Received: from beru.its.uow.edu.au ([130.130.68.31]) by anubis.ad.uow.edu.au with Microsoft SMTPSVC(6.0.3790.3959); Mon, 24 Dec 2007 15:00:28 +1100 Received: from febris-nat.its.uow.edu.au ([130.130.68.210] helo=febris.its.uow.edu.au) by beru.its.uow.edu.au with esmtp (Exim 4.63) (envelope-from ) id 1J6eUO-000089-0k for blane@uow.edu.au; Mon, 24 Dec 2007 15:00:28 +1100 Received: from vmail1.webshield.net.au (vmail1.webshield.net.au [202.78.46.227]) by febris.its.uow.edu.au (MOS 3.8.5-GA) with ESMTP id HES35641; Mon, 24 Dec 2007 15:00:26 +1100 (EST) Received: (qmail 3112 invoked from network); 24 Dec 2007 04:00:01 -0000 Received: from vmail1.webshield.net.au (HELO COMP1) (202.78.46.227) by vmail1.webshield.net.au with SMTP; 24 Dec 2007 04:00:01 -0000 Received: from COMP1 ([118.67.221.168] helo=COMP1) by ASSP-nospam; 24 Dec 2007 14:30:00 +1030 From: "Fatherhood Foundation" To: "Lane, Brian" Subject: 24/12/2007 The Christmas Story - One Solitary Life Date: Mon, 24 Dec 2007 14:59:50 +1100 Message-ID: <083001c845e1$6f4ec310$6401a8c0@COMP1> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="----=_NextPart_000_0831_01C8463D.A2BF3B10" X-Mailer: Microsoft Office Outlook 11 X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.00.2900.3198 Thread-Index: AchE6llHdHW3FkdTT+yoj5C8baowJAA9tV7w X-Junkmail-Status: score=10/49, host=febris.its.uow.edu.au X-Junkmail-SD-Raw: score=unknown, refid=str=0001.0A090206.476F2D47.0125,ss=1,fgs=0, ip=202.78.46.227, so=2007-07-31 18:51:00, dmn=5.4.3/2007-11-16 Return-Path: info@fathersonline.org X-OriginalArrivalTime: 24 Dec 2007 04:00:28.0480 (UTC) FILETIME=[85341400:01C845E1] This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0831_01C8463D.A2BF3B10 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Unable to read this email? Please click here Issue 279 - 24th December, 2007 Go to our website Here * Hello <> & Welcome Friend * Grandads <> * Laughter <> * Single Dads <> * Special Feature <> * Thought of the Week <> * All You Need is Love <> * News <> & Info * Dad's Prayer <> * Help Us <> Hello & Welcome Friend To our children, Christmas is one of those special times of the year. When I was growing up it was the best time of the year and was always a long time coming. New Year was always an anticlimax, despite my Scottish heritage and the importance of Hogmanay in that country. I loved the Christmas songs, the presents, the decorations and the parties. When I was 6 years old we lived with our mum and grandmother in Edinburgh, Scotland. Christmases were cold and snow filled. My father, who was living the life of a broken hearted single dad back in Australia, was probably having a very lonely Christmas Day away from his two boys. Unfortunately you lonely learn these things much later in life. I can remember Christmas pudding, ginger wine and lots of presents. Scottish people are incredibly kind, quite the reverse of the myth. I was eight year old before I suspected my parents had something to do with the magical ap pearance of all my gifts, such was my naivety. What is the real meaning of Christmas anyway? The 2006 movie, 'The Nativity Story' www.thenativitystory.com is probably as close as it gets for Hollywood and in an overall sense is pretty close to the historical record. This is a great movie to show your children and grandchildren about the birth of Jesus. Christmas is fast becoming a worldwide celebration, mostly because of cross-consumerism and capitalistic market forces than respect for the original reason for the celebration. As a child I had a vague idea that Christmas was to do with Jesus, but Santa Claus loomed larger than life to a six year old boy and the birth of Jesus Christ took a back seat to the purveyor of presents. But what of this person Jesus Christ? Dr James Allan probably sums up better than anyone else the real reason why Jesus Christ's birthday was first celebrated and continues to be celebrated and the powerful effect he had on human history. One Solitary Life He was born in an obscure village The child of a peasant woman He grew up in another obscure village Where he worked in a carpenter shop Until he was thirty He never wrote a book He never held an office He never went to college He never visited a big city He never travelled more than two hundred miles From the place where he was born He did none of the things Usually associated with greatness He had no credentials but himself He was only thirty three His friends ran away One of them denied him He was turned over to his enemies And went through the mockery of a trial He was nailed to a cross between two thieves While dying, his executioners gambled for his clothing The only property he had on earth When he was dead He was laid in a borrowed grave Through the pity of a friend Nineteen centuries have come and gone And today Jesus is the central figure of the human race And the leader of mankind's progress All the armies that have ever marched All the navies that have ever sailed All the parliaments that have ever sat All the kings that ever reigned put together Have not affected the life of mankind on earth As powerfully as that one solitary life Dr James Allan Francis 1926 Lovework The story of a little girl who was surprised by the fact that everyone gave presents to all but the originator of Christmas, Jesus Christ - the son of God, should be a challenge to us all. Tell your children that it is Jesus Christ's birthday that we celebrate at Christmas time. Tell them about the effect that this one solitary life has had on the world. Before long we will all be lining up to be born in a manger. Merry Christmas and God's blessings to you and your family this Christmas and New Year and beyond from the Fatherhood Foundation. Yours for a happy and safe holiday season Warwick Marsh PS The Fatherhood Foundation office will be closed from 24th December 2007 until 7th January 2008. We take this opportunity to thank all our