Look on the Bright Side

Dear Children,

Try to think good thoughts. When those unpleasant, or even hateful thoughts enter into your mind. Turn them off - fast. Instead choose to think on something pleasant. Give Thanks for somebody you love. Think of a favorite place or a beautiful spot in nature.

Try to get outside every day - if even for a few minutes. Lift your spirits in the fresh air we are so lucky to breathe. Get outdoors and Play!

"Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. " Philippians 4: 5-8

Play Time

"When I was your age I walked 10 miles to school through the snow..."

"Lets go outside and go to the park" I suggested. "No." He didn't even bother to look up from his video game.

Although he gets much pleasure out of that silly little hand-held game, I sometimes regret buying that contraption. Some days we barely venture outside at all. Mostly when the weather outside is freezing! A little time outdoors in the snow is good for you, isn't it?

Sometimes he surprises me and wants to go outside - or go to the gym and play basketball. ( Thank You, God! ) And still, I just wish I could get him to play outside more. He needs time to run around in the fresh air and explore and play with other kids!

Historically, active play has been the means by which children become healthy and fit. Due to environmental constraints - like a lack of safe, convenient places to play - and our busy schedules, many children just don’t have the chance to enjoy playing outside.

Some interesting research has lead to the following observations:

Girls with a more natural view (trees, grass, shrubs) performed better on standardized performance measures of concentration compared to girls who looked at a more barren setting (buildings, dirt, or paved surfaces).

Children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) had milder ADD symptoms after engaging in play outside versus playing inside. The “greener” the play setting (parks, farms, places with tall trees, grass, or natural water sources), the milder the symptoms.

What can we do? Somewhere I read that to a child Love is spelled T I M E. The time we actually spend with our children is one way they feel our love. And enjoying time together outdoors benefits us all.

Here's hoping we can raise happy and healthy children!