Live a Longer, Happier, Healthier Life

Tomorrow, Debbie and I celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. The research shows that married people live longer, happier, healthier lives than their divorced or unwed counterparts. I believe it. One crusty old deacon pulled me aside 25+ years ago and said, "that is the best decision you'll ever make." He was right! I hope young people will learn from folks like us that marriage is gift from God and when treated properly, is meant to last for life!

A Talking Deer

A Talking Deer 

We ran into this full size, life-like 10 point buck in the Walmart sporting goods section. He is also available at K Mart. His head moves up and down and from left to right. His ears also wiggle in a very realistic way. The best part is that he comes with a microphone so that you can talk through the deer and the deer moves his mouth as you talk. Imagine the possibilities!

I am going to use this guy as a partner in the children's sermon. I'll have someone planted nearby to talk for the buck and have discussions that we can learn from. It will not only be funny, but educational as well.

Of course, those with a more sinister side can have lots of fun playing practical jokes on unsuspecting guests. Maybe I'll mount it near the door to my house and welcome trick or treaters!

There is a lot of fun out there ready to happen if you just keep your eyes open and put your mind to it!

Medicine to the Troubled Soul

I had the opportunity to perform at a sister church in our area this week. The church was mourning the loss of one of it's teenagers to an auto accident, and another teen remains in a coma.

While my visit to the church was arranged months in advance, it was clear to me that one of my purposes for being at this church at this time was to help minister to their troubled hearts through laughter and joy. Taking them out of their troubles for an evening was just what the doctor ordered. They had a ball. I am convinced that a merry heart is medicine to the soul and was glad I could deliver a full dose.

Are you bringing joy or sucking the life out of folks you encounter in your day?

Do You Have a Merry Heart?

In Proverbs 15:15 we read that for the merry of heart, life is a continual feast. This wonderful bit of wisdom is not a promise that everything will be rosey in your life. Rather, it is a suggestion that no matter what comes, having a merry heart will help you to endure and thrive. Those with a heart filled with humor and joy will weather the storms of life. Do you have a merry heart?

Multi-Sensory Approach Enhances Learning

We live in a visual world. Studies have shown the importance of visuals in the learning process. Is a picture worth 1,000 words? Well, research shows that when a teacher uses pictures as well as words, the students retain over 6 and a half times more information than when the teacher uses words alone. The more senses students use while learning, the faster and more efficiently they will learn.

Another important thing to note is that when information is communicated and is accompanied by emotion, such as joy or happiness, the information is more likely to be retained.

So what does this have to do with creative Christian ministry? Easy... pastors and church workers should avoid being "talking heads" for words alone will not last long. Be visual for maximum impact. That is why things like magic, or puppets, or ventriloquism, or chalk art make such a positive and lasting impression.

Don't just say it--- do it!

Talk With the Hand

Interpretive movement is an art form that is becoming both useful and popular in ministry settings. Half of the path to success in using this ministry form is in the selection of music. The selection of a song with understandable and compelling lyrics set to music which enhances the message is vital. Several contemporary Christian groups consistently offer songs that fit the bill. Look at the work of Ray Boltz or Mercy Me and you are sure to find something that is suitable. 

Ventriloquism: Novel and Entertaining

Following a brief appearance of one of my ventriloquism characters, a senior adult approached me smiling ear to ear. "How do you make that puppet talk?" she asked. She was surprised to learn that anyone can learn to do ventriloquism. In fact, only a half of a dozen of the letters of the alphabet will be a little more difficult to master. But anyone can do it.

The great thing about doing ventriloquism these days is that there are so few who have developed this skill. You can find magicians all around, but a ventriloquist is much more rare. As a result, many people have never seen a ventriloquist. When they do, they are all smiles. Ventriloquism is as novel as it is entertaining.

Give it a try.

How Are Ya, Doll?

"How are ya, doll?" 

Meet Dolly, a wonderful puppet made by the folks at puppet-planet.com

Dolly has a voice that is a cross between Fran Drescher (of the Nanny) and Roz (of Monsters Inc.). She is outspoken and lively. Her first time out was today as she spoke for a few minutes to the senior adults of Salem Baptist Church. They loved her. Asked about the experience, Dolly said, "So what's not to love?"

Hooked for Life-- Fishing, Faith, and Family

Creative ministry is about putting our passion to His purpose. God has given each believer a set of talents, interests, and passions that can be used to advance the cause of Christ. The apostle Paul used the body as a metaphor for the church. There are many parts, each different, but each vital in creating a living organism.

A friend of mine, Trevor Ruble, has created a wonderful ministry entitled Hooked for Life. You might visit his web page at www.hookedforlife.org His passion for fishing, faith and family comes together in a marvelous way. He has created a curriculum for use in churches to help people communicate faith and life lessons through fishing. The lessons that can be learned from fishing are amazing. For instance, learning about bait and lures are wonderful ways for us to come to understand temptation.

If your church is looking for a wonderful way to reach the sports enthusiast, build families, and create wholesome fun while learning about faith and the beautiful world God has created, drop Trevor Ruble an email at truble@hookedforlife.org

Puppets are Teaching Tools

Puppets are wonderful tools in education. Therapists use puppets to help children express their feelings. Teachers use puppets to improve language and communication skills in children. Clergy, police officers, and fire safety personnel have used puppets to help raise awareness and promote safety and health. Puppets can be a great teaching tool to increase attention and retention of information. So get your hands busy!