There is a lot of funny stuff out there on the web about mom's and kids, and every now and then something good and funny comes along about being a dad. And I found a great one last week. Enjoy:

My friend and fellow blogger Wendy at Weight..What? has a fun carnival at her blog called "Life is Funny." Every Monday we talk about something in life that we find funny. Be sure to go visit her blog to read her post along with links to other blogs who are participating.

By Jason (Connecting to Impact)

"Many people pray as if God were a big aspirin pill;
they come only when they hurt." – B. Graham Dienert

That may be true for ourselves, but it is also true many times for our children. We wish the best for them, try to set them on the proper path, but too often we forget to battle in prayer for them until they are hurt or hurting by their lack in some way.

What if besides teaching them as best we could we reinforced it with fervent prayer? The thought is exciting to me (and I am thankful to Ginny for starting my juices flowing by asking me to write about it).

I believe in the power of prayer. I have seen unmovable circumstances change dramatically and the impossible become possible as God answered a prayer of faith, but besides our bedtime prayers together, I have failed to get specific with what virtues I’d like to see instilled in my beautiful children.

Today, I’m doing something about that. I’m writing about the willingness and ability to work.

Colossians 3:23, 24 reads, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Knowing the value and blessing of work can be a long road for many kids. Adam and Eve were given a garden by God and He told them to work. God gives in grace and abundance, but He calls us also to labor with Him. It’s a part of who He’s created us to be.

Working against that truth, however, is culture, advertising, entertainment, and more. These work overtime to tell our kids that there are ways around work and promote the idea and ideal of a ‘slacker’ generation.

It should drive us to our knees to combat these false assertions, and that’s exactly what I plan to do. Would you take a moment now with me? I’m going to say this prayer and insert my children’s names and I hope you’ll do the same.

If you don’t have kids, think of a niece or nephew, a neighbor or child from church. The coming generation needs to be bathed in prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank you for (insert child’s name). You created them with a purpose and destiny, and I praise you that they can know and experience that in You. These children are pressured from every side to find the easy way out, to succumb to seeking instant gratification, but surrendered to You, there is always an eternal reward for our work.

 I pray that they will be willing to work and give their all, to serve You and honor You in all things. You have given them abilities, and I pray that you would increase those now. May they be filled with divine creativity and curiosity. May they feel and understand your great pleasure at their working and all You lay out for them to do. Help us as adults to reinforce this in our own lives, speaking, prayers, and actions.

(Insert child’s name) has a great future and You have made every provision for their steps. Give them grace in this area of work and service, and let it all glorify You. It is in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Jason is a guy who loves Jesus, his wife, and his kids. He's also the pastor of Breakthrough Church in Juneau, AK. You can check out his blog at EndlessImpact.com where the goal is to connect with others in a conversation about life, service, and faith while connecting to God who is true Impact.

This is one of my favorites because it’s so simple and I always have the ingredients on hand. With the end of summer, I’m finding myself with more basil and tomatoes than I can find recipes for, but after a 30 mile bike ride today, all I wanted was pizza! You can make this with my very favorite crust (I use half whole wheat and half white flour) or you can buy an already prepared crust, which I did in this case. I used a gluten-free crust I’d purchased with a coupon, and was pleasantly surprised with how good it tasted.

Goat cheese is not a usual ingredient for this classic dish, but it added a wonderful creaminess to each bite. I was able to use less mozzarella this way, as goat cheese is less fatty than mozzarella. The flavors in this dish blend together beautifully.

It’s good to replenish the carbs after strenuous exercise, but I also wanted healthy toppings. Tomatoes absolutely loaded with nutrition. They deliver lots of lycopene, a phytochemical that acts as a powerful antioxidant. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), Vitamin K, thiamin, niacin, Vitamin B6, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and opper, and a very good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium and manganese.

Pizza Margherita – easy peasy. I’m sure you’ll understand why there are no measurements – add them to your heart’s content!

