"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones."--Proverbs 17:22

How to install a security system:
1. Go to a second-hand store and buy a pair of men's used size 14-16 work boots.
2. Place them on front porch, along with a copy of Guns & Ammo Magazine.
3. Put a few giant dog dishes next to the boots and magazine.
4. Leave this note on your door:

Hey Bubba,
Big Jim, Duke, Slim, and I went for more ammunition. Back in an hour. Don't mess with the pit bulls -- they attacked the mailman this morning and messed him up real bad. I don't think Killer took part in it, but it was hard to tell from all the blood. Anyway, I locked all for of 'em in the house. Better wait outside.

I hope that made you laugh. The first time I read it, I couldn't stop laughing for a long time. Laughter is really good medicine. If you think about it, laughter helps in so many different areas. For example, when you are stressed try finding something to laugh at. Your stress seems to disappear doesn't it.

There are so many benefits to laughter. It reduces stress; exercises the diaphragm, abdominal muscles and the shoulders; it's a good distraction from anger, guilt, and stress; and it connects us with other people. Yes, laughter really is good medicine.

But wait, there's more! Did you know that Jesus laughed? Yes, that's right, Jesus laughed. The Bible doesn't specifically say that Jesus laughed, but, think of any time that you have been with children. How many times have you laughed seeing the kids make funny faces, tease each other, or just try to tell funny jokes. Jesus liked to be with children, I don't think He could stay stone faced for the whole time He was with them.

What about when He was talking with His disciples. Can you really see Jesus with a stone face, telling His disciples that you have took take out the plank in your own eye before you can help your brother with the speck in his eye (Matthew 7:3-5)? No way! Want to see a picture of Jesus laughing? Head over to this website, Jesus Laughing, and check it out. I have one in my wallet that I keep with me all the time.

I believe that we should lives our lives with laughter. I know many Christians who believe that to be a true Christian you must not laugh, you must stay stone faced you cannot show emotion. We are not robots that just go through this life. God wants us to live, to be happy, to laugh! If Jesus showed happiness and laughter, and He is our example. Shouldn't we show happiness and laughter as well?

Go ahead and laugh, I give you permission.