Saturday, July 12, 2008

Free (and fully functional) Softwares

Well, I should have been posting this one since I first encountered them. Anyway, just like me, this is for those PC users who need some utilities, and are not willing to pay the big bucks.

Disk Partitioning Tool:
Paragon Partition Manager; free for 30days, and within that period, is fully functional on the partitioning requirement. Just search from the net for it!

Registry Cleaner, File Recovery and Disk Defragmenter:
Check out the Piriform products, all downloadable, and free for life!
www.piriform.com

Cest t'out!

Friday, July 11, 2008

RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY

From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY

VOICES Friday July 11 2008 TODAY

 

BY Dr James Dobson

 

Many years ago, I saw a TV documentary that I’ve never forgotten. It focused on the life of an elderly woman named Elizabeth Holt Hartford, who lived alone in a Los Angeles slum.

 

These were her parting words, which were aired after her death a few weeks later.

 

She said: “You see me as an old lady who’s all broken down with age, but what you don’t understand is that this is me in here. I’m trapped in a body that no longer serves me. It hurts, is wrinkled and diseased, but I haven’t changed. I’m still the person I used to be when this body was young.”

 

Those who are younger may find it difficult to appreciate the full implications of being part of the “unwanted” generation, to be aged in a time dominated by the young, to be unable to see or hear well enough, to have an active mind ― like Ms Hartford ― that’s hopelessly trapped in an inactive body, to be dependent on busy children, to be virtually sexless, emotionally and physically, in an eroticised society, to be unable to produce or contribute anything really worthwhile, to have no one who even remembers your younger days.

 

A gastroenterologist once told me that 80 per cent of his older patients have physical symptoms caused by emotional problems. Despair is quickly translated into bodily disorders. Obviously, self worth is essential to well-being at all ages. Let’s extend our love and respect to those who have passed their prime.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

BECOMING THE REAL YOU

From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY

VOICES Thursday July 10 2008 TODAY

 

By Dr James Dobson

 

Who are you when no one else is looking? When the curtains are drawn and the lights go dim? Are you and I the people everyone thinks we are?

 

The classic children’s book The Velveteen Rabbit holds within its pages a powerful message about being real. In one scene, we eavesdrop on a dialogue between a new toy rabbit and an old horse. They’re lying side-by-side in the nursery as the rabbit asks the horse what it means to be real. “Well, it doesn’t happen all at once,” said the horse. “You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t often happen to people who break easily or have sharp edges or have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you’re real, most of your hair has fallen off and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But you see, these things don’t matter at all, because once you’re real, you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”

 

Take a long look at yourself in the mirror. Are you a real person? Do people see the real you when you greet them or are they merely seeing one of the many masks that you wear? Becoming real is difficult, but the rewards far outweigh the pain. Remember the words of the old horse: “Once you’re real, you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”

HOME: A SAFE HAVEN

A late post, too…

From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY

VOICES 26 Wednesday July 9 2008 TODAY

 

By Dr James Dobson

 

Most of us have become acquainted with the term “friendly fire”, where soldiers are inadvertently killed or wounded by their own troops. This phenomenon doesn’t just occur on the battlefield; it happens at home.

 

In the frazzled and harried society in which we live, home should be a refuge; a safe harbour where we can escape attacks and insults from the outside world.

 

But too often, home is a combat zone for embattled siblings. Those who are supposed to be allies and partners can be hostile at times, creating friction, animosity and defensiveness.

 

I remember a time years ago when my kids were young, and they were fighting and harassing each other like enemy soldiers. In exasperation, I stood them in front of a window and I said: “Look out at that world. It can be a dangerous place. There are people out there who will make fun of you, or hurt you, or take your money.

 

“There must be a safe place where we care for one another and help each other. And that safe place is right here at home.”

 

After that we worked even harder at making our household a place of encouragement, unity and forgiveness. Is your home a safe shelter where family members find protection and stability?

 

Or is it a combat zone? If so, declare a ceasefire on verbal wars and see what a difference it makes in the security of every little soldier living within those walls.

HEALTHY FIGHTING

A late post…

From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY

VOICES 22 Tuesday July 8 2008 TODAY

 

By Dr James Dobson

 

It’s not the fights that should worry us, but it’s what happens when the fights are over. Almost all marital partners experience conflict from time to time, and these minor confrontations can actually be healthy to the relationship. A verbal spat, within reasonable limits, can open windows and give the couple a chance to vent frustrations. The important question, however, is what happens after the fight.

 

In healthy relationships, a period of confrontation ends in forgiveness, drawing together, deeper respect and understanding and sometimes, sexual satisfaction. But, in unstable marriages, conflict is never entirely resolved. This is a dangerous situation where the consequences of one battle begin to overlap with a prelude to the next. Obviously we’d like to avoid this outcome.

 

It’s a good idea for couples to take a close look at themselves after a fight winds down. Are there things that you’ve said or done that have aggrieved your partner? Do you need to ask forgiveness for attacking your spouse’s self-worth, instead of focusing on the issues that divided you? Are there substantive matters that haven’t yet been resolved? Set aside some time to deal with them. With a little practice, we can turn each of our conflicts into solid opportunities for growth and new understanding.

Monday, July 07, 2008

MOTHERS AND SONS

From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY

TODAY Monday July 7 2008

 

By Dr James Dobson

 

Many women these days express a sense of anxiety about dealing with their own sons.

 

A friend of mine, Ms Jean Lush, has written a wonderful book on the subject called, Mothers and Sons.

 

She says that mothers should realise that it’s normal for little boys to be difficult – even extremely difficult.

 

Emerging masculinity can be a boisterous and destructive force.

 

Mothers should learn to anticipate their sons’ energy level, and look for ways to channel that force into exercise and constructive activity.

 

Also, when we look at little boys, let’s keep in mind that they aren’t grown up yet.

 

History shows that many great men began as baffling, headstrong boys who gave their parents headaches.

 

The challenge for mothers is to see sons not just in terms of their present behaviour, but in terms of their long-term potential.

 

If a mother can find that kind of vision, she can see herself working for the future when her perseverance will pay off in the maturity and achievements of her grown son.