Movies, Music, & Video Games: Helping Our Children Be Spiritually Discerning

My favorite comedy, which happens to be based on a true story, is Nacho Libre. Any Nacho Libre lovers out there? It's a fairly clean underdog movie that was released in 2006 (rated PG). Nacho Libre is about a Catholic monastery monk in Mexico who is a wrestler at night so he can buy better food for the orphans in his care. It is filled with cheesy humor and a happy ending, and I'm a sucker for happy endings. If you have a middle school boy, I highly recommend watching Nacho Libre with him. Some notable quotes from Nacho include:

• "My life is good. Really good. I get to wake up at 5 AM every morning and make soup." 
• "They may have the appearance of riches, but beneath the clothes, we find a man... and beneath a man, we find his nucleus."
• "Get that corn outta my face!"

There are more quotes I like; however, they aren't exactly what I want our elementary students to be quoting (e.g., how much Nacho knows about the gospel). :-)

Recently, my family enjoyed watching the Michael Jackson biopic (rated PG-13) on a flight to Korea. This led my teenage son, Josiah Lee, and me to examine some of Michael Jackson's song lyrics. Some of Michael Jackson's lyrics are great ("I said if you're thinkin' of being my brother, it don't matter if you're black or white"), and some of his lyrics are not so great ("You can't hurt me; I found peace within myself"). Hee hee. Ow!

It can be hard to navigate our entertainment-driven culture, but if we want our children to grow closer to Christ, we must actively disciple our kids. If we don't, the world will influence them in ways that don't honor God. As our children make choices about what they watch, listen to, and play, how can we protect them, help them be wise, and encourage them to think critically? Below are five points to consider.

1. Remember what Scripture says and share it with your children REGULARLY. We are to do everything to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful and build up (1 Corinthians 10:23). The Holy Spirit is our guide into all the truth (John 16:13). 

2. Use http://pluggedin.com/ to help discern the good, the bad, and the ugly. This Focus on the Family website has been extremely helpful to us, providing detailed information about movies, music, video games, and more.

3. Ask yourself and your children: 

• How does the movie, music, or video game affect my heart and others? 
• Does it glamorize wealth, drug use, and fame? Does it demean women? 
• Is it biblical? 
• Does the movie, music, or video game help my child positively connect with others? 
• Can they learn anything from the movie, music, or video game? 
• What time constraints should I put on my child? Is my child completing their schoolwork and chores?

4. Pray with your children REGULARLY, and don't ignore your conscience (Romans 9:1). The prayer of a righteous person has great power (James 5:16)!

5. Look at the MPA and ESRB ratings and take notice of the parental advisory labels, but be the parent. Hollywood and New York City aren't Christian meccas, so don't be surprised when that PG-13 movie contains some nudity and foul language.

These guiding principles, tips, and questions have helped Megan and me teach and train our three children to grow in discernment. Mistakes will be made, but major growth and maturity can happen if holiness is pursued. 

What suggestions do you have in helping your children grow in discernment? Post a comment or drop me a line. I would love to hear what has worked for you and your family!

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Happy 75th Birthday, Fred. Love, Your Son-In-Law

Today is my father-in-law's birthday - the big 75. That's three quarters of a century of living. Wow. I've known Fred for 23 years now, which is half my life and longer than I've known Megan. 

Fred and I taught together at Frankfort Middle School (FMS), home of the Hot Dogs. He taught math, and I taught geography. We didn't say much to each other during our FMS days, but I had (and have) a great deal of respect for this meek man of God. I can clearly remember when Fred retired from teaching, he presented a Christ-centered message to the faculty and staff on his last day of work. Fred could have bragged about the countless number of students he impacted or told teaching stories that would have made us crack up, but instead, the last thing he did was make sure we understood the importance of sharing our faith. Why haven't I been talking to this guy more? 

It might have been a year later that I found myself in a men's Bible study group with Fred that met every month at the Jim Dandy restaurant in Frankfort. During our Bible studies, Fred heard me confess some not-so-small sins, sob like a little child, and provide a small group devotion that I'm sure showed how I was a baby believer; however, Fred was not judgmental. In fact, the next summer, Fred called me to ask me if I would like to meet Megan. Fred might be a man of few words, but when he said something, I knew to listen. 

I'm not sure where I would be if God didn't prompt Fred to give me that call. I owe a ton to Fred Downs, and I will never be able to repay him for the eternal impact he has made in my life. Fred is patient, loyal, kind, and humble - all characteristics I have struggled with at times. So often I've seen Jesus in Fred, and I have often wished I were more like him. I'm thankful God brought us together, and I'm thankful our lives will be spent worshiping Jesus forever.

Happy birthday, Fred. I love you.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

My Nine Most Popular Facebook Pictures in 2019

Below are the most popular pictures taken and posted on my Facebook account (most via Instagram) in 2019. Here are my most popular pics from Facebook in the past years: 2015, 2016, 2017, & 2018. God is good!

The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad. Psalm 126:3

Our 2019 Christmas Pic

Megan and I had our picture taken together after the Lion King Jr. production at ECS.

For this year's bacon-infused birthday surprise, Megan made me a brown sugar bacon chocolate cake. I'm not worthy!

I posted this pic of Rosalie on her 17th birthday this summer.

A student blessed me with a delicious chocolate bar that included crispy bacon-flavored bits and potato chips. 

This pic was part of a series of Aladdin shots that people got a kick out of. I like my manly hat (known as a fez).

Josiah Lee asked me if the guy on my shirt was me. Respect. :-)

I wasn't feeling too tall at the ECHS Spring Sports Banquet. What's new?

