Laughing and Joy

I have heard it said that children laugh several hundred times a day whereas adults laugh less than 50 times a day. Although I haven't actually read any serious studies to verify this statistic, I find that it is true at least with my own kids. They love to laugh and will find any excuse to do so. They really are very joyful.

Research has shown the health benefits of laughter. It releases endorphins, elevates mood, and burns calories! There is even a fitness program centered on laughing. If you needed a good laugh today, check out this video!

"In heaven the LORD laughs as he sits on his throne." Psalm 2:4

Thankful for Family

For much of history, parents would have many children to help with the farm or whatever the family trade might have been. I'm beginning to see the wisdom in that practice...

Maybe it's time to have another baby!

May you have a truly Happy Thanksgiving! God bless you and your family!

With much love,

The Oh Family

"You are my God, and I will give you thanks;
you are my God, and I will exalt you." Psalm 118:28

My Baby's Birthday

It's hard to believe but another birthday has come for my beautiful Baby! I am reminded of how Genesis says it was not good for Adam to be alone even though he had direct, intimate fellowship with God. I (and the kids) can certainly attest to that fact because life is almost inconceivable without my wife (and their mother). She brings so much love, peace, warmth, comfort, and joy to our family. She's like a soft blanket! We honor and celebrate you today and always!

Happy Birthday Baby!

"A wife of noble character is her husband's crown." Proverbs 12:4

The Spirit Is Moving

I am taking a break from writing specifically about joy in order to highlight a move of the Holy Spirit that is taking place right now at the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Kansas City. They are a ministry that focuses on worship and intercession through 24/7 night and day prayer. In one of their University classes last Wednesday, the Spirit moved so powerfully in healing and deliverance that the class lasted 15 straight hours. Word had spread so quickly that by the end of the night 2,000 people were gathered in the auditorium from all over the Kansas City area. Since then, they have continued to meet every night from 6 pm to midnight as a mighty spiritual awakening is stirring on that campus in amazing power. You can read more about their story and even watch the evening meetings live by clicking here. May there be a great revival that sweeps through not only the Midwest, but the entire nation!

"One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple." Psalm 27:4

Joy Defined

The dictionary defines joy as "the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying". Based on this meaning, joy can come from things such as fine wine or a stirring movie. But the greatest joy is found only in the context of a love relationship. More specifically, it is in intimately knowing God and being known by him. Everything else is enhanced by this connection with our Heavenly Father- food tastes better, playing is more fun, and sleep is more restful. My kids exemplify this principle because whenever Daddy comes home, their joy increases. Mine does too...

Enjoying life together

"You have filled my heart with greater joy..." Psalm 4:7

The Joy of the Father

God is not only joyful, he is pure joy. This is demonstrated in his affection for his son, Jesus. He is a proud and happy father who delights in his first begotten son. Parents have the privilege of experiencing a shadow of this divine joy in raising children. I love my son Isaac so much it truly is not possible to express in mere words. He brings me joy unspeakable. Perhaps the most amazing thing God ever told me was that He loves me more than I love my son. Though we may not all be parents, we are all sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. May we let his love for us fill our hearts with the joy that no one or no thing could ever take away!

My Crown Prince

"At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth..." Luke 10:21