How a Wiggles Movie Changed My Life

May 21, 2013 By

DVDs“Please, Mom? Pleeeease?”

My daughter pleaded as she climbed into her car seat. Since buying our first minivan, I’d come to appreciate all its amenities but one—the built-in DVD player. That thing was a source of constant battle. Every time we boarded the van, my children asked to watch a movie. And every time I replied, no. Because good parents don’t let their children watch television in the car.

My Perfect Parent Handbook has lots of rules like that.

Good parents don’t buy sugary cereal.

Good parents don’t let their children wear pajamas to the playground.

Good parents have a system for rotating toys.

Good parents tame cowlicks before Sunday school.

Sometimes, though, I get tired. Sometimes whining erodes my resistance. Sometimes I just want to see my daughters’ faces light up. So I rebel and do crazy things like toss a box of Cocoa Puffs in my shopping cart. But then guilt buzzes in both ears—good parents don’t do that.

You must be a bad mom.

Isn’t it sad? I’ve become a slave to my own rules.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery,” (Galatians 5:1).

When I found the Lord a decade ago, I embraced the simplicity of his gospel. God’s favor cannot be earned; it is freely given. Grace takes charge, so that the Christian life is not so much a series of do’s and don’ts, but rather a gift to unwrap and enjoy.

Parenting falls under the umbrella of the Christian life, right? Why, then, do I build superfluous rules around it, as though motherhood is exempt from God’s grace?

Wow. If any part of me is in most desperate need of grace, it’s my parenting skills.

“Mom, why can’t we watch a movie? Just this one time, please?” My daughter’s begging persisted and wore me down. It had been a long week. My husband was out of town, and our girls were full of energy I couldn’t match. I just needed a little break.

What the heck.

I flipped on the DVD player and let the video roll. Greg, Anthony, Murray and Jeff waved hello to my girls from the 10-inch suspended screen—yes, a Wiggles movie, Santa’s Rockin’, no less—on a sunny spring day! Imagine what my Perfect Parent Handbook says about that.

But then something amazing happened. My daughters settled into their cushions, tranquil. Whining and bickering ceased. There was no tension. Just smiles. Giggles. And singing. “This little baby is born again, been reborn in the hearts of men. Every Christmas, this child is born again. . . .”

My guilt was silent.

Unfamiliar peace washed over me.

God’s grace filled the van.

That day, I discovered my rules don’t make me a good parent. Perhaps, knowing when to bend them does. As I wheeled into our destination parking lot and my daughters hopped out of their seats happier than they’d been all morning, God spoke to my heart.

I never called you a bad mom.

Funny. Only the Lord could use a Wiggles video to teach me something lasting. Tomorrow, I just might take my girls on a picnic to the playground—in their pajamas, with Cocoa Puffs.

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Are You a YES Mom or a NO Mom? 6 Tips to Help You Find Out

May 17, 2013 By

Frustrated Mother and Daughter

When my sons were young, I caught myself doing it over and over again. Saying NO without really thinking about what they were asking.

NO just seemed to slip from my lips before I thought it through.

I knew I needed to listen, think and then respond, but I just kept saying NO.

I had become a NO Mom.

Giving a knee-jerk NO to whatever they asked for was definitely not on the “Good Mom” list and I knew it was time to carefully consider my comebacks to their questions.

It’s not that NO is always a bad thing. It’s definitely a necessary part of parenting well.

“NO, you can’t eat another candy bar.”

“NO, you can’t take the television apart so you can see how it works.” (That really was a question my son asked!)

“NO, you can’t stay over night at your friend’s house when his parents aren’t home.“

But some NO’s are definitely a NO-NO.

NO’s like…

“NO, Momma doesn’t have time.”

“NO, we can’t go out and play.”

“NO, you can’t help momma cook, I’m in a hurry.”

NO Mom meant Grumpy Mom, Stick-in-the-Mud Mom, Uninterested Mom, Uncaring Mom.

That’s not the kind of mom I wanted to be.

So I became one NO Mom who was bound to turn over a new leaf.

Things started to change around the Shott house and momma began to think before she spoke. For years, I was determined to parent with a purpose and to carefully consider what my kids were asking, so I could say what I meant, mean what I said, and have good reason for it.

But somewhere along the way the pendulum started swinging the opposite way. Perhaps it’s because the teen years have a way of changing everything. Or maybe because it was easier to say YES. But I caught myself saying YES far too often.