contributors and supporters for their help during the year and look forward to an even greater 2008. ___________________________________________________________ Warwick Marsh has been married to Alison for 32 years. He is the father of five children, four boys and one girl, ranging in age from 26 years to 14 years. Warwick is a musician, songwriter, producer and public speaker who likes to think he can still laugh at himself. back to top <> Grandads I truly believe that as we keep telling the Christmas story, singing the Christmas songs and living the Christmas spirit, we can bring joy and happiness and peace to this world. Norman Vincent Peale back to top <> Laughter WORKS FOR MEN TOO!! back to top <> Single Dads We interrupt our series by Chris to bring a Christmas greeting from Tony Miller of 'dads in distress'. The dads in distress organisation wishes you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year. We ask that as you enjoy the festive season you just spare a small area of your heart and thoughts for the dads and their children who will not be together over this Christmas New Year Season for whatever reason. For many this will be the first Christmas that maybe someone else is handing out the presents from under the tree. Please include them in your thoughts and prayers. Recently I was fortunate enough to spend some time with people in another country, a much poorer country. In my travels I came across some very sad cases. While you are unwrapping the presents on Christmas Day or having a few drinks or a meal with your relatives or singing in church please spare a thought for those less fortunate. I met a single mum with two kids who was so kind and gentle yet whose ex-husband extinguished his cigarettes on her body as entertainment for him and his friends. I met another mother of two living in a garbage tip and yet another whose father raped her at 13 years old and then committed suicide leaving her with the feeling of it all being her fault that her family now lived in poverty. "If only I wasn't born a female none of this would have happened," she said. Over the past year I have met a man with burns on his back in the shape of an iron. Domestic violence perpetrated upon him from his ex-wife, unspeakable in today's society, yet true. A man who can no longer see out of his left eye after being stabbed with a fork by his ex-wife. Another who now walked with a stick because of a stroke brought on by the constant fighting and bickering through the divorce. A dad and his two kids kicked out of the family home through an unjust system; children who are now deceased through suicide after the break up of their families; grandparents bereaved at the loss of their grandkids. Have we yet not caused enough pain to each other? Must we, now that we have lied, cheated and betrayed one another, continue this hurt upon our children? Christmas is for giving 'Get it' FORGIVING. Until we all do that, until we really get it, then the sadness continues, this Christmas will come and go and you will be in the same place as you were last year, unless you get it, unless you can forgive. It is the hardest of all things to do, yet it is also the most freeing. dads in distress Motto: There are three sides to every story: His, Hers and the Truth. This will serve you well. This Christmas try and come to that truth. Try to forgive even if it may mean yourself who you are forgiving. I know these things as true because my name is Tony Miller and I am trying to forgive myself. Tony Miller dids www.dadsindistress.asn.au If you know of a dad in distress who may be feeling low over the Christmas break please be an ear, be a friend, be non-judgmental and let him know that help is out there and it is OK to get it. DIDS: 1300 853437 Lifeline: 131 114 Mensline: 1300 789 978 back to top <> Special Feature The Christmas Story By Dr Luke The Birth of Jesus About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fianc'e, who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel. An Event for Everyone There were sheepherders camping in the neighbourhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Saviour has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger." At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him. As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed. Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told! Luke 2: 1-20 The Message Bible back to top <> Thought of the Week Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love. Hamilton Wright Mabie 1845-1916 back to top <> All You Need is Love HOLIDAY GIFT FOR MARRIAGE HONEST CONVERSATION PIONEER PRESS December 13, 2007 To remain in sync and maintain a healthy marriage, couples may benefit from a "Marriage Check-up." Just like check-ups for our physical health, couples need to also attend to their relationship health. Small steps toward prevention produce better results than waiting until problems can get so big that you need to seek professional help. An easy beginning to your check-up is through the following conversation with your partner: Ask each other: "How could I be a better husband?" "How could I be a better wife?" Then listen to what they say without interrupting, disagreeing or defending. You are only trying to gather information about what they think or feel; you don't have to agree. Get the point? How well do you and your partner know each other? You obviously knew enough to decide to get married, but what have you learned about each other since? People and marriages change as the years go by. How has your partner grown and changed during your time together? We know that humans are designed to evolve, otherwise we are revolving. To continue expanding our understanding of our partners and ourselves, many of us prefer a structured conversation guide. Try the following exercise together: First, write your individual responses to the following statements. Then