"A leader has to be positive about all things that happen to his team. Look at nothing in the past as failure."
-- Coach Mike Krzyzewski
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
What's the world's biggest problem?
Another great thought from All-Pro Dad:
In the 1930's, when The Times of London asked Britain's leading intellectuals what they thought was the biggest problem in the world, author G.K. Chesterton sent back a quick postcard response saying, "I am."
He was on to something.
Too often we don't take personal responsibility to say that we are the biggest problems in our marriage, with the way our kids behave, and with how poorly our job is going. Instead, we look to point fingers.
But real men take responsibility for their actions and, when things aren't going well, look in the mirror first. That kind of humility is what saves marriages, bonds kids to their fathers, and promotes career advancement.
In the 1930's, when The Times of London asked Britain's leading intellectuals what they thought was the biggest problem in the world, author G.K. Chesterton sent back a quick postcard response saying, "I am."
He was on to something.
Too often we don't take personal responsibility to say that we are the biggest problems in our marriage, with the way our kids behave, and with how poorly our job is going. Instead, we look to point fingers.
But real men take responsibility for their actions and, when things aren't going well, look in the mirror first. That kind of humility is what saves marriages, bonds kids to their fathers, and promotes career advancement.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Quote of the Day - 6/25/09
GOALS
Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan.
-- Coach Tom Landry
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Quote of the Day - 6/24/09
SERVING OTHERS
Consider the rights of others before your own feelings, and the feelings of others before your own rights.
-- Coach John Wooden
Consider the rights of others before your own feelings, and the feelings of others before your own rights.
-- Coach John Wooden
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Quote of the Day - 6/23/09
“The competitor to be feared is the one who never worries about others at all, but goes on making himself better all the time.”
-- Henry Ford
-- Henry Ford
Monday, June 22, 2009
Quote of the Day - 6/22/09
"I have learned, that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours."
-- Henry David Thoreau
-- Henry David Thoreau
J.D. Jones Scholarship
Harding University head football coach Ronnie Huckeba announced Tuesday that sophomore running back Jeff Wood will be the 2009 recipient of the J.D. Jones Scholarship.The scholarship is funded by the Jones family, including former Bison football players Rick, Randy and David Jones, in honor of their father, J.D., and goes to a player who is a former walk-on.
Wood, a mechanical engineering major from Bedford, Texas, played in 10 games last season as a reserve running back and special teams player. He scored his first collegiate touchdown on a one-yard run against Arkansas-Monticello and tied for the team lead with seven tackles on kickoff returns.
Last season’s recipients were Cade Caton and R.F. Hendricks.
Originally posted on the Harding Sports website by Scott Goode, HU Sports Information Director.
Responsibility
Another great thought from All-Pro Dad:
When US Airways pilot, Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, splash-landed his jetliner in the Hudson River on January 15th, everyone on board escaped safely. But left in the cargo hold was a book the aviation hero had checked out from his local library.
Library officials say Sullenberger asked for an extension and waiver of overdue fees. The librarians say they were struck by Sullenberger's sense of responsibility and did him one better: They're waiving all fees, even lost book fees, and placing a template in the replacement book dedicating it to him.
The subject of that lost book? Professional ethics. His plane's passengers were blessed to be in the hands of a man of character and strength.
Watch the story of Captain Sullenberger here.
When US Airways pilot, Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, splash-landed his jetliner in the Hudson River on January 15th, everyone on board escaped safely. But left in the cargo hold was a book the aviation hero had checked out from his local library.
Library officials say Sullenberger asked for an extension and waiver of overdue fees. The librarians say they were struck by Sullenberger's sense of responsibility and did him one better: They're waiving all fees, even lost book fees, and placing a template in the replacement book dedicating it to him.
The subject of that lost book? Professional ethics. His plane's passengers were blessed to be in the hands of a man of character and strength.
