Startlingly Fast

The pace of industrial and technological development is so very quick these days. It is something I watch with interest. I especially enjoy observing the trends in electronics and consumer activities in relation to new gadgets and “tools.”

One thing I have not done: I have not factored in the aspects of human “fallenness” as it relates to all of the wonders of modern science and technology.  Dr. Richard Swenson does pay attention to the human condition, though, and he shared some thoughts in this conversation. His insights are fascinating, and worth a listen.

Chatting With Brandon Heath

In April I was in Nashville for Gospel Music Week, and had the privilege of talking with Brandon Heath, who has had some great response to his new single. It was a really enjoyable conversation with a fellow who displays some admirable depth of heart and soul. I’ll post more of his comments here in the coming days.

BTW, I only had one microphone, so won’t be able to show you a true Q&A format here. Just his responses to some questions I asked. Up first, some thoughts from Brandon about his songwriting and storytelling – I asked what he hoped to accomplish through his music?

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Find out more at Brandon’s website.

Can You Forgive?

rt-books.jpgWhat’s one of the hardest things in the world? Forgiving someone who hurt you. Here’s what some listeners told us about a series we presented with Dr. R.T. Kendall:

  • Having heard the broadcast, she called to ask how to forgive someone (in her case, an older brother) who doesn’t want to be forgiven.
  • …heard today’s broadcast about forgiveness and while she understands the principles being conveyed by Dr. Kendall, she thinks it’s very important to clarify the issue of child molestation. She thinks what was said could encourage child molesters to tell children that ‘God says you must forgive me and not tell anyone’. She wants FOF to emphasize more clearly the necessity for children to tell a responsible adult about abuse being perpetrated.

Clearly, we’re touching a nerve here. How about you? How hard is it for you to forgive?

Seven Steps to Forgiveness

1. Do not let anyone know what someone said about you, or did to you.
2. Do not allow anyone to be afraid of your or intimidated by you.
3. Allow them to forgive themselves and not feel guilty.
4. Let them save face.
5. Protect them from their darkest secret and greatest fear.
6. It is a lifelong commitment.
7. Pray for them to be blessed.

What forgiveness is not:

1. Approval of what they did.
2. Excusing what they did.
3. Justifying what they did.
4. Pardoning what they did.
5. Reconciliation.
6. Denying what they did.

Moving Hardships

About last week’s programs with Susan Miller, about the effects of a move on the family, particularly on the wife/mother, a sobering comment:

I enjoyed the broadcast today.  I moved three years ago.  The first year I made somewhat of an effort…attending a women’s Bible Study group at church.  But I almost want to quit attending church, because we just go, sit down for the service, then leave, without a word, without a friend.  My husband has never had a lot of friends, just work associates, so this has never been a problem for him. I feel so desperate, so lonely.  I guess maybe this morning’s broadcast was telling me to get out and make more of an effort.  I’m just not sure I can.

It’d be great if someone at her church would reach out and establish more of a relationship.

I wonder if you have some ideas which might help this woman find a way to beat the loneliness?

I Feel Better, How About You?

Sometimes, as a parent, I  just want to know that I’m not the only one who has a few struggles.

The Wall Street Journal had a post that should bring every parent – veteran or rookie – some comfort. I cannot endorse all of the responses, but thought there was some good stuff there. Ignore the story itself and read some of the comments.

And then, tell me YOUR parenting failures? Maybe you’ll encourage someone…maybe you’ll encourage me!

Baby Names

We have six children, and I rather like each of the names we picked out at or shortly after birth. Our youngest, however, told me today, “I don’t want to be Zane anymore. I want a new name!”

Maybe you are expecting a child, or know someone who is in pretty deep with “the name game.” Here is an interesting bit of data which may – or may not – be of help. The top three names for boys and girls in Texas:

1: Jose & Emily
2: Jacob & Mia
3: Joshua & Ashley

What about your state?

Terminal D, Friday Noon

Let me share some thoughts from an experience from last week, at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport:

They came along the upper deck of Terminal D. Three and four across, they strode the walkway toward an unknown destination. Men and women in combat fatigues. Carrying packs and gear bags, they were obviously back from a tour of duty in the Middle East.

