Act Like Men

#56 – Stress

How do I Handle it?

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes 

Stress symptoms may affect your health, even though you might not know it. You may blame sickness for that annoying headache, sleeping troubles, general unwellness, or lack of focus at work. But stress may be the cause.

A close cousin to stress is worry.  Worry can easily stem from stress.  Stress symptoms can affect your body, your thoughts, feelings, relationships, and your behavior.  Unrecognized stress or stress not dealt with can lead to health problems as well.  

Let’s recognize that stress is a normal part of life and if managed well can have benefits for you and those around you.   In sports, stress can cause you to focus and become your best.   At work, a hard deadline which can create stress can cause you to put all other things aside to ensure you do your best work.  Financial stress can cause you to evaluate priorities, excess spending, or other ways to bring this back into balance.  Relationship stress can cause you to pause and evaluate what you can do to bring the relationship back into harmony.  

There is no life without stress.  The question is when does stress become unhealthy, out of balance, and create negative known or unknown consequences to which we need to pay attention and make some adjustments?   

Any Google search on stress websites shows you the physical, mental, and behavioral signs of stress, along with the impact on you if stress is left unabated.   As you can imagine, they are not good.   Today,  we want to focus on a few keys to dealing with stress.   

1. Regain your spiritual balance – stress can cause you to focus on the immediate and take you out of your spiritual focus.   Stress is one piece of your life – spend quality time with God, His Word, and His people to get a proper perspective on the stress with which you are dealing.  
2. Exercise – often stress causes us to cut off the healthy flow of exercise.  We simply tell ourselves we don't have time or energy.   Exercise has so many stress-relieving benefits, that it is too numerous to share.   Take time, even for a walk if you can do so. 
3. Eat healthy – Stress causes us to grab food, most of it not healthy – cookies, pastries, fast food, and candy.  Let’s be intentional about grabbing food that will help our mind and body counteract the stress we are experiencing. 
4. Take a respite – it may need to be momentary but some time to get out of the situation that is causing the stress.   A walk, massage, or dinner with a friend, are all things that can help you get some perspective on the stressor in your life.  
5. Get help – reach out to a friend, counselor, pastor, or doctor to ensure you are gaining the perspective and support you need to work your way out of or at least better manage this extreme stress. 

NOW WHAT 

I ask myself as a man of God, a few questions in response to this topic: 

1. How am I dealing with the stress of my life?  Is it healthy stress, or is it creating friction points in another area of my life?    
2. What does my family or a support person say about how I am managing my stress?  
3. To whom can I reach out to get much-needed support?  
4. Do I have the capacity to help a brother who is dealing with stress, knowing how helpful someone has been to me in the past? 

Unlike all the other things God created, He gave man the mental and spiritual capacities that enable mankind to relate to God, love Him supremely, and to serve Him.  God gave mankind the authority to rule over the rest of creation as His earthly vice-mentors and ambassadors.  We were meant to function like a mirror, reflecting the goodness of God in creation. 

Two verses focus on the intent of our plan to be the men God created us to be: I Corinthians 16:13-14: “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.  Let all that you do, be done in love”. 

1. Be on the Alert:  another version of the Bible says to Be Watchful.  The point of this phrase is that we as men need to have our antennae up and be aware of what is going on around us, specifically looking for opportunities and also being aware of the dangers.   As Christians, we are in danger always, given that Satan desires to sift us.  Luke 22.31
2. Stand Firm in the Faith:  the original language refers to a military phrase that means “holding one's position”.  In the military when you are charged with holding a position – you only have one responsibility.  Hold the position, no matter what.   As a Christian man, we have also been given orders.  The Bible is our source of truth.  Anything that does not uphold these Biblical truths, must be rejected - strongly.  Some of the truths on who God is, who Jesus is, the pathway to heaven, sanctity of life,  marriage of one man and one woman, and responsibilities that God has entrusted to us as the head of our family. 
3. Act Like Men:  The original Greek language describes this phrase as being both mature AND courageous.  Both characteristics are important to spiritual responsibility and to manhood.  

Our role is very similar to the difference between cowboys and shepherds.   To move cattle on the open range you get behind them and drive them where you want to go.   To move sheep, however, to move them you need to have a relationship with them, so they trust you, then you lead them where you want them to go.   

