Crooning Ninjas

This morning, Madison saw the end of our drama series, where the Black Ninja returned the sacred scrolls of Shin Yu.  This was after we showed him last week the virtue of compassion.  He came in with a bit of menace, as if there was going to be yet another conflict.  However, sudenly the menacing music stopped - and that's when a song from the Platters played.  It was "I'm Sorry."  The crooning ninja went from person to person on stage, expressing his sorrow via song, and the cast had no idea what to do with that.

Yes, ultimately the former enemy was forgiven, and welcomed into the dojo with mojo.  It was a fun series.  Next weekend, we'll have one more Sunday with the series - but today was the last day of the ongoing drama.  Madison enjoyed it quite a bit, laughing with all the other kids.  And learning too.  Today's virtue was determination, which went well with the "Kung Fu Panda" clips we showed.

After church today, we had one more thing to do in the auditorium:  an internet safety class.  Daddy helped set this up with a few officers, and we had parents come to hear some tips.

After this, it was off to Texas Roadhouse.  Again.  Yes, I know we've been there a few times lately.  But it was really good.  Finally, a salad got to Mommy without croutons, which is enough reason to celebrate.  But beyond that, the steaks were really good.  Madison and Daddy are usually very involved with the crayons and activity sheets before the rolls arrive.  And the whole family gos crazy over the peanuts there too.  Maybe it was because we were so hungry, but we just attacked those peanuts!

We sat togetehr, a happy family in what is becoming our go-to restaurant.  It doesn't give Mommy any health problems afterwards, and on top of that, it's good food.  Madison is getting exposed to country music along the way too!  Ah, this is one of those lessons that Daddy will have to teac her, as Mommy is generally clueless about that genre of music!

Anyway, and then, it was time to go home.  We were tired, but we did manage to squeeze in some piano practice.  And it was early enough in the eveing, so we finished the Star Wars trilogy tonight with "Return of the Jedi."  Madison was genuinely concerned about Lando Calrissian making it out of that Death Star!  She forgot everything about these movies.  But in the end, the Empire went down.  Or did it?  We'll find out the next chapter together in December, but it was so great watching the movie through Madison's eyes again.

After a bedtime story with Anna and Elsa, it was time for bed once more.  Sundays are big days, and today was something to smile about.  SPEAKING OF WHICH...

“The joy of the Lord makes you strong.” Nehemiah 8:10 NIrV

FLUORINE

F 9

     Smile!  Ever since scientists discovered that using a fluorine compound could fight tooth decay, people have had some healthier smiles!

     This is quite an element.  Pure fluorine is a gas that is very dangerous, once called the ‘savage beast among the elements.’  Yet, like with most elements, when it is chemically combined with other elements, it can become something altogether different – and even helpful!  Adding fluoride to water, toothpastes and mouthwashes is proven to reduce cavities, which is something we can all smile about.

     And smile we should.  There’s no excuse not to!  God has given us so much to be thankful for in life.  Sometimes we may feel tempted to focus on those things that are going wrong, or think only about those things that we do not have.  But the truth is that we’re blessed with so much more than we ever deserve.  God has been so good to all of us, showering us with His grace and mercy, beyond anything we could ever earn on our own.

    So smile, and show those teeth!  If you’re feeling down, think on those things that God has blessed you with.  Remember that the joy of the Lord gives you strength!  Smile, and feel your spirits lift.  Smile, and those around you will feel better too.  Smile, and you can overcome quite a bit!