X-Symantec-TimeoutProtection: 0 Return-Path: X-Original-To: info@ausheart.com.au Delivered-To: info@ausheart.com.au Received: from localhost (marlin.fishinternet.com.au [127.0.0.1]) by marlin.fishinternet.com.au (Postfix) with ESMTP id 5E07EDEB5A for ; Sun, 29 Oct 2006 08:22:08 +1100 (EST) Received: from marlin.fishinternet.com.au ([127.0.0.1]) by localhost (marlin.fishinternet.com.au [127.0.0.1]) (amavisd-new, port 10024) with ESMTP id 31431-07 for ; Sun, 29 Oct 2006 08:21:54 +1100 (EST) Received-SPF: none (marlin.fishinternet.com.au: 203.16.214.182 is neither permitted nor denied by domain of fathersonline.org) client-ip=203.16.214.182; envelope-from=info@fathersonline.org; helo=ash25e.internode.on.net; Received: from ash25e.internode.on.net (ash25e.internode.on.net [203.16.214.182]) by marlin.fishinternet.com.au (Postfix) with ESMTP id CE8BDDEB4C for ; Sun, 29 Oct 2006 08:21:53 +1100 (EST) Received: from polyglot.com.au (eth2643.nsw.adsl.internode.on.net [150.101.193.82]) by ash25e.internode.on.net (8.13.6/8.13.5) with ESMTP id k9SLLdTu079993 for ; Sun, 29 Oct 2006 07:51:49 +1030 (CST) (envelope-from info@fathersonline.org) Received: from server ([192.168.100.14]) by polyglot.com.au with Microsoft SMTPSVC(6.0.3790.1830); Sun, 29 Oct 2006 08:21:53 +1100 Thread-Topic: Healing the Feminine Heart Reply-To: Message-ID: <1f36201c6fad7$16cca1e0$0101a8c0@polyglot.local> thread-index: Acb61xbKcUSYUboORvWs0QGYx9mprw== From: To: Subject: Healing the Feminine Heart Date: Sun, 29 Oct 2006 08:21:53 +1100 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="----=_NextPart_000_1F363_01C6FB33.4A3D19E0" X-Mailer: Microsoft CDO for Exchange 2000 Content-Class: urn:content-classes:message Importance: normal Priority: normal X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.00.3790.2757 X-OriginalArrivalTime: 28 Oct 2006 21:21:53.0406 (UTC) FILETIME=[16CCA1E0:01C6FAD7] X-TM-AS-Product-Ver: SMEX-7.2.0.1122-3.6.1039-14778.000 X-TM-AS-Result: No--6.792000-5.000000-1 X-Virus-Scanned: amavisd-new at fishinternet.com.au X-NAS-BWL: Found match for 'info@fathersonline.org' on the allowed list (2044 addresses, 0 domains) X-NAS-Classification: 0 X-NAS-MessageID: 3934 X-NAS-Validation: {FF825B7A-B161-40BD-90F8-3582DAE91A1E} This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_1F363_01C6FB33.4A3D19E0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Unable to read this email? Please click here Issue 219 - 30 th October, 2006 Go to our website Here * Hello Warwick * Grandads * Laughter * Single Dads * All you need is Love * Thought of the Week * Special Feature * News & Info * Dad's Prayer * Help Us Hello Warwick There is so much that men don't understand about women. To most men, women are wonderfully mysterious but to many men this mystery becomes a source of great contention. The contention can become so great that it leads to divorce and family breakdown. The net result of family breakdown gives varying degrees of fatherlessness and motherlessness. That is why the greatest thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother. Last week at 'Good to Great', our featured speaker, Paul Bartlett, spoke from his own journey on the subject of the greatest thing a father can do for his children. Paul's journey is not dissimilar to that of many of us. He was very focussed on his own success in the work place, his own vision and direction for his life, without listening properly to or placing value on his own wife's dreams and aspirations. After seven years of marriage, his relationship with his wife slowly ground to a complete stop. Things got so bad that they even separated for a short period. It appeared that all was lost, but somehow, through prayer, wise counsel and heartfelt effort on Paul's part his marriage was rescued. Paul told us that now, ten years later, he is more in love with his wife than ever before and their relationship is going from strength to strength. How did this happen? Wise counsel was given to Paul from an older man who told him to 'study his wife'! Something a ll men should do, but something we as men rarely do, because we assume that women are just like us. Such an assumption is of course the beginning of the end. My good friend Jeff Dakers says that what most men expect from their wives is, "Bring food and come naked". Sounds pretty funny but is surprisingly close to the truth. Paul Bartlett pointed out to us that women are much more complex creatures than us and require a great deal more attention and consideration than is normally within our capacity to give. To illustrate his point Paul played an excerpt from the movie 'Shrek' in which Shrek runs into the castle to rescue the sleeping princess. As Shrek says, the princess has been, "waiting a long time for this" romantic rescue, expecting to be swept off her feet by a knight in shining armour. All Shrek can think about are the practicalities of the moment and the need for speed to avoid being singed by the fiery dragon. As men, we need to work at romance and make our wives feel special. We must be prepared to put a priority on doing things for our wives such as buying her gifts: clothes, flowers, perfumes etc, accompanying her on shopping expeditions (even if we hate it), writing love notes to her and taking her out on romantic dates. Paul articulated compellingly that it is our job to rescue our wives from the castle tower that they are imprisoned in: those negative experiences and words that bring a wound to the female soul throughout their lives. Even the absence of positive words throughout their life can be part of that wound and needs healing. It is our job as men to lavish attention, care and words of love on the woman of our dreams. This outpouring of practical love and attention pulls down the walls and brings healing to the feminine heart. This rescue process takes a lifetime. In that process our own hearts are healed and the circle of love is complete. Lovework Put on the armour. Mount your trusty steed. Go the castle, pull the walls down and rescue the woman of your dreams. In the process you will rescue yourself. Yours for healing the feminine heart Warwick Marsh PS Brian Molitor has been having an enormous impact on those who attended the 'Boy's Passage Man's Journey' Seminars in Perth, Kalgoorlie, Sunshine Coast, Hobart and Melbourne. A full report is in the News & Info this week. We would like to give a huge thankyou to all those who have helped out by organising and supporting the tour at both a regional and national level. Please keep praying for Tony Miller's daughter who is still in a critical condition in Nepean Hospital. Email your love and support to Tony Miller at: www.dadsindistress.asn.au ___________________________________________________________ Warwick Marsh has been married to Alison for 30 years. He is the father of five children, four boys and one girl, ranging in age from 25 years to 13 years. Warwick is a musician, songwriter, producer and public speaker who likes to think he can still laugh at himself. back to top Grandads Love cures people, both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it. Dr Karl Menninger back to top Laughter A woman was at her hairdresser's getting her hair styled for a trip to Rome with her husband. She mentioned the trip to the hairdresser, who responded: "Rome? Why would anyone want to go there? It's crowded and dirty. You're crazy to go to Rome. So, how are you getting there?" "We're taking Continental," was the reply. "We got a great rate!" "Continental?" exclaimed the hairdresser. "That's a terrible airline. Their planes are old, their flight attendants are ugly, and they're always late. So, where are you staying in Rome?" "We'll be at this exclusive little place over on Rome's Tiber River called Teste." "Don't go any further. I know that place. Everybody thinks it's gonna be something special and exclusive, but it's really a dump, the worst hotel in the city! The rooms are small, the service is surly, and they're overpriced. So, whatcha' doing when you get there?" "We're going to go to see the Vatican and we hope to see the Pope." "That's rich," laughed the hairdresser. "You and a million other people trying to see him. He'll look the size of an ant. Boy, good luck on this lousy trip of yours. You're going to need it." A month later, the woman again came in for a hairdo. The hairdresser asked her about her trip to Rome. "It was wonderful," explained the woman, "not only were we on time in one of Continental's brand new planes, but it was overbooked and they bumped us up to first class. The food and wine were wonderful, and I had a handsome 28-year-old steward who waited on me hand and foot. And the hotel was great! They'd just finished a $5 million remodeling job and now it's a jewel, the finest hotel in the city. They, too, were overbooked, so they apologized and gave us their owner's suite at no extra charge!" "Well," muttered the hairdresser, "that's all well and good, but I know you didn't get to see the Pope." "Actually, we were quite lucky, because as we toured the Vatican, a Swiss Guard tapped me on the shoulder, and explained that the Pope likes to meet some of the visitors, and if I'd be so kind as to step into his private room and wait, the Pope would personally greet me. Sure enough, five minutes later, the Pope walked through the door and shook my hand; I knelt down and he spoke a few words to me." "Oh really! What'd he say?" He said: "Where'd you get the terrible hairdo?" back to top Single Dads Tony's Diary 24 October 2006 - Day 11 My daughter is undergoing a tracheostomy while I write this. Doctors believe it will allow her to breathe easier and they can remove all the tubes that presently are causing her much discomfort and, after this length of time, come with their own complications. I have just read the messages for Shannon on the site and have tears rolling down my face while I sit here helpless in this damn internet cafe. She looked the worst I have seen today, but I am a big believer in prayer, and I know, God willing she will be ok. I cannot thank everyone enough for the messages of support, often from people I have never met personally. Thank you so much. I tell Shannon continually of your messages and am sure she hears me. Warwick Marsh from the Fatherhood Foundation came up to the hospital today and prayed for Shannon. Calls have just flooded the phone. Thank you so much. While holding her hand today, it just felt so lifeless, she looked the worst I have seen so far, but I just keep brushing through her hair with my fingers or stroking her arm or just holding her hand telling her it will all be ok. Just relax and let the doctors and nurses help you. Dad's here and I am not going anywhere. They probably think I am nuts up there but I believe she hears me somehow. Anyway I have got to get back there, I wish I had some inspiration on what to say but I haven't; just a," Thank you", humbly, for all your love and concern. You have restored my faith in humankind, thank you............ Tony Miller Founder Dads in Distress 25 October 2006 - Day 12 Here I am sitting in this f..... internet cafe surrounded by people who seem to want to speak out loud instead of keeping their f...... voices to themselves. I have had it, getting a bit testy as u can no doubt read. Fair dinkum, I must have every nutter in Penrith sitting here within earshot. It is taking all my strength not to just shove an elbow in the guys face sitting next to me just to shut him up but it would be of no use because the minute he is quiet another starts up. I was shocked yesterday to see my little princess in such a state. Where had they put my little girl? Where was my daughter? The person laying there was someone else, that wasn't my little girl-my little girl was full of life; she had a beautiful smile; she was alive with life. What had they done with her? Yet, it was my little girl, unable even to move a finger, unable to squeeze my hand, struggling to breath. I wanted to bring in a photo I had of my little princess back in my room. I wanted to show the nurses that this was my little girl, this is what she looked like. I wanted to put it above her bed. After speaking with Bronte, her nurse for the night, she thought it was a good idea, so I rushed off and retrieved it, and it now stuck proudly next to her bed. Now all the nurses can see who they are really working on. James sent me a message this morning : How's our Princess? I liked that, you see it's now OUR princess, That's what our guys in 'dids' are like. I don't know what I would do if it wasn't for all those guys support. Spoke to the doc this morning-it seems the pneumonia has cleared but what she has is 'ARDS' - Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. She also has another infection and they are awaiting results to detect what it is. I spoke to a lady whose daughter has been in there for 3 months on the same machines with a lung disorder. three months! And she comes over to me and says I will pray for your daughter. Do you believe that? Here is this woman in total anguish over her little girl and she takes the time to tell me she will send up a prayer for mine. So I guess we will both be praying for each others kids. I have stopped smoking since being here with Shannon and I guess that's why I am testy, but I have got to say I think I have landed in the looney tunes internet cafe here. I guess you have gotta laugh, there's been too much crying........ Tony Miller Founder Dads in Distress www.dadsindistress.asn.au back to top All you need is Love WHAT IS LOVE? "When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love." Rebecca - age 8 "Love is what makes you smile when you're tired." Terri - age 4 "Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK." Danny - age 7 "Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday." Noelle - age 7 Unknown **************** I love "folded" potato chips. When John and I eat chips together, he never says a word. He just smiles and hands the folded chips from his bag to me as he comes to them. Each one of those potato chips is a love note to me. Linda Gilden, South Carolina ************* Because my husband understands that my monthly cycle affects me both emotionally and physically, he now plans for it. Using his Daytimer, he marks off in seven-day increments the dates of different stages in my cycle. If we need to plan a vacation or discuss an important issue, he will do so during the first week when I'm the most positive and have the most energy. On the other hand, he'll back off from discussing hot topics or scheduling activities during the third week, when I tend to be emotionally and physically drained. Of course my body doesn't operate like clockwork on a perfect 28 day schedule. But his sensitivity to my needs not only minimizes stress between us, but shows me how much he loves me. Teryl Hegel, Illinois back to top Thought of the Week Husbands ought to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Paul the Apostle back to top Special Feature Father of the Century Perspective From Sports Illustrated, By Rick Reilly I try to be a good father . . . But compared with Dick Hoyt, I suck. Eighty-five times he's pushed his disabled son, Rick, 26.2 miles in marathons. Eight times he's not only pushed him 26.2 miles in a wheelchair but also towed him 2.4 miles in a dinghy while swimming and pedalled him 112 miles in a seat on the handlebars--all in the same day. Dick's also pulled him cross-country skiing, taken him on his back mountain climbing and once hauled him across the U.S. on a bike. Makes taking your son bowling look a little lame, right? And what has Rick done for his father? Not much--except save his life. This love story began in Winchester , Mass. , 43 years ago, when Rick was strangled by the umbilical cord during birth, leaving him Brain-damaged and unable to control his limbs. "He'll be a vegetable the rest of his life;" Dick says doctors told him and his wife, Judy, when Rick was nine months old. "Put him in an Institution." But the Hoyts weren't buying it. They noticed the way Rick's eyes followed them around the room. When Rick was 11 they took him to the Engineering department at Tufts University and asked if there was anything to help the boy communicate. "No way," Dick says he was told. "There's nothing going on in his brain." "Tell him a joke," Dick countered. They did. Rick laughed. Turns out a lot was going on in his brain. Rigged up with a computer that allowed him to control the cursor by touching a switch with the side of his head, Rick was finally able to communicate. First words? "Go Bruins!" And after a high school classmate was paralyzed in an accident and the school organized a charity run for him, Rick pecked out, "Dad, I want to do that." Yeah, right. How was Dick, a self-described "porker" who never ran more than a mile at a time, going to push his son five miles? Still, he tried. "Then it was me who was handicapped," Dick says. "I was sore for two weeks." That day changed Rick's life. "Dad," he typed, "when we were running, it felt like I wasn't disabled anymore!" And that sentence changed Dick's life. He became obsessed with giving Rick that feeling as often as he could. He got into such hard-belly shape that he and Rick were ready to try the 1979 Boston Marathon. "No way," Dick was told by a race official. The Hoyts weren't quite a single runner, and they weren't quite a wheelchair competitor. For a few years Dick and Rick just joined the massive field and ran anyway, then they found a way to get into the race officially: In 1983 they ran another marathon so fast they made the qualifying time for Boston the following year. Then somebody said, "Hey, Dick, why not a triathlon?'" How's a guy who never learned to swim and hadn't ridden a bike since he was six going to haul his 110-pound kid through a triathlon? Still, Dick tried. Now they've done 212 triathlons, including four gruelling 15-hour Ironmans in Hawaii. It must be a buzzkill to be a 25-year-old stud getting passed by an old guy towing a grown man in a dinghy, don't you think? Hey, Dick, why not see how you'd do on your own? "No way," he says. Dick does it purely for 'the awesome feeling' he gets seeing Rick with a cantaloupe smile as they run, swim and ride together. This year, at ages 65 and 43, Dick and Rick finished their 24th Boston Marathon, in 5,083rd place out of more than 20,000 starters. Their best time? Two hours, 40 minutes in 1992--only 35 minutes off the world record, which, in case you don't keep track of these things, happens to be held by a guy who was not pushing another man in a wheelchair at the time. "No question about it," Rick types. "My dad is the Father of the Century." And Dick got something else out of all this too. Two years ago he had a mild heart attack during a race. Doctors found that one of his arteries was 95% clogged. "If you hadn't been in such great shape," one doctor told him, "you probably would've died 15 years ago." So, in a way, Dick and Rick saved each other's life. Rick, who has his own apartment (he gets home care) and works in Boston, and Dick, retired from the military and living in Holland, Mass. , always find ways to be together. They give speeches around the country and compete in some backbreaking race every weekend, including this Father's Day. That night, Rick will buy his dad dinner, but the thing he really wants to give him is a gift he can never buy. "The thing I'd most like," Rick types, "is that my dad sit in the chair and I push him once." Thanks Robert De Rooy for passing on this great story. back to top News & Info Breathing Under Water Understanding 12 Step Spirituality Monday 13th November 2006 7.30pm to 9:30pm You are invited to register for an evening with FR. RICHARD ROHR (O.F.M.) BARDON CONFERENCE CENTRE 390 Simpsons Rd. Bardon, Q. For further information contact: MTM Australia (07) 3876 8710 Richard Rohr has been exploring issues of male spirituality since 1987. From this work Richard observed that men in our western culture were lacking in their