Saturday, March 22, 2014

Season 2 - Episode 3

Whew! This episode was intense for our family. We've had many discussions about church, how much should we go, where should we go, etc. etc.  And, I won't apologize for the fact that I absolutely want to see my daughters, their husbands, my granddaughter and future grandchildren in church. I believe in church. I believe in fellowshipping with other believers. But let me add, just because you attend a church building week after week doesn't make you a Christian. I've met people who practically live at church, but are some of the most evil, wicked people I've ever met.  So, don't hear what I'm not saying.  Going to church doesn't save you, make you a saint or even a good person.  Having Jesus Christ in your life is what changes you from the inside out, not being a church attender. But, I still believe that church is an important part of growing in our walk with The Lord.

I admit, I've met as many sinners out of the church as I have inside it. There's just something special and beautiful about going to church as a family.  And, let's not forget. The bible is specific about assembling together with other believers.  You can read about this in Hebrews 10:25.

On with my re-cap. The night before, which was a Saturday, Salem spent the night with us, so Chad and Teryn could have a date night.  Kolby and I had already decided we would skip church the next day and take Salem to the Nashville Zoo.  We were all very excited about this!  We had no intentions of taking her or even going to church.  But, when we woke up Sunday morning, it was pouring rain outside, so we knew the zoo was out. We didn't see the point in skipping church and sitting at home, which is why we decided to go to church. (For the record, I tried calling Teryn to tell her that our plans had changed, but she wasn't available.)

Not for one second did we think Teryn or Chad would mind if we took Salem to church because we know they trust us 100%. We weren't trying to do something behind their back either. It wasn't like that, although I can understand why that crossed their minds since we'd just had a conversation a few
days earlier with Teryn about whether Salem should be attending Kids Church.

Let me make something perfectly clear. This wasn't the first time in Salem's life she'd attended church. We've been to church many times as a family and I've taken her alone before. I would never take a milestone moment away from her parent's. However, it was the first time she'd attended this particular church.

Teryn and Chad are Christians and they both love The Lord very much. Because they grew up in similar, strict Christian homes, that demanded and expected you in church anytime the doors were open, they don't make decisions like this lightly.  I may not always agree with their parenting styles, but, nonetheless, it is still their decision, not mine.

Looking back, knowing how they felt about all of this, I can understand why they would be upset with us. We shouldn't have taken her without their permission. Salem is their daughter, not mine.  This wasn't about her being in church, it was about us not asking them. And I understand completely.

I learned a lesson the hard way, and it won't happen again.  I trust them as Salem's parents. They are doing an amazing job. She's an awesome little girl and I'm so proud to be her Mimi.  Teryn and Chad are teaching me a few things themselves. I admire how they stand up for what they believe to be the best thing for their family. I'm just praying that means going to church with us!  At least once in a while.

Keep watching to see how this unfolds!

Be sure to check out our brand new website, www.TheKoloffs.com!

Tune in Wednesdays on Lifetime at 9/8c for another episode of "Preachers Daughters"!

Sunday, March 16, 2014

"The Piano Man"

If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times.  I'm obsessed with the music of the 70's.   My Time Life 70's Collection is one of my most prized possessions. If that statement gives my age away, I don't mind. I think people get too caught up in age anyway. Do we think if we say we're this age or that age, it changes how old we truly are?  News flash. It doesn't.

I was born in the 60's, so when I began appreciating music, I discovered the Eagles, Chicago, Barry Manilow, Journey, and so many more. In the past 18 months, I've had the privilege of seeing some of the best, my long time favorites, live and in concert. Just another reason to love Nashville. The best of the best always come to "Music City".  A year ago, I pinched myself when I was 20 feet from Barry Manilow.  I sang every song, even tearing up a few times. Hey, don't judge me!  Just a few months ago, I went solo to an Eagles concert.  It was magical! Not to mention, the live music all over town.  On any given night, you can head into Downtown Nashville and hear some of the best music you'll  ever hear in your life.

This past Friday, I was beyond blessed to see another legend. The "Piano Man" himself, Billy Joel.   At 65, this guy still has everything it takes to be at the top of his game. His voice is flawless and his stage presence is mezmorizing.

My life is blessed with a loving, amazing family, fulfilling career, great friends, and of course, the music. Oh, the music:)

Next up?  Who knows, but it's going to be unforgettable.  I'm betting on it.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Season 2 - Episode 2

If you missed last nights episode, make sure that you find it On Demand or online. It was really good!     I was so proud of Teryn and how she was there for Kolby. That's been one of the best things about having daughters. They are each other's best friend and always there for one another.  And, they usually give the same advice I would!  The bottom line? We all want what's best for each other.

You were also able to see a little more of our "Koloff Family Dinner". It definitely got heated at time between Nikita and I, but I'm very passionate about my girls. It's not possible to see the entire dinner in a few minutes, but I think the producers did an excellent job of capturing the essence of  our discussion.

