Tag: family
The Unofficial Top Ten Family Christmas Movie List
If your family is anything like mine, you all enjoy gathering in front of the TV to watch family friendly movies, especially during the Christmas season! I’ve enlisted the help of some friends to make up a Top Ten Family Friendly Christmas Movie List, and wanted to share it with you! There is absolutely nothing even remotely scientifically statistical about our list; it’s purely done in fun– and is completely opinionated! But, nonetheless, I bring to you the:
Unofficial What’s in the Bible?’s (but mostly Lisa’s) First Annual Family Friendly Christmas Movie Top Ten List!
#10 Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is an old classic with Burl Ives as narrator, and it has made a recent come-back. The show uses innovative puppetry and stop-motion animation to tell the story of an outcast reindeer, an aspiring-dentist elf, and an island of misfit toys who help Santa save Christmas. Great for all ages!
#9 How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
This is the version starring Jim Carrey. It’s an adaptation of the famous Christmas tale by Dr. Seuss. This film is a big treat for the whole family. With the antics of Carrey and the imagination of director Ron Howard, you will feel like you’ve been really swept away to Whoville!
#8 VeggieTales’ St. Nicholas (2009)
A Story of Joyful Giving! Find out as the Veggies discover the true joy of giving to others — at Christmas time and throughout the year! Laura Carrot’s Christmas stocking might be empty this year because her dad is in danger of losing his job. While Larry thinks a letter to the North Pole should fix the problem, Bob knows what will really help … and tells the story of a little boy named Nicholas who made a discovery in Bethlehem that changed Christmas forever. But what did Nick learn and how can it possibly help Laura and her family?! There’s an added bonus to this DVD, and that is the Matthew West / Amy Grant music video for the song, “Give This Christmas Away”. I LOVE this song!! VeggieTales continues their partnership with Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child, and Matthew’s song nicely ties into that theme of “giving”. This movie is great for ALL ages!
#7 A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Charlie Brown is out to find the true meaning of Christmas. Everyone seems to care more about gifts and activities than the actual holiday. The defining moment comes when Charlie Brown takes pity on the homeliest Christmas tree on the lot, and takes it back to his very unimpressed friends. Great for ALL ages!
#6 A Christmas Snow (2010)
(This is a new film, by Trost Moving Pictures. It has been critically acclaimed throughout the Christian film market!) Kathleen has carried around the unwanted memory of her father abandoning her and her mother on Christmas Eve. For the past 30 years, she has blamed her mother for that night and refuses to celebrate Christmas in any fashion. Although she has tried to forget her past, it has not forgotten her, and in the days leading up to Christmas she finds herself stuck in her own home with two strangers, because of an unforgiving blizzard. As the storm brings her face to face with the hurts of her past, she will have to choose one path; letting go and grabbing hold of a life changing forgiveness or continuing to carry her pain and bitterness with her.
#5 The Polar Express
A doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. Based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. This is one of my all time favorite movies, and I’ll watch it throughout the year! I think it’s great for all ages!
#4 Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Another adaptation of the Dickens’ classic, told Muppet style! The Muppets add their special and musical touch while staying true to the story. With Michael Caine as Scrooge, Kermit the Frog as his poor employee Cratchit, and a host of other fun, loveable Muppets, The Muppet Christmas Carol is both funny and heartwarming! Great for all ages!!
#3 Elf (2003)
A little human baby finds his way into Santa’s bag. Thus begins the life of our friend, Buddy the elf. The “man-elf” decides to look for his father in New York City. It turns out Dad is a workaholic business man who has no time for family. Buddy finds himself in many outrageous situations including the “pre-chewed gum” scene! This is a movie I would recommend for older kids and adults, since the humor is geared to a more mature audience than the preschool set. (One of my absolute favs!)
#2 A Christmas Story (1983)
The king of all holiday flicks!! All Ralphie wants is a Red Ryder BB gun. After asking, begging, and pleading, will he get it? This is more than just an “I want this for Christmas” movie – it deals with bullies, family relationships, and being misunderstood. This classic movie will appeal to kids and adults alike who will sympathize with Ralphie – and his parents who are afraid he’ll shoot his eye out!! The magic of Christmas comes in a funny, irreverent, and heart-warming package! I would say it’s fine for all ages! — But I leave this up to your discretion.
