1) 家庭是避難所
2) 家庭是培育中心
3) 家庭是玩樂的地方
4) 家庭是事工的開始

1) 家庭是避難所
箴言第14章26節：「敬畏上主，是穩固的靠山；為他的子孫，也是個避難所。」天主創造家庭，就是為要在暴風雨中提供一個避難所。家庭若能提供足夠的愛和關懷，即使家庭成員遇到挫折、病苦、或生命中的一些轉變時，都可以得到安慰和支持，使不會逃避失敗、悲觀、做傻事，或者沉迷其他消極的滿足。
一個人失業了、或失戀了，好像天地無光，一切無望，但發覺家人對他仍是那樣，沒有鄙視；一位太太流產了，她回到娘家休養，母親照顧她，使她重溫做女兒時享受過的母愛，身心傷痛得以撫平。家庭是避難所。

2) 家庭是培育中心
聖詠第144篇12節：「願我們的兒子們，從幼就像茂盛的果樹」。聖經把家庭比作一個花園，它是一個培育人成長的地方，一個培植人的花園。父母不僅幫助子女身體成長，還要他們在靈性上和人際關係上有成長。路加福音2章52節：「耶穌在智慧和身量上，並在天主和人前的恩愛上，漸漸地增長。」
你有把基督信仰帶給你的子女嗎？有使他們認識生命的真正價值嗎？你有和子女建立良好的溝通關係嗎？有幫助他們將來在社會裡也能和別人建立良好的人際關係嗎？
你的兒子可能帶給你許多電腦知識。其實，你可以從他們身上學懂很多電子新產品、新事物。

3) 家庭是玩樂的地方
家庭是一個充滿歡樂的居所。訓道篇9章9節：「同你的愛妻共享人生之樂。」箴言第5章19節：「你應由你少年時的妻子取樂。」你和你的伴侶有互相取悅對方嗎？你有去深切了解對方的需要嗎？
一家人能夠一起玩樂，便能長久團聚。一位小學生經常跟父親打羽毛球，父親教了孩子很多打球技巧。父親是兒子眼中的英雄、教練，他們的話題很多，他們的歡笑很多。兒子結婚後，仍可能相約父親一起打球呢！

4) 家庭是事工的開始
「斯特法納一家原是阿哈雅的初果， 且自願委身服事聖徒。」（格前16：15）在天主眼中，每一個家庭都可以是一個事工，為天主的國度， 去幫助和服務其他信徒。宗徒大事錄16章34節：「他和全家因信了天主，都滿心喜歡。」這就是最基本的。當一家人認識天主，愛天主，事奉天主，便具有了共融成為一體的因素。
我們願意把生命交托給天主，我們也會願意把家庭交托給天主。家庭可以是一個提供學習聖經的地方，或者是祈禱會小組聚會的地方，又或是邀請親友作客，傳揚福音的好地方。把你的家交托給天主吧！

I found this article from Matrimony Xpress blog, but they actually got the article from Warm Wisdom Press. Anyway, a copy below for sharing :)

=====

How to make a woman happy

Men, get ready. You are about to discover the secret that will revolutionize your relationships. You are going to learn how to make the love of your life happy.

And it isn’t as expensive and complicated as you may think. The secret is known as the three “A’s”. Integrating these elements into your daily life will guarantee you an exciting, loving, and dynamic relationship. The three “A’s” are attention, affection and appreciation. If you give your wife the attention she needs, the affection she longs for and the appreciation she deserves, then you are definitely going to make her happy.

Men and Women are Different.

They are definitely, undeniably different from each other. And one of the ways in which those differences come out is in the needs that each one has from a relationship.

Let’s be honest. Who, really, understands relationships on a deeper level – men or women? For some reason, women seem to navigate relationships intuitively. We, on the other hand…need some tips.

So what can we do? How can we have a beautiful relationship with someone who takes relationships so seriously? We need to invest some time into it. 24/7.

