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November 21, 2024
Title: Movie Review: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Topic: Movie Review
Discussed by Paul Asay
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
People are hungry for family-friendly movies – even ones with Christian themes.
Today, Paul Asay discusses his recent review of
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Paul Asay is the Editor of
Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family.
Click here for more reviews from Paul and
Plugged In.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
What is the story line for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever?
Is this a movie that all ages will enjoy? Paul Asay discusses the humor that children will appreciate and the old-time feel that older folks will find endearing.
Does the movie remind us that the people we tend to avoid are the people we should embrace?
Paul Asay reminds us that Jesus didn’t die on a cross for “perfect people”.
Did the New York Times have kind words for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever?
Click
here to help support Focus on the Family, the parent company for Plugged In.
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October 10, 2024
Title: Movie Review: The Wild Robot
Topic: Movie Review
Discussed by Paul Asay
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Disney has had many blockbusters over the years, but lately, parents
have needed to take extra caution about which Disney movies to take their kids
to. The same is true for other animated/children’s film companies,
such as Dreamworks.
Paul Asay has been providing guidance for parents and families for more than 20
years. Today, Paul discusses his recent
review of the new
Dreamworks
children’s movie: “The Wild Robot”.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
What is the storyline of “The Wild Robot”?
How is “The Wild Robot” different than other recent children’s movies,
especially those made by Disney?
Are there some great teachable moments in “The Wild Robot”?
Does Paul Asay recommend “The Wild Robot” for families to view together?
Dr.
Asay gives a warning to parents who have overly-sensitive kids, but believes
that most families will thoroughly enjoy the movie.
Click
here to help support
Focus on the Family, the parent-company for Plugged In.
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June 25, 2024
Title: Inside Out 2: Family-Friendly or Not?
Topic: Movie Review
Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Adam Holz is an Entertainment Critic and the Director of
Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family. Today, Adam reviews
the hit summer movie, “Inside Out 2”, in theaters across the
nation now.
Click here for the
review from Adam Holz and Plugged In.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Is “Inside Out 2” a must-see for families this summer? Adam reveals that he
wasn’t optimistic going in to the theater, but was very pleasantly surprised.
Can this be called a “self-help movie” for parents with teens and tweens?
Adam
discusses the interactions of Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust (from
“Inside Out 1”) with the main character, Riley Anderson, as well as the new
characters, specifically Anxiety.
There has already been a massive positive response to the movie. Why is “Inside
Out 2” such a breath of fresh air? Adam believes that parents have been waiting
for a new family-friendly movie without an “agenda” and “Inside Out 2”
definitely delivers, especially for those over the age of 10.
Click
here to help support Focus on the Family, the parent-company for Plugged In.
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February 21, 2024
Title: Controlling Screen Time
Topic: Screen Time Addiction
Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
God has given us 24 hours in each day. When they are gone, they’re gone. Many do
not realize just how much time they are dedicating to phone screens, computer
screens, and TV screens.
Adam Holz is an entertainment critic and the Director of Plugged In, a division
of Focus on the Family. Today, Adam discusses our society’s obsession with
screens and how we can each control the time we spend in front of them.
Click
here to read more on this issue from Adam Holz.
Click here to read more
statistics about exploding screen time addiction.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Does screen time vary for every person?
Does our dedication to screen time effect our other relationships? Adam explains
the scientific side of our addiction, comparing it to alcohol, drug, and even a
sex addiction.
What can we do to self-detox from screen time? Adam offers several excellent
suggestions…
Click
here .
to help support Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family.
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February 9, 2024
Title: Controlling Screen Time
Topic: Screen Time Addiction
Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
God has given us 24 hours in each day. When they are gone, they’re gone. Many do
not realize just how much time they are dedicating to phone screens, computer
screens, and TV screens.
Adam Holz is an entertainment critic and the Director of Plugged In, a division
of Focus on the Family. Today, Adam discusses our society’s obsession with
screens and how we can each control the time we spend in front of them.
Click
here to read more on this issue from Adam Holz.
