life. Then that’s my stand.

The RH bill, which was signed into law in the Philippines in 2012 is controversial of its mandates on sterilization, contraception, and abortion-inducing drugs. In the Philippines, more than 80% of the population identify themselves as Roman Catholic, 10% as Protestant and 5% as Muslim.

On divorce, she said, Divorce. I’m actually against divorce, because I’ve seen, of course, that in my family. So I think that if you marry someone, that should be the person you should be with forever, through sickness and health, through good and bad, you should be with that person.

When asked how do you say no to sex? Young has a direct and simple answer, You just say no. If they try to push you, then you step away because you know that that person doesn’t value you, doesn’t value the relationship as much – and if the guy is willing, you know, to sacrifice that, then that means a lot.

Way to go Miss World! You're my kind of beauty queen. I don’t mind my daughter looking up to you if it’s grace, truth and modesty you’re modeling.

It’s rare to find allies like her in the media. Those who are bold to express a not-so-popular opinion in our “do-what-you-feel-is-good” culture. I just hope she walks the talk when the camera lights are off and will not compromise for anyone or anything. I hope more young people around the world will hear her message.

Dad, Protect Your Family Against Human Traffickers

The threat of human trafficking here in the Philippines is real but we can take precautionary measures to protect our loved ones. Here are things that we should be aware of:

1. Too good to be true promises. A human trafficker often victimizes people who are desperate to get out of poverty. If someone is offering you or a family member an easy way to get a job overseas with a big salary, better make a background check first and see if it comes from a reputable agency and if it is registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs.

2. Be mindful of strangers. Instruct your children never to take food from strangers. Better yet, instruct them never to talk to strangers at all. Teach them to get the attention of a known adult immediately when a stranger talks to them.

"Oh Sweet Lorraine" - A Touching Story About the Beauty of Life-Long Married Love

Fred Stobaugh recently lost his wife, Lorraine after 75 years of marriage. After he saw an ad for a small music studio’s songwriting contest, Fred (who is not a musician or songwriter) submitted a musical tribute to his wife, entitled “Oh Sweet Lorraine.”

Instead of rejecting Fred's entry because it doesn't comply to the contest's guidelines, they decided to professionally record it for him.

Filipino Babies are Not Blessings?

“Babies are not blessings!” This is one of the lines that I can’t forget or even seem to digest from an article written by Ana Santos in Rappler.com. I’m aware of the problem of teen pregnancies in the Philippines but I never considered Santos’ perspective to discourage teenagers from getting pregnant.

It’s true that more teenagers are having unplanned pregnancies in the Philippines. It’s a problem to teenagers if they aren’t physically, financially and emotionally ready for it.

But I prefer a good education on healthy relationships and abstinence in schools and especially in churches to decrease it than preaching babies as an economic inconvenience.

A Father’s Love and the Wrath of God

Raising children is not easy but the joy that it brings is immeasurable. As children grow, they learn by their own, practices their free will in the decisions they makes. As a parent, as a father, we only want what is best for our children. In their path, they are bound to make wrong choices and of course we, as parents who love them will get angry for we do not want them to destroy their lives. Even if we get so angry and disappointed, it would never mean that we no longer love our children. This is the same with our Lord God.

Martin Luther King, Jr., on the role of the church

Words even more relevant now than they were then:

There was a time when the church was very powerful--in the time when the early Christians rejoiced at being deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society. Whenever the early Christians entered a town, the people in power became disturbed and immediately sought to convict the Christians for being "disturbers of the peace" and "outside agitators." But the Christians pressed on, in the conviction that they were "a colony of heaven," called to obey God rather than man. Small in number, they were big in commitment. They were too God-intoxicated to be "astronomically intimidated." By their effort and example they brought an end to such ancient evils as infanticide and gladiatorial contests. Things are different now. So often the contemporary church is a weak, ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound. So often it is an archdefender of the status quo. Far from being disturbed by the presence of the church, the power structure of the average community is consoled by the church's silent--and often even vocal--sanction of things as they are. But the judgment of God is upon the church as never before. If today's church does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authenticity, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club with no meaning for the twentieth century. Martin Luther King, Jr., "Letter from a Birmingham Jail," April 16, 1963

