SMS etiquette

Texting is an easy way to communicate those things that you'd rather not do face to face, but be careful, there are a few rules...

In South Africa, we call the text message itself a SMS. But the acronym stands for Short Message Service and is actually referring to one of the many options offered by your chosen service-provider. This is why, overseas, people refer to it as a text message.

But whatever you call it, texting is a wonderfully cheap tool that allows quick messages to be sent without having to get into a long conversation over the telephone or in person.

Don't b a txt msg abuzr
As with a telephone conversation, there are certain basics you should bear in mind when sending an SMS. Follow these simple guidelines to avoid SMS abuse and make sure you don't annoy those around you:

SMS in private if possible. Composing an SMS while you're in a one-on-one conversation someone is just plain rude.

SMS is informal. It shouldn't really be used for formal invitations. It definitely should not be used to break up with your partner!

Before you text someone make sure they are familiar with SMS and that their cellphone accepts messaging from yours.

Don't SMS while you're driving!

Use the SMS slang when texting close friends. If you're SMSing your boss, avoid slang and opt for a more formal tone.

Be aware of other people's schedules. Don't assume the person you're texting is in a position to receive or reply to your message.

TXT flirting
Texting has taken off as a fantastic flirting tool. Showing an interest in someone no longer has to include blushing and stumbling over your words when you bump into the object of your interest at a party. 'Will I see you at the party tonight?' or, if you must, 'C U @ the ParT 2nite?' is a great way to let your love interest know you're thinking about them.

It also allows you to fi nd out how that person feels about you. A quick message saying 'sry – got other plans' is much less humiliating than an awkward telephone call. The only danger of SMS flirting is ambiguity. 'Will I see you at the party tonight?' could have been sent as a group SMS.

Replying, 'Yes! Can't w8 2 C U!' could expose you as being a little too keen. At the same time, although not receiving a reply after sending a flirtatious SMS may mean a lack of interest, it could just as easily mean the recipient has no idea how to use the SMS service or hasn't received your message.

To avoid ambiguity, you can always risk being obvious by sending an extra-flirtatious message such as 'R U free 4 D rest of Yr Lfe?' (Are you free for the rest of your life?), or 'I C ** wn I think of U!' (I see stars when I think of you!).

Smilies for you
Instead of typing words, images made up of characters can express how you are feeling. Try these so-called 'smilies':

I-O – snoring
:- – sceptical
:-D – laughing
:-X – not saying a word
%-} – intoxicated
;-) – winking
Y! – typical man

Online Safety for kids

During the next year your kids are bound to be spending more time than ever before surfing
the web. The Internet is a marvellous resource – for research, education, news, leisure and socialising. But let’s not be fooled.

Just like anything where society at large has access, there are some risks, and you may be worried what exactly your children are looking at online.
While the best parental guidance is undoubtedly physical supervision, it’s not always possible to be there, leaning over their shoulders while they surf or chat to friends via e-mail.

So how do you control what they’re viewing without physically padlocking the keyboard?

There are a couple of things that parents can do to protect their children to ensure a healthy
and informative online experience.

Here is a list of top tips for parents to help minimize the risks our children
might encounter online.

Make it a rule to never give out any identifying information like your address, phone number,
photos and school name in public messages such as chat rooms, forums, forms or questionnaires.

Warn kids about the dangers of arranging face-to-face meetings with anyone they meet
online.

Kids should never reply to any e-mails, chat messages, or forum items that make them feel
uncomfortable.

Opening e-mail attachments from people you don’t know is dangerous as these could contain
viruses or spam. Children should never click on any links that are contained within e-mails from strangers as these could lead to inappropriate websites.

It helps to set house rules and guidelines for computer use, setting appropriate times and
durations that your kids can surf the Internet. Discuss your proposed rules with them and make sure that they understand what you mean by it. Post the agreed upon guidelines near the computer as a reminder.

Get to understand the Internet and any services your child uses and, if possible, know your
child's online identity (parents should know children's user IDs, screen names, and passwords in case of online emergencies).

Remember that people online may not be who they seem. Because you can’t see or even
hear the person it would be easy for someone to misrepresent themselves. Make sure your children are aware of this possibility.

Remember that everything you read online may not be true. Any offer that seems too good to
be true probably is. Be very careful about any offers that involve you going to a meeting, having someone visit your house, or sending money or credit card information.

Make surfing a family affair, consider keeping the computer in a family room rather than your child’s bedroom.
Internet access can be a valuable educational tool and by making it a social activity, your family will learn together what the Internet has to offer, and enjoy it safely!

Heavenly Tattoos?

To some, it's a form of intricate artwork. Others may look at them as wild acts of rebellion. Many may consider them to be a tool in witnessing for Christ. In any case, these pictures or images are indefinitely worth thousands of words.

Some would attest that a tattoo is the ultimate expression of an individual's personality. Every image carved into the blank canvas of a person's skin stands for or symbolizes something. Each story told by someone's tattoo is unique to the next. From dragons to butterflies…from crosses to chains…from snakes to spiritual things…tattoos of all shapes and sizes are seen on people everywhere we look. Have you noticed it lately?

Getting a tattoo has not become "the thing to do" or "the latest trend" overnight. At first, this was seemingly thought to be the case. The influence and prominence of tattoos has gradually climbed over a period of the past 30 years.

In speaking about this, the notion of tattooing our bodies is not something that only Non-Christians are doing. Christians have also jumped on this bandwagon of tattooing various symbols of faith on their bodies as well.

Whether your beliefs are liberal or conservative, or regardless of if you would see a tattoo as wild or stylish; degrading or intriguing; rebellious or cool; one cannot deny the influence that it exhibits among many people of our world today.