experience and understanding of the transcendent power of God. He has established Rites of Passage programs in New Mexico to help guide men through a formal initiation process that they may have missed during their critical developmental period as young men. The Men As Learners and Elders (M.A.L.E.s) program was established in 2002 to carry out the vision of creating a school for male spiritual development by expanding the scope of Men's Rites of Passage programs throughout the world. One of the goals of M.A.L.E.s is to form an extended network of men and leaders who have an ecumenical vision of the Gospel. These men will then serve as Elders in providing leadership and guidance in spiritual development for other men in future generations. ************************* US Marriage Leaders Visit Australia Marriage Leaders and Ministers are invited to attend Morning Tea and an opportunity to hear from two exciting couples visiting Sydney from North America: Leo and Molly Godzich founded the National Association of Marriage Enhancement (NAME) and are actively involve in teaching couples how to have a better marriage. They will share their insights on how the understanding of a foundation of covenant can make a huge difference in the lives of our churches. Leo and Molly teach a weekly marriage class to hundreds of couples with outstanding results. Together they have created and conduct 'Together Forever' marriage events. Bob and Audrey Meisner will share from their dynamic testimony of marriage healing after seeking God and facing up to the impact of adultery. They have recently written two books and are co-hosts of the television program - It's A New Day' seen daily across Canada and the UK. Individually and as a couple, they have been working on Christian television since 1984. Having pioneered in broadcasting and church planting, Bob and Audrey are now popular marriage conference speakers. THE DETAILS: FRIDAY 3rd November 2006 * 10.00 am Morning Tea - Conclude by 12.30 pm * C2 Connection Centre * Corner of Silverwater Road and Egerton Street SILVERWATER 2128 * No charge/No offering * Car Parking available - onsite & on the street FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: and to RSVP (By Wed 1st Nov) please contact: Neil and Jane Rookes - National Marriage Coalition 28/18 Day Street North SILVERWATER NSW 2128 P: 02 96486464 M: 0434984295 E: info@marriage.org.au Two similar events will be held in Brisbane and Toowoomba, Tuesday 7th November. Please contact above for further information. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Gay Lobby Targets PM Over Marriages http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20627033-2,00.html _________________________________________ Call to remove BAD parents http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20633872-421,00.html _________________________________________ Brian Molitor 'Turning Hearts Tour' Report Brian has almost completed his speaking tour here in Australia. He has learnt that we don't drink soda, but lemonade. He has also learnt that koalas sleep over 20 hours a day in the branches of the gum trees. Along with this important trivia Brian has discovered that many Australian men are keen to turn their hearts to their children and invest in the future generation. The next generation of Australian children needs to be affirmed in their womanhood and manhood by their fathers who want to celebrate the occasion by holding a rite of passage ceremony for their son or daughter. Brian has been well received in Wollongong, Perth, Kalgoorlie, Sunshine Coast, Hobart and Melbourne. He has several invitations to return to share this message with many others (so please be in touch if you missed out this time). The Fatherhood Foundation would like to thank all of our local organisers of the Boy's Passage Man's Journey seminars. Without their sacrificial help and support Brian Molitor's speaking tour would not be the success it has been. Thank you so much! * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Battle for Balance Alby Schultz Mp is the sitting Federal Member for the Federal seat of Hume. He has produced a booklet 'The Battle for Balance - A heartfelt war of relationships, families and money' about Child Support in Australia. In the forward of 'The Battle for Balance', Alby writes: 'During the past couple of years I have conducted some of Australia's most comprehensive case study research on this issue. What I have uncovered is an alarming number of parents, in the majority fathers, who are not only being denied a significant place in their child's life by the Family Court but are then being driven to desperation, and in some cases suicide, by one-sided and discriminate legislation and a relentless bureaucracy called the Child Support Agency.' To request a copy of this insightful document please write to Alby Schultz MP Federal Member for Hume 33 Ottiwell St Goulburn NSW 2580 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Parenting Australia Kidzexpo 3-5 November 2006 Budawang Pavilion Canberra Exhibition Centre Admission $10 adults, children free www.parentingaustralia.com.au * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * SUICIDE PREVENTION AUSTRALIA'S NATIONAL CONFERENCE CONNECTING PATHWAYS - BIG COUNTRY, BIG PICTURE 2nd-4th November 2007 Stamford Grand Hotel Glenelg, South Australia www.suicidepreventionaust.org The SPA National Conference has become a bi-annual event, with the last Conference being held in 2004. The 2006 Conference will bring both national and international experts as well as those bereaved by suicide and those who have experienced suicidal ideation, together to work collaboratively to share experience, research and practice to further advance collaboration. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Toward Kingdom Ministries Conference www.bcs.org.au 8.30 am - 4.35 pm 4th November 2006. Only $20 include lunch, morning & afternoon teas. Speakers: Dr Allan Meyer, Ps Andrew Rushton, Ps Scott Hawkins Millennium Room Telstra Stadium Sydney Olympic Park Homebush Bay For further information register online at www.bcs.org.au back to top Dad's Prayer Dear God Help me dust off my armour, put a saddle on my horse and head off to the castle, where my princess is trapped in the tallest tower. Help me get past the dragon and slay him if you will, pull down the walls that hold her captive and heal her wounded heart 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_1F363_01C6FB33.4A3D19E0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Fatherhood Foundation
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Issue 219 - 30 th October, 2006 Go to our website Here