exchange papers and talk about what you've written. While one of you is reading or speaking, the other should only listen or ask questions for clarification. Then switch roles. Complete the following statements: In our marriage I feel appreciated when you... In our marriage, I feel loved when you... In our marriage, I am happiest when... In our marriage, I am saddest when... In our marriage, I am angriest when... In our marriage, I would like more... In our marriage, I would like less... In our marriage, I feel close to you when... What I like most about our marriage is... My greatest concern about our marriage is... Our marriage could be greatly improved if we both... A few thoughts to keep in mind while you both review your "State of the Union." Marriage is a team sport. Whatever kind of marriage you have, it took both of you to create it. No one can hold all the responsibility for any of the marriage's faults or shortcomings or for its strengths and virtues. There is plenty of work to be done on each person's part when it comes to taking your marriage to the next level. Tell people good things about your spouse (whether or not they are present to hear them). Praising one another feeds the relationship. Not only will your partner appreciate the attention, but this habit also stretches us to focus on the positive aspects of our relationship. Great marriages are built over time. Attending to and protecting against threats to the marriage are the cornerstones to its health. Open, sincere and honest conversations can produce rewards that last a lifetime. Dan Haycraft, MD, and Meg Haycraft, LCSW of Wilmette are founders of TWOgether, Inc., an American educational and counselling firm for couples. www.twogether.org back to top <> News & Info Development Manager - Fatherhood Foundation The Fatherhood Foundation is a tax deductible faith-based charity with the goal of inspiring fathers and renewing families. Our aim is to prevent the harm caused by fatherlessness to the children of Australia. We are looking for an energetic and enthusiastic man who is committed to the cause found in the words of Malachi 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to their fathers'. The role of the Development Manager is to obtain funding and support to enable the cause of the Fatherhood Foundation to be fulfilled. The applicant would need to be highly disciplined, exhibit great management skills and posses s excellent communication abilities with an entrepreneurial attitude. An attractive salary package will be provided for the successful applicant. For more information visit www.fatherhood.org.au/beinvolved _______________________ Men4Life Information night 29 Jan 2008 New Venue:1A Stuart Street, East Nowra Time: 7pm Joanna Gash ,Member for Gilmore, will officially open the group. We hope you can all attend so you can hear what our goals and objectives are. Light refreshments will be available. Please send me an email or give me a call if you have any questions Please RSVP for catering. Men4Life Founder/coordinator - David Simister Phone:0431 549 593 www.men4life.net __________________ Letters Dear Fatherhood Foundation To all our lifesavers I wish you the very best and happiest Christmas and I thank you for being on the journey with me, sometimes following, sometimes leading but at all times with your heart and soul. You have saved many lives and changed many more including your own and what better legacy can you leave your children then what you have already. You have put Dads and their children back on the map simply by putting yourself back on the map and by being a light to others who have found themselves surrounded by darkness. For that I thank you personally because I was one of those lost in the darkness. Tony M www.dadsindistress.asn.au back to top <> Dad's Prayer Dear God Let me be part of a 'conspiracy of love' this Christmas time. The conspiracy of love came into this world in the form of a baby born in a manger. What if God was one of us? came true in that manger in Bethlehem and as Bono sings in 'When Love Come to Town': "I was there when they crucified my Lord I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword. I threw the dice when they pierced his side, But I've seen love conquer the great divide." Let your love conquer the darkness. Let your conspiracy of love fill my family's heart to overflowing and bring joy, happiness and peace to a world in need. back to top <> Help Us Click here for more information about us Help Us! The Fatherhood Foundation is a Harm Prevention Charity. Fatherlessness and inadequate fathering has been proven to be a source of harm. The Fatherhood Foundation helps children by promoting excellence in fathering. Excellent fathers are in word and deed: responsible, involved, protective, loving and committed to the well-being of their children and their children's mother. If you would like to give financially to the Fatherhood Foundation Public Fund and receive tax deductibility: Fatherhood Foundation Public Fund (Name, address and amount details must be emailed for a receipt for tax deductibility) Westpac Branch Wollongong BSB: 032 695 A/C: 25-5558 Or mail cheque and address details to: PO Box 440 WOLLONGONG NSW 2520 AUSTRALIA The Fatherhood Foundation Public Fund is a public fund listed on the Register of Harm Prevention Charities under Subdivision 30_EA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. You have received the fathersonline.org newsletter because you have subscribed, or you have been subscribed by a friend. If you do not wish to receive future emails, please click the UNSUBSCRIBE button below or send an email to info@fathersonline.org with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject heading. back to top <> Click Here to Unsubscribe ------=_NextPart_000_0831_01C8463D.A2BF3B10 Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Fatherhood Foundation

