Maybe Life isn’t Meant to Take so Seriously

Receiving inspiration for my daily blog is serious matter to me. Thinking that I needed to make this day’s blog to be one of encouraging those who are in pain physically, or mentally from the loss of their job, special events or even the loss of a loved one, I scanned my social media timeline. I wanted to see who I could pray for and who needed an encouraging word. I was ready to pour on some liquid love.

But, you know what? I couldn’t find one woe-is-me post. It was the day after July 4th and, literally, all I saw were family and personal celebrations of life – fireworks, little children all dolled-up in their July 4th best attire, beautiful photos of Mt Rushmore with the Navy Blue Angels flying over and the words of gratitude for our country and for each other. So, today, I’m jumping on that “Happy Train”, too! That’s what we need. We need to look up and look out at our blessings. We need to appreciate the humor and the joys of this very moment. Often, it’s the small things that matter the most anyway and the little inspirations we get from the off-roads – like the email I received from my friend telling me about South Africa’s Kulula Airlines.

Kulula Airlines is an actual low-cost South African airline that doesn't take itself too seriously. It’s a pity Kulula doesn’t fly internationally. We should support them if only for their humor. Check out how their jet is even wrapped in humor!

On a Kulula flight, you sit where you want -- no assigned seating. Passengers seemed to be having a hard time choosing their seats, when a flight attendant announced, "People! We're not picking out furniture here, find a seat and get in it!"

From a Kulula flight attendant: "Welcome aboard Kulula 271 to Port Elizabeth. To operate your seat belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle, and pull tight. It works just like every other seat belt; and, if you don't know how to operate one, you probably shouldn't be out in public unsupervised."

On another flight with a very "senior" flight attendant crew, the pilot said, "Ladies & gentlemen, we've reached cruising altitude and we'll be turning down the cabin lights for your comfort and to enhance the appearance of your flight attendants."

On another flight with a very "senior" flight attendant crew, the pilot said, "Ladies & gentlemen, we've reached cruising altitude and will be turning down the cabin lights. This is for your comfort and to enhance the appearance of your flight attendants."

As the plane landed and was coming to a stop at Durban Airport, a lone voice came over the loudspeaker: "Whoa, big fella. WHOA!" "As you exit the plane, make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses."

Another flight attendant's comment on a less than perfect landing: "We ask you to please remain seated as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to the terminal."

An airline pilot wrote that on this particular flight he had hammered his ship into the runway really hard. The airline had a policy which required the first officer to stand at the door while the passengers exited, smile, and give them a "Thanks for flying our airline". He said that, in light of his bad landing, he had a hard time looking the passengers in the eye, thinking that someone would have a smart comment. Finally, everyone had gotten off except for a little old lady walking with a cane. She said, "Sir, do you mind if I ask you a question?" “Why, no Ma'am," said the pilot. "What is it?" The little old lady said, "Did we land, or were we shot down?”

Well, that’s it for this “Happy Train….rather Happy Plane” blog for today. I attribute this entire blog to Psalm 17:22 “A merry heart does good, like medicine.” So, you’re welcome. Take your “merry heart” medicine and spread God’s joy to someone today. This one did me good. I hope it does good for you, your outlook and those who you spread the joy with today!

We Have a Lamp Inside Us -- Light it Up With a Smile!

I've been on both sides of a smile -- giving it and receiving it. I learned from first-hand experience the importance of a smile. I've been the "new girl", already nervous about my first day on-the-job, and a kind and warm, smiling fellow employee meets me with the biggest smile and welcome that cuts right through all those jitters. I learned from that experience, when I was the employer or a fellow employee and absolutely knew I could be the "smiling" light the new employee needed.

My pastor in Tulsa told my husband and me that whenever he looked out at the crowd, he would purposely look for us because we were affirming and embracing him through our smiles. Oh, I've been on his side, too -- looking out at the audience.... to find that smile worn by a loving and supportive listener.

