Splink
» Joy
God Likes Fun!
Pick up a joke book at the library or go online and Google “jokes for kids.” (Googling “jokes” may lead to some sites and jokes that are unsuitable for kids.)
Ask each person to find a joke and share it with the family at dinner. Laugh at each other’s jokes. (If a joke’s not too funny, we still give a “courtesy laugh” at our house.)
Ask:
Did you know that the Bible tells you to rejoice–to be happy? Read Philippians 4:4. (Not just once does Paul say to rejoice, but he says it twice.) God wants you to be filled with joy.
Does that mean that every thing that happens is fun or is good? No, but in every situation there is something to be thankful for and glad about. Paul wrote this verse while he was in jail–just for preaching about Jesus. He could have been sad or angry or grouchy or mad, but he wasn’t. When you have Jesus living in you, there is always something to be glad about.
Make a list of ten things your family can be happy about today (We’re glad that . . . ). Write these on a piece of paper and stick it on the refrigerator. Say a prayer to thank God for the things on your list.
Be Joyful!
The fruit of the Spirit for this week is joy.
Tell your kids at breakfast that the word for the day is “joy.” Every time they hear the word joy during the day, they are to clap, cheer, and act happy. Give them a small treat every time they play along and do it. You may have to prompt them at first, but hopefully they will join in and have fun with this.
Remind them that when Jesus lives in your life, He will help you to have joy!
”Sausages” Game
Play a game of “Sausages” (a game we played when I went to camp). One person is chosen to be “it.” The other players ask him questions, but the only answer he can give is “sausages” and he must say it WITHOUT smiling. If he smiles, he forfeits his turn and a new person is chosen to be “it.” For example: One person may ask, “What do you wear on your feet?” “It” must answer, “sausages” –without smiling. “What does daddy look like? “It” must answer, “sausages” –without smiling.
