Secrets of a Babysitter

Here are some secrets to being an awesome babysitter... for the parents AND the kids to like you =)

1. My mom always taught me, "Leave the house cleaner than when you got there." Sometimes I'm having so much fun, or time does not permit, but usually I do a load of dishes or clean up a few toys.

2. Climb trees.

3. Do backflips on the trampoline.

4. Walk/ride bike to buy them ice cream.

5. Know every single Disney Channel theme song.

6. Comment on how young the parents look (but don't lie).

7. Show up early. 5 minutes is perfect.

8. Make the parents laugh.

9. Cameras. Kids LOVE cameras.

10. Make sure the kids know that you're not old-fashioned or boring. Let them know you're cool and can relate to stuff they feel. For example, let them know you hate eating vegetables too, but eat them alongside them, and they'll think it's cool.

11. Make sure the kids know who's in charge. Although they don't like it momentarily, they will soon appreciate AND forget you helped lay down the law. Not too harshly, of course. Just keep them mindful =)

12. Drive.

13. Remember birthdays.

14. Quote their favorite movies.

15. Hold them and swing them around (upside down optional).

16. Pray before bed!

OK those were just some off the top of my head =)

Joy

God has given me an overwhelming amount of joy this past month or so. On days when I used to dread school, dread each minute, I now face with a humongous smile and tons of laughter. I don't know why. Not much has changed.. OK maybe that's not true. I have since reconnected with the woman from this post, and we now have a stable friendship. Not like it was before, but it's better and healthier for both of us. It's really made a difference. =)

Also, I have "obtained" a new mentor. She's a WONDERFUL woman of God, and the 20 minutes or so we get a week to talk are so full of stories of growing, learning, and challenging my faith. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.

So I guess those are kind of HUGE things that would strengthen my joy, but I don't think they are the sources whatsoever. HE has removed this weight from my heart that had been on there for so long, it was so strange when its presence no longer was there. No, it's not going to be gone forever, probably not even for a while, but there is a season for mourning and a season for laughter and dance like it says in Ecclesiastes. Through the joy I will worship, and through the pain I will worship. Joy brings thanks, and tears bring complete dependency.

If you haven't heard Desert Song by Hillsong, click here, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!