As I wrote about in last weeks re-cap, I don't agree with Nikita forcing Kolby (or any of the girls), to do anything. I never did. I trust their heart.  No one has the right to force ministry on anyone. That's between you and The Lord. My daughters love The Lord very much and seek His wisdom, guidance  and direction, the same as Nikita and I do, in all they do. I'm sure Nikita means well, but he has to accept the fact that he's not the only one who hears from God.

Kolby is sold out to Jesus. She absolutely wants His will in her life. That doesn't mean she's not going to make mistakes. And if she chooses college over ministry school and it's the wrong choice, it's God's job to reveal that to her, not ours.

I don't believe for a second that Kolby was rebelling against God's will or that she doesn't want to do ministry, I think it about her needing to know her Dad trusts her heart and her own personal relationship with God. I know my daughter's heart and she has a heart for God's will.

Besides, Kolby's already doing ministry! Because of this show, she's become a role model to millions of teenagers. And with her YouTube Channel, "The New Different, she's reaching the churched and un-churched through her weekly bible lessons that she and Sadie Robertson started 7 months ago.   You should definitely check it out if you haven't already.

My heart broke for Teryn tonight as well.  She dreamed of becoming a broadcaster or the next Guiliana Rancic all her life!  And I know she had what it took to succeed in that career. She's smart, beautiful, a great speaker and very personable and interested in people.

During her senior year in high school, she and I visited several colleges. It was awesome!  All along, not knowing that Nikita had NO intentions of helping financially with her college dream.  He broke
that news to both of us only after we'd spent months searching and finally deciding on the school of her choice. He made it abundantly clear. No ministry school for a year, no financial help.  Period. It broke her heart. Mine too. I didn't have my own money then, so it was hard for me to help. And he made too much money for financial assistance.   But, I've told Teryn it's never too late!

Let me clarify something.  My girls have a strong, hard work ethic. They've never expected or felt entitled to anything.  They just wanted a little help from their parents. They weren't expecting 100% of their college expenses to be paid, they just wanted a support and help. They would have never asked if we couldn't have afforded it. We could.

I hope you'll continue on our journey as we see what's next for The Koloff's!

Next week looks good!  Hope you'll be watching!

Be sure to visit our website, www.TheKoloffs.com! Kolby and her sisters designed some great shirts!  You'll find them in the Store link.

"Preachers Daughters" airs Wednesdays, 9/8c on Lifetime


Sunday, March 9, 2014

Koloff Family Thoughts

Our family in no way, shape or form, agreed to do a show about "Church Girls Gone Wild"!  Although according to some of the messages we've received from fans of the show, it may seem that way, following the first episode of Season 2, which aired last Wednesday. Frankly, we can see why you'd come to that conclusion and trust me, we were cringing at some of it too.  But, we are confident that the show will prove to be about faith, restoration and reconciliation, as we were promised, or we wouldn't have been involved.  You can call us naive, but that's just the plain truth. Yes, we were SHOCKED too (we heard you loud and clear!) by this 1st episode, but we trust the show, the network and our producers that it will take a positive direction throughout Season 2, just as Season 1 proved to do,  and we are asking you to trust the process as well.

The Koloff's are ONLY responsible for our own actions and are proud of our participation and the vulnerability we shared throughout the filming of Season 2.  You will see throughout this season that we faced challenges as a family, yet overcame them with the help of Jesus Christ, our faith in Him and our love and respect for one another. I'm incredibly proud of my entire family (including my ex-husband, Nikita). We've never claimed to be perfect or have all the answers, but we know and love The One who does.  (The only thing I regret pertaining this season is my horrible haircut! I'm thankful my hair has grown out!).

Although we don't know what the upcoming episodes will contain, we're staying positive and believe that in the end, all the families will find their way and the initial premise of the show will be fulfilled.  We have NO idea what any family, besides our own, filmed. We're trying to keep in mind that it's a great witness to see where someone started, but more important how they finish!  We're rooting for all the families.

With that said, we will NOT be allowing my granddaughter, Salem (who's only 4 years old), to watch our show until we've watched it first, only allowing her to view what is appropriate.   I would
encourage those of you with young children to do the same.  Our show is PG-13.

We've always believed that our show would focus on real life struggles Christians go through and show how their faith in Jesus Christ is the glue that holds them together and gets them through anything and everything they are faced with. We still believe this will prove to be the case in the long run.

We only met the Elliott's and Cassidy's several weeks ago. They are wonderful people.  And we feel confident to say their heart and intentions are in the same place as ours.  Just because we faced different obstacles in our different and separate families, does not negate the act that each and every family on this show loves The Lord and each other very much! And it most assuredly doesn't mean one family is better than another.

Keep watching and praying for lives to continually be touched and changed by "Preachers Daughters!"

See you on Wednesdays at 9/8c on Lifetime!

And, be sure to check out our brand new website, www.TheKoloffs.com and

Follow us on Facebook at: The Koloff's of Preachers Daughters

Friday, March 7, 2014

We're BAAAAACCCCCKKK!