Hello Warwick

 

There is so much that men don't understand about women.  To most men, women are wonderfully mysterious but to many men this mystery becomes a source of great contention.  The contention can become so great that it leads to divorce and family breakdown.  The net result of family breakdown gives varying degrees of fatherlessness and motherlessness.  That is why the greatest thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.

 

Last week at 'Good to Great', our featured speaker, Paul Bartlett, spoke from his own journey on the subject of the greatest thing a father can do for his children.  Paul's journey is not dissimilar to that of  many of us.  He was very focussed on his own success in the work place, his own vision and direction for his life, without listening properly to or placing value on his own wife's dreams and aspirations.  After seven years of marriage, his relationship with his wife slowly ground to a complete stop.  Things got so bad that they even separated for a short period. It appeared that all was lost, but somehow, through prayer, wise counsel and heartfelt effort on Paul's part his marriage was resc! ued.  Paul told us that now, ten years later, he is more in love with his wife than ever before and their relationship is going from strength to strength.

 

How did this happen?  Wise counsel was given to Paul from an older man who told him to 'study his wife'! Something all men should do, but something we as men rarely do, because we assume that women are just like us. Such an assumption is of course the beginning of the end. My good friend Jeff Dakers says that what most men expect from their wives is, "Bring food and come naked". Sounds pretty funny but is surprisingly close to the truth. Paul Bartlett pointed out to us that women are much more complex creatures than us and require a great deal more attention and consideration than is normally within our capacity to give.

 

To illustrate his point Paul played an excerpt from the movie 'Shrek' in which Shrek runs into the castle to rescue the sleeping princess.  As Shrek says, the princess has been, "waiting a long time for this" romantic rescue, expecting to be swept off her feet by a knight in shining armour.  All Shrek can think about are the practicalities of the moment and the need for speed to avoid being singed by the fiery dragon.

 

As men, we need to work at romance and make our wives feel special.  We must be prepared to put a priority on doing things for our wives such as buying her gifts: clothes, flowers, perfumes etc, accompanying her on shopping expeditions (even if we hate it), writing love notes to her and taking her out on romantic dates.

 

Paul articulated compellingly that it is our job to rescue our wives from the castle tower that they are imprisoned in: those negative experiences and words that bring a wound to the female soul throughout their lives.  Even the absence of positive words throughout their life can be part of that wound and needs healing. It is our job as men to lavish attention, care and words of love on the woman of our dreams.  This outpouring of practical love and attention pulls down the walls and brings healing to the feminine heart. This rescue process takes a lifetime. In that process our own hearts are healed and the circle of love is complete.

 

Lovework

 

Put on the armour. Mount your trusty steed. Go the castle, pull the walls down and rescue the woman of your dreams. In the process you will rescue yourself.

 

Yours for healing the feminine heart

Warwick Marsh

 

PS Brian Molitor has been having an enormous impact on those who attended the 'Boy's Passage Man's Journey' Seminars in Perth, Kalgoorlie, Sunshine Coast, Hobart and Melbourne.  A full report is in the News & Info this week. We would like to give a huge thankyou to all those who have helped out by organising and supporting the tour at both a regional and national level.

 

Please keep praying for Tony Miller's daughter who is still in a critical condition in Nepean Hospital. Email your love and support to Tony Miller at: www.dadsindistress.asn.au  

___________________________________________________________

Warwick Marsh  has been married to Alison for 30 years. He is
the father of five children, four boys and one girl, ranging in age from 25 years to 13 years.  Warwick is a musician, songwriter, producer and public speaker who likes to think he can still laugh at himself.

back to top

Grandads

Love cures people,

both the ones who give it

and the ones who receive it.

 

Dr Karl Menninger

back to top

Laughter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A woman was at her hairdresser's getting her hair styled for a trip to Rome with her husband.  She mentioned the trip to the hairdresser, who responded: "Rome?  Why would anyone want to go there?  It's crowded and dirty.  You're crazy to go to Rome.  So, how are you getting there?"

"We're taking Continental," was the reply.  "We got a great rate!"

"Continental?" exclaimed the hairdresser.  "That's a terrible airline.  The! ir planes are old, their flight attendants are ugly, and they're always late.  So, where are you staying in Rome?"

"We'll be at this exclusive little place over on Rome's Tiber River called Teste."

