But if you’re like many consumers, it’s not the sheer growth of the video game industry that bothers you. Instead, it’s the prevalence of raunchy, violent games with graphic bloodshed and sexual content. And even if you manage to steer your kids clear of games like Grand Theft Auto, Urban Reign, Doom and Resurrection of Evil, they’re probably still encountering ethically questionable material in mainstream games rated “Teen” and “Everyone 10+.” You could buck the trend and outlaw video games in your home—but you’re probably setting yourself up for family rebellion and frustration. Instead, consider the following tips for helping your kids become safe gamers.

1. Get involved in your family’s game selections. While parents can’t control the culture at large, they can teach kids what to value. When you model principled behavior for your children, they’ll have a foundation for making wise choices.
2. Encourage children and teens to play Christian video games. Christian PC games are growing in popularity among families who wish to forego violence and sexuality for clean, competitive fun.
3. Remind teens and children that video games are a privilege—not a necessity. Instead of allowing kids to play PC games as soon as they get home, consider “rewarding” them with 10 to 15 minutes of Christian video games after they’ve read a book or done their homework for an hour.

Created to appeal to both secular and faith-based audiences, Inspired Media Entertainment offers educational, casual and strategic Christian video games for all ages. The company’s popular Charlie Church Mouse, Left Behind: Tribulation Forces and Keys of the Kingdom PC games are popular among families, children and teens seeking a safe, interactive gaming experience.

While hundreds of studies have addressed the effect of violent, disturbing video games on children, youth and adults, there are many games that engage the mind in a more positive way. In addition to being fun, recent research shows that some of these console and PC video games may even have mental health benefits. Check out updated research on the advantages of this popular form of entertainment.

• A study conducted at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC, found that some games—especially those requiring strategy—seem to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system—which reduces the body’s response to tension and stress.
• In an Iowa State University study addressing the effect of video game usage on teens, psychologist Douglas Gentile, PhD, and William Stone, BS, found that while violent games lead to increased hostility, pro-social game players were more helpful to peers and less likely to fight at school.
• Scholars and physicians at the University of Washington’s Virtual Reality Analgesia Research Center are tapping into the ability of video games and cyber technology to distract children during painful burn rehab.
• Steven Johnson, an author interested in the effects of popular culture on intelligence, found many indications that video games, TV and technology are making people smarter. “All the major simulation games—where you’re simultaneously tracking dozens and dozens of shifting variables, trying to manage an entire system—are a great cognitive workout,” said Johnson.

Fascinatingly, this research does not just apply to children and teens. Gaming skills can translate into real-world, adult skills, as James Rosser—director of the Advanced Medical Technology institute at Beth Israel Medical Center in NYC—found in his study of laparoscopic surgeons. According to Rosser’s research, laparoscopic surgeons who played games for 3+ hours/week made 37-percent fewer surgical errors than non-gaming surgeons. Rosser attributes this to the positive influence of video games on hand-eye coordination, patience and depth perception.

And while this exciting information helps to balance the negatives we hear about video and computer games, it’s important to remember that moderation is key. We should not allow video games—even Christian video games—to rule over us or our children. In 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul writes, “Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” Whether you approach parenting from a Christian or secular point of view, Paul’s words ring true. Tune into our next blog for more about the common symptoms of media obsession among youth—and what you can do to counteract this trend.

Looking for positive gaming opportunities for your children and teens? Visit Left Behind Games for a variety of educational, strategic and Bible-based options. Left Behind Games offers innovative, beneficial media for a variety of ages, and is committed to helping you educate, protect and instill values in your children.

If you spend much time researching the impact of video games on kids, you’re likely to come to mixed conclusions. Some studies indicate that children are more likely to engage in fights, become aggressive with peers and act out at home if they play violent console and PC games regularly, while other studies conclude there’s no proven link between video game violence and real-world aggression. So what should we think?