Click here to read more
statistics about exploding screen time addiction.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Does screen time vary for every person?
Does our dedication to screen time effect our other relationships? Adam explains
the scientific side of our addiction, comparing it to alcohol, drug, and even a
sex addiction.
What can we do to self-detox from screen time? Adam offers several excellent
suggestions…
Click
here .
to help support Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family.
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January 15, 2024
Title: Controlling Screen Time
Topic: Screen Time Addiction
Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
God has given us 24 hours in each day. When they are gone, they’re gone. Many do
not realize just how much time they are dedicating to phone screens, computer
screens, and TV screens.
Adam Holz is an entertainment critic and the Director of Plugged In, a division
of Focus on the Family. Today, Adam discusses our society’s obsession with
screens and how we can each control the time we spend in front of them.
Click
here to read more on this issue from Adam Holz.
Click here to read more
statistics about exploding screen time addiction.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Does screen time vary for every person?
Does our dedication to screen time effect our other relationships? Adam explains
the scientific side of our addiction, comparing it to alcohol, drug, and even a
sex addiction.
What can we do to self-detox from screen time? Adam offers several excellent
suggestions…
Click
here .
to help support Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family.
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December 21, 2023
Title: 10 Best Family Christmas Movies Ever
Topic: Christmas
Discussed by Paul Asay
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Part 1 of 3
Hollywood doesn’t focus much on Christ’s birth and most Christmas movies do not dive into Scripture. But, can they still be family-friendly?
Today, Paul Asay discusses some of the best family Christmas movies to watch. Paul Asay is a widely published author who loves to find spirituality in unexpected places, including popular entertainment. Paul is with
Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family’s entertainment department.
Click
here to read Paul’s full review of “The 10 Best Family Christmas Movies Ever”.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
The Bishop’s Wife (1947)
A Christmas Carol (1951)
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018, PG)
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Title: Part 2 of 3 - 10 Best Family Christmas Movies Ever
Topic: Christmas
Discussed by Paul Asay
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Elf (2003, PG)
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020, PG)
The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017, PG)
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Title: Part 3 of 3 - 10 Best Family Christmas Movies Ever
Topic: Christmas
Discussed by Paul Asay
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Questions/Issues Discussed:
A Miracle on 34th Street (1947) Click
here for the most recent review from Plugged In on this classic
Christmas movie.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992, G)
The Nativity Story (2006)
Click
here . to help support Plugged In.
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July 27, 2023
Title: Do People Yearn for More Godly Movies and Programs?
Topic: Hollywood vs. God
Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Adam Holz is an entertainment critic and the Director of
Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family. Today, Adam discusses how Christian values are striking
a chord with large networks and connecting with audiences in a unique way.
Click here to read more from
Adam Holz.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Is faith-based entertainment growing within our culture today?
Has there been any pushback against the movie
Sound of Freedom and the series
The Chosen? Adam admits his surprise that
Sound
of Freedom has received some harsh criticism.
Are major companies seeing the advantage of advertising during Christ-centered,
family-friendly programs and movies?
Are Christ-centered, family-friendly programs and movies making headway in
Hollywood?
Can Christ-centered, family-friendly programs and movies really spread the
Gospel?
Is the future promising for Christ-centered, family-friendly programs and
movies?
Click
here to donate to
Focus on the Family, the parent company of Plugged In.
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March 28, 2023
Title: Teens and Social Media: Good or Bad?
Topic: Teens and Social Media
Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Tik Tok is once again causing a stir in the news with experts
warning that it may be impacting teens’ mental health.
Adam Holz is the Director of Plugged In with Focus on the Family.
He strives to help parents think through social media and cultural trends
through a Biblical lens. Today, he discusses the pros and cons of social media
for tweens and teens, specifically Tik Tok.
Click here for the FREE
Parent’s Guide to Today’s Technology from Plugged In.
Click here for
more from Adam Holz.
Click here for more information about
Plugged In.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Is it healthy for any one of any age to stare at a screen for hours every day?
Adam explains the negative effects screens have on our brains, especially in
tweens, teens, and young adults.