"Don't go any further.  I know that place.  Everybody thinks it's gonna be something special and exclusive, but it's really a dump, the worst hotel in the city!  The rooms are small, the service is surly, and they're overpriced.  So, whatcha' doing when you get there?"

"We're going to go to see the Vatican and we hope to see the Pope."

"That's rich," laughed the hairdresser.  "You and a million other people trying to see him.  He! 'll look the size of an ant.  Boy, good luck on this lousy trip o f yours.  You're going to need it."

A month later, the woman again came in for a hairdo.  The hairdresser asked her about her trip to Rome.

"It was wonderful," explained the woman, "not only were we on time in one of Continental's brand new planes, but it was overbooked and they bumped us up to first class.  The food and wine were wonderful, and I had a handsome 28-year-old steward who waited on me hand and foot.  And the hotel was great!  They'd just finished a $5 million remodeling job and now it's a jewel, the finest hotel in the city.  They, too, were overbooked, so they apologized and gave us their owner's suite at no extra charge!"

"Well," muttered the hairdresser, "that's all well and good, but I know you didn't get to see the Pope."

"Actually, we were quite lucky, because as we toured the Vatican, a Swiss Guard tapped me on the shoulder, and explained that the Pope likes to meet some of the visitors, and if I'd be so kind as to step into his private room and wait, the Pope would personally greet me.  Sure enough, five minutes later, the Pope walked through the door and shook my hand; I knelt down and he spoke a few words to me."

"Oh really!  What'd he say?"

He said: "Where'd you get the terrible hairdo?"

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Single Dads

 

Tony's Diary

 

24 October 2006 - Day 11

 

My daughter is undergoing a tracheostomy while I write this. Doctors believe it will allow her to breathe easier and they can remove all the tubes that presently are causing her much discomfort and, after this length of time, come with their own complications.

 

I have just read the messages for Shannon on the site and have tears rolling down my face while I sit here helpless in this damn internet cafe. She looked the worst I have seen today, but I am a big believer in prayer, and I know, God willing she will be ok.

 

I cannot thank everyone enough for the messages of support, often from people I have never met personally. Thank you so much. I tell Shannon continually of your messages and am sure she hears me.

 

Warwick Marsh from the Fatherhood Foundation came up to the hospital today and prayed for Shannon. Calls have just flooded the phone. Thank you so much.

 

While holding her hand today, it just felt so lifeless, she looked the worst I have seen so far, but I just keep brushing through her hair with my fingers or stroking her arm or just holding her hand telling her it will all be ok. Just relax and let the doctors and nurses help you. Dad's here and I am not going anywhere. They probably think I am nuts up there but I believe she hears me somehow.

 

Anyway I have got to get back there, I wish I had some inspiration on what to say but I haven't; just a," Thank you", humbly, for all your love and concern. You have restored my faith in humankind, thank you............

 

Tony Miller Founder Dads in Distress

 

25 October 2006 - Day 12

 

Here I am sitting in this f.....  internet cafe surrounded by people who seem to want to speak out loud instead of keeping their f...... voices to themselves. I have had it, getting a bit testy as u can no doubt read. Fair dinkum, I must have every nutter in Penrith sitting here within earshot. It is taking all my strength not to just shove an elbow in the guys face sitting next to me just to shut him up but it would be of no use because the minute he is quiet another starts up.

 

I was shocked yesterday to see my little princess in such a state. Where had they put my little girl? Where was my daughter? The person laying there was someone else, that wasn't my little girl-my little girl was full of life; she had a beautiful smile; she was alive with life. What had they done with her?

 

Yet, it was my little girl, unable even to move a finger, unable to squeeze my hand, struggling to breath. I wanted to bring in a photo I had of my little princess back in my room. I wanted to show the nurses that this was my little girl, this is what she looked like. I wanted to put it above her bed. After speaking with Bronte, her nurse for the night, she thought it was a good idea, so I rushed off and retrieved it, and it now stuck proudly next to her bed. Now all the nurses can see who they are really working on.

 

James sent me a message this morning : How's our Princess? I liked that, you see it's now OUR princess, That's what our guys in 'dids' are like. I don't know what I would do if it wasn't for all those guys support.

 

Spoke to the doc this morning-it seems the pneumonia has cleared but what she has is 'ARDS' - Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. She also has another infection and they are awaiting results to detect what it is.

 

I spoke to a lady whose daughter has been in there for 3 months on the same machines with a lung disorder. three months! And she comes over to me and says I will pray for your daughter. Do you believe that? Here is this woman in total anguish over her little girl and she takes the time to tell me she will send up a prayer for mine. So I guess we will both be praying for each others kids.

 

I have stopped smoking since being here with Shannon and I guess that's why I am testy, but I have got to say I think I have landed in the looney tunes internet cafe here. I guess you have gotta laugh, there's been too much crying........

 

Tony Miller Founder Dads in Distress

www.dadsindistress.asn.au

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All you need is Love

WHAT IS LOVE?

 

 "When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."
Rebecca - age 8

 

"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired." Terri - age 4

 

"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK." Danny - age 7

 

"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday."

Noelle - age 7

 

 Unknown

 

****************

I love "folded" potato chips.  When John and I eat chips together, he never says a word.  He just smiles and hands the folded chips from his bag to me as he comes to them.  Each one of those potato chips is a love note to me.