Have you ever delivered a message or announcement to a group or crowd of people and did your best to overcome those mellow, icy stares or frowning faces looking back at you? You really do have to hand it to speakers, teachers, leaders, pastors, and ministers who can motivate audiences who are looking back at them with those seemingly unhappy, sullen and serious faces.

I know some folks just can't help it. They have a natural frown and they're not really unhappy. In fact, I often walk past a mirror or I see a photo that someone has taken of me that I didn't get to pose for, and I think "Donna -- be on purpose with smiling -- think about it, and SMILE!" God has something to say about smiling:

Proverbs 15:13 "A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of the heart, the spirit is crushed."

Proverbs 17:22 "A merry heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

Psalm 34:5 "Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed."

Besides God's ideas, there are other good reasons to smile:
~ Smiling can make you happy (even when you're not).
~ Smiling can help you de-stress.
~ Smiling can help you land a job.
~ Smiling can lead to laughter.
~ Smiling just feels good.

This isn't profound, but I know that a smile says "In spite of my circumstances -- good or bad -- I am blessed and I win!" I'll take that! I'm smiling BIG! Let's give out smiles -- it just may be the turn-around someone needs to brighten and lighten their day and load!

A Good Sense of Humor and a Merry Heart -- Good Like Medicine

Sense of Humor: funny side, amusement, hilarity, good humor, merry, funniness, lighthearted, spirited. A good sense of humor just happens in everyday conversations. It doesn't mean memorizing jokes and jamming them into conversations. A good sense of humor can turn messes and unfortunate circumstances into a great relief from the stress of it all. A good sense of humor can shine a light on the darkness of a moment.

My sis, Karen, and I have always had a good sense of humor. We could make the simplest mistake turn into tear-dropping, floor stomping, run-to-the-restroom-quick laughter! And that came in handy when we went into the Estate Sales business years ago just after my husband and I purchased land with its old home, barn, chicken coop, and farm equipment, along with most of the contents in the house. This experience amped up our sense of humor. Our merry hearts led the way for getting into the yucky crooks and crannies of that old house when we were cleaning it. Dead AND alive rats. spiders and their webs, cockroaches, etc., BUT, we also found many vintage treasures. There were relics and vintage finds that we didn't even know what they were or used for. Our set-up of that sale was so professional and our merry-hearts' attitudes with the folks that came to the sale, caused them to want us to do an estate sale for them. That spurred us on and, whoa la -- A-1 Estate Sales began. Merry hearts and a good sense of humor opened the door for us to have a thriving, successful business of which people would tell us “You’re the BEST!” The estate sale business is a work-out, but if you have a merry heart, a good sense of humor, love people and want to help them in times of transition and need, it's a great business AND mission field.

We witnessed the “junk” of many become the “treasures” for others. We’re now working on ONE LAST SALE (we think). Precious Mom, at age 95, was moved to Karen and George’s a couple of months ago. Mom has been a trooper – giving away so many of her things to friends and families, but, oh my goodness, there is still so much to be sold. We have laughed at HUMOROUS memories from some of those items, and cried bucketfuls of precious family times in this home.

Karen and I are “eating this elephant one bite at a time”. That’s what we said at each “sale” we took on. Initially, it would be overwhelming – but we’d LAUGH our way through it and before long, another successful sale and satisfied clients.

My post today was inspired by last week’s HUMOR that kept us going. Karen came into Mom's house while I was working in a back room and surprised me with a loud GOOD MORNING! I nearly jumped out of my skin. She jumped and started blinking and said, “Oh, NO! I’ve lost my contact!” We got on our hands and knees, looking AND praying for about 20 minutes, when she started belly-laughing out loud, and said, “Oh my goodness! I never put my contacts in this morning!" Then there was the Montgomery Ward "vintage" heat massager we found (shown here). We laughed hysterically as we thought we needed to put a sign on it -- "Use at your own risk"!

One morning, Karen came into the house, with something tucked under her arm. She said, “I dreamed that Sheila (my BFF) was here at the house shopping and you went to her and said, ‘Sheila, I know you want to buy me something from this sale, don’t you?’ To which Sheila said, “Uh, sure I do. What would you like?” And I said, “This frog!” That’s the frog pictured here that Karen had remembered in the garage and brought it to me. Of course that brought on our belly-laughter that ensued for several minutes. Oh, yes, that frog will stay with me -- for a memory -- and MAYBE it represents a prince coming my way!