#1 It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
My favorite Christmas movie of all time!! The story is simple, but told in such a pointiest way! We can all use a little reminder that God has a plan for our lives, and how one life truly does affect so many others. George Bailey (played superbly by James Stewart) grows up in the small town of Bedford Falls, dreaming dreams of adventure and travel, but circumstances conspire to keep him enslaved to his home turf. Frustrated by his life, and haunted by an impending scandal, George prepares to commit suicide on Christmas Eve. An angel arrives to show him a vision: what the world would have been like if George had never been born.
Celebrating the Season of Advent
Does your family celebrate Advent? Many families have enjoyed this tradition for generations! Perhaps you light candles every week, say specially written prayers, or even follow along using a fun, candy filled calendar during the four weeks leading up to Christmas.
The word “advent” is Latin for “a coming” or “an arrival’. The idea behind it is that God came to an earthly life and lived among us, which is pretty exciting news! It’s definitely something to celebrate and rejoice in! This birth became the rescue plan that is spoken about in the What’s in the Bible series. Advent is a time in which we prayerfully prepare ourselves for this greatest of gifts– the birth of our Savior.
During this season, we thank God for Christ’s first coming, prepare for his final coming at the end of time, and celebrate Christ’s presence among us today through the Spirit. It is a time for deep reflection, prayer and looking back into the Old Testament Scriptures that foretold the coming of the Savior– fulfilled in Jesus!
A common Advent tradition is that of the Advent wreath. The wreath is made of evergreen branches with four candleholders and candles. Each candle representing a week, starting on or around the last Sunday in November. Since in Advent we’re waiting for the Christ child, there needs to be a ceremonial way to mark the time and make us aware of the wait. Lighting a candle reminds us of Christ as light of the world. As the candle is lit, it’s customary to sing a verse or two of “O Come O Come Emmanuel”. One candle is lit for each Sunday in Advent: one on the first Sunday, two on the second, and so on.
The liturgical color of candles used for Advent is violet (except for the Third Week of Advent, often called Gaudete Sunday, in which rose may be used), and the season is somewhat penitential, similar to Lent, although not so explicit and emphatic. The use of violet reflects the general themes of Advent: penitence (generally expressed more in terms of expectant hope) and royalty.
But if you don’t have the wreath or the right colors of candles, you need not worry. This is more about the preparation of our inner self for the birth of the Savior. Some people use red and green candles…some use all white… but purple and rose are the more traditional colors. Whatever you use, it remains a time for reflection, and another opportunity where we can come together as a family for song and reading of Scripture.
If you and your family make celebrating Advent as one of your traditions, we’d love to hear about it. How do you celebrate this liturgical season?
Maybe you’re interested in reading more information about celebrating the Advent season in your own home. Here is an online site that will give you daily prayers and ideas to follow (We are currently in week 2).
An Advent Prayer of Hope:
Lord Jesus Christ,
who is, who was, and who is to come,
we pray for the virtue of hope,
that amidst the trials and difficulties
of this world,
we may keep our hearts fixed
upon you, who reigns over the cosmos.
May your grace enliven us,
strengthen us,
and defend us,
as we await your coming in glory. Amen
Thankful for God’s Faithfulness
Thanksgiving week is here, and everyone is asking THE big question: What are YOU most thankful for?
My family is in the process of relocating from our Southern California home all the way across the country to a lovely Nashville suburb. It’s been a time of extreme excitement, as well as supplying us all with a healthy dose of stress and (yeah, I’ll admit it…) a little fear thrown in for good measure. But through this process we have leaned on our friends for prayer and on the Lord for His guidance and wisdom. Through it all, He has been faithful!
I’ve heard the expression, “God is faithful”, my whole life. It made me wonder, what is it we really mean we we speak about the faithfulness of God?