Watch the story of Captain Sullenberger here.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Senior Camp
On Saturday Harding University Football hosted their second annual Senior Camp. Over 60 high school athletes were in attendance, as well as another 100 of their family and friends. We were pleased to have guys from Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky. In all, it was a great day in that we had the opportunity to meet a lot of great young men and their families. Hopefully, like last year, we'll end up with quite a few of these guys join us for the Fall 2010 season.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Thursday Night
We will have a lot of signees on campus today and tomorrow for Summer Experience. In an effort to welcome them, we'll have a get-together tonight at Coach Huck's house at 9:15 PM. Come out, eat some dessert, and welcome some new Bisons to campus.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Quote of the Day - 6/17/09
SERVICE
“You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.”
-- Coach John Wooden
“You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.”
-- Coach John Wooden
A Message from Coach Beason
Bisons,
I hope your workouts are going well. I am sure you did a great job on Squats yesterday and will do an awesome job with your PLAY DRIVES TODAY. Keep working hard and we will do great things this fall!
Anybody in Searcy this summer that would like to earn some money THIS THURSDAY, read on. A friend of mine, Mr. Harold Norwood, needs 2-3 guys to lay some sod. He will have this delivered this Thursday morning. He will pay $12/hour cash. If you are interested, call him at 501.940.3573 (cell) or 501.268.6913 (home). He will tell you what time to be there and where it is.
We will have quite a few INCOMING FRESHMEN here this Thursday and Friday for Summer Experience. If you see anybody that you think is a Bison, introduce yourself and make them feel special. The Coaches are meeting them on Thursday night at 9:15pm at the GAC and then taking them to Coach Huck's house. You could meet them down at the GAC at that time, and then SEND THEM OFF to Coach Huck's house.
Go Bisons!
I hope your workouts are going well. I am sure you did a great job on Squats yesterday and will do an awesome job with your PLAY DRIVES TODAY. Keep working hard and we will do great things this fall!
Anybody in Searcy this summer that would like to earn some money THIS THURSDAY, read on. A friend of mine, Mr. Harold Norwood, needs 2-3 guys to lay some sod. He will have this delivered this Thursday morning. He will pay $12/hour cash. If you are interested, call him at 501.940.3573 (cell) or 501.268.6913 (home). He will tell you what time to be there and where it is.
We will have quite a few INCOMING FRESHMEN here this Thursday and Friday for Summer Experience. If you see anybody that you think is a Bison, introduce yourself and make them feel special. The Coaches are meeting them on Thursday night at 9:15pm at the GAC and then taking them to Coach Huck's house. You could meet them down at the GAC at that time, and then SEND THEM OFF to Coach Huck's house.
Go Bisons!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Quote of the Day - 6/15/09
SUCCESS vs. VALUE
"Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value."
-- Albert Einstein
"Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value."
-- Albert Einstein
Senior Camp
Saturday, June 20th is our second annual Senior Camp. Registration begins at 1:00 PM at the Ganus Athletic Center. Any Bisons interested in helping with the camp need to contact Coach Yates.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Quote of the Day - 6/11/09
LIFE
"It's about the journey - mine and yours - and the lives we can touch, the legacy we can leave, and the world we can change for the better."
-- Tony Dungy
"It's about the journey - mine and yours - and the lives we can touch, the legacy we can leave, and the world we can change for the better."
-- Tony Dungy
Four Bisons Honored
A quartet of Harding football players was honored Tuesday by the National Football Foundation. More . . .
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Announcements
A couple of things from Coach Beason:
1. Any of you guys working out on our field, please replace the "STAY OFF FIELD" signs after your workout. The signs should be on the 50 yard line and both 25 yard lines.
2. Don't forget to get your 1st MAILBACK SHEET back to your position coach by TOMORROW. They are due then. Be accountable on this. This week's manual calls for a lift on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. You are OFF tomorrow (make sure you notice this in the manual). We have got to be in GREAT SHAPE when you report. We will have a very demanding camp this year. We have a lot of competition for spots and we want to be in great shape so we can play fast!! Slo-poke drills will be done at 5:00 am this year on each day of camp in which we have 1 practice. Slo-poke drills are for anyone that can not pass the conditioning test. The first slo-poke drill will be a 5 mile run at 5:00 am. We expect you to be in shape!!