When should a tween/teen be given their first smart phone/iPad/computer?
Should these devices have parental controls? Adam explains how the parental
controls work and apps parents can purchase to keep their children/teens safe
online.
When connected, should the tween/teen have access to TikTok?
There is a lot of talk about social media being harmful. What are some tips to
regulating screen time and social media use? Adam has a great, Biblical response
for this...
Are there benefits of social media? Adam says: “There are times we can enjoy the
content… But we have to do it in moderation.”
Click here to help
support Focus on the Family, the parent-company or Plugged In.
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August 30, 2022
Title: Are Selfies Really Bad for Our Mental Health?
Topic: Mental Health
Discussed by Paul Asay
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
“Selfitis” is a term coined to describe the cultural habit of taking an overabundance of photos of oneself and posting them on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and other social media sites.
Senior Associate Editor of Plugged In, Paul Asay, discusses how we can balance social media usage while surviving the selfie culture without falling into the comparison trap.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Has “selfitis” been a problem for many people for a while now? Paul reveals that the average person takes more than 450 selfies per year!
Can posting the most perfect, most current selfie become an addiction?
Are our youth and young adults becoming so preoccupied with being seen on social media that they no longer enjoy real-life experiences? Paul believes it’s a danger for adults, too. He says: “Sometimes we are so used to taking lots of pictures, not only of ourselves but of the world around us, that we begin to live our lives on screen.”
If we don’t get the right response/comment to our post on social media, can we become depressed?
Experts urge limiting our daily exposure to social media. How can we take tangible steps to be more “present”? Paul has some great suggestions, especially for kids and teens. First and foremost, though, parents need to be good examples.
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May 31, 2022
Title: How Does the Culture Influence What We Watch?
Topic: Culture War
Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Many families are being pushed to their limits when it comes to entertainment
giants like Disney, wondering how they should respond to the culture
shifts now infiltrating the movie and television industries.
Adam Holz is the Director of Plugged In, a division of Focus on the
Family. Today he discusses just how long this culture war has been
happening and what Christian parents can do to protect their family.
Click here for more information about
Plugged In.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
What ideology is all too present on our movie and television screens? Adam
explains that the Left’s push is not just focused in one area; they’re focused
on ALL issues and it is definitely having a negative impact on the world
population’s worldview.
How effective are the scenes in movies and television in changing attitudes of
the viewer? Adam discusses why people are so afraid to share their opinion for
fear of negative retaliation from a friend or even a stranger on the internet.
He also references the Judges 21:25.
Did the perversion so prevalent on our screens just now start?
Can we change society? Or will society change us? Adam stresses the importance
of community and standing up for our beliefs. He also shares a story about one
of his neighbors…
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April 29, 2021
Title: Hollywood Hates Christianity
Topic: Movie Review
Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
We all know that the majority of Hollywood celebrities, directors, screen writes, etc. hate Christianity. Recently, however, an Academy voter took a bold pro-life stand regarding the movie Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Always.
The Academy voter, Keith Merrill, wrote: “I received the screener but as a Christian, the father of 8 children and 39 grandchildren AND pro-life advocate, I have ZERO interest in watching a woman cross state lines so someone can murder her unborn child. 75,000,000 of us recognize abortion for the atrocity it is. There is nothing heroic about a mother working so hard to kill her child. Think about it!”
Today, Adam Holz, with Plugged In, discusses Keith Merrill’s announcement and the responses it generated from the Left. Click
here to read Adam’s op-ed on this interview.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
What is the movie Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Always about?
Who is Keith Merrill? What movies has he been involved with? How long has he been an Academy voter?
In response to one person’s critique of his announcement, Keith stated: “She has her right and I have my right.” Was he condemning or condescending in this statement? Adam Holz reads some more of Keith’s response.
Will Keith be asked to “step down” from his position as an Academy voter?
Are Christ-followers called to be sowers of the good news – not knowing the harvest?
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February 3, 2020
Title: REWIND: The Best Movies of 2019
Topic: Movie Review
Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Part 1 of 2
Did you see any good movies in 2019? Did you skip some because you weren’t sure they would be family-approved or not?