Scripture gives us several examples of God’s faithfulness. The Hebrew root from which the words translated “faithful” and “faithfulness” in the Old Testament are derived means to prop or stay or support. The intransitive use of the word signifies to stay oneself or be supported; hence, the word “faithful”, as applied to a person, means someone a person can safely lean upon. Deuteronomy 7:9 (New International Version) Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
The Greek word used in the New Testament means trustworthy or to be relied upon, but this Greek word is the same used in the Septuagint for the Hebrew word mentioned above, and of course gets its meaning from this usage. 2 Corinthians 1:20 (New International Version) For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
Once I broke it down, I realized how truly thankful I am for God’s faithfulness. It is something which is completely unyielding, even when I lack faith! He is the support on which I lean upon. Even when I think I’m standing up on my own, it is His arms who are holding me up.
Before the move, my family has numerous loose ends which all need to be addressed prior to bubble wrapping a single glass or loading that first piece of furniture into the moving truck. Saying that, I am amazed at how God is bringing things together for His purpose, and in His time. He is the ONE constant who we can totally rely on.
Easy Holiday Recipes that (Bigger) Kids Can Make
Thanksgiving is just a week away, and that means a lot of us are looking for recipe ideas!! I really like the idea of getting our older kids involved with the holiday meal planning and preparation!
Here’s another fun clip from Clive and Ian! Oh, and it’s probably not a good idea to rub pie on the computer screen. The whip cream gets everywhere!
For today’s blog, I have interviewed my 12 year old son, David. He’s been my official sous chef since completing a middle school cooking class last year. I love cooking with my son, even though he’s been known to get a little bossy in the kitchen! (I have no idea where he learned that trait!)
The recipes used for today’s blog are actually ones that David made in his cooking class and was graded on. We will be enjoying these dishes at our own Thanksgiving feast! –And yes, HE will be making them all by himself!
Zesty Zucchini Casserole (Great side dish for your feast!)
Ingredients:
3 Cups cooked brown rice
4 Med. zucchini
3 Med. tomatoes
1 lb Monterey Jack cheese
2 Cups sour cream
1 4oz can diced green chilies
1 T Parsley
2 T green bell pepper–chopped
2 T green onion
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Directions: Spread rice in a 9”x13” pan. Cover with zucchini and layer half of the cheese. Layer with tomatoes. Mix sour cream, veggies, and seasonings, and then pour /spread over the tomatoes. Top with the remaining cheese. Bake at 350* for 30 minutes.
Apple Crisp
Ingredients:
Baking apples 1/ person
2 Cups Corn Flakes-crushed OR Oatmeal
Honey- enough to make the mixture stick together and be crumbly.
1/2 Cup walnuts (we substitute oats due to a nut allergy!)
Cinnamon-to taste!
nonstick spray
Directions: Slice apples and layer on the bottom of a pan, sprayed with nonstick spray. Combine crushed cereal, honey, walnuts, and cinnamon into a crumbly mixture.
Pour / spread the crumb mixture over the top of the apples. Bake at 350* for 30-40 minutes, until hot and bubbly. **Serve with ice cream or a dollop of whip cream!
Oh, David has asked me to remind everyone to please wash their hands and then make sure their cooking stations were cleaned up afterward! Thanks, Dave! (Bossy, isn’t he?)
Let’s encourage our bigger kids to make a genuine contribution to the Thanksgiving table! It doesn’t have to be elaborate– in fact, a box mix of brownies are the perfect challenge for a beginning cook!!
Do your older kids help out in the kitchen? If so, please share some of their achievements with us! The holidays are a great time to experiment with some new dishes!
Top Thanksgiving Day Traditions
The holiday season is brimming full with wonderful family traditions!! What are some of your fondest memories of Thanksgiving? My mind goes straight to the lovely smells that filled the house! The combinations of turkey and stuffing cooking in the oven, which mingled harmoniously with the remnant hints of ginger and cinnamon that still hung in the air from the marathon baking of pumpkin pies, the night before!