1. Be Strong: Immediately we think of physical strength or maybe a runner who pushes through all of the walls to get to the end of the marathon.   Being strong means at least these two things;  taking responsibility for your actions/decisions and displaying bravery in the face of adversity.  Notice there is no discussion of how we feel in the face of adversity.  Jesus indicated we would face adversity just as He did, however, God will use these times to help strengthen us for the next time of adversity.  James 1:2-3.  
2. Let all You do be Done in Love:  Paul in his letter to the Church at Corinth, understood that in the middle of dynamic, diverse, and problematic situations, love is crucial.   Without Jesus' kind of sacrificial love for our family, friends, or co-workers,  we have not earned the right to share our faith or expect they will be responsive.   It is especially easy for too many men to want to lay down the law with rigid guidelines and simply expect that those around us will fall in line.   Paul said:  and now abide these three, faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor 13:13

I ask myself as a man of God, a few questions as response to these verses: 

1. Which one(s) of these five areas am I doing pretty well?  
2. Which one(s) of these five do I need to see improvement?  
3. To whom can I reach out to get much-needed support?  
4. What are other ways to position myself for growth and success in these five areas?   

#54 The Watchman in the Marketplace
Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast
Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

In Biblical times the watchmen were stationed on the wall of the city, alert to any danger that might approach the city. The city walls provide protection against attack especially at night when it might be easiest for an enemy to try to sneak in.

Similarly, God has called us to be watchmen on the wall in our workplace. How do we call out danger – spiritual danger – in a way that we can make a positive difference spiritually in our marketplace? Can we do this without completely alienating ourselves, or does that matter? This is the challenge – one that we need to wrestle with so we are focused on being the man of God in the workplace that He can use to make a significant impact. There are so many in the marketplace that will never enter the doors of a church, so God has called us to make an impact where we work.

How do we do this effectively? What are some ways we can be a “watchman” in the
marketplace?

Let’s look at 5 things to consider on this great topic:

1. Recognize that God has called you to be a missionary in your workplace. A missionary
has a trade to make a living, however their primary purpose for being in the country and
in that specific workplace, is to be a light in the world and salt to create interest, and
ultimately share their story of God’s transforming power in their own life and how He
can transform their life as well.

2. Live a life of integrity within your marketplace. Let people see the difference in you
with your work ethic, quality of work, honesty, truthfulness, attitude, and of course
consistency. They will respect you even if they do not know you well or know of your
faith.

3. Build a caring relationship with those with whom we work. The old saying, “People
don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”. You can speak
the truth in the presence of a genuine relationship and even if they do not agree,
because of your life of integrity, they respect you because of your relationship and the
consistent life you live.

4. Your identity as a man of God makes an impact – “in the world but not of the world” as
found in John 17. Many men find their identity in their position, the amount of money
they make, the car they drive, or any number of other ways. These are all “Outside In”
ways of identity, which is common, but shaky. As a man of God we can find our identity
in Christ and what He has done in us and for us =- this is an “Inside Out” identity, which
gives you a real chance to not be swayed by your surroundings but allow your identity to make a difference right where you are.

5. Know we may be persecuted for our faith in any number of ways – Matthew 10:22.
There are times that as a man of God, we have to take a stand. Sometimes these things
happen in the workplace This is an amazing truth – God has placed you right where you are in the marketplace because He needs a representative to share your story and allow the Holy Spirit to bring them to the Lord, because of your missionary presence.
Three Questions to ask yourself:

1.  How do you see yourself in your marketplace? Can you imagine yourself as a missionary?
2. Knowing your character, and your respect in the Marketplace sets you up for an ability to impact your coworkers, what might you need to ask God to help you with so you can make an impact?
3. While we don’t seek it, are you prepared to stand up for Christ even if there is persecution? How will you respond if persecution comes your way?
   You are called to be the Watchman in your workplace. Allow the truth of God to lead you.
   
   Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1 st and 3 rd Thursdays of each month. For additional
   podcasts go to: www.mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts

#53 The Watchman

Standing In The Gap for Biblical Manhood
Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

In the book, The Watchman, by Dr. Jim Grassi, he reminds his readers of the words of the Apostle Paul that men today are not in an ordinary battle. We are not fighting against people. It is not a flesh and blood struggle. We are engaging in warfare with the devil himself and we desperately need this reminder, or we are doomed. We must not try to enter the fight on our own.

In biblical times, the watchmen were positioned at specific points in the security perimeter of a city and were instructed to sound the alarm if an enemy approached. Then they were to provide the first line of defense and protection against that enemy. For the best protection, these watchmen had to be trained, disciplined, and prepared to fight. These men also had to accept the responsibility for being the crucial, first line of defense. In the book, The Watchman, Dr. Grassi laid out what that training for a modern-day watchman might look like.

Dr. Grassi wrote that the true watchman is a man who exhibits authentic manhood and not some sissified, emasculated, or passive version like our modern-day culture often promotes and expects of men. There were not a lot of rules to follow to be a “watchman”. Fortunately, Jesus made it simple because too many rules often pushes us to find loopholes. Remember Jesus response to a question in Matthew 22? A religious man asked Jesus what the is greatest commandment and Jesus is simply replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: “you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

To be a watchman today we need to dwell on the main thing. If you remember, the main thing for the main thing is to remember the main thing. Love God and love others as yourself. The chapter goes on to connect love and faith by saying that each needs an expression, or an outlet to truly be genuine. Love is not passive or merely a warm and fuzzy emotion. In fact love demands action and more specifically it even drives our actions. So when we love God and love others, that becomes our motivation for taking a stand for things that are true, noble, right, pure, and admirable. When a man loves God first, he begins to fulfill his purpose. He is faithful to God and to his wife and family.

Using Christ as his model, today’s watchman understands the words of the Apostle Paul when he uses the imagery of battle, telling us to put on the full armor of God, and stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around our waist, and with the breastplate of righteousness in place,   and with our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  But do not forget to take up the shield of faith to protect us from all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  And finally to take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. These are our tools as watchmen who will stand in the gap for biblical manhood, Ephesians 6.

We need to be aware , that the bible is clear that the days ahead on this earth will present more challenges, not less. If men are trained, disciplined, and prepared to engage the enemy today, we will be truly fighting the good fight.

Where do we go from here? Here are questions to ask yourself:

1. How do you see your role as a watchman for your family, community, and church?
2. What other men do you know or look up to as watchmen, who exemplify biblical
manhood?
3. Of the spiritual weapons listed in Ephesians 6:10-18, where do you see yourself lacking and what steps are you ready to take to respond to this need?

Men - we are called to be the Watchman and Stand in the Gap for Biblical Manhood. Are you ready for the challenge?

#52 – Iron Sharpens Iron
Guest: Brian Doyle

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast
Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst
Podcast Show Notes

Promise Keepers of the 1990’s ignited in men the desire and the need to come
together for catalytic events, for training, for fellowship and to pray for life
transformation. Following the explosive growth and subsequent decline
Out of the Promise Keepers movement, many ministry to and for men were given
birth. One such ministry we want to highlight today is entitled: Iron Sharpens
Iron, founded by Brian Doyle who is our guest today.

Brian’s background is from the Navigators Ministry, where one man invested in
him, and he saw firsthand the value of men investing in other men. The is where
the vision and passion to reach other men was given birth. He subsequently
joined Navigators and he saw the impact of men investing in other men, including
time as a Navigator Missionary with the Navy on a submarine. It was an
incredibly productive time to see the comradery of mission minded men
duplicating the work of Jesus among other men.

Through his time and training with Navigators and his time with Promise Keepers
which was focused on helping churches reach their men led into what he birthed
and lead some 20+ years later in a one day equipping conference for men. It is
designed to train and equip men from the local church to impact their men for
the Kingdom.

