This is National Fluffernutter Day.

In case you don’t know, a fluffernutter is a sandwich made with lightly toasted white bread, peanut butter, marshmallow cream, and chocolate topping. Sounds rich and delicious, but oh so fatty.

What a combination! How do cooks and chefs think up recipes like that? Do you suppose they suddenly think “Hey, I’ll mix peanut butter and marshmallow cream” or do they have a more scientific approach? Maybe it’s just trial and error. First they try peanut butter and mustard (yuck!), then peanut butter and barbeque sauce (no!), then cabbage, then . . . How’d you like to taste-test those combinations?

Some food combinations sound weird but taste great. A fluffernutter is one of those.

Here’s another unusual combination—faith and works. How is it unusual? You see, some people think a person can get right with God by doing good works, and that if a person’s good acts outweigh the bad ones, he or she will get into Heaven. The Bible clearly teaches, however, that people are saved by grace through faith (see Ephesians 2:8, 9). But then in James (today’s verse), we see faith and works together. It seems to say that faith and works have to be combined. Are you confused?

James is not saying that we do good deeds in order to be saved. Instead, he is saying that faith in Christ results in good deeds. That is, we do what is right because we know God—not to make us right with him.

Talk is cheap. But works show whether or not a person truly has faith. A person becomes a Christian by trusting in Christ—that’s it. But then he or she lives differently, reading God’s Word and doing what it says.

Faith and works—they really do go together.

So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is no faith at all—it is dead and useless (James 2:17).

To Do

Ask your mom to make a fluffernutter sandwich for you. When she asks what it is, explain that it’s a lot like faith and works—an unusual combination—but it tastes yummy. Then make one for her!

Also on this day

This is National Children’s Day. Give yourself a present!

1871—The Great Fire of Chicago started, eventually destroying about 17,450 buildings.

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.

This is Child Health Day.

Remember singing “Jesus Loves Me” when you were small? Just about every child who has ever been to church knows that song. The verse goes (sing along if you want to): “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong. They are weak, but he is strong.”

Jesus had been busy teaching, healing, and answering difficult questions—pretty much adult stuff. So when parents brought their children to Jesus for his prayers, the disciples tried to shoo them away, thinking Jesus was too busy to mess with kids.

Not only did Jesus tell the disciples to let the children come, he also explained that children were very important to him and his kingdom. Thus the phrase, “Little ones to him belong.”

Children are “little” and “weak,” especially babies and toddlers. In fact, they depend on moms and dads and big brothers and sisters for everything. They own nothing and have no power. They’re helpless—the opposite of what the world counts as important. We tend to value people based on their abilities, possessions, and positions in society. Yet Jesus says people need to become like little children if they want to be his followers. Luke reports that after calling for the children, Jesus said, “I assure you, anyone who doesn’t have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God” (Luke 18:17).

So how do you get along with little kids, especially when they’re crying? How about when Mom or Dad asks you to pick up after them, change a diaper, or babysit? Are they annoying, a pain, an inconvenience?

Whenever you have those feelings, remember Jesus’ words and thank God for all his children, especially the little ones.

Jesus called for the children and said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).

To Do

If you have a little brother or sister, today offer to help take care of him or her before being asked. And be especially kind to all the little ones in your life.

Also on this day

This is World Habitat Day.

1968—The Motion Picture Association of America adopted the film-rating system that ranged from G to X.

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.

This is International Frugal Fun Day.

Do you know what frugal means? You should, because this is Frugal Fun Day, and you’ll want to celebrate in the right way, don’t you? Anyway, frugal means “thrifty, careful with money”. Frugal people do more with less and are wise with how they spend their money.

Being frugal isn’t easy. Advertising calls us to splurge and buy a lot of stuff for ourselves, especially whatever is “new,” “improved,” “state of the art,” the latest,” and what everyone else seems to have. Somehow we think that if we have that game or outfit we’ll be happy. But we soon tire of it (or it breaks), and we have to get the next “latest” one.

It’s a trap—money and possessions will never satisfy us. That’s the point of today’s Bible passage. Solomon wrote it, and he was one of the richest people who ever lived.

And to top it off, remember that the Bible also talks about stewardship. That means using wisely the resources that God has entrusted to us: using and investing them for good purposes, not misusing or wasting them. This applies to our talents and abilities, our time, and, of course, our money.

So having a day to emphasize “frugal fun” is probably good. In fact, every day ought to be a “frugal fun day.” We can enjoy ourselves and others without spending much money: hanging out and talking, playing ball in the park, making up new games with stuff we already have, getting out some of the really old games the family hasn’t played in years, making up and telling jokes—use your imagination.

