Lock Down the Net

Updated on Monday, July 13, 2009 at 2:12PM by MAD21

By Alan

One of the advantages of the Internet is that everything is available at your fingertips. You can get information on explanations of quantum mechanics, recipes from Julia Child, instructions on battling flesh eating diseases, or even the oldest copy of the modern Bible online.

One of the disadvantages of the Internet is that everything is available at your children's fingertips. They could get access to web sites containing foul language, or different sex things, or even information on bomb making.

The best and easiest way to know what your children are looking at on the Internet is to participate WITH them. Don't have them viewing the net on their own. Many parental guides insist that best prevention of inappropriate viewing is by putting the computer in a shared family area and to be around when they are surfing.

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Part I - The Joy Of Budgeting (Seriously?)

By Renee, LSWA

Seriously. For too many people, the word budgeting leaves a bad taste in their mouth. Punishment comes to mind for many. It does not have to be that way. A budget is simply a financial management tool for the home. We plan our meals, our car tune-ups, our work week. Why wouldn't we plan our home money management? Bringing these areas under control relieves burden, worry, anxiety and stress. It maximizes our finances so we can be more effective in all areas of our life.

The goal is to live within our means. That is, we don't spend more than we make on a monthly basis. Ideally, this means that we don't use credit cards for daily living expenses and we practice self-control. It means we keep our needs, wants and desires in check.

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Always Love Your Family

TB, Age 13

No matter where you’re family lives, or what mistakes they’ve made in their past, you can’t help but to love them for everything they truly are.

That is what I learned at my family reunion for my mom’s side of the family this past weekend. More than half the people there, I have never met in my life, but I was willing to accept anyone I would call family. One man had two teeth, and made so many mistakes in his past. To watch him be a better person, or at least trying to improve his life, with the help of his family and God, turned him into a better person. I admit, this wasn’t the top of my I want to do list, but It was nice to get to know people I may never see again. Though my cousins were complaining the whole time, I got to tell them that there is nothing that can ever replace your family. From 18 months old to 94 years old, love & respect everyone, because nothing can top the love, your family can give or receive.

Sheltering And Shepherding Your Children

By Jason, M.Ed., M.A.R., Headmaster & Parent

Which of the following is wrong for parents to do?

1. Feeding their children.
2. Clothing their children.
3. Sheltering their children.

If you listen to some people in our culture, including a majority of Christians, #3 is a capital offense. “How can you shelter your children?” they ask with shocked expressions on their faces. Why don’t they ever accuse people of daring to try to feed and clothe their children?

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Helping A Friend In A Crisis

By Megan (Steps for Brady)

In the past five months I have been on the receiving end of hundreds of the most generous and thoughtful acts by countless people. Dealing with the life threatening illness of our son has been a terrifying experience, but has also shown us amazing kindness in the hearts of those around us. It has been difficult at times to have to accept help, but without it, I don’t know how our family would have survived.

Here are a few ideas of ways to help. Take it from someone who knows, any of these would be a huge blessing to a friend going through a tough time.

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