JOYFUL TIMES EZINE
Resources and Inspiration for Discovering Inner Joy
Issue #1 - 2003
 
Purpose Statement:
The purpose of the Joyful Times Ezine is to uplift the spirit through inspiration and information. To this end we will emphasize the positive and focus on the good that is taking place in this world.
 
 
Philosophy statement:
We can create joyful times in our personal world by directing our thoughts and feelings. Seeing or feeling the perfection we want in our lives and in the lives of others has been called the highest form of prayer.  This can lift us into the "high joy vibration" and through the "law of attraction" joyful times will result.  Our motto is "joy is an inside job."
Pegi Joy Jenkins Ph.D. - Founder of Joyful You - Joyful Child, Inc.
 
Letter from the Editor:
     Welcome to the first issue of "Joyful Times Ezine"!  We are an extension of the Joyful You - Joyful Child website at http://www.joy4u.org    It is a non-profit organization founded in 1990 by  Pegi Joy Jenkins, PhD..    
     My name is Joy Smiley (yes, it's my real name,) and I am pleased for the opportunity to grow as editor of this email magazine.  I come to you with a passion for sharing the wonder of children and the wealth of joy with others!  I have a Masters degree in Elementary Education with a current focus on adult education and training design.  My hope is that, as you page through the information we have gathered, specific items will resonate with you and will stimulate and activate your joy.  We welcome your comments and suggestions.  Thank you!
Finding 'joy in the journey,' 
Joy Smiley - Editor
 
 
Table of Contents:
  1. Universal Principles
  2. Big Picture Parenting
  3. Joyful Relationships
  4. Global Good News
  5. Book Recommendations
  6. Joy Inspiring Products
  7. Quotes to Ponder
  8. Contact Information

 

Universal Principles

"WHAT YOU FOCUS ON EXPANDS"

QUOTE:  "When you focus intently on your needs, which will serve mainly to make even more of them.  So focus instead on what you're able to create, to accomplish and to become.  Give life, give energy to those positive possibilities." -by Ralph Marston - more information is available at The Daily Motivator web site at http://greatday.com  for an archive of more than 1,000 daily messages, inspirational photos and more. Start your day with a message in calming colored slide show, or the text-alone version.  Subscriptions = Mon-Sat, $15.00/yr. (that is less than 5 cents a day!)

 

Nuturing Spirituality in Children    (paperback book) by Pegi Joy Jenkins, Ph.D.

I have suggested this book to numerous teachers, lay pastors, Sunday school teachers, and to a minister for his children's sermons.  This book contains many activities and exercises to teach children (of all age levels) about Universal Principles, positive affirmations, and Life Instruction.  Each takes less that 10 minutes from start to finish and uses items you probably already have around the house.  This book may trigger ideas of your own - to reach your children in a way that words and pictures never could.  Here is an example from the book...

pgs 4-5     "The Inside Gives Form To The Outside"

Materials

  • inflated balloons (1 or 2)
  • balloons NOT INFLATED (3 or 4)
  • optional (a balloon for each child)

Lesson

     "The Invisible Shapes the Visible" is another name for this lesson.  Begin by explaining that each balloon represents a person, and each person is filled with the breath of life, just like the balloons are when they are blown up.  Suggest that the children blow up the balloons by filling them with their breath of life.  Help them to see that the air, or life, is in all balloons and people.

     People see only the outside of the balloon or the outside of people, and they tend to think that's the important part.  What's really important, however; is what is on the inside, because what's on the inside creates the outside.  It's the inside that gives form to the balloon.  Otherwise, it would be limp and useless, like one of the uninflated balloons."  Show the children the uninflated balloons.

     "We need to know that the insides of others are more important than their outside forms.  The air inside us is important because it is what gives us life.  Also important inside us are our thoughts and feelings.  In many ways theses help shape us and our experiences.  What is most important is the Spirit within."  You may prefer to substitute other terminology for this point of perfection all people share despite their outward appearances.

     Continue with the balloon analogy: "Can you see that the life, or air, on the inside of the balloon is the important part?  What happens to the air when you release it from the balloon?"  The children will see that the air rejoins the air outside the balloon.

     In addition: You may want to compare the release of air or life to the death of the body.  Help the children see that there is no real death because the life force rejoins its source just like the air does and continues on in a different form.  If there has been a recent death in the family, this could be a most helpful lesson.

