Dad in the Middle » Dad in the Middle

Ads or No Ads – What I Decided

Wayne — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Dad in the Middle has become a bit of a labor of love for me. Sometimes I think I should give it all up, and I wonder whether it is all really worth the time. What I started as an outlet for me has become something that other people read. Every time I think about that, I am extremely humbled and somewhat astounded. That coupled with some very encouraging words from people I have met online and several that I spoke with last week at the CM Expo really encouraged me to persevere. I write what I write and publish what I publish not because I feel like I have anything special to offer but because people have expressed to me that it has been edifying to them.

With that introduction, the purposes of this post is to explain why I have decided to offer advertising space on this blog. I feel like this site has a loyal group of readers, and I felt like I owed you some explanation for the change. That said, I have some idea who those readers are, and I don’t think the advertising is going to be a put-off to them, but an explanation still seem warranted. When I started this blog, the thought of including advertising was the furthest thing from my mind. I never imagined that enough people would read it that anyone would even want to advertise (maybe they still won’t). Don’t get me wrong, the site doesn’t get massive numbers these days, but it does get enough that some people may want to advertise their products on the site.

As the site has grown, I’ve spent more and more time and more and more money on it, and if some of that money can be recouped from advertising, it seems like a win-win situation. Secondly, and more importantly, one of the purposes I have for this site is to be a source of information for people in children’s ministry. My hope is that the ads on the sight may expose you to products and services which you are not aware of but which would be beneficial to your ministry.

I have this tendency to over think things, and perhaps I have done that in terms of advertising, but I did actually wrestle with the issue of whether or not it was a good thing. I came to the decision that so long as could control three things, advertising on the site would be acceptable:

Advertisers cannot, and will not, impact what I decide to write about. My articles are guided (I hope) by biblical principals and my relationship with Jesus Christ. I can’t, in good conscience, alter my opinions, review, subjects or anything else because someone has chosen to advertise on this site. I do not set out to offend in anything that I write, but if an advertiser decides they don’t like something I’ve written and wants to remove their ad, that’s fine with me. I’m really only doing this to recover some costs – not to make money. I am beholden only to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, not someone’s advertising dollar.
I will not advertise things which I find offensive or otherwise contrary to the goals of this website. I have total control over some of the advertising on this site, and will exercise that control to choose to advertise products which I think will be of benefit to the users of this site and consistent with my beliefs. For those avenues where I do not exercise total control (like Google Ads), I do monitor them as much as possible to make sure nothing offensive is included. If you see something I miss, please let me know about it.
My goal is that the advertisements would be a resource and not a detraction from the site. Personally, I don’t like sites where the advertising is more prominent than the content, and I don’t want Dad in the Middle to become that type of site. I will do everything I can to make sure that advertising is an addition to the site but not the main content.

There you have it. I may be the only one who ever reads this posts, but I feel better putting my criteria out there. If you are an advertisers and you feel like your product would be a good fit for Dad in the Middle, please feel free to click on one of the boxes to the right!

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

Wordle Challenge – May 2010

Wayne — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:00:32 +0000

I went to post my Wordle challenge for June when I realized just how far I am behind. I never actually posted May’s Wordle challenge, so here goes! At the end of last year, I started the Wordle challenge. Wordle.net is a site that allows you to create word pictures of your blog / site based on the frequency with which you use certain words. Each month I run Dad in the Middle through Wordle to get a visual image of what the blog has been focused on recently. Previous Wordle graphics can be found at the bottom of this post.

Here is my Wordle.net for May 2010 created on May 30, 2010:

So, I am learning more and more that Wordle is based on the page and actually only captures the last 5-10 posts (depending on whether I use the page or the feed). This one happened to be done following a series of posts updating people on articles I had published on Ministry-to-Children.com.

If you have a blog, I challenge you to run Wordle.net on it and see where your focus is! If you do take the challenge, post it on your site, and leave a comment here so we can all come see your Wordle!

Previous Wordle Challenges:

Wordle Challenge – December 2009 [01/07/2010]
Wordle Challenge – January 2010 [02/08/2010]
Wordle Challenge – February 2010 [03/08/2010]
Wordle Challenge – March 2010 [04/08/2010]
Wordle Challenge – April 2010 [05/06/2010]

Wordle Challenge – April 2010

Wayne — Thu, 06 May 2010 13:00:49 +0000

At the end of last year, I started the Wordle challenge. Wordle.net is a site that allows you to create word pictures of your blog / site based on the frequency with which you use certain words. Each month I run Dad in the Middle through Wordle to get a visual image of what the blog has been focused on recently. Previous Wordle graphics can be found at the bottom of this post.

Here is my Wordle.net for April 2010 created on May 2, 2010:

This one was heavily influenced by a post I did on May 1 in which I summarized tweets (RT) from the Orange Conference 2010. I thought it was cool that it came up in Orange when I ran the Wordle randomizer. I’m always glad to see words like “God,” “Kids,” and “Teaching” featured on the sight. Spurgeon showed up again this month as I restarted my synopsis of his book Come ‘Ye Children this past month.

Previous Wordle Challenges:

Wordle Challenge – December 2009 [01/07/2010]
Wordle Challenge – January 2010 [02/08/2010]
Wordle Challenge – February 2010 [03/08/2010]
Wordle Challenge – March 2010 [04/08/2010]

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

Wayne — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 12:00:16 +0000

Today, I have big news to share with the readers of this blog! It’s been a little over a year now since I started earnestly writing this blog here at Dad in the Middle. In that time, I have made a number of online acquaintances within the children’s ministry community who are also bloggers. I have learned a lot from them and have enjoyed sharing my own thoughts here on Dad in the Middle.