Adam Holz and his team at Plugged In reviews all the movies for you!
They also offer reviews for TV shows, music, books, and video games. You can
learn more here.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Do our kids and grandkids need strong media discernment?
How can parents and grandparents help them in choosing which movies to see and which not to see? Adam explains that it is so important to explain the “why behind the what”, especially for tweens and teens.
How can parents best equip their children to make these decisions for themselves as they mature?
The movie “Unplanned” was a big hit at the box office. If you were hesitant to see it in the theaters due to its content and “R” rating, listen to Adam’s review and decide for yourself if your family should buy the DVD…
What other movies did Adam review? Tune in to the next segment to find out!
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Title: Part 2 of 2 - REWIND: The Best Movies of 2019
Topic: Movie Review
Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Questions/Issues Discussed:
In this segment, Adam Holz offers the Plugged In review for the kiddos:
Abominable
Aladdin (live action)
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
Klaus (Netflix original)
Toy Story 4
What about Tom Hank’s portrayal of Mr. Rogers? How did this film rank? Why did
the film make Adam want to be a better person? Is it appropriate for kids?
What are some great movies being released in 2020 that Adam is looking forward
to?
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June 27, 2019
Title: Does Your Teen have a Burner Phone?
Topic: Family Issues
Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Does your teenager have a burner phone?
“In almost every high school across the country there is a kid who sells burner phones from their locker,” said Rich Wistocki, a retired detective for the high-tech crimes unit of the Naperville, Ill., police department who now gives talks about cyber safety.
Adam Holz is the Senior Associate Editor of Focus on the Family’s media review center,
Plugged In. You can read more on this topic
here.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
If you knew your child was going to jump into an open-pit fire, what would you do to stop and protect them?
Adam Holz previews and offers recommendations for movies. What are his criteria?
What is a “Burner Phone”?
How can parents protect their kids/tweens/teens from the dangers of cell phones?
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November 28, 2018
Title: Review: The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Topic: TV Review
Discussed by Paul Asay
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Netflix has debuted a new show aimed at tweens and teens: The
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Paul Asay, with Focus on the Family’s
Plugged In, has the details about the show and why parents should be cautious.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Is there a continuing, ongoing battle for the hearts and minds of our children?
Listen as Paul Asay describes the show on Netflix: The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. The details will shock you! Click
here for more...
Is there any connection between TV shows/movies and tweens/teens embracing Luciferian characteristics and acting out with devilish tendencies?
Can adults be affected by TV shows/movies as well?
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October 26, 2018
Title: Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer
Topic: Abortion
Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Disclaimer: Use caution when listening to this segment around young children. Issues discussed might be upsetting or hard for little ones to understand.
Have you seen the new movie/documentary “Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer” yet? If not, RUN don’t walk to the nearest movie theatre and see it today!
Adam Holz has all the inside information about the movie and the reaction it is receiving from the public.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Does evil exist in this world today?
Should parents use caution when deciding whether or not to see this movie with their children? Adam Holz warns that this movie is definitely graphic and everyone should use caution…
Is this a must-see movie for people with deep moral convictions concerning abortion?
Will the movie change hearts and minds?
Click here for more reviews on this and other movies/book/television shows from
Plugged In.
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August 21, 2018
Title: Is Chris Pratt a Good Role Model?
Topic: Hollywood Role Models
Discussed by Paul Asay
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Part 1 of 2
Actor Chris Pratt is a popular actor who is making waves in the media for something extraordinary: his unashamed faith in God.
Paul Asay is an editor with Plugged In Movie Reviews (a division of
Focus on the Family). Today, he will be discussing Chris, his faith, and whether or not he should be considered a role model for our children.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Do we all need role models – even adults?
Is Chris Pratt a good role model for our kids? “All of our heroes, except for one, come with an asterisk,” Paul states.
What type of characteristics should parents look for in role models for their kids?
Should parents be the best role model for their kids?
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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Is Chris Pratt a Good Role Model?
