We use nicknames for our children to keep them safe, though at times you might actually find where I forgot to change their name from their real ones to their nicknames. Or maybe I didn't and I'm just trying to throw you off.....hmmmm.....
"Ms. Jewel"
She is a fine rock that we believe the Lord is polishing, removing imperfections, refining, and remolding to be His Masterpiece Jewel.
"Happy"
"Gift"
All invited readers can meet & visit 'Ms. Jewel' & 'Mr. Happy' by clicking on the image below:
Blog Top Sites
Site Map
Got Questions? God has the answers!
You people haven't had any test that doesn't come to everyone. And you can depend on God that He won't let your tests become greater than you can stand. But along with every test, He will make a way out for you, by making you strong enough to hold up under it.
Corinthians 10:13
The Ten Commandments of Blogging
1. You shall not put your blog before your integrity. 2. You shall not make an idol of your blog. 3. You shall not misuse your screen name by using your anonymity to sin. 4. Remember the Sabbath day by taking one day off a week from your blog. 5. Honour your fellow-bloggers above yourselves and do not give undue significance to their mistakes. 6. You shall not murder someone else’s honour, reputation or feelings. 7. You shall not use the web to commit or permit adultery in your mind. 8. You shall not steal another person’s content without permission. 9. You shall not give false testimony against your fellow-blogger. 10. You shall not covet your neighbour’s blog ranking. Be content with your own content.
Christian Designer
Blog Design By
Facebook Friend Followers: You can follow along too! =)
Well here's what I'm thinkin':
It sounds like a VERY exciting opportunity, yet a very delicate one to consider.
I, myself, have always struggled with the idea to put my kids in the public spotlight because of everything that goes along with it; the pressure from directors, the media, and even my own child pushing themselves hard to please the audience. Not to mention if a show that they starred in were to become a big 'hit', my child (and family) would loose all privacy, even the smallest amounts of shred they'd have would eventually be violated by paparazzi, fans, haters, stalkers, all of it.
I used to be okay with the idea of trying to put them in the 'spotlight' (as recently I entered my sons picture into a photo contest, and he actually won), but here lately I've really been doing a lot more thinking about this and now I'm not so sure I want to introduce them to this busy and obviously stressful and chaotic lifestyle. Just look at the the media now with all the frenzy and hype surrounding the families of sadly deceased celebrities; it seemed for a minute that the entire globe 'lost it'. . Especially over 'The King of Pop'! Can anyone ever say that any of these major celebs had real peace, ever after they became famous????
Is it worth it to get lost in a world that most of us know nothing about? Is it worth the risk to find out that this lifestyle might lead them too pursue self medicating themselves down the road (with either street drugs or prescription) in efforts to ease their troubles?? More importantly is it worth your child risking the idea of losing their identity; who God called them to be, if they were saved by Christ? And if they aren't, is it worth it to subdue them into a life that may lead them to seek after other gods, pulling them away from pursuing Jesus?
I'm guessing that after many of the stars out there today (alive or not) became super stars, that somewhere in their journey of fame they wished they could take it all back and live a life of privacy, contentment, and peace. I'd bet that at least one of the four celebrities that passed this last week would have given half their earnings to go back in time and change the course of life they went down, even if just for a moment. It definitely gives ya something to think about doesn't it?
Almost forgot; here's the link if you are a mother who is interested in giving their child a chance at Stardom: Raggs Rockin' Kids Search. Keep in mind I found this out late, so there's only 1 more day to enter. Good luck.
(If you voted please share why you voted the way you did. I'm really curious about this and would love your feedback.) And check back here on Wednesday night. Come to find out my hubby would like to share on our blog; something he's only done once a long time ago....hmmmmmm.....I dunno even know what he's gonna say...
I've thought about it. I've got several children, that quite frankly we probably could make money off of in modeling, and who knows where that could have lead, as a few of them have a flair for the dramatic as well. But....I always go back to how we are led to a life of simplicity and humility. How many stars maintain that in their lives. Also, I feel that the temptations would be overwhelming, and I don't feel that God wants us to overwhelm our children with temptation, and just hope that they won't succumb. The adult stars struggle with temptation. Really, for us, the reasoning would be the same as why we don't put our children in the public schools. A child should be raised by parents, not the world, unless there is a specific calling on a parent to do this, which I think would be very rare! Just my thoughts about it! It is tempting sometimes though, because I have really beautiful, talented children!