     Suggested Affirmation:  "I remember that what's inside people is more important than what is outside."

reprinted with permission of Author, Pegi Joy Jenkins, Ph.D.  This book is available (along with other related items) on our website at www.joy4u.org in the products division.  Or go to this direct order page link: http://www.joy4u.org/products/onlinestore1.htm

 

Big Picture Parenting

LOVE 101: Building Compassion in Kids   by Gwynne Spencer

Although scientific debate still rages on the topic of nurture vs. nature, I am of the opinion that the human animal is naturally violent.  Other than outlawing testosterone, I just don't know any way around it.  In one study of violence on the preschool playground, researchers found that the children who were denied toy guns (and other weapons) initiated four times as many aggressive incidents in play as those kids who were allowed warmongering toys.  I've even heard from teachers about kids in classrooms who chewed their graham crackers into the shape of guns if they were denied toy weaponry.  Go figure.

Here are some ways for today's parents to build a meaningful reservoir of empathy in their kids in spite of a world filled with rage and lunacy. 

  1. Whenever there is an act of violence on television, turn the thing off for an hour.  Your family will watch approximately seven seconds of TV a day.
  2. Ban video games of all kinds, not just because of their violence but because time that is spent intently gamin is NOT socializing the young animal.
  3. Teach your children the power of advertising by launching your own ad campaign that assures them they are NOT going to be empowered by a visit to Wal-mart, nor are they ratcheted up the humanitarian scale by recycling their cell phones.  Buy less, be more.
  4. Read them stories of compassion and kindness and selflessness like Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli (Aladdin, 1996, $5.99) Andy and the Lion by James Daughtery (Viking Press, 1938, $12.95) Home of the Brave, by Allen Say (Houghton Mifflin, 2002, $17) Charlotte's Web by E.B. White (now available in a 50th anniversary retrospective unabridged audio cd collection, Listening Library, 2002 $27)
  5. Plug your kids into great audio in the car.  We highly recommend everything by Raffi, and storyteller Jim Weiss, as well as the Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park and Harry Potter tapes (the movies leave so much out!)
  6. Instead of self-indulgent commercially powered kidflix filled with gratuitous action-adventure that produces only adrenaline (not compassion), feed their brains on movies like: The Secret of Roan Inish, Contact, Bambi (before Disney's main purpose was selling lunchboxes), The Black Stallion, ET, Never-Ending Story, Where the Red Fern Grows, Simon Burch, Shrek and Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas.
  7. Implement service learning programs in schools to channel energy otherwise wasted on sports.  For more information, contact: Kid2KidProject, at www.icrichild.org
  8. Have kids earn their allowance, not by doing household chores which they ought to be doing for free anyway, but on the basis of altruistic and anonymous acts of benevolence committed in the home, in the neighborhood and in the school.
  9. With all that time NOT spent on TV and video gaming, your kids will have lots of time to read, building vicarious experience, which is the very foundation of compassion.  Feed them terrific books by Mem Fox, Rosemary Wells, Katherine Paterson, Steven Kellogg, Karen Cushman, Donna Jo Napoli, Cynthia Rylant, Beverly Cleary, Karen Hesse, and Jerry Spinelli. (for a list of 101 Books Every Peaceable Kid Ought to Read, send $2 and a self-addressed stamped envelope to 101 list, PO Box 121, Mancos  CO 81328)
  10. Insist on an hour a week (minimum) of volunteer service at the library or school, homeless shelter or dog pound, nursing home or local clinic, making the world a better place.  Grab a copy of The Kid's Guide to Service Projects: Over 500 Ideas for Young People Who Want to make a Difference by Barbara Lewis (Free Spirit Publishing, $12.95.)

Kids who grow up with a constant drone of aphorisms like "Of those to whom much is given, much is require' and 'You make a living by what you get but you make a life by what you give', have the baseline expectation that they will help make the world a better place, not relentlessly pursuing their own self-interests.  I'm sure that someday, it will all be clear to them that doing well is like brushing your teeth, you can't just do it once in a while.