Baseball Celebs Open Up About Their Most Important Roles Off-The-Field—Being A Dad

I'm giving away one free product gift set courtesy of Dove Men+Care. It includes products from their body wash, face wash, hair care and deodorant/antiperspirant lines. To enter, simply comment below this article or tweet this line: "RT to win free @dovemencare products from @JasonBruce: What fatherhood means to some MLB #BigLeagueDads http://ht.ly/oPCKL"

My Advice to Other Dads: Save Yourself from Porn Addiction

By the end of the 2013, porn will be blocked automatically through your internet service provider. That’s in the United Kingdom. But if you live in the United States or in other part of the world, the battle rages on to keep yourself and your home porn-free.

One time, I was browsing the Internet and I saw this post from a man seeking help. He was addicted, but not with alcohol or drugs. This man was addicted to pornography. He was asking for help because his family is now affected by his addiction. This addiction has been a common problem with most men, and even women too. But it’s not one of the topics that are often discussed because many believe that it’s not that big of a deal or it doesn’t affect them or their families. As a former porn addict, this statement is NOT true!

A Christian Dad's Guide to the Zoo

If you're taking your kids to the zoo this summer, remember some advice from David Mathis of DesiringGod.org. In his article, "A Christian Guide to the Zoo," Mathis said, "The zoo is a wonderful opportunity for the Christian — both for personal worship and worldview formation." He shares some ideas and conversation suggestions to make your trip to the zoo fun, educational and most of all, Biblical. I'm posting it below verbatim: (Source: DesiringGod.org)

1) Prepare ahead of time. The day before, or morning of, you may want to re-read Genesis 1–2, Psalm 8, or other biblical texts that address animals (like Isaiah 11:6–9, James 3:7, or Job 38–41 below). Pray that God would make the zoo a rich, spiritual experience as you have a chance to observe up close some of his creatures you typically don’t see. Parents may want to consider rallying the troops for a short Bible reading and explanation and prayer time before hitting the road. Set the tone early that the zoo can be a profound spiritual experience of learning and worship for the children of the Father who made the animals. Perhaps check the website of the zoo the week before. Most will have some feature to help plan your day and a zoo map to give you the lay of the land.

A Military Dad Reunites with His Family. Thank you Dove Men + Care

You've probably seen military family reunions on YouTube all the time, but let's be honest: They never get old. This new campaign video from Dove Men + Care is exactly one reason why I use their products. Thank you Dove Men for such a beautiful tribute that properly honors the sacrifices our military families make. They deserve it! See John's family reunite just outside of his U.S. military base. John is one of 300 service men to travel home for Father's Day, thanks to the "Mission: Care" campaign. (Click video below).

Faith and Fatherhood: What Are Fathers For?

Interesting debate over at The New York Times: What Are Fathers For? In almost half the American households with children, mothers are the sole or primary breadwinners. This victory for working women shows evolving family economics — or maybe, two very different types of families. So what is the purpose of men in modern families? We’re approaching the holiday that celebrates dads, but do fathers bring anything unique to the table?

My answer... yes they do! Fathers, whether primary bread winner or not still matters. Their presences and involvement are always valuable. In study after study, the absence of fathers is linked to a host of what social scientists call “adverse outcomes” in the lives of children. These adverse outcomes affect all of society—increased crime, substance abuse, and dropping out of school, to name but a few. The “adverse outcomes” can also be more “personal,” although just as devastating: increased incidents of mental illness, sexual promiscuity, and an inability to form stable and lasting relationships.

A Dad's Plan for a Personal Spritual Retreat

For the first time, I’m going on a personal retreat this weekend. I’m doing it for personal reflection and spiritual renewal. I’ll been feeling spiritually dry and stressed lately and thought being away for few days free from any distractions will help me recharge and organize my life back to its proper order.

I honestly don’t have a specific plan for my retreat except for finding a place that will provide me solitude and silence, which I found at Holy Cross Abbey, a Catholic monastery in Berryville, Virginia.

