From the Heart

Have you walked through the young adult/teen/preteen section of your local book store or library lately? If you have older children, I'm sure you have. Are you concerned at all by the current choices in literature? I couldn't help but notice that roughly 70% of the new titles had black or dark purple covers. Curious. I would also estimate that the same high percentage were involving vampires, fairies, or magic. Book after book. Title after title. It soon became my mission to locate one new release that dared not fit this dark pattern and I'm sad to say that there was not enough time for me to find anything different. Common sense tells me that there has to be other subject matter out there- other options for children who don't want to fill their heart and minds with the seductive power of evil. As I put myself into the teen's perspective, would I be able to discern what is being bombarded down young people's throats? Would I have the courage to stand up to the peer pressure?
Parents, it's no secret that I'm troubled by what I see and hear. You can not expect your government, your child's school or teacher, book publishers or sellers, the media to protect your child's heart. YOU, friends, must assume full responsibility for guarding your children. You may find this thought profound, but I'll say it anyway. Just because your child wants something or is interested in something does NOT mean you have to give in to it, or worse yet, buy it and bring it into your home.
It is my new mission to find books that are not only appealing to children and young adults, but also appropriate. Friends, wake up! Not all books marketed for children or available in your child's library are good for them. The bottom line is that you need to know what your children are reading. Talk to your kids about their books. Ask questions. Browse the internet for reviews of titles. And in the end feel good about either letting them continue to read it or abandon it for a better choice. When did we buy into the lie that parenting would be easy? Will your child likely be upset? Perhaps. But what a great time to teach them how to guard their hearts!

Here's some scripture on the seriousness of one's heart:

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. (The heart determines behavior.)
Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Psalms 119:36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!
Ephesians 1:18 ...having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.
Romans 10:10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.

Happy reading, Friend!

It's Been Too Long, Friends!

I could write my own book based on the events which have unfolded during these past few weeks. You've heard the expression "When it rains, it pours." Well, you could say I've been living on the Ark and I've finally received word that there may be land close by! Have you ever been there, friend? I'm sure you have! Let's just say that after a job change, car accident, three trips to Beaumont for my Granny's surgery, time in ICU, and funeral, shopping for a 'new to us' car to replace the one which was totaled, a virus, allergies, and a birthday party...I've also been battling two months of constant morning sickness! That's right; it's exactly what you think it is. I'm pregnant. And it was quite a surprise to us too. Well, that being said, I sincerely apologize for not updating the (Lit)erbug blog for the past month. (My brother-in-law, Joseph, has been quite frustrated with me. ;0)) However, I'm planning on making it up to you, friend! Oh, I've missed you and have so much to share with you!

Happy reading!