Happy Fathers Day!

 "I'll ask Daddy" he will know what to do!  Every father has heard these words before. Our kids trust us unconditionally and they depend on us to help them navigate through this world with all its twists and turns.  We won't have all of the answers in life for our children and we will surely make many mistakes. We were never issued an instruction manual for raising children and the advice from others is usually not as helpful as we would like.  People have their own ideas on how to solve problems and what works best for their household. The opinions are endless and many dads are certain that just like their coffee mug says..."they are the best dad". LOL!  In my opinion, here are a few qualities that make a strong father and Lord knows I am a work in progress: 

1. Be present:  Never make excuses if you can be there...be there! The most precious gift we can give our children is our time. Money and gifts may be nice but they are empty and fruitless. Our kids want our attention, our praise, and our leadership. One of the young men that I mentor, told me recently, that his one wish was for his dad to just attend one of his baseball games. He told me that he "doesn't have to do anything...just be here"!  That's what we call a ministry of presence. It's ok if you are not sure what to do, just make the effort to show up and keep an open heart. God will lead us from there.  

2. Lead by example: Teach your kids how to lead by character. If you punish them, teach them why they are being punished. If you are wrong, be man enough to admit that!  It doesn't show weakness it shows great strength!  Everyone fails at some point in life but let's show our kids how to get back up, dust yourself off and get back at it. This will teach them leadership and character. 

3. Love:  'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud". 1 Corinthians 13:4  Love is unconditional!  Give your kids the very best of you. We all get busy but detaching from work and distractions can really help us all stay in tune with our kids and their lives. 

4. Teach - To teach our children about Christ, and his message, is to give them the ultimate survival packet for life. All of the knowledge we have learned along the way is priceless and so valuable!  When we turn to Christ, He will give us the tools we need to lead our family even if we have no idea how to handle a particular situation. We must pray, believe, trust, give it to God, and keep moving forward!   Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6  

As Father's Day approaches, show your children how much your father means to you.  If he is deceased, share a special memory you have of your father.  Children love to learn about their grandfathers.  If you father is alive, consider giving him a special gift, a Shield of Strength, jewelry engraved with scripture.  Here are a few of Shields of Strength to consider, and hundreds more are listed on the Shields of Strength website.  

Psalm 28:7 Battle Shield,  $6.99

This Shield will help remind dad where his true strength lies! 

Phil 4:13 Stainless Steel Weight Plate, $69.99 

This weight plate necklace is a best seller among Dads year round! 

Joshua 1:9 Men's Stainless Steel Pendant,  $59.99

This beautiful stainless pendant has the full Joshua 1:9 verse on the back side of the pendant:

"I will be strong and courageous. I will not be terrified or discouraged; for the Lord my God is with me wherever I go." - Joshua 1:9

We sincerely thank you for your interest in Shields of Strength!  We value our customers and we are always here to 

assist you. We carry over 300 styles of jewelry, accessories and apparel. Please check us out at: 

www.shieldsofstrength.com and please follow us on social media at: @shieldsofstrength

We pray that you all have a wonderful and blessed Father's Day weekend! 

Shields of Strength 

1555 South Major Drive

Beaumont, Texas 77707   

800-326-7882

Blake Bradley and the Shields of Strength Team