Karen went with us to almost every doctor appointment for my husband. She would provide that shoulder to cry AND laugh on during some of our darkest times. We still laugh about so many hilarious experiences we had at the treatment center and hospitals. Those are the GOOD things we love to think about. Why was “sense of humor” my word for today? Because I want to give you a treasure – like the treasures we found in many of our estate sales. What treasures could be found in your junk and funk? Maybe you're so loaded down with care and concern that your "presence" dims the lights in the room and your soul is downcast. King David said, “Why be downcast oh my soul? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 43:5

It's time to amp up the "SENSE OF HUMOR" light that's been hidden far too long. God is ready to shine through us and turn us into a beautiful lights that He can use as a precious vessel of encouragement, peace and joy to bless others. Your SENSE of HUMOR, your joy-filled face and spirit -- just might be the what they need today. .Go ahead and let the laughter roll After all, it's very good medicine for the soul! "A merry heart does good like a medicine."Proverbs 17:22."

Do We Reflect God's Glory?

Do We Reflect God's Glory?
Have you ever been on the other side of the audience -- the side of the speaker who is speaking to the audi? I have, and I’ve learned to focus on the smiling faces and those with the bright and glistening “I’m with you” eyes, and simply overlook those mellow faces looking back at me.

You've got to hand it to pastors, ministers, speakers and leaders who can motivate audiences that are looking back at them with those seemingly unhappy, sullen and serious faces. I know some folks who really aren't unhappy. They just can't help it, because they have a natural frown. In fact, I often walk past a mirror or I see a photo that someone has taken of me that I didn't get to pose for, and I think "Donna -- be on purpose with smiling -- think about Who lives big in you, and SMILE!"

It really is about displaying a happy face that is the outward expression of the inner peace that dwells in us. Check out this scripture: “Our faces, then, are not covered. We all show the Lord’s glory and we are being changed to be like Him.” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

We were just at the Mount of Transfiguration (aka Mount Tabor) in Israel, and we were reminded of how Jesus’ appearance was changed. “His face became bright like the sun.” (Matthew 17:2).

As I read scriptures, I’m more than aware of how God was extraordinarily on purpose with making an impression on those who were in the presence of our Lord. In that case, it was His “Chosen 3” -- Peter, James and John (Sounds like a great name for a gospel singing trio, doesn’t it?), and that impression carried on to you and me by their experience. I believe the example of Christ’s glowing face is an example for you and I, to follow. Our face is the most public part of our bodies, covered less than any other area (well except for the coloring we girls add to the canvas ;-) ). It is also the most recognizable part of our bodies.

Just think about our schools' annuals or the church’s directory or the family photos on the walls of our homes – they are all photos of our faces….not our feet. God desires to take our faces, this exposed and memorable part of our bodies, and use them to reflect His glory, His goodness and His mercy.

Our worship, praise and adoration to the One who deserves worship, praise and adoration will indeed change the face of worshipers. Proverbs 17:22: "A merry heart does good like a medicine,,,,", and we just can't be merry and joyful without a big smile planted across our face. This isn't profound, but I know that a smile says "In spite of my circumstances -- good or bad -- I am blessed and I win!"

Maybe it's time to do a check up from the neck up to see of we are exuding the love and joy of our risen Lord! Just maybe we are the only "Jesus" that others see, and I expect that He was full of the joy of the Lord! I love this photo that I like to think that our Lord looked like, so many times as He patiently led His Motley Crew of disciples!!

This Doctor Made My Day

Seems like there's a doctor for everything these days. Besides medical doctors, there are phone doctors, plumbing doctors, computer doctors and yesterday I met The Blind Doctor, Marvin. I know you must be thinking he must have a visual impairment, but not so. This sweet 80 something year old man is "The Blind Doctor" who repairs and restores window blinds and shades, and one of my shades needed a "house call" from the doctor.