Pizza Margherita

Pizza crust

Extra virgin olive oil

Fresh minced garlic

Red, ripe tomatoes, sliced thin

Mozzarella cheese, fresh or bagged

Goat cheese

Fresh basil, chiffonade

Fresh grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Brush crust lightly with olive oil and sprinkle garlic on top. Place mozzarella cheese on next, and top with sliced tomatoes. Place a several dollops of goat cheese over tomatoes. Bake at 375° until golden brown on edges, about 10-15 minutes. Top with fresh basil and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Eat every last bite.

Candy Steele is a registered nurse who has worked with cardiac patients for over thirty years. “Functional foods” have become her passion, and she enjoys sharing her love of cooking, a random life and a faithful Jesus with her friends at Steele (the Day). She is blessed with three grown children, a new daughter-in-law, and a kind and patient husband who only knows how to fix popcorn (but she’s OK with that).

Don't ask where this one came from. Somewhere in our sick, twisted brains we came up with the idea to dress up and eat at a fast food restaurant. Now, when I say dress up, what comes to mind? When we planned this one, I think Lara and I were both thinking much more elaborately dressed up than what actually happened. But clothing budgets aside, I think we both realized that prom dresses at 30 would be a little depressing. So we both had our Sunday best on and Lara's parents joined us at Wendy's for dinner one night.

I'll admit to being a little disappointed in this one. We didn't get nearly the kind of reaction we were hoping for. In fact, no one really paid us much mind at all. We looked too normal. The only thing that was odd was that we brought our own vase and flower and we took pictures. We simply looked like we were on our way home from a wedding or something.

The worst part about the whole night was the stockings. I'd like to find the man (and it's got to be a man, a woman wouldn't do this to her own kind) who decided that women needed to wear stockings with skirts and dresses and hang him by a pair. It's no less than he deserves. I hate stockings and purposely avoid them at all costs. The last time, before going to Wendy's, that I wore stockings voluntarily was the day I dislocated my knee cap at church and spent the afternoon in the emergency room. The time before that was probably a prom. You do not want to hear those stories. Stockings are evil.

In lieu of the rather abysmal reaction we got when we "dressed up" I would suggest a different kind of apparel. Chicken or ape suits, stuff from our friend's Hootie Hoo shop, or maybe something we've each made ourselves. I'll keep you posted as to whether that happens. I do have plans to buy an ape suit this fall and sit behind my bushes on Halloween and scare kids as they come to trick or treat. So I'd already have the costume…

[Editor's Note: In case you missed Lara's version of the story, go catch it at YOB: #22. Dress Up For Fast Food]

" As it is, there are many parts, but one body."  1 Corinthians 12:20

Having been out on the country several times on mission trips or sponsor tours I have come to appreciate the fact that no matter where you go when you are with believers there is an incredible sense of fellowship and Spirit. My first journey was to Mexico in 1998 travelling with a church youth group. My fondest memory is being in San Diego right on the coast and overlooking the Pacific. There we worshipped and sang. It was an incredible experience just looking out at the vast ocean and feeling the prescience of God. I can remember singing "In the Secret" and just feeling moved by the words of that song.

In the secret, in the quiet place
In the stillness You are there.
In the secret, in the quiet hour I wait,
Only for You, 'cause I want to know You more;

Seven years later I would travel to the Dominican with another church group to work on a church in Monte Cristi. At night we slept on the roof of our home. Laying there just looking up at the stars I listened to a song called "Here with Me" by Mercy Me. In fact I listened to that every night in prayer and it became my 'lifesong.' One night was incredible as I laid there and watched lightening far off in the distance. I truly understood the power of God.