And if we do it well, then she is going to take all that we’ve put in, turn it around and give back so much more – which will make us happier than we ever dreamed we could be. That’s the cycle around which relationships revolve.

The Three A’s.

Appreciation. As said earlier men and women are different, Women go into detail because they use words to connect on an emotional level. Men, on the other hand, use words in order to communicate information. That’s why just saying hello and goodbye for a woman can take longer than an entire conversation for a man.

Understanding this is the key to appreciating your wife. If you really want to make her feel appreciated, then allow her to connect to you emotionally through those details. That’s what she needs.

Now you understand why, when you ask her how work was today, she answers, “Oh, at the beginning it was great. I was walking down the street, looking at the sky and thinking that maybe…” She’s connecting to you.

Be open enough to listen.

She’ll feel that you appreciate who she is and what she thinks and feels. And if you want to throw in a bonus now and then, so when she asks you the same question, answer her by telling her how crowded the train was, and the coffeemaker was broken so you went down the street to Starbuck’s and on the way you met an old college roommate – to you it may sound boring, but she’s going to feel great that you’re sharing the details of your day. Trust me.

Attention. Give your wife your undivided attention when she talks to you. What’s undivided attention? That means assuming “the position.” Put the paper down. Put the computer on standby. Turn off the TV (“off”, not “mute”). Make eye contact. Now, you may be thinking, that’s not so hard. I can even fake it if I have to, right? Wrong! Remember what we said earlier about women and relationships? Her relationship-radar will tell her that you are spacing out even before you realize it.

So don’t take chances. Put aside whatever you’re doing, make eye contact and listen to her with your undivided attention.

And if you’re really too busy at the moment, then assume that position and say, “You know, honey, I really want to hear what you have to say, but I’m right in the middle of something and I can’t drop it. As soon as I finish I’ll be able to give you my undivided attention, okay?” Good job.

Affection. The number one tool for showing your spouse affection is to use “affectionate tones”. What are affectionate tones, you ask? Using affectionate tones means always speaking in a way that conveys love and respect.

See, we men tend to divide the relationship into various components. Part of it includes affection, so then we’ll speak in affectionate tones. Paying the bills? Business tones. Parenting? Parenting tones. Going out with friends? Social tones. But for women, everything in the relationship is a relationship. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing; for her, it’s an opportunity to connect.

So if it’s time for affection, use affectionate tones. Balancing the checkbook? Affectionate tones. Whatever you’re doing, use affectionate tones.

Now, go find your soul mate. Start giving her the three A’s. You’ll be shocked at how immediate the results are, and how your relationship will be stronger and more loving than you ever thought it could be.

1. The transmission of dynamic or sometimes static images, generally with accompanying sound, via electric or electromagnetic signals.
2. An electronic apparatus that receives such signals, reproducing the images on a screen, and typically reproducing accompanying sound signals on speakers.
3. The visual and audio content of such signals.
4. The industry of producing and broadcasting television programs.

(from television. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved August 24, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/television)

So, by definition, “television” or “TV” (short) can be anything device or means that transmit multimedia; or it can refer to the industry that produces this kind of media.

Ever since the Internet became a popular phenomenon, there is evidence that young people are watching TV less and would spend more time on the Internet instead. However, both activities have one common thing: you either sit still in front of the TV, or you sit still in front of the computer. There are many alternatives to watching TV. Some healthy alternatives include going outdoors and do some physical activity. Some less-healthy alternatives to TV are to encourage people to watch on-demand TV through the Internet.

In the older days (say 10 years ago), video shops actually let people rent out video tapes. With video shops nowadays, you can hardly find a video tape in it! It’s now mostly DVD’s and game discs. TV programs can be rented out on DVD’s, and some can be easily accessible through the Internet.