For those of you who are consistent readers of this blog, you know that one of my favorite sites for children’s ministry tips and ideas is Ministry-to-Children.com. Over the last year, I have participated a number of times in their Children’s Ministry Think Tanks, promoted their forums, participated in their Kidmin Blog Madness Tournament, and included their articles in the monthly Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol more than any other single blog. Ministry-to-Children.com is one of the largest and fastest growing children’s ministry sites on the internet today.

So, when Tony Kummer asked me to join the talented team of writers he has assembled for Ministry-to-Children, it was an opportunity which I had to jump at. So, I am pleased to announce that, starting today, I will be publishing several articles a month on that site as well.

Last night, my first article titled WHO IS WAYNE STOCKS? was published on Ministry-to-Children.com. The article introduces me to Tony’s readers and provides some insight into my personal mission when it comes to working with kids. I hope that by partnering with Ministry-to-Children.com I will be able to further that mission and ultimately assist in reaching more kids for the Kingdom of Christ.

So, where does that leave this site? Now that I am writing for Ministry-to-Children.com, where does that leave Dad in the Middle? My plan is to continue to write for Dad in the Middle. Given the additional articles to be published at Ministry-to-Children.com, the frequency of posts to Dad in the Middle may decrease, but I hope that the quality of the posts will not. Tony has asked me to write a handful of articles each month for his site. Given that I have a whole lot more than that to say, I imagine that I will still have plenty to write about here on Dad in the Middle.

Furthermore, as my articles are posted over on Ministry-to-Children.com I will post a brief synopsis and link to the article here for Dad in the Middle readers. I do not intend to duplicate posts from Ministry-to-Children.com on this site.

FYI, for those of you checking in for the normal Saturday morning video, make sure you check back tomorrow for the post I had originally intended for today.

This Month in the Middle (March 2010)

Wayne — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 13:00:24 +0000

Each month this entry provides a categorized listing of the posts from the prior month (actually the month before last by the time this gets posted, but who’s counting?). Make sure you check out our Index Page as well for listing of all posts to Dad in the Middle.

Tips For Large Group Teaching

#28 – See the World Through Their Eyes (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [03/01/2010]
#29 – Don’t Read Your Lesson (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [03/03/2010]
#30 – Break It Up (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [03/04/2010]
#31 – Find the New You (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [03/05/2010]
#32 – Don’t Forget Your Baritone (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [03/09/2010]
#33 – When You’re Not Teaching, Join Them (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [03/10/2010]
#34 – Use Games (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [03/11/2010]
#35 – Get the Kids Involved (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [03/15/2010]
#36 – The Power of the Remote Video (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [03/16/2010]
#37 – Laugh With Them (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [03/17/2010]
#38 – Make Yourself Part of the Lesson (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [03/22/2010]
#39 – Candy, Candy, Candy (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [03/24/2010]
#40 – Play With Them (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [03/25/2010]
#41 – Step Into The Story (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [03/26/2010]
#42 – Be Specific With Your Application (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [03/29/2010]
#43 – Don’t Be Afraid to Admit That You May Be Too Old (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [03/31/2010]

Children’s Ministry / Kid’s Stuff

R U Smarter than a Fly? Fly in the Eye [03/06/2010]
Collaborate: Family + Church – Pre-order Your Copy Today! [03/08/2010]
Get 5 Free Copies of the Jesus Storybook Bible [03/12/2010]
R U Smarter Than a Fly? Christmas Pudding [03/13/2010]
Shaped By The Story [03/18/2010]
R U Smarter than a Fly? Rubbish Heap [03/20/2010]
R U Smarter Than A Fly? – Darkness [03/27/2010]
On Missing and Being Missed [03/30/2010]

Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol

The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol (February 2010) [03/02/2010]

Wordle Challenge

Wordle Challenge – February 2010 [03/08/2010]

Misc.

Dad in the Middle Needs YOUR VOTE Today! [03/14/2010]
Kidmin Blog Madness – A DAD IN THE MIDDLE Call to Action! [03/19/2010]
Kidmin Blog Madness – We Made It to Round 2 – Now Go Vote! [03/22/2010]

Return to the “This Month in the Middle” index page.

Wordle Challenge – March 2010

Wayne — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 13:00:38 +0000

Here is my Wordle.net for March 2010 created on March 31, 2010:

I’m always glad to see words like “God,” “Kids,” and “Teaching” featured on the sight. The prevalence of the Tips for Large Group teaching series is also obvious from the Wordle. If I am confessing, it does concern me a little bit that “Jesus” was so small in this month’s Wordle, but that’s why I run these in the first place. They help me to refocus on what’s really important when it comes to my blog.

