Week In Review
In case you missed the past several broadcasts, Dr. Dobson’s program has featured some very interesting guests and subjects. Earlier, Carol Kent talked about the “Secret Passions of a Christian Woman.” With a humorous and engaging style, Carol shared very candidly about some of her own challenges in living out a life of fulfillment and significance.
Jack and Dona Eggar?were featured in a two-part series intended to help Moms and Dads to actively nurture their own spiritual lives - the necessary foundation for effective spiritual training. The Eggars also offer encouragement to parents who regret missing past opportunities to pass on their faith.
Finally, protecting your family’s health and well-being was the topic for Friday’s broadcast. An expert in the field, Dr. Daniel Hinthorn explains what families need to know about MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), an infectious bacterium that is the cause of a growing health epidemic.
Stop by www.focusonthefamily.com to learn more about these programs, and click on the link by Dr. Dobson’s picture. Be sure to listen into our many podcasts, too - each is designed to help your family thrive.
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.
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!
Touching A Nerve
The program yesterday with Dr. R.T. Kendall was pretty powerful. Here’s one sample comment from those who were touched by his insights regarding self-forgiveness:
She shared that over the weekend she had a conflict with her husband that brought up some hurtful issues, and it took her 3 days to forgive herself. When she heard R.T. Kendall’s confession of not being able to forgive himself for such a long time, her struggle was validated.
In case you missed it, here’s the link. BTW, the second part of that conversation airs in the U.S. on Thursday, May 29.
Self-Condemnation?
I grew up in a tradition that recognized the importance of feeling guilt over one’s sinfulness. And I’ve been around some folks who emply guilt as a motivator (it can be a very effective factor!).
For many years, though, I’ve embraced grace as an operative in my life. God’s grace, His beautiful grace, covers my failures. Because he has forgiven me of my sins, I think I approach my shortcomings in a realistic and appropriate manner.
Unfortunately, for some people there is just no way on earth they could forgive themselves for what they did - or what they didn’t do. The pain of that failure is to great, the memory too vivid, the guilt too overwhelming.
Is that you? Do you struggle with letting go of the past and moving on with life? Are there things in your life for which you cannot forgive yourself?
Here’s what one expert says about feeling unforgiveable.
And here’s the conversation with Dr. Dobson about getting past self-condemnation.
If He Could Talk
If he could talk to us today, here’s what he’d say. But I’m not referring to the prophet…
Our Deepest Sympathies For The Chapmans
Our hearts are grieving with Steven and Mary Beth Chapman and their family as they mourn the unexpected loss of their youngest daughter, Maria. This wonderful artist has been beloved for many years. His devotion to his family and children - and his passion for God’s work in the lives of orphans - have encouraged and influenced millions around the world.
We pray that God will bring peace, that He will comfort and sustain them in this exceptionally difficult time, and that His presence will be tangible to the entire family.
You’ll find prayer points and links for expressing your condolences at Steven’s official website.
Can You Forgive?
What’s one of the hardest things in the world? Forgiving someone who hurt you. Here’s what some listeners are telling us about the series we’re presenting with Dr. R.T. Kendall:
- Having heard the broadcast, she called to ask how to forgive someone (in her case, an older brother) who doesn’t want to be forgiven.
- …heard today’s broadcast about forgiveness and while she understands the principles being conveyed by Dr. Kendall, she thinks it’s very important to clarify the issue of child molestation. She thinks what was said could encourage child molesters to tell children that ‘God says you must forgive me and not tell anyone’. She wants FOF to emphasize more clearly the necessity for children to tell a responsible adult about abuse being perpetrated.
Clearly, we’re touching a nerve here. How about you?How hard is it for you to forgive?
