A peek into your entertainment center or a glance at your bookshelf might reveal an idea that could make a difference. Your family may have an abundance of movies and books, but other families aren’t as fortunate as to be able to enjoy movies or books of their own. And some families just simply need something new to watch!
Provide others with some enjoyment by lending movies and books to family, friends, and neighbors. Create a lending library, offering family-oriented choices to borrowers rather than movies that are thick with violence and language. Be on the lookout for movies and books that can encourage, inspire, and promote family togetherness. Not only will you be connecting with others in a positive way, but this also gives your family a chance to witness through two different types of media.
Video/DVD suggestions:
• Facing the Giants
• The Nativity Story
• Duma
• Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken
• Love Comes Softly
• One Night with the King
• Though None Go with Me
• Little Women
Adult book suggestions:
• Where to Find It in the Bible, by Ken Anderson
• What the Bible Is All About, by Henrietta C. Mears
• Making Disciples—One Conversation at a Time, by D. Michael Henderson
• When People Are Big and God Is Small, by Edward T. Welch
• Shepherding a Child’s Heart, by Tedd Tripp
• The Complete Husband, by Lou Priolo
• Evolution Exposed, by Roger Patterson
• Spiritual Growth of Children, by John Trent, Rick Osborne, Kurt Bruner
Children’s picture book suggestions:
• The Princess and the Kiss by Jennie Bishop
• The Squire and the Scroll, by Jennie Bishop
• The Farmer, by Mark Ludy
• The Lost Sheep and Other Stories Jesus Told, by Phil A. Smouse
• A Faith to Grow On, by John MacArthur
• Sticky Situations: 365 Devotions for Kids and Families, by Betsy Schmitt
• A Little Girl After God’s Own Heart, by Elizabeth George
Up for Discussion
What makes your family library different from a public library? How might others grow in their faith through your library? Why is it important to share wholesome items with others? What example can your family set by creating a neighborhood lending library?
Read Phil. 4:8. Why is it important to protect our eyes and ears from things that are not pleasing to God? How can your family library provide a positive option for others in today’s media?
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
—Phil. 4:8