I normally do not write about the weightlifting side of my life on Puro Valluco, but this post isn't exactly about weightlifting.

I (Marco) am very excited about this January as I look to launch a small business where we specialize in olympic weightlifting along with other power sports. The name of our company is called Bear Stout Strength Training.  

I started thinking through the process and purpose of this company well over a year ago and as I have been coaching athletes, my passion to help others better themselves as athletes or someone looking to become healthy has grown.

The real reason for this post is to encourage you about the reality of time: it's never convenient. If you're passionate about something and desire others to experience that same passion, the question is going to be whether you launch or not. 

I'm not saying that you shouldn't have a plan, finances in order, and a purpose. I am, however, encouraging movement. I have sat with many who wish to get involved in the world of business and have valuable ideas, passion, and desire, but never doing anything. 

Maybe they're afraid of failing? Or are intimidated by other businesses with similar values? I have struggled with similar fears and what continues to drive me toward my goal is passion. People will follow passion.

In the end, let me encourage you to develop the idea you have in the back of your mind and run with it. I promise, upon launching, you will have forgotten something or will eventually find a more thought-out and efficient process that you wish you knew six months ago. But that's the whole point of trying something!

Be wise with your finances, but be prepared for a few fails. Lead those around you well and they will show you compassion. Build relationships and you will be encouraged. Be faithful and patient, stay on the grind, and have fun. 

Enjoy your future endeavor, amigos. 

I love to squat heavy and press hundreds of pounds over my head. I think it's some great fun. However, I love a great cold brewed coffee with a fantastic book that has absolutely nothing to do with fitness, but theology or Mexican-American literature and writing about culture. On the same note, I love to connect with people, especially leaders in the local church who are on mission in their city. 

I'm like you, on the go. Most days I'm up by 6 in the morning, while others at 3:30 in the morning. If I'm not reading and cooking breakfast for my son and I before he goes to school, I'm getting my bag ready with food and my gear so I can go and coach classes while my family stays warm and toasty. 

My work is different and I love it because it is the charge God has entrusted me with this season. When I'm meeting with community group leaders, I'm hearing about their struggles, success, and sin; walking alongside of them in their seasons, not supervising at a distance. When I'm at the box, I'm coaching athletes who desire to be healthy in a region that has the highest rate of obesity in the country.

In the end, whether I'm praying for the men who lead their families and groups into a mission field or helping someone adjust their foot-work so they can squat properly, my charge is their care.  What's your charge? 

This is the final post in our Fatherhood Series. 

God is Author and Creator which means that He has specifically given us particular gifts.

In my experience, both as a son and as a new father, I have come to find that many parents wish their children were more like them or identified with rubrics- giving them a list of things to do and be or a set of standards that are simply handled and done. For many, I think they would feel like that would make parenting easier.

Creativity as an Image 

In the past month, my son has wanted to be a comic book illustrator, an engineer, an architect, a writer, a drummer, and a sniper. I can be extremely realistic on some of these desires by plainly saying, "Yeah, no." But then I'd be bursting his dream bubble.

We must realize and embrace the creativity our kids have towards certain aspirations. While my son may be one, some, or none of his mentioned dreams the fact is that he is creative and that's who God has made him to be. I want to celebrate that.

If we are image bearers of God, then my son's aspirations and daily activities of Lego construction and Nerf Sniper training are small reflections of God characteristics. God is the ultimate creative and He has created Seth in His likeness.

Our kids will be everything; from thinkers to builders; artists to athletes. The big questions are:  (1) Are you embracing the person God has created them to be? And (2) are you walking along side of them in support and wisdom? 

However you would like to define the term "discipleship," one thing is true: it's investment. 

While I am still new to the Fatherhood club, there is something I'd like to share and it may be completely obvious or it may turn on the light bulb. We are all quite skilled at unintentional discipleship. 

The Table and Hallway

Uncle Ben in the movie Spider-Man said it best, "with great power comes great responsibility."

If you haven't realized in all of your understanding, then get understanding: super heroes and villains don't exist on T.V. anymore, they sit at the head of the table; secret lairs and hide-outs with extravagant entrances are a thing of the past because the room is down the hall.

Men, whether you sit down with your kids to teach them how to fold laundry or do not bother to apologize when daddy screws up after yelling at mommy, I promise you're still investing and discipling them. 

Making War

Jesus tells the disciples that "the one who is faithful with a little will also be faithful in much." Anyway you slice it, we are all going to be faithful at something and as we invest in our children, our job is to determine what the little is.

I understand that parenting can be frustrating and saying "because as I said so" is easier, but we're dads so let's suck it up. If we can't take the bull by its horns right now, our kids won't be able to either when we're gone.

Let us make war with the tension in our minds before time runs out.

In the Rio Grande Valley, 40% of kids will be born into father-less homes. Other statistics suggest that a larger number of kids will be brought up in a home dominant in machismo culture. 

Amigos, we are in a shortage of men. Men who not only lead out of humility, but biblical conviction.

We need men who are actively answering the call of fatherhood who, despite the circumstance or odds, face the pleasant adversity of raising their kids.

We need men who will lead by serving and demonstrating sacrifice because I promise you, someone is always watching.

The Reality of the Call

My alarm went off at 5:30 in the morning. I got out of bed and walked to my office to sit and read when it hit me: my wife and son are in bed, warm and cozy and it is my responsibility to protect them.

When I became a husband and father, I didn't have time to sit and evaluate the reality of the decision and covenant I had made. It was done. My job had become to actively lead, love, and protect.

Adoption

My biggest encouragement came from Jesus.

There is nothing I could do to become His and nothing I can do to un-become His. Jesus chose me, died for me, and adopted me because of His merit, not mine.

I have chosen Seth, my son, despite any good or bad, fail or success. I have chosen Him and adopted him into my line and there is nothing he can ever do to undo that; all because I love him.

Fear is real. And it sucks. But I implore you and I challenge you to face the fear of being a father. It's not easy, I understand. But our call, as men, on what must be done is much greater than how we feel.