I had to rethink what I had learned oh-so-many years before and begin implementing some of those early parenting principles and decided that I was going to become a YES Mom who said NO when necessary.

Life is hard and parenting isn’t easy and a mother’s role is ever-evolving. Mommas can find themselves feeling weary, worn out and overwhelmed and YES may be easier to say than NO because there is no conflict – no battle – no consequences to follow up with…just YES.

But YES isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, YES also has the power to bring fun into the life of your family. Yes often means you’re engaged with your kids and involved in their lives.

“YES, Mommy will play with you!”

“YES, we can go to the beach!”

“YES, we can make a birdhouse together!”

Saying YES and NO prayerfully, carefully and wisely is the key to parenting on purpose.

So, how do you know if you’re a YES Mom or a No Mom?

1. You know you’re a NO Mom when you say NO before even thinking about what your child asked.

2. You know you’re a NO Mom when your children tell you that you never have any fun with them or never let them do anything.

3. You know you’re a NO Mom when you think you can make them become wise adults by just doing what you say.

4. You know you’re a YES Mom when you’re willing to play in the rain, make a tent in your living room and make Mickey Mouse pancakes with your kids.

5. You know you’re a YES Mom when you want your children to learn to not just do what you say, but think things through for themselves.

6. You know you’re a YES Mom when you’re willing to explain why you have to say NO so your children can understand that your purpose for saying NO is because you love them and is for their good.

Parenting can be very messy. There are no pat answers to every situation. But a momma can’t go wrong when she determines to be a YES Mom who says NO when it’s necessary and is willing to help her children understand why.

So, how about you? Are you a YES Mom or a NO Mom? Have you caught yourself saying NO without really considering why? Do you say YES too much because you don’t want to deal with the conflict of NO?

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GIVE AWAY ~ Adventures In Odyssey’s New Book

May 14, 2013 By

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You know we love to bless you sweet moms with giveaways and to share great resources with you….and today we get the opportunity to do both!

Tyndale House has offered to provide 3 books for today’s giveaway and I want to share a little about the latest book in the Adventure In Odyssey’s series, Imagination Station, entitled, The Hunt for the Devil’s Dragon.

I’ve always loved the resources from Adventures in Odyssey and I especially appreciate the variety of character lessons intentionally threaded through the fabric of each book. Their new book is no different.

Character lessons: Honesty, Courage, Taking a stand no matter what, dealing with bullies, helping others and forgiveness

It’s set in the 1,300′s and cousins, Patrick and Beth are in Libya in an obscure village called Silene where sheep have been mysteriously disappearing from the family farms. Insisting that they are being eaten by some devilish dragon, the towns people decide to begin offering human sacrifices to appease it in hopes that it will go away.

When Beth stepped in to help a friend, the people decided she would be the next sacrifice. But a Roman Soldier who had recently become a Christian stepped in to save her. He also wanted to help save the town from the dragon, but discovered it was a saber-tooth tiger that had been killing the sheep. Not the dragon in the cave who was guarding her baby.

It is written well, with short chapters, lots of adventure and lots of lessons to learn and puzzles at the end.

*As a mom, the only thing I would add is that the age range says 6 – 9. This is a book I would read to my kids when they were 8 – 12 because of the concept of human sacrifices and devilish dragons. But it’s definitely a great addition to Adventures In Odyssey’s Imagination Station series!

Now it’s time to start entering for your chance to win one of the 3 giveaways!

ANSWER THIS QUESTION AS ONE OF THE WAYS TO ENTER TO WIN: DO YOU READ ADVENTURES IN ODYSSEY’S IMAGINATION STATION WITH YOUR KIDS? If so, which is your favorite?

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A Letter to My Child

May 13, 2013 By

Dear child of mine who happens to be a teenager,

I know that you and I can get on each other’s nerves.  But I want you to know that I love you and that God is showing me so much about Himself, and about myself, just by you being here.  I am a better person having known you and I want you to know I am so thankful that God has put you in my life. I know that sometimes It doesn’t seem as though I am thankful.  But I am.  Please forgive me for not expressing that often enough.

Sometimes you can be hard to live with.  You are moody. You are irritable.  You question EVERYTHING. You don’t always want to listen.  You think that the things I say are kind of stupid at times.  You question God.  You question and question…and challenge and challenge.   You raise your voice.  You say foolish things.  You can be disrespectful.  Yes.  It can be hard some days.