Previous Wordle Challenges:

Wordle Challenge – December 2009 [01/07/2010]
Wordle Challenge – January 2010 [02/08/2010]
Wordle Challenge – February 2010 [03/08/2010]

This Month in the Middle (February 2010)

Wayne — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 13:00:27 +0000

Tips For Large Group Teaching

#13 – It’s All About Jesus (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [02/01/2010]
#14 – Be Yourself (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [02/03/2010]
#15 – Challenge Your Kids (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [02/04/2010]
#16 – Teach From the Book (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [02/05/2010]
#17 – Read About Teaching (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [02/09/2010]
#18 – Keep It Simple (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [02/10/2010]
#19 – Point Everything in the Same Direction (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [02/11/2010]
#20 – You Must Keep Learning to Keep Teaching (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [02/12/2010]
#21 – Don’t Lose Sight of Your Own Spiritual Journey (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [02/15/2010]
#22 – Invite Questions From the Kids (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [02/16/2010]
#23 – The Power of Open-Ended Questions (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [02/17/2010]
#24 – Always Be a Source of Encouragement (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [02/19/2010]
#25 – Understanding Different Learning Styles (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [02/22/2010]
#26 – Always Be On The Lookout (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [02/24/2010]
#27 – Love Them Like Jesus (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [02/25/2010]

Children’s Ministry / Kid’s Stuff

Don’t Miss Out On This Kidmin Resource [02/18/2010]
1 Timothy 4:12 (Seeds Family Worship) [02/20/2010]
Does God Call People to Children’s Ministry? (Children’s Ministry Think Tank) [02/23/2010]
Review of “What’s In the Bible” [02/26/2010]
Teach Your Kids Bad Theology: Lying Is Easy [02/27/2010]

Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol

The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol (January 2010) [02/02/2010]

Wordle Challenge

Wordle Challenge – January 2010 [02/08/2010]

Just for Fun

Eve Harmony [02/06/2010]

Music

New Again (Brad Paisley and Sara Evans) [02/13/2010]

Misc.

This Month in the Middle (January 2010) [02/14/2010]

Return to the “This Month in the Middle” index page.

Kidmin Blog Madness – A DAD IN THE MIDDLE Call to Action!

Wayne — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:00:50 +0000

Five days ago, I started a grueling week of shameless self-promotion with this post: Dad in the Middle Needs YOUR VOTE Today!. That post encouraged you to vote for DAD IN THE MIDDLE in Ministry-to-Children.com’s new Kidmin Blog Madness Competition. As of the writing of this post, we were still barely hanging on to the fourth spot in the Eastern Division which (if the results hold out until Sunday) will advance us into the next round for our ultimate annihilation.

So, this post is a call to action! Head on over to the Kidmin Blog Madness Competition today and vote for DAD IN THE MIDDLE!

This is a trend-setting blog – especially when it comes to self-promotion. Since our initial post last Sunday, a number of other blogs have jumped on the bandwagon with their own shameless self-promotion. In order to be true to our loyal followers, I felt like it was my job to take advantage of everyone else’s self-promotion to promote DAD IN THE MIDDLE. As soon as the posts started to show up, I started hijacking other people’s blogs making comments encouraging people to vote for DAD IN THE MIDDLE – that D-A-D I-N T-H-E M-I-D-D-L-E (5^th Seed – Eastern Division).

Without further adieu, here are some of the other shameless promotions from the week along with my comments on each:

Vote for Me | jonathancliff.com

Continued my tour of shameless promotion for DAD IN THE MIDDLE, I wanted to compliment you on your blog and encourage people to vote for you in the Kidmin Blog Madness competition.

While they’re there, I would encourage them to also vote for DAD IN THE MIDDLE (5th Seed Eastern Division).

That’s right, Justyn and I are in direct competition. I don’t hold out any hopes of winning this thing, but I’m working hard to get out the first round, even if it means shameless promoting myself on other people’s blogs.

In all seriousness though, I love Justyn’s blog and all that he has done for the kidmin community.

He, just noticed I referred to Jonathan as Justyn twice in my comment. This self-promotion thing has got my head all twisted up! Doh! Anyhow, what I said applies to Jonathan and Justyn’s blogs. They are both so awesome, I get them easily confused!

Also just noticed that I typed “He” when I meant to type “Ha” I give up!

Top Ten Reasons you should vote for jcisonline.com – JC is ONLINE

I love it. It takes shameless self-promotion to a whole new level! You definitely have my vote! Though, technically as a 4th seed with the top four going through from each division, I’m not sure you’re an underdog. You do have some stiff competition from the 3 seeds above you though! Not like those of us who are fifth seeds (read DAD IN THE MIDDLE) in, say, the Eastern Division. Now, that is an underdog position! So, to piggy-back on your on your shameless act of self-promotion, I want to encourage people to go vote for your blog and take a second to vote for DAD IN THE MIDDLE (that’s 5th seed – Eastern Division) while they’re there. I, too, am not from Texas – though I did experiment with Texas while I was in High School. Now, I think I’ve taken shameless self-promotion to a new level myself!

In all seriousness though, good luck to you! I love your blog!

March Madness of CM Blogs « Smalltownkidmin Blog

Continuing my trend of shameless self promotion and commenting on the blogs of everyone in the Kidmin Blog Madness competition, I have two things to say:

#1 – Vote for DAD IN THE MIDDLE (5th seed Easter Division) while you’re voting for Smalltownkidmin Blog, and

#2 – In all seriousness, I love your blog. I have learned a lot from it since Kenny Conley turned me on to it several weeks ago.

Keep up the good work, and remember Vote DAD IN THE MIDDLE – It’s a vote for the future!

Vote for me! | Sam Luce

Yes, go vote for Sam Luce – the Duke, Kentucky, or North Carolina (well, not this year) of the Kidmin Blog Madness tournament this year. He certainly deserves it.

And, as a special bonus, when you’re voting for Sam, scroll four easy blogs down the list and vote for Dad in the Middle as well. Remember, a vote for Dad in the Middle is a vote for world peace, all the ice cream you can eat, and puppies!

Come on now, all I ask is that you give Dad in the Middle a chance to lose to Sam by an even more embarrassing margin in the next round!

-Shameless self-promotion, check
- Encourage votes for Dad in the Middle, check
- Hijack another well-meaning kidmin blog in the interest of friendly competition, check!