 

 

Issue = 279 - 24th December, 2007

Go to our website Here<= /p>

 

 

 

 

Hello & Welcome = Friend

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To our children, = Christmas is one of those special times of the year. When I was growing up it was = the best time of the year and was always a long time coming. New Year = was always an anticlimax, despite my Scottish heritage and the = importance of Hogmanay in that country.<= /p>

 

I loved the Christmas = songs, the presents, the decorations and the parties. When I was 6 years = old we lived with our mum and grandmother in Edinburgh, Scotland. Christmases were cold and snow filled. My father, who was living the = life of a broken hearted single dad back in Australia, was probably having a very lonely Christmas Day away from his two = boys.  Unfortunately you lonely learn these things much later in life. I = can remember Christmas pudding, ginger wine and lots of presents. = Scottish people are incredibly kind, quite the reverse of the myth. I was = eight year old before I suspected my parents had something to do with the = magical ap pearance of all my gifts, such was my = naivety.

 

What is the real = meaning of Christmas anyway? The 2006 movie, 'The Nativity Story' www.thenativitystory.com&nb= sp;  is probably as close as it gets for Hollywood and in an overall sense = is pretty close to the historical record. This is a great movie to show = your children and grandchildren about the birth of Jesus. Christmas is = fast becoming a worldwide celebration, mostly because of = cross-consumerism and capitalistic market forces than respect for the original reason for = the celebration. As a child I had a vague idea that Christmas was to do = with Jesus, but Santa Claus loomed larger than life to a six year old boy = and the birth of Jesus Christ took a back seat to the purveyor of = presents.

 

But what of this = person Jesus Christ? Dr James Allan probably sums up better than anyone else the = real reason why Jesus Christ's birthday was first celebrated and = continues to be celebrated and the powerful effect he had on human = history.