 People call this “normal teenage behavior” but I know what it really is…

 The truth is….God has been showing me the truth about MYSELF. As I walk with you through these years I am seeing that I really am not that much different that you are.  And because of that, I need to be much more grace filled and understanding of you.

 I have failed at that on many days.  Please forgive me.

 Here’s what I see. I can be hard to live with as well.  There are days when I am moody and irritable.  I question things too.  I question God.  I ask why.  I challenge Him in my own way. I don’t always want to listen.  I can be very rebellious.  It may not be in the same areas that you battle,  or look the same way as it does in your life, but it’s there in my heart.

 There are days I raise my voice.  To you.  To your father.  I do it too.

 I say foolish things too.  I can be disrespectful.  I can be impatient.

 You see?  You and I really are a lot alike.  The sin you battle. The questions. The feeling of wanting independence…of wanting to do your own thing…of wanting to challenge…I am still facing the same battles.

 I will face these battles until I die and so will you.

 I am praying that God would remind me that it’s not always a bad thing for you to challenge or have questions! The fact that you have questions shows that you are GROWING, THINKING…and that God is at work in you, and I need to REJOICE IN THAT!

 When I respond poorly to your questions it is usually motivated by fear or pride.  Please forgive me.  I want to do what I can to work WITH you. Walk WITH you.  I am praying for  God to help me understand you and show you grace.  You are my child. We are a part of the body of Christ.  Because of that I am called to live with you and help you… we are walking this road together.

 We are so much alike.  I am on your side.  I am for you.  

 I pray that I can grow in these areas and set an example for you to follow as you make your own way in your walk with God. I pray that you will experience Him in a deeper way for yourself as He shows Himself to you.   I look forward to the day when we can look back and see how we both have grown!

 I Love you,

Your mom and fellow stumbling sister in Christ.

Gina Smith

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She is Hurting How to Help

May 9, 2013 By

You know her.

She is the one who wants more children, but can’t.

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Her child was diagnosed with something that may change his life forever.

She is the mom agonizing over how to train-up her child when her home feels like a war-zone.

She’s the woman whose mom abandoned her and she wants to do better, but is struggling to figure out how.

And you want to help her. You want to help carry her burdens and encourage her.

But it is hard. You don’t want to say the wrong thing – add fire to the pain inside.

How do you help the hurting mom?

  • Don’t assume you know how she feels. You don’t have her back story, you can’t know her exact pain. 
  • Do say, “I can’t imagine how you feel. Do you want to talk about it?”
  • Don’t assume she doesn’t want your help because she isn’t asking for it.
  • Do periodically let her know you are there and praying for her through a text, a Facebook message, a phone call, or even invite her to get together.
  • Don’t get offended if she doesn’t respond. Sometimes it is all she can do to make it through the day in front of her.
  • Do ask how you can pray for her. Or if she minds if you text her when you pray for her.
  • Don’t just quote a few scriptures to her and expect her to “get over it.” Wounds can take a very long time to heal.
  • Do be faithful to pray.
  • Don’t share her troubles unless she says it is ok. We can gossip in the name of asking for prayer.
  • Do ask God for the words to say at the right time. There are times God will call you to say difficult things. Bathe those times in prayer, ask God to reveal what is hidden in your heart in case you need to repent of something. Then speak the truth in love.

Are you this hurting mom? Will you let us know how we can pray for you?

Are you the one who wants to reach hurting moms? How can we pray for you?

by Angela Mackey

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See the BOID!

May 8, 2013 By

“My sister was carrying my daughter, Kim, down the hall of a hospital. Little Kim was looking back and saying, “See the boid!” (bird – she couldn’t yet say her Rs). Gail turned to see what bird could possibly be in the hospital, and there stood three nuns. Kim thought they were penguins.”* PenguinMy friend, Sandra Chapman, shared this story in the “Laugh Out Loud” section of  The Plan A MOM in a Plan B World.  

 

IT’S GOOD TO LAUGH, DON’T YOU THINK?

I remember the day when my children, Taylor and Lauren, were little and the milk spilled for the upteenth time.  I finally decided to laugh. Not cry. Not scream. Not get mad. Instead, realize that accidents were going to happen when you’re raising little ones.

If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?

But sometimes a mom can feel like a BASKET CASE!