I really don’t know which is better… As obesity is becoming more of a problem in today’s society, I see that “real” alternatives to TV would be to get people moving and stop sitting still. Australia is the second most obese countries in the world (USA ranks 1st), and Queensland is the most obese state in Australia :S This morning I heard from the radio that the government will have funds for reducing obesity. I wonder how effective that will be…

Healthy alternatives to TV:
- Trash Your TV! Your complete guide to a TV-free lifestyle (here)
- 101 TV-free alternatives (here)
The sites above have many fun activity suggestions and ideas.

Less-healthy alternatives to TV:
- 33 Ways to watch free TV online (here)
- Top TVLinks Alternatives (here)
The sites above provide lists to many web sites that provide free TV online…

Simply put, I absolutely and wholeheartedly HATE that kind of people. Full stop.
See more examples of what these people do at this link: How to Recognize a Manipulative or Controlling Relationship

Main points as follows, and can be applied to both males and females:
1. Evaluate honestly: Is this relationship progressing in a healthy manner, or is it unhealthy?
2. Recognize your blindness to his/her faults.
3. Do you find yourself apologizing or defending your significant other’s behavior?
4. Notice if your plans are continually overturned in favor of hers.
5. Remember that manipulation is when they get you to do something you really wish you hadn’t.
6. Watch for efforts to exert financial control.
7. Look for subtle establishment of control over time.
8. Watch out for subtle discrepancies.
9. Keep your support system.
10. Recognize excessive jealousy or possessiveness as a danger signal.
11. Watch for repeat offenses, shallow apologies and courting afterwards.
12. Beware of the “backhanded compliment”.
13. Don’t let every minor disagreement become World War III.
14. Stop berating yourself for being into this person.
15. Assess whether the relationship is worth saving.
16. Get out as fast as you can.
17. Go out with your friends, your family, and alone.

(news.com.au)
Office etiquette ‘degenerating’
By Myles Wearring. September 11, 2007 07:55am

- Workplace behaviour getting worse
- Generation Y amongst worst offenders

Picture: Bad manners … Generation Y are some of the worst offenders when it comes to poor office etiquette, experts say / Picture: Derek Moore

IMPERSONAL emails, bitching about workmates, poor phone manners and dressing inappropriately are some of the sins we commit every day in the office.

And Gen Y workers are the worst offenders.

That’s the opinion of two of Australia’s leading business etiquette experts, June Dally-Watkins, who runs the Business Finishing College in Sydney, and Tracey Hodgkins of the Australian Experiential Learning Centre in Perth.

“A lot of people have no idea about good manners and correct behaviour in the workplace because no one has taught them,” Ms Dally-Watkins, 80, told NEWS.com.au.

“They’re brought up watching bad things on television every night, or on the internet and on music videos. I think this is why the behaviour of people is degenerating.”

Ms Hodgkins said most of the students in her office etiquette course were Gen-Yers just starting out in the workplace, and many were enrolled by their new employers.

“In universities they’re not taught about basic, everyday stuff. And it seems to be a big issue in a lot of workplaces.”

Not knowing correct workplace etiquette has always been an issue with young workers, she said, but Gen-Y are more vocal about it.

“Gen-Y tend to speak their mind, whereas the baby boomers were happy to put up and shut up.”

Send me an email

One of the worst office habits today was sending impersonal emails containing a cold request or comment, Ms Dally-Watkins said.

She believes pleasantries such as “hello” and “thank you” should not be forgotten in messages.

“On email be kind and considerate to the other person. Remember they’re a human being. That’s what we’re losing with technology these days. Everyone’s treated like a robot.”

Ms Hodgkins said Gen-Y tended to abbreviate words in emails, “which doesn’t really go down well with people from any other generation”.

And email jokes are not appropriate in any shape or form, she said. “It sets you up as the person who is the joker rather than the person who is the expert. It’s not good for your career.”

She also advised workers to be careful what they say in emails because they can be kept on record for a long time. “And avoid using office email for personal use, because your employer can access them.”

Face to face

In today’s workplace many people (particularly Gen-Y, according to Ms Hodgkins) are more likely to communicate with someone two desks away by email rather than get up from their desk and give the message in person.

