It Came From Within, Chapter 18

How can I teach Mackenzie how to process what life sends her way? How to guard her heart against the inevitable firestorms of life?

So what do we do? Other than do all we can to get our own hearts in shape, what can we do to infuse health into the hearts of our children? For starters we can teach them the importance of confession, forgiveness, and generosity. We can teach them to celebrate the successes of others. We can pray. We can model good habits. We can make sure they are in church. We can look for teachable moments. (pg 203-204)

Also, The questions you ask your children communicate to them what is important to you. The questions you repeatedly ask communicate what is most important to you in life. (pg 205)

Our questions have the power to do two things. First, they can communicate the value we place on the condition of their hearts. But more importantly, our questions can actually help our children know what they sould be watching for. In time, our questions will become the gauge by which our children measure their hearts. (pg 206)

Recommended questions for the weekly bedtime routine with each child. (From pg 207)

• Is everything okay in your heart?
• Are you mad at anybody?
• Did anybody hurt your feelings today?
• Did anybody break a promise to you today?
• Is there anything you need to tell me?
• Are you worried about anything?
• Whose failure would you secretly celebrate?

We should wake up every day of our lives with an eye on the gauges of our hearts. But better yet, imagine a generation of children who grow up attuned not only to what's happening around them but inside of them as well. Imagine your children growing up with an extraordinary sensitivity to the rhythms of their hearts. I don't have to tell you the difference that would make in their lives. You know the difference it would have made for you... As adults, we have been instructed to guard our hearts with all diligence. As parents, we have been given the responsibility to teach our kids to guard theirs. If the heart of your child is important to you, ask your child about what's going on in there. Teach your child to confess, forgive, give generously, and celebrate the successes of others. These are the habits that keep a heart free from painful clutter. There are the habits that will enable your child to develop a healthy adult relationship with you in the future. These are the habits that will change everything. (pg 210)

Dad Shaving His Beard

dad 008
Originally uploaded by Tim Morgan

Just ran across this pic from my collection of scanned images. My dad was somewhat mountain-man at times!

Father's Day 2007

Best ever. Well, it's actually my first, but it rocked! It was better than my birthday. We went to see Pirates 3 yesterday, and today we went to Outback for dinner.

Dale & Lindsay made this video for me, and it's awesome:

Daaa

Mac just said something that kinda resembled "da-da" (aka "daddy"). It could be completely accidental as she's been experimenting with new sounds and facial expressions, but I'd like to think she actually thought of me and said it. In any case, it's a nice change since the number one sound she's been making lately has been "mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm."

Ron Paul - President in 2008

I've never been much into politics in the past, but I'm really excited about one particular presidential candidate for 2008: Ron Paul.

He's the only GOP candidate who does what he says. He actually votes for lower taxes; he actually voted against the war in Iraq; he actually follows the constitution and the original intent of the founding fathers of this nation.

He has a unique yet sensible message.

There's a GOP debate on CNN tonight -- you know I'll be watching.

Update: Seems Ron was largely ignored in the debate (at least for the small portion I was able to watch anyway), but he did manage to get a few words in edgewise: