Last night I heard a friend say that we should start the Christmas season with laughter. I think it sounds like a grand idea! A merry heart is a good medicine, or so I've read (see Proverbs 17:22).
Christmas is a time to be merry. It is a season of joy because the Good News has been shared with us. God loved us so much that He sent His Son to make a way for us to be reconciled to God. I can laugh about that. It is not a laughter that is skeptical, or deriding. It is a laughter that bubbles up from within and spills out in a joyful noise. I am sure that God would love to see His children smile and praise Him through the joyful noise of laughter because they are free from the eternal consequences of sin.
Yes, there are still many consequences of sin that we endure here on earth, but eternally we will live forever in a beautiful sin-free place! Can you hear the angels laughing with praise over us? I sometimes think I can. They see Gods amazing grace cover our sin and they laugh with glee knowing that God has done a wondrous thing in us!
So, the question I offer you today is, will you laugh with me this Christmas? Join me in a symphony of praising God that bubbles up from deep within and showers the world with the joy we know in Christ Jesus our Savior; the Son of God, born under a star, laid in a manger, lived a perfect life so He could be the Lamb that was slain for the sins of the world. Let's laugh!
Joyful Lord, God of Merry hearts, You gave us a Spirit who seals our hearts with joy! You Are worthy to be praised with all our being. Thank You for Christmas! Thank You for all it means for the world. I want to splash in your love until my joy bubbles up into laughter for the wonders that You have given me! Let the laughter grow!
Showing posts with label laughter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label laughter. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Laughing Out Loud
This morning I have been wondering when I last laughed out loud. Since I can't readily remember, I figure it is time to look for a laughing moment. To be honest, I am not looking for a little TeeHee or even a short HaHa moment. I want my next laugh to be a belly filled squeeze that makes my eyes leak and maybe get me close to wetting my pants!
In the past I've laughed like that over little bitty things. Sometimes it is something I say that made no sense or came out wrong. Sometimes it is someone else who has let go with just that little bit off kilter trivia that suddenly tickles me deep inside. It is always a surprise! It is those little things that can open up the lid with which I've kept my emotions in check. It is time to pop it off and give my tummy a workout, squeezing all the bottled up worries, confusion and fears out and fill me up with the simple pleasure of laughter.
I have a picture of Jesus laughing. It is an inspiration to me because thinking of Him enjoying a good laugh lets me know there is joy in this crazy mixed up world. Jesus came into the world to do serious business. He wept many times. I'd like to think He also laughed much! What do you think He laughed about?
Did Jesus laugh with the little children? Maybe the disciples disapproved of the children coming to Him because they were too serious minded to see the benefit of laughter. Did Jesus laugh at the wedding feast and maybe even chuckle at His mommas' request for help? Did Jesus laugh at dinner with Zacheus and his tax collector friends? In what does Jesus find delight? Does He laugh with me over the silly things I do? Well, maybe He just laughs. I can be too serious about my little missteps most of the time. :o) I think I'll read one of the Gospels and look for times when Jesus could have laughed.
Jesus, You are a Joyful Spirit. You are the fullness of Joy! Your joy gives me strength! I am too serious sometimes, Lord. I know there are times I must be sober, but these days are overwhelmingly trying and I see light in Your laughter! I want to run to You and be engulfed in your pleasure and Your joy! Thank you for filling me with good things. I pray that I will soon be surprised by Your deep joy that squeezes me to the point of tears! Would You let me share it with someone too? That will double my lasting happiness!
In the past I've laughed like that over little bitty things. Sometimes it is something I say that made no sense or came out wrong. Sometimes it is someone else who has let go with just that little bit off kilter trivia that suddenly tickles me deep inside. It is always a surprise! It is those little things that can open up the lid with which I've kept my emotions in check. It is time to pop it off and give my tummy a workout, squeezing all the bottled up worries, confusion and fears out and fill me up with the simple pleasure of laughter.
I have a picture of Jesus laughing. It is an inspiration to me because thinking of Him enjoying a good laugh lets me know there is joy in this crazy mixed up world. Jesus came into the world to do serious business. He wept many times. I'd like to think He also laughed much! What do you think He laughed about?
Did Jesus laugh with the little children? Maybe the disciples disapproved of the children coming to Him because they were too serious minded to see the benefit of laughter. Did Jesus laugh at the wedding feast and maybe even chuckle at His mommas' request for help? Did Jesus laugh at dinner with Zacheus and his tax collector friends? In what does Jesus find delight? Does He laugh with me over the silly things I do? Well, maybe He just laughs. I can be too serious about my little missteps most of the time. :o) I think I'll read one of the Gospels and look for times when Jesus could have laughed.
Jesus, You are a Joyful Spirit. You are the fullness of Joy! Your joy gives me strength! I am too serious sometimes, Lord. I know there are times I must be sober, but these days are overwhelmingly trying and I see light in Your laughter! I want to run to You and be engulfed in your pleasure and Your joy! Thank you for filling me with good things. I pray that I will soon be surprised by Your deep joy that squeezes me to the point of tears! Would You let me share it with someone too? That will double my lasting happiness!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
When You Want to Cry
Today has been a day when I just wanted to cry. It was the kind of day when you have to laugh at something...any thing just to keep sane.
It began fairly normal, in fact, I thought it was going to be pretty good at first. Grandman Scott arrived still sleepy so back to bed he went. The girls took off to school and I got in the shower. Pretty soon, in comes Brooke saying that Paige had ran on ahead of her and left her alone on the road to school. I panic. Dressed as fast as possible and hopped into the car to find Paige. She was walking with some other kids and was surprised to find us following her! I let her and Brooke have an earful of cautions about never being separated!
