Build a Killer Pinewood Derby Car

Brett and Kaye McCay at The Art of Manliness have an excellent article about building a great Pinewood derby car.

Their suggestions:

1. Remember, he’s supposed to do most of the work.


2. Check the rules. Different packs have different rules.


3. Trace the template on the block of wood.


4. Cut the block.


5. Prepare the axle slots.


6. Drill holes for the weight.


7. Sand.


8. Paint and finish.


9. Check the wheels.


10. Polish the axles.


11. Mount the wheels.


12. Lubricate the axles.


13. Add the weight and seal the holes.

Building Pinewood derby cars isn't just for boys. The parachurch Awana group, which reaches out to kids, also hosts a similar contest and uses the same cars. You can find the site for their Awana Grand Prix here.

Different Types of Manliness

Over at the blog "The Art of Manliness", Brett and Kate McCay write about the 6 different types of manliness. They break down the pros and cons of each type and list some examples of each type.

• The Warrior


• The Lone Wolf


• The Adventurer


• The Gentleman


• The Statesman


• The Family Man

They say it's not possible to combine all of the types in equal parts into one person, but I'm not sure that's right. Some of the traits are diametrically opposed to others -- such as the ferocity of the warrior and the diplomacy of the statesman. But that doesn't mean that they both can't exist in the same person. There is a time to talk and a time to act, for example.

I think Jesus did the best job of embodying all of these values. He exhibited the traits of each type. Some examples:

• He could be fierce and angry, as in when he upset the money changers in the temple (Matthew 21:12-13)


• He was an individualist and would stand up against the authorities (Matthew 23). He called them hypocrites and a brood of vipers. Do you think that's going to win him friends with the authorities?


• He was an adventurer in that he intended to go out to new places. He sent his disciples to spread the word, not stay at home to preach (Matthew 10).


• He could show mercy and diplomacy (John 4:4-26).

So what does this have to do with being a dad? I think it's a great thing to model. My son needs to see that kind of model so he can grow up to be a strong man, who will stand up for what's right. My daughter needs to see that kind of model so that she can grow up to stand firm and to find a man who will cherish her like she deserves.

I am often times a poor imitation of it, but if I keep it up my kids may just turn out to be better at it than I am.