The problem with the internet...

A good friend of mine and I have had previous discussions about an idea involving the internet. One day we were talking about the reality that people say and do all kinds of things they would never say and do when they can hide behind the internet instead of being face to face with that person. And then, the other day, he found this video and sent it to me.

A real person, a lot like you from Derek Sivers on Vimeo.

You might be wandering...Robert, what does this have to do with parenting. Here's what. Every generation from this point on is growing up in the online world. 10 year old's have facebook (forget the problem that they are on their illegally, and that they either have hid it from their parents or their parents have helped them lie about their age...that's a whole other issue). They are growing up "detached" from having to tell people hard things face to face. They can just shoot off a text, fire off an email, or send a facebook message.

We see this even in adults. We've all heard stories of people breaking up a relationship with a text message or leaving a church that has invested in them for years with a short email. We all do this...instead of having discussions face to face or being respectful enough to sit down with someone and explain ourselves, we hide behind the computer...feeling like it would be less awkward. But it's not less awkward...especially not for the person receiving the message...they just think you don't care about them enough to have a face-to-face conversation (and that can be an awkward feeling).

But remember what this video says, there are some things that we would never say to someone's face, that we might send electronically. How can you model and train your children to not "hide" behind the perceived anonymity of the internet and to grow up being careful of how someone might hear what they are "sending" with a few quick finger strokes?.

These are just some of the thoughts running through my head today...if it seems like a jumbled mess of thoughts, it's because that's what it feels like in my brain too. I'm still mulling some of this over...but I think there's a problem with the internet!

Any thoughts?

How to Forgive...

All month long, in the elementary area, we are focusing our attention on this idea of "forgiveness." The kids are learning about some fantastic, and yet simple, ideas about what forgiveness really means and why we should be "forgivers."

One of the things the Bible teaches about forgiveness is that our forgiveness of others has much to do with how much we realize we've been forgiven by God through Christ. Forgiveness isn't something that comes natural though. In fact, it's something you really have to work at. The Lord has taught me a number of hard lessons about forgiveness...I'm thankful for them each day of my life.

One author I enjoy reading pointed out the things that helped him learn how to forgive (below).

• "Sort out how you feel
• Own your part
• Make a choice
• Don't just wait for the offender to say I'm sorry
• Don't let it go until you can wish them well"

For further description of these things and further reading - How to Forgive

*On a side note, I can't recommend any higher www.orangeparents.org as a resource for you as parents.

One day you're a hero, and the next....

One of the most interesting parts of the last week of Jesus' life to me is the scene we have when Jesus comes in to Jerusalem riding a donkey. Sometimes it's referred to as the "Triumphal Entry," and it was just that. Jesus was on His way to triumph over sin and death.

One day the crowds are celebrating the arrival of the Messiah. They shout out "Hosanna, Hosanna." Translated - "He Saves!" Growing up in Louisiana, my first picture of this parade and procession reminds me of a Mardi Gras parade. I imagine this moment as complete chaos and frenzy.

Here's the most interesting thing about this story. In just 4 or 5 days, this SAME crowd is shouting out "Crucify Him, Crucify Him!" Jesus went from having the adoration of all the people to being hated enough that the crowd was willing to crucify him and have a murderer/robber in their midst (Barabas). What a turn of events!


I'm sure as a parent, there are times when you are the hero, and then a few days later, you're absolutely hated. There's good news...Jesus knows how that feels. His example to us is that regardless of what others are saying, continue doing what God has called you to do. And what he's called you to do is raise your children in a way that would honor Him.

So, next time the "crowd" at your house or in your community are singing your praises or calling for your demise, you've got a job to do! Stay focused on it!

War of Words...

"Babies are so cute...but then they learn to TALK!"

A parent once said that to me, and I couldn't help but laugh "with them." There's something that happens when a kid learns the power of their words and then begins to use them in positive and negative ways. There's something about our mouths that cause disunity, conflict, disagreements, and utter chaos throughout our lives. James 3 talks about the power of our tongues/words.

In our families and marriages, words are so powerful. How we use them, where we use them, and what tones we communicate with have so much to do with the relational health of our marriages and families. With that in mind, I ran across a great article about attempting to win the "war of words."

Winning the War of Words

Give it a read, and let me know what you think!

Interruptions...they're going to happen...

Paul Tripp discusses how one of the key components/qualities of good parenting is "prepared spontaneity." Sounds like an paradox, but in reality you CAN prepare for the "interruptions" that will undoubtedly happen as a parent of children.


Read up, parents! - Parenting: It's Never an Interruption

This dude knows what he's talking about!

Having a family fight?

Families are going to have "fights." It's inevitable...like the rising sun or the Chicago Cubs not winning the World Series. Fights are going to happen.

I ran across an article the other day about how to have a "family fight." Not only is it good advice for a family fight, but conflict in general. Give a read and let me know what you think?

How to Have a Family Fight

Enjoy!