My first thought was just to let the spirit lead but I realized I should to be intentional of what I need to do and organize what I need to pray so I can maximize my time at the Abbey and truly make this experience a memorable one.

From Kermit Gosnell to a Dad’s Wish for Abortion to End in Our Generation

Stories that came out of the murder trial of Dr. Kermit Gosnell were so gruesome that pro-lifers should be shocked of the gruesomeness of his practice and the way he viewed the life of a late-term baby.

If you don’t know who Kermit Gosnell is, you’re not alone. The mainstream media has been very slow in reporting this story because it doesn’t fit the liberal narrative on the women’s right to choose that the media openly support. Gosnell is the abortionist from Pennsylvania who is found guilty today of killing one woman and multiple late-term babies who’d been born alive after failed abortions. The babies he terminated were outside the womb and fully developed that he once said the baby was “so big, he could walk with me to the bus” before snipping its spinal cord with a pair of scissors.

Is Plan B the Most Convenient Solution to Teen Sex?

Yesterday, the FDA decided to allow girls as young as 15 to purchase Plan B without a prescription. Just to be clear Plan B is not merely a preventative birth control pill. It can stop fertilization, and it can be taken up to 72 hours after intercourse to stop the implantation of an already fertilized egg to the uterus; thus, the name Plan B.

Filipino Christian Dad Blogger Buys a Brand New House from Van Metre

 

It was pre-drywall inspection last Wednesday and we finally had a close look of what our new house will be like inside and out. We recently purchased a brand new house and we've been very excited about it these past few weeks. We picked a decent size end unit townhouse (3 bed/3 bath) for our first major real estate purchase in the 12 years we’ve been married. We waited for years to jump in the housing market and we’re glad we waited. We got the house just in time when housing costs and interest rates are at its lowest.

Remembering Chuck Colson

Yesterday, April 21 was the 1 year death anniversary of Chuck Colson. To commemorate this event, I'm re-posting an article I published about Chuck and how he influenced my life. The article was also published around this time last year immediately when Chuck died. Continue reading below for the entire article. It's an honor and a blessing to work alongside my boss and mentor Chuck Colson. I was personally drawn to Chuck because of his personal connections to my personal hero, Ninoy Aquino (I think they also look alike).

Waiting in Wonder Book Launch & iPad mini Giveaway

My friend and former colleague at BreakPoint, Catherine Claire Larsen has a new book, "Waiting in Wonder: Growing in Faith While You're Expecting.” She is also giving away a free iPad mini to celebrate the book's release. "Waiting in Wonder" is a devotional journal inviting women to embrace the spiritual journey that awaits as they prepare for the high and holy calling of motherhood. This is a good spiritual preparedness book ideal for your wife or any female friend or family member who's expecting a child. I hope you get a copy.

I also recommend Catherine's other book As We Forgive, a collection of reconciliation and forgiveness stories from the Rwandan genocide. Click here to get more details on Waiting in Wonder and to enter the iPad mini giveaway.

Lessons from Steubenville: Teaching Boys to Be Kind and Brave

In the months since the news broke about the horrific case in Steubenville, Ohio, the nation has been reeling from it and the attempts to cover it up. The questions about what’s been called our “rape culture” are flying around: “How was this situation allowed to spiral out of control?” “How could two high school boys so heinously assault, humiliate, and exploit this girl?” “Why didn’t anyone try to stop it?” “How could the victim be the one shamed by both adults and kids in her community?” And, what does all this tell us about ourselves and our culture?

Reasons for the Media Blackout on Kermit Gosnell Trial

It's hard to ignore the horrifying details coming out of the Kermit Gosnell trial. If you don't know who Kermit Gosnell is, don't feel bad. The mainstream media has been silent about reporting such heinous crime because of its so-called "liberal" agenda. Dr. Gosnell is an abortionist from Philadelphia who is facing the death penalty if convicted of performing medical procedure without license, and the intentional killing of infants born alive during abortion procedures. You can read more details of the Gosnell trial here.

