In This World but Not of This World...

As a parent I have a new struggle...
How do I raise my kids in this world but not of this world?

As a Christian, I want to uphold the values of Christ. I want their "world" to be focused on Him, what he gave us and how that impacts theirs lives...

And, I want a "normal" childhood for them as well...

I want them to dress up for Halloween in costumes that are appropriate for their age AND our beliefs. I want them to see Santa and have that innocent fun that comes along with sitting on his lap and asking for treasures.

BUT, I want them to KNOW the real meaning behind things. Knowing the meaning behind things will mean explaining that witches and spell are all wrong and not of Christ... but that dressing up in fun, going to a festival or trick or treating is OK.

I want them to learn from the start that Christmas is about the birth of Christ... I want them to enjoy his birthday and learn all about the journey that Mary and Joseph had. I want them to learn about the stable and have fun thinking of all the animals. I want to have a "birthday party" for the Lord with cake and the whole thing. I want the tree, the stockings, the gifts... but I want the focus to be on Christ.

So, as Wade and I start more and more family traditions, I want to be mindful of the thin line between being in the world and of the world. As I hang spider webs and plastic spiders (yes, I am taking one for the team and actually hanging plastic spiders everywhere) I am enjoying seeing Noah smile and point out the decorations. At Thanksgiving, I can't wait to decorate and teach him about being Thankful to the One who made all of this possible... And Christmas, I can't wait to celebrate a "big party" as Noah calls birthdays...

I want my kids to have a "normal" upbringing with a very Christlike view. I want them to decorate and have fun with the holidays - all of them - but want to make sure that we teach them what they are about... and as for holidays like Halloween... I want them to have fun. It IS OK to dress up, go to a festival, or trick or treating, or to a party... as long as that it ALL that it is! As their parent, it is my responsibility to make sure that their costumes are appropriate and fun... it is my responsibility to teach them right from wrong and while I want to shelter them from everything that is bad and wrong - I believe it is my responsibility to teach them to learn discernment so that when they are no longer under our wings, they will be equip to use what we have taught them.

I would love thoughts and comments... And, as for the pumpkins... The one with the two bottom teeth is our Addie - that is her signature smile... The larger of the three with one tooth is Noah - we didn't think that kid would EVER have teeth... and the one with four teeth is Matty Moo - he has SO many teeth - he got 8 at once!