2011 has been an amazing year for all of us on Legacy Dad, unfortunately, it hasn't given us much time to write and share these stories with you (except for Dante, thanks brother). I started my mentoring process with my son this year to prepare him for manhood which includes managing his own finances and money, reading books that instill positive character traits and fostering a greater focus on serving others. He also faced many other tests and both my kids and I climbed to one of Mt. Rainer's glaciers this summer. 
My children also grew spiritual in ways that can only be attributed to the Holy Spirit working in their lives. Both children took their first communion, started attending youth group, mentoring and ministering to peers and on a continuous basis have shown a proclivity to truly having a heart to serve others and those in need - I must add this is all on their own accord without the prompting or prodding from their mother or I.
This year also marked another milestone for Legacy Dad as we started moving more from the digital world to the real world. My wife and I taught and led our first Grace Based parenting classes and were able to touch the lives of many parents in need. Dante, Gary and Myself also met up in California to plan, pray and build stronger bonds as men. We also threw around the idea of starting to go out and speak at conferences to reach a wider range of men and parents. You may see more on this in 2012.
On the personal front, my wife (after taking years off to raise the children and me) graduated Magna Cum-Laude with her Bachelors and is now applying for Graduate School. The programs are very competitive but we are hoping and praying that a certain private Jesuit college will be calling this spring. In my life, I accomplished a goal that highlights the pinnacle of my career. Less than 1% of my profession ever makes it to this level. This not only opens new doors and opportunities for myself and my family but creates job security for the rest of my life. I prayed for God's guidance for almost 2 years before finally making it to this point so I have to trust this is the direction he wants me to go.
How was 2011 for you? Was it a banner year as well? Maybe it was your hardest year?
This year, we've watched many friends struggle through financial, relational, and personal hardships. We've had less but given more than we've ever imagined possible. If this was your 2011, take heart and don't be discouraged. I challenge you to get back to basics: praying and reading the bible daily, attending a small group study, giving of your time and energy. I'm a firm testament that if your spiritual foundation is solid, the rest will fall into place.
With that, I finally watched the movie Courageous for the first time a few days ago and although I am suspect that the writers of the movie read a lot of material on Legacy Dad and then used it for their movie, they were able to take the very principles and challenges we've been talking about on Legacy Dad for the past 6 years and apply them to a wider audience. Okay, really these are God's principles that every man should be living and upholding every day but I know that some of us tend to fall short of these expectations. I'm inviting and challenging any and all readers of Legacy Dad to come with me in 2012 and sign and follow the principles of the Resolution. 
I'm reading the book "The Resolution for Men" and picking up a copy of the resolution here. For a measly $20, you can make 2012 your banner year and we can also take back our roles as spiritual leaders, passionate husbands, and mentoring fathers. I'm not looking for an alter call here or for people to comment and say they are with me, God knows our true hearts, but I challenge you to come with me and make 2012 the year when the 1% were heard. Not the 1% of wealthy people in the US, but the 1% of fathers who truly care and are ready to be accountable to their friends and families. I swear to you, it's probably the second greatest decision you can make in your life. I hope you'll join me.
THE RESOLUTION
I do solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children.
I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home.
I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me.
I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength.
I WILL train them to honor authority and live responsibly.
I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy.
I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion.
I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family.
I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged.
I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.
I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will.
I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. ---Joshua 24:15