What added to the horror of what is already a disturbing story is the mainstream media's silence on the issue. To date, ABC, NBC, CBS and major print publications has not reported the story. As a believer and a dad, I've always been open with my pro-life convictions and have taught my kids to respect the human dignity of the unborn. Rarely does news make me too sick for words - the Gosnell trial and the media black out does. Now, I plan to make more opportunities to talk to my two kids about babies and the humanity of the unborn. No way will I allow anyone to convince them that children inside the womb are blobs of tissue or somehow less than human because they are small. I want them to see abortion the way I see it - not as a "rights" issue, but as a "moral" and "ethical" issue.

Filipino-American Dad Blogger Goes to Final Four 2013, Atlanta

Thanks to the great dads of Dad 2.0 Summit and the champions of freshness Dove Men+Care, my wife and I had a chance to attend the NCAA Final Four game last weekend in Atlanta, GA , where the Louisville Cardinals beat Michigan Wolverines for the 2013 NCAA Championship title. We're winners too. It was our first time to win an all-expense-paid trip out of town and "bonus round" winners because we have an entire 5 days-4 nights stay at the fine Sheraton Atlanta Hotel without our kids to bother us, and boy did we have a blast. The pictures below are proof of our exciting, relaxing and “finally-just-the-two-of-us-have-fun-while-it-lasts” trip to Atlanta.

Are You Raising a Narcissist?

Every time my daughter leaves the house for school, I always whisper to her, “You’re special and beautiful.” However, someone once told me that I should not tell her that because it could put ideas in her mind that she is entitled or above everyone else. My daily words of affirmation to my daughter in short can turn her into a narcissist. In the culture that my daughter lives in, more people will be telling my daughter she’s unattractive and not-good-enough.

The media’s obsession with beauty and perfection sends her the message that to be accepted, she has to keep up with celebrities and trends she sees on TV and the internet. That’s why I truly believe that as dads, I need to tell my daughter that she is beautiful and one-of-a-kind. Not better than anyone else, but not less than any other, either. Just beautiful the way God made her to be. I honestly don’t think that complimenting my daughter’s appearance builds an unhealthy and grandiose sense of self-importance.

Our Character Can Be Measured By What We Laugh At

I don’t stay up on the world of rap music, but it was hard to ignore the recent media storm caused by an “artist” who goes by the moniker “Lil Wayne.” His recently leaked song was so over the top that even the hip-hop industry—known for its casual use of sex and violence—reacted. The song, referencing a sex act and a part of the female anatomy, contained the line, “beat that [blank] up like Emmett Till.” His recording label apologized. Apparently, although violence against women is commonplace in rap lyrics, it’s still taboo to mock the Civil Rights movement.

Many musicians, such as Stevie Wonder, took the rapper to task, as did Till’s family. Said Till’s cousin, “He wouldn’t even be out there rapping these stupid lyrics without the sacrifice Emmett made.” If you’re unaware of what she’s referring to, Till was a 14-year-old African American boy who, in 1955, was savagely beaten, tortured, and killed by two white men in Mississippi for allegedly whistling at a white woman. My wife’s grandfather was one of the prosecutors in the trial, despite the great risk to his life and livelihood as a white man prosecuting a black lynching in deep Mississippi. The jury, in a kangaroo court, acquitted those men, who later confessed. But it was the courage of Till’s mother to hold an open casket funeral that finally exposed the deep evil of racism in the south. The horrific images of Till’s body were published in Jet magazine and provided a major spark for the Civil Rights movement.

Oz the Great and Powerful: A Powerful Tale of Good and Evil

Here's an excellent review on the new move, "Oz the Great and Powerful" from a colleague and posted in my work website, BreakPoint.org. The movie is a powerful tale of good and evil and a nice film for older children. My kids might be too young for it and may find some scenes too intense to watch in the big screen. We'll just wait for it in DVD. But I like the main theme the movie presents, that goodness is better than greatness - a theme that our culture today needs to understand. It's good to know early what the film is about so I have a head start of what to discuss with my kids. I can't wait to have this discussion with them! "Oz the Great and Powerful" is produced by Disney and features James Franco, Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz and Mila Kunis. Now in theaters.