Kristen and I have talked about this very thing lately. Based on Jon and Kate Plus Eight and what this is doing to them (maybe it would have happened anyway, but I seriously doubt it - and if it had, it would have been their own business, now the world's), and so many others, I would definitely keep our little dolls out of the public's eye - not matter what the paycheck would be. Even those who go into Christian ministry and become famous (or maybe ESPECIALLY those) have found it hard to keep their identity in Christ when fame becomes so great. I am so trusting that Kris Allen, who won American Idol this year, can keep his testimony going in a non-Christian arena. Well, enough of my answer!
Hey Sarah, Good questions, and ultimately something each family needs to answer themselves, I guess.
As for me, I voted on never in a million years would I expose my kids to 'stardom.' How many child or teen stars, who appeared to start off 'balanced' ended up on drugs, with nervous illnesses, abandoned their moral values, etc. Too much pressure, too many insidious managers who only want to exploit the children for personal gain, not to mention the press and what they do to famous people's lives.
I suppose if my children were interested in something -- gymnastics, art, spelling bee, or whatever -- and somehow their success drew them into a spotlight, I'd be OK with it.
But I'd always discourage fame for fame's sake. Always.
If it's the spotlight they desire -- or the spotlight I desire -- that's a good sign I ought to turn and walk the other way.
The spotlight on self should be secondary to the glory that comes to God.
Teresa, I'll definitely continue to pray for Grayson! I hope he comes home soon. Hugs! XOXO
Elizabeth I agree with you; that I don't feel that God wants us to overwhelm our children (or anyone, including ourselves) with the temptation that is inevitably brought on when under the huge pressures from being a high profile figure in the public eye. We, as parents, can always think we can 'control' the situation but how many times do we learn of families that have thought this as well only to discover that they report 'I had no idea my child was doing drugs!' or other dangers?? Of course this can happen as well w/o being in the spotlight of fame, but why speed up the risk by putting our kids under even more undo pressures, ya know? I agree with you, though our own family isn't able to avoid putting our kids in public school as we can't afford the high tuition to pay for them to attend a private, Christian school. However we did look into, several times hoping that the fees would decrease, but unfortunately no such luck. :( Surprisingly they actually increase for each grade level the student climbs! This has been a sad frustration for hubby and I, but we have to trust God knowing that we as parents (being the biggest influence and example they'll have in their dependence on Christ) will be the stronger Power if faced with unwise decision making and negative impressions; that He will protect and guide our kids in areas we aren't able to foresee. Thanks for your input; very good points!:D
Dawn, thanks for the reminder about this; that even fame in the Christian ministry can also succomb to crushing 'twists of the arm' that fall victim to these dangers.
Peter, I'm with you! I voted 'never in a million years as well', as did my husband. However I also acknowledge that ultimately this is something that is individualized per families choice and hopefully guidance under His Highest direction.
Jean-thanks for sharing your thoughts; yes a quiet life of simplicity sounds very attractice and ideal in my eyes as well, especially when compared to the unpredictable dangers of taking the road of daring, risky, over-glamorized fortune and exalted glory on oneself!
Jennifer, well spoken! And thanks for this token of observation, which I'm so glad you brought up. So very true; as sometimes a childs own intellect or skills may create a public exposure of honor and recognition, which certainly isn't (in most cases)intended on inducing self glorification and extreme reward. Wholeheartedly I side with you on your comment "The spotlight on self should be secondary to the glory that comes to God." Nothing should supersede His Holiness!
Thank you all great friends for your very honest input and shared wisdom on this topic! Many blessings to all of you!
I voted to not even consider it. My reason is pretty simple. I am feeling more and more that my family are strangers in a strange land. Things of the spirit are really only found rarely outside the chruch walls on a Sunday. Long ago we stopped watching TV...like 5 years ago. We are out of touch by choice.
I am not saying this to condemn anyone who feels differently...just stating why I voted the way I did
Thanks 'twofinches' for sharing. I certainly see your point.
I think (not sure) that I read this on your site before about deciding not to own a TV in your house. I applaud your family for this as there are a lot of concerns with things/behaviors that are advertised on a regular basis through it, whether it's a TV series or movie, commercial and unfortunately even some negative influential cartoons (at least in my opinion.).
Right now my husband and I aren't personally at a point that our TV has appeared to over-step our family values and morals and our kids are still showing respect, love, and honor in our home both to us, as parents, as well as one another. However, as they get older and we are less able to control what they view, and we 'pick up' that they are being poorly influenced by TV than I pray we have the same time of strengh, will-power and determination that your family has displayed in literally pulling the plug on it.