1. Any of you guys working out on our field, please replace the "STAY OFF FIELD" signs after your workout. The signs should be on the 50 yard line and both 25 yard lines.
2. Don't forget to get your 1st MAILBACK SHEET back to your position coach by TOMORROW. They are due then. Be accountable on this. This week's manual calls for a lift on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. You are OFF tomorrow (make sure you notice this in the manual). We have got to be in GREAT SHAPE when you report. We will have a very demanding camp this year. We have a lot of competition for spots and we want to be in great shape so we can play fast!! Slo-poke drills will be done at 5:00 am this year on each day of camp in which we have 1 practice. Slo-poke drills are for anyone that can not pass the conditioning test. The first slo-poke drill will be a 5 mile run at 5:00 am. We expect you to be in shape!!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Bison Needing Prayers
Here's a link to a blog of interest: http://www.ourstrokeofluck.blogspot.com/ This is a blog by Jamael Harris (and his wife), who played DB for the Bisons in the mid nineties.
This is what he said to Coach Beason in a recent e-mail:
"I was going to email you a blog my wife started about our son Braylon. He had a stroke sometime between birth and around 5 mths. He has been progressing at an amazing rate! But I just wanted you to email this out to the prayer list of Harding Alum to ask you guys to keep us in your prayers. You can get up to speed about everything at www.ourstrokeofluck.blogspot.com. Thanks! Go Bisons!"
Please keep Braylon and the entire Harris family in your prayers.
This is what he said to Coach Beason in a recent e-mail:
"I was going to email you a blog my wife started about our son Braylon. He had a stroke sometime between birth and around 5 mths. He has been progressing at an amazing rate! But I just wanted you to email this out to the prayer list of Harding Alum to ask you guys to keep us in your prayers. You can get up to speed about everything at www.ourstrokeofluck.blogspot.com. Thanks! Go Bisons!"
Please keep Braylon and the entire Harris family in your prayers.
Quote of the Day - 6/8/09
WISDOM
“A man only becomes wise when he begins to calculate the approximate depth of his ignorance."
-- Gian Carlo Menotti
“A man only becomes wise when he begins to calculate the approximate depth of his ignorance."
-- Gian Carlo Menotti
Update
It feels a little more like football time around Searcy this week. Coach Simmons' Bison Football Camp for grades three through seven began this morning. Andrew Jackson, Garrett Taylor, Josh Jones, Ty Taylor and Coach Evans are helping with the camp, too.
Coach Beason's 7-on-7 tournament will begin on Friday, and our Senior Camp will be on Saturday, June 20th. Let us know if you are interested with helping for those camps.
Several guys are staying in Searcy this summer, and it's always good to see them in the weight room and on the field working to get better. They all seem to be working hard and doing well. A few that I saw last week were Heath Hammond, Luke Tribble, Zach Tribble, Josh Powell, Garrett Taylor, Bruce Hall, Andrew Jackson, Zac Ross, Kurt Adams, Cade Caton and Jordan Watson.
I hope everyone is doing well. Keep us posted.
Coach Beason's 7-on-7 tournament will begin on Friday, and our Senior Camp will be on Saturday, June 20th. Let us know if you are interested with helping for those camps.
Several guys are staying in Searcy this summer, and it's always good to see them in the weight room and on the field working to get better. They all seem to be working hard and doing well. A few that I saw last week were Heath Hammond, Luke Tribble, Zach Tribble, Josh Powell, Garrett Taylor, Bruce Hall, Andrew Jackson, Zac Ross, Kurt Adams, Cade Caton and Jordan Watson.
I hope everyone is doing well. Keep us posted.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Quote of the Day - 6/4/09
Talent is God given, so be humble.
Fame is man-given, so be grateful.
Conceit is self-given, so be careful.
-- John Wooden
Fame is man-given, so be grateful.
