Practical Tips to safeguard our families on the Internet. Practical advice on navigating the current influences that affect your family.

Sharing tips from a book I reviewed. "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic prinicples of this world rather than on Christ" (Colossians 2:8). From earliest times, mankind wore devices for protecting the body in battle. Armour of God - just as the Roman solider is protected by his armour, Paul told the Ephesian Christians to put on the full armour of God as described in Ephesians 6:11-17. It took the author forever to join the online world. She's been navigating the wonderful, wacky world of cyberspace for years now. Home computers and the Internet have become as common as TV & toasters. The author has had a computer for years, but was one of those who thought the Internet was too scary to join. But with her writing career, it was too embarassing to tell editors she wasn't online, so she gave in. She admits it has been great, but it definitely has its disadvantages. You have those who ride the Internet into your/our homes, hackers, viruses, and spammers. And cyberspace bullies intimidate you or your children. It is a great way for believers/christians to be salt and light on this information superhighway. The more we're involved, the more we can actually help influence how cyberspace will develop in the future. Computers are here to stay. Practical Tips to safeguard our families on the Internet a. Install a software package filter that protects each member of your family by blocking unwanted Internet sites and protecting your family's financial investment. b. Prepare "online use" guidelines written out for your family. c. Have your computer in an out-in-the-open gatherings place. People do not have to break down the door to get into your/our homes -the Internet lays out a welcome mat. e. Let your child know that you will check their online activity and emails from time to time. f. Keep up with forces that are dedicated to making the Internet safe for children and guarding them. Practical advice on navigating the current influences that affect your family a. Stay connected. Use sports, music, movies, etc. to launch new levels of connectedness with your child. Learn by listening. Grow by observing. b. Develop new touchpoints with your child. As children age, their interests mature. c. Find comfortable times to talk to your child(children). d. Spending time together is critical. Media teach. Entertainment informs. The Internet influences. You can teach, inform, and influence too. Tips shared from "What's in the Bible for Women" by Georgia Curtis Ling & Larry Richards, Ph D. (Georgia is an author & well-liked speaker. She has been teaching & helping women find answers through the Bible. She graduated from Kentucky Christian University with a major in Bible in 1979). (Dr. Larry Richards -- General Editor, was converted while in the Navy in the 1950's. He has written several Sunday School curriculum for every age group. He has published more than 200 books & his books have been translated into 26 languages). Watch for other book review topics/tips on Anger, Separation or Divorce, Before & After Divorce, Wisdom for the Journey.