Like many other parents you may be concerned about the violence your child consumes—on TV, in magazines and in video games. And while you’re concerned about whether that violence is impacting their behavior, there’s more to consider, here. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (ESV)

Based on this verse, it’s important for us to think about the context of video game violence—and aggression in general. Is some of it “just” and “honorable”? Yes. However, the gratuitous, gory—and repeated—video game violence against unarmed defenders, women and children should cause parents to take pause. Whether you’re seeing behavior changes at home or not, it’s likely your child is emotionally, psychologically and spiritually affected by the media they consume. Do we really want to take that chance?

If you’re searching for positive alternatives to the video game violence found in Wii, portable and PC games, visit Left Behind Games. Secular and faith-based families will appreciate the educational, Biblical and strategic qualities that emerge in Christian video games like Keys of the Kingdom, Charlie Church Mouse and Left Behind: Tribulation Forces. Striving to integrate positive values, educational opportunities and spiritual lessons, Left Behind Games is committed to helping you protect and nurture your children.

You’re probably thinking, “Not my kid.” Or—you may be wondering if your child is really addicted. Watch for the following symptoms of unhealthy game obsession:

• Disinterest in playing outdoors or engaging in physical activity
• Family conversation dominated by PC game banter
• Increasing unwillingness to help around the house, participate in family time, read, go to church or spend time with friends
• Confrontational attitude or constant complaining when asked to turn off a game
• Falling asleep in school
• Restlessness and irritability
• Physical concerns like nausea, headaches, blurred vision, repetitive motion injuries and hypertension

How can you protect your family against this toxic, worldly problem? First, recognize the danger. Like a drug problem, video game addiction is pervasive—seeping into every area of your family’s life. Next, make sure you’re monitoring your kids’ gaming choices and restricting game time—even when kids are playing healthy games like Left Behind and Charlie Church Mouse. Remind kids that God time, family time, homework and relationships come first—and model that for your children on a daily basis.

For more practical tips about preventing—and managing—PC and video game addiction, tune into next week’s blog. In the meantime, visit Left Behind Games for family-friendly, Biblically focused entertainment you can feel good about.

Even proponents of Modern Warfare 2 can’t argue that its theme is one of fast-and-furious, brutal force. In one portion of the game, players are obligated to shoot innocent, airport bystanders to continue their undercover infiltration of a terrorist cell. “We push the story,” said Vince Zampella, Studio Head at Infinity Ward, during an interview with Fox News. “We want the player to be emotionally attached. We want them to be emotionally shocked.”

According to British journalist Charlie Brooker, Modern Warfare 2 is a technical masterpiece, but “…it’s not so much a game as a borderline nightmare experience.”

And while many people view this type of ultra-violent game as nothing more than fantasy stress-relief, other families are gravely concerned about underage exposure to console and PC video game violence.

So, as Christians, how concerned should we be about games like Modern Warfare 2? Games containing so much bloody atrocity that manufacturers create ways for viewers to skip the so-called “disturbing” scenes? Concerned enough, perhaps, to monitor the games our children and teens are playing a bit more closely? Concerned enough to model healthy media choices—and talk with our kids about alternatives to violent entertainment?

As Christian parents, we know that God created us to guide our children—and help them make sound decisions until they’re old enough to make their own. Decisions that help them fulfill Paul’s call (Phil. 4:8) to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable. So this Christmas, let’s rethink—and maybe even forgo—portable and PC video games that capitalize on senseless violence.

Stumped about stocking stuffers? Visit Left Behind Games (Inspired Media Entertainment) for safe, Biblically sound PC games for everyone in your family. Left Behind Games is the leading supplier of Christian PC video games. Look for our products in 100 Walmart stores in Dallas and Houston area. It’s here that we’re testing these Biblically based, family PC games on the mainstream market—and prayerfully hoping that an increasing number of consumers will come to understand the value of video games designed around something other than violence, gore and cruelty.

**Texas residents searching for Walmart stores carrying Left Behind Games can visit www.leftbehindgames.com/walmart for more information.