What was to be a typical service call ended up being one of the most delightful encounters with the wittiest, kindest and quite astute blind repair guy.

My first comment was "You made my day!" His reply: "No, God did." I said, "You've got a great sense of humor." His reply: "Great humor, but not much sense!" I said "Do you have a screw and screw driver for that?" He said, "Does a duck have feathers?" Then he said, "Some folks call me a smart aleck. I say back to them, 'No, just Aleck, not so smart." Then he told me some jokes:

"A man met St. Peter when he got to heaven.
St. Peter: "What did you do to deserve getting here?"
The Man: "I defended the rights of a woman."
St. Peter: "How so?"
The Man: "Well a motorcycle gang was being rude to a lady and I told them to leave her alone or I'd have to let them have it.
St. Peter: "What happened then?"
The Man: "The leader of the gang came after me, so I ripped the ring out of his nose."
St. Peter: "When did this happen?
The Man: "Two minutes ago."

Marvin went on....."I need to tell you my Baptist joke. There was this small town that thrived for years because of their saw mill, but times got bad and the saw mill closed and people started leaving town. There were only two Protestant churches left, a Baptist Church and a Christian Church. The two pastors got together and thought they should join the two congregations together since the congregations were so small. The Baptist pastor said, "I'll preach Sunday morning this week, and you preach Sunday night. Then next week, you preach Sunday morning and I'll preach Sunday night. After those two weeks, we can see who they want to be their pastor. And so they did as they said, and at the end of the two weeks, the Christian Church pastor gave his spiel of why he should be pastor and then the Baptist pastor made his spiel. About that time, an old guy at the back of the church came to the front waving his finger and saying "I want you to know I've been Baptist for over 75 years. Nobody's gonna' make a Christian out of me!"

Marvin's last joke was about a church and their building fund. They had some funds left over after the building was completed so the Construction Committee recommended a chandelier for the sanctuary be purchased with the excess funds. One old guy jumped to his feet and said, "I'm agin' it and here's why:
Number one -- No one can even spell it.
Number two -- There's no one here that knows how to play it.
Number three -- We need to spend that money on getting some lights put in here!"

Marvin accomplished his task of repairing my shade, but Marvin came -- not just with the tools of his trade. He came with a merry heart, a sweet and gentle spirit and no doubt gave me his best when he shared it all with me. I'm quite certain that he's told those jokes hundreds of times. But on this day, he AND God MADE my day! Wouldn't it be great if we had a bag filled with tools like Marvin had to MAKE the day of those we encounter?

Changing is Possible

I know it’s hard to believe, but in all honesty, I was a shy,timid introvert as I grew up. I avoided crowds, parties, and situations that would cause me to HAVE to interact with people. So, obviously, I was not chosen to be “Most Popular”. And, I know it’s even harder to believe that I am still, not by nature, outgoing. I literally have to force myself to walk up to people and create conversation. BUT, I realized, long ago, that if I remained in that mind-set, I would never have friends. “If you want friends, you must show yourself friendly.” I had to be willing to get out of my comfort zone and be willing to change. I had to become "tweak-able"!

One of my favorite authors, Max Lucado, puts it this way: “Here’s some good news. You aren’t stuck with today’s personality. You aren’t condemned to “grumpydom.” You are tweak-able! So what if you were born a bigot? You don’t have to die one. Where did we get the idea we can’t change? Where do statements come from such as, “It’s just my nature to worry,” or. . . “I’ll always be pessimistic. I’m just that way.” Or, “I have a bad temper. I can’t help the way I react.” Who says? Would we say, “It’s just my nature to have a broken leg. I can’t do anything about it.” Of course not. If our body malfunctions, we seek help. Shouldn’t we do the same with our hearts? Can’t we seek aid for our sour attitudes? Of course we can. Jesus can change our hearts! He wants us to have a heart like His!”

