Happy Heart

Ever since the kids were little (as in starting around 9 months old), we used the word "Happy" a lot with them. It seemed like it was close to age 1, they started showing more emotions. When a toy was taken away, they would possibly throw a fit and break down into tears. Or if they did not get something their way, the same would occur. Our daughter learned the word "Happy" by 10 months old and whenever we would see her get upset about something, we would say "Happy" and she would sit there and clap her hands. Now she is 4, and we have been talking about having a happy heart. 

Great Devotional Idea: Watch the Veggie Tales movie titled "Madame Blueberry". It's a hilarious half an hour movie that kids of most ages will enjoy. The kids learn that a thankful heart is a happy heart. The first time I watched it as a parent, I remember feeling totally challenged in my heart to change and be grateful myself. 

Hint: If you want to cut down on the movie time, you can fast forward those Special Bonus Songs that are part of the movie intermissions. But be considerate of any of the older siblings that might want to see them.

Additional Ideas: Make some popcorn for the kids and serve them in brown paper bags shaped into cones. Get them into PJs and tell them it's going to be a special movie night with Bob and Larry.

Questions you can ask at the end of the movie:

1) Why was Madame Blueberry so "blue" [sad] in the beginning of the movie?

2) Did she have a lot of things in her house? 

3) Was she being grumpy or happy?

4) Madame Blueberry learned that a grateful heart is a happy heart? How can you have a happy heart? 

The point is to talk with our kids about being grateful for the things we have. Ultimately having a happy heart. Maybe talk about the times in the week that we haven't been happy and explain why. It's good for us parents to share what makes us unhappy and how we can get grateful.

Memory Verse: Rejoice in the Lord always. Phil. 4:4 or for younger kids we re-phrased it to say "Be Happy Always".