Conceit is self-given, so be careful.
-- John Wooden
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Kindness
What does active love towards a fellow human being look like?
Ask Julio Diaz.
Julio has a daily routine. Every night, the 31-year-old social worker ends his hour-long subway commute to the Bronx one stop early, just so he can eat at his favorite diner.
But one night last month, after Diaz stepped off the No. 6 train and onto a nearly empty platform, his evening took an unexpected turn. He was walking toward the stairs when a teenage boy approached and pulled out a knife...
Read the rest of this amazing story here.
Ask Julio Diaz.
Julio has a daily routine. Every night, the 31-year-old social worker ends his hour-long subway commute to the Bronx one stop early, just so he can eat at his favorite diner.
But one night last month, after Diaz stepped off the No. 6 train and onto a nearly empty platform, his evening took an unexpected turn. He was walking toward the stairs when a teenage boy approached and pulled out a knife...
Read the rest of this amazing story here.
Quote of the Day - 6/3/09
CHOICES
"Every time there are losses there are choices to be made. You choose to live your losses as passages to anger, blame, hatred, depression and resentment, or you choose to let these losses be passages to something new, something wider, and deeper”
-- Henri Nouwen
"Every time there are losses there are choices to be made. You choose to live your losses as passages to anger, blame, hatred, depression and resentment, or you choose to let these losses be passages to something new, something wider, and deeper”
-- Henri Nouwen
Summer Workout Mailback Sheets
Bisons,
Don't forget to return your mailback sheets to your position coach this week. They are due by June 9.
Mail to:
Coach ___________________
Harding University Athletics
Box 12281
Searcy, AR 72149
Don't forget to return your mailback sheets to your position coach this week. They are due by June 9.
Mail to:
Coach ___________________
Harding University Athletics
Box 12281
Searcy, AR 72149
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Quote of the Day - 5/28/09
James A. Harding
Dr. Earl Irvin West on James A. Harding, the namesake of Harding University:
"Usually every great man has one outstanding quality that he epitomizes. Harding's most outstanding quality was his faith in God. It was with him a settled conviction that if he did the work God wanted him to do, God would look after him, even to the performing of a miracle if necessary. He could have no doubt that if he ceased his school work and devoted all his time to the work of the Lord, God would care for him. Being found hundreds of miles from home was not unusual for Harding, getting ready to depart for the depot without a cent in his pocket. If someone asked how he expected to ride a train with no money, he could expect the answer that God would look after him."
"Usually every great man has one outstanding quality that he epitomizes. Harding's most outstanding quality was his faith in God. It was with him a settled conviction that if he did the work God wanted him to do, God would look after him, even to the performing of a miracle if necessary. He could have no doubt that if he ceased his school work and devoted all his time to the work of the Lord, God would care for him. Being found hundreds of miles from home was not unusual for Harding, getting ready to depart for the depot without a cent in his pocket. If someone asked how he expected to ride a train with no money, he could expect the answer that God would look after him."
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Quote of the Day - 5/27/09
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“What you see and hear depends a good deal on where you are standing; it also depends on what kind of a person you are”
-- C.S. Lewis
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Quote of the Day - 5/26/09
“Face the facts of being what you are, for that is what changes what you are.”
-- Soren Kierkegaard
-- Soren Kierkegaard
Winning
“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war,
while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.”
-- Sun Tzu
Right NOW is when we win. Make sure we're doing just that.
Also, think about this: Winning together should be our focus, not defeating someone else. It does not matter what anybody else is doing or not doing this summer. We can't do anything about Missouri Southern's preparation. Furthermore, if I told you Missouri Southern was taking the summer off would it mean we would relax? No, we would continue to work as hard as possible because that is what is noble.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Quote of the Day - 5/25/09
BRAVERY
“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it."