And, I add to Max’s words, if we desire to be that outgoing, optimistic, cheerful personality that others want to hang with, then, we must purpose to live outside our comfort zones. We need to be the gal or guy that we want to hang with. When we're that gal or guy – others will gravitate to our "sunny" and even "funny" dispositions. They'll want to hang with us because we exude He Who lives BIG in us AND His personality ROCKS with joy, peace, abundance, patience, beauty and a merry heart!

Not Just WHAT, but WHY and WHO

It's a dose of "merry heart" medicine when Michael Jr. speaks. He's a renown Christian comedian and he delivers his straight-faced, low-key humor with a style all his own, and right in the middle of it....he conveys God's Word that brings revelation while putting comedy snug between truths. He did that this weekend at Life.Church.

The truths between the comedy this weekend helped us to see that it's not just WHAT we do, but WHY we do what we do. He said a lot of guys ask him WHAT they need to do to pursue a career in comedy. But the key isn't "WHAT", it's WHY. That's with all of us. If we know our WHY, we have more options on WHAT we do. Michael Jr. said his WHY is to use his comedy to inspire people to walk in their divine purpose. His WHAT looks like stand-up comedy, movies (he starred in "War Room"), his own TV show. He said, "I have a lot of options for WHAT, but my WHY never changes. When you understand your WHY, your WHAT has more impact." He showed us a clip of a meeting where he was helping people understand their why. He picked out a man in the audience who said he is a music director. Michael asked him to sing "Amazing Grace" and in a rich, baritone voice, he sang it beautifully. But then Michael Jr. said, "Now, give me the version as if your uncle just got out of jail, you got shot in the back as a kid, but you're okay -- let us hear "The Hood" version." This time the music director sang "Amazing Grace" with vibrato and gusto and conviction about those words that rocked the house. The first time Michael Jr. asked him to sing, he knew WHAT he was doing, the second time he sang -- he knew WHY he was doing it. The key is to understand the WHY.

But, to know the WHY, we must know the WHO. The WHO is key to all of it. He went on to share how he and his wife were looking at some video footage of the birth of their baby girl. Michael Jr. actually took the video but never looked at it until that day. He showed us clips from the video. When the baby was 2 minutes old, she was crying so hard, yet when Michael Jr. gently talked to her, she immediately stopped crying. Three minutes later, she started crying even harder, and when Michael Jr. spoke to her again and said "I love you" -- she completely stopped crying and even opened her eyes as if to see her Daddy. She heard her Daddy's voice.

WHAT I do is teach and do a daily blog, but my WHY is to encourage, inspire, cheer up and build faith and hope in my readers and listeners. My WHO is my Daddy, Father God, and listening to His voice each day. And the key for us when things are out of control and we don't understand what's going on.....we need to be still and listen to THE FATHER'S voice. He is talking to you and me. He loves us. Like Michael Jr.'s little baby girl, all we have to do is hear his voice and open our eyes to the wonders of not just WHAT we do, but WHY and WHO has us in the palm of His hands. His voice will calm ALL our fears.

Outlook and Perspective

The 2016 Unstoppable Leadership Summit in Texas continued today with incredible sessions that always radically impact us with a new outlook and perspective for this new year.  I loved it when we all received black rimmed glasses (outlook & perspective) with an arrow on the sides -- trajectory.

Set-backs are like an arrow that is pulled back in the bow that propels the arrow to the target.  

This first-of-the-year weekend sets us up for a year of living undaunted in our pursuits to be world changers.  We see total life transformations taking place as well as hilarious times that rejuvenated us and so many "aha" moments that opened our eyes to the possibilities that await us.  

"Warrior Mentality" continued to be our mindset and each of us presented our own winning "battle cry".  

My warrior mentality isn't like most of those guys who are loud, over-the-top with their screams, but what I tend to do in just about any of my daily confrontations with the enemy -- his temptations, taunts, and tactics...I just LAUGH OUT LOUD right in his face.  "Are you kidding me, Loser, you are messing with the wrong girl." So I did my slap leg, rip snorting, belly laugh that always brings me a merry heart and chases away the doubts and fears.

