Ever Wonder...?

Parents, ever wonder how to arm yourself with good information to keep up with your kids and balance the influences they deal with? Ever wonder how to have this information so you can talk about purchases before the conversation comes up?

Below is a link to a great site, the CPYU - the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding. The link is to the TOP 10 Lists of what is most popular right now. But there is a ton of information offered to parents on the rest of the site too. Before you leave the site, click on the home page banner in order to see all there is to offer. 

 

Top 10 Lists of Media Consumption.

Are You Fighting the New Drug?

Everyone knows that the Internet when used properly is a good thing most of the time. It is a bit wearisome when good folks refuse, simply refuse, to deal with the seedier side of the Internet. We eschew family filters, accountability software and other boundaries because it "limits us" or it "keeps back good research." That is another blog for another day - but suffice it to say there is a Greek word for excuses like that - Bologna! We should and can easily protect our minds and families very cheaply or free!
Finally, a major company is taking a major positive step in the right direction. Click the link below to see what Google has done. The link will also direct you to a resource page called Fight The New Drug where you can follow and read about other posts regarding the fight against the new drug.

Fight The New Drug

A Convicting Window...

It used to be said that you could get a picture of a person's life by looking in their garage or their room and what was contained within and on the walls. I also heard one time that you could look inside one's refrigerator and open a similar window.

Today, when you look at the playlists on an iPod or iPhone or other device you get a picture of a person's soul. Music and media defines us, imprints us. What we choose to watch is a giveaway about what goes on inside.

The below media is a picture of the soul of our country - at least the younger set. Parents, we need to choose carefully what we allow as media choices for our children - for in time it will define them.
Below are the Top 10 videos in October, 2013. Look up some of the lyrics - you don't even have to watch the video. This is vicious and lascivious stuff. No matter what anyone says, lyrics do make the song. It matters what we take in, it really does. Choose well.

Always intriguing to glance at the top 10 iTunes videos at any time just a click away on our kids' phones #uthculture pic.twitter.com/TqHhTcZzZs
— Jonathan McKee (@InJonathansHead) October 3, 2013

For Parents...

Everyone needs a reminder now and then. As I continue to pastor, I continue to realize the need to arm people. I cannot make their decisions for them. I cannot be their Holy Spirit, but I can give them information from the Bible and Bible based materials that can assist them, arm them. Properly used, these resources will help us all stay ready for the battle ahead.

One of the biggest distractions to a close walk with the Lord is media. To state the obvious, it is everywhere. It is liquid, simply a part of all we do now. Smart phones, HiDef TV's, movies, music on all the time...it goes on and on. It seeps through every crack.

This post is simply to arm parents. This link below will take you to the PluggedIn Family Room, a resource to arm you as a parent or grandparent. Don't just bookmark it and forget it. Use it. Remove the tool and wield it. Take back the responsibility you have been given as a overseer.

When a child or teen comes to you with a suggestion for a movie and you are unsure you want to spend your money on garbage, but you like movies you should always check the content first!

Check PluggedIn for a good movie review and discussion points about not just the film, but about music too, and tv shows or Playstation games.

Immorality abounds, opportunity to be tripped up is constant, almost handed to us at times. Disciples must be dependent on the power of God in our lives. He will make us strong, but we must also be armed and PluggedIn is one weapon in the battle for purity.

Garbage in, Garbage out. I don't think any of us want that for our kids.