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Hi I’m Eric Bublitz and I’m from Austin Minnesota. I’m 44 years old and I’m a gamer, computer builder web designer and student pastor. And that’s what I do for fun. My job in the real world is as a resource counselor working with disabled adults in a group home setting its a job that is really satisfying but when I’m not at work I spend a lot of time playing games on my computer my favorite style of games are civilization building like age of empires empire earth and other games like that.

Most of the games I used to play dealt with domination and getting what you wanted by any means possible even when that means wiping out entire communities. In fact you scored more points the higher your body count was. Then I found a new game. It was the Left Behind series that game proved to be the best thing that ever happened to me because no longer did I have to play a game that went against my Christian beliefs but I could play a game that supports it.

The style of game is the same. You build communities of believers and equip them to do specific things. And yes you have soldiers but the difference in the game is that if your soldier kills someone rather than be rewarded a higher score sometimes it ends the level because there are several levels that you cannot kill the enemy but you have to save them. For the first time ever I felt refreshed playing a game rather than well bummed out? I was so impressed with the game that when they came out with an upgrade I immediately ordered it and it brought a whole new level to the game. For the last couple of years I have enjoyed playing it. I enjoyed it so much I wrote an email to the company to express my thanks that they put out such a wonderful game.

I have had the opportunity to play several of this company’s other games such as Keys Of The Kingdom. I find these games to be spiritually uplifting and worth spending the money, I am currently contacting all my local churches to ask them to support this company’s ministry by purchasing these games for the kids of the congregation.

This year, try really celebrating Christmas with your family. Rather than making the holidays a season of stressful buying and frantic preparation, embrace Advent in a new way with these creative ideas.

1. Adopt a family in need. Jesus spent his life on earth ministering to the physically and spiritually needy, and before he returned to heaven, he called us to do the same. As your family purchases clothing, food and toys for a family living on the margins, you’ll discover why giving to “the least of these” allows you to live more abundantly, as well.
2. Create a candy cane tree. Purchase a supply of candy canes and a large Styrofoam block from your local craft store. Each time your children engage in acts of kindness toward friends or family, have them place candy canes in the foam block. Make it your goal to create an overflowing “candy cane tree” by the time Christmas arrives.
3. Make homemade Christmas decorations. Rather than spending money on holiday decor, make it a family tradition to craft decorations from scratch. As you add to your homespun Christmas collection each year, remember to give homemade items a place of honor in your family room, living room or kitchen.
4. Bake cookies for a nursing home. Many nursing home residents don’t have regular visitors, so they’ll be delighted to see your family drop off cookies and fudge—and stay to chat with them for a while.
5. Spend Christmas Eve making a birthday cake for Jesus. Encouraging children to help bake, frost and decorate a birthday cake is a great way to wrap up the Advent season. As you share the dessert, remind children that the gifts exchanged on Christmas morning symbolize the most precious gift of all—God’s son.

This year, the Left Behind Games/Inspired Media Entertainment family would like to wish you a joyful Christmas filled with meaningful traditions, and a New Year filled with blessings. May you experience love, happiness—and the true joy of Jesus’ birth.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” (Jer. 29:11). What wise words as we set our goals for the New Year. You see, God already has a plan. And as we work on our relationship with Him each day, He’ll reveal those plans to us. So perhaps our number one resolution this year should be to focus on that relationship. It’s not an easy thing to do, especially in the midst of balancing work, family commitments, finances and life’s inevitable difficulties. But the Word is clear—if we focus on God, everything else tends to fall in place. Even weight loss plans, finances and healthy exercise habits.

So this year, as you make plans to better yourself for 2010, start with spiritual goals. If you’re unsure how to go about developing an intimate relationship with God, consider the following two ideas:

1. Resolve, first, to read your Bible every day. The Bible is God’s way of directly communicating his love for you. Paul tells us in Thess. 2:13, “When you received from us the word of God’s message, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.” God can speak volumes to us through scripture, if only we’ll take the time to listen.
2. Resolve to love others more. I John 4:7-8 tells us that love is “from God,” and that “whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” So, as we work daily to deepen our relationship with the Lord, we’ll begin to love our family, friends, neighbors and enemies in a renewed way, as well. What a wonderful way to share the joy of Christ with those who need to hear it!