Ahhhh…It must be THANKSGIVING DAY!! Here’s a fun Thanksgiving video from Clive & Ian to get you in the holiday spirit:
Thanksgiving in our house was a day full of traditions and family. My grandmothers, uncles, aunts and cousins would all get together for our feast of turkey with all the trimmings, which would also include that much loved (or sometimes despised) side dish– the green bean casserole! I looked forward to spending the day with my entire family; listening to records on the floor of my bedroom with my cousins, and the much anticipated, annual family football game that would take place outside on our street, before dinner was served!!
I asked a group of my mommy-friends to help me out this week. We combined notes and came up with our own list of Thanksgiving Day Traditions. I hope you enjoy it…
The UNOFFICIAL What’s in the Bible? Top Thanksgiving Day Family Traditions:
1. It’s all about the BIRD!– Yes it seems that 95% of Americans enjoy Turkey and all the trimmings on Thanksgiving Day! The way we prepare it, though, does differ greatly! For instance, in Hawaii they use a coffee rub. In New England some folks like to use a salt rub or brine. In the South, you’ll find many families enjoying a deep fried turkey! (One of my friends actually makes Carne Asada tacos on Thanksgiving!– She totally blew our stats, by the way!)
2. Football!! Nothing like a good game of college football to get us into the spirit of…um…eating until we go into a coma?! The general consensus shows that football is definitely part of most of our holiday traditions!! The first intercollegiate championship game took place on Thanksgiving Day in 1876, and it’s been a much loved tradition in our house, ever since I can remember!
3. Everyone loves a Parade! Beginning in 1924 Macy’s has been the long standing king of this holiday tradition! There’s just something truly Americana about a 10 story-tall Snoopy balloon somehow being synonymous with Thanksgiving Day!
4. Make a wish!! Does your family use the turkey wishbone to make a wish? Ours has enjoyed this tradition for as long as I can remember! Breaking the wishbone was actually a Etruscan tradition (322 BC) that the Romans took and brought to England, which then found its way to America!! I love this tradition..and I would ruthlessly beat my little brother almost every year! Oddly enough, that annual wish of getting a pet dolphin never DID actually come to fruition! Hmmm.
5. VeggieTales’ Madame Blueberry!! All of my friends and I love VeggieTales, and this one is truly a classic! Thanksgiving is the perfect day for Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber to remind us that “being greedy makes you grumpy — but a thankful heart is a happy heart!”
6. Saying THANK YOU to our amazing Creator! This is most important tradition on our list, and the one that ties everything else together! Whether our feast is simple and intimate or so large that we need to have a separate “kid’s table”, it’s the day set aside when families all over our nation come together to say ,“Thank you”, to our dear Lord for the blessings He’s bestowed on us.
It is part of our family’s tradition to ask each person (young or old) to say a little something about what they’re personally thankful for. It’s a precious thing to hear even the youngest members of the family speak from a grateful heart! Coming from a family of proud servicemen, we also take the opportunity to thank the Lord for our great country! We are truly grateful to the men and women of the military who put their own lives on the line to ensure the freedom we sometimes take for granted! We are truly a blessed nation!!–Thanks be to God!
Traditions are a beautiful reminder of what we hold dear, and they come in the simplest of forms all the way up to the most elaborate! They are truly the stuff of which memories are made!
Please share with us some of your own Thanksgiving Day traditions.
Next week I’ll be sharing some fun Holiday recipes that the kids can help prepare with you!
Building Community through the New Website
Have you had the chance to go through the newly revamped website for What’s in the Bible? I especially love the sections that are geared to parents and kids! I mean, yeah the blog is pretty awesome (ahem…) but it’s great to finally have all these additional resources at our fingertips!
If you’re anything like me, you may feel a little inadequate to teach your kids about what really IS in the Bible. You know, beyond the Sunday school stories you learned back in your own youth. In the past, my children have asked me some rather interesting questions, which I honestly didn’t know how to answer. Questions like, “Were there dinosaurs on Noah’s Ark?”
I’m admitting this to you because we are all in this parenting /ministry thing together, right?!
What I personally love about this new site is that it will facilitate a place where WE as well as our KIDS can come and glean some really fun and relevant information!
If you haven’t checked out some of the new features of the What’s in the Bible? site, I encourage you to take a look.