VOTE! « Observations From the 2nd Floor

Ladies and gentlemen of the kidmin world, I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to my constituents. For days now, I have been traveling from blog post to blog post about the Kidmin Blog Challenge shamelessly promoting DAD IN THE MIDDLE (5th seed, Eastern Division). By the way, we still need your vote, so while your voting for ApPARENTly blogging, hop on over and vote for DAD IN THE MIDDLE as well.

Anyhow, I feel like I have slighted this blog for well over a day by failing to promote DAD IN THE MIDDLE here, an oversight I will have to live with the rest of my life.

So, to make me feel better about myself, please head immediately to the Kidmin Blog Madness Challenge and vote for apPARENTLY blogging and DAD IN THE MIDDLE – two great tastes that taste great together!

Thank you for your support!

Blog Madness « [Kid Inspiration]

It’s time. It’s time. It’s time for me to take my shameless self promotion tour international!

Everyone should go on over to the tournament and vote for Dave, he deserves it, but I don’t think he’s going to have any problem making it through to the next round.

That is more than I can say for some of us underdogs in the competition. So, while you’re voting for Dave, hope on over to the Easter Division and vote for DAD IN THE MIDDLE as well (we’re the fifth seed).

It is time for Australians and Americans to unite (after all, both of our nationalities start with the letter “A”). And, what better cause to unite behind than a push for DAD IN THE MIDDLE in the Kidmin Blog Madness Tournament?

You have my guaranty, a vote for DAD IN THE MIDDLE ensures that I will never use the phrase “Put another shrimp on the barbie” on my blog.

God Bless!

Thus concludes this installment in the world tour of me committing shameless acts of self-promotion on other people’s blogs.

Thank you for your support!

Vote for “Justyn Smith” «

Good Luck to you. I see you have zoomed past Dad in the Middle overnight. I enjoy your blog and encourage people to go vote for you! And, I would never think of using a comment to your post to encourage people to also VOTE FOR DAD IN THE MIDDLE while they are voting for your blog. That seems way to much like a shameless act of self-promotion.

Keep up the great work, and vote DAD IN THE MIDDLE…errr, I mean Justyn Smith.

Elemental Children’s Ministry » Blog Archive » March Madness Hits Kidmin Blogs!

Just when I thought my shameless tour of other people’s blogs was over, Henry goes and posts another article about the Kidmin Blog Madness.

So, yes, yes, yes, go vote for Henry and Elemental Children’s Ministry in the internationally flavored Midwest Division, but while you’re there, make sure to stop by the Eastern Division and vote for everyone’s favorite underdog – DAD IN THE MIDDLE.

And, remember, a vote for DAD IN THE MIDDLE helps to unite the world (and not in a Revelation kind of way).

March Madness for Children’s Ministry — SojournKids

Jared,

I love your blog. I always enjoy reading what you have to say on Tony’s Children’s Ministry Think Tank articles as well. Glad to see you in the tournament.

Continuing my theme of shameless self-promotion this week (which is starting to make even me feel a little bit slimy), I have been traveling the blogosphere taking advantage of the comments on other people’s blogs to encourage people to also cast a vote for DAD IN THE MIDDLE (5th seed Eastern Division).

Remember, a vote for DAD IN THE MIDDLE is a vote for grandma and apple pie (or any other sort of pie or dessert in the event you do not like apple pie, but if you don’t like apple pie maybe I don’t want your vote – wait! wait! Yes, I do, I want your vote no matter what kind of pie you like!).

In all seriousness though, keep up the great work on this blog. I look forward to continuing to read and learn from you.

There was one more blog that posted an article about the competition, but I just couldn’t bring myself to self-promote on hallowed ground. That was Jim Wideman’s blog post:

Looking For Some Great Children’s Ministry Blogs

Wordle Challenge – February 2010

Wayne — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:00:13 +0000

A couple of months ago, I started the Wordle challenge. Wordle.net is a site that allows you to create word pictures of your blog / site based on the frequency with which you use certain words. Each month I run Dad in the Middle through Wordle to get a visual image of what the blog has been focused on recently. Previous Wordle graphics can be found at the bottom of this post.

Here is my Wordle.net for February 2010 created on February 28, 2010:

I was glad to “kids” and “Bible” featured this month as the combination of those two is one of my passions. Many of the entries are influenced by the last post of the month which was a review of Phil Vischer’s new venture called What’s In the Bible. As much as I respect Phil, I attribute the timing of the post to the fact that Phil is as large as God in this Wordle. It was interesting to find out that capitalization counts in Worlde. I wonder how big “ministry” would have been if I had used consistent capitalization. So, there you have it, the February 2010 edition of the Wordle challenge. Let me know what you think!

If you have a blog, I challenge you to run Wordle.net on it and see where your focus is! I was excited this past month to find at least one site, Effective Children’s Ministry, that took the Wordle challenge. Here is there second monthly Wordle for the month of February. If you do take the challenge, post it on your site, and leave a comment here so we can all come see your Wordle!

Previous Wordle Challenges:

Wordle Challenge – December 2009 [01/07/2010]
Wordle Challenge – January 2010 [02/08/2010]

This Month in the Middle (January 2010)

Wayne — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 02:08:37 +0000

Each month this entry provides a categorized listing of the posts from the prior month. It was an exciting month here at Dad in the Middle as we finally got a permanent address for this blog. From now on, you can find us at http://waynestocks.com . So, without further introduction, here is the “This Month in the Middle” for January 2010! Make sure you check out our Index Page as well for listing of all posts to Dad in the Middle.

