Thou Shalt Laugh

This is one of my all time favorite pictures of my boys. It displays their fun and playful attitudes. I can honestly say that there is NEVER a dull moment in the Roots household with these two kiddos. I love to hear them laugh and giggle. I am reminded if my kids' laughter brings me joy, how much more would my laughter bring God joy? Proverbs 17:22 (NLT) which says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength."

Seeing my kids play and laugh takes me back to when I was growing up. My cousins and I used to play all kinds of silly games and run around my grandfather's house till we wore each other out. Now, we're all grown up and have families of our own. It seems that as we get older and have to become responsible adults that life takes on a serious tone, which it should, but I believe only to an extent. I say that because as a parent, I want my two boys to become capable adults one day who will take care of themselves (and hopefully pay their own bills!). However, I also know that life is sweetest when it's NOT all work and no play.

Remember, joy is the second fruit of the Spirit named only after love. (Galatians 5:22) God wants you to enjoy your relationship with Him and live above the worry, fear, doubt and anxiety that often sap your strength and your joy. Ask the Lord to restore to you the joy of your salvation and the joy of loving your life. Choose to laugh and laugh often.

Tip: Do something FUN this week with your family. Go play in the park, take a walk on the beach, watch a funny movie or simply blow bubbles! I've never seen anyone blow bubbles with a frown on their face. Don't be surprised if you find yourself giggling.:)

No More Excuses

I recently bought me another pair of jeans. Why? Because I only had ONE pair that I was wearing (all the time!). All my other jeans, well, didn't quite fit. (Yes, even after laying down on the bed in an attempt to zip them up!) Sad, I know. Despite the fact that one of my new year's goals was to "exercise 3 x a week", as you can tell, I was falling way short. I felt as if God asked me, "Do you want to get healthy?. Then do what you gotta do." I had to tell myself, "Okay, Rochelle, no more excuses." For me, the ideal time to exercise is in the morning before my munchkins get up and my 120 mile per hour day starts. I was used to getting up to pray but now I'm adding that former dust collector, the treadmill. After a few weeks, can I just say that it feels great?! Oh, I guess I just did.

I'm reminded of a story in John 5 when Jesus came across an invalid who had been in that condition for 38 years. (That's a very long time.) He asked him, "Do you want to get well?" Surprisingly, instead of a rip roaring affirmative reply, the man gave Jesus an excuse. Seems like this man was comfortable on his bedroll. I wonder how many times we have done that to God. Not only with our "physical" being but our emotional being. You know, when we're angry, bitter or hurt over something that happened yesterday (or 20 years ago). Jesus asks us, "Do you want to get over this?" Unfortunately, we rather give Him an excuse and stay on our bedroll of false security. I say that because these emotions can become a crutch that keep us from receiving God's best.

Amazingly, Jesus simply ignored this man's excuse and told him, "Get up, take your bedroll and start walking." Upon his obedience, the invalid was "healed on the spot." Wow! No more excuses my friend. It's time to get up. It's time to get over it and be healed! May we say like this former invalid, "Jesus made me well!"