What drives you almost INSANE?

Are there some things we CAN DO to have a MORE SANE home and family life? Yes! As a matter of fact, I listed 75 pointers in The Plan A MOM in a Plan B World.

Which might help you?

75  7 POINTERS for a SANE FAMILY** You don’t have time to read all 75 right now. :)  

1. Be in the moment with the one you’re with.

If you’ve set aside 15 minutes to play with the kids, then make it play time. Put your phone in your purse and don’t text, call, or answer it.

2. Laugh together.

Telling old stories keeps them alive in your mind and your child’s mind. “Do you remember when you were three and you asked me how God got dinosaurs to heaven?”

3. Pray immediately, not later.

If Carson is worried he won’t make the soccer team, instead of saying, “We’ll pray you do,” pray that moment. “Carson, I know you want to make the team, and you’re so good! Let’s pray that if it is God’s will, that you will. Heavenly Father, thank You for making Carson with feet and legs that can run and with a good strong body that can play soccer. We pray that if it is Your will for Him to make the team that He will. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Now, Carson, go out and do your best. We’ll trust God with what happens. I love you.”

4. Listen to Christian music.

Studies prove that music has a powerful effect on us. When you or your kids are down or they’re trying your nerves, play Christian music. It’s good for your soul and your kids.

5. Say, “Good morning!” and greet each family member with a smile in the mornings.

It sets the tone and mood for the day. Trust me on this.

6. Read at least one verse from your Bible every morning.

“I gotta have it!” we say about our coffee. “Caffeine gets me through the day,” we explain. Sure, it may physically get you through the day. But what about emotionally? A great addiction is a verse a day. It WILL impact you and affect whether or not you are sane and raise sane kids.

7. Last but not least. Say, “I love you,” in the morning when you hug little ones and often throughout the day.

Say, “I love you” to that tween and teen and let them hear you say it to others. God is LOVE. If we want our children to grow in God and be loving adults, we must pray for God to fill us with His love. We must speak loving words. We must articulate our love.

I guess I really gave you 8 POINTERS. The last is really the first. Before you get out of bed, if you want to be sane and more than sane and raise sane kids, PRAY for God to FILL YOU WITH HIS SPIRIT.  You can’t do the mommy thing well nor God’s way without CHRIST INFUSING YOUR MIND, EMOTIONS, & SPIRIT.

HAPPY SANE MOTHER’S DAY!

 ”The fruit of the SPIRIT is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, GENTLENESS, FAITHFULNESS, SELF-CONTROL,”                        Galatians 5:22-23.

Love, Debbie

The Plan A MOM in a Plan B World

The Plan A MOM in a Plan B World: How to Raise Faithful Kids in a Flawed World

**75 POINTERS for a SANE FAMILY, pages 215-217.

DEBBIE TAYLOR WILLIAMS, Spreading the Word and Love of God.

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The Plan A MOM in a Plan B World: How to Raise Faithful Kids in a Flawed World, Available on KINDLE.

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Got Strength?

May 7, 2013 By

images-3Last week I was under a bit of stress and feeling hard pressed on all sides and quite frankly I wanted to flee or hide in bed with the covers over my head. I wanted the problem to just go away and that was clouding me from making a wise decision.

You have heard that old saying, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. I wonder if that means the tough should buckle down and work harder or if the tough should get the heck out of dodge.

In my recent bind the last thing in the world I wanted to do was work harder, because I was weary from working so hard for so long, was feeling some opposition and quite frankly felt I had been spending my time pushing on a rope. Cutting the rope seemed like the best option.

I “just happened” to be reading through the familiar book of Nehemiah and as God always does He gave me just what I needed, at just the right time. The sentence lept off the page – and of course is now underlined, even starred!

There was opposition to the building of the temple and Nehemiah was feeling pressed and attacked on many fronts. I am guessing the rope he had been pushing on was really wearing him out and he was growing weary – his circumstances were  tough. But rather than give up or continue to labor in frustration and under his own power he went to his source of strength and prayed asking the Lord to “strengthen his hands.” (Nehemiah 6:9)

He remained steadfast, prayed for strength and fulfilled his responsibility to finish the job God had given him in the first place.

I decided to do the same thing!

So too, should you.

