Mass media entertainment—television, movies, music, the Internet, social media, and video games—ranks among the most influential teachers of our children. Think about that just a moment. The MOST influential! Is that what we want for our family?

According to a Nielsen Media Research report, the average child views 15,000 to 30,000 hours of television by the age of seventeen. During the same period of time, that child will spend 11,000 to 16,000 hours in school, and 2,000 hours (or less) in quality time with his parents. The average family spends 7 hours each day of the week watching television, making television the number one consumer of people's leisure time.

Does this all sound excessive? It does to me. If it does to you as well then I should tell you that these statistics are from 1995! 

One day our son came home from his friend’s house and announced his need for a Play Station 2. The announcement soon became a plea, “If I get it I won’t ever ask for anything else, ever!” Needless to say it wasn’t the last thing he asked for. ​

Unfortunately, you and I present our wants to God in a very similar way.

• If only I had enough money to make me comfortable, I wouldn’t ask for more.
• If I were married, I’d be happy.
• If I had good health, I wouldn’t complain.
• If she was nice, I wouldn’t be so mean. 

​The dictionary defines contentment as “being satisfied” or “not needing more.” 

I recently won a copy of Kelly Balarie's (from Purposeful Faith) new book Battle Ready over on Dr. Michelle Bengtson blog. Honestly, I didn't even realize I was entering a contest by commenting on one of her many wonderful posts, but I did. And I WON! 

​I was happy to receive the book as I was planning to order it anyway and I was leaving for vacation and needed a good, physical book (not my Kindle since this would be an off-the-grid vaca). What a delight! First off, to set the stage, let me just share with you what Dr. Bengtson has to say about Battle Ready.

Have you ever felt alone in suffering? Where can you turn when you feel completely broken from an aching heart? 

Your mind says I know God’s Word could help, but what does that look like? 

Dear friend, my heart has asked these questions too. One impactful resource I’ve found is the Voice Of The Martyrs. Have you heard of it? 

Their podcast called VOM Radio, their magazine, and their books have helped me realize that I'm not alone. Also, they have given me real-life examples of suffering Christians who find their hope in God. 

I always come away from VOM media in awe of God and His good work in people through incredible trials.

This past summer, we had something special happen here on the blog. We held our first Summer Book Club-Style Bible Study. I wasn’t sure how it would go. I didn’t even know if anyone would be interested in participating or if it would even work. It. Was. Awesome! I’d do it again in a heartbeat. As a matter of fact, there are already plans in the works to do another Summer Book Club-Style Bible Study next summer! YIPPIE!! One thing that happened that I wasn’t expecting is that we had several requests to make the 10 blog posts into a printable version. So, that’s what we’ve done.

​Want to read all 10 posts in one place? Download The Red Sea Rules eBook today! ​Still need to get the book? Click here to order or download your copy (less than $10 for the hardcover and less than $2 for the Kindle version).

Random Thoughts from a Tired Momma:

• How many nights can you serve cereal for supper?
• The best trend ever is mix matched socks.
• I wonder what the world record is for the tallest pile of laundry, and if I am in the running?
• When is someone going to invent a bed that makes itself?
• Could I eat Krispy Kreme doughnuts in my closet without anyone finding me?
• How many days is dry shampoo good for?
• Wouldn’t it be awesome if dust bunnies became valuable…instant millionaire.
• I wonder how many calories I just burned wrestling my toddler while trying to put eye drops in​ their eye.

This is the final post in our 5 Signs of a Functional Family series. We've looked at An Attitude of Service, Intimacy Between the Husband and Wife, Husbands Who are Loving Leaders and Parents Who Both Teach and Train Their Children. All of these are signs of functional families. While the first four signs are primarily directed to parents and must be parent lead, the fifth and final sign is one which children bear the responsibility. 

Children who obey and honor their parents are children who are contributing to making their family a functional family. ​