Free Copy Giveaway, “American Sniper: Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S History” by Chris Kyle

I just finished Chris Kyle’s book, American Sniper: Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S History. It is an excellent read on a great American hero. Unfortunately, we lost Kyle recently when he and a companion were shot and killed last February by a fellow veteran, who Kyle had taken to a gun range in an effort to help him with post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite of his tragic and sudden death, his active service as a Navy Seal sniper and the self-sacrifice he displayed to save American lives will always be remembered. Kyle was straightforward not to take sole credit for his accomplishments but gives credence back to other military service men who also sacrificed their lives for the mission. These men got shot, lost their vision, lost their limbs and ultimately their lives to protect Americans from those who hate the country because of freedom and allegiance to Christianity.

Manila Zoo’s Lone Elephant Mali and the Rise of PETA’s Animal “Rights”

Singer actress Geneva Cruz and other female model-celebrities recently posed nude for a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) advertisement that called for the transfer of Manila Zoo’s lone resident elephant, Mali, to a sanctuary in Thailand. PETA believes the 38-year-old female elephant had been suffering from “profound loneliness” and must be in the company of other elephants in a sanctuary. Manila Zoo officials and veterinarians opposes the transfer stating that Mali is not fit to travel and argues that being alone in the zoo does not mean she is suffering. (Photo by Danny Pata, PETA Philippines)

The Rock, Fatherhood and Milk

One commercial that stood out last Super-Bowl XLVII was the “Got Milk?” ad from action-star Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock. Why? Because it shows a noble character who was willing to do whatever it takes to get milk for his children. Even if it means chasing the milk delivery truck through the streets in his pajamas, while the city around him is in absolute commotion. I understand the urgency. An 8 oz. glass of milk contains 8 essential nutrients, including 8 grams of high-quality “body fuel” protein that will help tackle your day – who doesn’t want that for their family.

Protecting My Children from Sexually Explicit Media

My daughter walked into the living room just as Beyonce started her halftime performance at the Super Bowl. But instead of changing the channel, I decided to let her sit on my lap and we watched the pop star together. I had the remote control in the other hand in case Mrs. Jay-Z pulled a Janet Jackson on all of us.

I told my daughter that Beyonce was a popular singer and was part of a pop group before she (my daughter) was born. She recognized some of the songs and was pleased to discover the singer behind the songs she sometimes hears from her friends. After the performance, I asked her what she thought of the show. She said, “I like her songs and the singing but I don’t like her clothes . . . it’s showing too much.” (In my mind I did the Macauley Culkin’s “Yes!” gesture from “Home Alone”).

Some Golden Bullet-Points from #Dad2Summit

Dove Men Care

Sword training w/ @mcstuntman

It was really good to be in one place with other men who have the same passion as mine. This was the experienced I had last weekend at the Dad 2.0 Summit in Houston TX. It was my first blogging event and the trip was all worth it. I feel energized, affirmed and more inspired to take on my role as a father to my two children and a husband to my wife. The event was more than just about blogging and the business of marketing brands. It’s about fatherhood and how to navigate the challenges of modern life and be proud while doing it.

I wrote down in bullet-points some of the many golden nuggets I learned from the event and posting it here so I won’t forget. Here are some:

•    Never give up on my children. It’s not about the milestones; it’s about making plenty of little moments where my children can hear us and they get it.
•    Stay calm. Be prepared for bra shopping with my daughter in the near future.
•    Act in accordance to my words. Spend time with my children rather than just writing about it.
•    I don’t have to be a trained writer to write or publish a book. All I need is passion, an idea, persistence to make my idea happen and lots of business card.
•    It’s OK to self-promote.
•    My writing reveals my worldview. Be proud and write loud.
•    People are drawn to authenticity. It’s OK to be vulnerable and write about things that exposes you. If a man grabs your testicles, write about it.
•    Improve in my story telling. Practice, practice and proofread.
•    Not all men are slobs. Men from different backgrounds also love their families and want to make their wives life easier.
•    Real men love their children. Real men love their wives. Real men talks about recipes and household chores. Real men talks to their children on the phone using childish-baby voices.
•    I am not alone. In fact, there’s too much competition in the karaoke bar and getting free stuff from brand sponsors.
•    I look good in cowboy boots. I look good sword fighting.
•    I’m not in college anymore. My tolerance for alcohol has drastically dropped.
•    Lose weight easily. Get a shave and facial treatment from Dove Men Care. You’ll be surprised how much pounds you carry with all the hair, dirt and grease on your face.