-- Thucydides
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Memorial Day & Micah Gifford
Let us remember all of those who have gave their last full measure of devotion for worthy causes, especially one of our own: Micah Gifford. Micah, a Bison from 1998-2002, lost his life on Dec. 7, 2006 while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was a beloved teammate, a cherished friend and an American hero. Spc. Micah S. Gifford was a member of the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment (Airborne) and 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, stationed in the United States Army in Fort Richardson, Alaska.
Click here for thoughts and comments about Micah from his friends and family.
Quote of the Day - 5/23/09
“You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one.”
-- Coach John Wooden
-- Coach John Wooden
Tony Dungy & Michael Vick
From the May 25, 2009 Sports Illustarted:
Guidance With A Fatherly Touch
Helping Michael Vick and other young people realize their potential
by Tony Dungy
As I was preparing to visit Michael Vick at the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kans., earlier this month, I got a phone call from Ron Freeman. His son Josh is the Kansas State quarterback who was the first-round pick by the Buccaneers last month. We had never met, but we spoke father-to-father. Ron asked me if I would call Josh and keep an eye on him as he was getting used to his new environment in Tampa, where I make my home. As we talked, I could tell Ron and his wife had done a great job in preparing their son, and Josh was probably one of the few NFL rookies who wouldn't need much mentoring. But his dad was going that extra mile for his son.
Then I went to see Michael. As I sat down with him at the table in the visitors' room, he looked just like many of the young men I have talked with in other prisons. I couldn't get over how young he still looked. I hadn't seen him in person since 2005, but his face looked the same. The Falcons' number 7 jersey, though, had been replaced by a tan jumpsuit with his inmate number on it. We talked for about two hours, and my message was the same one I've given hundreds of other inmates I've visited. "What you learn in life is the same thing you learn in football," I told Michael, who was scheduled to be released from prison this Wednesday to serve the final two months of his 23-month sentence in home confinement. "You have losses, and you have to rebound from them. The key thing is, How do you bounce back from a defeat?"
In the two hours we spent together, Michael and I learned a lot about each other, and we made a commitment to stay in touch after he is released. When I left the prison, I found myself thinking: What if Michael, who says his father was not a positive influence on his household when he grew up, had had the same family support system that Josh had? Would he have ended up in this situation? I really don't think so. Read more . . .
Guidance With A Fatherly Touch
Helping Michael Vick and other young people realize their potential
by Tony Dungy
As I was preparing to visit Michael Vick at the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kans., earlier this month, I got a phone call from Ron Freeman. His son Josh is the Kansas State quarterback who was the first-round pick by the Buccaneers last month. We had never met, but we spoke father-to-father. Ron asked me if I would call Josh and keep an eye on him as he was getting used to his new environment in Tampa, where I make my home. As we talked, I could tell Ron and his wife had done a great job in preparing their son, and Josh was probably one of the few NFL rookies who wouldn't need much mentoring. But his dad was going that extra mile for his son.
Then I went to see Michael. As I sat down with him at the table in the visitors' room, he looked just like many of the young men I have talked with in other prisons. I couldn't get over how young he still looked. I hadn't seen him in person since 2005, but his face looked the same. The Falcons' number 7 jersey, though, had been replaced by a tan jumpsuit with his inmate number on it. We talked for about two hours, and my message was the same one I've given hundreds of other inmates I've visited. "What you learn in life is the same thing you learn in football," I told Michael, who was scheduled to be released from prison this Wednesday to serve the final two months of his 23-month sentence in home confinement. "You have losses, and you have to rebound from them. The key thing is, How do you bounce back from a defeat?"
In the two hours we spent together, Michael and I learned a lot about each other, and we made a commitment to stay in touch after he is released. When I left the prison, I found myself thinking: What if Michael, who says his father was not a positive influence on his household when he grew up, had had the same family support system that Josh had? Would he have ended up in this situation? I really don't think so. Read more . . .
Friday, May 22, 2009
Accountability
This weekend is Memorial Day weekend. Unfortunately, many will be tempted to use this long weekend as an opportunity to engage in activities that are not beneficial to themsleves, the team, and the Kingdom.
Call a teammate this weekend and encourage him.