With the amazing success of the first season of "Preacher's Daughters", Season 2 is now upon us!  From the responses from the fans and the increase in our viewership, it looks like Season 2 promises to be as much or more successful than Season 1!  First, let me say on behalf of my family, that we are so appreciative of the love and support you've shown us.  We read all of your messages and are so encouraged by how our family is ministering to you!

Episode 1, Season 2, was off the hook! You were introduced to two new families, The Elliott's and The Cassidy's.  We met these families a couple of months ago, while in NYC shooting promotional ads.  Our families enjoyed spending time and getting to know each other.

I must admit, although my daughter's and I have had our share of drama over the years, I'm grateful that our issues haven't dealt with alcoholism or drugs.  My heart breaks for the girls and their families, who've been robbed of precious time because of these addictions.  Let's keep all the families in our prayers, as this show is about restoration and reconciliation, not "Church Girls Gone Wild"!  It may appear a little crazy right now, but it's important to see where these girls started and even more so, where they finish.  I think you'll be pleasantly surprised throughout the season to find that they aren't who you may think they are.  As I've had the privilege to get to know them, I assure you these are God loving families, who love each other very much.  They are very like-able and really nice people.

Our family has been inundated with messages from the great fans of PD requesting more air time for The Koloff's, with so many of you even asking for a Koloff Show, which is very sweet!  We want you to know that we are humbled by your remarks, but, understand, we have nothing to do with the editing or content of the show, besides what we participated in during filming.   Keep in mind that the
producers are introducing you to two new families, so I'm not surprised they're taking extra air time to make that happen.  Unless they cut out all of the Koloff Family footage, we will be on the show throughout Season 2, so no worries!

On with the re-cap.  This episode focused around Kolby's decision to attend college after high school or give a year to ministry, as well as, asking for financial help from her father to help us buy her a car.

First, let's talk about the car situation.  When Kolby asked her father to help us purchase a car, Nikita informed her that he would only do this if she read the entire Bible and then wrote an essay on each book.  This would have taken her months and consumed her entire summer! Don't hear what I'm NOT saying.  Reading through the Bible is what ALL Christians should aspire to do, but using the Bible as a negotiating tool is manipulative to say the least.  It's nothing short of bribery and how is that biblical?  When Kolby told me this, I was pissed.  I felt it wasn't fair and I became incredibly
angry about it.  This became a huge point of contention between Nikita and I.  We had many arguments and disagreements over this for months.  You didn't see that on camera.  I completely, 100% disagree with him on this.  I'm not saying we should hand our kids keys to brand new cars either, but I see NOTHING wrong with helping our children financially when we're in a position to do so.  That doesn't mean giving them anything they want, without their earning it.  Kolby is a great kid.  She's an Honor Student, responsible and trustworthy.  But, Nikita made it very clear.  If you want my financial help, I'll only give you $2000 after you've met my requirements. After Kolby told me of her father's offer, I told her to let him know she and I would figure it out on our own.  And, that's exactly what we did.  Long story short, Kolby and I put our funds together and bought her a car. Granted, it's an older model, with miles on it, but we did it! Kolby is responsible for the gas and insurance. For the record, Kolby reads the Bible because she wants to, not because she's forced to.

Then, there was the issue of college.  In my opinion, this decision is Kolby's, not mine, nor her Dad's.  Kolby's future is between her and God.  That doesn't mean we shouldn't give her guidance or help her along the way, but the ultimate decision is hers.  Nikita's rule has always been if the girls' want
financial help from him to attend college, they must give a year of ministry post high school.  And, trust me on this.  He's not kidding.

Here's why this is such wrong thinking to mAs Christians, I believe we are all called to be ministers of the Gospel.  But, that doesn't necessarily mean it has to be from a pulpit, living on the mission field in another country or pastoring a church.  And I absolutely don't believe you can or should force ministry on anyone.  If Kolby or any of my daughters aren't called by God, (not Nikita), into pastoral or missions ministry, it doesn't matter how long they serve in that capacity, they won't stay.  And even if they did, they'd be miserable.  I know many people who, out of guilt, went into ministry when they weren't called to that type of ministry, only to be left unfulfilled.

Whatever Kolby decides, I will support her in any way I can.  I know God has a call on all of our lives.  But, I leave it up to Him to show us.

God has a call on yours too.  Maybe your mission field is your workplace?  Maybe it's in your neighborhood?  Maybe it's living in another country building homes for the poor?  Whatever it is, He will show you.  Just ask Him:)

Be sure to check out our new website www.TheKoloffs.com and see some of the shirts the girls and I designed! We hope you like them!

And be sure you're following us on twitter @thekoloffs, @victoriakoloff, @kolbykoloff, @terynchapin, @tawnikoloff and @kendrakoloff

See you next week!  There's plenty more coming!  Tune in Wednesday 9/8c on Lifetime