Search Results for: blog an outsiders view

And I Thought Declawing Was Bad?

Once upon a time in our household, there was the question of whether or not to declaw Tabby. So far the “not to declaw” camp (a.k.a. mine) is winning. But once in a while (like lately when Tab’s paying a little too much attention to the carpet on the stairs) Wayne’s camp raises the issue again. However, Tab need not worry about me doing anything to her claws other than trimming them. (Something I haven’t done in a while and why her paying attention to the carpet is posing a problem.) The whole to declaw or not debate sprung to … Continue reading →

Why It’s Important To Make a List of Qualities You Want in a Husband

In a previous article, one reader (Jade “The Muse” Walker) left the following comment: Years ago, I wrote a list of all the qualities and characteristics I wanted “the one” to possess. It had the usual items: intelligent, romantic, ambitious, independent, honest, faithful, funny, etc. But I forgot one that is vital to a lasting relationship. Understanding. If you plan to spend your life with someone, I highly recommend finding a partner who has this quality in spades. I also encourage everyone to develop it as well. As usual, Jade’s observations were not only astute but timely. It meshes well … Continue reading →

General Conference: “Faith, Family, Facts and Fruit”

In his talk “Faith, Family, Facts and Fruit” Elder M Russell Ballard speaks about the perceptions that many people have towards the church. Elder Ballard emphasizes the importance that each member be prepared to answer questions about our church. He points out that when most people ask questions about the church, they do not want the entire history of the church laid out along with all of the doctrine. This would overwhelm them. Instead he suggests that you offer a few facts in relation to their question. Elder Ballard focuses on four areas of emphasis in the church. He talks … Continue reading →

When the Wife Earns More Money

It has always been the assumption that men are the breadwinners of the family. At one point in time, they were. Men made the money and the women took care of the children and the house. However, times have changed. The cost of living has forced women to work and women have worked their way right up the career ladder. Women are now doctors, lawyers, and business associates. More than thirty percent of wives earn more than their husbands earn. Of course some of these women are married to jobless men or stay at home dads. Although the wives are … Continue reading →

Should I Send My Homeschooler to Summer Camp? Perhaps No

We are now on the verge of summer and many homeschooling families are contemplating summer activities. The question of summer camp is on the forefront of many people’s minds. So should a homeschooling family send the children off to camp? I have already mentioned the reasons why you might want to send your homeschooler to summer camp. Here are some reasons you might not want to send them to summer camp. Summer camp may open them up to public school problems. Summer camp is often just public school once removed. Many of the issues you hoped to avoid by homeschooling … Continue reading →

A Documentary about the LDS Church

A new two-part documentary “The Mormons: A Documentary” is scheduled to air on Monday April 30, 2007 and Tuesday May 1, 2007 on PBS. You can check your local listings for the time in your area. This documentary takes a look at the history of the LDS church, and how the church is operating today. Helen Whitney directs the documentary. This documentary is an objective view of the church. The first part of the documentary will take a close look at the history of Mormonism. The second part looks specifically at where the church is today. The documentary is not … Continue reading →

Teaching Learning Disabled Kids To Read

Trying to teach a learning disabled child to read can be a frustrating experience. When our oldest came to us, he was a poor student. His report card read D’s and F’s across the board. He detested reading and refused to even try to enjoy anything involving the printed word. A big part of Randy’s aversion was his discomfort in doing it. He felt inferior because he had poor reading skills. He didn’t have a good foundation to build on; no one read to him as a child and he was never encouraged to read. He was never taken on … Continue reading →

General Conference: “Faith, Service, Constancy”

In his talk “Faith, Service, Constancy” Elder David S Baxter speaks to the new members of the church. He briefly shares the story of his conversion, and then adds that there are three areas that are gospel fundamentals. The areas are faith, service, and constancy. Elder Baxter first speaks about the importance of faith in Jesus Christ. He says: “Faith fuels hope. Our perspective changes; our vision becomes clearer. We begin to look for the best, not the worst, in life and in others. We gain a deeper sense of life’s purpose and meaning. Despair gives way to joy. Faith … Continue reading →

Marriage in Trouble? Seek Help

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We recently discussed that, although allowed, divorce is to be avoided whenever possible. Still, it is a fact of life that marriages do hit roadblocks, some big and some small. Maybe your wife spends too much money; maybe your husband spends too much time with his friends. Maybe he isn’t affectionate enough, maybe she’s too needy. Or maybe, the problems are more serious: infidelity, drug or alcohol use, mental or physical abuse. What’s a Muslim family to do? In traditional Muslim countries, the couple would sit down with the elders of the family. The husband, the wife, a representative from … Continue reading →

State Adoption: Matching and Placement Decision

Pre-adoptive families with approved home studies are given a method to review some information about children the state is looking to place in adoptive homes. Families may review the state waiting children listings for children legally free for adoption. In many cases, approved adoptive parents are provided with a one to two page profile of children still classified as legal risk pending the termination of their birth parents rights. Potential adoptive parents decide if they are interested in being considered an adoption resource for a child or children. When hopeful adoptive families see a baby, child or sibling group who … Continue reading →