And I can feel your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of your touch
Here in this moment I surrender to your love

Which brings me to the purpose of this article. In both of those circumstances I was surrounded by fellow believers with a sole purpose of glorifying God through our work. They were both "Mountain top" experiences and I was changed by them. However I had not yet experienced worship with believers from other countries. In both 2007 and 2009 I travelled to Honduras. My worship experiences in both cases were different but in many the ways the same. In 2007 we travelled to a remote church that actually would be considered a mega church here in the states. It was basically an outdoor church (no sides and a tin roof) with benches for seats. They had three services and hosted about 2500 members who came from all around. We worshipped with contemporary Christian songs in Spanish. We danced, praised and hugged. They did not know us but we were brothers and sisters. In 2009 we went to a smaller more traditional type of church but again the praising and fellowship was the same. Despite language barriers we were all worshipping together our creator. We may not have fully understood all of the prayers but we understood enough to join in and be part of the body.

I know many times we sit in our churches on Sunday just going through the motions. Even when we feel moved by a song or sermon, too often it is just about us. I encourage you next Sunday as you sit there think about what is happening outside of the walls. All over the world, some earlier that day and some later brothers and sisters will be worshipping and praising our God. Despite different languages, different denominations, different songs and praises we all will be united in Worship. Just as 1 Corinthians 12:20 states "we are many parts but one body." If you can fully understand that moment that is what heaven will truly be like. All of us together as believers just worshipping the One who brought us together.

Blessings....Make a Difference this week!

Chuck is a Christian husband and father who has served in part-time ministry for 17 years, and is a deacon at his church. He has been a Compassion International Advocate/Area Coordinator for several years, finding families to sponsor Compassion children throughout the world. His passion is letting others know how important it is to release children from poverty. Be sure to check out his blog, Sharing Compassion.

"If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says "Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep!" (Luke 15:4-6).

This is one of my favorite passages of scripture. I love the picture my mind creates when I read it. I have been that lost sheep more times than I care to admit, and no doubt at some point I will be that same silly, lost sheep again and my tireless Savior will come after me, and carry me back on His shoulders.

But I have also been one of the ninety-nine sheep who didn't wander off, remaining faithful, following and obeying my Shepherd. In a perfect world, my reaction as Jesus returns His lost sheep to the flock of us ninety-nine would be one of joy and happiness that my fellow sheep has returned to the fold. In a perfect world, my heart would me right and pure.

However, this is not a perfect world, and I am far from perfect. There have been times, I shamefully admit, that I have reacted poorly, with the pettiness of the famous, faithful brother in the story of the prodigal son. Yes, I admit it. I have whined a bit about blessings others have been given when I have deemed them undeserving...the "W.A.M" syndrome..."But Lord, What About Me? After all, don't I deserve even more, since I have stayed here and been obedient? It's not fair!" Instead of clapping with joy, I have pouted and resented, but as I have grown and gotten older, I have realized how wrong and ugly and childish that reaction has been. Admittedly, it's hasn't been often I have reacted badly to God blessing the ones I felt had not been as faithful as me, but here are a few things I have discovered:

1. One time is too many.

2. Who am I to decide who is faithful? Only God knows our heart.

3. It's not my job to judge...it's God's job.

4. Matthew 20:14-16 (the parable of the workers paid equally), says "Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don't I have the right to do what I want with my money? Or are you envious because I am generous? so the last will be first, and the first will be last."

5. We are all loved equally, and are here to support and rejoice with one another, not compare notes to see who is the "better" Christian. In God's eyes, we're each just as worthy as our brothers and sisters.

6. Jealousy and pettiness are ugly! They are not admirable traits, and they have no place in a Christian's heart.

And so I say thank you, God, for continually convicting me when I need to be corrected and changed. Thank you, God, for allowing me the privilege of being a member of your flock. Help me to always share in the joy of your blessing, whether mine or someone else's. Especially, thank you for the many blessings you have given me, and for loving me. May I always rejoice for others and encourage them as they do for me, and may you continue to cleanse my heart and make it right and pure.

Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.

One year we spent five days hiking Acadia National Park in Maine.

Another year we kayaked around the San Juan Islands and ate freshly caught salmon at dockside restaurants.