Tips For Large Group Teaching

What On Earth Should I Do With All These Kids? (Tips for Large Group Situations) [01/11/2010]
#1 – Prepare! Prepare! Prepare (Tips for Large Group Teaching) [01/12/2010]
#2 – Pray, Pray and then, Pray! (Tips for Large Group Teaching) [01/13/2010]
#3 – Don’t Think More Highly of Yourself Than You Ought (Tips for Large Group Teaching) [01/14/2010]
#4 – Stay the Course (Tips for Large Group Teaching) [01/15/2010]
#5 – Be Willing to Adapt (Tips for Large Group Teaching) [01/19/2010]
#6 – Where Everybody Knows Your Name (Tips for Large Group Teaching) [01/20/2010]
#7 – If You Can’t Remember Names, Be Creative! (Tips for Large Group Teaching) [01/21/2010]
#8 – Keep It Fresh (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [01/22/2010]
#9 – You Are Not Alone (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [01/26/2010]
#10 – The Dreaded Discipline System (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [01/27/2010]
#11 – Build On What They Already Like (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [01/28/2010]
#12 – Get Fired Up! (Tips For Large Group Teaching) [01/29/2010]

Children’s Ministry / Kid’s Stuff

On the importance of being prepared in Children’s Ministry (Children’s Ministry Moment #8) [01/04/2010]
I love Jesus enough to punch you in the mouth (Children’s Ministry Moment #9) [01/06/2010]
Jo-Jo-Jo-Jonah [01/16/2010]

Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol

The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol (December 2009) [01/05/2010]

Wordle Challenge

Wordle Challenge – December 2009 [01/07/2010]

Theology

Where is God in the Pain? [01/18/2010]

Just for Fun

Back Talk Rap Up [01/09/2010]
What If Church Were Sponsored? [01/23/2010]

Music

Would You Take the Place of This Man? [01/02/2010]

Misc.

New Year’s Resolutions [01/01/2010]
This Month in the Middle (December 2009) [01/03/2010]
My 2010 Reading List [01/25/2010]
Dad in the Middle Finally Has a Permanent Home [01/27/2010]
Leaving God the Leftovers! [01/30/2010]

Return to the “This Month in the Middle” index page.

Wordle Challenge – January 2010

Wayne — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:00:02 +0000

Last month I started the Wordle challenge. Wordle.net is a site that allows you to create word pictures of your blog / site based on the frequency with which you use certain words. Each month I run Dad in the Middle through Wordle to get a visual image of what the blog has been focused on recently. Previous Wordle graphics can be found at the bottom of this post.

Here is my Wordle.net for January 2010 created on January 31, 2010:

“Know” and “Kids” were prominent in the past month. This is likely because of the new series I started on Tips for Large Group Teaching. That also explains why “large” and “groups” were also prominently featured. It always worries me a little bit when “God” is not prominently featured in my blog. I could blame it on the series on teaching, but given that the first post in February in this series was #13 – It’s All About Jesus (Tips For Large Group Teaching), we’ll have to work on that!

Previous Wordle Challenges:

Wordle Challenge – December 2009 [01/07/2010]

Dad in the Middle Finally Has a Permanent Home

Wayne — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 01:38:59 +0000

After much debating and consternation, I finally decided to move Dad in the Middle to its own domain. When I changed the name of the blog several months ago, I purchased the domain name to go along with it, but in the end, I decided to move everything to WayneStocks.com instead. If I’ve done it right, all links should still work, but you might want to update your rss feeds and links going forward to make sure there is no interruption. Also, let me know what you think of the new layout. I’m not set on it yet, but I had throw something together! No housewarming gifts needed!

Wordle Challenge – December 2009

Wayne — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:00:38 +0000

In the past, I have talked about Wordle.net. Wordle.net is a sight that allows you to create word pictures of your blog / sight based on the frequency with which you use certain words. I like to look at the Wordle.net for Dad in the Middle every so often to see if my focus is where it should be. My plan is to start running it monthly and posting the results here! Here is my Wordle.net for December 2009 created January 5, 2010:

It wasn’t surprising to see Christmas, Carol and Advent all as prominant words as we ran the Christmas Carol Advent from December 1 through December 25. The date was in the title each day, so it also isn’t surprising to see December featured in the Wordle. Not surprisingly, Children’s and Ministry were also both featured words. Likewise, Kids was prominent in December. I would have likes to have seen God and Jesus and Christ a little more prominent in my blog, but I was happy to see that they are still featured.

If you have a blog, I challenge you to run Wordle.net on it and see where your focus is! If you do take the challenge, please leave a comment here so we can all come see your Wordle!

This Month in the Middle (December 2009)

Wayne — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 13:00:27 +0000

Each month this entry provides a categorized listing of the posts from the prior month. So, here the final “This Month in the Middle” for 2009 summarizing entries during December! Make sure you check out our Index Page as well.