Gwynne Spencer is author of RECIPES FOR READING, which unites picture books and recipes, and HAVE TALENT WILL TRAVEL, a set of directories that unites authors, illustrators and storyteller with schools and libraries who would like them to visit Linwoth Publishing, (800-786-5017) and the mother of two grownups, both of whom work at full-time jobs making the world a better place, one in cancer research, one in the veterinary field.  She invites your comments at pengwynnes@aol.com

 

SUGGESTED BIG PICTURE PARENTING LINK #1 - http://www.teachwithmovies.org/character-evelopment-index.htm

The website link above gives us ideas on how we can use videos, DVD's and movies we can rent or check out from the library to stimulate conversations and family times that have a message.  It also has its own newsletter you may wish to subscribe to. The site offers:

  • Movies to introduce our children to:
    • Major historical events 
    • Achievements of the civilized world
    • Extraordinary men and women
    • Music, dance, drama, literature, and the arts
    • Cultural issues
    • Ethical issues
    • Social issues
  • Learning Guides to each recommended film describe:
    • The benefits of the movie
    • Possible problems
    • Helpful background
    • Possible discussion questions
    • Bridges to reading
    • Projects
    • Links to the internet are also provided
  • Ways to search for films by:
    • Subject matter
    • Minimum age
    • Character development
    • Alphabetical
    • By title or keyword
    • Movies NOT recommended as teaching tools

 

SUGGESTED BIG PICTURE PARENTING LINK #2 -   http://www.charactercenter.com/Toothpick/index.htm

This website has lots of eye-catching ideas.  There are email greeting cards (with colorful cartoon activity) you can send to family, children, friends... that share a moral lesson in a fun way.  The activities section has very simple things to do to reinforce learning for all ages.  There are stories and characters that will become endeared to the heart of your children as they learn about their own character.  there are pictures of children from all races, many countries, and different walks of life.  It is a very visually stimulating site.

  • I recommend you check out the FREE email GREETING CARDS:
    • Toothpick day - a card that teaches a moral lesson about how to 'pick out' bad character
    • Butterfly - a card that teaches a moral lesson about change
  • I also recommend the following sub-links from this site:
    • KIDS link
    • Activities link
    • Pillar of the month

 

BIG PICTURE PARENTING - SUGGESTED GAMES TO BUILD CHARACTER:

CONSCIENCE BOARD GAME     by GORU

This game reinforces the concept of right from wrong.  It's a way to reach your children without lectures.  It gets the whole family talking.  As you travel around the board, you are presented with an environment involving issues of violence, character, manners, etc.  The player works to stay on the right path, avoid black marks, and collect stars.  You must collect 5 stars to win.  It's for all ages.  (Check your local bookstore, cost = $22 - $30) or you can place an order #0012054119 at this online bookstore for $21.95 at http://www.thinkinnovative.com/ebusiness/enwbooks/detail.asp?NodelID=7937

or on AMAZON for $27.99 at:  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/toys/B0000JZLE/qid%3D1042746230/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F1/102-3319928-6635322

 

EVERYBODY'S RIGHT:  A Question and Answer Game to Stimulate Creative Thinking, Stretch the Imagination, Build Self-Esteem  (ages 5-95) comes with a parent-teacher guide   by Pegi Joy Jenkins, Ph.D.

This portable game of Q & A cards can be easily included at the dinner table, in the car pool, or while doing the dishes.  This game will help your children to gain the recognition for thinking of AN ANSWER... and the "feeling of being RIGHT!"  Whether you are a group of quick thinkers or slow... young or old.. a group of 2 or 32... right brain or left-brain thinkers... all will feel encouraged because there are NO WRONG ANSWERS!  No matter if you are playing or observing the game - each one will have their imaginations stimulated with the group or individual thoughts and activities the cards encourage!  It is a winner at family gatherings, because it's a game everyone can play!  Laughter and support will abound as you get to know each other in a whole new way!  This game can be ordered for $12.95 at http://www.joy4u.org/products/onlinestore1.htm

 

Joyful Relationships

"DARTS" AN ADULT OBJECT LESSON ABOUT THE CHARACTER OF OUR RELATIONSHIPS - Author Unknown

A young lady named Sally, relates an experience she had in seminary class, given by her teacher, D. Smith.  She says Dr. Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons.  

One particular day, Sally walked into the seminary and knew they were in for a fun day.  On the wall was a big target and on the nearby table were many darts.  Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture. 

Sally's girlfriend drew a picture of a girl who had stolen her boyfriend.  Another friend drew a picture of his little brother.  Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face.  Sally was pleased with the overall effect she had achieved.  

