HopeForYourFamily

Click here to read my latest “Parenting 101″ segment: “Encouraging Healthy Friendships In Your Children’s Lives.” Here is my summary statement:

“Whatever the age or stage of your children, be willing to experience your children’s activities, interests, and friendships without either defensive, judgmental rejection or taking over through over-involvement. Be the kind of parent your children and their friends can both respect and feel comfortable opening up to.”

Ladies - you have a great opportunity coming just around the corner!  On September 28 - October 7, 2007, The Women’s Council of Greater Baton Rouge will be presenting “Women!  A Week-Long Celebration.”  This incredible event features dozens of amazing women of our community, presenting classes and workshops on a wide variety of topics.  Check the WCGBR website for more details and for a presentation and event schedule.

I am excited to share with you about the beginning of a state-level association for Christian counselors in our great state of Louisiana!  Thanks so much to Joneal Kirby, Kevin Nieman, Gil Martin, Dianne Phillips, and the rest of the founding members of the LAACC for being faithful to the vision God has given you and working hard to lay a foundation upon which we can all begin building this great network for our state.  The LAACC was registered with the state in May of 2007, and already has a few dozen members.  We hope to grow rapidly as you help to spread the word.  The first big meeting will be held on Saturday, November 10 at Emmanuel Baptist Church fellowship hall in Alexandria from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm.  Please come to this inaugural meeting where we will be discussing plans for the future of our new association.  Please be sure to check the LAACC website for ongoing updates and information.

“Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning?” - Alan Jackson (Greatest Hits Volume II, 2003)

Where were you when the world stopped turning, on that September day? Were you in the yard with your wife and children, or working on some stage in LA? Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke rising against that blue sky? Did you shout out in anger, or fear for your neighbor, or did you just sit down and cry?

Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones, pray for the ones who don’t know? Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble, and sob for the ones left below? Did you burst out with pride for the Red, White, and Blue, and the heroes who died just doin’ what they do? Did you look up to Heaven for some kind of answer, and look at yourself and what really matters?

I’m just a singer of simple songs. I’m not a real political man. I watch CNN, but I’m not sure I can tell you the difference in Iraq and Iran. But I know Jesus, and I talk to God, and I remember this from when I was young: Faith, hope, and love are some good things He gave us, and the greatest is love.

Where were you when the world stopped turning, on that September day? Teaching a class full of innocent children, or driving down some cold interstate? Did you feel guilty cause you’re a survivor? In a crowded room did you feel alone? Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her? Did you dust off that Bible at home?

Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened? Close your eyes and not go to sleep? Did you notice the sunset for the first time in ages? Speak to some stranger on the street? Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow? Go out and buy you a gun? Did you turn off that violent old movie you’re watchin’, and turn on I Love Lucy reruns? Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger? Stand in line and give your own blood? Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family? Thank God you had somebody to love?

I’m just a singer of simple songs. I’m not a real political man. I watch CNN, but I’m not sure I can tell you the difference in Iraq and Iran. But I know Jesus, and I talk to God, and I remember this from when I was young: Faith, hope, and love are some good things He gave us, and the greatest is love.

I’m just a singer of simple songs. I’m not a real political man. I watch CNN, but I’m not sure I can tell you the difference in Iraq and Iran. But I know Jesus, and I talk to God, and I remember this from when I was young: Faith, hope, and love are some good things He gave us, and the greatest is love.

The greatest is love.

The greatest is love.

Where were you when the world stopped turning, on that September day?