What to Do with TV???

I have struggled with what to let my children watch on TV.  What is age appropriate?  What correlates with our morals (not much by the way)?  Time and time again, I come out on the very conservative side.  I have a 9, 8, and 6 year old who still watch toddler shows and Little House on the Prairie. 

As a child, my family did not have a TV.  (So, don't ask me about the Smurfs or any other popular cartoon when I was a child).  We got our first TV when I was in high school.  There were times when I felt so left out because I had no idea what the other children were discussing...or singing...or watching.  However, as an adult, I see the wisdom in my parents decision not to have a television.

We, as a family, have decided to have a television; however, my children are allowed to watch very little.  No matter how I try to protect them...I still have to switch the channel during football game commercials and turn off a show in the middle because I don't like the way they are talking or the things they are promoting.  And, then there was the time I thought the girls would like to watch Dancing with the Stars.  (Big mistake on my part)

Today, I heard about Miley Cyrus' VMA performance.  So, I decided to watch and see what all the fuss was about...What in the world?  That cute little tween that we, as a nation, allowed our children to idolize is dancing half nude, making obscene gestures, and barely singing.  Why didn't her mother go up and cover her up and yank her butt off that stage?  She is 20 years old....not even old enough to legally drink alcohol.  What has happened to this nation that we see no issue in exploiting our children?  What is she teaching all those pre-teen girls that idolize her?  Do we really wonder why our teenagers are sexually active at younger and younger ages?

Today, I am feeling blessed that my children are happy to watch Laura Ingalls Wilder.  I am praying that as they get older I can continue to take a stand on what I allow my children to take in...because it makes a difference!!  We, as Christians, need to take a stand...we need to look different!

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things"  Philippians 4:8

Faith and Love...Like a Child

We were sitting at a park-n-ride waiting to "exchange" children.  I had 4 kids with me...which included the little boys, Noah, and a friend.  Parked in the back of the park-n-ride towards the woods was a 70's style van with a tarp on top, a shaggy dog, and a "homeless" looking man.  Now, I know from previous discussions that this man lives in his van. 

The kids start asking me about the van and its occupant.  I explain a little and then reply without much thought...."How sad for him.  We should pray for him."  Then, I dismissed the matter.  Noah and his friend continue to ask if they can go talk to the man.  Finally, they get out some cheese sticks and some apples that I had packed for a snack...They decide they would like to take it to the man. 

At this point, I am getting very uncomfortable...I mean, the man looks shady.  I am weak...I can't protect the kids.  I'm not sure this is safe. I start offering excuses to the kids but they are persistent.  My friend arrives (safety in numbers right...I mean together we are 2 tough mommas :)  and we discuss and agree they can take the food to the man....as we watch from a safe distance.

So, Noah and his friend take the food over and talk with the man for a few minutes.  As I watched them walk over, I felt so convicted....THIS IS GOD'S LOVE IN ACTION!!!  Shame on me for trying to squelch His spirit in those two little boys!  Shame on me for not taking the food myself!