A paradigm shift that Iron Sharpens Iron promotes strongly is the biblical idea of
“households” rather than a family of individuals. Most churches invest most of
their time and energy in trying to reach the individuals, rather than the paradigm
shift of the local church focus on training and equipping of the head of the
household and support this man who we know biblically is responsible and

accountable to God for the salvation of this household. If we believed that, how
would that redirect so much of our time and resources? If Pastors fully endorsed
that how would it change their specific ministry in their local church?
Three Questions to ask yourself:

1. Do you see yourself as the leader of your household? What impact does
that have on your communication with your wife, your children, even
grandchildren?
2. If you are a pastor or a leader of men in your local church, understanding
the household concept, how will that impact how you see your
responsibility to the men of your church?
3. How are you men being catalyzed to become the leader of the household
to which they are entrusted?

To see the 2024 Schedule of Iron Sharpens Iron Conferences:
https://ironsharpensiron.net If there is not one in your area, reach out to
the leadership team and see what it would take to get one in the churches of
your region.

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1 st and 3 rd Thursdays of each month. For additional
podcasts go to: www.mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts

Dealing with Depression   

Guest:  Jeff Kemp 

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes 

Depression is a mental state of low mood and aversion to activity.  It affects more than 280 million people of all ages or about 3.5% of the global population.  Many things can cause forms of depression – bereavement, neglect, abuse, and parenting treatment differing between the siblings.  It can also be the loss of an important chemical in your brain.  Men are vulnerable because men are supposed to be able to be “tough and solve our problems” without any help or admission that they need help.  That is a lie of the enemy and society. 

The great news today is that depression can be dealt with very effectively if you allow yourself to move forward and get the help you need medically, or through a friend or a counselor.  

In today’s episode, Jeff Kemp provides Six Strategies for Overcoming Depression that give you an anchor point to help get you started. 

1. Recognize the symptoms – many times we slip into low places and because it is either how we feel most of the time, or gradually sink, we do not often recognize where we are and how much we are struggling.    Ask a good friend how they think you are doing. Have them be honest. 
2. Overcome the stigma – many people believe they cannot admit or share with anyone how they are feeling due to a stigma they may believe is part of depression.  You would go to the doctor if you were sick and not be afraid to tell people – This can be viewed the same way.  
3. Be Kind to Yourself – many times one of the consequences of feeling this way is beating yourself up.  Have a friend or a professional help you with your inner talk.  This is a great starting place.  
4. Think about your health – the mind and the body are linked.   It will not be long until your body begins to suffer as well as the struggle with depression.   Many times some of the mental symptoms can be lifted by getting physically active.  Physical activity creates hormones that can help change the body's chemicals that lend themselves to a depressed state of mind.  
5. Schedule fun or pleasant activities – plan to do things you know you enjoy and will look forward to doing.  Take a friend and make it even more enjoyable.  
6. Focus on relationships that lift you– conversely, avoid relationships that bring you down. All of us need positive people in our lives that will lift us.  

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Jeremiah 29:11

Two Questions to ask yourself: 

1. What have I done in the past that has given me hope?   Do it again! 
2. What one idea was mentioned today that gives me the most encouragement?   Try it today

To read more of Jeff Kemp’s blogs: www.jeffkempteam.com/blog/

To reach Jeff Kemp:  www.jeffkempteam.com

Just a reminder these podcasts are leased on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.   For additional podcasts go to:  www.mensministrycatalyst.org

Dealing with Compulsive Behaviors  

Guest:  Craig Kato 

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes 

A compulsive behavior is an action that a person feels “compelled” or driven to do over and over again. While these compulsive actions may appear to be irrational or pointless, and may even result in negative consequences, the individual experiencing the compulsion feels unable to stop him or herself

In today’s episode, Craig Kato speaks to triggers for acting out on compulsive behaviors and three safeguards to help move forward. 

Triggers that happen before your compulsive behavior: 

1. Loneliness – when home alone or when traveling alone.   
2. Boredom – it is what I do when I have nothing else to do.   
3. Satan convinces men that porn is better than sex outside of marriage for single men or better than an affair for married men.  
4. Alcohol – reduces our ability to control urges.  
5. Stress – porn, and masturbation can reset the brain temporarily and reduce the feeling of stress, however, for a Christian man guilt and shame follow.  
6. Not controlling sexual thoughts.  Testosterone is a powerful hormone.  It is a short trip from thoughts to behavior resulting in habits. 

