Test post using Windows Live Writer

This is now a test post using Windows Live Writer editor. Of course, the thing that I’m now testing is the attaching of pictures. If it works, this is it!

Reconnect with family night

By Dr Bill Maier


Having trouble remembering what your teenager looks like? Maybe it’s time to rein in their busy schedules and preserve a little family time.

With all the activities available to kids these days, it’s easy for families to lose touch.

Kids are so busy with sports, art lessons, ballet, and dozens of other extracurricular activities so that many families can’t remember the last time they even sat down for a meal together.

But family time is important to a child’s development, and as parents, it’s our job to see that they get scheduled.

Why not pick one night of the week as a regular family night?

Maybe you could go out to dinner — somewhere away from phones and other distractions — and use the time to relax and reconnect.

Try going on a hike or a picnic together. Or maybe you could just set up chairs in the backyard and stargaze.

Whatever it takes to keep the family unit together and well connected.

But if you don’t put it on the schedule, it may never happen. Put a family night on your schedule today.


From TODAY, Voices
Thursday, 09-April-2009

Quote of the Day

Here is one quote that I want to expound, but unless I reduce its meaning, or blur the focus, I will leave it to you to reflect on and internalize.

May you find its true meaning, and most importantly, live it out.

Shalom!


-----
"
Be more concerned about your CHARACTER than your REPUTATION,
because your CHARACTER shows what you really are,
while your REPUTATION is merely what others think you are.
"

What we dream of, and what our kids want to be

By Dr Bill Maier


Which dad doesn’t dream of his boy becoming an NBA star or a World Cup champion? Trouble is, not all kids are wired for it.

A friend recently attended a kids’ football game where he watched a bunch of five-year-olds run aimlessly around the field, usually with no rhyme or reason.

The coaches did their best to bring order to the chaos. One kid spent most of his time picking flowers, trying not to get hit. His father wasn’t too happy. He kept screaming at the boy: “Pay attention! Get your head in the game!”

But the boy never seemed to notice. Finally the father just shook his head and gave up.

Physical exercise is important, but not all kids are meant to be athletes.

Some kids would rather read, write or draw – and as parents we need to recognise their gifts and talents, and help steer them toward those things that interest them. Even if it’s not what we always dreamed for our children.


From TODAY, Voices
Wednesday, 08-April-2009

The Internet addiction test

By Dr Bill Maier

Are you an “Internet junkie”? Here’s a quick test to see if your online habit is turning into a full-fledged addiction.

Be honest with your answers now!

Do you find yourself losing track of time while surfing the Net?

Do you try to hide your online habit from others, like shutting the computer down when your kids or spouse walk into the room?

Are you preoccupied with the computer while doing other things, like eating dinner or talking to your kids?

Do you find excuses to check email?

Finally, would you rather be on the computer than interacting with your family?

If you’ve answered yes to a good portion of these, you might have a problem.

And for the sake of those you love, as well as for your own mental health, I encourage you to do something about it.

The Internet is a great tool, but it can also become a very real addiction if you’re not careful.


From TODAY, Voices
Tuesday, 07-April-2009

Help kids manage their anger

By Dr Bill Maier


Remember the last time you saw an adult lose his temper and throw a fit in public? Chances are, he learned that behaviour as a child.

Anger is a normal human emotion — something we all experience from time to time. But like all emotions, it should be managed properly. If children are never taught how to control their tempers, they will probably go on to become angry adults. And no one enjoys being around such a person.

Childhood frustrations are often caused when parents are impatient or inconsistent. Kids may sense that their expectations are going unnoticed, or that their parents don’t give them enough guidance. The anxiety they feel can often be cured by creating a more stable and consistent environment.

This may not solve the problem, but it’s a good place to begin when trying to understand your child’s anger. Emotions are complex, and not always easy to understand. But with a little patience and hard work, anyone can learn to control their temper.


From TODAY, Voices
Monday, 06-April-2009

If you want to give up ...

By Dr James Dobson


I want to tell you today about a courageous lady who recently passed away at 75 years of age. Her name was Marian Manwell, and I admired her greatly.

When she was an infant, she was sitting in a halter swing when it broke, its spring striking the baby in the soft spot at the top of her head. Immediate medical care was not available and by the time a physician examined her, there was just nothing to do but cleanse and bandage the wound. “Even if the child lives,” he said, “she will be mentally incompetent.”

But the country doctor underestimated the constitution of this little girl. She survived and was blessed with a quick mind, although she was homely and unable to run or jump or catch a ball. The abuse this child took from other children was just incredible. One day, as she trudged to school, a teenage boy came up behind her and said: “What’s wrong with you? What are you limping for? Nobody wants to go with a girl who acts like that.”

Marian had many other disadvantages and, in fact, she had every reason to give up on life because the odds seemed stacked against her. But Marian was made of great stuff. She would not yield to bitterness and anger. She later got married, bore eight healthy children, and became an inspiration to everyone who knew her.

Now Marian Manwell is gone, but she’ll never be forgotten by those whose lives she touched, and I thought her story might be encouraging to someone out there today who has also considered giving up on life. If Marian made it, you can, too.


From TODAY, Voices
Friday, 03-April-2009