The SG Notebook

Big in the news this week was the fact that a new “American Idol” had been elected or crowned or whatever it’s called. It’s all been much discussed among many folks we know, particularly many Christians, so I must admit that we were wondering which David would be chosen, etc. etc. There was some disappointment on my daughter’s part that it was the one which it was, sadness which lasted about five or ten minutes and then life continued on as usual. We’ve never gotten into looking at this show, partly because we look at very little regular network TV and partly because, to tell you the truth, I do take some issue with calling any person alive or dead an “idol.” I know, surely he or she is not really worshipped and it’s all in fun, but I still take issue. Sorry folks. I’ve often wondered what qualities of character these exalted ones offer to our young people.

I doubt if it’s a great sin to have our children clap and cheer at such occasions or at sports events, but I wonder how often we put the true heroes before them, the ones who have never appeared before the bright and colorful lights or before huge stadium crowds. I’m thinking of brave and courageous people who may have appeared before a crowd in an arena for the purpose of being eaten by lions or who have been locked up in a dungeon for years some place. Some of them are unknown and unsung, but I want my children and grandchildren to know about them and to know what they stood for. So I guess I’m saying make sure your kids are fully aware of them as much as the ones who entertain them.

Please don’t think I’m being judgmental. We all enjoy a good ball game, myself included, and we sometimes enjoy the good singing of someone whom God has gifted with a good voice. But please endeavor to have your children know the name of someone like William Whiting Borden and what he did with his young life and fortune as much as they know the names of David Cook and David Archiletta.

There’s an interesting post by Carol Fleece at the VOM persecution blog that you might want to read. She talks about vacation spots which we probably would never get to go to, but which would surely help children think about something with some real substance to it: Christians who are suffering or have suffered for their faith. Carol made some good stops in this imaginary vacation trip. The real point here is that we not let our children forget about the persecuted; that they not think the world is restricted to their little comfort corner in it; and that we do what we can to direct them in making it just a little better if at all possible. The third paragraph suggestions are plausible, even during the school year!

Talk to you again soon,

Maxine, a/k/a Nanna

Just want you to know about a new feature coming. We’re calling it “Homemade Children’s Parties,” and it’s strictly a fun topic. No lessons, papers or the like. Just fun. The hope is that folks can stop by and get ideas and suggestions for having birthday parties in a home setting. It’s just getting started. We have an introductory page up and running and in the weeks coming up we plan to add more info and pages. I’ll probably come back here from time to time to announce some of the additions. There’s also going to be a new feature in the newsletter called “Homemade Party Tips.” If you’re interested in this type of info, that’s another reason for you to sign up!

For His Glory,
Maxine