Topic: Hollywood Role Models
Discussed by Paul Asay
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Why are role models important, even to adults?
Will people in leadership/celebrity roles disappoint us at one time or another?
Listen as Paul shares a few of his own personal role models…
What makes an actor a worthwhile role model for children?
Should parents listen to these segments with their children, especially teens?
Click here for more information
from Paul Asay and Plugged In.
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Title: Plugged In Movie Reviews
Topic: Family Issues
Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Breaking News: Every kid – parent – family is different. I know.
You’re shocked!
Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family, has announced that it is changing
the way it offers movie reviews. Adam Holtz has all the details…
Questions/Issues Discussed:
What is the purpose of Plugged In reviews?
Why have they changed their policy to not include a rating (from 0-5)?
FACT: You can’t please everyone! Have they received a lot of negative feedback
regarding their ratings?
What will Plugged In reviews look like now?
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June 29, 2018
Title: Plugged In Movie Reviews
Topic: Family Issues
Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Breaking News: Every kid – parent – family is different. I know.
You’re shocked!
Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family, has announced that it is changing
the way it offers movie reviews. Adam Holtz has all the details…
Questions/Issues Discussed:
What is the purpose of Plugged In reviews?
Why have they changed their policy to not include a rating (from 0-5)?
FACT: You can’t please everyone! Have they received a lot of negative feedback
regarding their ratings?
What will Plugged In reviews look like now?
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December 11, 2017
Title: FOF Movie Review: Coco
Topic: Coco: Movie Review
Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Adam Holz, with Focus on the Family’s “Plugged In”, offers
an honest review of the new children’s movie “Coco”.
Parents: Listen carefully and share this segment on social media so others know
the truth!
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Is Pixar’s latest movie, “Coco”, a depiction of a pagan world-view? Is
it in conflict with Christian beliefs?
Why is it so hard to find a good, Christ-focused movie to take the whole family
to?
Should parents research movies before taking their children to see them?
Does “Coco” center around the Hispanic “Day of the Dead”
celebration? Listen as Adam offers his honest opinion about the new children’s
movie, “Coco”.
Do Hollywood screen writers occasionally create storylines contrary to Christian
beliefs? Or, do they write stories that they think are true and normal?
Does “Coco” give children the wrong impression of heaven and hell, and
even purgatory?
Why does Adam recommend parents discuss each movie AFTER they’ve seen it with
their children? “We want to model for our children active engagement,
critical thinking, and a comparative theological process,” Adam says. Ask
your child: “How does this movie/TV show/song/book reflect our Christian
belief?” Don’t just say: “This show is inappropriate. We aren’t going
to watch it.” Explain why.
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March 9, 2017
Title: Should Christians see “The Shack”?
Topic: The Shack
Discussed by Bob Waliszewski
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Part 1 of 2
“The Shack” Overview: The book-turned-movie tells the story
of Mack Phillips, a father who spirals into a deep depression following a family
tragedy. Facing a crisis of faith, he receives a mysterious letter from God
inviting him to the place of his pain, an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon
wilderness. Despite his doubts, Mack journeys to the shack and encounters a trio
of strangers who change his life forever.
Bob Waliszewski is with Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family. Today,
Bob offers his advice concerning the newest Blockbuster hit, “The Shack”.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Should Christians See "The Shack"? Listen as Bob discusses two opposing views
from Bible Scholars concerning the book.
Should parents take their children to see “The Shack”? What age is appropriate?
Is everything Biblically true in the movie?
Is there sex?
Is there cussing?
Is there unnecessary violence?
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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Should Christians see “The Shack”?
Topic: The Shack
Discussed by Bob Waliszewski
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Questions/Issues Discussed:
What one scene does Bob Waliszewski absolutely not agree with in “The Shack”?
What questions can parents discuss with their children after seeing the movie?
Bob Waliszewski urges parents to consider all points of view regarding this
movie. Every parent knows what is best for their children.
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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Should Christians see “The Shack”?
Topic: The Shack
Discussed by Bob Waliszewski
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Today’s Psalms for Living is taken from Psalm 32:8-9 “8I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.”