Celebrating God’s goodness is easy . . . and cheap!

Those who love money will never have enough. How absurd to think that wealth brings true happiness! The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what is the advantage of wealth—except perhaps to watch it run through your fingers! (Ecclesiastes 5:10, 11).

To Do

Take one of the suggestions above, like getting out an old game and playing it with your family. It’ll be fun and frugal.

Also on this day

1866—The first train robbery in the U.S. took place.

1889—Thomas Edison showed the first motion picture.

1927—Jazz Singer, the first movie with a sound track, premiered.

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.

This is World Smile Day.

Have you ever had one of those days when everyone seems to be in a bad mood? When that happens, we feel yucky—the bad mood seems to spread from person to person. Smiles are rare on days like that.

On the other hand, think of the difference a smile makes. Imagine you’re walking home from school after a hard day. Head down, you’re shuffling along. Coming toward you is someone you haven’t seen for a couple of days. This person greets you by name and with a huge smile. Immediately you feel better, and you may even smile back.

If a bad mood is contagious, smiles are even more so. When you smile at someone, that person probably will return the smile. And the smiling will help raise your mood, even if it’s just a tiny bit.

“Isn’t that phony?” you ask. “Should I smile even when I don’t feel like it?”

That’s a good question. The secret is to think of a reason to smile. You will feel like smiling when you remember everything good that God is doing in your life.

You’re reading this, so God must have given you sight. He gave you the ability to learn to read. And where did you get this book? If it was a gift, God gave you someone who thought enough of you to buy something for you. If you bought it yourself, then God gave you the money and the time and the opportunity.

Those reasons for smiling may seem small, but they’re important. Add to that list your other physical and mental abilities, family members and friends, and church, school, special groups, clothes, food, entertainment, and transportation. Don’t forget love, peace, freedom, and friendship.

But the best gift of all is Jesus. He left Heaven to live and die to pay for you, so you could have forgiveness and eternal life. Even on the worst day, that’s a reason for joy, and a reason to smile!

For sure God has smiled on you—pass it on.

May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you (Numbers 6:25).

To Do

This is an easy one. For the next 24 hours, try smiling at everyone you meet. Watch how they react. Then thank God for one of his amazing gifts to you.

Also on this day

This is National Come and Take It Day. (I hope “it” is free!)

1921—The World Series was broadcast on radio for the first time.

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.

This is International Toot Your Flute Day.

You’ve probably never celebrated Toot Your Flute Day, or even heard of it. This sounds a lot like “blow your own horn,” an old expression that means bragging or boasting about yourself and your accomplishments. Neither of these sayings is about music—just talking. The basic idea is that we ought to broadcast our accomplishments and let people know what we’ve done.

That may sound tempting to do when no one seems to notice our victories or good deeds and others seem to get all the credit and recognition. We can feel like screaming, “Hey! Look at me! Here’s what I did!” And having an International Day like this one seems to give us permission to let everyone know how good we are.

The Bible has another idea, wrapped up in the word humility.

As you read Scripture, you will come upon this word and idea quite often—everything from “The Lord . . . shows favor to the humble” (Proverbs 3:34) to “Anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 18:4).

Being humble means doing what we know is right and not caring who gets the credit. It means working on the fringes, outside the spotlight. It involves serving faithfully.

Having humility is difficult in a world where pride rules, where people trash talk, flaunt their accomplishments, parade their trophies, and strive to be No.1. It doesn’t seem fair that no one notices or appears to care about us or what we do.

But God sees . . . and he cares.

Today’s verse provides a powerful reminder—God is “mighty” and “in his good time” he will honor us. And his honor is the only one that really matters anyway.

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you (1 Peter 5:6).

To Do

Today, purposely do something for someone anonymously. In other words, do a good deed without ever letting the person know that you were the one who did it. You could give a gift, clean a sibling’s room, pick up trash in the park—be creative. Remember, no matter how tempting, never tell anyone what you did. The point is not to get credit but to know the pure joy of humble service.

Also on this day

This is National Denim Day. Can you say jeans?

1648—The first volunteer fire department was established in New York City by Peter Stuyvesant.

1957—The Soviet Union launched Sputnik I into orbit around the Earth. It was the first human-made satellite to enter space.

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.

This is Techies Day.