And there was more that I tweeted that weekend and notes on my notebook that I will review from time to time. Dad 2.0 Summit was quite an experience. I made instant friendships with some and acquaintances with many. I don’t mind visiting it again next time.

Appreciate all the sponsors of the event:

Dove Men Care
Honda
ConAgra Foods
Kraft Cheese
Milk
Sears Auto Center
Turtle Wax
Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co.
Ella's Kitchen
Jamba Juice
Kidde Safety
DadLabs
National At-Home Dad Network
ParentsPost.com
Single Jingles

Christians are the Worst! When Our Words Doesn't Match Our Actions.

A restaurant food server once said, Sundays are the worst…That's when the church crowd goes out to eat…. They're usually the most demanding, and they're always the worst tippers. I guarantee you, if you see your table praying before the meal, you can mentally subtract a third from your tip.

Ouch! What a harsh dose of reality on how people view Christians on Sundays... of all days.

I’m proud of my Christian faith but I’m not proud of my fellows Christians. Christians have a poor record of showing good character and mercy to others. Instead of being “a light” to their neighbors, they are “dark clouds” that rain on their parade. It’s infuriating.

The other day, a restaurant server posted this picture in Reddit.

Religion Isn't Masculine?

Focus on the Family's Boundless Line blog had an interesting post on why men dislike attending church. The post featured an except of an interview with author David Murrow, author of the book How Women Help Men Find God.

To appeal to men, Murrow suggested the church should make preaching short, make services more God- and mission-focused, and avoid "Jesus is my boyfriend" type music.

Although Murrow may be right in some ways, I think there's a deeper reason why fewer men go to church. Could it be that there's an underlying myth that many believe that real men don't need religion? That religion is only for women, children, elderly and for the weak? If so, the myth only exists in the modern Western culture, because the last time I traveled around the world (via Discovery and National Geographic Channel), I noticed that men are naturally and deeply religious, and that men are actually the dominant gender in other religions in the world. Who could ignore the throngs of Buddhist monks in Tibet, or the crowd of Jewish men praying at the Western Wall, or the sea of Hindu and Muslim men making their annual pilgrimages in India and Mecca respectively?

The problem is modern culture does little to remind men in the West of their spiritual nature and their need for a relationship with someone greater and more powerful than them. Stephen Arterburn once said in his podcast that all men were created by God to worship God for the glory of God. When men do so, they are expressing their true humanity and their true masculinity. So who says religion isn't masculine?

What do you think dads? Do you teach or model religiosity or faith to a higher god to your children?

(Image by Stephen Sawyer)

My "Political Illusion" is Officially Over. Congratulations, President Obama!

President Barrack Obama was inaugurated this week and for me it’s still a hard pill to swallow that he will be leading the United States for another four years. I campaigned for Mitt Romney and it was the first time I put in a lot of time, energy and high hopes to a candidate. Losing the election was hard to take but it’s a reality I learned to accept that most Americans still believe in the policies of the Obama administration.

The experience made me reflect on my perspective on politics. It taught me a few things on how I should view government and what I should teach my kids about America- because it’s up to us dads to educate our children about politics:

Lesson 1: Elections in the United States is generally peaceful compared other parts of the world. Watch the international news and you’ll see a culture of corruption in many political elections in developing countries. I still remember the National election in the Philippines back in the 80’s where armed men attacked polling places and snatch ballot boxes from election volunteers. Or, the murder of the more than 50 journalists and civilians in 2009 during a gubernatorial election.  I’m thankful that we’re free to vote and don’t live in a violent society.

Lesson 2: Don’t put all your hopes in politics. “Political illusion” is a new term I learned from the Colson Center; it is thinking that politics is the answer to every problem.  As Christians, we should know better. The Kingdom of God is bigger and more secure than any Western civilization, not because a particular leader but because of Jesus Christ.

