Sep
30
2008

Roger Butner
You don’t need me to tell you what a crisis our nation is facing right now. Sure, right now to the average Joe/Jill like you or me, it may seem like something removed to Wall St. or D.C., but the waves will soon crash on the shore of our own front yards. Life is likely [...]
Tags: community, discipline, HOPE, personal responsibility, screamfree
Sep
22
2008

Roger Butner
The power of saying “No” to our immediate urges is one of the most fundamental and universal tools for success we can ever develop. Call it self-control, self-discipline, delayed gratification, or whatever you like – it is a key ability that enables individuals to meet their goals and face life with calm confidence. As parents, [...]
Tags: discipline, media, parenting
Sep
22
2008

Roger Butner
If you have the opportunity, I would encourage you to go check out “Fireproof” when it opens at the theaters this weekend. The film chronicles the life of Capt. Caleb Holt, who lives by his fireman’s motto, “Never leave your partner behind.” As a fireman, he is confident, successful, and much admired and respected. As [...]
Tags: HOPE, marriage / relationships, media, movies
Sep
16
2008

Roger Butner
This is just a quick word to say I recognize it is time to move on with my life and blogging beyond the recent hurricane activity. I will resume posting messages offering encouragement and guidance for marriage, parenting, family life, and life in general asap. I’m just not quite there yet. And I guess there’s [...]
Tags: blogging, coming soon..., community, the journey
Sep
09
2008

Roger Butner
I found this report tonight, and thought it was very timely. The study is provided by the Kaiser Family Foundation, an incredible research group in whom I have great respect. If you just want the basics, click on “Executive Summary.” If you are interested in more detail, you can read the full report and methodology.
Tags: community, culture
Sep
08
2008

Roger Butner
Wow – It’s amazing how much life can change in one week! I offer the following narrative, not to complain or vent, but to express to those of you in other parts of the world what life has been like for the typical person in Baton Rouge for the last seven days. Some are my [...]
Tags: community, family
Sep
05
2008

Roger Butner
Gustav’s path Ike’s path? For those of us still trying to regroup and put our lives and homes back together after Gustav, I know we are all watching Ike’s path with prayerful concern. Two basic tips: 1. Remember everything you did to prepare for Gustav that helped, and add [...]
Tags: community, family
Sep
05
2008

Roger Butner
I am struck with the great irony of this post as I offer some positive guidance to families who, like my own, have been thrown off track by the wind and rain of Hurricane Gustav – most of whom don’t have electricity or internet access yet, and so cannot read this post today when they [...]
Tags: community, family
Sep
03
2008

Roger Butner
Open letter to CNN, FOX, MSN, and the gang (might as well throw in President Bush while we’re at it): I care deeply about the people of New Orleans. I was here in Baton Rouge to do what I could for those who came our way three years ago when Katrina ravaged their beautiful city. [...]
Tags: community
Sep
03
2008

Roger Butner
First of all, I want to thank everyone for your prayers on behalf of those of us who live in the path of Hurricane Gustav. I am extremely grateful to report that all of us in my family are doing fine, and our home was not damaged. It seems our neighborhood fared much better than [...]
Tags: community, family