Yet another year we bumped along a dirt road in a horse-drawn wagon to a tiny log cabin nestled amidst wildflowers beneath a looming Colorado peak. That evening I ate grilled bison for the first time.

This year we celebrated our anniversary in the backyard.

Earlier in the week we’d decided dinner out wasn’t in the cards. Our thirteenth anniversary fell on the same night as the elementary school open house. Brad was vigorously prepping his classes for fall semester. The boys started school that Wednesday. And I was putting the finishing touches on the debut issue of a new magazine at work. We had a lot on our plates.

Yet I was frustrated. We had to do something. Didn’t we deserve at least a little time to celebrate 13 years of marriage?

That’s when Brad suggested we have a quiet dinner at home, after the boys went to bed. I thought it sounded boring; I was disappointed. But what else were we going to do? Watch House Hunters on HGTV?

So I picked up a New York Strip, two ears of corn, a box of brownie mix and a vat of mint chocolate chip ice cream at the grocery store on the way home from work. Brad grabbed a loaf of fresh roasted red pepper-spinach-swiss bread at the bakery across town.

We slogged through the open house and the bedtime routine.

Brad soaked the corn in a sink full of cold water. Later he threw the steaks and the corn, still wrapped in their husks, on the grill. The rich scent of grilling meat wafted in through Noah’s upstairs window as I said goodnight.

Brad whipped up the brownie mix and slid the pan into the oven. As the scent of warm fudge drifted upstairs, the kids clamored to know why we were making brownies, and why so late, and would they get some, too?

All was finally quiet upstairs. I set the patio table beneath the umbrella, laid out cloth napkins, lit votives. We sliced into juicy steak, tore off hunks of doughy bread, sipped Chardonnay, nibbled hot buttered corn.

Candles flickered in the breeze. Wind chimes sang dinner music. It started to rain, the erratic tap, tap on the umbrella like droplets on a canvas tent, but we stayed dry, our metal chairs tucked tight beneath striped nylon.

Brad placed still-warm brownies into glass-footed dishes, scooped mint ice cream, drizzled chocolate sauce on top. The backyard was quiet, save the delicate clink of metal spoons on glass, the song of crickets from fountain grass and the patter of light rain.

This year we traveled to the backyard to celebrate our anniversary. And it was perfect.

When were you last surprised by life’s simple delights?

Michelle is a Christian wife and mother of two originally from Massachusetts now living in Nebraska. She is a part-time writer, editor and fundraiser for Nebraska PBS/NPR. Michelle loves to write about how her family illuminates God's presence in her everyday life, and on finding (and keeping) faith in the everyday. Michelle enjoys reading, running and writing. Be sure to go visit her blog, Graceful, Faith in the Everyday.

By Nick (My Experience As...)

First let me say thank you for the opportunity. I used to write nearly every day but lately I have been so busy that I haven’t done any writing. This is helping me more than I can say.

If you know me then you can skip this paragraph, but if you don’t it might be helpful to get an idea of where I’m coming from.  I am a father to 4 children. I love them dearly and believe each to be a gift from God. I mean this quite literally as my wife had two miscarriages and a tubal before we had our first and we were both struggling with horrible depression until God spoke to us through our pastor.  This is a powerful story that I’d invite you to read on my blog. I’m also a youth pastor and have well over 50 students I pray for all the time. My heart breaks for most of them because I know they have heard the truth, but have not responded to it.

I believe we need to pray for our children daily. I don’t even mean our natural children, but all those of this generation of students.  I have made a strong effort to get the names of all of my students, even those who came once and haven’t been back, into the hands of people in my church.  I ask them to pray for the kids every day, and I know they are covered in prayers. We pray for protection, and peace. We ask for strength and wisdom. We seek blessing and perseverance on their behalf.

The most important concern, though, is their salvation. We are familiar with Jesus’ words in Matthew 16:26:

"What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?"