By: Tracey Eyster

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You Are Mighty ~ We Are Mentors ~ And We’re in This Together

May 5, 2013 By

It’s a week before Mother’s Day and I thought it was a perfect time to share this video that I found in my inbox the other day from Lisa-Jo Baker. LOVED it and wanted to share it with you as a pre-Mother’s Day reminder!

Not only does it remind moms of who they are and the beautiful calling on their lives to press on even when motherhood is tough, but there’s a portion in this video that says, “We are with you…”

You hold the heart of the next generation in your hand. It will be shaped by you. Not just your child’s heart, but the heart of a whole generation is being molded by this generation of moms.

YOU are making a difference. YOU are changing the world. YOU have the biggest job on the planet. YOU are strong. YOU are significant. YOU are a MOM!

And that means YOU are MIGHTY!

Do it well, sweet mom! This is your time. This is your chance to leave your imprint on the heart of those who will come behind you.

Oh, DO IT WELL!

And we are here to walk through this motherhood thing with you!

That’s what The M.O.M. Initiative is all about. Mentors who are there with you through motherhood. Mentors who have walked in your shoes and know how hard and messy motherhood can be. Mothers who have mothered your generation are here to help you mother the next generation. Mothers who long to leave an unbroken legacy of faith for the you and those precious children who you are raising.

You are strong, sweet mom! And we are here to help you remain strong.

And when you begin to feel like you can’t go on, we are here to lift you up.

And when you feel you have nothing left to give, we help you discover the power that has been there all the time.

And when you feel you faith is gone, we remind you that God is faithful, even when we are not.

And when your children test your last never, we help you discover you have one more.

You are stronger than you know you are. You are wiser than you give yourself credit. You are mighty. We are mentors. And we’re in this together.

If you are receiving this by email, please click here to view…I promise you’ll be glad you did!

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How to Alt-Ctrl-Delete Your Life

May 3, 2013 By

At times in our lives, we reach a point where we simply need a restart to get everything smoothly working again.  For me that comes in time with the LORD. Sometimes that time becomes to us another thing on the long, laundry list we fill and are overwhelmed by each day.  But it doesn’t have to be so hard. It is a time apart with our dearest friend, Jesus, who gets us when we are distracted or worn thin as a sheet. So we come to Him and find rest, joy and blessing.

100_5214Right now, these are my quiet time materials: Beth Moore’s A Heart Like His devotional journal (about David), My Partner Prayer Notebook by Becky Tirabassi, a three-divider notebook, and my Bible (an ESV study Bible, not pictured). This is something I try to do every morning before going downstairs. I do it because I need it–not to check off a list, not to say that I did it, not really even to share it with others. I spend this time because I NEED it.

Also, I have some devotionals that I change out every year.  My current ones are Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman and Tozer on the Almighty God (A VERY GOOD ONE!!), a great compilation of A.W. Tozer’s writings.  I stagger reading various non-fiction books, too, that challenge my walk with the Lord.  The ones that have blessed me lately are E.M. Bounds on Prayer, Angie Smith’s What Women Fear and Brennan Manning’s Memoir All is Grace.

Finally, I read fiction–I love to read fiction and often am spurred on in the faith from various writers. I am re-reading Tolkein’s The Hobbit right now and then this summer, I’ll be diving into his Lord of the Rings series, which I have never read.  Many of these materials have so marked my life that I am truly different because of taking their words to heart.

I have heard different Bible teachers and pastors say that any trouble you are facing at any given moment, the Bible has something to say about it. It’s timeless and has an answer for these troubles. That is true. But you have to read it to find out!

A Bible concordance is a great place to find answers to various topics.  Read beyond one scripture–read the whole chapter and book.  If you are wanting to grow in the area of studying the Bible, Beth Moore wrote a blog post here that will show you tools to begin and get deeper into study of the Word.

I cannot count the times when I have been reading along in the Bible and found that a theme would begin in my mind about something I’m dealing with–be it people, situations or even myself. I know this is because of the Holy Spirit. When I asked Christ in my life to save me and forgive me, He entrusted me with His Spirit. So anytime I am reading the Bible or discussing something with a friend, I will hear a MESSAGE from Him. It may be like this, “stop this conversation now, you are walking down the wrong road.” Or I may read and hear, “go and call this person now, ask about their family.” Now I know I didn’t just come up with these things. They happen! And because I heed His voice in these matters, I find that the messages get louder and clearer each time.

