Practical Parenting
Sharon w. betters
Today’s Treasure
Dear Friends,
I get such great feedback when guest writers share their thoughts on Daily Treasure. It’s a pleasure to have Sherry Bitler as our Guest Writer again this week. For many years, Sherry served as Director of Children’s Ministry for her church. She not only developed an effective children’s ministry, but she also started two schools, one traditional and one for homeschooling families. However, Sherry did not stop with creating educational options for children; she saw mentoring young moms as one of her top priorities. In this week’s series, Sherry shares some of the practical parenting ideas she passed on to young moms, but don’t stop reading if you’re not parenting young children. Each day, Sherry encourages readers to consider if we are modeling the very character qualities we wish others exhibited.
Sherry writes in tomorrow's devotion:
“Life circumstances and responsibilities can feel overwhelming at times, but intentionally finding laughter can break its grip. I marvel at people who seem to be able to laugh at the everyday things that happen around them. They seem to sincerely enjoy this time on earth God has given them. They don’t allow themselves to take things more seriously than they should. Somehow, for many of us, we let the busyness of our schedules snuff out the laughter. I am thankful for the ‘laughter people’ God has put into my life. They encourage me to laugh more at myself. Even medical experts are discovering laughter can improve our health. Fun can be part of our legacy from one generation to another.”
I especially liked Sherry’s encouragement for us to laugh more. After the death of our son, Mark, I remembered the Scripture that laughter is good medicine. I decided that every time I watched a television sitcom, I would try to laugh as hard as I had cried that day. In time, I started feeling laughter break the ache in my chest for a few minutes. Throughout our parenting years, I can think of times laughter took over our family at the most inopportune moments, breaking the stress of difficult situations.
Whether you are parenting young children or easing into retirement, you will be encouraged by Sherry’s devotionals.
Treasured by Him,
Sharon
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LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
Learn more from Sherry by going to the “Help & Hope” section of the MARKINC.org website and listening to Sherry’s interviews “When MS is Your Constant Companion” and “Chronic Illness.”
Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.
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