 

One Solitary = Life

 

He was born in an = obscure village <= /p>

The child of a = peasant woman

He grew up in another = obscure village

Where he worked in a = carpenter shop

Until he was thirty =

 

He never wrote a book =

He never held an = office

He never went to = college

He never visited a = big city

He never travelled = more than two hundred miles

From the place where = he was born

He did none of the = things

Usually associated = with greatness

He had no credentials = but himself

 

He was only thirty = three

 

His friends ran away =

One of them denied = him

He was turned over to = his enemies

And went through the = mockery of a trial

He was nailed to a = cross between two thieves

While dying, his = executioners gambled for his clothing

The only property he = had on earth

 

When he was dead =

He was laid in a = borrowed grave

Through the pity of a = friend

 

 

Nineteen centuries = have come and gone

And today Jesus is = the central figure of the human race

And the leader of = mankind's progress

All the armies that = have ever marched

All the navies that = have ever sailed

All the parliaments = that have ever sat

All the kings that = ever reigned put together

Have not affected the = life of mankind on earth

As powerfully as that = one solitary life

Dr James Allan = Francis 1926

 

Lovework

 

The story of a little girl who was surprised by the fact that everyone = gave presents to all but the originator of Christmas, Jesus Christ - the = son of God, should be a challenge to us all.

 

Tell your children = that it is Jesus Christ's birthday that we celebrate at Christmas time. Tell = them about the effect that this one solitary life has had on the world. = Before long we will all be lining up to be born in a = manger.

 

Merry Christmas and = God's blessings to you and your family this Christmas and New Year and = beyond from the Fatherhood Foundation.

 

 

Yours for a happy and = safe holiday season

Warwick = Marsh

 

PS The Fatherhood = Foundation office will be closed from 24th December 2007 until 7th January = 2008. We take this opportunity to thank all our contributors and supporters = for their help during the year and look forward to an even greater = 2008.

 

__________________________= _________________________________ =

Warwick Marsh has been married to Alison for 32 years. He is = the father of five children, four boys and one girl, ranging in age from = 26 years to 14 years.  Warwick is a musician, songwriter, = producer and public speaker who likes to think he can still laugh at = himself.

back = to top

Grandads

 

 

I truly believe that as we keep
telling the Christmas story,

singing the Christmas songs and living
the Christmas spirit,

we can bring joy and happiness and
peace to this world.

 

Norman Vincent Peale

 

back = to top

Laughter

 

WORKS FOR MEN TOO!!

 

 

back = to top

Single Dads =

 

 

  

 

We interrupt our = series by Chris to bring a Christmas greeting from Tony Miller of 'dads in = distress'.

 

The dads in distress organisation wishes you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and = New Year. We ask that as you enjoy the festive season you just spare a = small area of your heart and thoughts for the dads and their children who = will not be together over this Christmas New Year Season for whatever = reason. For many this will be the first Christmas that maybe someone else is handing out the presents from under the tree. Please include them in = your thoughts and prayers.

 

Recently I was = fortunate enough to spend some time with people in another country, a much = poorer country. In my travels I came across some very sad cases. While you = are unwrapping the presents on Christmas Day or having a few drinks or a = meal with your relatives or singing in church please spare a thought for = those less fortunate. I met a single mum with two kids who was so kind and = gentle yet whose ex-husband extinguished his cigarettes on her body as entertainment for him and his friends. I met another mother of two = living in a garbage tip and yet another whose father raped her at 13 years = old and then committed suicide leaving her with the feeling of it all being = her fault that her family now lived in poverty. "If only I wasn't = born a female none of this would have happened," she = said.

 

Over the past year I = have met a man with burns on his back in the shape of an iron. Domestic = violence perpetrated upon him from his ex-wife, unspeakable in today's = society, yet true. A man who can no longer see out of his left eye after being = stabbed with a fork by his ex-wife. Another who now walked with a stick = because of a stroke brought on by the constant fighting and bickering through = the divorce. A dad and his two kids kicked out of the family home = through an unjust system; children who are now deceased through suicide after = the break up of their families; grandparents bereaved at the loss of = their grandkids.

 

Have we yet not = caused enough pain to each other? Must we, now that we have lied, cheated and = betrayed one another, continue this hurt upon our children? Christmas is for = giving 'Get it' FORGIVING. Until we all do that, until we really get it, = then the sadness continues, this Christmas will come and go and you will be = in the same place as you were last year, unless you get it, unless you can forgive. It is the hardest of all things to do, yet it is also the = most freeing.