Linda Gilden, South Carolina

 

*************

Because my husband understands that my monthly cycle affects me both emotionally and physically, he now plans for it.  Using his Daytimer, he marks off in seven-day increments the dates of different stages in my cycle.

If we need to plan a vacation or discuss an important issue, he will do so during the first week when I'm the most positive and have the most energy.

On the other hand, he'll back off from discussing hot topics or scheduling activities during the third week, when I tend to be emotionally and physically drained.  Of course my body doesn't operate like clockwork on a perfect 28 day schedule.  But his sensitivity to my needs not only minimizes stress between us, but shows me how much he loves me.

Teryl Hegel, Illinois

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Thought of the Week

 

Husbands ought to love their wives

as Christ loved the church

and gave himself up for her.

 

Paul the Apostle

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Special Feature

Father of the Century

 

Perspective

From Sports Illustrated, By Rick Reilly

 

I try to be a good father . . . But compared with Dick Hoyt, I suck.

 

Eighty-five times he's pushed his disabled son, Rick, 26.2 miles in marathons. Eight times he's not only pushed him 26.2 miles in a wheelchair but also towed him 2.4 miles in a dinghy while swimming and pedalled him 112 miles in a seat on the handlebars--all in the same day.

 

Dick's also pulled him cross-country skiing, taken him on his back mountain climbing and once hauled him across the U.S. on a bike. Makes taking your son bowling look a little lame, right?

 

And what has Rick done for his father? Not much--except save his life.

This love story began in Winchester , Mass. , 43 years ago, when Rick was strangled by the umbilical cord during birth, leaving him Brain-damaged and unable to control his limbs.

 

"He'll be a vegetable the rest of his life;" Dick says doctors told him and his wife, Judy, when Rick was nine months old. "Put him in an Institution."

 

But the Hoyts weren't buying it. They noticed the way Rick's eyes followed them around the room. When Rick was 11 they took him to the Engineering department at Tufts University and asked if there was anything to help the boy communicate. "No way," Dick says he was told. "There's nothing going on in his brain."

 

"Tell him a joke," Dick countered. They did. Rick laughed. Turns out a lot was going on in his brain. Rigged up with a computer that allowed him to control the cursor by touching a switch with the side of his head, Rick was finally able to communicate. First words? "Go Bruins!"  And after a high school classmate was paralyzed in an accident and the school organized a charity run for him, Rick pecked out, "Dad, I want to do that."

 

Yeah, right. How was Dick, a self-described "porker" who never ran more than a mile at a time, going to push his son five miles? Still, he tried. "Then it was me who was handicapped," Dick says. "I was sore for two weeks."

 

That day changed Rick's life. "Dad," he typed, "when we were running, it felt like I wasn't disabled anymore!"

 

And that sentence changed Dick's life. He became obsessed with giving Rick that feeling as often as he could. He got into such hard-belly shape that he and Rick were ready to try the 1979 Boston Marathon.

 

"No way," Dick was told by a race official. The Hoyts weren't quite a single runner, and they weren't quite a wheelchair competitor. For a few years Dick and Rick just joined the massive field and ran anyway, then they found a way to get into the race officially: In 1983 they ran another marathon so fast they made the qualifying time for Boston the following year.

 

Then somebody said, "Hey, Dick, why not a triathlon?'"

 

How's a guy who never learned to swim and hadn't ridden a bike since he was six going to haul his 110-pound kid through a triathlon? Still, Dick tried.

 

Now they've done 212 triathlons, including four gruelling 15-hour Ironmans in Hawaii. It must be a buzzkill to be a 25-year-old stud getting passed by an old guy towing a grown man in a dinghy, don't you think?

 

Hey, Dick, why not see how you'd do on your own? "No way," he says. Dick does it purely for 'the awesome feeling' he gets seeing Rick with a cantaloupe smile as they run, swim and ride together.

 

This year, at ages 65 and 43, Dick and Rick finished their 24th Boston Marathon, in 5,083rd place out of more than 20,000 starters. Their best time? Two hours, 40 minutes in 1992--only 35 minutes off the world record, which, in case you don't keep track of these things, happens to be held by a guy who was not pushing another man in a wheelchair at the time.

 

"No question about it," Rick types. "My dad is the Father of the Century."

 

And Dick got something else out of all this too. Two years ago he had a mild heart attack during a race. Doctors found that one of his arteries was 95% clogged. "If you hadn't been in such great shape," one doctor told him, "you probably would've died 15 years ago." So, in a way, Dick and Rick saved each other's life.

 

Rick, who has his own apartment (he gets home care) and works in Boston, and Dick, retired from the military and living in Holland, Mass. , always find ways to be together. They give speeches around the country and compete in some backbreaking race every weekend, including this Father's Day.

 

That night, Rick will buy his dad dinner, but the thing he really wants to give him is a gift he can never buy.

 

"The thing I'd most like," Rick types, "is that my dad sit in the chair and I push him once."

 

Thanks Robert De Rooy for passing on this great story.

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News & Info

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breathing Under Water

Understanding 12 Step Spirituality

Monday 13th November 2006

7.30pm to 9:30pm

You are invited to register for an evening with

FR. RICHARD ROHR (O.F.M.)

