Eyes and Ears

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I've been at home since Friday (with the exception of a doctor's appointment) with our daughter. She's been fighting a vicious virus for the last few days and we've been battling a relentless fever. At it's peak, her temperature maxed out at 103.4. Yesterday it stayed around 102. Finally, today, it has stayed between 98-100. Did I mention that she is also cutting three teeth at the moment? Needless to say, I've been continually disinfecting and trying to keep her hydrated. Thankfully, her appetite and willingness to drink began to come back last night.

In the midst of caring for our clingy one-year old, I began to tackle our office. I have about 11 days to get it turned into a playroom. I'm hosting a new Life Group at our home and one of the needs that must be met is a place for the kids to play while we meet...plus, I'm sure G would love to have a playroom and I know we will love having the majority of her toys and books in a location other than the middle of the living room...but more on that later. While going through some of the things on our shelves, I ran across my high school yearbooks. Oh the memories.

I flipped through my senior yearbook and ran across the quote that I had selected to represent me in the Senior Section. I chose Philippians 4:8.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

 

I reflected fondly on most of my time in high school and then found a safe place to put those memories. This morning, however, that verse came back to mind. Missing out on fellowship with my church family is not something we do often, but in cases like this, it is necessary. So, while singing "Jesus Loves Me" with G this morning I began thinking about how I can't wait to hear her sing those words someday. These sentiments carried through to lunch when she began using the phrase "uh-oh" in full force. She has a limited vocabulary outside of her constant babbling, but today "uh-oh" was added to the list (which also consists of "buh" for bug, "nana" for all things food, "this" for anything she points at besides food and bugs, "momma", "da-da" and the occasional "zizzies" when pointing at the kitties or "duh" for the dogs.

I had to giggle at her "uh-ohs" and then the God moment came. The verse I had reflected on yesterday came back to mind. G is picking up on all of the things that she hears. Are the words that she is hearing True? Noble? Lovely? Admirable? It's easy to overlook her little ears when the radio is playing or if the television is on. I do not use profanity and try to keep myself mindful of what I say regardless of whether or not G is around. I try to be an example always...granted I am human. I have flaws and despite my best efforts, I still mess up.

Since having G, from the time we brought her home, I have become acutely aware of what is being said/shown on television and movies. My husband is a die hard action movie lover and unfortunately it does not seem that you can watch one of those films without continuous vulgar language and inappropriate scenes of  violence and nudity. While I know G will be exposed to these things at some point in her life, I want to shield her while I can. I also want to ensure that I am setting a good example. I, like all Christian parents, fight evil everyday in the name of my child (and all other children). That doesn't make me a superhero. It makes me a mom, a woman, seeking God's heart and will in my life, in the life of my daughter and in my family. Taking a stand and making steps in the right direction can be as easy as changing the channel. We don't have the television on very often and when it is you'll usually find it on the Disney Channel or Food Network. However, I can honestly say that those are not ALWAYS on our television. We each have to decide what we are willing to allow in our homes.

To help get you started, make a point to be conscientious with what you watch, whether in front of  your children or not. When it comes to television you can easily change the channel. As for movies, I've become diligent in checking ratings and the reasons for those ratings. I use the wonderful website

Kids-In-Mind*

 

This website shows reviews as well as the amounts of and types of sex/nudity, violence/gore, profanity, substance abuse and discussion topics. I highly recommend using this prior to watching or renting your next film. Advocate for the good of your family.

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(*I was not compensated in anyway for recommending this website.)