The whole class lined up and began throwing darts.  Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their pictures were ripping apart.   Sally looked forward to her turn, and was filled with disappointment when  Dr. Smith, because of time limits, asked the students to return to their seats.

As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn't have a chance to throw any darts at her target, Dr. Smith began removing the target from the wall.  Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus.

A hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered His face and His eyes were pierced.

Dr. Smith said only these words... "In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me." Matthew 25:40.

No other words were necessary; the tear filled eyes of the students focused only on the picture of Christ.

 

SUGGESTED RELATIONSHIPS LINK #1 - www.hischaracter.com/HISbody.htm

The LINK above will take you to an article that is a great one for us adults because it speaks about some daily ways our character comes into play.  John Seitzler, the author, offers a look at:

  • the historical perspective of character
  • differences between character and achievement
  • character on our jobs

This site also has articles on President Reagan and his character, as well as definitions and quotes on character that are worth reading.  Note: it is written from the Christian point of view.

 

SUGGESTED RELATIONSHIPS LINK #2:  www.livingbetter.org/livingbetter/articles/character.html

This website (LIVING BETTER MAGAZINE) has several articles on living healthier lives.  The LINK above will take you to one article with short paragraphs on : how good moral character is important in our adult friendships, relationships, and marriage.  The article also points out direct links to how good character can lead to better leadership in our homes, our jobs, our churches, and even our world.  Jeff Maxfield presents his comments on:

  • Hope
  • Vision
  • Perseverance
  • Patience
  • Compassion
  • Loyalty
  • Integrity
  • Humility

 

Global Good News

SUGGESTED GLOBAL GOOD NEWS LINK #1 - www.goodnewsnetwork.org/Pages/gnnglobal.html

This link takes you to numerous current articles of GLOBAL impact that are being reported in national and international newspapers.  It does the heart good to read articles of fact in print, and offers other links to find out more.  This site contains archives of good news articles going back up to 10 years.

SUGGESTED GLOBAL GOOD NEWS LINK #2 - http://cspace.unb.ca/nbco/globaled/twoapproach/activ37.html

The link above will take you directly to an education lesson on good news vs. bad news in the media, and how we interpret it, or act on it.  The home website offers many of these activities centered on global good news.  They can be used as a family activity or read to stimulate dinner conversations around the table.  I also suggest you go to the home page, then on to - issues in global education.  Look at the appendix of international games offered at this point.  Your kids may enjoy some new family games during these long winter months, and you will be exposing them to some of the good of our international brothers and sisters.

Book Recommendations

BOOKS FOR JOYFUL RELATIONSHIPS:

The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective Families    by Steven Covey   

If you really believe in your heart that family should come first, then this is the book for you!  Covey points out the essentials clearly with easily applied examples.  He shares personal antidotes on how love, values, and morality are learned at home.  Covey inspires us to make the world a better place starting at home.  This book will give you a set of tools to encourage your children, siblings, and significant others in joy.

Character Above All    by Peggy Noonan and Robert Anton Wilson

The author's personal account of President Ronald Regan (whom she worked with) shares a view of the character and integrity of our former president.  She reminds us that what counts in any human being, especially those in leadership, is 'character above all'.

 

BOOKS FOR JOYFUL BIG PICTURE PARENTING AND GRANDPARENTING:

Ten Talks Parents Must Have With Their Children About Sex And Character    by Pepper Schwartz, Ph.D.

This book offers different approaches to help parents have those vital talks on hard to approach subjects with their children.

The Joyful Child: A Sourcebook of Activities and Ideas for Releasing Children's Natural Joy    by Pegi Joy Jenkins, Ph.D.

Dr. Jenkins's book received the GOLDEN BALLOON AWARD from the World Children's Day Foundation, a branch of UNICEF, in 1990.   This book is for new parents, experienced parents, grandparents, teachers and daycare providers, college students pursing a teaching degree or other adults who have children as a main focus in their lives.  I purchased this book as a prerequisite read to taking a course in facilitating "The Joyful Child" classes.  I got in touch with the author because I found the first several chapters were hitting me so personally. I was constantly in tears.  I realized in reading the very first chapter that my 'childhood joy' (my birthright) had been crushed at a very early age.  But as I kept on reading, I discovered that my joy was not lost.  I could re-parent myself and nurture the inner child in me.  Continued reading of the other chapters and the freedom to apply some of the activities to myself, helped me to rediscover and develop my own inner joy.  This book has changed my life!

