More on Poison Control

New survey with suprising results about how parents do – and don’t – protect their children from common poison hazards.

Adoption Info

My wife and I are adoption advocates, and for many reasons. We have supported adoption efforts by others, believing that God has a special place in His heart for the fatherless (the Scriptures are full of references to those without families). We love kids, anyway. And then, as has been mentioned here before, we are adoptive parents. In fact, 5 years ago next week I had the privilege of meeting little “Artyem” in a Russian orphanage, only a month before his adoption into our family was finalized.What a special boy he has been to us!

If you are interested in adoption, here’s a link to a brief video about some of the unique challenges adoptive families face.

And here’s a book by Focus on the Family that can guide you through the adoption process.

If you have a heart for orphans and want to learn more, this Focus on the Family website has some great general info.

Finally, there’s a national conference coming up soon that is well worth your consideration. Unfortunately, I’ll miss this year’s Summit – I’ve had the privilege of attending all of the previous events. I’ll encourage you to take a step of faith and go to this outstanding conference…you’ll be touched deeply and inspired in fresh, new ways!

Poison Prevention Week

My wife called, calmer than she should have been given the circumstances. Our daughter had found the kid’s vitamin bottle lid ajar, and took the bottle downstairs to share with her sister. “Candy!” Together they ate about half the contents. Not to worry, she called the Poison Control toll-free phone number and they said that there might be some minor side-effects, but nothing serious.

That event took place years ago, when I learned that this is National Poison Prevention Week, I recalled the big breath I took and the prayer of thanks I offered to God for sparing my girls from their foolishness.

Each year, approximately 2.4 million people – more than half under age 6 – swallow or have contact with a poisonous substance.

Here’s more from the American Academy of Pediatrics’ website about how you can protect your child from poisoning and what to do if he – of she – has swallowed something off-limits.

Tell Me A Story

Our family loves camping trips. The children have learned to appreciate the beauty of the Rockies, time away from routines and electronics, and the joys of a higher degree of interaction than is normally possible at home. We play more games, go on more hikes and eat more meals together as a family when we are staying out in the wild.

One of the most memorable things we do when we camp is sit around the camp fire and tell stories. My wife, being a good Texan, can recount things her relatives did or said with great relish and in a very entertaining way. She has some particularly “colorful” uncles who usually come up in the conversations – what escapades they’ve had, and how we laugh! I like to share about my years growing up in Wisconsin, and how I once stabbed my younger brother in the hand with my fork because he dared to sneak some food off my plate. The kids lap up such stories, and we often talk into the night much longer than planned.

Here’s an article about the power of telling stories to your children, especially during times of uncertainty. Its a reminder that everyone likes a story, and that a family’s heritage can be passed onto the next generation with power and great effectiveness – if we take the time and energy to help our kids see the past.

Have any stories you’d care to share? Leave a comment, please.

By the way, my brother still has a scar from that fork poke. I wonder if he tells his children about their uncle’s actions at the dinner table 35 years ago?

Optimists Live Longer

New research showing that pessimists have reason to think poorly about their world…they won’t live as long as optimists. Fascinating. What are the implications for your life?

Surviving Cancer

Lately, cancer seems to strike more friends and family members. It has claimed the lives of some, and others have been fighting valiantly against the disease. They all struggle with the symptoms, treatments and side-effects. One thing every cancer-afflicted individual needs: hope. Here’s an encouraging conversation for cancer patients and those around them.

Also, here’s an article about helping kids cope with a parent’s cancer.

Stem Cell Dilemma

The public debate over the ethics of such research is sure to become more intense. A few hours ago President Obama signed an executive order lifting limits on human embryonic stem cell research.

Pro-abortion advocates have argued that research using embryonic stem cells is acceptable because it could lead to potential cures for a number of significant diseases and illnesses.  There is, however, considerable opposition to such research by pro-life groups and individuals, who point out that, in addition to destroying life, there has been little concrete progress with existing embryonic stem cell experimentation.

Richard M. Doerflinger, deputy director of the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has observed,

‘The obsession with stem cells obtained by destroying embryos has little to do with evidence of therapeutic benefit, and a great deal to do with being able to manipulate human life.’

What do you think? This is a complex matter, and the spin on funding and research will inevitably go many different directions.  Learn more by reading this informative interview with Mr. Doerflinger.

Germ-Proof Your Home


Scientists have found that most homes have more germs in the kitchen than in the bathrom. Yikes!

Here’s an article offering tips on how to clean things up, and the types of germs you probably don’t have to worry about too much.

United In Tragedy

In case you missed this unbelievable story of forgiveness and love in the midst of grief and loss, take a listen to this conversation between the families of a gunman and his victims.

This is a re-air of one of the most poplar Focus on the Family broadcasts in the past 12 months. Listener response was overwhelming last time we presented this candid, sometimes tearful interaction.

I’m Getting Old

You just know time is flying by when…

…it is announced that the Beatles Rock Band video game will be out later this year.

Gee, I remember listening to vinyl 45s of the Fab Four as a teen. And now their music is available as part of a video game?

Yikes!

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