As a parent, I cringe every time the kids ask if I will take the parental controls off a TV show they want to watch, a website they want to visit or movie they want to rent. With such easy access to inappropriate content, my wife and I worry about what our children are exposed to and struggle with a sustainable way to “manage” what they see without “locking everything down.” Over the last 3 months, my family and I have personally watched more than 20 Christian movies and reviewed numerous websites to help me write these “reflections” for the St. Jude Bulletin. I’ll admit, before Father asked me to do this, I had never watched a Christian movie or been to a Christian website… mainly because I didn’t know where to start and hadn’t considered it. Therefore, this week’s review is about the resources I found and use with my family; and how you too can easily explore the endless Christian choices available with the power of the internet.

The Dove Foundation – the mission of this non-profit organization is “to encourage and promote the creation, production, distribution and consumption of wholesome family entertainment. They are supported primarily by donations from families who want to move Hollywood in a more family friendly direction”. This foundation writes great reviews and I have been happy with the movies they have given their “approval” seal to.

ChristianCinema.com – is a motion picture production and distribution company founded in 1999. Their website was “born out of a desire to connect independent Christian filmmakers with people like us.” This site provides many resources, but I mention it since it has a “NetFlix like” service for DVD rentals. For ~$10 a month, you can have “faith affirming and family approved” movies delivered straight to your home.

Pureflix Entertainment – “brings feature films and thought-provoking documentaries with a solid Christian message or Biblical historical significance that will impact audiences. Their DVDs will clearly portray forgiveness, redemption, love, and faith that engage people in their pursuit of God and the strengthening of each person’s personal relationship with Jesus.” One evangelical approach that caught my attention was their concept of a “movie ministry”. They provide programs and materials to license the showing of content to groups that will watch movies together and faith share afterwards. Might be a great idea for a St. Jude!

As with all the reviews I do, this is just my opinion. I urge you to always review the content of these sites prior to sharing with your family so you can make the best decision possible. I also welcome any feedback or alternative resources that I could review and recommend.

For football fans, this is an exciting time of year. Playoff games began last weekend with the Super Bowl coming in early February. For those that don’t follow football, keep reading, there is a special message here…

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Last November, I wrote about how my choice of wearing black and yellow shows others that I am a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, just like how I choose to “treat others” shows my love and commitment to God. Ironically, this week’s review is on Tim Tebow’s autobiography “Through My Eyes”. I say ironically because while I have been reading this book, I have become a fan of him and as the quarterback for the Denver Broncos, he knocked my Pittsburgh Steelers out of the playoffs last weekend!

Although I am disappointed about the loss, I am more and more impressed with Tim Tebow. Not because of his football skills, but because he “walks the talk”.  Over the past few years, Tim Tebow has established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in college football and was a top pick in the NFL draft by the Denver Broncos. More importantly, in his book, “Through My Eyes, “Tebow” shares his inspiring story from his perspective on the circumstances of his birth, his family’s Christian missionary in the Philippines, the work ethic he learned from living on a farm, being home schooled by his mom and how God, his family and football are at the center of his life. (in that order) Each chapter starts with a quote from scripture, just like he leads his life…God first.

Tebow’s success on and off the field along with his very public acknowledgement of his faith has many people talking. Even those that never watched football before are becoming interested in him, his story and the role model he is becoming for children dreaming of making it to the NFL. Even though I am a Steelers fan, I will be cheering for Tebow this coming weekend. Not because I want Tebow to win, but that through his winning, he will give God the glory for all to see.