And I appreciate you taking the time to give your thoughts on this and 'no' I don't feel you are out to condemn anyone at all, so don't worry about that. I didn't even assume this is the least; just that you are sharing openly how you view things. Thanks! :D
Sarah- I voted- Undecided. It's a tough call. As much as I would like to encourage my childrens dreams if that is what they dreamed of, I would be very cautious. As I think there are many pitfalls to becoming famous so young. Interesting topic you bring up today!
How are your art projects coming? Sorry the first one was not as planned! I will post some links to some fun simple crafts for the contest on Thursday, So maybe that will help! Can't wait to see their art work!
My daughters have both appeared in a Hylands Homeopathic Ad as a result of a photo contest my younger daughter won at age 3. It was not big deal, and alot of fun, and we've enjoyed seeing their full page ad in various magazines. Also, my younger one, now age 5, entered the Raggs contest and my older one auditioned for America's Got Talent which was a great adventure. Being brought up to entertain, I see nothing wrong with pursuing this sort of thing. Some children thrive on it, including mine, who spend their summer entering talent contests across the state. I would be doing them an inservice to not let them do it. I don't think it's the fame itself that causes some performers to pursue drugs, etc. Do you really think they'd be stable, normal individuals if they weren't famous?? Look at Shirley Temple......Melissa Gilbert.......there are plenty of famous children who have grown up to have quite stable lives.
Your comments are such a blessing to Jesse and I. We love it when you share your thoughts with us.
Please click 'Follow Up Comments' (below) so that you won't miss any replies to you, as sometimes we will reply to your comments here (with a 'Thank You', or 'Great Thought', ect.) if we aren't able to visit your site right away. However, we will try to visit you regardless from time to time. You are such a blessing to us!
Would you like someone to pray for you? Please click the image below to share your prayer needs.
Share your confessions! Get what's off of your chest anonymously!
No need to feel ashamed. As the image statement under the cup says 'We've all had secrets/confessions....all of us.' God doesn't look at what you've done in your past but what He can do from that with/in your future!!
Thank you sweet friend for your prayers...we have had a little set back and still need your prayers....teresa
ReplyDeleteI've thought about it. I've got several children, that quite frankly we probably could make money off of in modeling, and who knows where that could have lead, as a few of them have a flair for the dramatic as well. But....I always go back to how we are led to a life of simplicity and humility. How many stars maintain that in their lives. Also, I feel that the temptations would be overwhelming, and I don't feel that God wants us to overwhelm our children with temptation, and just hope that they won't succumb. The adult stars struggle with temptation. Really, for us, the reasoning would be the same as why we don't put our children in the public schools. A child should be raised by parents, not the world, unless there is a specific calling on a parent to do this, which I think would be very rare! Just my thoughts about it! It is tempting sometimes though, because I have really beautiful, talented children!
ReplyDeleteKristen and I have talked about this very thing lately. Based on Jon and Kate Plus Eight and what this is doing to them (maybe it would have happened anyway, but I seriously doubt it - and if it had, it would have been their own business, now the world's), and so many others, I would definitely keep our little dolls out of the public's eye - not matter what the paycheck would be. Even those who go into Christian ministry and become famous (or maybe ESPECIALLY those) have found it hard to keep their identity in Christ when fame becomes so great. I am so trusting that Kris Allen, who won American Idol this year, can keep his testimony going in a non-Christian arena. Well, enough of my answer!
ReplyDeleteHey Sarah,
ReplyDeleteGood questions, and ultimately something each family needs to answer themselves, I guess.
As for me, I voted on never in a million years would I expose my kids to 'stardom.' How many child or teen stars, who appeared to start off 'balanced' ended up on drugs, with nervous illnesses, abandoned their moral values, etc. Too much pressure, too many insidious managers who only want to exploit the children for personal gain, not to mention the press and what they do to famous people's lives.
Hi, Sarah.
ReplyDeleteA quiet life of simplicity gets my vote every time.
Jean
http://www.jeanmatthewhall.blogspot.com
I suppose if my children were interested in something -- gymnastics, art, spelling bee, or whatever -- and somehow their success drew them into a spotlight, I'd be OK with it.
ReplyDeleteBut I'd always discourage fame for fame's sake. Always.
If it's the spotlight they desire -- or the spotlight I desire -- that's a good sign I ought to turn and walk the other way.
The spotlight on self should be secondary to the glory that comes to God.