The Home Page is where Phil Vischer welcomes you and explains a bit about the concept of his series, What’s In the Bible?. This landing page will give you a snapshot to see what’s happening on the website, as well as on our Facebook page and on Twitter. If you use Facebook or Twitter, please follow us and suggest us to your friends, too!
Then there’s the Blog Page, which continues to grow in content each week! We have hugely popular posts by Phil and Liz, who bring us exciting news from inside the studio, which we ALL look forward to! We also have writers: Amy, Lori, Melanie and I who write on different subjects from a unique perspective, specifically with you and your kids in mind. This is a great area for you to have a voice, post a comment, or even share a link which complements the discussion.
The new Video Page has a place where you can watch those great clips that we’ve all enjoyed so much on the DVD’s. Yes, the highly acclaimed Bentley Brothers are there too! This week on our Facebook site there was a popular post asking us to name some of our favorite What’s in the Bible? songs … you know, the ones that get stuck in your head ALL the time! You’ll be happy to know that most of those favorite songs are in this section!
Moving on to the two new resource pages, there’s one for Parents and another for the Kids. On the Parent Page you’ll notice some activities that can be pulled up and printed out to be utilized in your home school, family Bible study/devotional time, or just as an addition to your family fun night! We have some great coloring pages, a crafts and game area (which I will surely be utilizing due to my lack of crafting ability), and some handy flashcards which can be printed out and used with the whole family. The team has also been working very hard on a study guide for this area that can be used in conjunction with each specific DVD. Right now, “Creation” (from DVD #1) is up and ready to be accessed!
The Kids’ Page has all the Jellyfish Labs’ character’s bios, some interesting polls that the kids can take part in, and COMING SOON—look for even more activities that the kids will love, while gaining more Bible knowledge!
Let’s not forget the Store section where you can order copies of the DVDs for yourself and friends. With Christmas around the corner, it’s a good link to keep handy and share!
Think of this web site as a place where we can build a community of like minded individuals, who all desire a place online where coming together and learning about What’s in the Bible? is interactive, educational and fun! As I mentioned before, most of us probably feel somewhat inadequate to teach our kids everything we’d like for them to know about the Bible. Our team sincerely hopes that as this site continues to grow, you can find the resources you’ve been looking for and maybe also, through the ongoing discussions and blogs, share some of your own expertise with others along the way!
Ok, I honestly don’t know if there were dinosaurs on the Ark! Do you?
Being “salt and light” in the world of entertainment
Aside from working with the “What’s in the Bible” team, I also administrate a online Christian movie site, promoting Christian films, filmmakers, writers and all things media related. On site we have some great (sometimes even heated) discussions, too! I’ve had numerous conversations with fans of Christian films, and much of what I hear is sort of reactionary in terms of our culture and the negative impact that Hollywood is having on that culture, as a whole.
This weekend I took my mom to see the newly released film Hereafter. Its previews made it sound like it was going to answer the big question, “What happens when we die?” Granted, I wasn’t expecting an overtly Biblical viewpoint about the afterlife, but I was interested in seeing their take on what most of us refer to as “Heaven”.
Bluntly, the story was weak. But besides that, it was written using a post-modern worldview. While the film started to address the idea that there may be more than just a black void which will be experienced after death; without taking a Biblical truth and expanding on it–well, Biblically– the audience was left confused, and had many really important unanswered questions.
Sadly, the story couldn’t answer the tough questions: What, where, and why?. Those who don’t share our worldview can’t go beyond what is physically tangible. Where there is no faith, there is no “hope for things unseen…”
The beauty of having a Biblical worldview is that we can answer these tough questions; not based on our complete understanding, but based on faith in God’s Word and His promises, fulfilled in Jesus! When our children ask us what happens when we die, we can direct them to scripture. We can truthfully tell them that, while we don’t know exactly what Heaven looks like, it DOES exist. We can explain that through the Resurrection of Jesus, we have an ultimate hope in an eternal life with God.
There’s that need for that “Bible literacy” thing again!
Here are two questions that many Christian filmmakers and fans of Christian films do a lot of talking about on my site, “Should we make films for only Christians? –OR should we make films for the rest of the world, with a needed message of redemption?