A Christmas Carol Advent

December 1 – Christmas With A Capital “C” (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/01/2009]
December 2 – O Little Town of Bethlehem (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/02/2009]
December 3- Away In A Manger (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/03/2009]
December 4 – This Baby (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/04/2009]
December 5 – Do You Hear What I Hear? (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/05/2009]
December 6 – God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/06/2009]
December 7 – Manger Throne (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/07/2009]
December 8 – We Three Kings (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/08/2009]
December 9 – While Shepherds Watched (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/09/2009]
December 10 – O Come All Ye Faithful (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/10/2009]
December 11 – Joy To The World (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/11/2009]
December 12 – Angels We Have Heard On High (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/12/2009]
December 13 – God is With Us (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/13/2009]
December 14 – O Come O Come Emmanuel (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/14/2009]
December 15 – Christmas Hymn (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/15/2009]
December 16 – Go Tell It On the Mountain (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/16/2009]
December 17 – Babe in The Straw (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/17/2009]
December 18 – Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/18/2009]
December 19 – Mary’s Song (Breath of Heaven) (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/19/2009]
December 20 – The First Noel (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/20/2009]
December 21 – Mary’s Boy Child (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/21/2009]
December 22 – Come And Worship (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/22/2009]
December 23 – O Holy Night (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/23/2009]
December 24 – Silent Night (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/24/2009]
December 25 – It’s About the Cross (A Christmas Carol Advent) [12/25/2009]

Children’s Ministry / Kid’s Stuff

Phillipians 4:6-7 (Seeds Family Worship) [12/26/2009]
Santa Claus and Children’s Ministry (Children’s Ministry Think Tank) [12/29/2009]

Children’s Ministry Moments

Everybody Needs Jesus (Children’s Ministry Moment #7) [12/28/2009]

This Month in the Middle

This Month in the Middle (October 2009) [12/27/2009]
This Month in the Middle (November 2009) [12/31/2009]

Misc.

Dad in the Middle – The Year in Review [12/30/2009]

Return to the “This Month in the Middle” index page.

This Month in the Middle (November 2009)

Wayne — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:00:22 +0000

Each month this entry provides a categorized listing of the posts from the prior month. So, here is the (slightly delayed) “This Month in the Middle”for November 2009! Make sure you check out our Index Page as well.

Come Ye’ Children Synopsis

Instructions for Teachers and Parents (Synopsis of Come Ye’ Children – Chapter 11) [11/06/2009]
Model Lesson for Teachers (Synopsis of Come Ye’ Children – Chapter 12) [11/20/2009]
“Come, Ye Children” – Three Admonitions (Synopsis of Come Ye’ Children – Chapter 13) [11/27/2009]

Children’s Ministry / Kid’s Stuff

The Age of Accountability (Children’s Ministry Think Tank) [11/06/2009]
Top Ten Children’s Ministry Blogs [11/10/2009]
Top Ten Non Children’s Ministry Blogs That Those in Children’s Ministry Should Follow [11/11/2009]
Next Ten Children’s Ministry Blogs (#11-20) [11/12/2009]
Children’s Ministry Blogs – Up and Comers and Consistent Contributors [11/13/2009]
What Do You Want to Be Known For? (Another Jacob Moment) [11/17/2009]
Our God Is An Awesome God [11/28/2009]

Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol

The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol (October 2009) [11/03/2009]
The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol (November 2009) [11/30/2009]

Children’s Ministry Moments

What are Your Thanksgiving Traditions? (Children’s Ministry Moment #6) [11/24/2009]

Why I Believe the Bible

Why I Believe the Bible #09B (The Process of Canonization – The New Testament) [11/04/2009]
Why I Believe the Bible #10 (Eyewitness Evidence) [11/18/2009]
Why I Believe the Bible #11 (The Honesty of the Bible About Its Authors and Heroes) [11/25/2009]

Monday Morning Prophecy

Monday Morning Prophecy #24 – The Messiah Would Calm the Seas [11/02/2009]
Monday Morning Prophecy #25 – The Messiah Would Heal The Blind [11/09/2009]
Monday Morning Prophecy #26 – The Messiah Would Heal the Deaf [11/16/2009]
Monday Morning Prophecy #27 – The Messiah Would Heal the Mute [11/23/2009]

A Christmas Carol Advent

A Christmas Carol Advent [11/26/2009]

Just for Fun

Rockin’ Kids Music [11/07/2009]
Baptism by the Water Cooler [11/14/2009]

Misc.

How Good is Good Enough? [11/21/2009]

Return to the “This Month in the Middle” index page.

Dad in the Middle – The Year in Review

Wayne — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:00:49 +0000

In a couple of days, I intend to post on some New Year’s Resolutions and look forward to the coming year, but today I thought it made sense to look back at the past. Specifically, I thought it might be interesting to look back at the past year of this blog. As any of you who read these posts have probably surmised, I am a list person, and will get to some lists of best and most popular in a little bit. Before we do that though, I want to take just a bit to reflect.

It has been an exciting year for me here at Dad in the Middle. I started this blog back in the Summer of 2008 with a series on the Biblical Definition of Love. Not many people read it back then – which was OK. I mainly started the blog because I like to write out what I am studying, and I decided a blog might be an interesting way to do that and if a dozen people or so read it or got anything out those posts, that would have been fine! I continued along that way for a while and even wrote about a few other things. I took a couple of month break from writing anything at the beginning of the year, and the first post was not until February 21 when I posted I’m sorry…an open letter to my family and friends a combination of confession and testimony. After another month of two or three posts, something happened towards the end of March. I started to feel more and more called to try to use this blog more for the glory of God and less as my personal note taking site.

On March 29, I summarized an interesting Nightline Debate on the topic of “Is Satan Real?” After that, the posts became more and more frequent. On April 7 I started The Blog Patrol which has morphed several times during the year and become a popular feature on the sight. It is now a monthly feature called The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol. Over the course of the year, my focus has also shifted from general issues related to Christianity to a greater focus on issues related to Children’s Ministry.

