Watch to see how you can keep a young child occupied during down times on vacation.

Watch and discover one thing you can do to dramatically improve the satisfaction for your whole family!

I still can not believe I had my boys participate in the Coney Island Boardwalk game called “Shoot the Freak”. Check out the video and watch my sons shoot at a live person with a paint gun. Maybe it’s just me, but something just does not feel right about letting your kids take aim at another human being and shoot!

Of course I still let them do it, so I’m not sure what that says about me but I’m sure you all can leave comments to let me know.

I am posting this from the middle of the ocean! How crazy is it that we can now connect online even from a cruise ship. I do not have much to say, but this trip has been awesome.  Not because of the great weather.  Not because of the great ship.  Not because of Cozumel, Mexico (Which we did not encounter any drug cartels – contrary to what Bill O’Reilly might have you think.)

This trip has been awesome because we have kept it relatively conflict free.  It is not that we are avoiding discipline for our kids, because we’ve had to get involved a couple of times.  But for the most part, we have worked hard at creating an environment where our family is relaxed.

No conflict = fun time! Keep this in mind the next time you take a trip with your family.

“There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next.” Romans 5:3-5

My dad used to tell me that nothing bad could ever happen to a Christian. What? That used to make no sense to me and he would get nasty responses from other people who would hear him say it. Bad things happen to Christians all the time. You probably have something in your own life that hurts to even think about. But when you read Romans 5:3-5 my dad’s crazy statement starts to make sense.

No matter what happens in your life, anything at all, God will use that trial or hurtful experience to build patience and virtue in your life. Bad things happen, that’s for sure, but God turns those bad things in to incredible things like patience and virtue. Which just happen to be two of the greatest qualities a Christian can have!

Virtue, in fact, means the quality of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong. How cool is that! When you go through hurtful times in your life, and then you allow Christ to turn them into something virtuous – you get a stronger and more dedicated ability to do what is right. Bad things will come your way, the good news however, is that Christ will not let them stay bad for long. He will use them to ultimately make your life better and the lives of the people around you. Don’t be surprised if Christ uses you to help someone who’s going through something you went through (but made it through).

CHECK IT

1. How has Christ turned something bad in your life into something good?
2. What do you think God has planned for your life because of the hurts you’ve experienced?
3. Who do you know, in your circle of friends, that could really use your help because of something you’ve overcome in life?

I know, I know. You’re wondering why that title. Although vacations are very much a luxury for many of us, they are also a necessity. Why? Because most of us spend 24/7 running around taking care of the responsibilities of life. We have jobs, chores, ministry, etc. and it can all really wear a person down. In addition, it can also make life a little monotonous or perhaps mundane.

Vacations are a time to really relax and let go of the day to day routine that tires us. It’s a time to spend bonding with your family and friends. There is no comparison to the time spent building your most important relationships. Vacations usually allow for a more stress free environment which make it easier to enjoy each other, have great conversations and maybe even get to know something new about someone–and that can include your spouse or your child.

Vacations don’t have to be expensive. Our family has tried to do something special every year. There have been plenty of years where either the time off work was hard to come by or the finances impossible to figure out. But we’ve always tried to do SOMETHING. And our boys always appreciated whatever we did because the goal was to have fun together.

When planning your time away, keep several things in mind:

1. The goal should be to have a great time doing things that everyone will enjoy. Try to make compromises wherever possible because it’s likely that you won’t all like to do all the same things. Be adventurous and try new things.
2. Set a budget; don’t get yourself into debt, but don’t be afraid to spend a little bit.
3. Vacations don’t have to be elaborate. If your finances will not allow you to take a big trip, plan weekend trips, or take a week off and do things like the beach, the pool, parks etc. Just leave the responsibilities (and the job) at home.
4. Remember this is a time that’s meant to be fun and as stress free as possible. Leave your troubles at the door.
5. Above all, just relax and enjoy!

Have a safe, happy and enjoyable summer!