When I finally gave my life to Jesus, I was almost 30 and at the bottom of the pit. The woman whose prayer and conversation led me to this commitment took me into her home, took me to church, and made me feel a welcome part of God's family. But something was missing.

The people at the church were friendly enough, but they didn't seem to be enjoying life, always too solemn, afraid that fun would take away from the seriousness of their salvation. I had been raised a Presbyterian, and my mother always encouraged laughter, singing aloud, talking to Jesus like a friend as well as my Savior, so the behavior of my new friends didn't quite click.

One day I was in a Christian store and saw on the wall a picture of Jesus Laughing. I stood there and laughed too! I bought the picture, showed it to my friends, and got mixed responses. It hung in my living room for all to see when they came to my home; I wanted them to know that Jesus is to be enjoyed -- we are to love God and enjoy His presence forever. I found a Scripture to support this:

"You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand." -Psalm 16:11

And since then, I picture Jesus laughing in all areas of my life, a lesson to not let life get the best of me, but to trust Him who is the source of my joy.

I gave that picture to our pastor as a 50th birthday present, sad to give it up but glad to see that it had an effect on his family's life also. That was 15 years ago; I have moved across the country and begun a new life, involved in a church that recognizes the joys of being born into the family of Christ. My mom recently bought me another picture of Jesus Laughing for my birthday and it will hang on our living room wall again, with a plaque about Jesus being the Center of this family and a poster listing Scriptures that direct the behavior of each member of our family toward each other and God.

This is a joyful household, and Jesus is the reason!

With Love in Jesus' Name,
Sally Jane W.

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