In 2001, McDonald’s teamed up with a popular toy store chain to provide the toys for its Happy Meals®.

It started in 1978 as a promotion at a Kansas City McDonald’s, when a toy was offered to kids along with their hamburger, fries, and shakes. The introduction of the Happy Meal® took the country by storm, and, for more than 25 years, young customers have enjoyed getting a fun toy along with their meal.

In fact, these toys have become popular collector’s items worldwide. Some people are so obsessed with their toy collection that they go to multiple restaurants and buy (maybe not eat!) as many kids’ meals as it takes to complete a portion of their collection.

With such a highly successful marketing concept, other major retailers sought partnerships with the restaurants in order to get their merchandise into children’s hands. And it didn’t take Hollywood long to catch on, either. Now nearly every major family film release is accompanied by a kids’ meal tie-in.

While some might think that collecting toys brings happiness, what brings you happiness? Maybe it’s new clothes, or a fun afternoon with your friends. Or maybe it’s spending a quiet afternoon reading. Whatever it might be, we need to remember that true happiness comes from only one source—and that’s a rock-steady relationship with Jesus Christ. Our joy comes from knowing Jesus and knowing that he is with us always. And what’s better, it’s this type of joy that helps us through the tough times—when the friends aren’t there, the shoes have holes in them, or the toys break down.

Jesus never fails us. He is always with us, and that should bring you real happiness and joy.

So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while (1 Peter 1:6).

To Do

Make a list of what makes you happy. Now cross off anything that is temporary or depends on your circumstances. What’s left on your list?

Also on this day

Stay Home Because You’re Well Day.

1835—Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) was born.

1875—A.J. Ehrichson patented the oat-crushing machine.

1954—In Sylacauga, Alabama, Elizabeth Hodges was injured when a meteorite crashed through the roof of her house. The rock weighed 8½ pounds.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

On this day in 1898, C.S. Lewis was born.

C.S. Lewis, one of the most respected Christian writers, is the author of the beloved children’s classic Narnia tales. Yet it took Lewis until his adult life before he became a Christian and accepted the truth about God.

As a youngster growing up in Northern Ireland, Lewis was raised as a Christian. He even turned more to the Christian faith after his mother died in 1908. But in his teens Lewis abandoned his faith. He became more interested in German mythology, which led him to see Christianity as “kind of . . . nonsense into which humanity tended to blunder.” Lewis became an atheist (one who believes there is no God) while a student at Oxford University and remained one well into his thirties.

After graduating in 1925 with honors, Lewis became an English professor at Magdalen College. During that time he met fellow writers and friends, J.R.R. Tolkien (author of the Lord of the Rings trilogy) and Hugo Dyson. Lewis became a Christian after a long discussion with Tolkien and Dyson about the Christian faith. The next day Lewis recalled, “When we set out [by motorcycle to the Whipsnade Zoo] I did not believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and when we reached the zoo I did.”

Lewis went on to become a strong defender of the faith, and no doubt would agree with the psalm writer that “Only fools say in their hearts, ‘There is no God.’” The good news for Lewis and anyone with doubts is that God is patient with us and is eager for all to come to the same conclusion of faith as Lewis (2 Peter 3:9).

In The Case for Christianity Lewis wrote, “Now is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It won’t last forever. We must take it or leave it.”

Have you taken it?

Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; no one does good! (Psalm 14:1).

To Do

If you haven’t already done so, get a copy of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe from the library and read it.

Also on this day

1929—The first airplane flight over the South Pole was made by U.S. Navy Lt. Commander Richard E. Byrd.

1934—The Chicago Bears beat the Detroit Lions in the first NFL game broadcast nationally.

1961—Mercury-Atlas 5 carried a chimp named Enos into orbit.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

In 1863, the first Thanksgiving was celebrated as a regular American holiday.

You probably already know that President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation in 1863, declaring the fourth Thursday in November as an official day to give thanks to God for his many blessings and provisions throughout the year. But did you ever stop to consider that Lincoln’s call for thanksgiving came while the country was involved in its bloodiest and only civil war?

“In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity,” President Lincoln found much for which to give thanks to God. Peace had been preserved with other nations, laws had been respected and maintained. The population of the country had continued to increase, farming and industry were thriving, and the country remained strong—all blessings that Lincoln attributed to “the Most High God.”

