Tuesday, August 19, 2008

In The World But Not Of The World

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
I John 2:15

So, as a parent --- how in the world do you guide your kids in living in this world, but not loving the world??? They are surround by various media's making suggestions to them on how to dress, think and feel.

Now - I am NO EXPERT! For heaven's sake, my oldest is only 8! But, I really feel that this is where every family has to hash out with God what kind of boundaries to set for their children. The Bible gives us clear directions regarding right and wrong. However, how do we handle "gray" areas? Like TV for example. Is the "TV" sin? No, it's just an object. Is owning a TV sin? Is watching TV sin? It depends on how the TV is used. Are sinful things shown on TV? YES!!!!! So, for my family. We do not allow a TV in our kids rooms. Yes, would could use the parental controls and all that stuff which is great - but we just aren't even going to go that route. We watch TV shows as a family.

One show we watched for the first time last season was American Idol. My oldest, Savannah REALLY got into it! She loved the horrible singers and would latch on quickly to several favorites. We had a great time watching this together.

So, when tickets for the concert went on sale ---- I thought what a fun family trip! Well, the closest concert was about 3 hours away from here and luckily - it was on a weekend. I got some details worked out and purchased our tickets.

We didn't tell the girls until Friday and the concert was on Saturday. Friday morning we told Cassidy. Then, Russ went all out and made a scavenger hunt for Savannah with a little help from Cassidy. When Savannah came home from school it started with a trip to the mail box, then all around the house and yard and ended up finding her "surprise" in a treasure box. It was all very cute!

So - after lots of screaming and a little packing we were off to a concert. By doing that - does that mean that we love the world? Well, let me say this......

On Monday, it was Savannah's turn to take something to school to tell about "her". She didn't bring anything about American Idol --- you know what she packed? Her prayer journal. She did this all on her own, without any suggestions from me.

Yes, it's possible to raise children to live in the world, but LOVE the things of God.

Enjoy our concert pics!
Savannah holding up her last clue

Savannah, Cassidy and Savannah's BF, Makenzie, at the concert

Jason

Brooke White



Christy Cook, Cassidy's favorite -- singing one of Cassidy's favorites - "God Bless the USA"


Cassidy's personality doesn't show much excitement (God gave her portion to her sister!), but would wave to the "Idols" once in a while


Carly


David A.

Savannah seeing her personal favorite, David Cook, for the first time (my response was similar ------ it's OK - Russ is aware!)

David Cook!!!! We were about 20 rows from the stage and dead center:)

More David Cook


And more David Cook


And one happy family:)



















4 comments:

Alene said...

How cool! What an amazing concert it must have been. Don't you love it when our kids surprise us with something that totally let's us know they are getting it. See you Friday! Can't wait.

Anonymous said...

Ginger - that is terrific!!! It is exciting to see His works in our sweet children. I feel just as blessed, Emily did about the same thing. She had to take 3 things to school to describe herself. She picked: a stuffed dog (love of animals), colored pencils (love of art), and a bible (love for Christ). And I had nothing to do with her choices! I was a very proud mother :)
Thanks for sharing!
Chrissy

Leah Adams said...

Ginger,

What adorable pics!!

It was sooo awesome to see your sweet face in San Antonio and spend just a few minutes chatting. I wish we had had more time but maybe soon we can all get together. It was such a great weekend and I was so blessed by it all.

I hope you have a great week.

Leah

Gayle @ thewestiecrew said...

Hi Ginger! I just wanted to tell you that I had a good time this weekend in our little game group!!

Wish we could have chatted more...