Back home to begin the process of going through last years' receipts. After hours of trying to make sense out of what I need to keep and what I don't, I decide I need some organization. It is not a good time to organize when you are watching three kids and two of their friends as well.
I don't even want to tell you about the computer confusions! UGH! If I only had a sure income I'd be buying a new computer!
So here I sit wanting to cry and not really ready to laugh about it all, but I figure I will in a day or two. These kind of days must have some redeeming factor. I figure it must be that a good laugh will come and bring some healing, right?
Lord, I could use a laugh dipped in chocolate right now! I know You have been watching all this transpire and You have kept us all safe. You have given me little children to lead me as I watch them cry out their hurts and move on to the next fun happening! Let me be like a little child. Let me laugh tomorrow!
It began fairly normal, in fact, I thought it was going to be pretty good at first. Grandman Scott arrived still sleepy so back to bed he went. The girls took off to school and I got in the shower. Pretty soon, in comes Brooke saying that Paige had ran on ahead of her and left her alone on the road to school. I panic. Dressed as fast as possible and hopped into the car to find Paige. She was walking with some other kids and was surprised to find us following her! I let her and Brooke have an earful of cautions about never being separated!
Back home to begin the process of going through last years' receipts. After hours of trying to make sense out of what I need to keep and what I don't, I decide I need some organization. It is not a good time to organize when you are watching three kids and two of their friends as well.
I don't even want to tell you about the computer confusions! UGH! If I only had a sure income I'd be buying a new computer!
So here I sit wanting to cry and not really ready to laugh about it all, but I figure I will in a day or two. These kind of days must have some redeeming factor. I figure it must be that a good laugh will come and bring some healing, right?
Lord, I could use a laugh dipped in chocolate right now! I know You have been watching all this transpire and You have kept us all safe. You have given me little children to lead me as I watch them cry out their hurts and move on to the next fun happening! Let me be like a little child. Let me laugh tomorrow!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
A Merry Heart
In the last couple of months I have enjoyed two belly-laughing times with my granddaughters. We laughed until our sides hurt and every little thought or comment made us laugh more, even if it wasn't that funny! It makes me feel good to laugh like that, at least after my side stops hurting!
The movie Mary Poppins has a scene where a group of friends are laughing so hard that they float to the top of the ceiling. Every time I laugh hard I think how wonderful it would be to float to the ceiling. In a way I do. My spirit rises and I feel as if I can soar over any troubles I may have. It is better than going to the doctor, having painful surgery or running a mile. I get similar or BETTER benefits from laughter. My heart races, my muscles tighten and relax and though I end up with a side ache I know it will heal much quicker than an incision.
Laughter breaks up the dark clouds and offers a sunny outlook. A good giggle will put the world into perspective and offer smiles to those we meet.
In the world of so much bad news we need laughter. We need the joy of the Lord! God says His joy is our strength. We need a smile and a good laugh to get us through the day. A merry heart does good like medicine. Have you had your dose of laughter today?
The movie Mary Poppins has a scene where a group of friends are laughing so hard that they float to the top of the ceiling. Every time I laugh hard I think how wonderful it would be to float to the ceiling. In a way I do. My spirit rises and I feel as if I can soar over any troubles I may have. It is better than going to the doctor, having painful surgery or running a mile. I get similar or BETTER benefits from laughter. My heart races, my muscles tighten and relax and though I end up with a side ache I know it will heal much quicker than an incision.
Laughter breaks up the dark clouds and offers a sunny outlook. A good giggle will put the world into perspective and offer smiles to those we meet.
In the world of so much bad news we need laughter. We need the joy of the Lord! God says His joy is our strength. We need a smile and a good laugh to get us through the day. A merry heart does good like medicine. Have you had your dose of laughter today?
Monday, August 25, 2008
Laughter
What makes you laugh? Maybe you enjoy a little twist of words, like I do. I like watching Jay Leno's Headlines. I enjoy the little things children say that are turned around or words used in the wrong way. I like the funny way we people can blurt out something. As it tumbles along it gathers a giggle, then a heehaw, and rolls on into a big belly laugh!
The funny thing about me is that I take my words seriously and try not to make those silly and enjoyable blunders! I know that God's word is serious too, but even He likes to turn a phrase in an unusual way.He sprinkles His story with little tickles that lighten our lives and bring us a bit of fun!
We have an incredible God that knows us so well! He is aware that living can be really stressful and serious and we need relief. A smile, giggle, tickle, and laughter help us see the light in the darkness. I think He laughs with us, too.
Here are my "paragrafts" Brooke! They were fun to write!
Yes, Lord, I laughed today! Thanks for giving me the ability to laugh! It makes me feel better!
The funny thing about me is that I take my words seriously and try not to make those silly and enjoyable blunders! I know that God's word is serious too, but even He likes to turn a phrase in an unusual way.He sprinkles His story with little tickles that lighten our lives and bring us a bit of fun!
We have an incredible God that knows us so well! He is aware that living can be really stressful and serious and we need relief. A smile, giggle, tickle, and laughter help us see the light in the darkness. I think He laughs with us, too.
Here are my "paragrafts" Brooke! They were fun to write!
Yes, Lord, I laughed today! Thanks for giving me the ability to laugh! It makes me feel better!
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