 

dads in distress = Motto:

There are three sides = to every story:

His, Hers and the = Truth.

 

This will serve you = well. This Christmas try and come to that truth. Try to forgive even if it may = mean yourself who you are forgiving. I know these things as true because = my name is Tony Miller and I am trying to forgive = myself.

 

Tony Miller = dids

www.dadsindistress.asn.au  

 

If you know of a dad = in distress who may be feeling low over the Christmas break please be = an ear, be a friend, be non-judgmental and let him know that help is out = there and it is OK to get it.

DIDS: 1300 853437 =

Lifeline: 131 114 =

Mensline: 1300 789 = 978

back = to top

Special = Feature

 

The Christmas Story =

By Dr Luke =

 

The = Birth of Jesus

 <= /o:p>

About that time = Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. =

This was the first = census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the = Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's town, for the census. = As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his = fianc'e, who was pregnant.

 

While they were = there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her = firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there = was no room in the hostel.

 

An Event for Everyone =

 <= /o:p>

There were = sheepherders camping in the neighbourhood. They had set night watches over their = sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around = them.

They were terrified. = The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful = event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Saviour has just been born = in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what = you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger." =

 

At once the angel was = joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: =

 

   Glory to = God in the heavenly heights,

   Peace to = all men and women on earth who please him.

 

As the angel choir = withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over = to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has = revealed to us."

They left, running, = and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was = believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this = child.

All who heard the = sheepherders were impressed.

 

Mary kept all these = things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders = returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had = heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told! =

 

Luke 2: 1-20 The = Message Bible

 

 

back = to top

Thought of the = Week

 

 

 

 

 

Blessed is the = season

which engages the whole world

in a conspiracy of love.

 

Hamilton Wright Mabie 1845-1916

back = to top

All You Need is = Love

HOLIDAY GIFT FOR MARRIAGE

HONEST CONVERSATION

 

PIONEER PRESS = December 13, 2007

 

To remain in sync and = maintain a healthy marriage, couples may benefit from a "Marriage Check-up." Just like check-ups for our physical health, couples = need to also attend to their relationship health. Small steps toward = prevention produce better results than waiting until problems can get so big = that you need to seek professional help.

 

An easy beginning to = your check-up is through the following conversation with your partner: = Ask each other:

 

"How could I be = a better husband?"

 

"How could I be = a better wife?"

 

Then listen to what = they say without interrupting, disagreeing or = defending.

 

You are only trying = to gather information about what they think or feel; you don't have to = agree.

 

Get the point? How = well do you and your partner know each other? You obviously knew enough to = decide to get married, but what have you learned about each other since? = People and marriages change as the years go by.

 

How has your partner = grown and changed during your time together? We know that humans are designed = to evolve, otherwise we are revolving. To continue expanding our = understanding of our partners and ourselves, many of us prefer a structured = conversation guide.

 

Try the following = exercise together: First, write your individual responses to the following statements. Then exchange papers and talk about what you've written. = While one of you is reading or speaking, the other should only listen or = ask questions for clarification. Then switch = roles.

 

Complete the = following statements:

 

In our marriage I = feel appreciated when you...

 

In our marriage, I = feel loved when you...

 

In our marriage, I am = happiest when...

 

In our marriage, I am = saddest when...

 

In our marriage, I am = angriest when...

 

In our marriage, I = would like more...

 

In our marriage, I = would like less...

 

In our marriage, I = feel close to you when...

 

What I like most = about our marriage is...

 

My greatest concern = about our marriage is...

 

Our marriage could be = greatly improved if we both...

 

A few thoughts to = keep in mind while you both review your "State of the Union."

 

Marriage is a team = sport.

 

Whatever kind of = marriage you have, it took both of you to create it. No one can hold all the responsibility for any of the marriage's faults or shortcomings or = for its strengths and virtues. There is plenty of work to be done on each = person's part when it comes to taking your marriage to the next = level.

 

Tell people good = things about your spouse (whether or not they are present to hear them). Praising = one another feeds the relationship. Not only will your partner = appreciate the attention, but this habit also stretches us to focus on the positive aspects of our relationship.