It’s a trend Ms Hodgkins doesn’t like. “There’s no replacement for face-to-face interaction,” she said.

“Plus I think sitting at a desk all day is bad for you. Why not get up, have a stretch, walk a few metres to speak to someone rather than do it all by email.”

And when chatting to someone in person, don’t lean in too close. Ms Hodgkins said personal space was an issue of concern regularly raised in her workplace etiquette seminars.

“Some people are just not comfortable speaking too closely to someone,” she said.

Meet and greet

One of Ms Dally-Watkins’ pet hates around the office was the overuse of “how are you?” as a greeting.

“I don’t like the ‘how are you’. I think it’s false and a waste of time. People don’t mean it, it’s so empty. I’m going to try to stop it if I can,” she said.

It’s much nicer to say, “so nice to see you” or “welcome”, Ms Dally-Watkins said.

When shaking someone’s hand look them in the eye and make sure your grip is firm. And when introducing people always mention the older person’s name first, she said.

The walk-by

When workers walk around the office to go to the bathroom or kitchen, should they always greet the people they pass?

Ms Hodgkins says it’s polite to do so, adding that office hallways are a great way to socialise and also have informal meetings. “They’re designing workplaces now so people have to bump into each other,” she said.

Dress for the occassion

It’s vital to dress appropriately in the workplace, Ms Dally-Watkins said, and women should be careful not to be too revealing.

“I think plunging necklines for a woman is a terrible way to attract attention at work,” she said.

“I believe it’s our face, our eyes, our expression and our personality that counts more. If we can only get attention by wearing tacky clothes, how sad”

She tells students to forget about just getting a diploma, because they have to look employable as well.

“Who wants to pay good money to someone who looks yucky and doesn’t present a good image for their company? You want them to be clever, have the appropriate education and look all that your company stands for,” she said.

On the phone

The correct way to answer an office phone is, “Hello, (insert name here) speaking.”

If you happen to work near a loud phone talker and find them disruptive, be direct and politely tell them it is preventing you from doing your work, Ms Hodgkins said.

Speaking on the mobile phone in the office was fine, so long as it doesn’t disturb your neighbours.
But never SMS anyone over a work-related matter, Ms Hodgkins said, as it’s unprofessional.

Online @ work

Policies on personal internet use differ from office to office. The general rule, though, is to do it in moderation.

Bosses shouldn’t be too worried about Gen-Y spending a lot of time online because they are very good at multi-tasking with the net, Ms Hodgkins said.

“They could have a chat-site open to talk to their friends while they’re doing their work – quite effectively, I might add. That’s the way they’ve been training their brain to work for the last 10 years,” she said.

Be polite

When it comes to those annoying or rude co-workers who get on your nerves, be polite, Ms Dally-Watkins said.

“I don’t think anyone has the right to tell someone they’re behaving badly to their face. It would be bad manners to point out their bad manners,” she said.

Ms Hodgkins agreed. “There’s an awful lot of bitching that takes place in the workplace and I don’t think there’s any excuse for it.

“I’d advise anyone who doesn’t like someone else to just be polite. You don’t have to like everyone you work with. You’re there to do a job and you’re obligated to work as effectively with them as you can.”

Key to workplace etiquette

The key to office etiquette is to communicate to staff what the local etiquette is. If people don’t know the culture and the rules everyone will go about things differently, Ms Hodgkins said.

85 percent of communication is non-verbal that’s why face-to-face communication is so important.

The seven keys to relationship success:
- communication
- commitment
- trust
- willingness to grow (take risks)
- independence
- mutual respect
- clear expectations

對了, 今晚路過一個 accident scene. 沒親眼看到, 不過聽說是類似我前天看到的事情. 三天遇到兩次, they say bad things come in three’s! 真的, 請大家出門要千萬的小心小心. 可不想身邊的人發生什麼事情呢 :S