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SILVERRUN!

Dad and his daughter
My Jewel and me!
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This past weekend, my Jewel and I had the fantastic privilege of leading fathers, and their daughters, through what God says about being a “Valiant Woman of God,” and how to get to that goal! It was a Father/Daughter campout like no other, and I met some men that I believe I will walk with for years to come.

It was quite the treat to see dads intentionally pouring into their daughters, and to then watch the daughter’s response was priceless. The joy, the laughter, the bonds built and strengthened were well worth the investment of time. We engaged in some group activities including “Do Dad’s Do” as well as Kickball – dads vs daughters (where dads had to skip and use non-dominant hands/feet), and a Dad/Daughter Dance, as well as some dad/daughter time during which, my Jewel and I went horseback riding and made designs in the sand on the banks of the Colorado River. She and I fell asleep both nights only after many bouts of laughter and silliness!

Group of dads with crazy hair holding daughters
“Do Dad’s Do”

These dads, daughters, and I discussed a target for godly womanhood, called being “A Valiant Woman of God.” Then we went on to discuss the character necessary, as well as some tools required to achieve that goal. We also reminded ourselves of why we would do such a thing.

We, dads, had an opportunity to bless our daughters as a final statement for the weekend. It was beautiful to see the encouragement and emotion on the face of these girls, hearing the necessary words for their growth into the woman that God wants them to be. My heart was full!!

Intentional Blessing

I would highly recommend intentional time like this with your daughter! It doesn’t have to be camping – especially if she doesn’t like it (though one of the daughters didn’t this time either, until the end of the weekend 😉 ) If you’ve never done something like this, we gather for SilverRun every year!

We will be doing another SilverRun campout on August 5-7th, 2022, at Winding River Resort Campground just outside of Grand Lake Colorado. So mark your calendars now, and we’ll see you then!



Devotions for Dads! – Proverbs 10:11

“The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.” Proverbs 10:11

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In opposition to verse 10, one who speaks righteously brings life and goodness and abundance. Yet, here again – as in verse 6 – as if he could hold it in his mouth, destruction comes from speaking deceit and wickedness.

Father God, let me speak life to all whom I encounter today. Keep Your words on my lips, and Your truths filled up in my heart. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Devotions for Dad! – Proverbs 10:9

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” Proverbs 10:9

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If a truly innocent man is accused of a crime, he has no real reason to fear. But even beyond accusations, much insecurity comes from a dishonest perspective – whether the guilt of actual lies or perceived ones. One who intentionally compromises his integrity will always be discovered. Whether complete in your integrity or dishonestly crooked, all will be revealed.

Lord, give me the courage to Be the Truth in thought, and in word, and in action. Keep my identity and security firmly in You. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, amen.

Devotions for Dads! – Proverbs 10:8

“The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.” Proverbs 10:8

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The wise are teachable. It is not always that the wise are at “the top of the food chain.” The ability to receive instruction shows wisdom. Someone who always speaks and never acts upon his knowledge or the knowledge that is thrust upon him is a fool on his way to hurt.

Father God, grow my teachability. Remind me that all knowledge and wisdom come from You. Lead me, Lord, and I will follow. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Devotions for Dads – Proverbs 10:10

“Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, and a babbling fool will come to ruin.” Proverbs 10:10

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So far, these phrases have consisted of the fool and the wise. Here it is only the fool. The wink often reveals that deception is in play, and often when one is anxious his mouth will run incessantly. Solomon’s inspirational man for this line must have been a liar and he knew it.

Lord, forgive me. You see and hear all of what’s going on in my head, and being felt in my heart; my body. My sin is ugly and upon me like one of Tolkein’s wargs. Arm me with your armor God as I battle these temptations, give me wisdom to fight the battle, in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Devotions for Dads! – Proverbs 10:7

“The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.” Proverbs 10:7

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Righteousness blesses others in more than just memory. The impact one man’s righteousness can have on a family, a business, a church can be multi-generational. However, with a wicked man, even his memory is shrouded in distaste and choice words.

Lord, lead me in the paths of righteousness for Your Name’s sake, Let my name be a glory to You for all who think about and remember me. This is legacy – Your legacy. Let them know You, by knowing me!

Devotions for Dads! – Proverbs 10:6

“Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.” Proverbs 10:6

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It’s no doubt that Solomon regarded the righteousness of his father, David, and saw the blessings that were poured down. And it’s unlikely that he missed the righteous subject – he could probably spot them – receiving blessings in his kingdom. In that same vein, the wise king could see a wicked man, because it was written on his face like the treachery of a stolen cookie when it’s still in the mouth of the toddler!

Father God, remind me that Your ways, whether or not they make sense to me, bring my family, and me, blessing. Forgive my propensity to anger, and remove the temptation to act out in that way. Bring blessings onto my head, O God, in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Devotions for Dads! – Proverbs 10:5

“He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.” Proverbs 10:5

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Diligence as a son and an example to my son. It is fitting that the youth work to gain knowledge and to grow. It is also fitting that they work to gain the harvest of the fruit of their labor – whatever that may be.

Father, help me to be an example of diligence, and righteously teach and expect my children to be diligent. Bless us through this work. Break through the selfish bickery attitudes and bless our home with peace and love, in Jesus’ Name amen.

Devotions for Dads! – Proverbs 10:4

“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” Proverbs 10:4


Diligence: the courage to focus on what needs to be done, and to do your best to complete it. Laziness is a common reason for poverty – not the only reason, but a common one. On the other hand, he who works hard to do his best leaves his riches firmly in the hand of God and gains the richness of His blessing. Even in the garden, we were made to work.

Praise You God most High! Thank you for creativity, ideas, and plans. May I always yield these to You and Your ways. Inspire and strengthen my hand and my will to do my best at whatever You put before me, in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Devotions for Dads! – Proverbs 10:3

“The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.” Proverbs 10:3

Hungry in body and soul. The righteous soul profits even when their bellies are hungry. God readily gives to the righteous, but the wicked – even though they crave, are not satisfied, because they focus on their appetites rather than the nourishment of their souls.

Father forgive me. Righteousness – virtue is my desire. How/why is it that I don’t do what I want to do?! …perhaps because only You can do this in me. Show me what I do need to do, clearly, so I can take those steps to keep my way pure.