Archives For April 2016

The Digital Invasion Book

As a concerned parent of children who sometimes use cyberschool for our homeschooling with all the bells and whistles, I have enjoyed deeply learning from an instrumental internet safety book, The Digital Invasion: How Technology is Shaping You and Your Relationships by Dr. Archibald Hart and his daughter Dr. Sylvia Hart Frejd.

I have quoted this cyber safety book countless times since it was published in 2013 in presentations and when connecting with other concerned parents. There are many of us!

SIDE NOTE: I do recommend a separate resource below if the issues you are facing are more serious and already out of control!

Have you ever had a kid who has lost interest in everyday life?

Seems to be struggling more emotionally? Depressed?

Has lost interest in recreational activities and prefers gaming instead?

Does not want to relate to their family as much anymore?

Has a hard time falling asleep at night?

Complain they are bored more often than before?

The Digital Invasion book explains details to help caregivers not only support their family’s internet usage, but also understand what is happening inside their brains and hearts when they do. The Digital Invasion clarifies the impact of screens on learning. motivation and attention. I first learned about it through  an Association of Christian Counselors continuing education class. Dr. Archibald Hart was teaching counselors, pastors, educators, parents and grandparents the science behind internet usage. I was so fascinated I pre-purchased several copies before it published!

The Digital Invasion: How Technology is Shaping You and Your Relationships: Audio Interview Link

Since I just spoke to another mom about this book a few days ago… I wanted to add a little plug here with a link to click for an audio when the Harts interviewed with Focus on the Family.

Focus on the Family Link - Digital Invasion

 

I found The Digital Invasion more useful to our family than many of the other internet safety books available.

This book will not leave you feeling condemned but equipped to hopefully navigate toward a balance for improved family relationships.

For those who like quizzes, The Digital Invasion website contains a “Digital Wellness Quiz” or if your child’s gaming usage is serious the “Internet Addiction” test (IAT) by Dr. Kimberly Young…and offers other resources.

Resource for More Serious Internet Safety Addictions that may be Already Out of Control:

I recommend Dr. Kimberly Young’s website for serious internet safety issues that may require treatment services, detox or extra support for “Internet Gaming Disorder”, “Se*xting and Po*rn”, “Internet Infidelity” and deeper concerns that may have impacted your family.

 

Net Addiction website link - Dr Kimberly Young

 

 

I was about to “jump out of my skin” one day after watching a brief video on Peter meeting Jesus on my YouVersion Bible App on my cell.
This was quite a feat considering it was still the wee hours of the morning and I was seriously struggling to wake up and get my day started.

I carried this “lesson” in my belly for a week now.
No. First I tried to share with my sleeping husband…screaming with excitement as I showing him.Yes, it was the wee hours. He said something like “that’s nice dear”. LOL

I am thrilled that God wants to get involved in our lives even when we are frustrated or weary as Peter was. Peter used his professional skills and talents to work diligently to no avail. He had a right to be discouraged in my opinion.

Are you frustrated or tired?

That’s when Jesus asked to get in his boat. I LOVE Peter’s realistic reply. No roses and harp music… just curious resistance that he let go to cooperate.

Just like for Peter, God can add His abilities to our sticky situations.

I know this may seem like an oversimplification but I noticed that kids “get it” when I tell them.

God encourages our “child-like” prayers.

 

Watch @YOUVERSION link for the James and Peter video:
http://bible.com/v/31

 

Jesus teaches Peter about real life...

Jesus teaches frustrated and disgusted Peter about real life…

 

I recorded my 2 minute commentary above just before my trauma classes I attended at the American Bible Society in Philadelphia (historical Christ Church in background).  I tried to behave and appear calm and civilized in the streets of Philly and skipped the scream =)

I initially shared this clip with my Propel Powerspeak family because God had on my heart to encourage someone. I do not know who.

Is it you who needs God’s extra help?????

I knew someone out there needs access to God’s supernatural power right now…

besides me LOL. I’m tackling grad school, homeschool with 4 kids left, children & youth ministry, missions, speaking and… counting on His grace.

If it is you, please let me know! What’s your story?

I grateful that God is shaping and forming willing individuals to become His world changers for the Kingdom of God. Like the humble people I met at the Global Community of Practice trauma classes who are changing lives one at a time around the world. (But that’s another post.)

You can reach out in the comments or use the contact form to share some details.

 

Blessings,

Lois

 

 


I showed the minis the Psalm 119:93 verse shown below and asked them to tell me what they believe it means.

I won’t ever forget
your teachings,
because you give me new life
by following them.

Psalm 119:93 CEV

They were entrenched in a game of basketball in our kitchen and you may hear that in the background!

Have a blessed day!

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Global COP

Hello again,

I posted on my Parent and Family Support Facebook Page about this. I learned so much at the Trauma Healing Institute’s (THI) annual event: Global Community of Practice. I was grateful we as students of Global Trauma Recovery Institute (GTRI) were allowed to attend as part of our immersion trauma training.  Our professors Dr. Diane Langberg and Dr. Phil Monroe are leaders in TRI and support its mission:

“The Trauma Healing Institute at American Bible Society is equipping people, churches, and NGOs around the world to care for the more than one in seven people worldwide who suffer severe wounds of the heart and spirit in the aftermath of conflict, disaster or abuse.”

American Bible Society: 7 Lessons from the Global Community of Practice National Reports

These and many more tips I learned from attendees who reported updates and trauma healing testimonies from almost every continent.

National representative shared how they implemented the Healing the Wounds of Trauma: How the Church Can Help (HWT) curriculum for adults and children which has been translated in 173 languages for recovery training workshops in 68 countries for lay and professional caregivers as well as support interventions to aid refugees and others who have suffered trauma from war, immigration, conflict, natural disasters, extreme poverty, violence, domestic abuse, rape and other losses.

  1. It can be done! There are many unsung heroes in the world who work with God to bring drastic or even subtle reform in people’s lives. They may work with groups but its often done helping one hurting person at a time.

  2. Culturally relevant interventions help heal invisible and sometimes secret emotional trauma wounds for survivors and victims… (HWT) is a great example.

  3. To be effective in trauma support: it is critical to listen to their perspective first. Listen. Listen and then listen some more before offering suggestions or opinions.

  4. Many wounds are helped by encouraging and allowing trauma survivors and children in crisis to tell their story and receive compassionate listening and validation. WOW!

  5. Multiplication with God is effective for ministry: The THI organization tries to not only help individuals but also utilize training weeks to equip new support providers who will then work to become facilitators.

  6. Some national reports (including the US)  left you weeping and were difficult to even listen to let alone imagine how the survivors endure. So many in our are suffering horribly in complex situations and we do not have clear answers. We each need to help trauma survivors and victims in any way we can with long-term effort.  

  7. Testimonies were inspiring and reminded us that it is worth persevering to heal trauma wounds. The integration of the Bible and Psychology is effective medicine.

     

It was a room full of heroes as far as I am concerned. Many pictures I still cannot share.  It was a blessing to hear God’s work through Healing the Wounds of Trauma curriculum which has been adopted in numerous cultures and languages around the globe.

Hearing worship in various languages at the same time was perhaps the most delicious part of the event. I cannot express in words how fabulous it was. I saw some friends wiping their eyes afterwards too so I get the impression I was not the only one touched.

Now, I am wondering how HWT has been used to help trauma and crisis victims and survivors who are Children and Youth in the US? Mmmmm….

If you know PLEASE share your wealth of knowledge =) You can use the comments or the contact form below for my inbox.

 

Blessings to you today,

Heloise