Another beautiful part, each year, is the"rock ceremony".  Just rocks, but so very special because we hand picked each of them from a rock and stone yard.   We engrave "Unstoppable" on each one and then we sincerely pray for "the word" to engrave on the underside.   At the ceremony, each attendee at the summit walks up and selects their rock -- based only on its size and characteristics.  Not until they select the rock, do they see the "word" that is theirs.  It's always an amazing exercise as we see the exact word that causes them to know their course (ie., wisdom, courage, favored, brave, gratitude, selfless, etc.).  The one I selected was "perseverence".

Perfect!!   I know that's my word, because I know the key to accomplishing goals, completing my "God" assignments and finishing tasks is to persevere.  I'll keep that in mind this year when I'm tempted to slow down, put-off-to-tomorrow, quit, and re-treat.

Every year an encased boxing glove trophy is given to someone who has faced tremendous challenges, accomplished incredible things, and went on to victory on so many levels.  They are UNSTOPPABLE.  This year's award went to Miguel Cervantes and Zoila Cervantes​ who unquestionably represent being UNSTOPPABLE.  Miguel was diagnosed with cancer in early 2015, yet with his conquering spirit, and undaunted determination and spirit....has come through to victory.  Both he, and Zoila prove that optimism and unquestionable faith in God is key in overcoming life's challenges.

SHIfT happened in all of our lives....and we will be better, brighter, smarter, stronger and more relentless and #unstoppable in 2016 more than EVER before. These photos help to explain!  

May you be UNSTOPPABLE this year in all you set out to accomplish!

She Laughs

“She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she LAUGHS without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25. I sure want to be this woman. This scripture speaks of a woman who embodies the balance of strength -- she is strong, holding it all together, while being able to laugh in the face of fear. She’s a woman who walks in the recognition of not only who she is, but Whose she is. No need to fear when God is her Father. I love that “SHE LAUGHS”. And, in a day when there is so much doom and gloom all around, laughing can be that "medicine" that causes us to have a merry heart, in spite of it all.

My post today was inspired by my granddaughter who is into calligraphy and when I saw what she had penned into her journal, “She Laughs. Proverbs 31:25", I knew I had to share it with you. "She Laughs” is me, especially when I'm with my grandchildren. Just yesterday, Lexi, had me in stitches when she was posing with Storm Trooper and Kylo Ren at Penney's.

From December 19th until January 10th, I will have been laughing way more than usual because I’ve been hanging out with my grandkids who take me to a whole new level of LAUGHING OUT LOUD. Last week, my two youngest grandsons were urging me to ride the hoverboard and the simple "try" had me laughing almost uncontrollably, and in this season of life, that can be quite interesting (I’ll leave it at that -- LOL!). Here I am now, back with 15-year old Payton and 14-year old Lexi who seem to pride themselves in seeing just how much they can "tickle my funny bone". As a matter of fact, Payton and I were laughing so hard at some internet postings, that it drew the rest of the family in to see what we were laughing about. Obviously, humor and laughter are infectious.

The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough or sniffle. Don't you just love the "belly laugh" of someone that gets you laughing? My dear son, Larry, is that way. I love watching movies with him because his laugh spreads to others, and we can't keep ourselves from laughing with him. When laughter is "caught", we are bound together in joy. The medical field says humor and laughter strengthen our immune system, boosts our energy, diminishes pain, and protects us from stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.....and we can't overdose on it. Matthew 17:22 says "A merry heart does good LIKE a medicine."

My dear husband's passing and funeral could have been one of the saddest times, if we had let it. But, instead, it turned into a joyous time of celebration and lightheartedness. How could that be? Because we laughed at so many memories of precious, hilarious times and now he was free of pain, so we joined in with his new freedom. Laughter sincerely helped us to keep a positive, optimistic outlook through the difficult times. That laughter went a long way in making us feel so much better.

Maybe it's time for you to try some "laughter" medicine. Pay attention to children and emulate them. They are the experts on playing, taking life lightly, and laughing. The ability to laugh, play, and have fun is such a gift from God.

