How To Treat Your Wife

"The way his father treats his mother is what will influence a son the most."

Now there is a provoking quote. To be honest, I've often heard it said in different ways, yet the thought still hits home. I've heard it talked about, preached, and lectured.

How a father treats is wife will effect how his son treats other women. It also effects how the son treats his mother. There should be compassion, respect, and gratitude. All those are part of "LOVE".

I can't tell others what they are doing wrong, or even what they are doing right. I just think of it this way: Step back, take a look from your son's eyes. How would he want his daddy treating his mom? Just think of how your father was. How did he treat your mom? Whether good or bad, he was an example to you. As an observant son, I'm sure most knew what was the best way a mother reacted to a father's actions.

As father, this is your chance, treat your wife the correct way. Your reputation to your son is on the line. Be the best. Try your hardest. Make your son proud. It is truly a great influence!

~Matt


PS   Another thought: Your daughter will take notice too. Most likely, she'll want a man that will treat her the way her dad treated her mother. This is your chance to someday gain a great son-in-law!

In Stitches

If you are on Facebook, you'll notice that there is a lot of drama from time to time. I try not to take part in it. I leave it to others. My goal is to have fun. So, I usually make humorous posts and try to keep things on the positive side.

However, I decided to have some fun last Saturday when I stabbed myself with a pocket knife… I posted pictures! My drama of the month I guess. It wasn't anything major or life-threatening.

I asked if it was okay to take the pictures in the patient room, and the nurse assured me that patients do it all the time. It's now commonplace thanks to smartphones.

I'm happy to report that it all went well, and I'll be more careful with my pocket knife. Lesson learned from the incident? Stick with computer, it's safer!

~ Matt

Oh, The Things A Boy Can Do

I've often thought about writing a book about the adventures I have with my 5 year-old son Malachi. In fact, I could actually be a series. I could focus on several thoughts. Titles could include: "Bathroom Adventures", "Bedroom Disasters", "Shopping Tragedies", etc.

Malachi is so energetic, very smart, and interactive. At times, he's hard to describe. His attention varies, but you'll be surprised on his knowledge and what he picks up.

He almost seems to have a touch of ADHD, but at times, his attention is right there. Most of the time, he's as active as one on a high sugar rush. However, there will be those nice occasions where he'll be settled down to cuddle.

One thing is for sure, you never know what he'll do when in public!

~Matt

Raising A Daughter

I'm raising a daughter. What a responsibility! Thankfully, she is smart and seems to have a good head on her shoulder for an 8 year-old. It's a scary thought to realize the things she'll be facing as she grows up.

Welcome to the generation of kids with cell phones. Passing notes is a thing of the past. Kids don't even email that much anymore. Texting, chatting… even Facebook! Then, there's those crazy pictures. Instant snapshots and videos. The internet at the touch of a screen. Oh my.

Lydia and I are constantly trying to keep conversation with Mysia on the things that happen in her school and at the boys & Girls club. If she has a question, we want her to feel free to ask us or talk about it. We want to be involved, and hopefully train her to know to do what's right in any occasion.

Boy, talk about a responsibility. There are a lot of things to deal with, and it's not going to get easy as she gets older. And I have a son to raise too.

Of course, there are those who love to tell me the best way to raise my children. For the most part, I listen. I'll take things into consideration. But the fact that they aren't the ones dealing with my kids every day, they can't expect their 'knowledge' on the matter to work in all situations.

Sometimes, those who don't have kids telling me what I should do, aggravates me. It's like someone who doesn't own a computer telling me how to best operate it. I'll take suggestions, and I'll offer mine. But don't tell me that you know better than me. I can guarantee that my two children are unique. And they are mine to raise.

Yes, I'm not perfect, and I don't expect to be. I'm trying my best to be the best father to my children. Only I can do it. The result is on me, not anyone else. I can't tell others how to raise their kids… I'm too busy focusing on my own!

So far, it seems that Lydia and I are doing good. All the results show that our kids are excelling in their education and other aspects in their life. They are loved, well fed, and enjoy their lives. Both are full of compassion toward others as well. Yes, we have difficulties along the way, but we learn.

Raising a daughter will be difficult, and is a big responsibility. But it is a challenge. I accept it.

Seeing that smile on her face and knowing that this is God's gift and blessing… makes it worth it all!!!

~Matt

Daily Picture Challenge - May 2013

Welcome to the month of May! And once again, I have created another picture challenge. However, it's a little different this time. I've gone with a specific theme. 

Almost every day is based of the "Day of the Year". For example, today is "Lei Day", so the challenge is to take a picture of a Lei! 

This month is going to be fun..! I post every picture in an album on facebook. Check it out!

~Matt

Justice served?

I came across an article that has gotten me thinking: Shortly after two teenagers were hit and killed by a drunk driver in front of their home, the dad gets a gun and kills the driver.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/texas-dad-accused-murdering-drunk-driver-killed-kids/

The dad is now facing murder charges. It’s a tough thing to think of. What would you do? I have mixed feelings about it. I’ve tried putting myself in that man’s shoes…

Some commented that it’s proof that guns should be banned. If the dad didn’t have a gun, the man would have been killed. Well, I can’t agree with that. If he was mad enough to go get a gun, he would have been mad enough to rush up and kill him with his bare hands if no other weapon was available.

If a drunk came by, even walking, and killed my son with ‘anything’… by golly, he’d sure be looking for a fight. To me, a car, a gun, a big walking stick… doesn’t really matter. If someone killed your kid in front of you, would you let him live?

As for the drunk, he had no excuse. He was driving illegally. He had no right to be on the road. He was intoxicated by his own choice. When you do something wrong (or stupid), there is usually consequences.

What would you do?
 
~Matt

Mowing...

I finally had to mow the lawn for the first time this year. It wasn’t something I was looking forward to, but it had to be done. The bad part is that with the constantly changing weather, and my busy schedule, there is only a certain amount of time that I can get the chore done. Last Monday was that chance. It was a good thing too… it rained that night, and the grass would have been too wet to mow on Tuesday.

It’s not that I hate mowing. In fact, it’s nice to be able to get out and just walk back and forth. I put on my earphones and listen to a few of my favorite albums. The smell of freshly cut grass reminds me of those summer days as a teen. I guess it’s a chance for my mind to get away.

Unfortunately, it’s also become quite a workout! Especially when I haven’t mowed recently. The grass gets really thick in patches and I have to push the mower a bit slower so it doesn’t clog up on me.

By the way, it’s a good thing I mowed when I did… with the rain we’ve received, it’s going to be a while before I can mow again!!!

~Matt