BARDON CONFERENCE CENTRE

390 Simpsons Rd. Bardon, Q.

For further information contact:

MTM Australia (07)  3876 8710

 

Richard Rohr has been exploring issues of male spirituality since 1987. From this work Richard observed that men in our western culture were lacking in their experience and understanding of the transcendent power of God. He has established Rites of Passage programs in New Mexico to help guide men through a formal initiation process that they may have missed during their critical developmental period as young men. The Men As Learners and Elders (M.A.L.E.s) program was established in 2002 to carry out the vision of creating a school for male spiritual development by expanding the scope of Men's Rites of Passage programs throughout the world. One of the goals of M.A.L.E.s is to form an extended networ! k of men and leaders who have an ecumenical vision of the Gospel. These men will then serve as Elders in providing leadership and guidance in spiritual development for other men in future generations.

 

*************************

 

US Marriage Leaders Visit Australia

Marriage Leaders and Ministers are invited to attend Morning Tea and an opportunity to hear from two exciting couples visiting Sydney from North America:

 

Leo and Molly Godzich founded the National Association of Marriage Enhancement (NAME) and are actively involve in teaching couples how to have a better marriage.  They will share their insights on how the understanding of a foundation of covenant can make a huge difference in the lives of our churches. Leo and Molly teach a weekly marriage class to hundreds of couples with outstanding results. Together they have created and conduct 'Together Forever' marriage events.

 

Bob and Audrey Meisner will share from their dynamic testimony of marriage healing after seeking God and facing up to the impact of adultery.  They have recently written two books and are co-hosts of the television program - It's A New Day' seen daily across Canada and the UK.  Individually and as a couple, they have been working on Christian television since 1984. Having pioneered in broadcasting and church planting, Bob and Audrey are now popular marriage conference speakers. 

 

THE DETAILS:

FRIDAY 3rd November 2006

* 10.00 am Morning Tea - Conclude by 12.30 pm

* C2 Connection Centre

* Corner of Silverwater Road and Egerton Street SILVERWATER 2128

* No charge/No offering

* Car Parking available - onsite & on the street

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:     

and to RSVP (By Wed 1st Nov) please contact:

Neil and Jane Rookes -  National Marriage Coalition

28/18 Day Street North  SILVERWATER NSW 2128

P: 02 96486464   M: 0434984295   

E: info@marriage.org.au

Two similar events will be held in Brisbane and Toowoomba, Tuesday 7th November.

Please contact above for further information.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Gay Lobby Targets PM Over Marriages

 

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20627033-2,00.html

_________________________________________

Call to remove BAD parents

 

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20633872-421,00.html

_________________________________________

 

Brian Molitor 'Turning Hearts Tour' Report

 

Brian has almost completed his speaking tour here in Australia.  He has learnt that we don't drink soda, but lemonade.  He has also learnt that koalas sleep over 20 hours a day in the branches of the gum trees. Along with this important trivia Brian has discovered that many Australian men are keen to turn their hearts to their children and invest in the future generation.  The next generation of Australian children needs to be affirmed in their womanhood and manhood by their fathers who want to celebrate the occasion by holding a rite of passage ceremony for their son or daughter.  Brian has been well re! ceived in Wollongong, Perth, Kalgoorlie, Sunshine Coast, Hobart and Melbourne.  He has several invitations to return to share this message with many others (so please be in touch if you missed out this time).  The Fatherhood Foundation would like to thank all of our local organisers of the Boy's Passage Man's Journey seminars.  Without their sacrificial help and support Brian Molitor's speaking tour would not be the success it has been. Thank you so much!

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

The Battle for Balance

 

Alby Schultz Mp is the sitting Federal Member for the Federal seat of Hume.  He has produced a booklet 'The Battle for Balance - A heartfelt war of relationships, families and money' about Child Support in Australia. In the forward of 'The Battle for Balance', Alby writes:

 

'During the past couple of years I have conducted some of Australia's most comprehensive case study research on this issue.

 

What I have uncovered is an alarming number of parents, in the majority fathers, who are not only being denied a significant place in their child's life by the Family Court but are then being driven to desperation, and in some cases suicide, by one-sided and discriminate legislation and a relentless bureaucracy called the Child Support Agency.'

 

To request a copy of this insightful document please write to

Alby Schultz MP

Federal Member for Hume

33 Ottiwell St

Goulburn NSW 2580

  

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Parenting Australia Kidzexpo

3-5 November 2006

Budawang Pavilion

Canberra Exhibition Centre

Admission $10 adults, children free

www.parentingaustralia.com.au

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

SUICIDE PREVENTION AUSTRALIA'S NATIONAL CONFERENCE

CONNECTING PATHWAYS - BIG COUNTRY, BIG PICTURE

2nd-4th November 2007

Stamford Grand Hotel

Glenelg, South Australia

www.suicidepreventionaust.org  

 

The SPA National Conference has become a bi-annual event, with the last Conference being held in 2004. The 2006 Conference will bring both national and international experts as well as those bereaved by suicide and those who have experienced suicidal ideation, together to work collaboratively to share experience, research and practice to further advance collaboration.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Toward Kingdom Ministries Conference

www.bcs.org.au  

8.30 am - 4.35 pm

4th November 2006. Only $20 include lunch, morning & afternoon teas.

Speakers: Dr Allan Meyer, Ps Andrew Rushton, Ps Scott Hawkins

Millennium Room

Telstra Stadium

Sydney Olympic Park

Homebush Bay

For further information register online at

www.bcs.org.au  

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Dad's Prayer

Dear God

 

Help me dust off my armour,

put a saddle on my horse

and head off to the castle,

where my princess is trapped in the tallest tower.

 

Help me get past the dragon and

slay him if you will,

pull down the walls that hold her captive and

heal her wounded heart

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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.

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