I am one of those people that likes to ask “why?” And around Christmas, there are many opportunities to ask “why?” Like, why do we celebrate Jesus’ Birthday on December 25? He obviously wasn’t born in the winter (I don’t know a shepherd that would hang out a whole winter night with their sheep – actually, I don’t know ANY shepherds that I can think of…).

How did Santa come into the picture (Funny that Turkey is involved in his story – you’d think he’d be part of Thanksgiving).

Why do we smooch under a poisonous weed and red berries (Hey, not that I’m complaining!)

Well, here is a really good website that is quite accurate (I have verified many of the historical statements myself) about the many traditions of Christmas. I will be using this to share with my kids about why we do some of our traditions (why DO we kidnap a poor, defenseless tree, DRAG it into our homes, TRY to keep it alive for a couple weeks, and COVER it with ceramic balls and inflated vegetables???)

So when your kids ask, “Dad, why do we do this?” you can now answer them confidently. Or sound really smart for that one question in Trivial Pursuit…

http://www.just4kidsmagazine.com/justask/dec.html

For my Girls and the Boy…

Muppet Show Mana-mana “Manha-Manha” – The most popular videos are a click away

I must admit I sometimes watch the History Channel (since we have basically 6 channels to choose from on our cable package). I have caught myself watching a few of the shows listed in the following article, half laughing, half wondering about the things discussed. It is truly sad that the producers at the HISTORY channel count themselves as prophets…

Great article here:

http://www.pluggedin.com/upfront/2009/DisastrousDocumentaries.aspx

Gotta love mixing Beethoven and the Muppets…

Watch the violin…

I came across this great little article the other day about our Christian response to Halloween. I admit, as a parent it is hard not to get excited for my girls who want to dress up like a fairy or princess or, in this year’s case, a bride (AHHHHH!!!). But I have struggled with how to keep their mind “set apart” from the norm in the celebration of this “holiday.”
Steve Russo, the author of “Halloween” gives a nice little history of the holiday as well as some suggestions for a Christian’s response to the day. Have a look:

http://www.pluggedin.com/FamilyRoom/articles/2008/WhatShouldWeDoWithHalloween.aspx

Great skit from SNL. Very funny… VEEEERRRY Funny….

The original video (better quality) can be found here:
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/clips/obama-address/1163263/

Ok, this is a little scary… especially Frankenstein!

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/CG8vV3UZwpIMi01q

There is a Builder in Holland, Johan Huiber, who is currently attempting to build a full-size replica of Noah’s Ark, based on Biblical dimensions. It is very interesting reading about his project and how he has put together this massive floating testament to Biblical truth. You can check out the website of the Ark here:

http://www.arkvannoach.com/index.php/en

Also, Answers in Genesis has a lot of great proof and information on how Noah’s Ark could have really existed. Check it out here:

http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/am/v2/n2/caring-for-the-animals

BOB&TOM TV: “Obama Man” by Greg Morton

I love the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (the original, of course), but I won’t be singing “The Candy Man Can” the same way now that I have seen this video…