“It has seemed to me fit and proper that they [God’s gracious gifts] should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People,” President Lincoln wrote.

Thousands of years earlier another ruler had declared a day of thanksgiving and praise to God. King David, having just brought the Ark of God into Jerusalem, led the people in a celebration of thanksgiving with this song, “Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his miracles” (1 Chronicles 16:8, 9).

In David’s song, the people were instructed in how to give true thanksgiving: remembering what God has done; telling others about it; showing God’s goodness to others; and offering back to God gifts of service.

What can you do today to remember, tell, show, and serve as thanksgiving to God?

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done (1 Chronicles 16:8).

To Do

As part of your Thanksgiving celebration, read David’s song of thanksgiving in 1 Chronicles 16:7-36.

Also on this day

Today is National French Toast Day. Enjoy some!

1520—Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan reached the Pacific Ocean after passing through the South American strait.

1919—American-born Lady Astor was elected the first female member of the British Parliament.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

In 1896, Alfred Nobel established the Nobel Peace Prize.

Several days ago you read about Alfred Nobel, the inventor and developer of dynamite. Twenty-eight years after inventing that useful but destructive product, Nobel stipulated in his will that the fortune he had amassed be used to celebrate and honor achievements in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Peace.

Shortly before his death, Nobel made arrangements for the prizes that bear his name. He did not want to be remembered as the man who developed the most destructive weapon the world had ever seen, but as a man who loved literature and peace. The creation of these awards was Nobel’s life dream.

Although there are more than 300 peace prizes given out each year, the Nobel Peace Prize has become the most well known. It is awarded to those who “shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding of peace congresses.” Since 1901, the prize has been awarded to people such as Nelson Mendela, President Jimmy Carter, and Mother Theresa.

When it comes to true peace, however, there is only One who is worthy of receiving an award for doing the most work for all nations and all people—Jesus Christ. Because of his willingness to go to the cross and take the punishment for sins through his death, we have peace with God. Not the kind of peace that the world thinks about—the absence of war or feelings such as calmness and tranquility. The peace Jesus achieved makes us right with God. We no longer are considered God’s enemies, but his friends. Our sin no longer blocks us from a relationship with God.

That’s a prize-winning peace, don’t you think?

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us (Romans 5:1).

To Do

Make up your own peace award and give it to someone you know who works hard to keep the peace.

Also on this day

1885—The earliest photograph of a meteor shower was made.

1910—New York’s Pennsylvania Station opened.

1940—Martial arts actor Bruce Lee was born.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

In 1716, a lion was exhibited for the first time in America.

Imagine hearing about lions, possibly reading about lions, but never actually seeing one. It would be hard to imagine a lion’s majestic demeanor or experience its powerful roar from mere words. So it must have caused quite a stir when the first lion was exhibited in the United States.

That milestone event took place on this day in 1716, at the home of Captain Arthur Savage on Brattle Street, Boston. The lion, which had been tamed for exhibition, was advertised in The Boston News Letter in the following way: “All persons having the Curiosity of seeing the noble and Royal Beast the Lyon, never one before in America, may see him at the House of Capt. Arthur Savage near Mr. Colman’s Church, Boston.”

Imagine not only seeing a lion for the first time, but seeing it in someone’s home!

Sometimes we need to use more than our eyes to truly see and know something. Sometimes we need our hearts as well. A good example of this is the two blind beggars who sat by the road. They could hear the commotion of Jesus approaching, and so they shouted, “Son of David, have mercy on us!”

These men called Jesus “Son of David,” because they knew the Messiah would come from David’s family and because they knew without a doubt that Jesus was that long-awaited Messiah. They could Jesus was the Messiah with their hearts, while the other religious leaders who saw Jesus’ miracles were blind to his true identity.

As you get to know Jesus through God’s Word and through others, make sure you are seeing him with both your eyes and your heart.

Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” (Matthew 20:30).

To Do

Try this: Describe something you have seen to a family member or friend. Based on your description, ask them to draw it.

Also on this day

1789—President George Washington set aside this day to observe the adoption of the U.S. Constitution.

1861—The state of West Virginia was created (out of Virginia) over a dispute concerning slavery. West Virginia was against slavery.

