Think on these things...

Word has it that a few of you are under the impression that Café Diasozo is an actual restaurant where you can walk in the door, sit down at a table, and order a meal. It may be someday (I really hope so), but for now it only exists via the internet as a virtual café. I did, however, grow up in a real café where my parents poured themselves into running a small eatery to support our family. It was a small town place where the regulars came for breakfast, coffee-breaks, lunch, and pie in the afternoon. Believe it or not, we were closed before the dinner hour rolled around. There was a counter with red stools, a pop machine filled with ice cold glass bottles, and food made from scratch. Potato dumplings were the most popular item on the menu and, thus, Tuesday (Dumpling Day) was the busiest day of the week.

Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s doesn’t hold the same nostalgia as the 50’s, but today’s norm makes the 80’s look like a scene from Leave It to Beaver. Here’s what I’m talking about: A couple weeks ago, I was in a hospital waiting room. It’s been decades since I’ve paged through a Seventeen magazine, so I picked up the copy sitting on a table just to see what the culture is consuming. To say I was shocked is a gross understatement. As the mother of a fourteen-year-old girl, I was appalled at the garbage that was printed in this seemingly harmless publication. I’m deeply troubled and saddened by the fact that so many girls are filling their minds with this trash.

What exactly am I talking about? I’m talking about the current March 2011 issue. Yes it’s filled with pages of prom dresses and hair do’s and don’ts. But did you know there are also articles about “hook-ups”, the reality of spring break in Panama City, FL, and a two-page spread encouraging girls to “explore their feelings” when it comes to having a crush on another girl? As if all of this is “normal”! Sorry, but 16-year-olds taking spring break trips alone to the equivalent of a week-long frat party is not normal! It’s insanity.

The truth is this: we are what we eat. This applies to our minds as well as our bodies. What we eat with our minds matters. Why? Because it becomes part of who we are – it shapes our thinking – it influences our thoughts – our beliefs – and ultimately our actions. Like it or not, magazine articles, TV shows, music, and the rest of the media heavily influence the next generation. I realize I may be preaching to the choir, but hear me: The over-sexualization of our children is a tragedy that will have implications far beyond what we can imagine. It’s time to turn off the TV America and start saying NO to poison and YES to things that nourish life.

Here’s the good news…there is plenty of excellent things to think on – so many wonderful books and movies to dine on. With so many nutritious options, there is absolutely no need for junk. Here is just one movies - one of our favorite entrees - highly recommended - The Ultimate Gift.

Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. – Philippians 4:8 (MSG)