Lesson 3:  Now is the right time to do what is right. This is not the time to sit back in sorrow because my candidate didn’t win. I like what my colleague said, “the cultural work that needs to be done to restore human dignity, to restore moral foundations to our society are much bigger than the political process. We need to work in all areas of society to reflect and show that Christ is Lord over all."

(Photo credit: @toniasanders, Instagram)

Do Fathers Have a Role in Gun Control?

Are boys obsessed with weapons? Is your home a toy gun-free home? I’ll be first to admit that I’m a toy-weapon tolerant dad. I allow my son to play with toy guns and swords. Boys naturally like to play with toy weapons and there’s nothing wrong with acting out make-believe combat with toy guns and swords.

I grew up without toy weapons at home. My solution was to make my own weapons. I made cardboard machine guns and grenade launchers like a young Sylvester Stallone in Rambo. I made Samurai swords out of tree branches and any L-shape object became a hand gun including my baby sister’s Barbie dolls.

Many parents forbid their children from playing with toys guns. Many view toy weapons as corruptors of children, exposing them to aggressive and violent behaviors and reinforcing gender stereotypes.

The tragic event in Newtown, CT put the debate on gun control in the spotlight again and many parents followed suit imposing their own toy gun control and zero-tolerance policies in their households. But is this the right response to the issue of violence? Should parents keep their sons away from toy weapons and impose a weapon-free zone at home? Should zero-tolerance policies be extended to playgrounds, schools and other public venues?

Boys naturally gravitate toward weaponry not because of their desire to kill or hurt another human being but because of their desire to be heroes. Boys have a natural willingness to do great things, be adventurous and to be rescuers. They need to feel like heroic warriors and toy weapons help bring out their imagination and act out their fantasies. It is one way boys are molded to be mature courageous men.

Play is play and violence is violence. What’s essential is that fathers educate their sons to understand and differentiate the two in their playtime. Their make-believe games are opportunities to teach boys to distinguish between what’s right and wrong and what’s good and evil. Penny Holland, author of "We Don't Play with Guns Here," says toy weapons were "part of...making sense of the world (imitating) timeless themes of the struggle between good and evil."

Parents should recognize and respect what young boys are dreaming to be and experiencing in their play. Fathers were once young boys too and played fierce battles with evil monsters and alien invaders. We usually grow up wanting to be heroes. Sometimes I wish my son would simply pretend he’s a magician or a race car driver; but right now he wants to be a gun-trotting Pirate and Captain America. All a weapons-tolerant dad like me can do is to play along with my imaginary laser gun and light saber and model to him the right and honorable way to save the day.

Do you let your child play with toy weapons? Why or why not?

(Article also published at The Father Factor Blog)

(Photo credit: The Hive)

Filipino-Christian Daddy Blogger is Going to Dad 2.0 Summit

I just booked my flight to Houston, TX. The Filipino-Christian daddy blogger is going to Dad 2.0 Summit. In my part-time and trying-hard blogging career of 4 years, this will be my first attendance in an out-of-town blogging and fatherhood conference. I’m very excited! I appreciate founder of Dad 2.0 and Laid-Of Dad, Doug French for the opportunity and encouraging me to attend the conference.

I honestly don’t know what to expect. But what I am hoping is that the conference will expand my connections with seriously concerned fathers like me, learn and develop new skills as a media professional, have a couple of drinks, connect with brands and get tons for freebies from conference sponsors like Kraft Cheese, Dove MenCare, Honda, Sears Auto and many more. Though I’ll miss my wife and kids for one weekend, I’m looking forward to the new opportunities this conference and the people attending it will bring to me.

Check out the video below for more information.

Filipino Christian Blogger: Raving About Duck Dynasty

Filipino Christian blogger asks: Does the success of Duck Dynasty prove that Americans understand and value strong, faithful families?

I rave about Duck Dynasty (on A&E Network) because it is one of the few shows on TV that is safe for my entire family to watch. My 8 years old daughter enjoys Uncle Si and she loves seeing the Robertson granddaughter, Sadie on TV. My 3 year old son also now wants a duck caller.
 
This article from Rob Sumrall said it all on why we love Duck Dynasty and why it makes my family's Wednesday night, "Happy! Happy! Happy!"