1922—In Egypt, Howard Carter peered into the tomb of King Tutankhamen.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

In 1867, Alfred Nobel patented dynamite.

Early scientists recognized that they had a powerful explosive source in the compound nitroglycerine. The only problem was that nitroglycerine was extremely sensitive to the slightest shock, so it was very difficult to determine under which conditions it would explode.

Alfred Nobel began to study the problem. He realized that he needed a safe way to transport the nitroglycerine. Nobel’s solution was to mix the nitroglycerine (an oily substance) with silica (a ground-up mineral), forming a dough-like paste that could be molded into any shape. He called this compound dynamite, from the Greek dynamis, meaning “power.”

Soon after Nobel developed a blasting cap that would safely detonate the dynamite. His resulting product is considered as one of humankind’s most important inventions. It has changed the way we live, changed the way we wage war, and it also changed the face of the earth. The power of dynamite led to the construction of large buildings, the creation of roads and tunnels, and to the mining of precious natural resources.

Though we marvel at such an explosive resource, the power of dynamite pales in comparison to the power of our God. With a word he created the heavens and earth. At his command the sun and moon came into existence. He put the stars in place and named each one. God has the power to move mountains, part seas, and calm the winds at his command. He controls the nations and all their rulers. It is the same power that raised Jesus from the grave and defeated death and Satan with one blow. The incredible news is that such a power source is available to us every day as we come to God and put our confidence in him.

So power up!

I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:19, 20).

To Do

Enjoy some type of power bar today and think about God’s incredible power in the world around you.

Also on this day

Today is National Parfait Day.

1817—The first sword swallower in the United States performed in New York City.

1990—Lech Walesa won Poland’s first popular election.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

Today is National Espresso Day.

You probably haven’t joined the crowd yet, but we have become a nation of coffee drinkers, particularly of specialty coffee drinks such as lattes, frozen coffee drinks, and espressos. Consider the popularity of Starbucks—just one of many coffee companies. The company, which started in 1971 as a coffee roasting facility, has grown to more than 8,000 cafés in more than 30 countries.

The company turned the corner on its success when one of its marketing executives was traveling through Italy. Howard Schulz was inspired by the old Italian coffee bar tradition of serving freshly brewed espresso and cappuccino drinks. Schulz went back to Seattle and convinced his bosses to give his idea a chance. In 1985, the first coffee bar opened in Seattle and the coffee craze was on.

Some people will tell you that they just can’t seem to start their day without a mocha latte or a double-shot cappuccino. Without their coffee they can’t function. Or if it isn’t coffee, maybe it’s that morning cup of juice, a nice hot tea, or a frothy glass of cold milk.

Of course people really don’t need a double-shot latte to get through the day. Our daily existence doesn’t depend on whether or not we have a coffee each morning. But there is one drink that promises to do more than just get us through our day. This particular drink promises to all who drink deeply of it eternal life. And once we drink we will never be thirsty again.

Jesus offers us “living water.” The spiritual side of us needs food and water to grow and function. That means we need to nourish ourselves with God’s Word on a daily basis. We need to quench our thirst by staying connected to Jesus through prayer and Bible study.

Drink up!

Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst—not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life (John 4:14, The Message).

To Do

Enjoy your favorite beverage. Think of all the ways that knowing Jesus is like having a cold drink of water on a hot, hot day.

Also on this day

1615—French King Louis XIII married Ann of Austria. Both were only 14 years old.

1784—Zachary Taylor, the 12^th president of the United States, was born.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

In 1897, the pencil sharpener was patented.

It’s the day of the big math test. You have prepared well for this particular test, right down to making sure you have a nicely sharpened pencil with a good eraser. You work your way through the first two pages and are about to tackle the third when the point of your nicely sharpened pencil snaps off.

No reason to panic. You simply ask permission to get up and use the pencil sharpener. Within seconds, your pencil is sharpened to a fine point, and you are ready to work again.

You can thank the work of John Lee Love of Fall River, Massachusetts. The “Love Sharpener,” dating back to 1897, sounds much like the sharpeners in use today—gadgets where the pencil is inserted into the opening of the sharpener, the handle is turned, and the shavings stay in the sharpener.