I first became aware of the clapping several gates down from where we sat eating lunch. And as the wave of applause came nearer we joined in. Many in the terminal stood to honor the soldiers as they passed by.

One man raised his glass in a toast to those warriors who, having fought for the freedom that we enjoy and too often take for granted, were finally coming home.

Home to be reunited with loved ones and friends. Home to recover from the wounds, physical, or emotional – or both. Home to a daily routine that doesn’t revolve around the threat of IEDs, planning escape routes, weapon readiness and patrols. No known enemies here, no bad guys to engage, no need to say goodbye to fallen comrades. They were coming home to safety, security, serenity. And they surely needed, wanted and deserved to be home.

The applause continued. On and on those soldiers came. The clapping kept on going, as well. It was an emotional scene. I found my eyes tearing up as this kept on for at least seven or eight minutes. So what that my food had gone a bit cold – I was sure these brave men and women had had plenty of cold meals, plenty of interrupted lunches, while they served in Iraq, or Afghanistan, or wherever they had been for months. I could enjoy my entrée’ in a few moments. This was a moment to let go of my own selfish interests and to express gratitude to those who risked it all for me and for my family.

I wanted to capture this moment and never forget.

How I wanted my wife to see this. How I wanted my kids to be here, so they could catch a glimpse of the honor being afforded these warriors. I hope they will one day have the same kind of opportunity, the privilege, to one day give a round of applause for some soldiers passing through an airport.

So they never forget.

Couple of Pics From Family Camp

A couple of weeks ago our family enjoyed a very special week at Redcloud Ranch, near Lake City, Colorado. It is a beautiful place, with some wonderful folks. We had a grand time, playing in God’s creation and enjoying some fellowship.

Top: Here’s a picture of the camp Chapel, nestled in the foothills. Inspirational!

Bottom: Yours truly on a hike. Refreshing!

Chapel

John\'s hike

Focus Daily Radio Program Wins Place in Hall of Fame!

Congratulations, Dr. Dobson!

After 31 years of broadcasting, Dr.  Dobson has been honored with induction to the National Radio Hall of Fame. The 2008 Class was the first selected through national online voting, and the “Focus on the Family” broadcast is the first religious program to receive such an honor. From a press release earlier today:

“I’ve made a living putting thoughts into words throughout my adult life, but it is difficult to express how I feel about this honor,” said Dr. James Dobson today at a staff assembly.   “I am especially pleased because the wonderful people at Focus on the Family deserve it.  Our radio program has not been a solo effort.  It has been a symphony performed by more than 10,000 people over the past 32 years. I am indebted to them all.’

“Particularly, I want to thank the Broadcast Team, past and present.  They get a big ‘tip of the hat’ for all their hard work and dedication.  They have earned the accolades this honor recognizes.  I also want to thank all the friends across the nation who cast their votes for me.  I love and appreciate them all.”

For more, go to www.focusonthefamily.com. You’ll see the press release on the front page.

And, thanks so much to the many who took the time to vote and make this honor for Dr. Dobson possible.

Week In Review

In case you missed the past several broadcasts, Dr. Dobson’s program has featured some very interesting guests and subjects. Earlier, Carol Kent talked about the “Secret Passions of a Christian Woman.” With a humorous and engaging style, Carol shared very candidly about some of her own challenges in living out a life of fulfillment and significance.

Jack and Dona Eggar?were featured in a two-part series intended to help Moms and Dads to actively nurture their own spiritual lives – the necessary foundation for effective spiritual training. The Eggars also offer encouragement to parents who regret missing past opportunities to pass on their faith.

Finally, protecting your family’s health and well-being was the topic for Friday’s broadcast. An expert in the field, Dr. Daniel Hinthorn explains what families need to know about MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), an infectious bacterium that is the cause of a growing health epidemic.

Stop by www.focusonthefamily.com to learn more about these programs, and click on the link by Dr. Dobson’s picture. Be sure to listen into our many podcasts, too – each is designed to help your family thrive.

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