Laugh a Little

As a dad, some of my greatest memories are seeing and hearing my kids laugh for the first time. It is so enjoyable to tickle them and get them laughing. Even as they get older to really see them laugh is a lot of fun for me. I am sure most all parents will agree.

If you are like me, there are also other instances which cause you to laugh. Sometimes just thinking about it causes you to laugh. It could have been a life experience or a movie line. As laughter is the subject for the day, that brings us to this week's quote...

A laugh is a smile that bursts. ~ Mary Waldrip

I challenge you to think about laughter today and find something that prompts it in you. If it is a movie, maybe look it up on YouTube and see if that scene is on there. If it is a life experience, recall that experience as you are having some time to yourself.

Whatever you do, just take some time to find a way to laugh. As the section in Reader's Digest is titled, "Laughter is the Best Medicine."

Make your smile burst today...laugh a little!

Now, it's your turn, what is it it that makes you laugh? or what "laughter" memory is one that stands out?

Smiling at Daddy...

It is probably safe to say that practically every parent soaks up every smile their child gives them, especially when they are babies and just learning to smile.

Our six-month-old has been smiling for a few months now. Even though I'm not able to compare, since this is our first child, he seems to be one of the "smiley-est" babies that I've ever known. He smiles at his mom and me. He smiles at family and friends. He even smiles at strangers when they talk to him.

His smiles are infectious. I smile every time he smiles. Oliver lights up a room with his ear-to-ear smile.

Parents must love it when their children look up at them and smile. I can only imagine what God, the Father, must feel like to see His children "look to Him" and smile...it must bring so much joy to Him, too!

Look over in the right hand column for some pictures of Oliver to see his smiles.

Taking in each and every smile...

Happy Father's Day!

Tomorrow is Father's Day. It is my first Father's Day. If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know that I have a son that is just a few months old. He is the best! He is a miracle, a blessing, an absolute joy to have. He's got the best and most beautiful mother in the whole world, which I am blessed to call her my wife!

This year will be special since it is my first one. What was your first one like? (leave comments below). Actually, each day seems like Father's Day. Each day I wake up and see his face he gives me BIG smiles. When I come home from work at noon or in the evening, I get the same great response...BIG smiles! Sometimes, it is combined with some rapid arm and leg movements! Oh, it's priceless!

We "waited" ten years...and it has been ever-so-much worth the wait!!!

I hope you are able to have as good of a Father's Day as I will have!!!

Not able to get enough of fatherhood...

Monday Mentionings: Dedication of the Wall: Nehemiah 12:27

Good News! I just checked and relief (as I would describe it) from the heat is in sight! By the time some of you read this, it may have already changed. I look forward to the warmer temperatures about March, but in October I look forward to the cooler temperatures.

After all the building that took place by the Jews, the wall around Jerusalem has been completed and is now being dedicated. Once a big project is completed, a time of celebration tends to follow. They celebrated "with gladness, with thanksgiving and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres." (English Standard Version) God helped the finish the walls, but He was not finished with them. Just like God is not finished with us. We are both, in a sense, always "Under Construction". As we ended the series with a dedication, let us look at how we can dedicate ourselves, regularly, to God by these applications...

1. Smile - Rededicate yourself through a smile. A good, meaningful smile means that you are glad. Gladness has positive health results, promoting a longer life of service to God! So, smile, and then, go serve!
2. Thanksgiving - Rededicate yourself through being thankful. Many jobs can be very thankless. Rarely did I get "thanked" from a participating team, for umpiring. God gives and gives, and we probably overlook many of the things that He does give - clean air, potable water, etc. Be a servant of thanks!
3. Praise - Rededicate yourself through praise. What is a favorite praise song? Take time to sing or hum it regularly this week. As Psalm 40:3-4 talks about a "new song" that has been put in our mouth...maybe you can make up a new song to praise God with!
4. Instruments - Rededicate yourself through being instrumental. Be instrumental in getting the message of Jesus out there. Maybe it will be through a compliment, a card/e-mail, a phone call, being patient, or whatever. Just be conscientious about the many opportunities that we get to be God's hands and feet on earth. How will you be instrumental for Him?

Have a great week and look forward to the cooler temperatures!

Serving Him ~

E-mail Encouragement - Things Happening to You

What has been happening in your life lately? I am sure the weather (how hot/dry it is) has been a subject in your recent conversations. Hopefully, the distractions from the "ideal" weather patterns have not kept you from getting ready to "build a wall." I read a few additional chapters this week to stay ahead with the book of Nehemiah, and I have to say that there is a lot of great stuff in there. I am so looking forward to "panning for the gold" that God has put in there for me to find.

As God works along side of you and gives you opportunities to connect others closer to Jesus, I liked what this quote said...

Things are not happening to you. Things are happening because of you. ~ Anonymous

So, what "things" will you make happen "because of you"? It could be for bad, as we could complain, criticize, ridicule, gossip, etc. Or, hopefully, it will be for good, as we compliment, encourage, praise, help, smile at, etc. Maybe you can think of something else that could happen "because of you". Also, think about how someone could become closer to Jesus "because of you". How have you seen God working in your life?

Have a great rest of the week!

Serving Him ~

E-mail Encouragement: Are You Excited?!

Are you excited? Not for anything specific, but just excited. When you're excited about something you tend to show it. That said, here is this week's quote...

Enthusiasm is excitement with inspiration, motivation, and a pinch of creativity.
~ Bo Bennett

You've probably heard that "enthusiasm is contagious, be a carrier". If you are working this week, normally people "wear down" toward the end. What can you do to keep the morale up? Maybe buy that "downer" a soda or snack that they really like and tell them it was "just because" or something like that. If you are at home, maybe do something nice for your family member, that is out of the blue. What about in the assembly? I challenge everyone to pray on Saturday and/or Sunday for God to give us good night's of rest, easy "get ready" time on Sunday, and that God would prepare our hearts and minds before hand to come together with the family to learn about and praise Them (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).

This week will be a smile week. See if you can smile before the other person smiles at you. If it's a tie or if either person never had an expression other than a smile, that's OK. See what happens! As a "warm-up" start practicing on those you come in contact with from now till Sunday!