The pencil sharpener is handy if all you are trying to sharpen is a pencil. But what if you are trying to sharpen your wisdom, your ability to make good decisions, or your ability to tell right from wrong? Where do you go for that kind of sharpening and shaping? The writer of Hebrews said that you don’t have to look any further than God’s Word, the Bible.

You probably never thought of the Bible as a life-skills sharpener, but that’s exactly what it is. In the book of Hebrews, the author says that the Word of God is full of “living power.” And it is sharper than the sharpest knife. It has the ability to cut through our thoughts, attitudes, and choices and point us to what is right and good. God’s Word has the ability to sharpen us for God’s purposes and to shape our lives.

So next time you read the Bible, think of the pencil sharpener and allow God’s Word to keep you sharp. Get the point?

For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are (Hebrews 4:12).

To Do

Consider how in the last week God’s Word has sharpened your life. Write down (preferably with a sharpened pencil) one or two ways.

Also on this day

Today is National Buy Nothing Day.

1804—Franklin Pierce, the 14^th president of the United States, was born.

1889—The first jukebox made its debut in San Francisco.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

In 1906, the International Radio Telegraphic Convention in Berlin adopted the SOS distress signal.

Morse code, the language developed by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail to be used over the telegraph, is a series of dots and dashes that form each letter of the alphabet. The code was the only way to effectively and rapidly communicate over long distances before telephones and two-way radios were available.

One of the most famous words in the Morse code is SOS—the international distress signal. The series of letters was chosen not because it stood for Save Our Ship or Save Our Souls, but because the three dots for S and the three dashes for O made a clear and distinct signal.

Other combinations were initially suggested, but those were abandoned either because the signal got lost in the static or could not be sent as rapidly as SOS. So the International Radio Telegraphic Convention in Berlin adopted the SOS distress signal in 1906. The U.S. did not adopt it until after the sinking of the Titanic in 1912.

Over the years, the public has associated SOS with Save Our Ship or Save Our Souls because that is what often occurred when the signal was sent out. Once the signal went out over the airwaves, the hope was that someone somewhere would respond and come to the rescue.

Thankfully, we don’t need any special code or equipment such as a telegraph to send out a distress signal to Jesus. Jesus is in the business of SOS—saving our souls. And he does so whenever and wherever anyone is ready to call on his name and seek him. All it takes is a prayer that can be said at anytime, and Jesus will respond.

For he wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and people. He is the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:4, 5).

To Do

Find a copy of the Morse code. Learn how to tap out “Jesus Saves.”

Also on this day

1934—”Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” was first heard on the radio.

1963—President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.

1985—38,648 immigrants became citizens of the United States in the largest ever swearing-in ceremony.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

Today is World Hello Day.

How do you greet someone you meet on the street? Maybe you shake hands, if it’s an adult. If it’s one of your friends, maybe you just nod your head and say, “Hey.” Or if it’s the neighbor down the street, you wave and say, “Hi.”

We probably wouldn’t greet another person by rubbing noses with them, as they do among the Maori people in New Zealand. And we most likely wouldn’t greet another person by giving them a kiss on each check, as some European cultures do.

The way we greet others really depends on our cultural habits and behaviors. A common hand gesture that we often use—the “thumbs up”—is interpreted in a completely different way in another part of the world. It helps to know something about different cultures so that we don’t make people feel uncomfortable or offended.

For example, we are taught that when you talk to someone, you should look that person in the eye. In many Asian cultures, looking a person in the eye is considered disrespectful. Many consider a light touch on the arm as acceptable when talking with another person. In some Middle Eastern cultures, touching another person is highly offensive.

There is one surefire way to greet another person that is always appropriate—as Paul puts it, to “Greet each other in Christian love.” When we reach out to others as Jesus did, we will be concerned about that person and what makes him or her comfortable. We will make every effort to make the person feel welcomed and loved—no matter whether that person lives next door, around the block, or across the globe.

That kind of hello goes beyond all cultural and ethnic barriers.

Greet each other in Christian love. Peace be to all of you who are in Christ (1 Peter 5:14).

To Do

Talk to some of your friends who have different cultural backgrounds from you. Find out how they greet one another in their culture.

Also on this day

1877—Thomas A. Edison announced the invention of his phonograph.

1922—Rebecca L. Felton of Georgia was sworn in as the first woman to serve as a member of the U.S. Senate.

1942—The Alaska highway across Canada was formally opened.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.