How To (Really) Help A Friend Who’s Ill

Everyone of us knows a story of someone beset by cancer, heart disease, HIV-AIDS or another life-threatening disease.  Or worse yet, you may be personally experiencing that kind of disabling illness. The question friends and family members seem to struggle with the most in that situation is, “How can I help?”

There are some things that we can do–and some things we really shouldn’t! – when offering comfort to someone who is hurting. Drawing on first-hand experience, Dee Brestin shares a few ideas us about how we can really help a friend in need.  Look for a link to an audio clip entitled: “The Most Important Things.”

What Characterizes A Good Wife?

What characterizes a good wife and mother? Well, that’s a somewhat provocative question to some folks. If you’d like to explore some answers to the question, listen in to this presentation by Dr. Dorothy Patterson. She’ll address the biblical roles of wife and mother, explain how God created man to be the provider, protector and leader of the family, and woman to be man’s helper in those duties.

UPDATE: Thanks to all who have contributed to the discussion through their comments! Some great feedback.

Who Needs Heroes?

In this day, say the word “heroes” and you’ll get a variety of responses. Why, it’s a popular television program. Or, my hero is a celebrity or even a politician.

While some heroes may have fame, in this conversation you’ll hear about REAL heroes, men and women who acted courageously and with conviction, common people who stood firm in the face of tyranny and gave their lives for others to right the wrongs of social injustice.

Get the related book here.

Ten Road Trip Tips

With summer travel season upon us, some thoughts about road trips with youngsters. This was prompted by a conversation today with a co-worker, who survived, sort of, a drive to Chicago with three little ones.

Here are some quick tip for parents who want to survive a long time in the minivan with toddlers (or even with teens!):

1. Pack lots of snacks. Dry cereal, juice boxes, nuts, whole grain breads. Avoid the straight sugar highly processed stuff…don’t want to wire the kiddos up and then force them to sit still in their car seat for 10 hours.

2. Take lots of favorite toys. One at a time, space them out over the course of the trip. Every few hours, open something and you’ll have happy children (well, at least you’ll have them occupied, for a bit).

3. Take books and magazines. Little eyes will want to interact with something they like, take a variety of things. Nothing irreplaceable, though. No library items, as replacing one of those books when the water bottle leaked on it is pretty expensive.

4. Pack “travel gifts,” some little items from the dollar store that can be pulled out and unwrapped, then enjoyed for a time. Space these out, not all at once.

5. Pack wipees and extra napkins/paper towels. Then pack even more. Messes will occur. Spills will happen. Be prepared.

6. Pack an old bath towel. In case someone gets REALLY sick. Trust me. We were just coming through Amarillo one year…

7. Pack a plastic bucket. Good for all sorts of roadside emergencies., Use your imagination…

8. Take audio books. We always hit the library and stock up on some good literature. We’ve enjoyed a wide range of goodies, from Hank The Cowdog to Back of the North Wind.

9. Did I mention to stop often? Ignore the urge to press onward to the point of breaking (c’mon, Dad, lighten up!). Instead, plan to pull into a rest stop, preferably one with grass or a playground, every two or three hours. Let the kids walk or run around. Keep it short, 10-20 minutes is all we’ve ever needed, provided we stop often enough.

10. Eat meals in the car, not a restaurant. Why pay big bucks to sit some more without going anywhere? That can be a miserable experience. Eat in the auto…drive-through fast food, handmade sandwiches, or even a take-out pizza (we’ve done it, and it works nicely). The point is to avoid making the kids sit quietly while you try to eat at some restaurant…better to occupy them on the road as the miles click away.

There are more things I’ve learned about making the best of road trips, but these should be good starting points for newer parents.

I’d also welcome your suggestions. What have you found that works on road trips?

Good Day!

Paul Harvey was one of the most gifted communicators ever. An icon, he was heard by and touched millions every day. From what I can recall, there was a period in my early years during which I heard Paul Harvey deliver his “News and Comments” nearly every lunch hour.

My dad would come home from work around 11:45 a.m. and we’d have sandwiches (in fact, in all humility, it was during those days that I created a special “bologna, pickle, ketchup and potato chip” sandwich). The radio came on and gave us Mr. Harvey’s inimitable voice and delivery. Those 15 minutes were special, and we didn’t talk as a family until after he signed off…”Good day!”

Years would pass, and I found myself giving my own children those kinds of memories, We’d listen to Paul Harvey with some frequency on the weekly drive to the bagel shop. No conversation during those few short minutes…no interrupting Mr. Harvey. Even this morning, my 15 year-old daughter reminded me that she enjoyed hearing his stories and insights.

The author of the new Paul Harvey biography joined us for a two-part discussion about the life and legacy of this legendary broadcaster.  Listen in, relive some memories, and learn a few things about the man behind the mic. Tune in and hear the “rest of the story!”

The “Son of Sam” is the Son of Hope

A few years back Dr. Bill Maier interviewed David Berkowitz, a convicted serial killer in a maximum security prison.  To anyone who remembers the days of the notorious “Son of Sam” who once terrorized New York, it’s amazing to know that he is a thriving Christian.

We recently contacted Mr. Berkowitz and found that he is still living for the Lord and we re-broadcast that interview.  To listen, and to see some of the pictures and diary excerpts from David’s daily writings, click here for that broadcast page.

This is really powerful. No one is beyond the reach of our God!

Monday: Take A Moment To Remember

The non-partisan White House Commission On Remembrance is asking all Americans to participate in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3pm local time on Memorial Day. Details and downloads are here. Take a few minutes and help your family recall the great sacrifices that have made this wonderful country free and safe.

Dealing with Boundries for Adult Children

Allison Bottke came to faith in Christ later in life.  If you saw her sitting in church, you might think she was born there and you would probably very much want to meet this vivacious lady.  But I wonder if she’s treated so warmly by those whose first knowledge of her is that her son in is the State Penitentiary?   It’s a great reminder that we need to have grace with one another.  You see, although we are often tempted to judge folks by their children–especially their adult children–Christ’s redemption in our lives today doesn’t necessarily throw a drop cloth over the mess from our past lives.

If you have relationships that continue to be impacted by your life before Christ, you may want to listen to Dr. Dobson’s interaction with Allison about boundaries and adult children.  You can find that and related materials here.

Friday Five: Recent Bookmarks of Note

There are a lot of bookmarked sites that I use frequently, and the following are five recent “finds.” Note that these are personal picks, not “Focus on the Family” approved sites – I can’t vouch for everything you’ll find at these sites, but I can promise that there is a wealth of info, and some very stimulating ideas, at each.

Autism.Alltop.com

Desiring God

QuickWisdom

Ethos by Randy Elrod

FrugalTravelGuy


Remembering Maria Sue Chapman

One year ago today, Maria Sue Chapman died tragically at the tender age of five. In this touching conversation, award-winning and beloved singer-songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman shared with Dr. James Dobson about the family’s grief, and about God’s presence and peace in the midst of their loss. This is a story of hope in the midst of tragedy, and of unwavering faith in God. I hope you’ll listen in — and that you’ll tell someone about it, as well.

Also of note: Mary Beth Chapman’s blog.

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