I've become semi-dedicated to getting back into shape and have begun running...OK, jogging. For those of you who wonder what "semi-dedicated" means, it's when you work out a little, still eat what you've always eaten but are just more aware of how bad you're eating. Anyway, I am lifting weights again and running and I've found that I really don't like running to music. For one thing, people just don't appreciate the talent of air-drummers anymore but the big reason is that I just don't get much out it. What I have turned to is the classics and at the very top of my list is the legendary Earl Nightingale and Lead the Field. There's just something about his raspy wisdom that actually makes me work a little harder and enjoy the act of mobile torture.
Even though I've listened to this audio program about two dozen times over the last twenty-eight years (first on cassette, then on CD and now as an mp3, I am still amazed how much I gain from his words. It's like they grow with me and the more I experience in my life, the more the lessons speak to me. But enough of my gushing. Yesterday I listened to my favorite lesson on my favorite value, INTEGRITY. I decided that rather than attempt to offer my perspective again, I'd let you read it from the master storyteller, himself.
 
  "Like other great principles, integrity gets a lot of lip service, but it’s seldom a true way of life. How people love and value a per- son of integrity – integrity in everything he does – in all his relationships with others, in what he says, in his work.
    When they hear the word integrity, people often conjure up a person of stern and sober visage who walks the straight and narrow. That’s not the kind of integrity I’m talking about. I’m talking about integrity with a sense of humor, integrity with understanding, integrity with kindness and gentleness – but integrity all the same. Never expediency, never saying, “Well, everybody is doing it. I guess it won’t hurt if I do it, too.” But it does hurt. If it’s wrong and we know it’s wrong, it does hurt.
    The “Seed for Achievement” is integrity. Integrity means honesty and the truth. Perhaps it was best put by Shakespeare. In a famous line in Hamlet, Polonius says: “And this above all, to thine own self be true. And it must follow as the night the day – thou canst not then be false to any man.”
    If we are true to ourselves, we cannot be false to anyone else. If our word to live by is integrity, we have what we need in a pinch, our sleep is untroubled, and we’re respected wherever we go.
    During the Korean War, the Chinese communists overran an American position and captured an American general. He was subjected to weeks of the worst kind of treatment, brainwashing and questioning. He never gave in. Finally, he was told that unless he answered their questions, he would be executed the following morning. That night, he wrote a letter to his wife. At the end of the letter, he said, “Tell Johnny the word is integrity.” As it turned out, he was not executed, and he was later repatriated to American forces. But thinking he was going to die, he told his son that the word is integrity.
    Integrity means to try, as best we can, to know ourselves, to examine ourselves as Socrates advised, and to make a true assessment of ourselves – an inventory of our abilities, our talents, our goals."

Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this audio program for yourself and for your children. My dad gave me this when I was in junior high and to this day, I still think it's one of the greatest gifts he ever gave. How can you top the gift of inspiration?
I don't make any commissions on this, I just want you to experience the power of these messages for yourself and then share them with your children. You can find it on Amazon or eBay or click on the CD cover in this post for a link. You won't regret it.

Last week I had the great pleasure of talking with author and speaker, Todd Wilson. As one of the most recognized and in-demand speakers in the growing world of homeschooling, not to mention a thoroughly nice guy, Todd's Familyman Ministries inspire homeschooling dads to embrace their roles as spiritual leaders of the home, be a relentless supporter of moms and to to simply "Be 'da Dad!" Todd is also a talented cartoonist. His humorous illustrations celebrating the ups and downs of homeschooling life are featured in homeschooling websites and newsletters across the country.

Being a fan of inspirational and educational books, I've enjoyed number of his titles over the years. I was pleasantly surprised a couple of weeks ago, though when I picked up a copy of his fiction title, The Injection. I won't attempt to play book reviewer but I will say that this is a pretty moving story of love, redemption and the power of God's love. It's a great read and here's the Amazon link for more info and how to buy it.

As much as I enjoyed this book, what I enjoyed more was the insight that I got from Todd during our conversation. I've seen Todd speak a few times and he's a tremendous speaker and entertainer. He's also an awesome husband, dad and RV expert (anyone who drives cross country in an RV is an expert in my book). What I didn't know is what he considered to be a cherished Value.

Since I started writing for The Values Network, most all of the discussions have been from my point of view. I decided to change that and find out what Values were important to other people I respected and admired. Todd surprised me. Despite his great success and accomplishments (especially coming from a background that didn't involve writing), When I asked him what Value was closest to his heart, he said simply, Loving. As parents  we all have challenges and Todd admits that it's not always easy. There will be good days and bad days and despite all the challenges and pitfalls, "My job as a father is to simply love them no matter what." And this is not just for your kids, Todd adds. This goes for your wife too. It's far too easy to be overly critical of your spouse and kids. The key is to be there for them. Love them when it's easy and love them when it's not so easy, but love them no matter what...just as God does for us.

You should definitely check out Todd's site at www.familymanweb.com. Grab a book or three and and maybe he'll be in your area this summer and you can see him live. In the meantime, go tell your family that you love 'em!

"The purpose of 'Dad' is to glorify God by loving your kids" - Todd Wilson