Joyful Laughter

There are usually moments of joyful laughter our monthly chapel events. Listen in as Dr. Dobson dishes out some humor – and is the subject of some pointed barbs that caused the audience to roar with laughter.

Oops, Maybe We Were Wrong

Many of us grew up hearing certain ideas espoused as truth. I’m not talking about anything big, theologically. I’m referring to those old wives tales that seem true enough, but then you learn “it ain’t so.” Nonetheless, as we become parents, we pass those things along to our own children.

You know the kind of thing to which I am referring. Take, for instance, the notion that reading in dim light ruins your eyesight. Not true.

According to a story in Rueters,

The majority of eye experts believe it is unlikely to do any permanent damage, but it may make you squint, blink more and have trouble focusing, the researchers said.

Oops, maybe Mom and Dad were wrong. Maybe WE have been wrong.

Find out more “medical myths” by reading the full report here.

Sexual Intimacy and Nagging

Go here to listen to Jeff and Shaunti Feldhan share fascinating insights about why nagging doesn’t work as a motivational technique.

Today’s broadcast covers intimacy…and I’m sure this is fairly eye-opening stuff for a lot of folks. Full audio can be accessed here.

Christmas With Family

The blog has had a few days of neglect. Family first, even before blogging! We’ve had plenty of preparation for Christmas festivities. And now, as the big day comes to a close, I’ve got to say it has been a fine and joyous celebration.

Church last night, including the candlelit observance, was marvelous. The excitement of this morning, from discovering treats and small gifts in the stockings (hung with care, of course), to the “birthday cake for Jesus,” and then some nice time together opening presents, followed by a magnificent deep-fried turkey dinner…it was all good. Then the weather cooperated, and we had some time outside. Now, after too much dessert, we’re about to have one last bit of pie or perhaps some ice cream. It is Christmas, after all!

This was a day of relatively relaxed time together as a family, and we enjoyed the space and time away from deadlines and the usual line-up of activities. Ahhhh, the way the day should be spent.

I’m mindful that many cannot be with family today, and that there are some who have no family with whom to get together. I’m also aware of the many around the world suffering injustice, unable to see much worldly joy in the day. There are families with great tension, unresolved conflict, and challenges that seem insurmountable.

Thank you, Lord, for the way You’ve blessed me, and for grace…for I deserve none of the good gifts You’ve bestowed upon me. Let me savor the moment, and let me reflect more intently upon Your Son, who left the beauty and privilege of heaven – His throne and position with You – and came to this dusty world. He willingly came that we might be reconciled to You, that through His blood sacrifice He might purchase our redemption. Thank You for the gift of Your Son. May I celebrate that Truth every day.

Dad: What To Do When Kids Rebel

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I really appreciated the candor and insight of our guests for an important series about rebellious children.

Every dad should hear of this father’s experience, and the lessons he and his daughter learned.

Coffee…Research Confirms It Again

Interesting article in The Telegraph (U.K.) about coffee. It can cut the risk of skin cancer by more than a third, according to recent research.

   
 

Researchers found that people who drank more than six cups of caffeinated coffee a day reduced their chances of developing the most common form of skin cancer by 35 per cent while those who drank two or three cups were 12 per cent less likely to have the disease.

Scientists believe caffeine could stop the spread of skin cancer – for any number of plausible reasons.

I’ve taken some grief at home for my consumption of the black stuff. Now that this study is out, I think I’ll have fewer complaints. Doesn’t hurt, either, that my wife is drinking coffee pretty regularly, and two of the older kids like it (we only let them have half a cup a week or so).

Read the complete article right here

Looking For Guidance

There was a strange story over the weekend of a father who dared to discipline his teenage son for using drugs. Dad decided the offense was sufficiently serious to sell off the boy’s video game, “Guitar Hero III,” which is a hot Christmas gift idea and flying off the store shelves.

When he saw the reason for the sale of the item, one E-Bay shopper decided the cause was a worthy one, and bought the game for over $9,000.

Now, what will Dad do with that money…maybe invest in some time away with his son, talking about the dangers of drug use? I hope so.

And will that son be looking at his father’s actions, seeking some guidance? I suspect he is watching with care.

Full story here.

For All The Wounded People

I needed a tissue as I listened in once again today to Troy and Kim Meeder on our program. Goodness, what a couple!

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This radio broadcast is for everyone who has struggled with horrific pain and heartache. The guests are genuine and riveting, and their stories are unforgettable.

Link Between Divorce and Global Warming?

Who thinks up this kind of research? One recent finding suggests that divorce just isn’t easy on anyone, Mother Earth included.

Divorced couples use up more space in their respective homes, which amounts to to 38 million more rooms worldwide to light, heat and cool, noted the report. And people who divorced used 73 billion kilowatt-hours more of electricity and 627 billion gallons of water than they would otherwise in 2005.

Yet another reason to stay together: its environmentally-friendly. Well, if this kind of research helps marriage, I’m all for it.
Entire article here.

Gift Idea For The Sports Fan

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A special offer – only from Focus on the Family – related to the broadcast series with Coach Tony Dungy: his book bundled with a CD of this three-day conversation.

In the book, Coach Dungy demonstrates the value of making memories as well as money, seeing family as more important than fame and building up a storehouse of eternal wealth that will never fade away. This special offer will give a glimpse into the life of a true champion both on and off the field.

A great gift idea!

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