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Do You Have A MySpace Account?
Christian thoughts on every day parenting.
by Donna Shepherd
All materials copyrighted
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He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
- Psalm 91:1
The other night I watched the classic movie, The Secret Garden ,
made in 1949 based on the children’s book by Frances Hodgson Burnett, about a sad and troubled girl who finds peace while solving the
mystery of a secret garden. Although I don’t remember ever reading that book, the idea of a place to get away has always been my dream.
As a child growing up in a tumultuous and stressful home, I imagined a tranquil and beautiful retreat.
Then as a young parent, I really could have used a secret garden, or a real life ‘my space.’ I even wrote a poem called “Mom’s Retreat”
about, of all places, the bathroom - the only place where I could find a moment’s peace! Christian parents often seek a place to
recharge spiritually and physically. A few moments to rest and pray can refresh the spirit and soul.
With the advent of social networking, many teens (hopefully with their parents’ permission!) have carved out a niche on the Internet to
share thoughts by chatting and blogging. How can we use the concept of a ‘my space’ to teach our teens about spending time with God?
Let’s start with the elements that go into a social networking site.
Bio
Most sites want their users to post some sort of biography. With a few well-chosen words, we can get a glimpse of someone’s
personality including his likes and dislikes. Usually, the bio says who a person is and what he or she does.
Ask your child who he is in God’s eyes?
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:12
Has your teen received Jesus into his heart? He’s a child of God!
And what can he do? The Bible says we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). Let’s teach our children
who they are and what they can do as children of God.
Friends
I’ve seen sites with a list of thousands of friends. In fact, on one site, I have about a thousand ‘friends’ listed. Do I know
all these people personally? No. The reason I’ve added most of them is that we have something in common, but the most important Friend
won’t be found listed. His Name is Jesus.
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for
everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” – John 15:15.
A true friend has your best interest in mind. Use the idea of a ‘friends list’ to teach your children on Whom they can depend – the only
Friend who laid down His life for them, Jesus Christ.
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13
Music
Many websites have music to read by. One of my favorite sites has soothing worship music playing. I tend to linger a bit longer.
Music soothes and pacifies or stirs up and inspires.
In the Bible, the Psalmist wrote,
It is good to give thanks to the LORD
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
To declare Your loving kindness in the morning
And Your faithfulness by night,
With the ten-stringed lute and with the harp,
With resounding music upon the lyre.
For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done,
I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.
Some types of music seem to usher me right into the throne room of Heaven. How about you? My mother might favor a country sound, while I
prefer a more contemporary style. Either way, God welcomes us into His presence. What inspires you might not have any effect on your
teen. Allow him to worship God in his own way.
Comments
If you have ever posted on a blog, you know how much fun it is when you receive comments about your writing. The first time I
posted on a blog, I remember how impatiently I waited for my first comment.
When we meet with God, it’s tempting to pour our hearts out, say a hasty ‘amen’ and get on with our lives. How He longs for us to wait
to hear from Him! God talks to us in so many different ways – through His Word, the Bible, or using people, or by the Holy Spirit. But
we must listen. Show your children that prayer involves two-way communication.
Accomplishments
It’s fun to read about child’s friends’ accomplishments, like hitting a home run, scoring an ‘A’ on a test, or getting
a big art project done. Did you know we are God’s work of art?
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” –
Ephesians 2:10
Every person is an original created by God, and He has big plans for each of us. We will accomplish nothing of any value without His
blessing. God has a prepared purpose for our lives and for the lives of our children. Let’s make them aware of God’s plan.
At times, I could use a garden in which to hide. I spend little time alone. My house buzzes with activity with people stopping by,
phones jangling, and dogs barking. Most of the time, I enjoy the clamor, but sometimes I could really use a secret place to recharge,
talk to God, and be quiet and still long enough to listen when He talks to me.
My son recently moved out, and I’m thinking of transforming his room into a place of worship, somewhere in my house I can escape, where
no television blares, no radio booms, and no computer hums – ‘my space.’ My own Secret Garden. I know God will meet me there.
BUSY Parents Tip
- Be sure to check your child’s online activity often. Install monitoring software. Know who your children's online friends are and
supervise them in chat areas.
- Encourage your child to have a real life ‘my space’ where he meets to chat with God. Will you find a secret place today for prayer
and worship? I pray you do, and that you emerge refreshed, anointed, victorious, prepared to minister in the way God has designed for
you, and ready to be the parent God would have you be!
About The Author:
Donna J. Shepherd is the author of Topsy Turvy Land
and a contributing author to Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms.
From bird watching to the Beatitudes, her writing touches the heart with wisdom and humor while feeding the mind with
daily portions of God's Word. Read more of her writing at Donna J. Shepherd.
Information provided in this column is for entertainment purposes only.
The information in this column is not meant to be taken as legal, medical, or professional advice.
Read legal disclaimer.
* This column is available for your publication, for a F-E-E.
This column may NOT be reprinted without monetary compensation and written permission from the author.
For reprint rights or comments/questions about this article, please contact the author.
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