It all started with a commercial I saw on t.v. and I felt uncomfortable watching it. (and no it wasn't a Victoria Secret commercial either)
I started to wonder how to raise my children in today's world. It's a very unsettling feeling. How do I raise them to love Jesus with all their heart and not give into the world's view, yet still love everyone in the world?
I actually had a bit of anxiety about it, asking God to help direct me in the way he would want me to, to help give me some answers that I'm seeking, as I struggle with these thoughts.
Am I alone in this feeling? I'm not sure what to think/believe about certain situations/ideas that the world is telling us.
I hate to have a "downer" type blog post, but it has been pressing on my heart and I just wanted to let it out and maybe get some Insight from others.
On a lighter note:
Mother's Day was great, and unfortunately I got zero pictures of the day, which is a shame since I was looking cute that day (good hair day) and so was Molly. I got some flowers from the Hubs, 2 blu-rays and 1 DVD. I got a Starbucks card from my Mother-in-law, which was a nice surprise (since I'm not her mother!). The gifts to my Mom & Mother-in-law were a big hit and I was happy to see them happy, which is one of the reasons I LOVE giving gifts! I get so excited for the person that I want them to open their gift now!
Yesterday was a great day and we rollerbladed for 2 miles and the kids loved it (we push them in strollers as we rollerblade). I was still extremely sore from Saturday (I ran/walked 4 miles!) but today I feel so much better, maybe my muscles needed to get moving again after a day break! I hope to get back on the work out wagon again, having it become a habit, as I have some weight to lose before our big vacation. It's hard to make it a habit, when it has never been one in my life. I've been active outside playing when I was a kid, but never actually had a work out routine, probably because my mom never did and she didn't need to! Anyway, it felt good last night and I want to remember the feel good feeling I get after I work out, instead of that dread feeling I get thinking about it.
I leave you with a quote I found on Pinterest.
I should add: And you don't crave sweets every second.Happy Tuesday!
Happy late Mother's Day Erica!
ReplyDeleteMy church actually recommended some books on parenting that I'm reading, called "Parenting by the Book" and "Shepherding a Child's Heart". I haven't gotten very far, but apparently they are pro-spanking, so if you're anti-spanking then they won't be for you. On my list is also "Everyday Talk: Talking Freely and Naturally about God with Your Children" by John Younts, "Heaven for Kids" by Randy Alcorn. Maybe one of those would be along the lines of what you're looking for. :)
I would love to give you some "insight" if I had any. Your thoughts are a little vague though, and I'm not exactly sure what you are looking for.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of good books out there though. Plus, that one website I gave you a while ago is suppose to be pretty good/popular among churches today.
I think you do have to be proactive and even sometimes shelter your children. The word "shelter" has gotten such bad press I think. Your child will eventually be IN the world, so you don't want them completely naive. However, they also don't need to be exposed to everything just because that is how today's world is.
I have had very sweet and innocent children in my classroom and those who know FAR too much. It really does have to do with what they are exposed to at home. Cliff and Edna's kids weren't even allowed to change the channel on the tv (channel surf), because you never know what you are going to see. They were allowed to watch certain approved channels and had to switch back and forth by punching in the buttons.
If you are feeling uncomfortable about things, then maybe that is the Lord pressing you to reevaluate. Or preparing you to go a different way. Your children are still very young. Maybe He's prompting you to change BEFORE they are at the age where they will be most impressionable.
Praying for you! Love you!
I didn't mean to be too vague, but I didn't want any major controversy either.
ReplyDeleteBasically, I'm not doing anything right now that I shouldn't and I have no issue sheltering my children to a point. I think children are way over sexualized and seems to be thrown at them at every angle, I don't want my kids to get immune to that. I want them to think "wow, that is not good, I dont' want to think/look at that stuff". I don't want them to think it's OK to live your boyfriend/girlfriend and all that it entails...ya know where I'm heading? It seems that people are immune to the things of this world and I look old fashioned in my views, even though they are the views of God.
It seems like every tv show on there is something along the lines of things I mentioned and seem to have someone who is a homosexual, which is where that commercial came in, and my feelings are mixed on the message it was trying to send and my thoughts on that subject entirely. It goes to the whole, love Jesus w/ all your heart and not go by the world's thinking but still love EVERYONE in the world...love the sinner hate sin type of thing...but I see the lines get crossed all too oten in believers and churches, which is why this is pressed heavily on my heart.
I thought that's what you were meaning, but wasn't sure. I didn't mean to imply you were doing anything wrong... just that if seeing a commercial made you uncomfortable, then you may have to reevaluate how you are going about things. Like changing the channel when something inappropriate comes on, not watching television or movies in front of your children, turning the TV off, etc. I'm not a parent yet, so I don't have lots of first hand experience. But Michael and I HAVE thought and discussed those things already. It is a crazy world out there and most people (Christians included) are desensitized. Unfortunately. I am OK teaching my children that sex before marriage and homosexuality are wrong. Just as I will teach them lying, stealing, and murder are wrong. Those are my beliefs, my world view, my morals and standards. If I teach them about Jesus and the Bible, I have to go it all the way.
ReplyDeletetotally agree with everything you said!
ReplyDeleteNice to know I'm not the only one who worries about these kinds of things.
ReplyDeleteJohn is a total scary movie geek and I literally freak out whenever he has something on t.v. that i don't want Cooper seeing.
John says "He isn't even watching or even looking at the t.v.", but it makes me think he's going to have nightmares or turn into some kind of psycho ax murderer when he gets older.
I think it's wonderful that you are concerned about what your children see and learn about sexuality and how much you expose them to. God has laid it on your heart for a reason, now it's your job to learn how to teach them in a way that would please God.
I think Mommy's are great at really thinking, praying and listening to God when it comes to protecting thier children.
It's just something God has blessed us with. Be prayerful about the issue and He will provide answers for you.
Have a great week Erica!