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up . . . Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
-- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12
Call a teammate this weekend and encourage him.
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up . . . Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
-- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12
Bison Update
Please keep RF Hendricks in your thoughts and prayers. RF e-mailed me a couple of days ago telling me of another physical setback he's been forced to endure. He was experiencing some intense abdominal pain, so he went to the doctor and learned he had appendicitis, and thus had an appendectomy. He's going to be fine, but he cannot run for a couple of weeks, nor workout for several more weeks.
This surgery comes on the heals of a very frustrating spring for RF. He suffered a severe ankle sprain early in the semester, then pulled a muscle as he was compensating for a bad ankle. But I know RF will persevere. He's a tough guy that epitomizes everything that is right and good about Bison Football.
This surgery comes on the heals of a very frustrating spring for RF. He suffered a severe ankle sprain early in the semester, then pulled a muscle as he was compensating for a bad ankle. But I know RF will persevere. He's a tough guy that epitomizes everything that is right and good about Bison Football.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Quote of the Day - 5/20/09
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DETAILS
“It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen."
-- Coach John Wooden
“It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen."
-- Coach John Wooden
Details
The difference in close games is attention to the small details.
Make sure you are paying attention to the tiniest of details when it comes to your summer workouts. Do not skip anything. Admit to yourself what it is that you would be inclined to skip, or at least take lightly, and attack it with a vengeance. Make that the best part of your whole workout. For a lot of guys it will be the post-workout stretching. You're hot, tired and ready to be done, but keep pushing.
Make sure you are paying attention to the tiniest of details when it comes to your summer workouts. Do not skip anything. Admit to yourself what it is that you would be inclined to skip, or at least take lightly, and attack it with a vengeance. Make that the best part of your whole workout. For a lot of guys it will be the post-workout stretching. You're hot, tired and ready to be done, but keep pushing.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Quote of the Day - 5/19/09
CHARACTER
"Ultimately, character and its growth don't come from rules but from the small actions of responsibility that occur day after day."
-- Tony Dungy, Uncommon
Leading for generations to come
I love to borrow (i.e., steal) ideas from All Pro Dad. Anything Tony Dungy endorses - let alone supports and contributes to - is probably good and beneficial. A friend recommended it to me several months ago, and I get daily e-mails from them. I know many times these sorts of things become a nuisance, but not this one. Most are geared directly towards being a dad, but many still have great application towards what it is we're trying to do here at Harding Football.
Here is a posting from the website from yesterday:
Princeton scholar Benjamin Warfield has charted the 1,394 known descendents of the famous American theologian Jonathan Edwards. There were 13 college presidents, 65 college professors, 30 judges, 100 lawyers, 60 physicians, 75 military officers, 100 pastors, 60 prominent authors, 3 United States senators, 80 public servants including governors and ministers to foreign countries, and one vice-president of the United States. The story of Jonathan Edwards is an example of what some sociologists call the "five-generation rule." How a parent raises their child – the love they give, the values they teach, the emotional environment they offer, the education they provide – influences not only their child but at least four generations to follow.
But the five-generation rule works both ways. If we fail to work at being good fathers, our neglect can plague generations. Consider the case of Max Jukes, a contemporary of Edwards. As an adult, Jukes had a drinking problem that kept him from holding a steady job. It also kept him from showing much concern for his wife and children. He would disappear sometimes for days and return drunk. He made little time for loving and instructing his children.
Benjamin Warfield has also charted Jukes' descendents. What he found further supports the five-generation rule. Warfield was able to trace 540 of Jukes' ancestors. They offer a stunning contrast to the Edwards' legacy. Of Jukes' known descendents, 310 died as paupers, at least 150 were criminals (including 7 murderers), more than 100 were drunkards and half of his female descendents ended up as prostitutes.
Of course this doesn't mean that people are simply a product of their parenting and that who they are is determined entirely by their ancestry. There have been many who descended from men like Jukes and overcame great obstacles to succeed. Others have come from loving homes like Edwards' only to descend into a troubled adulthood. But these are the exceptions, not the rule.