We needn’t look any further than the Biblical stories of Daniel and Joseph to see how God used these two simple, yet godly men to work amongst powerful idol worshippers to reach His greater purpose! Bringing about a transformation within their very societies, which ultimately helped God’s people!
Jesus instructs us to be “salt and light of the world”, (Matthew 5:13-16) and to do the work that God has sent us to do.
In John 17:18, Jesus says, “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” Jesus never asked God to take believers out of the world, but to instead USE THEM in it. Because Jesus is the one who sends us into the world, we should not try to escape from it, and avoid all relationships with non-Christians. Rather to impact the world with His light.
This makes me think that we must ask ourselves if we are truly helping to unify the body of Christ–AND how we are bringing His truth to those who don’t yet know Him. Both things are equally important.
Personally, I pray that I become less reactionary in my response to the world. I pray that God shows me how to help transform and impact culture–somehow, and that I can teach my children to do the same. It shouldn’t surprise me that those who are OF THE WORLD can only share a distorted message of questionable values, based on inner enlightenment and a belief structure based on a self fulfilled destiny. They don’t know any better. They lack His Word…the Truth…or perhaps a literacy of that Word.
Part of that truth is we are made in the image of a loving, relational God, who desires to be in a loving relationship WITH us. What a great starting point in any story, song, play, or movie. What a great beginning in transforming our society!
As a mom, I can see how vital it is for my kids to really know their Bible. Not just the sweet Sunday school stories, but the history–the time lines–the cultures– the story behind the story. That’s probably why I love the What’s In the Bible? series so much! It’s chalked full of so much more than what I was taught as a kid! I’m blessed to be able to give my kids that advantage. They are both creatives…so maybe one day they’ll feel inspired to make a movie or write a book that will make an impact on their generation for Jesus!
What is your opinion about the films of today? Do we Christians need to make a bigger impact on society through secular films / media projects? Or should we stay within the Christian film / Christian media genre, only? Would you support work by Christians who write, act, and produce films for an inclusive or cross-over audience? Do you let your kids watch secular films? What if your child wants to be an actor, director or filmmaker?
We all value your insights and comments!!
God’s Rescue Plan for Kids of All Ages
I can’t get the phrase, “God’s Rescue Plan” out of my head. If you’ve watched the WITB DVD’s 1-4, you know what I’m talking about. It is such a great way to describe God’s love for His people, and it has helped me understand Scripture so much better! It’s just a few simple words, yet they have spoken volumes to me throughout this past week. I’m not sure why it’s taken me (almost) 43 years to get that simple truth; you know, the “ah-ha” moment?! I guess better late than never, right?
Teaching the Biblical concept that God really does have a rescue plan in place for each of us isn’t just for little ones. I have used this as an introduction into a discussion on the topic of sin, forgiveness and reconciliation, with my oldest son. People can make valid arguments that sin is, as David said in Psalm 51:4 (paraphrased) just between the sinner and God. But through that sin, many times the enemy whispers lies into our ears about our own unworthiness and even the unforgivable hugeness of our particular sin. These lies can cause even further separation between the person who has sinned and all who truly love him.
Too many times our dear children think they KNOW how we will react when we find out about the mistakes they have made, so they choose to NOT come to us for help. Some mistakes are small enough to not bring their world crashing down upon them. But others are SO big– are SO embarrassing—and are perceived by them to be SO unforgivable, that their world or their very idea of self worth and personal value truly do come crashing down upon them. It is another set of lies, of course, and we can only hope to counter those lies of the enemy by utilizing God’s Word. Reminding them that God is faithful to do what He has promised for us. That is, “…to meet our every need through Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19NIV)
Teaching Biblical virtues and values to my young children is a lot easier than sending them off into the real world, as teenagers, hoping and praying that they actually make good decisions based on those teachings. But the years click by quickly. My oldest is now 12, and is starting to be tested all the time as to what standard he will choose to follow: God’s or the world’s.
The world’s idea of “right” in no way seems to align itself with the truth which is God’s word, but rather with gut reactions; usually myopic, and seldom inclusive to anyone who has a differing worldview from that of secularism.