According to Franklin Covey Co’s 2009 survey, only 23 percent of Americans adhere to their resolutions, and 35 percent have broken them by the end of January. That’s why it’s important to remember that, while there’s nothing wrong with setting goals for a fresh start during the New Year, Christ graciously offers daily fresh starts for those who follow him!

Left Behind Games/Inspired Media Entertainment wishes you a 2010 filled with the love of Christ. New Year’s blessings to you and your loved ones.

Last month there was a fascinating article in the Christian Post. The article, by Maria Mackay, was entitled Christians Must Engage Real and Virtual Worlds, Say New Media Enthusiasts. In the article, Mackay covered London’s 2009 Evangelical Alliance Digimission conference, where panel participants discussed the importance of Christians utilizing the “new media” to evangelize and connect with others.

According to speaker Mark Meynell of All Souls Church in Langham Place, averages of 15,000 users per month download sermons and resources from his church’s website. “There are people who have the potential to be salt and light online, but they assume it’s for professionals,” he said. Meynell urges Christians to spread the Gospel and share their faith through new media outlets like blogs and social networks—even if they don’t think consider themselves to be “techies.”

Doesn’t this bring up an important point? As Christian parents and grandparents, our tendency is to shy away from much of our typically-secular media, including the Internet. But perhaps instead of avoiding the media, Christ-followers should focus on transforming the media. As we’ve discussed in other posts, we can do this—and help our children do this—by learning to (1) discern right from wrong in the media we’re bombarded with, (2) filter out the bad and choose to take in only the good, and (3) take an active part in promoting, advertising and discussing positive, Christian media with our friends, family and co-workers.

That’s where social media comes in. What some use for evil, Christians can—and should—use for good. Instead of dwelling on the evil found online, maybe Christians should start to embrace the PR opportunity that social media provides. Do you Tweet? Tweet about the latest Christian movie or PC video game. Are you a blogger? Blog about deep, spiritual issues that engage audiences in quality conversations. Encourage your church and other Christian organizations to design a Facebook page expressing who they are and what they’re doing. And remember, as your children and grandchildren surf the web each day, encourage them to become part of these online Christian communities, as well.

Tyler Wells addresses more about Christianity and social media in his must-read blog about Christianity and Social Media on TnChristian.com. Check it out, and tell us what you think! We’d love to hear your comments.

Hoping to find quality, positive media products for your family? Visit Left Behind Games/Inspired Media for Christian video games and other faith-based resources. Serving adults and children of all ages, it’s our goal to provide audiences with wholesome family entertainment—while spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

FROM THE REVIEW

Charlie is back and ready to teach your kids about great Bible stories and kindergarten level academic skills; there is a version for preschoolers and elementary age kids too. This game truly makes learning fun and I would highly recommend it for any Christian family.

The following explains the various stories and what your children could potentially learn from them.

* Counting
* Sequencing
* Measurements Christian PC Games, LB Games
* Sorting
* Spatial Awareness
* Directions
* Phonics
* Rhyming
* Letters
* Listening Skills

There are six Biblical adventures your children will learn about. Each adventure has two levels of difficulty, which greatly adds to the replay ability. There are also coloring pages you can print out for more entertainment value. Here are the stories and what you will learn from them.

The graphics are very well done and colorful; the movies are fun to watch as well. When running the game, it sets your resolution to 640×480. Lifeline Studios did a great job on the model and animation rendering.

The background music and especially the sound effects fit nicely in the game. The voice acting is pretty good too. Many of these games are based on sounds and would not be suitable for those who are hard of hearing.

The game interface is pretty easy to use. For the most part you are using the mouse and clicking for the right answers. The Zacchaeus tree level can be a little tricky to maneuver but it’s not impossible.

From an appropriateness standpoint this game is squeaky clean and I can’t recommend it enough for Christian parents with young children.