 

Great marriages are = built over time. Attending to and protecting against threats to the marriage = are the cornerstones to its health. Open, sincere and honest conversations = can produce rewards that last a lifetime.

 

Dan Haycraft, MD, and = Meg Haycraft, LCSW of Wilmette are = founders of TWOgether, Inc., an American educational and counselling firm for = couples.

www.twogether.org =

 

back = to top

News & = Info

 = ;

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Development Manager - = Fatherhood Foundation

 

 

 

 

The = Fatherhood Foundation is a tax deductible faith-based charity with the goal of inspiring fathers and renewing families. Our aim is to prevent the = harm caused by fatherlessness to the children of Australia. We are looking for an energetic and enthusiastic man who is = committed to the cause found in the words of Malachi 'to turn the hearts of the = fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to their fathers'. = The role of the Development Manager is to obtain funding and support to = enable the cause of the Fatherhood Foundation to be fulfilled. The applicant = would need to be highly disciplined, exhibit great management skills and = posses s excellent communication abilities with an entrepreneurial attitude. = An attractive salary package will be provided for the successful = applicant.

 

For more information = visit www.fatherhood.org.au/be= involved   

_______________________

 

Men4Life =

Information night =

29 Jan 2008 =

New Venue:1A = Stuart Street, East Nowra =

Time: = 7pm

Joanna Gash ,Member = for Gilmore, will officially open the group. =

We hope you can all = attend so you can hear what our goals and objectives are. =

Light refreshments = will be available.

Please send me an = email or give me a call if you have any = questions

Please RSVP for = catering.

 

Men4Life=

Founder/coordinator - = David Simister

Phone:0431 549 = 593

www.men4life.net =

__________________

 

 

 = <= /p> 

Letters =

 
Dear Fatherhood Foundation =

 
To all our lifesavers I wish you the very best and =
happiest Christmas and I thank you =

for being on the journey with me, sometimes =
following, sometimes leading but at all =

times with your heart and soul. You have saved =
many lives and changed many more =

including your own and what better legacy can =
you leave your children then what you =

have already. You have put Dads and their =
children back on the map simply by putting =

yourself back on the map and by being a light =
to others who have found themselves =

surrounded by darkness. =

 
For that I thank you personally because I was one of =
those lost in the darkness. 
Tony M =

www.dadsindistress.asn.au=

 

back = to top

Dad's = Prayer

 

 

 

Dear God

 

Let me be part of a 'conspiracy of love'
this Christmas time.

The conspiracy of love came into this world =

in the form of a baby born in a manger.

What if God was one of us?

came true in that manger in Bethlehem

and as Bono sings in 'When Love Come to Town':

"I was there when they crucified my Lord

I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his = sword.

I threw the dice when they pierced his side,

But I've seen love conquer the great = divide."

 

Let your love conquer the darkness.

Let your conspiracy of love

fill my family's heart to overflowing

and bring joy, happiness and peace

to a world in need.

back = to top

Help Us

Click here for more information about us

Help Us!

The Fatherhood Foundation is a Harm Prevention Charity. =
Fatherlessness and inadequate fathering has been proven to be = a source of harm.

The Fatherhood Foundation helps children by promoting excellence  in fathering. Excellent fathers are in word and = deed: responsible, involved, protective, loving and committed to the = well-being of their children and their children's = mother.

If you would like to give financially to the Fatherhood Foundation Public Fund and receive tax = deductibility:

Fatherhood Foundation Public = Fund
(Name, address and amount details must be emailed for a receipt for = tax deductibility)
Westpac Branch Wollongong
BSB: 032 695
A/C: 25-5558

Or mail cheque and address details to:
PO Box 440
WOLLONGONG  NSW  2520
AUSTRALIA

The Fatherhood Foundation Public Fund  is a public = fund listed on the Register of Harm Prevention Charities under = Subdivision 30_EA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

You have received the fathersonline.org newsletter = because you have subscribed, or you have been subscribed by a friend.  = If you do not wish to receive future emails, please click the UNSUBSCRIBE = button below or send an email to info@fathersonline.org with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject = heading.

back = to top

 

 

 

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