Category Archives: Family Life News

News features from a Biblical perspective.

Issues in Education – Regents Diplomas, Teacher Shortages, Homework by AI – 11/20/23

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These are some of the current “Issues in Education” in the Family Life listening area:

            • New York’s Proposed New Rules for High School Graduation
            • Solving the Teacher Shortage Problem in Pennsylvania
            • Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom

 

Lots of big topics to discuss in the classroom this week.  Dr. Ralph Kerr with the “Teaching and Learning Institute” does a “deep dive” on “Issues in Education”.

Capital Connection – Spying on Each Other – 11/17/23

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Family Life’s “Capital Connection”

Capital Connection offers you insiders’ insight on social, cultural and political issues which affect the people of Pennsylvania, New Work, and the entire nation.

Christian watchdogs Jason McGuire and Michael Geer “dig deep” on the issues that matter from both state capitals.  Among the topics happening this week on “Capital Connection”:

  • Surveilling Conservatives
  • Rethinking the Regents Exams
  • Shielding Abortion Doctors  

Jason McGuire leads New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms. Michael Geer is president of the Pennsylvania Family Institute.

This is our Friday news feature during the Family Life Noon Report. Previous roundtables with these two veteran commentators and other NY and PA opinion leaders are available from the Family Life News Podcasts page. Search for “Capital Connection“.

 

Incurable Faith – Joy amid Longsuffering – Andrea Herzer (#2) – 11/16/23

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Family Life’s “Faith Under Fire“

Andrea Herzer has been journaling about her life with multiple illnesses, debilitating health issues, and a strong inspiring reliance on God. She compiled those writings into a devotional book to encourage others who are looking for that pathway to a life that overflows with the Lord’s sustaining love — no matter what happens with pain, or healing, or suffering, or loss.

Her book’s title recognizes the way that some diagnoses are labeled “incurable”. Yet, she emphasizes that hope and peace can infuse people who face cancer, chronic pain, multiple surgeries, a long convalescence, or any other health issue. Incurable Faith is a partner along that long journey.

This is our second conversation with Herzer. In this interview, she talks about her early days of waiting for healing, as she first sought a return to “normal”. That process of waiting and healing and abiding has now stretched across 20 years. Weaving together her experience and multiple Biblical truths, she offers what she has learned about keeping your spirit at peace. She also encourages caregivers and family members who accompany patients through such processes.

Also: what friends and visitors from church do that is very unhelpful — plus recommendations on ways to be incredibly helpful amid the patience, impatience and loneliness of longsuffering.

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You can also listen to our first conversation with Andrea Herzer, and you’ll find resources she recommends.

 

Resources and background:

 

Inside Out – Managing Holiday Conflict – 11/15/23

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Inside Out:  Managing Family Conflict During the Holidays 

                • Ways to prepare
                • What we can do, and what to avoid
                • Who can offer you comfort?

Do upcoming holiday gatherings already have your stomach in knots? A veteran counselor with Focus on the Family suggests thinking ahead of time about how both historic family dynamics and differing personal opinions will play into how the day unfolds.       

 “I think it’s also constructive to look at what is our attitude towards the person or the people that we’re going to be spending time with?” says Glenn Lutjens, a licensed family therapist with 28 years of experience. “Are there things that we can appreciate about them? And if I’m appreciative of someone, I’m probably going to be more understanding of them. I’m probably going to accept maybe a little bit of their quirks.”  

 Lutjens points out that it’s really okay for people to disagree, in a respectful way.  “I think probably one of the best sentences in the English language is this: ‘You and I see this differently.’ What is there to say after that? The person has their opinion, you have yours.”

 If you are anxious, Lutjens encourages you with the truth that God accompanies you. “I would say probably the most important thing is to realize God is going to be with you. You’re not there on your own. The Spirit of God—if you’ve received God’s free gift of salvation through faith in Christ—He’s going to be with you. And realize that that presence is going to be important.”  

 Learn more about Glenn Lutjens and Focus here.