If only I had chosen to live on a metaphoric “island” and was able to keep my son away from circumstances or people that might challenge those very virtues which I’ve worked so hard at teaching him. But we don’t live on an island. He will face personal moral challenges and temptations, and he will have to make good decisions starting now. But what if he makes the wrong decision? Will he know I’m here, still loving him? Will he remember that God has a rescue plan already in place for him, through Jesus?
Having learned that through the introduction of sin comes death and suffering, but that Jesus came to give us an abundant life of joy! This, in turn, prepares our hearts for a more mature love. This truth is where we can start to grow in an understanding, with our children. The Apostle Paul says that this mature love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails . . . “(1Corinthians 13:7, 8).
We parents must work diligently to keep open those lines of communication, especially with our older kids during these crazy, confusing times in which we live; sharing with them that there is always hope, forgiveness and a mature love through Jesus. Letting them know, without any doubt, that there is never any insurmountable issue that we can’t handle, together. That they are loved unconditionally. That we have their back– no matter what! That God has it all planned out– and that because He loves them so much, there is that “Rescue Plan”, fulfilled in our dear Lord, Jesus Christ!
If you have any thoughts, feedback or insights on this particular subject please share those with us!
Maybe there is another Biblical truth that has touched your heart after viewing one of the WITB episodes, let us hear about it.
Hoping to grow in a godly spirit of community, soapboxes are welcomed and encouraged.
God's Rescue Plan for Kids of All Ages
I can’t get the phrase, “God’s Rescue Plan” out of my head. If you’ve watched the WITB DVD’s 1-4, you know what I’m talking about. It is such a great way to describe God’s love for His people, and it has helped me understand Scripture so much better! It’s just a few simple words, yet they have spoken volumes to me throughout this past week. I’m not sure why it’s taken me (almost) 43 years to get that simple truth; you know, the “ah-ha” moment?! I guess better late than never, right?
Teaching the Biblical concept that God really does have a rescue plan in place for each of us isn’t just for little ones. I have used this as an introduction into a discussion on the topic of sin, forgiveness and reconciliation, with my oldest son. People can make valid arguments that sin is, as David said in Psalm 51:4 (paraphrased) just between the sinner and God. But through that sin, many times the enemy whispers lies into our ears about our own unworthiness and even the unforgivable hugeness of our particular sin. These lies can cause even further separation between the person who has sinned and all who truly love him.
Too many times our dear children think they KNOW how we will react when we find out about the mistakes they have made, so they choose to NOT come to us for help. Some mistakes are small enough to not bring their world crashing down upon them. But others are SO big– are SO embarrassing—and are perceived by them to be SO unforgivable, that their world or their very idea of self worth and personal value truly do come crashing down upon them. It is another set of lies, of course, and we can only hope to counter those lies of the enemy by utilizing God’s Word. Reminding them that God is faithful to do what He has promised for us. That is, “…to meet our every need through Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19NIV)
Teaching Biblical virtues and values to my young children is a lot easier than sending them off into the real world, as teenagers, hoping and praying that they actually make good decisions based on those teachings. But the years click by quickly. My oldest is now 12, and is starting to be tested all the time as to what standard he will choose to follow: God’s or the world’s.
The world’s idea of “right” in no way seems to align itself with the truth which is God’s word, but rather with gut reactions; usually myopic, and seldom inclusive to anyone who has a differing worldview from that of secularism.
If only I had chosen to live on a metaphoric “island” and was able to keep my son away from circumstances or people that might challenge those very virtues which I’ve worked so hard at teaching him. But we don’t live on an island. He will face personal moral challenges and temptations, and he will have to make good decisions starting now. But what if he makes the wrong decision? Will he know I’m here, still loving him? Will he remember that God has a rescue plan already in place for him, through Jesus?
Having learned that through the introduction of sin comes death and suffering, but that Jesus came to give us an abundant life of joy! This, in turn, prepares our hearts for a more mature love. This truth is where we can start to grow in an understanding, with our children. The Apostle Paul says that this mature love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails . . . “(1Corinthians 13:7, 8).