Way Forward: 

1. Set Boundaries – establish clear guidelines while you are not being tempted.  
2. Establish Hedges – these are barriers to actually going over the edge and stepping into a compulsive behavior.  
3. Create consequences – these are self-imposed consequences should you blow past your barriers and your hedges.  What happens to you when you give in to compulsive behavior?  This is not what happens when you get caught, but what happens when you step over the line.  

Three Questions to ask yourself: 

1. What compulsive behavior is in my life that impacts me negatively?  
2. What boundaries, hedges, and consequences do I need to put in place to get victory today?  
3. Who is in my life who can provide the accountability I need to move forward?  

To reach Craig Cato: [email protected]

Just a reminder these podcasts are leased on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.   For additional podcasts go to:  www.mensministrycatalyst.org

Podcast Show Notes 

As the New Year comes around, we realize we have been here before – just a year ago – and two years ago.  When we look back, for many of us, each year rolls around about the same year over year with very little intentional change.   On this episode, we want to encourage all listeners to determine that in 2025, we will have gotten out of our rut and made some lasting impacts on those important areas of our lives.      

 God put that desire within each of us and does expect that of us.  The Bible says: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” Ecclesiastes 9:10 

Let’s jump into a few principles that can help us stay focused.  

Four Principles to Guide Us Forward: 

1. Commit to the change – Research shows that those who fully commit to the change have much better chances of success than those who never fully commit, but only wish for something different.  
2. Go Public – this becomes positive self-pressure.   Most of us do not want to let people down or embarrass ourselves, so we are hesitant to go public.  The second piece that makes a big difference, is to ensure you have accountability in conjunction with this.  A trusted individual that will check in and see how you are doing.   Men, depending on the topic, it is most likely not you wife.  Men need to hold other men accountable.  
3. Focus on behavior rather than results – most of us who are results-oriented key right in on our results.  Early on in the goal pursuit, there are few results, and can become very discouraging.  Take the long view and stay focused on the daily behavior that moves you forward.  
4. Remove distractions –  What are some of these distractions that can sidetrack us:  busyness, discouragement,  interruptions, other priorities that crash in, perceived shortcuts,  

Now that we understand some of the key principles, what are safegards we will do well to put in place.  

1. Remove temptation – similar to distractions, temptation usually involves something very significant and will pull us off of the road altogether. It is so easy to fall back into behavior or thinking that can drag you back down and make you want to give up or give in.  Keep it clear away from you – have an accountability partner help you with this. 
2. Create a new routine that leads to success – most of us live the majority of our lives on our routines.  You all know the definition of insanity right?  Doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results.  
3. Track the progress – depending on the objective as to how you do that, but find a way to track your activity/progress.  Do not focus on the results, only the journey to your results. 
4. Reward progress – rewards give you the intermediate feeling of success on your way to your larger goal.  The reward is for consistent progress, not results.    
5. If you mess up – give yourself grace on the mess up and get moving again quickly.   Keep in mind that you will mess up – no process is flawless or without holes.   Be kind to yourself and get going again. 

Paul talks about our Christian life as if we are running a race – “Like a person running a race, I try hard to reach the line so that I will receive the prize.”   I would never put our human  goals in the realm with reaching the end of life having run an excellent race towards heaven, or even crawling across the line beaten and bruised, but having finished the Christian life in God’s favor.  Many of the goals we set are often subsets of completing the Christian life God has for us – because they are calling us to excellence in whatever we do.   

Israel and Hamas – A Human Approach

Guest: Dr. Austin Knuppe  

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes 

As Dr. Knuppe thinks about this event as an expert in the region and as a Christian, his prayer moves from politics to grief and lament – how do we mourn with those who mourn, love our neighbor well, whether they are Israeli Jews or Arab Palestinians.    

This is a conflict that is not 5,000 years old, as many think, but the roots of the current conflict are less than 75 years old.  Fundamentally this is not a religious conflict according to Dr. Knuppe, as important as our religious beliefs and identities are.  Dr. Knuppe walks us through many of the inner movements on what is a very small piece of land and strong beliefs and desires 

In reviewing these kinds of situations, Dr. Knuppe talks about three different individuals who are needed to fully understand a conflict process like this one: 

1. Interpreters:  help you understand and create the ability for conversation.  An interpreter is an intermediary between two or more parties.  