I pray that you recognize that laughter just may be the needed ingredient for turning your gray skies to blue ones. So go ahead, what ever the future holds, like that Proverbs 31 woman, laughter just may be the key for you to live with "NO FEAR of the days to come."

You Need a Class Clown in Your Life

The Class Clown -- oh, how I wanted to be her. She could make any situation funny -- without even trying. She was my roommate, Lois, at Canyonville Bible Academy in Oregon. She always had me, and others, in stitches. I have a daughter that's like that, too! To this day, she can still make me laugh at the same jokes and stories that I've heard countless times before. And then there's my granddaughter, Lexi, who is a chip off the ole' block. She, too, is a "Class Clown". Her Lexisms have made many FB posts by her mother and me.

I'm better today at creating humor than I was growing up. If there's something going on that seems way too serious, I'll probably make a silly comment that gives some comic relief. And, my attempts at humor have also faltered, as I'd forget the punch line of a joke, or spoken something that I thought was humorous and, as it turned out, my timing was waaay off! Comedic timing is essential!

My nature leans to being more serious, but when a comedian enters the room, I will gravitate to be near him/her. There is so much healing that can be derived from laughter. Yes, we need the serious ones around us -- the ones who make us think and help us to be better. But, we need those merry, jolly, and lighthearted comedians, too -- the ones who can pull out the humor, joy,and lightness, even in dark moments. I'll never forget Father Jack Gleason, who came to our home as soon as my sweet husband passed away. He didn't enter dismally -- he came in and shared with my daughter and I a hilarious situation he had gotten himself into during the day. At that time, we didn't need another sad face -- we needed "joy and light" medicine. Proverbs 17:22 "A merry heart does good like a medicine"!

St. Paul said in I Corinthians 12:27 -- "You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." And, quite frankly, some folks are called to be the FUNNY BONE! If you are the funny bone -- go ahead and be funny. Celebrate your wit and humor and know you are a vital part of the family of God. And, if that isn’t you, and humor isn’t your natural "bent", celebrate the funny ones in your life. They need you and you need them.

And if you need some healing today? Laugh. Make someone else laugh. Bring laughter into your home, your life, your friendships. You need a Class Clown in your life because sometimes those are the exact people God uses to bring about the healing you’ve waited for.

So, did you hear the one about what the duck said to the comedian? A: "You quack me up!"

Smile - May Even Be Able To Break Ice With It

Ever delivered a message or announcement to a group or crowd of people and did your best to overcome those mellow, icy stares or frowning faces looking back at you? You gotta' hand it to pastors, ministers, speakers and leaders who can motivate audiences who are looking back at them with those seemingly unhappy, sullen and serious faces. I know some folks just can't help it, because they have a natural frown and they're not really unhappy. In fact, I often walk past a mirror or I see a photo that someone has taken of me that I didn't get to pose for, and I think "Donna -- be on purpose with smiling -- think about it, and SMILE!" Here are some good reasons for us to SMILE:
1. Smiling can make you happy (even when you're not).
2. Smiling can make others happy.
3. Smiling makes you more attractive.
4. Smiling can help you de-stress.
5. Smiling can help you land a job.
6. Smiling can lead to laughter.
7. Smiling just feels good.

Proverbs says: "A merry heart does good like a medicine,,,,", and we just can't be merry without a big smile planted across our face. This isn't profound, but I know that a smile says "In spite of my circumstances -- good or bad -- I am blessed and I win!" I love that old Nat King Cole song "SMILE" -- these lyrics just confirm what a smile can do:

Smile though your heart is aching; smile even though it's breaking,
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by.
If you smile through your fear and sorrow; smile and maybe tomorrow,
You'll see the sun come shining through for you.

Light up your face with gladness; hide every trace of sadness,
Although a tear may be ever so near.
That's the time you must keep on trying; smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile; if you just smile.

I'll take that! Life really is so worthwhile! I'm smiling BIG! Let's ALL smile BIG! Let's give out smiles -- it just may be the turn-around someone needs to brighten, and lighten their day and load! And we may even be able to break ICE with it!