This was another popular Christmas pic. This one was taken with Megan's parents at their church in Frankfort.

Happy 15th Anniversary, Megan!

Today, Megan and I celebrate 15 years of marriage. Where did the time go?! Our marriage has not always been pink fluffy unicorns dancing on rainbows, but through it all, Christ has been at the center. Megan continues to draw me closer to Christ, and I certainly know I wouldn't be where I am today had God not brought us together. Of course, I still have much to learn and can be a little rough around the edges, but thankfully, God isn't finished with me. Below are 15 ways that God is using Megan to point me to the King of Kings and Lord of All, Jesus Christ.

1. I like to fix things, but Megan has taught me the importance of listening and asking questions. It can be hard for me(n), and I (we) don't always do a good job in this area, but I think I've come a long way!

2. Sometimes I forget that toughness is not one of the fruit of the Spirit. Megan will provide me with a look, a touch, the words, or a prayer that helps me take it down a notch when some gentleness is needed.

3. Megan has helped me be more generous with our finances, something I need help with and something I struggled with tremendously in the past. I don't always remember to be a cheerful giver.

4. I often prefer reading about service instead of doing it. I've shared with many people about a time when I didn't want to be a part of a community project. Megan told me I should start doing what I'm reading. Ouch.

5. There was an occasion when I had very unloving thoughts toward someone important in my life, and instead of criticizing me, Megan prayed and allowed the Spirit to do His work. I don't think I'll forget that.

6. Life can be hard, and Jesus promises that suffering will take place. I hate watching Megan experience pain, but she often suffers well and points me to the cross.

7. Megan has been instrumental in helping me better understand several spiritual disciplines, such as Scripture memorization, small group studies, praying with others, and reading solid Christian books that help me know Christ. I'm blessed.

8. Sometimes people praise me for being a good communicator. Much of what I write or present is edited by Megan. She provides excellent feedback that I typically agree with.

9. There is no doubt that I'm a better parent because of what Megan has taught me. She has read a ton of parenting books and gleaned much from Godly people.

10. Megan asked me what I thought about adoption when we were just getting to know each other. Her advocacy for adoption has resulted in a world I never knew.

11. Megan has taught me much about evangelism and opening our home to others. She has a heart for God and others that is the real deal.

12. Megan is very relational and loves our family and friends. When I want to retreat and selfishly eat beef jerky in the corner of a room, she gets me out of my shell to connect with people.

13. I tend to have a critical eye, but Megan is much better at seeing the glass half full and encouraging others. I know this is one of the million reasons why God brought us together.

14. I don't always smile like I should, and sometimes I'm responding to others way too seriously. When Megan sees this, she'll sometimes make a joke or give me a hug that helps me lighten up.

15. Although I'm not a big art guy, this weekend we'll watch a romantic musical in Lexington. Score. Megan's B.A. has an emphasis in visual art, and I know art will have a much bigger emphasis in Heaven.

The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3

Why Aren't We This Thankful Every Day?

Earlier this month, World Magazine wrote an article about Gary Varvel, an Indianapolis Star cartoonist who happens to reside where I am from - Hendricks County, Indiana. Through cartooning, Gary is able to reach a wide U.S. audience with a Biblical worldview. Here is a powerful question from a Thanksgiving cartoon he drew last year.

Happy Reformation Day!

Luther's 95 Theses - Read what German theologian Martin Luther posted on the church doors at Wittenberg on October 31, 1517. These 95 points were a protest against many practices in the Catholic Church and sparked the Protestant Reformation.

Free Download: The Barber Who Wanted to Pray - We listened to this 15-minute children's book today. It is by R.C. Sproul and is based on Martin Luther's booklet, A Simple Way to Pray.

Dad Life

Predicting When Milk Will Expire

Picking Up Dead Critters

Last week, Rose came across this guy at our apartment complex. We live in a big city (23rd largest in the world according to worldatlas.com), so seeing the occasional furry little critter doesn't bother me. The problem was that she was holding the guy with her sleeve. That be straight up nasty! Our girls are constantly wanting to pick up junk from the ground, but I never thought a shriveled-up ratatouille would be one of them! What up wit' dat?!

A buddy of mine kicked the dead dude away from the area we were in.

I am a Middle-Aged Midwestern Dude

I used to laugh at the way a lot of middle-aged Midwestern men dress, but tonight I accepted the fact that I am one of those guys that I used to make fun of. Before I wore stretched-out undershirts and dress socks with athletic shorts, I used to wear the hippest clothes. Now I realize that might be difficult to believe, but it really is true. I used to actually look kind of cool. Remember Guess jeans back in the late 80s? Yup, I used to have the triangles on my back pockets. Levi's weren't always good enough for me. I was pretty sad, but look at me now! Fortunately, I am not always looking like a middle-aged Midwestern guy. Thanks largely to my mom, mother-in-law, wife, and brother, I still occasionally manage to wear something that looks stylin' and profilin'. Honest, it's true. Don't sweat the technique.

Don't be jealous. That would be sinning. We all can't look this cool.

Some Recent Articles That Brought Out Some Emotion V

This pleasantly surprised me... Where Raucous is the Norm, Bible Study by Erik Eckholm (New York Times)

This makes me happy... Five Health Reasons to Not Quit Coffee  by Kerri-Ann Jennings (EatingWell Magazine)

This disgusts me... The Opposite of a Tiger Mother: Leaving Your Children Behind by Lylah M. Alphonse (Shine Staff) and Kid Crazy: Why We Exaggerate the Joys of Parenthood by John Cloud (Time)

This made me laugh. Unbelievable...

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