Parenting as a Christian Single Dad

Rush, rush, rush... That is what I feel like much of the time. It seems like I am constantly trying to achieve something in my own power. Constantly knocking against a wall that pushes me back. Could that wall be God? Maybe it is time to stop pushing so hard and take some time to let God lead me. It is time to rid myself of false expectations and beliefs. It is time to let God shower His blessings on me and to receive His love. Okay, I started a new church this weekend and I am feeling connected. It is hard when I put myself first and lose focus. I want to be the best dad I can be and the only way I can do that is to be a child to God and let Him be my dad so I can see how that relationship is supposed to work.

Ever since the divorce I have found myself striving to be better; a better person, a better christian, a better father, a better provider, and the list goes on and on. And each and everyday I am faced with the reality that I am NOT better. To make things worse I see that I am alone and lonely, up to my ears in debt, have a stressfull job, and the worst of all, lack parenting skills. I find that much of my time is spent wanting and planning, "If I just could have my debt paid off I would be happy" or "if I could meet a nice woman to spend time with I would be happy." So here is to self-help books!!! I have a choice and I talk about choosing how one can feel all the time yet I don't take my own advice or it is short lived. The time has come to be proactive and to change myself from the inside. I want to be a man of character and values. Maybe if I can change my outlook on life then maybe, just maybe, I can feel God in my life and learn to trust. I always t...

I don’t think I have ever been as angry as I am now. I hate being powerless when it comes to Madalyn’s well being when she is with her mom. I have just been informed that my daughter will be living with my ex’s current boyfriend, some guy she met in the bar a couple months ago. I just can’t get over that this woman would do this instead of let Madalyn stay with me while she gets back on her feet. But then again she would have to see that Madalyn flourishes and can be happy or that I am a good parent and therefore she thinks she is a bad parent. Maybe I am over reacting but I am disgusted with this decision my ex-wife has made. So what she committed adultery, so what she smacked me around, so what she destroyed any self-esteem I made of had. All of that is nothing compared to this. I have worked long and hard to heal and God has worked miracles in my heart. I have never felt more emotionally sound and happy than I do now and yet I feel cursed because my little princess is bein...

It wasn’t long ago that I was concerned about Madalyn being potty trained. Well the good news is she is and doing great at it. I still find it exciting when she runs off to use her potty, to her it is a normal habit but for me it is still so darn cute. Then she gets up on her stool and washes her little hands. What a good little girl… She hasn’t wet the bed at night either but how could she because I still put a diaper on her. The diaper is dry in the morning and I am scared to stop using them. Does anyone have any recommendations for me? Is it okay for me to put a diaper on her at night or am I sending her mixed signals? I know this doesn’t sound like a big deal but I am really struggling with taking that next step and getting rid of the diapers all together.

I am sorry to admit but there used to be a time I really did not like kids. I didn’t hate them or anything I just did not like being around them. Even when I became a Christian I was not real fond of them. Well I am glad to say that has all changed. Watching Madalyn grow and experiencing the joy, worry, love etc. that goes with raising a daughter has given me a new heart. I think a lot of my dislike in the past wasn’t really dislike but fear. Children scare me and now that I have one of my own I know that to be true. As a single Christian dad I am often confronted with uncertainty and even confusion but here I am 3 years later completely in love with the second most wonderful gift God has given me. Just a couple nights ago I was talking to Madalyn about praying and I asked if she wanted to go first, she said “yes.” Before I know it she is rambling off everyone in her life and thanking God for them. It was the most precious thing I had ever seen. To know that she is beginning t...

It has been a little over a year know since my wife left home and made me a single dad. I only get Madalyn 50% of the time but I am still her dad all the time in my heart. There was a time I thought I could not make it, even just for a day. But here I a year later and life is okay. Sure I have my days but life is getting better, my relationship with God is growing and my relationship with Madalyn is growing as well. I know it is God who heals all wounds, not time, but it takes take time to be healed and even though I am not completely done healing I am making progress. I have no new year resolution, my mission is the same. To be the best I can be and learn to live in God's grace more and more. God Bless everyone this new year and we wish you the best...