We parents must work diligently to keep open those lines of communication, especially with our older kids during these crazy, confusing times in which we live; sharing with them that there is always hope, forgiveness and a mature love through Jesus. Letting them know, without any doubt, that there is never any insurmountable issue that we can’t handle, together. That they are loved unconditionally. That we have their back– no matter what! That God has it all planned out– and that because He loves them so much, there is that “Rescue Plan”, fulfilled in our dear Lord, Jesus Christ!
If you have any thoughts, feedback or insights on this particular subject please share those with us!
Maybe there is another Biblical truth that has touched your heart after viewing one of the WITB episodes, let us hear about it.
Hoping to grow in a godly spirit of community, soapboxes are welcomed and encouraged.
Katy Perry, Elmo, and the Tough Decisions Parents Face with Media
One of the most talked about things in last week’s entertainment news was the Katy Perry and Elmo spot that was ultimately pulled from Sesame Street’s 41st season’s line up. The biggest reason given for pulling the spot was the fact that Katy Perry’s outfit was deemed “inappropriate” for the young viewers of Sesame Street by many parents who caught a leaked version of the skit on You Tube.
Before I ever saw the video, I had my own opinions, based mostly on just the type of music Ms. Perry sings and the image she portrays. While she is immensely talented, her choice of lyrics combined with her rather shocking music videos make me very uncomfortable, as a parent, seeing her guest spot on any pre-school show.
Would a different wardrobe selection have pre-empted the controversy? I’m not sure.
Let’s face it: in the entertainment industry, image is something that is masterfully created to sell an individual within certain market and then, like it or not, that image (even in all its fakeness) follows that entertainer throughout their career. Sometimes that means an entertainer can’t jump as easily from one end of the audience spectrum to the other. Ms. Perry, in my opinion, happens to fall into that category. Talented, yes. But probably never appropriate, even fully clothed, for the tots. Goodness, not even appropriate for tweens or young teens, in my opinion!!
Coming from the background of Christian media, you might think that I surround my children with only Dove-approved, Christian-based children shows. Perhaps only shows that are written and produced with a worldview common to my own. At the very least, shows with a redemptive message, right?
Well, in all honesty, I let my kids watch some cartoons and listen to some music that would be considered totally secular. Some things on Nickelodeon or The Disney Channel are downright cute. For example, I really like The Fairly Odd Parents, Phineas and Ferb, The Penguins of Madagascar and SpongeBob. Other shows, like Nickelodeon’s Degrassi and ABC Family’s The Secret Life of the American Teenager, definitely cross our line of appropriateness, and my kids aren’t allowed to view those shows.
One of the areas that I feel necessary to expand on in my own tween’s viewing experience is that of using critical thinking. He’s been spoon-fed what my husband and I want him to know about ethics, morality, virtues and our faith. I like to challenge him a little, nowadays. While allowing him to watch movies and TV shows that are geared to a more mature tween audience, I enjoy engaging him in conversations like, “Why isn’t that the way YOU would choose to behave?” Because in my opinion, if kids know WHY they believe what they have been taught, those lessons become fruitful in their own lives.
On the other end of the entertainment viewing spectrum, I have really good friends who choose not to have cable, at all, because they feel there is so little value to be found in most TV shows. They use their DVD player to show their kids a very limited amount of pre-approved programming. That’s great, and it works for them. I’m one who respects each parent’s personal decision on things like this. It’s really difficult to be a good parent in the 21st century!
The challenge for us is to figure out what we will allow our kids to experience on TV, the internet, or even as downloaded music and videos.
Gone are the days of only 13 channels and limited access to entertainment. It’s a big business, and it surrounds us in a multi-media, 24/7 schedule. It’s overt and overwhelming, and it can easily take over a child’s life. The messages out there can effectively blur the boundaries which we have so diligently tried to set.
How do you choose what media is appropriate for your kids, tweens and teens? It’s a very personal decision and one where we should show respect to each other. But, given the plethora of children’s entertainment options, I’d love to hear what you consider to be ok, moderately questionable, or absolutely forbidden, and why.
Let’s talk about it…
