"Celebrate to Celebrate Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. --PSALM 107:1 I've often been accused of celebrating just to celebrate. I guess that's correct, because I've built a ministry on telling women how to develop a close-knit family. My experience has shown that healthy families love to celebrate--you name it; they celebrate. Make celebrations a tradition in your family! Why not? Life is for living, and in the living there's always something to celebrate. Celebrate everything--good days, bad days that are finally over, birthdays, and even half birthdays. Get your children involved preparing for a dinner celebration. Make it special. Let them make place cards, set the table, help you cook, create a centerpiece. Our children were always assigned to greet our guests at the door--a wonderful opportunity for teaching hospitality and manners. Let your sharing extend beyond your family. Several times a year, create a "love basket" filled with food for a family in need. Try spending part of your holidays helping out at a shelter or a mission. This has been one of our most rewarding celebrations. Present your own version of a You Are Special plate to a special guest, and have her use it for her meal. Let the recipient know that she is special and is loved by all. Go around the table and tell that special person why she is so special. Have a box of Kleenex ready--the tears will flow. In some cases it will be the first time she has been told that she is special and loved at the same time. Don't be limited. Look for ways to celebrate life and those you love! Prayer: Father God, there are a lot of reasons to celebrate today. Let me be a helper for those who want to celebrate but don't know how. Amen. Action: Plan a celebration for someone you love. "