“If I had only listened to….” “If I had only take the advice of…” I’m sure we have all spoken those words a time or two. Mark writes about the high cost of education in today’s devotion, but how does education tie into listening to God?
Sometimes people refer to life as “The School of Hard Knocks”. Our choices are simple, Mark writes: “Do we choose to learn from these instructions? Or, do we, thinking we know better, set ourselves upon our own course, choosing our own way based on our own hearts and mind?”
To order your copy of “Psalms for Living” by Mark Lanier, click
here.
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February 22, 2017
Title: The Good, The Bad, and A Whole Lot of Ugly in YOUR Home
Topic: Protecting Our Children
Discussed by Paul Asay
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Back in the 1940s, the town of Riverdale was known as the happy and
innocent home of comic book characters Archie, Jughead, Veronica, Betty and the
gang. However, “Plugged In” editor, Paul Asay, believes
today’s “family TV shows” are anything but “family-friendly”.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
What is the goal and mission of “Plugged In”?
Every year, there are many new TV shows to watch and become engaged in. One new
show that is being touted as a “family-friendly” show is “Riverdale” on the CW
based on the old Archie and the Gang TV show. Listen as Paul Asay compares the
two shows…actually they are as different as night and day.
Is the progressiveness of sexuality really something Christians should be
welcoming into their homes?
Are some TV shows, whether on regular or cable TV, worse than R-rated movies?
How can we encourage our children and grandchildren to turn away from something
they may accidentally see on TV at a friend’s home? Do you remember the
childhood song: “Be careful little eyes what you see…be careful little ears what
you hear…”?
“The images that we see (on TV) are incredibly powerful,” Paul states. “But
those images are nothing compared to what your influence is to (your) kids.”
Click here for more reviews from “Plugged In”.
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October 6, 2016
Title: Kids and Technology
Topic: Protecting Our Children
Discussed by Bob Waliszewski
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Monitoring kids’ media influences can seem nearly impossible in the
world of iPods, iPads, cell phones, tablets, and mobile technology.
What once was as simple as saying “no” to the purchase of a cd or DVD is now as
complex as scrolling through iTunes history and website browsers. Now that kids
are back at school and surrounded by other kids who may have different media
standards, it can be even harder for parents to keep negative influences under
wraps.
Bob Waliszewski, with Plugged In (a division of Focus on the Family),
offers some helpful advice to parents on how to protect your children from
unwanted media influence.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
Are parents sometimes just giving up on their war on media influence?
Should they be more persistent in wanting to protect their children?
Bob Waliszewski also suggests that parents have a “media talk” with their
children, in addition to the “sex talk”.
What are some situations that kids are using to view unacceptable material
online?
What are some precautions parents need to make?
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August 24, 2016
Title: Twenty-four hours is Not a Long Time
Topic: Family Time
Discussed by Bob Waliszewski
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
We all have equal time every day: just twenty-four hours.
Eight hours sleeping and eight hours working, leaving eight hours to commute, eat, bathe, do household chores, and quality time with other family members.
Bob Waliszewski, is the director of Media and Culture at Focus on the Family’s Plugged In. He wants to know: How are you using your hours, minutes, and seconds?
Questions/Issues Discussed:
What are the dangers associated with the steadily increasing trend of media usage every year? Bob reveals that the average American spends over ten hours consuming media every day – four hours and thirty-one minutes of that time just watching television. Even if you cut that time in half, it’s still a lot of wasted hours on media.
Bob Waliszewski also offers healthy habits which families can form with technology in our media-crazed culture. There are definitely some areas we, as Christians, must be more aware.
Should families encourage media fasts? Bob gives some great suggestions here to encourage your kids to turn off their electronics and read or play outside.
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July 26, 2016
Title: Pokémon Go or No?
Topic: Video Games
Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Part 1 of 2
It’s not every day you see a ten-year-old girl biking eight miles to hunt down a
Zubat. This is exactly how millions of children around the nation have been
spending their time the last week or so. The wildly popular Pokémon GO game
requires players to actively search and capture mythical creatures using map
technology and local landmarks.