Another significant moment came following a post I did called 8 Reasons to Get Involved in Children’s Ministry from Psalm 78 in June. Following that post, David Wakerly was nice enough to link to it from his site Kid Inspiration. He was also kind enough to take a good natured dig at the unimaginative name of the blog (which at that time was Wayne’s Random Thoughts) which in his words “is what you call your blog before you realise there are approx. 18.7 million with the same title.” In his defense, there was a smiley face after that text! In all seriousness though, I had thought about changing the name previously and David’s post was enough to prompt me to come up with something we gave rise to renaming the blog Dad in the Middle.

There have been times throughout the year when I have considered taking a break from the blog or stopping altogether. Invariably, I get a comment or a kind word from someone who has found the blog useful. I have been, and continue to be, amazed how God has worked through this simple blog to affect lives. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised though – he is a big God! I am looking forward to the coming year and what it will bring, but the following are some of my favorites from the past year:

TEN MOST VISITED POSTS/PAGES THIS YEAR

These are, very simply, the ten posts and/or pages which received the most traffic during the past year. The only one that really surprised me was that my About Me page made the cut, but I guess people want to see if what they’re reading was written by some nut job. I hope they weren’t too disappointed when they found out that is was!

I should point out that this list was compiled about two weeks ago. Since that time, The Real Christmas Story propelled itself up to #7 on the list from #12 and almost took over the #6 spot. Rather than redo the list, I thought I would mention it here!

MY TEN FAVORITE POSTS IN THE PAST YEAR

Some of my favorite posts to write did make it into the most popular list like 30 Ways to Get Connected with Your Kids, but many did not. The following are some of the stories I enjoyed the most and/or most enjoyed writing about.

TOP TEN UNDER-VIEWED POSTS

Then, there were a number of posts that just never took off, but I thought were worth reading (in my humble opinion). Feel free to check them out now.

TEN FAVORITE SATURDAY MORNING VIDEO POSTS

It didn’t happen by design, but Saturday morning has become a day where I generally post a video that I’ve come across that interested me. Here are some of my favorites.

TEN FAVORITE JUST-FOR-FUN POSTS

Sometime on Saturday mornings, and sometimes on other days throughout the week, I’ve posted videos or other items that are just for fun. I believe God gave us laughter for a reason. Here are some of my favorites!

TOP TEN (PLUS ONE) “LIST POSTS”

Finally, if you didn’t catch on before this recap, you should have by now – I’m a list person. I keep lists of lists. Technically, this is a list of lists, and since there were so many of them, I actually made this a Top Ten plus 1! These are some of my favorite list posts from the prior year.

This Month in the Middle (October 2009)

Wayne — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 13:00:21 +0000

Each month this entry provides a categorized listing of the posts from the prior month. So, here is the (slightly delayed) “This Month in the Middle”for October 2009! Make sure you check out our Index Page as well.

Top Ten Christian Books for Kids Series

Top Ten Christian Children’s Books [10/08/2009]
#10 – Arch Series Books (Top Ten Christian Books for Kids) [10/09/2009]
#9 – Big Truths for Young Hearts (Top Ten Christian Books for Kids) [10/12/2009]
#8 – My First Study Bible (Top Ten Christian Books for Kids) [10/13/2009]
#7 – His Little Princess (Top Ten Christian Books for Kids) [10/15/2009]
#6 – Big Thoughts For Little Thinkers (Top Ten Christian Books for Kids) [10/16/2009]
#5 – The Memory Bible (Top Ten Christian Books for Kids) [10/19/2009]
#4 – The Adventurers Bible for Early Readers (Top Ten Christian Books for Kids) [10/20/2009]
#3 – Growing With Jesus (Top Ten Christian Books for Kids) [10/21/2009]
#2 – The Jesus Storybook Bible (Top Ten Christian Books for Kids) [10/22/2009]
#1 – ESV Children’s Bible (Top Ten Christian Books for Kids) [10/23/2009]
Honorable Mention (Top Ten Christian Books for Kids) [10/29/2009]

Come Ye’ Children Synopsis

What Mean Ye’ By This Service? (Synopsis of Come Ye’ Children – Chapter 9) [10/02/2009]
Samuel and His Teachers (Synopsis of Come Ye’ Children – Chapter 10) [10/30/2009]

Children’s Ministry / Kid’s Stuff

Teaching Kids How To Pray (Children’s Ministry Think Tank) [10/05/2009]
Give up Yer Aul Sins [10/10/2009]
When God talks Creation Rocks [10/24/2009]

Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol

The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol (September 2009) [10/06/2009]

Children’s Ministry Moments

Where Did You Say He Was From (Children’s Ministry Moment #4) [10/14/2009]
How Many People Were On That Boat? (Children’s Ministry Moment #5) [10/27/2009]

Why I Believe the Bible

Why I Believe the Bible #08 (Bibliographic Evidence For The New Testament) [10/07/2009]
Why I Believe the Bible #09A (The Process of Canonization – The Old Testament) [10/28/2009]

Monday Morning Prophecy

Monday Morning Prophecy #23 – The Messiah Would Come From the Lineage of Zerubbabel [10/26/2009]

Just for Fun

The iBible [10/03/2009]
Praying With Kids [10/31/2009]

Music

White Man [10/17/2009]

This Month In The Middle

This Month In The Middle (August 2009) [10/18/2009]
This Month in the Middle (September 2009) [10/25/2009]

Misc.

Finally…an index! [10/27/2009]
Devotional Christian…The Remix! [10/27/2009]

Return to the “This Month in the Middle” index page.

Finally…an index!

Wayne — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:00:09 +0000

Well, it finally happened! Yesterday, I published my 200th article on this blog which means it is now officially impossible to find anything. I maintain (as time permits) index pages for each of the series on this blog, but there was no easy way to find a specific article or to browse articles on a given topic. So, I am pleased today to announce that I have added an INDEX to Dad in the Middle. A button appears at the top of every page allowing you to access the index. Please let me know what you think!