We can have every good thing in life but it doesn’t matter if our soul is not secure. We see that in the account of the Rich Young Ruler in Luke 18:18-29. He had it all, he was rich, powerful, and young.  By the standards of any culture that made him a winner, but then he goes on to talk about how much he has done for God. At face value he is everything we want for our children, but he came to Christ, certainly something else we would pray fervently for our children, but hearing the cost of salvation he walk away from Christ. Pay close attention to his reaction, “he became very sad.”

Of course, we might be tempted to think that our children are saved and so we can stop praying continually for their salvation.  I would urge you to rethink this laxidasical approach to prayer. Paul says, “Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory,” in 2 Timothy 2:10. Consider that he is actually saying that he endures these things for those who are the “elect” so that they might obtain salvation. These are the ones who have come to Christ and know about Him.  They are raised with Him and believe on Him, but this is not enough for Paul. Jesus puts it this way in Matthew 24:13, “but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

We know God’s grace is amazing and overwhelming, so we get lazy in our prayers and then wonder what happened to these children when they walk out and fall in love with the world. Our prayers ceased and they were lured by the siren call to doom.

Fret not though, we can find hope in the story of the Prodigal Son. In this story we see a young man who walked away. He lived his own life his own way and ended up destroying it. Through his brokenness and shame he returned to the path that brought him back home and he was restored to the former life by grace and love.

As a pastor I feel I must say “so as I close” at least once, so there it is.

Please pray for your own children, but also pray for their friends and the children of your friends.  Seek out the names of youth in your church.  Surprise the youth pastor by asking for students you can pray for. Then bring these names continually before God.  Know that this is warfare of the highest order so prepare for more than a quick, “please save Bob” as you pray over your meals.  Remember the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8. She didn’t give up; she didn’t just randomly ask the judge whenever they met on the street.  She sought him out and bothered him.  She made a nuisance of herself until the judge relented. This is how we must pray for this most urgent of requests.

My friend and fellow blogger Wendy at Weight..What? has a fun carnival at her blog called "Life is Funny." Every Monday we talk about something in life that we find funny. Be sure to go visit her blog to read her post along with links to other blogs who are participating.

Israeli couscous is a fun pasta to add variety to meals. It is also called “pearl couscous” because of its shape and size. It’s made from semolina and wheat flour and has a wonderfully nutty taste. I usually make up a little extra and use leftovers in salads, frittatas, and soups.

This recipe can use any vegetable, and you can grill or roast them in the oven. Take advantage of the seasonal favorites and consider zucchini, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and even sweet potatoes. You’ll notice I threw some baked tofu in this picture for a little extra protein. Use your imagination and lots of color to take advantage of all the wonderful phytochemicals vegetables have to offer!

Toasted Israeli Couscous with Grilled Vegetables

Vegetable Marinade

2/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1 cup olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Grilled Vegetables

8 oz mushrooms, quartered
1 red bell pepper, one inch dice
1 yellow bell pepper, one inch dice
1 green bell pepper, one inch dice
1 yellow onion
1 red onion
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup basil, chiffonade
1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley

Couscous

1 pound Israeli (pearl) couscous
3 tablespoons olive oil
6 cups vegetable or chicken stock
Freshly ground pepper

Mix marinade ingredients and let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes for flavors to blend. Chop vegetables; add to marinade. Allow to sit for 30 minutes. Place vegetables in grill basked over hot grill and grill for 10- 15 minutes or until desired doneness, stirring once.

While vegetables are cooking,  heat olive oil in large skillet over medium high heat. Add couscous and toast until golden. Add stock and cook about 5 minutes until al dente. Drain; place in large serving bowl. Toss with grilled vegetables, add basil and parsley and season to taste. Sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese if desired.

Candy Steele is a registered nurse who has worked with cardiac patients for over thirty years. “Functional foods” have become her passion, and she enjoys sharing her love of cooking, a random life and a faithful Jesus with her friends at Steele (the Day). She is blessed with three grown children, a new daughter-in-law, and a kind and patient husband who only knows how to fix popcorn (but she’s OK with that).