Signs of the Times
December 2003
Delta Goodrem: Born to Try
Nineteen-year-old pop sensation and soap star Delta Goodrem began a much-heralded battle of her life a few months ago. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease, a form of cancer that attacks the lymph glands, Delta has withdrawn from her busy schedule. She spent time with family and close friends, and used the opportunity to gather her thoughts and prepare for a course of intensive radio- and chemotherapy. The “C” diagnosis sent her high-flying world into a tailspin.
Predictions of Jesus’ Birth
The birth of Christ heralded the fulfilment of many Messianic prophecies sprinkled throughout the Old Testament.* We look at just a few.
A Body in Balance
For many people, life today is a treadmill, ever increasing in speed. In Western societies, we live a much more complex and stressful lifestyle compared with times past. When we stop to evaluate our busy-ness, we discover we’re spending less and less time on the things we value most. But to change our situation to one in which our lives are in sync with our values seems so difficult, it’s overwhelming. Creating such a balance in one’s life doesn’t occur automatically; it’s something we need to seek then act upon.
Staying at Home With the Kids
So, what do you have to be good at to stay home with your kids?” This profound question wasn’t being posed by a teen to her guidance counsellor; it wasn’t a query between expectant mothers; it wasn’t a discussion between husband and wife. It was lobbed at me by my six-year-old son! The same son for whom I’d postponed my medical career in order to roll about on the floor, wipe a runny nose and to whom I was to devote all my spare minutes.
Better Discipline Makes Better Parents
Every parent wonders at one time or another where the grey area is between too permissive and too firm. The bewildering day arrives for every parent when their sweet, loving baby begins the natural separation from parents into the emotional highs and lows of toddler-hood. Most parents realise that toddlers learn through exploration, and are eager to provide a positive atmosphere in which their child can learn and live.
The Perfect Gift
Childbirth itself is life changing. The immense pain was followed by a love I’d never before known. Overnight I learned to feed, bathe, clothe and rock a helpless life reliant on me for its very existence. I also came to understand why sleep deprivation is such an effective form of torture.
When Death Is Not the Answer
Sister Helen became a committed campaigner against the death penalty in the US after acting as spiritual adviser to and accompanying five men to their execution, three by the electric chair, the other two by lethal injection. She wrote her book because “executions are very secretive” and she believes that if people knew what really happened, they would support her stand.
Trouble With Fear
We aren’t threatened by troubles so long as we feel bigger than what assails us. Fear comes when we feel overwhelmed and powerless. An external power to cope with life’s pressures would be helpful, as would a sense of peace and inner security.
The Star of Bethlehem
They had seen a mysterious light in the heavens on the night that God’s glory had flooded the hills around Bethlehem. And as that light faded, a bright star appeared. It was not a star or a planet, but it remained visible in the same spot each night. This “star” was actually a company of brilliantly shining angels, but the Wise Men didn’t know that. It did seem that the star had a special meaning for them. They spoke to priests and philosophers and searched the oldest scrolls in the land.
Pain, Loss and Hope
Melissa Sach was supposed to be 14 weeks pregnant, but an ultrasound revealed that her baby had died some four weeks earlier. “It’s something you can never prepare for,” says Melissa. “I never thought I’d enter the world of child loss. The pain and fear are overwhelming.
Waiting for Water
According to an old Thai proverb, there’s anguish in waiting. But how can waiting be such an agony? Simply because, while waiting, one knows not what the future holds. No-one can predict if tomorrow will bring blessing or suffering; and, with waiting, there comes anxiety and distress, and a hope that appears to dim; subsequently, waiting is a form of pain.
The Father of Lies
While “fibbing” is often excused as merely a foible, lying has far-reaching results, usually to our own detriment. For many, lying is a regular event, a defining characteristic, in their life. But where and when did lying begin? According to the Bible, it appears to have been very soon after the world was created, in unblemished Eden, and was the first sinful act our world witnessed. It had far-reaching consequences for every member of the human race, from then till now. Our eternal destinies will be affected, depending on whether we accept or reject the lie.
Write a Quick Christmas Letter
Who came up with the idea of sending Christmas letters? Is it possible that this individual didn’t have enough to do during the holidays? I’m trying to imagine someone saying, “I’ve gone shopping, hosted the office party, decorated the tree, attended the school play, practised for the church pageant, and baked biscuits for the boss. I might as well send 50 letters to people I haven’t seen since the days of polyester pants-suits.”
Signs Regular Columns
Trends:
You've Got Male
Our Times:
Budgie burglar, height of stardom, giant crayfish and more. . .
Food Matters:
Summer-savvy Food Tips
Food Matters Recipe:
Tasty, Fresh Summer Salads
Bible Discovery:
Born to Die
Medical Hotline
With Dr James Wright
Lifeguide
With Counsellor Carole Ferch-Johnson
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