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.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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.

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?

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!

• Los Cabos ranks as my most favorite beach destination.  We stayed at the Fiesta Americana (which was pricey, but you can get a good deal if you get creative with points through Marriott or other programs)  It’s self contained and well located, and the place is still quiet and very family friendly.  For the guys, the fishing is incredible and the golfing is totally out of this world!  The ladies will love the sun, shopping, and pools.  The kids will love the beaches, ocean, fishing, sailing, snorkeling, you name it.
• Snow skiing resorts that I’d recommend: Keystone (Colorado), Whistler (Canada; and you won’t believe the size of this mountain resort), and if you want no lines go for Deer Valley (Utah).  They only allow a certain amount of skiers on the mountain per day, it’s unbelievable.
• If you want something that will totally blow you mind, and a place that you’ve probably never thought of as a family vacation, go to Circus Circus and its Adventure Dome in Las Vegas, that’s right, Las Vegas, Nevada for a great family vacation.  That still ranks as one of my favorite places as a family vacation.  You can’t imagine the fun that one hotel packs in for the entire family.  I don’t know if I’d do Vegas for Christmas, but, it would be interesting after Christmas.

Click here to view the embedded video.

• It’s fun time, and if you’ve ever read anything I’ve ever written, then you know what that means, you can’t get into any arguments, you have to keep it sacred.  Which means you save any hurt feelings for a later discussion, if it needs to be discussed.
• Relax, don’t allow yourself to go with your first negative assumption. Maybe your sister didn’t mean what she said (or maybe she did and you get to give her grace this holiday season).
• If the atmosphere is positively horrible, don’t be a part of it, you have to protect yourself and draw a significant boundary.  How can you know if the atmosphere is horrible:

• You hear words like: you’re an idiot, I hate you, divorce, moron, fat, $%^&^*%$*$#
• Physical violence
• Drugs