5 Ways to Make Your Day Cheerful with Your Kids

Proverbs 17:22 says that when you are cheerful — an attitude of the heart — it is a “good medicine”. I really like this phrase. Generally, I am a very cheerful person. I am optimistic and happy, with a love for laughter.

When my son was young, I would have my “sidekick” right beside me. My wife, Ginger, and I would ask him silly questions that invoked silly responses. We would use him to pull harmless pranks and would have both fun real-life activities, and adventures filled with imagination.

So, want to spice up your day? Here’s a quick list to empower you to add some smiles.

1. Ask children some great questions.

Stop for a moment and have fun with this. Start with “How was your day” and then move to some more creative stuff.

Perhaps ask things like:

• “Is there anything we can do together today?”
• “How do you think peanut butter is made?”
• “What does daddy do at work?”
• “Why does the Tooth Fairy take your teeth when you lose them?”

2. Run a race
Set some goal point, give them a head-start and RUN! Remember, it’s about building memories and self-esteem —  and not about YOU winning!    😉

3. Read a story
You can make a great connection with our kids when you read to them. Pick something fun and entertaining. The put some emotion into it. Do funny voices, or have them do some.

4. Look up famous places or places you have lived on Google Earth, or Google Maps.
I know this sounds geeky, but it can be a great adventure for kids who are the right age-group. Don’t wear out your time with this one, just make some connections. Suggestions would be places like the Grand Canyon, Empire State Building, or perhaps a camp ground your family has visited.

5. Play a game
Get out of the routine by playing cards, ping pong, or croquet. You may even want to invent your own board game or card game.

HAVE FUN! Enjoy the gift of your family!

Taste Test REPOST

I finally got the audio working so the music track and speaking track would both come through. I had to convert it to MONO in order for it to work.

This is a video that I made used to illustrate the basic idea of seaching for answers in life. Let me know what you thought of it by leaving a comment.

If you want a higher quality version, check here.

July 4 — Fireworks — and Jesus!

It’s the 4th of July weekend here in the USA. It represents FREEDOM.

I love that word, FREEDOM. And I have experienced it first-hand. I have enjoyed this freedom in my work, with my family, on holidays, and in my spiritual walk as well. I have learned a lot about what the term means.

When I think about the founders of this nation, there are many examples where God, faith, and an aspiration live the values of God’s Word was evident. They left us many important lessons that involved listening to each other, but not compromising that moral compass that led them to stop and worship their creator.

The scriptures state that the cornerstone or foundation of the Christian faith is Jesus Christ. Jesus was not a beaten-down-and-defeated-just-a-good-teacher figure in history. Like the buildings all over Washington DC are inscribed with Biblical passages and faith-inspired messages, God wrote His laws on the tablets of our hearts.

I love celebrating. I love FIREWORKS. I love the USA. And most of all, I love JESUS! And there will be that day that I anticipate so often, when He brings a light show that will blast us all into eternity!

For when the Son of Man returns, you will know it beyond all doubt. It will be as evident as the lightning that flashes across the sky. Luke 17:24

Tasting Life

“And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9 (NLT)

Solomon was challenged by his father, David, to seek God and find God.

After much searching and “tasting” in life, he came full circle to appreciate the RIGHT THING and the truth. He learned the hard way, explored everything and was not happy. But in the end, Solomon left incredible words that have lived on long after his life was over. Check out the end of verse 13!

“That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. 14 God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.” Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NLT)

Answer for Feeling Down or Depressed

Ps 5:11 But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits.
AMP

Shifting your focus or point of view can be truly life-altering. What if each time we had a crisis, a challenge, or chaos in our lives we would switch our perspective.

Those with faith in God understand what this can mean. Instead of dread or despair, when you think about shelter and/or defense and safety — instead of betrayal we once again trust God — there is an unbelievable release! Now instead of depression our thoughts are alert and optimistic. And you know what??? I totally like the feeling of looking UP instead becoming bogged down by the cares of each day.

Question: Where has your focus been the past 7 days? I give you permission to turn your eyes upward!