When I have a quiet time, at times I face an inner struggle. My mind will focus on the to-do list that day or I can’t seem to “take-in” what I’m reading. I struggle with sitting still and being quiet. Wanting to make it fresh myself, I buy brightly colored materials–I love a blank page! I try to trick myself into thinking that it will make a difference. But it won’t. It doesn’t. That is when I hear His message to me again, “Just Me, Holly. Just take time in my Word. Keep it simple. You are trying to do too much at once and for the wrong reason.”

At times, we all need to re-boot our systems. Get rid of the junk that has accumulated, and start again with the basic programs to run more smoothly. The Lord comes in an enlarges our memory, as we spend time with Him. He gets rid of those nasty viruses of self: pride, self-importance, greed, jealousy, gossip, and simply getting our priorities mixed up. I need that! Sometimes, I hear His gentle reminder to me and sometimes He gets in my face about what attitudes I’m choosing. And I say, Yes, Lord. You’re right, Lord. AGAIN Lord, I come to you with hands upturned and mouth ready to be filled with good things in your Presence.

Exodus 33:14
The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 89:15
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.

REST-JOY-BLESSING: we all need these every day! Get in His Word and keep it simple. You will be so glad you did!

By Holly Smith

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The M.O.M. Initiative is a ministry devoted to taking Titus 2 to the streets and making mentoring intentionally missional…and as a way of help to support this ministry, The M.O.M. Initiative is offering an affiliate link that provides you with a great group of resources at a very low cost. SEE THE LIST BELOW to check out what you get for only $29.97! (A $640 Value)

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Do You Laugh With Your Kids? & the Ultimate Homemaking eBook Bundle ($640 Value for Only $29.97)

May 2, 2013 By

mom & Grace (1)Samuel, my ten-year-old, came into the kitchen and held out his hand. “Look Mom, I’m double-jointed!” He went on to make motions and wave his fingers around my face in comical ways.

I tried hard to keep a straight face, while visions of Spock and Captain Kirk danced in my head.

“So, what exactly does that mean, son?”

Looking up at me, he stared straight in my eyes and said in all seriousness. “It means that no one can ever break my fingers.”

After he left the kitchen, I busted a gut.

Now, there’s a difference between laughing at your kids and laughing with them. But, in order to laugh with them you must begin to see the humor in every day moments.

Our almost nineteen year old son was getting ready for a job interview, yesterday. I reminded him, “Son, don’t forget to use your ma’am’s and sir’s.”

He looked surprised, “Thanks Mom. I was going to use my dawg’s and homies’.”

Kids who laugh become adults who can Laugh

I grew up in a family of hopeless comedians. My husband is a really funny guy, too. Laughter is heard in our home every day. I know it’s not very funny to say we’re funny…but we’re funny. Our family is not without the heartaches of the world. We’ve been dealt a few painful blows. Still, laughter is a God given gift that we’ve leaned on to help heal the hurts.

When you raise your children to seek humor in their daily routine,

you raise adults who can laugh even when life is hard.

 

Laughter in Your Home?

What about your home? Do you laugh with your children? Do your children hear you laughing with your husband? Here’s a few ways to encourage laughter in your family, no matter what your comedic skill.

Watch a movie/TV together. Our family loves to rent a DVD and laugh out loud. Some of our favorites? Finding Nemo. Summer Rental. Scrooged. Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The Princess Bride. Favorite funny TV shows? Duck Dynasty and Drake & Josh.

Watch home videos. At least once a year I’ll bring out some home movies. The kids think it’s hysterical watching each other when they were small.

Get a joke book. The library is full of funny books and joke books for any age. Some of the funniest are the ones written for children. When Samuel brought home 101 Jokes and shared a few with us. The punch lines were so pathetically horrible we couldn’t help but crack up.

Look silly every once in awhile. Make faces, dance around the kitchen, talk in a funny voice when you read a bedtime story. Our family recently moved from California to Tennessee. There have been days I announce, “Everywhere we go we’re talking with a southern twang.” The kids crack up listening to their father and I try to pull that one off!

Laughter and joy go hand in hand. Maybe that’s why God included the verse in Nehemiah; The joy of the Lord is our strength? Where Christ reigns in our life joy isn’t far off.

Remember, God gave us our children as a gift. Children bring incredible joy into our lives. It’s a fair trade off when we can bring a little laughter into theirs.

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” Psalm 126:2 ESV

 

By, Joanne Kraft

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