However, in thinking about Christians tattooing their bodies, in some ways this almost sounds like an oxymoron. Think about it. Being a Christian and having a tattoo don't usually go hand in hand with each other. Yet, as we look around, we see the tattoos of "religious" on many individuals today. These symbols could include doves, crosses, angels fighting demons in battle scenes, Biblical references, portraits of Jesus, crucifixion scenes, panoramic views of many stories of the Bible, among many other images. However, some would argue that because this Scripture is in the Old Testament, it would be considered "under the Law of the Old Covenant. Sometimes, we might miss what God is trying to say. The Old Testament is written a bit differently than the New Testament. There is a lot of symbolism that we cannot overlook."

Shocking Revelation for Western Cape Schools

Recently this devastating report (below) appeared in Die Burger newspaper tucked away in its inside pages. I sincerely feel that such an important issue should have received front-page exposure. The implications of this report have huge consequences for South African society. What a sad day for South Africa and its citizens when provincial government accepts foreign monies to fund a project like this.

CLANDESTINE AGENDAS

One just has to observe the values of the youth in the Netherlands to witness the destruction such atheistic teaching produces. Now, shockingly they have been given license, by investing large amounts of money into our education system to corrupt our children. A snap survey of a few parents indicated total ignorance of this investment and the proposed introduction of evolutionary teaching into the schools. Most were astounded when I pointed this out. Have you been informed?

We believe a matter of such importance needs the full support of the parents of the children who will be exposed to such teaching. After all parents are responsible for their children – not the state. The consequences of children believing they came from nothing, are nothing and are going nowhere, has a severe impact on society, especially in the area of accountability to the law and to ones fellowman. If there is no respect for God and His Laws, the Ten Commandments, then there will definitely be no respect for the law of the land. Evidence of this is already glaringly obvious amongst non God-fearing political leaders and business leaders in South Africa today. The Western Cape Consultation of Christian churches have been made aware of this report and have subsequently sent off a letter to the Dutch Embassy.

They have requested an urgent meeting to discuss the concerns, specifically that the plurality of our community is being undermined, in that the views, beliefs and values of a large segment of the population in our schools are being overridden and disregarded.

All the major religions, Christianity, Judaism and Islam, by definition reject evolution. The implication that a foreign government has made this investment into our education system to foster the teaching of any particular ideological paradigm does not create a healthy precedent. We will keep you informed of the progress and outcome of these meetings. In the meantime we encourage every parent to call their school principals and request a parent information meeting in order to become informed of exactly what is being taught and what is going to be taught and what the consequences will be for both them and their children.

PARENTS HAVE RIGHTS

Parents have rights and will be accountable to God one day for the way in which they have brought up their children. We also call on all the intercessors in the land to pray against the forces of evil trying to erode our society. Childrens’ values and their beliefs should be taught and entrenched by parents and not by schools, or state education departments.

This project, as indicated, will stretch throughout all the provinces soon, so it is not just a Western Cape problem.

We encourage parents not become intimidated by teachers and principals who support this introduction of the THEORY OF EVOLOUTION. Many un-Godly academics like to use fancy scientific grammar and terminology to influence and intimidate parents. Always identify the spiritual understanding of the teacher or principal before one discusses this matter. Christians do not, and cannot, support evolution. It is an unproven theory and no palaeontologist, scientist or physicist has come up with proven evidence.

Fathers who Build Confident Kids

THOUSANDS OF BOOKS, ARTICLES AND OTHER forms of instructional media are available to guide the new father on the path of fatherhood. Many provide conflicting advice whilst promising outstanding results. The new father is faced with the decision as to the advice he will follow realising that he has only one shot at this project. There is no second chance to raise a child.

Where do you begin? God did not leave you in the dark as to how to raise your children. He provided a comprehensive manual describing in detail, how to nurture, develop and raise your children. Your children will need to grow, physically, mentally and emotionally to be all that God destined them to be.

As a dad, you have the awesome privilege and responsibility of overseeing this process. Your responsibility is to ensure your children are raised being certain of having the ability, judgement and resources that they need to succeed. You want the very best for your children. You have great plans for their future and plans for their success. Will this result in them growing up to be the confident, well adjusted individuals that God intended for them to be? Do you need some help in raising confident kids? Let’s get to work then, there is no time to lose!

Realise that your children are individuals

Children are different, it is God’s idea. Observe families and you will be amazed how children born into the same family can be so different in nature, temperament and appearance. This is quite normal. Let’s check the manual and make sure we are still on track here. Psalm 139:14-16 reassures us that this is no factory defect but rather it is part of the master plan. “I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvellous! Of this I have no doubt. Nothing about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together deep in the earth below, but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything I would do.” Remember, God never says “Oops”.

Give your children assurance and affirmation

Speak positive words over your children.

Be on the lookout daily for reasons to praise them.

Never open your mouth without engaging your brain. Think before you speak.

Realise that your every word has a permanent impact on their lives.

They want your approval and encouragement.

Make time to be their best friend

Here is a vital component of your role as father. In the busyness of life, you may be tempted to take short cuts when it comes to spending time with your child. They look to you as a mentor, a confidant and a friend. If you are not there for them, they will find a substitute and this is usually where things go wrong. A myriad diversions are waiting to take your place as their friend. Drugs, alcohol and inappropriate relationships are just a few of the alternatives to your friendship. Take heart, they all come a distant second to you and if you make the time you will discover that the results are well worth the effort.

Well, isn’t it time for you to take the controls now? You can make a difference in your child’s life today, and remember if you forget something, it is all in the “Manual”!