Friday Five: Family Vacations

ocotillo-sunset.jpgTop five Fuller Family vacations, not in any particular order:

  1. Grand Tetons and at Yellowstone National Park - Spectacular, majestic, huge.
  2. Big Bend National Park (pictured above) – Diversity of desert, mountains and rivers that flood unexpectedly!
  3. Colorado Camping trips- Western Slope, Four Corners, Routt National Forest, NW corner of the state – we’re “rough it” kind of campers, and Colorado offers so much rugged back-country that we can barely contain our enthusiasm…
  4. Redcloud Ranch - When you you want to be in the great outdoors, but have all the comforts of a great lodge-based getaway, this is a terrific place.
  5. Branson, MO- Alright, this is a bit of a departure, but we had a blast at Silver Dollar City, and the beautiful bluffs in this region are awesome.

As I look over this list, I realize that each of these involved some spectacular scenery and wonderfully memorable times together as a family. I’ve not run the list past my wife or kids, but suspect they’d agree with much – if not all- of these choices.

Tell me about your favorite family vacations?

WIR: August 15

This past week the daily Focus on the Family program has addressed the subject of chronic dieting, how to avoid raising “wimpy” kids, and how to be an authentic woman – despite the fears and difficulties that seem to plague every woman (even the outwardly successful woman has insecurities!).

Some of the extra content offered online included this audio about over-protective parenting, a link to “Proud vs. Broken”, and an excerpt from Dr. Juliana Slattery’s bok about women and their fears. Also, if you are interested, an assessment for “weird eating habits.”

Dad, Do You Set Goals?

Most guys are pretty good at setting goals. We establish some measure of success for a task, we map out ways to achieve some great milestone, we make things happen. We do this at work and in our personal lives. I’ve done my share of goal setting. I’ve trained to run a marathon (finished a couple!), planned media campaigns, established team goals for the staff and pushed hard to help my soccer team win a close game. So I am quite aware of our tendency as guys to chase a prize and achieve success.

I wonder, though, how many men set goals for their family?

Do you know of many men who determine an action plan for their marriage and for their children? Are you friends with any guys who are as intentional at home as they are everywhere else in making sure that the strategic objective is well-defined and can be accomplished? How frequently do you see men who put the same energy into their family’s well-being as they do at work?

How about you? Any goals for your children? Your relationship with your wife?

Just curious.

WIR: August 8 – Practical Parenting

This past week was pretty fun for the “daily broadcast” team. We featured five days of programming with Dr. Kevin Leman, well-known psychologist, speaker and author – and a good friend of Dr. Dobson’s.

For three days, Dr. Leman talked about his book, Have A New Kid By Friday. He was funny and engaging – and a little provocative, too (in a good way, really!). Filled with common sense discipline approaches, the three-day series generated a significant amount of response from our listeners. It’ll surely be one of the top programs for 2008!

By the way, here’s a funny story Dr. Leman shared about pie…and that’s all I am going to say about it. You really have to hear this. Maybe you can relate?

We also featured author Trish Berg for two days of conversations, again hosted by Dr. Leman. The discussion was all about that crucial first year of mothering…as it affects the child – and the mom! – so very much. Good, practical stuff about crying babies, adjustments to having a little one who is totally dependent upon you, and more.

Question for you: Did you listen to any of these broadcasts? If so, what did you think?

The Chapmans Tell Their Story

maria-face-shot.jpgSteven and Mary Beth Chapman are sharing their story in the national media this week.They were on Good Morning America yesterday and are scheduled to join Larry King tonight. Next week a People Magazine issue featuring an interview with the Chapmans will be on newsstands.

Pray God’s continued mercy and grace for this dear family, and join me in asking that the Lord will use their story of tragedy and God’s comfort to touch thousands who do not yet know the Savior (2 Corinthians 1).

Additionally, Steven has penned a new verse to the song, “Yours,”  with 100% of the artist’s royalties being donated to Shaohannah’s Hope, the non-profit organization founded by the Chapman family whose goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier to adoption. According to a press release, “Yours” producer Matt Brownlewee and the song’s co-writer Jonas Myrin are also contributing their royalties to Shaohannah’s Hope;  Sparrow Records will donate any monies received from the sales of the single, after deduction of expenses and royalties, to the effort.

Show your support for the Chapman family, remember Maria and help the adoption cause. Here’s one link to the new version of “Yours.”

UPDATE: Here’s a video clip about some artwork from Maria…which has been a source of comfort for her family.

Cheating – Is It Wrong?

In case you missed it, a prominent pastor suggests that cheating is permissable…even more, it is preferable in some circumstances, and can benefit the family.

Rocky Mountain High

Have you had a good family vacation this summer? Last week our family visited the western slope of Colorado, enjoying time in a state wildlife area (gorgeous!) and then a week at family camp. We had a blast!

Look, Dad, I can get my boots wet! Zane loved the mountain stream we hiked along.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Our youngest daughter enjoyed a snake she caught. Mercy was shown hours later when “Corbett” was released.

 

 

Brandon’s India Influence

As we enjoyed one of those Starbucks “to go jugs” of a nice African blend during Gospel Music Week, Brandon Heath and I talked a little about his heart for people around the world. One of the influences in this regard was a trip he took to India. What he saw, heard, smelled and experienced there changed him. Here’s what he had to say:

Listen Button
 

After listening to these comments, listen to his song, Give Me Your Eyes.  Good stuff!

A Father’s Influence

According to study by Olivia N. Saracho, published in May 2007,  a father can influence his young child’s future level of literacy:

Research provides evidence that fathers can promote the development of their child’s literacy skills, including reading books to them that are appropriate, engaging their children in discussions about books they read, recording in a notebook the books the children have read and encouraging their children to read more books.  (Source: Early Child Development and Care, v177 n4, p403-415, May 2007)

Research is pretty clear that dads DO influence their children in many ways. Over the years, Dr. Dobson has stressed that a father can can make a special impact on thie life of his son. His best-selling book, Bringing Up Boys addresses that in some detail.

In a compelling two-part broadcast, Dr. Steve Farrar stresses that dads have to step up and be there for their sons. This is a great message, and I wish every father would  listen and pay heed.

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