You will find this book to be a valuable resource.  It is presented in an easy to read, organized manner.  There are many parent-teacher directed activities in the form of games, songs, stories, puppetry, art, music and movement.

BOOKS FOR JOYFUL CHILDREN

A Little Kinder Than Necessary:  A Collection of Character-building Secrets   by Beth Strong Taber    illustrated by Joyce Orchard Garamella

Good for ALL ages - to stimulate family conversation.  Even the youngest can learn from the pictures.  It contains 52 quotations about values, goals and manners. 

What Do You Stand For?   by Barbara A. Lewis and Pamela Espeland   (ages 9-12)

Whether you choose to give this book to your children or sit down and read it and discuss it in a family or one-on-one time; it will make a positive impact on all of you!  This book contains true stories of kids who each do things to build the character traits they find most important.  This book is well organized with role-playing questions, and resources in the form of website addresses and books to learn more about various related subjects.  These stories will inspire your children to grow and be all they can be by giving them practical peer examples of how it has been done by others.

10-Minute Life Lessons for Kids: 52 Fun and Simple Games and Activities To Teach Your Child Trust, Honesty, Love and Other Important Values  by Jamie C Miller   illustrated by Cam Clarke

You will find 52 quick and easy to play lessons that can be done in the carpool or after supper using common objects around the house.  Be amazed at how your children will discover the objective of each activity themselves by actively engaging them in 'doing'.  It is an innovative way to teach the powerful principles of honesty, trust, generosity, love, and other values.  Change the 'inside-out' of your whole family once a week for a year with the ideas in this book.

The Kids Guide to Service Projects:  Over 500 Service ideas for Young People Who Want To Make a Difference   by Barbara A. Lewis and Pamela Espeland  (age 7 and up)

Look through this book with your children and focus on THEIR areas of interest.  Whether it is animals, hunger, the environment, government or people... there is something for everyone who wants to make a difference.  Choose the subject, then follow step by step instructions.  You will not only introduce your children to the gift of service; they will also learn organization, planning, commitment, and other character building values.  You will see the change before your eyes as their self esteem blossoms from learning that one person CAN make a difference if you DO something!

Joy Inspiring Products

The intent of this section is to announce, "joy inspiring products."  To be considered for this publication, a sample of your product must be sent to Joyful You - Joyful Child (PO Box 3808, Sedona, AZ 86340) for evaluation.  The sample item will not be returned.  Joyful Times Ezine has the final determination to accept or reject the recommendation of your product.  You will be notified in writing of the status of our recommendation.  Please provide a point of contact for this notification.

Along with the sample, submit ad copy (25-75 words) describing the item, its purpose, concept or value, and how it can be obtained.  Within the ad; state price and any shipping or handling fees.  You may also want to include a short testimonial.  As an advertiser in this Ezine, you will be responsible for taking and sending out the orders.  Please clearly state how you can be contacted, and what forms of payment you accept.  Provide a website address or link, and/or standard mailing address with phone number.  The ad will run once in a single email issue. However, each issue will also be permanently archived on the website, where it may receive future hits.  Please resubmit your ad accordingly if you wish it to be included in future issues.

Ad fees will be as follows:

  • product range of $10 - 19.99 = ad cost/$10
  • product range of $20 - 29.99 = ad cost/$20
  • product range of $30 - 49.00 = ad cost/$30
  • products or services advertised over $50 will be determined accordingly

JoyfulTimes Ezine is not responsible for the sale or consumer use of this product.

 

Quotes to Ponder

"To educate a person in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society." - Theodore Roosevelt

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically... Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education."  - Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929 - 1968) Civil rights leader

"If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito." - Bette Reeves

"What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals." - Zig Ziglar - speaker and author

"Your walk talks, and your talk talks, but your walk talks louder than your talk talks." - Author unknown

"Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her.  But once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game."  - Voltaire (1694-1778) historian and writer

A positive attitude is perhaps more important at home than anywhere else.  As spouses and parents, one of our most vital roles is to help those we love feel good about themselves."  - Keith Harrell - speaker and author


Contact Information

We are an extension of the Joyful You - Joyful Child website at http://www.joy4u.org    It is a non-profit organization founded in 1990 by  Pegi Joy Jenkins, PhD..    

 

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