The stories of Jonathan Edwards and Max Jukes offer powerful lessons about the legacy we will leave as fathers. Five generations from now, it is likely that our professional accomplishments will be forgotten. In fact, our descendents may know little about us or our lives. But the way we parent today will directly affect not only our children, but also our grandchildren, our great-grandchildren and the generations that follow.
Here is a posting from the website from yesterday:
Princeton scholar Benjamin Warfield has charted the 1,394 known descendents of the famous American theologian Jonathan Edwards. There were 13 college presidents, 65 college professors, 30 judges, 100 lawyers, 60 physicians, 75 military officers, 100 pastors, 60 prominent authors, 3 United States senators, 80 public servants including governors and ministers to foreign countries, and one vice-president of the United States. The story of Jonathan Edwards is an example of what some sociologists call the "five-generation rule." How a parent raises their child – the love they give, the values they teach, the emotional environment they offer, the education they provide – influences not only their child but at least four generations to follow.
But the five-generation rule works both ways. If we fail to work at being good fathers, our neglect can plague generations. Consider the case of Max Jukes, a contemporary of Edwards. As an adult, Jukes had a drinking problem that kept him from holding a steady job. It also kept him from showing much concern for his wife and children. He would disappear sometimes for days and return drunk. He made little time for loving and instructing his children.
Benjamin Warfield has also charted Jukes' descendents. What he found further supports the five-generation rule. Warfield was able to trace 540 of Jukes' ancestors. They offer a stunning contrast to the Edwards' legacy. Of Jukes' known descendents, 310 died as paupers, at least 150 were criminals (including 7 murderers), more than 100 were drunkards and half of his female descendents ended up as prostitutes.
Of course this doesn't mean that people are simply a product of their parenting and that who they are is determined entirely by their ancestry. There have been many who descended from men like Jukes and overcame great obstacles to succeed. Others have come from loving homes like Edwards' only to descend into a troubled adulthood. But these are the exceptions, not the rule.
The stories of Jonathan Edwards and Max Jukes offer powerful lessons about the legacy we will leave as fathers. Five generations from now, it is likely that our professional accomplishments will be forgotten. In fact, our descendents may know little about us or our lives. But the way we parent today will directly affect not only our children, but also our grandchildren, our great-grandchildren and the generations that follow.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Quote of the Day - 5/18/09
"The biggest human temptation is to settle for too little."
-- Thomas Merton
-- Thomas Merton
The Blog
(Coach Simmons and I were in California recruiting last week, so that's why there were no blog entries. I will try to give frequent updates thoughout the summer, but they likely will not be daily.)
Bisons,
Don't forget to stay on top of your summer workouts. Let us know if you have any questions. Today's running looks fun: 1 x 400m, 2 x 200m, 8 x 110 yds, 4 x 55 yds. Enjoy!
Bisons,
Don't forget to stay on top of your summer workouts. Let us know if you have any questions. Today's running looks fun: 1 x 400m, 2 x 200m, 8 x 110 yds, 4 x 55 yds. Enjoy!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Just a thought . . .
Baseball Hall of Famer Joe Sewell used only 1 bat in his 14-year career and struck out only 114 times in 7,132 attempts. He never was convinced that a newer, more sophisticated bat would improve his play. When he was in a slump, rather than blaming his equipment, he took extra batting practice and focused on his swinging mechanics.
There are hundreds of applications for this entry. It applies to marriage, football, academics, friendships, and so on. I'm pretty sure if you're reading this, there's a place for you to apply it to your life. Now go do it.
There are hundreds of applications for this entry. It applies to marriage, football, academics, friendships, and so on. I'm pretty sure if you're reading this, there's a place for you to apply it to your life. Now go do it.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Quote of the Day - 5/6/09
FRIENDSHIP
"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.”
-- Henri Nouwen
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Quote of the Day - 5/5/09
PRIDE & HUMILITY
"Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real."
-- Thomas Merton
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