This Month in the Middle (September 2009)

Wayne — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:00:20 +0000

I officially renamed this series “This Month in the Middle” last month and added the new graphics. Each month this entry provides a categorized listing of the posts from the prior month. So, here is the Monthly Round Up of the posts to Dad in the Middle for September 2009. Look for the new index page to Dad in the Middle coming soon!

What Kids Must Know About Sin Series

5 Things Kids Must Know About Sin (Children’s Ministry Think Tank) [09/18/2009]
5 Things Kids Must Know About Sin (#1 What Is Sin?) [09/21/2009]
5 Things Kids Must Know About Sin (#2 Where Does Sin Come From?) [09/22/2009]
5 Things Kids Must Know About Sin (#3 Who sins?) [09/23/2009]
5 Things Kids Must Know About Sin (#4 What Are the Consquences of Sin?) [09/24/2009]
5 Things Kids Must Know About Sin (#5 What Is The Solution For Sin?) [09/25/2009]

Come Ye’ Children Synopsis

Feed MY Lambs (Synopsis of Come Ye’ Children – Chapter 7) [09/04/2009]
The Child Timothy and His Teachers (Synopsis of Come Ye’ Children – Chapter [09/11/2009]

Children’s Ministry / Kid’s Stuff

You’re Losing Us! [09/03/2009]
You’ve Got To Love An Honest Kid (Children’s Ministry Moment #3) [09/06/2009]
I’m Busy! Do I Have Time To Care for God’s Children? [09/08/2009]
Talking to Kids About Death [09/15/2009]
Evidence [09/19/2009]
Best of the Best – Children’s Ministry Internet Resources [09/29/2009]

Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol

The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol (August 2009) [09/01/2009]

Why I Believe the Bible

Why I Believe the Bible #04 (The Bible is Internally Consistent) [09/02/2009]
Why I Believe the Bible #05 (The Bible is Unique Amongst Books) [09/09/2009]
Why I Believe the Bible #06 (The Supernatural Survival of the Text) [09/16/2009]
Why I Believe the Bible #07 (Reliability of Transmission of Old Testament) [09/30/2009]

Monday Morning Prophecy

Monday Morning Prophecy #20 – The Messiah Would Come From the Lineage of Judah [09/07/2009]
Monday Morning Prophecy #21 – The Messiah Would Come From the Lineage of Jesse [09/14/2009]
Monday Morning Prophecy #22 – The Messiah Would Come From the Lineage of David [09/28/2009]

Just for Fun

Listen to Your Wife [09/05/2009]
How Great Thou Art (Carrie Underwood) [09/12/2009]

Misc.

Psalm 23 [09/26/2009]

This Month In The Middle (August 2009)

Wayne — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:00:18 +0000

Inspired by the classic television staple of my youth – This Week In Baseball, I have officially renamed this series “This Month in the Middle.” I also I decided I needed a graphic – please note the utter lack of creativity! Each month this entry provides a categorized listing of the posts from the prior month (in this case a couple of months ago with the September version coming soon!). So, here is the Monthly Round Up of the posts to Dad in the Middle for August 2009. I’m just slightly behind on this one, but my plan is to start a new index page when I get to my 200th post sometime here in the next month or so:

Come Ye’ Children Synopsis

The Disciples and the Mothers (Synopsis of Come Ye’ Children – Chapter 3) [08/07/2009]
The Children’s Shepherd (Synopsis of Come Ye’ Children – Chapter 4) [08/14/2009]
Of Such Is The Kingdom of Heaven (Synopsis of Come Ye’ Children – Chapter 5) [08/21/2009]
As A Little Child (Synopsis of Come Ye’ Children – Chapter 6) [08/28/2009]

Children’s Ministry / Kid’s Stuff

ABC’s of Children’s Ministry [08/05/2009]
15 Things I Learned from Vacation Bible School [08/11/2009]
The Power of a Story [08/13/2009]
I’m watching you Dad [08/29/2009]
Jesus Loves Me – Behind the Music [08/18/2009]
Psalm 55:22 (Seeds Family Worship) [08/22/2009]
Dear God…You Rock! Amen! [08/25/2009]

Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol

The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol (July 2009) [08/04/2009]

Why I Believe the Bible

Why I Believe the Bible #01 (The Bible’s Claims About Itself) [08/12/2009]
Why I Believe the Bible #02 (The Bible Calls Us to Test It) [08/19/2009]
Why I Believe the Bible #03 (The Bible Is A Book of History) [08/26/2009]

Monday Morning Prophecy

Monday Morning Prophecy #15 – The Messiah Would Be Wise From Childhood [08/03/2009]
Monday Morning Prophecy #16 – Born from the Seed of a Woman [08/10/2009]
Monday Morning Prophecy #17 – The Messiah Would Come From the Lineage of Abraham [08/17/2009]
Monday Morning Prophecy #18 – The Messiah Would Come From the Lineage of Isaac [08/24/2009]
Monday Morning Prophecy #19 – The Messiah Would Come From the Lineage of Jacob [08/31/2009]

Just for Fun

I’m a Christ Follower (Mac vs. PC Parody) [08/01/2009]
The DaSeussi Code [08/08/2009]
The Importance of Scripture Memorization Under Pressure! [08/15/2009]

Misc.

Dad in the Middle…Monthly Round Up (July 2009) [08/06/2009]
Happy Birthday to Me! [08/27/2009]