Webcast Tuesday

This reminder that on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon I’ll be hosting a live webcast at FocusOnTheFamily.com. Carey Casey, CEO of the National Center for Fathering and author of Championship Fathering, will offer down-to-earth insights on how to succeed as a dad, and will take calls and respond to participants online.

I hope you can join us, or at least stop by later in the day to watch clips and see some of Carey’s answers to common parenting questions.

Digital Broadcast TV Is Here

In less than 24 hours digital broadcast television, as mandated by our government, is a reality. And you’re prepared, right? You have a newer TV set with a built-in digital tuner, or you bought one of those converter boxes for your old analog television?

If not, maybe you have cable or a satellite TV service.

If “none of the above” applies to you, maybe you’ve decided that there’s not much to watch so you don’t care. Although I fall into this group philosophically, I’ll admit that we have a converter, but I’m not really sure why.

When I read reports that 2.5 million U.S. households aren’t prepared for this transition, I’m not surprised. Nor am I alarmed…perhaps those folks don’t want broadcast TV. I’m certain they don’t NEED broadcast TV.

Regardless, the timer is in its final hours. This has been one long and expensive conversion. Better be worth all the time and trouble!

Slumber Party Guidelines?

Recently my wife and I had to consider an exception to our “no slumber party” rule. In essence, our standard is that our kids aren’t allowed to go overnight sleepovers. We have a number of reasons for that rule, mostly to do with watching over their hearts and guarding against unhealthy influences during their impressionable years.

While our children are disappointed by this seemingly over-protective standard, they’ve accepted it. I think one reason is because we’ve allowed them to still participate – in a limited way – in some parties. That means we let them join the gathering for a few hours, and that we pick them up around 10 or 11 at night, before the “slumber” part of the event begins. Now, I’m rather fond of my sleep, but if I can say, “Yes,” to at least some of a party, but in order to adhere to my own established rules I have to trudge out of the house at 10:30 on a Friday evening, so be it.

I’m wondering what your thoughts are? Do you allow your children to go over to a friend’s house for a sleepover? If so, at what age, and under what circumstances? Or do you restrict – or prohibit – such parties? Leave a comment, and let’s dialogue.

Israel, Iran and Trust

Several weeks ago author Joel Rosenberg joined us for some fascinating conversation about current events, with an emphasis on what is happening in the Middle East. Here’s Joel’s blog, and some timely insights about Iran and the Friday elections there. For those who have read biblical prophecy, these elections are particularly significant.

Also, John Bolton writes in the Wall Street Journal about what could happen if Israel attacks Iran’s nuclear development sites.

As Yoda might have put it, “Ignore Middle East you cannot.”

All of this is scary stuff, but believers know the truth of Jeremiah 17:7.

Inside the White House

In case you missed it, here’s a fascinating insider’s perspective of how the Bush White House operated, and what really characterized the presidency of George W. Bush. Go about 16 minutes into the third day for a particularly powerful story of forgiveness and faith.

Touching: Malawi Orphan Comes To Chicago

This article about an AIDS orphan who comes to Chicago for life-saving surgery is my introduction to a very interesting writer. Cathleen Falsani seems to have a rather unique perspective about spiritual living, and this is a tender account of how little Vasco has touched her life.

Pre-Father’s Day Webcast

From 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday June 16 I’ll be hosting another live webcast at FocusOnTheFamily.com. Our featured guest is Carey Casey, CEO of the National Center for Fathering and author of Championship Fathering. Carey will offer down-to-earth insights on how to succeed as a dad, and will take calls and respond to participants online.

Mark your calendar and plan to join us!

Suffering Well With Cancer

Dr. Ken Hutcherson is quite a remarkable man, and in this candid conversation the former NFL star, now pastoring a vibrant church, talks freely about his struggle with cancer. Inspiring and emotional, share this story with someone who needs encouragement!

Help For Your Personal Finances

Here’s some help for your personal finances:

The Wall Street Journal has compiled a list of some of the best online tools for managing your personal finances, including where you can check into possible scams and how to create a financial plan.

Here’s a conversation with someone who was $100,000 in debt and has quite a story to tell.

The late Larry Burkett talked here about the economic meltdown – in a prophetic way years before the current crisis unfolded.

A book by Ron Blue offering good advice for everyone in these days of downsizing and collapsed credit markets.

These are just a few links and resources of note. Let me know if you have some suggestions!

Autism Research of Pregnant Moms

As many will know, our youngest son has autism. It’s been remarkable to see God at work in his life, and we rejoice in the progress we’ve seen in his social, cognitive and behavioral abilities. Still, it has been a challenging journey for our family, and that’s why I am glad that for the report of a new longitudinal study of children with autism.

Researchers are looking for 1,200 mothers who already have an autistic child and are or intend to become pregnant. They hope to determine early signs and to find clues as to the causes of this disorder. If you live near one of the four research centers in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Northern California you might be eligible to participate. Details here.

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