Conference lgp30::christian-perspective

    Jack, we started about having a weekly family altar time as well as
    celebrating the Biblical holidays (Feasts of Israel).
    
    Mike

    
    I love to cook... and if you ever see me you'll also see that I love to
    eat :^). One thing I try to do is have the family together for a decent
    supper. And the command "No talking at the dinner table" is NOT
    something we practice. This is a time for our family to sit, together,
    and share with each other our experiences of the day, or whatever else
    seems important at the time. In the old days they had a term for this
    interaction... I think it was called conversation, or something like
    that. 

    After supper we sit around the TV staring silently, vacantly into the
    glowing screen. Each of us oblivious of the others. :^)

    If your kids are young, you may not see what the big deal is. But as
    they get older and acquire lives of their own you may find it difficult
    to get the entire family together as often as you'd like. In all
    seriousness, the dinner table can be a wonderful setting to talk to
    your kids and teach them to be thankful (for the food, for the cook,
    for each other) respectful (don't hog the last of the mashed potatoes,
    'please' and 'thank you') and of responsible (for setting the table,
    clearing the table/dishwasher, cleaning up). And of course you can
    share a prayer of blessing and thanks.
        
    	Eric

    PS. 

>   What are some traditional things you did in your families...things that
>   developed cohesiveness...anything to divert from the tube!?
    
reading grimm's fairy tales is/was one big runner. i did that alot when
my children were smaller. my sisters also read to their children from 
the children's bible. and there's always games to play. that's a good 
way for children to learn that the enjoyment is more important than winning
or losing. and if i ever get to have a family again i think making up
plays for home theatre is really neat!



andreas.

    
    Hi All!
    
    Jack, this is a constant struggle.  If it isn't the t.v. it will be
    something else.
    
    In my family, we read a great deal.  "The Chronicles of Narnia" is a
    very long series and is outstanding.  Children love the stories (and
    adults too) especially when Dad or Mom read them to them.
    
    We study the Bible using the Westminster Confession as a tool.  Because
    it is so methodically and reasonably constructed, it is excellent for
    teaching as one chapter builds upon the next.  And all the Scripture
    proofs are noted for reference.
    
    We read the "Book of Virtues" to them too.
    
    Some nights we will play 30 minutes of video games.
    
    One night per week we have a prayer time of about 45 minutes where we
    pray specifically for our family and our needs, neighbors, extended
    family, our church and a church family and so on.  We try to limit this
    time to those things directly impacting our immediate family.
    
    And we will watch about two hours of t.v. per week.
    
    Now that Graham is in private school (has been homeschooled up until
    this year), he has homework and has to memorize Scripture each week. 
    So, we spend time on this each evening.
    
    jeff

    The TV is my family...at least in my house, being single and all.  8^) 
    That and my hi-fi system.  Between the two, they keep me company.
    
    It's still a bad habit and a waste of time, I'll admit, which is why I
    find things to do before I get home (go to the gym, taekwondo class,
    etc.).  Since I don't get home until 8 or so PM, it leaves less time
    for the tube.  
    
    Of course, just because it is on does not mean that I
    pay it much attention.  I usually read with it on.  Sometimes I read
    with the TV on and muted, while listening to the stereo.  Being at the
    forefront of the generation X'ers, I am one of those folk who like to
    have several modes of "input" going to my brain at the same time. 
    Can't wait until I get my PC, when I can have that going along with
    everything else.  8^)
    
    
    -steve

    Steve:
    
    I find it hard to believe that you watch TV considering your vast
    knowledge and also being one of the founding fathers and all!
    
    Jeff, that sounds like a good mixture.  I don't believe it necessary to 
    forbid the TV completely.  I just don't believe Nick at Night and
    watching reruns of I Dream of Jeannie is the most productive thing in
    the world.  
    
    -Jack