DinnerDialogue.com is a division of Family Matters. Its purpose is to bring deeper and more open discussions to your family. Every weekday brings new news that opens up topics for discussion on moral, ethical and spiritual issues.

TODAY'S DIALOGUE - August 6, 2002
This page is updated by 2:00 pm (PST)

Fear of death gives sense of urgency to life - Washinton Times
Inspired by this urgency, people made decisions they had been delaying: quitting dead-end jobs, leaving abusive relationships and calling old friends, he says.

• One of the three basic inner needs in every human is the need for purpose - "What am I here for?" When this need is unanswered or unmet, we tend to fill our lives whith "things". As many things as it takes to make us feel significant. All this really does is make us busy. When the attack on 9-11 happened, as it is when anyone gets an upclose and personal view of death, reality hits. We start to put the "things" that crowd our lives to the test: "Does 'this' make any kind of difference? What is my purpose for being here?"
  
  
• Think through your day today. What did you do that was significant - that made a difference? Did you chose an insignificant rout at the expense of a more meaningful one? Which rout is usually the easiest and why do you think that is? Do you feel you have to fill your schedule to its maximum in order to have purpose in life?
  
  
• What can you do tomorrow that will make a difference in the lives around you? Why does God have you where you are today (school, work, committee or group, neighborhood...)?
  
  
• There are two commandments that ring out in the Old as well as the New Testament that are the driving force behind having a purpose. They are summed up in Matt. 22:37-40. Love God and love others.
  
  
• What other Bible verses come to mind?
  Philippians 1:21; 3:8; Romans 6:12-14; 12:1-2; Ecclesiastes 9:9-10
  

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SIDE ORDERS - other news from today

Mom Sues for $1.5 Million After School Rejects Son's Letter to Jesus - Fox News
So to him, Jesus seemed perfect for a writing assignment the 7th-grader got this spring in his language-arts class in Brookfield, Ohio: write a friendly letter to someone who dramatically changed his life.

Fathers of faith give more time to their children - Washington Times
A new study shows that fathers of the evangelical and Catholic faiths may be better parents than secular dads, if judged by the time they spend with their children in activities or at the dinner table.

Judge dissolves order preventing woman from having abortion - CNN
A Pennsylvania state court Monday cleared the way for a woman to have an abortion despite the opposition of the unborn child's father.

LEFTOVERS - previous dialogues

Monday - August 5, 2002

Welcome to the pity party at the University of California

Friday - August 2, 2002

Flunking Out of School? Get a Lawyer

Thursday - August 1, 2002

Old Boys Club Gets a Facelift

Wednesday - July 31, 2002

Man Tried for Friend's Drunkenness

Tuesday - July 30, 2002

Bush to Create Formal Office To Shape U.S. Image Abroad

Monday - July 29, 2002

Trapped miners all safe, sound in 'mine miracle'

Friday - July 26, 2002

Bill legalizes trusts for the family pet

Thursday - July 25, 2002

Divorce, American Style

Wednesday - July 24, 2002

Americans Speak: Enron, WorldCom and Others Are Result of Inadequate Moral Training By Families

Tuesday - July 23, 2002

A Girl or Boy, You Pick The Gender of Your Next Baby

Monday - July 22, 2002

• Avila Found Not Guilty in 2000 Molestation Trial
  
• While women have broken gender barriers, men still favour traditional roles
  
• Movement to Change 'Satans' Nickname

Friday - July 19, 2002

Weblog: Dobson Again Calls For Parents To Pull Kids Out of Public Schools

Thursday - July 18, 2002

Digital "Buddies"; Friend or Faux?

Wednesday - July 17, 2002

Dad regards pledge case as his 'duty'

Click here for more Leftovers