Though the game presents definite positives, there are some concerning realities
that accompany such technology as well. New guest, Adam Holz, with Focus on the
Family’s Plugged In, will be discussing the pros and cons of this phenomenon.
Questions/Issues Discussed:
What are the positive aspects of Pokémon Go?
What are the negative aspects of Pokémon Go?
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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Pokémon Go or No?
Topic: Video Games
Discussed by Adam Holz
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Questions/Issues Discussed:
There are also some very scary things which could result from the game, Pokémon Go. Listen in as Adam discusses those situations and why parents must be
cautious with this game.
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July 12, 2016
Title: Twenty-four hours is Not a Long Time
Topic: Family Time
Discussed by Bob Waliszewski
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
We all have equal time every day: just twenty-four hours.
Eight hours sleeping and eight hours working, leaving eight hours to commute, eat, bathe, do household chores, and quality time with other family members.
Bob Waliszewski, is the director of Media and Culture at Focus on the Family’s Plugged In. He wants to know: How are you using your hours, minutes, and seconds?
Questions/Issues Discussed:
What are the dangers associated with the steadily increasing trend of media usage every year? Bob reveals that the average American spends over ten hours consuming media every day – four hours and thirty-one minutes of that time just watching television. Even if you cut that time in half, it’s still a lot of wasted hours on media.
Bob Waliszewski also offers healthy habits which families can form with technology in our media-crazed culture. There are definitely some areas we, as Christians, must be more aware.
Should families encourage media fasts? Bob gives some great suggestions here to encourage your kids to turn off their electronics and read or play outside.
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March 11, 2016
Title: Movie Review: “The Young Messiah”
Topic: Young Messiah
Discussed by Bob Waliszewski
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
Can you imagine parenting Jesus? Picture Jesus next to
his siblings….Which child would you want? “The Young Messiah” is a new
movie coming to theatres TODAY March 11. Bob Waliszewski is the Director of
Plugged In, a division of Focus on the Family, and is here today to
give his review of the movie.
Bob tells us that “The Young Messiah” focuses on one year of Jesus’s
life as a child. But, how much of the Bible actually mentions Jesus at that age?
Not much! How on earth can a full-length movie be made about the childhood of
Jesus when there is so little we know about his life then? Bob was obviously
skeptical about the movie, because he knew that much of it would be fictional.
Listen in as Bob offers more details about the movie without giving away too
much of the plotline. To see Plugged In’s review of “The Young Messiah”,
click
here.
I encourage everyone to see this movie with their children (who are over the age
of 10).
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November 4, 2015
Title: So you Want to Date my Daughter?
Topic: Dating
Discussed by Paul Asay
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)
You think you’re prepared. You think you’ll be ready. You think that your daughter will listen to you and heed your advice. You think her date will be honorable and trustworthy. This is what you have hoped and prayed for every day since your baby girl was born. But we’re never really prepared, are we?
Paul Asay has been with Focus on the Family’s “Plugged In” for eight years. Paul believes every parent, especially fathers, should have a plan in place for dates. First, remember that the boy is just as nervous as you are – probably even more so! You shouldn’t have to work too hard to make the boy realize you are serious! You don’t have to put the fear of God in him, but you should let him know the rules and the consequences if they are not followed.
“Be aware of who he is as a person,” Paul says. Get to know him for a few minutes beforehand. Not only will he respect you for that, he will respect your daughter, too.
You should also talk with your daughter long before she starts dating. Let her know the rules, as well, and what will happen if she doesn’t follow them. You are the best example for your daughter. Show her what a good man really is. If she has a great example at home, she won’t settle for less in her own life.
All of this advice is applicable to young men, as well. If you have boys, talk to them about the proper way to treat a girl. Make sure he knows what is appropriate and not. Remind him to open the car door and pull her chair out at the table. Tell them it is okay not to kiss on the first date…or second or tenth!! And remember, the best example is YOU!
Single Parents: Paul also has some great advice for you, too! Listen in as he talks specifically to you about this important topic.
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