Beyond this situation, there are many times an interpreter is needed when any two parties are not connecting.  I have had times in my life when I needed an interpreter to help me navigate a delicate situation.  

1. Translators:  someone who creates text or language that others can read and understand in their language and context.   This one rings true as well even with the same language, but perhaps cultural differences that need to be translated correctly rather than assumed.   
2. Fixers:  This can be comparable to a tour guide, but one that is more directive to help you navigate difficult or misunderstood situations.  They give you insights into situations that you may not understand, help you avoid difficulty by being prepared, or even help get you out of trouble.   

How can pray for the Middle East at this time?  We can pray for the political aspects of the region.  Given what is going on, it is very important to learn how to grieve and lament what is going on as a major prayer supported in scripture is to mourn with those who mourn.  We should also pray for the oppressed, which was the heart of Jesus throughout much of the Gospels.  This is not only for their deliverance but to also pray for justice.   We see this throughout scripture.  

While we are not personally often in a Middle Eastern type of conflict, how can we take what we have learned today and apply the principles to our own lives to better serve our families, friends, or even adversaries to help advance the Kingdom of God?  

Let us consider these three roles that Dr. Knuppe discussed: 

1. Where in your life could you use an interpreter to help you advance the kingdom of God?  Home, marketplace, community, or even church to name a few places to consider.  
2. Where in your life could you use a translator, to help you understand context, culture, or even a more full understanding of what others are hearing from us?
3. Where in your life could you use a fixer to help you avoid deeper problems, understand better conflict on the horizon, or even guide you in a repair process?  
4. Who in your life could fill at least one of these roles to help you move forward in a delicate or difficult relationship today?  

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.   For additional podcasts or resources go to:  

https://www.mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/

How to Make the Holidays Count!
 
Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes 

The Holidays, specifically Christmas, is one of the great opportunities for you, your family, and friends to find new insight into the kind of love our Heavenly Father has for us.   Since God made Christmas, He then modeled for us by giving us the best gift possible, and without whom we would not have forgiveness of sins, nor eternal life. Given all of that, it only makes sense to do what we can to find new insights, get out of our routine, and see how God might want to refresh you with a new perspective during the holiday season this year.    

Let’s take a look at some ideas through which you can be intentional and see how God wants to Bless you, your family, and those around you.   

1. Give God a special gift just from you to Him.   That gift could be the forgiveness of someone who wronged you.  It could be to commit to spending time alone with God and focus on the Christmas story and what it might mean to you.  
2. Set time to read the Christmas story with your family or friends:  Luke 1:5-56 and includes 2:1-20.  Take time to discuss this story.   How does this story impact you, your family, and any friends you speak with?   
3. Find a group to go Christmas caroling – in your neighborhood, with your Life Group, in an Assisted Living Center,  or just a carol sign with your group.    I know – men caroling??  Whether you can sing or not, those to whom you sing will be blessed and it will in turn bless you and your family.  
4. Give a surprise gift of service to each member of your family, perhaps a neighbor, or members of your Life Group.    Jesus set a great example of service, especially when He washed the feet of His disciples. 
5. Attend a Christmas program together at church or a Christmas concert.  It is important to spend time discussing what you just experienced.  
6. Whatever you do, plan for it, and intentionally make the experience count for you, your family, or your friends.   Whether it is trying to add a new tradition to your holiday habits, focusing on being thankful during the season, taking time to slow down, or expanding your holiday options to enjoy the reason for the season, do it intentionally this year.  This season, like every other season, will be gone before you know it.   

Some things to think about as it pertains to the Holidays: 

1. As you think about your traditional holiday plans and processes, what one thing you are doing now that adds to the spiritual enjoyment of the holidays?  
2. As you review the list we just discussed, what one thing stands out to you that you want to incorporate into your holiday?
3. What is one of these areas that will not work for you this year, but an idea for next year?
4. The key to spiritually enjoying this Holiday season if you to start now.  

Just a reminder these podcasts are released on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.   For additional podcasts or resources go to:  

https://www.mensministrycatalyst.org/podcasts/