Teresa, I'll definitely continue to pray for Grayson! I hope he comes home soon. Hugs! XOXO
ReplyDeleteElizabeth I agree with you; that I don't feel that God wants us to overwhelm our children (or anyone, including ourselves) with the temptation that is inevitably brought on when under the huge pressures from being a high profile figure in the public eye. We, as parents, can always think we can 'control' the situation but how many times do we learn of families that have thought this as well only to discover that they report 'I had no idea my child was doing drugs!' or other dangers?? Of course this can happen as well w/o being in the spotlight of fame, but why speed up the risk by putting our kids under even more undo pressures, ya know?
I agree with you, though our own family isn't able to avoid putting our kids in public school as we can't afford the high tuition to pay for them to attend a private, Christian school. However we did look into, several times hoping that the fees would decrease, but unfortunately no such luck. :( Surprisingly they actually increase for each grade level the student climbs! This has been a sad frustration for hubby and I, but we have to trust God knowing that we as parents (being the biggest influence and example they'll have in their dependence on Christ) will be the stronger Power if faced with unwise decision making and negative impressions; that He will protect and guide our kids in areas we aren't able to foresee. Thanks for your input; very good points!:D
Dawn, thanks for the reminder about this; that even fame in the Christian ministry can also succomb to crushing 'twists of the arm' that fall victim to these dangers.
Peter, I'm with you! I voted 'never in a million years as well', as did my husband. However I also acknowledge that ultimately this is something that is individualized per families choice and hopefully guidance under His Highest direction.
Jean-thanks for sharing your thoughts; yes a quiet life of simplicity sounds very attractice and ideal in my eyes as well, especially when compared to the unpredictable dangers of taking the road of daring, risky, over-glamorized fortune and exalted glory on oneself!
Jennifer, well spoken! And thanks for this token of observation, which I'm so glad you brought up. So very true; as sometimes a childs own intellect or skills may create a public exposure of honor and recognition, which certainly isn't (in most cases)intended on inducing self glorification and extreme reward. Wholeheartedly I side with you on your comment "The spotlight on self should be secondary to the glory that comes to God." Nothing should supersede His Holiness!
Thank you all great friends for your very honest input and shared wisdom on this topic! Many blessings to all of you!
I voted to not even consider it. My reason is pretty simple. I am feeling more and more that my family are strangers in a strange land. Things of the spirit are really only found rarely outside the chruch walls on a Sunday. Long ago we stopped watching TV...like 5 years ago. We are out of touch by choice.
ReplyDeleteI am not saying this to condemn anyone who feels differently...just stating why I voted the way I did
Interesing post!!
Thanks 'twofinches' for sharing. I certainly see your point.
ReplyDeleteI think (not sure) that I read this on your site before about deciding not to own a TV in your house. I applaud your family for this as there are a lot of concerns with things/behaviors that are advertised on a regular basis through it, whether it's a TV series or movie, commercial and unfortunately even some negative influential cartoons (at least in my opinion.).
Right now my husband and I aren't personally at a point that our TV has appeared to over-step our family values and morals and our kids are still showing respect, love, and honor in our home both to us, as parents, as well as one another. However, as they get older and we are less able to control what they view, and we 'pick up' that they are being poorly influenced by TV than I pray we have the same time of strengh, will-power and determination that your family has displayed in literally pulling the plug on it.
And I appreciate you taking the time to give your thoughts on this and 'no' I don't feel you are out to condemn anyone at all, so don't worry about that. I didn't even assume this is the least; just that you are sharing openly how you view things. Thanks! :D
Sarah- I voted- Undecided. It's a tough call. As much as I would like to encourage my childrens dreams if that is what they dreamed of, I would be very cautious. As I think there are many pitfalls to becoming famous so young. Interesting topic you bring up today!
ReplyDeleteHow are your art projects coming? Sorry the first one was not as planned! I will post some links to some fun simple crafts for the contest on Thursday, So maybe that will help! Can't wait to see their art work!
My daughters have both appeared in a Hylands Homeopathic Ad as a result of a photo contest my younger daughter won at age 3. It was not big deal, and alot of fun, and we've enjoyed seeing their full page ad in various magazines. Also, my younger one, now age 5, entered the Raggs contest and my older one auditioned for America's Got Talent which was a great adventure. Being brought up to entertain, I see nothing wrong with pursuing this sort of thing. Some children thrive on it, including mine, who spend their summer entering talent contests across the state. I would be doing them an inservice to not let them do it. I don't think it's the fame itself that causes some performers to pursue drugs, etc. Do you really think they'd be stable, normal individuals if they weren't famous?? Look at Shirley Temple......Melissa Gilbert.......there are plenty of famous children who have grown up to have quite stable lives.
ReplyDelete