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.

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:

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

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.

Why Adopt?

I’ve known a lot of adoptive parents, and have yet to run into one who thinks that they are “sacrificing” by bringing a fatherless child into their home. Rather, we adopted because it is the right thing to do, Scripture commands that we reach out to these children, or perhaps we have a tender spot in our heart from our own upbringing. “Because I wanted to do something sacrificial,” isn’t a motivation I’ve encountered, though.

Even the world gets this. In fact, the other day I read this quote from one famous Mom about her own adopted children:

“When I was growing up I wanted to adopt, because I was aware there were kids that didn’t have parents. It’s not a humanitarian thing, because I don’t see it as a sacrifice. It’s a gift. We’re all lucky to have each other…I suppose I’m giving them the childhood I always wished I had.”

I appreciate the honesty of that statement and resonate with her reason for making a difference in a child’s life. And while I don’t agree with everything this woman does or says, her perspective of being an adoptive Mom grabbed me. It is selfless, at heart. That’s what the Bible calls us to be, isn’t it?

Few people would know this, but a well-known member of the U.S. House of Representatives has invested a lot into the lives of fatherless kids. His story is pretty inspiring.

Our Godly Heritage

David Barton is a phenomenal speaker offers a fascinating - and thoroughly documented - look at the religious foundation of the U.S.A.

If you’ve never heard him, hold on - this guy is mighty fast in his delivery! So much to share, so little time…audio presentation here.

Here’s a video clip of David in action.

Good man, great message.

Entertainment Overload

My wife heard Dr. Archibald Hart on the radio yesterday and told me she thinks he is spot-on about the need to guard ourselves - and our kids -  from information and entertainment overload. Pretty solid advice from someone with a lot of wisdom.

We’ve tried to limit the amount of media our kids consume, for instance. Our computer is in the living room, and the younger kids have to have an adult around and permission to go online, and event then, only to a few approved sites. We’d rather they play outside, read or have some game-time, really. And we don’t watch TV, except for an occasional educational show (or a Jane Austen show from PBS). We watch movies/DVDs, but only average one or two a week.

So Dr. Hart’s suggestion that entertainment and excitement are habit-forming and need to be carefully managed got a loud and clear, “Amen!” from Dena.

One quote from the show:

I’m a gadget person, but I discipline myself. I will not touch a keyboard after eight o’clock in the evening because if I do, I know I’m not going to get to sleep [on] time … I have a cell phone, but only one person knows the number, and that’s my wife, and it’s [only] for emergencies. Very few people have my e-mail address.

BTW, here’s an article by Dr. Hart about the “excitement addiction.” It is a real condition, and one which may be affecting someone you know.

Dr. Dobson in the News

The special issues broadcast which aired the past two days has generated some national news media attention. Maybe you’ve seen the coverage on ABC TV, read it in the blogging world or heard it on the radio. You can still listen in here.

UPDATE: Readers, thanks for the many comments. I did not anticipate the significant response we’d get when I linked to Dr.  Dobson’s recorded comments from last Tuesday!  As indicated in the past, this is not an open-forum, and we reserve the right to edit comments. I’ll not be posting all feedback, but with those that have been published have tried to show a fair representation of remarks we received.

BTW, the intent of this blog is not to highlight public policy or election issues, but to add a personal touch to my on-air work, let readers see a bit of Focus from a behind-the-scenes perspective, and to bring practical marriage and parenting advice.  It is my hope you’ll come back from time to time and find the posts helpful - and hopefully a bit entertaining, too.

Thanks again for reading - and commenting.

* This blog entry has been paid for by Focus on the Family Action, Inc.

Feedback Wanted: Got Barbie?

Our three daughters play with dolls. We’ve never had Barbie dolls, though. And for good reason - what little girl can measure up (literally!) to the bronze babe with such an exaggerated figure? Better to have toys that are more…appropriately proportioned, I think.

Here’s one commentary on the doll and her effect on society.

What do you think? Is this on the mark? Or is the writer off base here?

Groovy, Man

Take a trip back to the enlightened “Age of Aquarius.” Those turbulent 60s were hard for a lot of folks, but God intervened in some dramatic ways in the lives of at least four folks - our guests for this two-day flashback series.

Tidbit: Back in ‘93 when this was recorded I was the show’s producer. It was pretty fun to work with our guests. Today two of them are still here at Focus. That’s longevity!

Winning Hearts — For MTV

The execs at cable television are pretty smart. They are aiming for your child’s present media habits and future interests. Take this news item, for instance:

Jose Carbonell has been named vice president of pre-school parenting brand marketing for the Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group. Carbonell will be charged with coordinating cross-business marketing programs, on-air events and consumer and trade advertising efforts for Nickelodeon and Noggin pre-school properties, including “Dora the Explorer” and “The Backyardigans Live Tale of the Mighty Knights” stage tour.

Now, “Nick” is owned by the same folks who have channels like Spike, VH1 and Comedy Channel. And…MTV.

mtv.jpgIn case you aren’t seeing it, these folks are grooming kids for their networks — by marketing related brands and TV properties to PRESCHOOL ages. Mighty good planning to ensure they’ve cultivated future viewers. In 10 years, that preschool child is a teen, ready and willing to watch what is arguably one of the most influential teen entities, MTV. They’re already used to the network’s logo and co-branded programming, so this is some really smart marketing. I’m not saying it is good, just makes some good business sense.

So…are you letting these networks have your kid? How are you guarding your children from the influence of good marketers who want their eyes and ears? You don’t allow your kids to have a TV in their room, do you?

Just asking.

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