God wants us to have fun!

By Daneen James 

Yes, you read it right!  God means for us to have fun! Not just now and then, but regularly and often. Could it be that trying new things and finding the fun in life, not only helps us care for ourselves, but also cultivates connection with our creator?

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God's goodness isn't confined to religious programming or hymns. God is alive in all that feeds and fortifies us. Finding joy in the world around us, using His creations to care for and connect with ourselves and those around us glorifies God. It's praise in the truest sense. 

If you find yourself thinking, is this all there is? Feel like you're running really hard but not getting anywhere? Want to do something "crazy", because the routine of life is wearing your down?  You want more. That's to be expected, the desire for more comes from God.  Very often those feelings of discontent are a call to "change it up", a signal to connect to all that is possible. Because more is available to us and intended for us through life with God.  

More Than a Feeling.

When you find it hard to center yourself. Life feels more like a burden than a blessing and each day feels like the last. You feel like you need a break, a real change. We're tempted to do something drastic or have the tendency to reach for something or someone to "distract" us. Food, alcohol, drugs, a relationship, anything that helps us release and/or escape.

What if we took a more proactive approach? Find ways to introduce the fun, even silly, into the every day. It doesn't mean you disregard the responsibilities of life. But it does mean, acknowledge each of us is mind, body and spirit. Commit to engage all three aspects of who you are. Joy opens the door. If it makes you smile and isn't contrary to God, go for it! It's not always the big, grand gestures that make the biggest difference. Sometimes it's the subtle shifts that make the most impact. 

Give It a Try!

Here are a few ideas to enrich everyday life and freshen the familiar. Try with friends, family, or as a way to refresh yourself. 

• Playdough, Legos, coloring books, or paint (finger or brush), let yourself go, see what happens. 
• Water gun, Water Balloon, Pillow Fight - old fashioned fun and let out some tension too!
• Pancakes for Dinner - pick any "breakfast" item and cook it for dinner.
• Indoor Picnic – get a blanket, have breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks on the carpet or floor.
• Magazine Magic - cut out pictures from magazines that remind you of what you love or represent what you want to experience – make a collage and post so it's easy to see. 
• Pictures and Videos - watch old videos and go through old picture albums, recall happy moments and memorable times. 
• Destination Unknown - just drive, take a route you don’t know, get lost (go in the daytime :)
•  Tea Time Out - sit and sip, try different flavors and types of tea (loose, bagged, herbal, fruity etc.) 
• Mocktails - create cool cocktail creations (minus the alcohol) 
• Freestyle - put on some music you love and just dance, don’t worry about how you look or if you’re doing it right, dance to your beat, find your rhythm. 

Try one of these or improvise. For you it might be something more personal, like a change in hair color, growing or removing a beard, painting a room in your house, cutting your hair or wearing it longer. The possibilities are endless, encouraging you! 

Thank you for reading, I hope this post encouraged you! If what you read or saw added value to your life, please take a moment to share this website with family and friends. 

Daneen James is an inspirational author, speaker and develops uplifting products and media. ​​

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https://www.daneenjames.com/blog/daily-dose-nope-not-today