Something About Christians That Annoys Me

I knew that would catch your attention, lol!

Honestly, there are few things about the Christian community that I find annoying. Thinks we act like are the be all end all of Christianity when actually there is this thing called personal convictions. And there is nothing wrong with that! But that is neither here nor there.

So, let’s dive into what annoys me most and what we can do to fix it!

We Give Up Too Easily

The other day, I was at my local library for their 0-24 month old’s reading circle.

We LOVE reading circle. It gets us out of the house and it has given me more and more ideas for activities and story engagement type things to do with Dixie. We don’t 100% agree with EVERYTHING they do or don’t do, but it’s a nice opportunity to get out of the house and most of the content is totally fine.

However.

The other day, we went in and they were reading Glad, Glad Bear.

A story about a little bear going to his first dance class.

Wearing a pink tutu.

I don’t know about you, but that didn’t set right with me, so I quietly took Dixie out. I didn’t make a huge scene and I didn’t get all in a huff. I was honestly heart broken.
So I went to the front desk, requested a complaint form and submitted it.

We haven’t heard back and after praying about it, we are continuing to attend. Second strike, they’re out.

Why Don’t We Replace Things?

But this really got me to thinking about how we as Christians are so bad about giving things up and not replacing it with anything.

Bad music in a program? Gone. Wrong version of the Bible (which is important!)? Gone. Magic? Bad language? Sinful lifestyles portrayed? Gone.

And we don’t replace it with anything! Sorry we can’t do this fun thing anymore, kids, let’s get back to our school work and chores.

I’m sorry but having fun is still important and I will always stand by that.
So what do we need to do?

Replace it with something wholesome! If you find out a program you let your children watch/listen to has questionable content? Replace it with a clean program or film! Library circle not working out? Borrow books and invite another mom and her brood over for a reading circle! Decided Barbie dolls aren’t good for your family to have around? Find another toy/activity to replace it with!

But What Can We Replace it With?

I do have some suggestions for you! Below I am sharing Christian and clean recommendations for you, along with age guides!

Audio Dramas

• Patch the Pirate (age range: 8-12, but all ages can enjoy them!) There are 40+ adventures for the family to enjoy! Some of my favorites are Afraidika Fever, Once Upon a Stary Night, Coldheartica, Ocean Commotion and Operation Arctic!
• Jonathan Park (Age range: 8-12, but again, great for all ages!) I have listened to the first 5 seasons and these are so good! Although I have heard they change after season 9, just fyi.
• Coral Island Adventures (Age range: 8-12) I would recommend this as a group listen as it does cover hard/controversial topics. While I personally enjoyed it, a few things can be confusing (feel free to reach out to me about it!) and it would be helpful f0r parents to be aware so they can answer questions!
  

Podcasts

• The Well-Read Coffee Addict (Age Range: Teens-Young Adults) This podcast is great for young people who love books and bookish opinions! While I do disagree with her on a few theological points, she doesn’t dig deep into the theology side and stays with more general Christian points, which I appreciate!
• The Gibson Girl Review (Age Range: Teens-Elderly) Honestly, I think this would be a good listen for all ages, because it’s a deep dive into books from the Gilded Age (Think Isabella Alden!) and why you should be reading old books today, both well known and little known! They share history, fun music and read short portions of the books!
  

YouTube Channels

• Books for Christian Girls (Age Range: All, but mostly teen and up) This booktube channel also has a blog where they share detailed content reviews on Middle Grade, Young Adult and Adult Christian books! Her vlogs, tags and book hauls are so fun and I love them so much!
• Miriam Elizabeth Reads (Age Range: All, but mostly 12 and up) Another great, clean bookish channel where she shares reviews of books she’s reading, both Christian and clean!
• Studio C (Age Range: All) I have to give a caveat here: there are always going to be topics you want to avoid (Harry Potter for one) and I do NOT recommend anything beyond the first five or so seasons. But if you enjoy clean comedy, the oldies are the goodies!
  

Shows and Films (Christian)

• The Chosen (Age Range: Young Adult and up) There are a couple things here and there that I don’t agree with (reach out for details!) but so far, we have enjoyed this show! The first two seasons are amazing and we haven’t finished season 3. But it’s a fun show about the life 0f Christ and one that is finally following closely to the Biblical account and is actually high quality!
• Flywheel and Facing the Giant (Age Range: All) Theses are great Christian films that I highly recommend! There are other films by the company, but each needs a content warning of varying degrees.
• Sheffey (Age Range: All) This is an excellent story about the life of Robert Sheffey, the praying circuit rider. It is such a powerful story! (There is one scene that may be disturbing for some viewers and one that mentions an unwed mother. Message me for details!)
• Mr. Fix-It (Age Range: Toddler-8) These are great Bible story films for children! We loved them growing up!
• Story Keepers (Age Range: 6-12) Excellent cartoon for kiddos set during the days of the early church! A minor issue here and there, but nothing too major that I remember!
  

Shows and Films (Clean)

• Bluey (Age Range: 0-6) What I’ve seen of this show, it’s super clean! Just two sister puppies living their life and learning life together! Also, if you are a mom, watch Baby Race. You’re welcome😇
• Redwall (Age Range: 8-12) There is some violence and yes, its set in a monastery, but for the most part, I love this little show and if you just want some clean adventure for your non-violent sensitive kiddos, let them watch these little forest friends become knights for the good! (There is a couple things about it I would caution about, but again, message me for details!)
• Little Women (2019) (Age Range: Teen and Up) I adore this movie. I really do. It made me cry it was so beautiful! So yeah, give it a watch!
• Pollyana (Disney Classic) (Age Range: All) This movie, y’all! It’s set in the turn of the 20th century and I love it so much! Definitely recommend to all ages, male and female! (The opening scene is boys skinny dipping in a pond, so just skip forward several seconds and its fine after that 😋)
• Miracle Worker (2000) (Age Range: All) This is the best version of the story of Helen Keller! Told in an engaging way with an excellent cast, it’s easy to immerse yourself in the story! It’s also easy to reenact scenes with your family!
  

Books (Christian)

• The Ester Reid Series by Isabella Alden
• The Chautauqua Girls by Isabella Alden
• Tales of Faith Series by Amanda Tero
• The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy by Kellyn Roth (Mature Readers)
• O To Be Like Thee by Kassie Angle
• Tattered Wings by Kassie Angle
• Stop the Rain by Kassie Angle
• Sisters in Time by Various Authors
  

Books (Clean)

• The Accidental Cases of Emily Abbott by Perry Elizabeth Kirkpatrick
• Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene
• The Hardy Boys by Franklin Dixon
• We are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines and Kids
• Mammoth and Titan by Brian McBride (Mature Readers, message for content)
  

These lists are not exhaustive, but hopefully they are a start for you to get your family reading/listening/movie time moving! Don’t quit something without having an alternative!
 
Question of the Day: what titles would you add to this list? Would you like to see more suggestions like this in the future?

Blog Posts I've Been Enjoying
A Letter to Pontius Pilate || Katja L., Little Blossoms for Jesus
Natural Attributes of God || Sophia D., Glorious Daughters

Have a Blessed Day!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22