Feb
22
2011

Roger Butner
Let’s start with two fundamental concepts on which I am building this blog post (and the interview I did on WAFB)… 1. Helping kids develop athletic skill and excellence is a good thing, and I believe it is generally a far better gift to them than just buying them more video games, toys, or other [...]
Tags: character, family, leadership, parenting, teaching
Jan
25
2011

Roger Butner
My good friend and pastor, Hans Googer, recently posted about his affinity for the music of both Eminem and Andrew Peterson, strongly noting that Peterson sings about the answer to Slim Shady’s ongoing angst and problems. Well, Marshall, just in case you missed Hans’ post, I’ll share here the Peterson video and a video by [...]
Tags: family, freedom, HOPE, marriage / relationships, media, parenting, spiritual formation, the journey
Jan
24
2011

Roger Butner
In conjunction with my Parenting 101 interview on WAFB on January 25, here are my basic thoughts regarding co-sleeping, which has been in the news of late. I will expand on the post as I have more time and energy, hopefully tomorrow. My Dad is in serious condition in the hospital, I have had a [...]
Tags: culture, family, parenting
Jan
22
2011

Roger Butner
Picking right up where we left off… On Sunday morning Chemaine wasn’t feeling well, so Shep and I headed off to church in my truck. Father-son time with our church family. Worshiping God, studying His Word, building relationships, good coffee, fun play – should be great! In the midst of singing and talking with Shep [...]
Tags: character, discipline, family, freedom, leadership, manhood, media, parenting, screamfree, spiritual formation, teaching, the journey
Dec
06
2010

Roger Butner
Here’s a little Christmas idea for your kids this year…give them the gift of limits on their screen time. Don’t expect them to jump for joy and sing your praises as if you just bought them the latest greatest video game. But then, good parenting isn’t all about having our kids sing our praises, is [...]
Tags: adolescence, discipline, family, leadership, media, parenting, personal responsibility, teens
Sep
08
2010

Roger Butner
I just discovered these great resources today from Ron Deal and Successful Stepfamilies. While I have not read them yet, I have read Ron’s first book, The Smart Stepfamily, and it is fantastic. I have also had the pleasure of hearing him present a message live at a conference, as well as sharing a conversation [...]
Tags: books, compasses, family, HOPE, marriage / relationships, parenting
Aug
13
2010

Roger Butner
This is the picture that was taped to our TV set all day yesterday. “How did it get there?” you may ask. Here’s the story… Just before bedtime on Wednesday evening, my six-year-old son lied to my wife and me about something. It was one of those easily detected, bold-faced, I don’t even see the [...]
Tags: family, leadership, media, parenting, spiritual formation, teaching
Mar
30
2010

Roger Butner
My six year old had his first sleepover party this week. The original guest list had four of his buddies from school coming over for the mayhem. Only two made it. If felt like a whole army! Please don’t misunderstand. I am not complaining. It was a blast, and I thoroughly enjoyed being an active [...]
Tags: family, manhood, parenting, spiritual formation
Jan
26
2010

Roger Butner
Tug-of-war can be a really fun way to get exercise, build teamwork, and enjoy a spirited competition. Then again, it can also be a great way to get pulled into a big mud puddle! Emotional tug-of-war can be a frustrating, draining exercise that diverts our energy from positive pursuits and relationship-building activity into a muddy [...]
Tags: family, friends, HOPE, leadership, marriage / relationships, parenting, personal responsibility, screamfree, the journey
Dec
28
2009

Roger Butner
How do I want to improve my life this year? How have I let my self (or others) down this year? What am I really ready to surrender this year? What part of my life has brought me to a breaking point? How do I want to make a difference this year? What does my [...]
Tags: adolescence, family, leadership, parenting, respect, teens