Have you ever noticed how much better you feel after a good belly laugh? Scientists tell us that so many muscles are exercised during a hearty laugh, that laughing is actually good for us physically. Psychologists have discovered that the mere act of moving facial muscles into a smiling position (regardless of whether or not you actually feel happy) produces feelings of happiness. Scripture also affirms the physical value of laughter: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17: 22). God has created us with a need to laugh and smile and find amusement in our daily lives. Proverbs 15:30 reminds us that “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones”

Here are a few more Scriptural verses that remind us of the spiritual and emotional value of laughter and cheer in our lives:

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:13

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Job 8:21

Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations," The LORD has done great things for them." Psalm 126:2

All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast. Proverbs 15:15

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23

If you are feeling stressed or need a small dose of encouragement, try practicing the art of finding humour in everyday situations. Laughter and the ability to appreciate the lighter side of daily encounters is a valuable commodity is a pastor’s life! We hope that your spirits are uplifted by the cartoons and jokes we’ve posted here for you. So sit back, relax, and laugh! It’s good for your soul, health, and countenance!

If you’re interesting in learning more about the value of joy and laughter in our lives, consider ordering the Pastor to Pastors tape, “Lighten Up: The value of Humour”. (www.fotf.ca or 1.800.661.9800)

1. Unfair Trade
A preacher was making his rounds to his parishioners on a bicycle, when he came upon a little boy trying to sell a lawn mower. "How much do you want for the mower?" asked the preacher.

"I just want enough money to go out and buy me a bicycle", said the little boy. After a moment of consideration, the preacher asked, "Will you take my bike in trade for the mower?"

The little boy asked if he could try it out first, and after riding the bike around a little while said, "Mister, you've got yourself a deal."

The preacher took the mower and began to try to crank it. He pulled on the cord a few times with no response from the mower. The preacher called the little boy over and said, "I can't get this mower to start."

The little boy said, "That's because you have to cuss at it to get it started." The preacher said, "I’m a minister, and I cannot cuss. It’s been so long since I’ve been saved that I don’t even remember how to cuss."

The little boy looked at him happily and said, "Just keep pulling on that cord. It'll come back to ya!"

2. Horseradish
A minister who was very fond of pure, hot horseradish always kept a bottle of it on his dining room table. He offered some to a guest, who took a big spoonful.

When the guest finally was able to speak, he gasped, "I've heard many ministers preach hellfire, but you are the first one I've met who passed out a sample of it."

3. Sermons from God
A preacher's little boy inquired, "Daddy, I notice every Sunday morning when you first come out to preach, you sit up on the platform and bow your head. What are you doing?"

The father explained, "I'm asking the Lord to give me a good sermon."

The little boy replied, "Why don't He?"