I was encouraged to see this story on WCCO last night. An increasing number of parents are beginning to use the birthday parties as a chance to teach social responsibility, and to focus on God’s gifts. (Besides… we REALLY don’t need another Polly Pocket set in our basement!!).

From “book-swap” parties, to trips to Feed My Starving Children, kids are finding ways to celebrate God’s gift of life, by making a difference in the lives of others.

Have you found a creative way to simplify the Birthday Party, or use it as a teaching experience for your children? I’d love to hear it!

My wife and I still smiling after a chilly November race.

About a year ago, I woke up. I realized I really needed to find a way to live healthier, so I took up running. (That in and of itself was quite the journey, but I’ll share that some other time).

Well, that was May. You remember? Warm, beautiful, green… May! The summer was great, but as Winter approached, I became a little concerned. What would happen when the weather outside got “frightful”? I had a few backup plans. We have a tread-mill in our basement (or as my wife calls it: The “Dreadmill”.) I also discovered our community rec-center allowed running in their indoor field house.

I took advantage of both of those, but it just didn’t have the same joy as hitting the open road. So, for Christmas, my wife equipped me with some warmer running gear, and I hit the road. Extra layers, extra traction and extra toughness. I was off!

The experience surprised me. I have really gotten to love winter running. The trails are beautiful, the stars are a little brighter, and the breathing seems a lot easier.

Reading up on it helped a bit too. Here are some great resources from Runners World on cold weather running.

So what about you? What do you do to stay fit when the weather turns cold and we all head indoors? Leave a comment and give me some ideas!

I think I could get into the Nordic Biathalon. Ski a bit, then just shoot at things.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurenmarek/ / CC BY-NC 2.0

In the park with the dog, on the field with the youth group, or at the beach with the kids. We all have memories of “The Frisbee”. The creator of the Frisbee, Walter Morrison passed away this week at the age of 90.

It was originally marketed as the “Flyin’ Saucer”. But was renamed “The Frisbee” in 1957 when it was picked up by Wham-O.

Here is a great photographic look back at the Frisbee by the BBC

(Matthias Dietrich / Wikimedia.com / Creative Commons)

A couple of California fishermen sent a message in a bottle, in honor of a friend who had passed away.

The received a response… 2 1/2 years later!

Here’s the story

I got a kick out of this study that indicated 51% of Superbowl viewers enjoy the commercials more than the game itself.

Why do you tune in?

Helping Children Understand Natural Disasters

It includes guidance such as:

• Encourage your child to ask questions
• Offer comfort
• Respect concerns
• Think about ways you can help together

In addition to the suggestions they offer, I would guess your worldview plays an important role in how you work through this.

How do you help your children process disasters? How do you explain it in the context of God and His Creation?

I appreciated this video!