The nickname techie implies someone who knows how things work—especially computers, cell phones, PDAs, and other technical devices. We tend to think of such a person as intelligent, though maybe weak in social skills or relationships. That’s because many techies wrap their lives in technology just about every minute. So they don’t have time for playing sports, singing, or messing around with friends.

While there’s no doubt that our lives ought to be balanced, we need to be careful about pre-judging others. Remember that God created each person, including you, with unique characteristics, abilities, and potential in every area of life. Every individual is strong in some area and weak in another. We need to celebrate each other’s strengths and accommodate each other’s weaknesses.

Several years ago the United Negro College Fund began using the slogan, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste” as they raised money for their cause. It’s true! God gave us our brains, our minds, and he wants us to use them, not waste or abuse them.

Jesus told his followers that they were to love God, “with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). Using our minds the way God intended involves thinking (what we dwell on, daydream about, and focus on), studying (learning about ourselves, the world, and God), and doing (putting into practice what we learn). Our minds control just about everything else that we do—no wonder they’re so important. Want proof? Check out today’s verse.

You can be smart, intelligent, and use your brain without becoming a techie. Love the “Lord your God . . . with all your mind.”

If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace (Romans 8:6).

To Do

In honor of Techies Day, spend time with a techie today. You may want to grab a snack after school with him or her. Ask what he or she has been working on lately. Probably you’ll learn something. Oh yeah—ask God to help you use your mind for his glory.

Also on this day

This is National Carmel Custard Day (sounds yummy).

1955—The Mickey Mouse Club premiered on ABC-TV.

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.

This is World Farm Animals Day.

“That’ll happen when pigs fly!” You’ve probably heard that expression and may even have used it a time or two. It means, “It will never happen!” Just think how thrilled all those chickens, cows, goats, sheep, and pigs are! You could check every farm, all over the world, and you’d never find that a pig has ever sprouted wings and then flown across the barnyard. If it ever happens . . . now that would be news!

Tons of things can seem impossible, almost as far-fetched as a flying pig. That’s what the disciples thought after hearing Jesus one day. Jesus had said that a camel could go through the eye of a needle easier than a rich man could get into Heaven. As you might imagine, the disciples exclaimed, “Then who in the world can be saved?” (Mark 10:26).

That’s when Jesus said, “Everything is possible with God.”

Does that mean we should be on the lookout for flying pigs? No. But God could give them wings if he wanted to—he can do anything and everything. What is means is that we should never give up on people or situations that seem impossible to us.

God tells us to pray, to bring all our requests to him (Mark 11:24; Ephesians 6:18; 1 John 5:14, 15). So we should be talking with him about everything, even impossibilities: a relationship that has soured, a sick friend, an unbelieving friend who seems so far from the Lord—all our fears, hopes, and dreams. God specializes in the impossible.

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God” (Mark 10:27).

To Do

What seemingly “impossible” situation do you face at home, at school, with friends, or some other situation? Spend time, right now, praying about it. Then thank God for his answer and be ready to accept it.

Also on this day

1869—Mahatma Gandhi was born.

1950—The Peanuts comic strip by Charles Schultz first appeared in newspapers.

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 1952, the show This Is Your Life began airing on NPC TV.

You may have heard of this popular television show. Each week, Ralph Edwards, the host, would walk in carrying a large book and say to a shocked person: “________ (person’s name), this is your life.” Then for the next half-hour, significant people from the past would be ushered in one at a time, much to the surprise and delight of the guest. Edwards might say, for example, “This person was your closest companion for three years . . . your babysitter!” Then the former babysitter would walk in and the two would hug, and the babysitter would tell something about the honored person. That may sound boring, but it could be a very emotional show, especially when family and old friends would be reunited.

How would that show play out for you if it were held today? Who would you like to see from your past—people with whom you were close or who played important roles in your life. They could include a friend from your old neighborhood, a favorite teacher, your former piano teacher, a distant relative, or even a babysitter.

Now think of those who should have you on their shows. Have you been that close to anyone in the past? Have you made a significant impact on anyone’s life?

It’s always good to think about this as we live each day because the days pass so quickly, and, before we know it, the years fly by too. Think back to the wall plaque we talked about in August that said “Only one life, it will soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” It’s true.

That means we should be living each day as though it counts for eternity. So think about it: If God were to surprise you with “This is your life,” what important events would he highlight?

“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me” (Matthew 25:35, 36).

To Do

Get the addresses from your parents for a few of the significant people in your past. Then write each one a thank-you note.

Also on this day

This is National Heart Magic Day.

This is International Day of Older Persons.

1971—Walt Disney World opened in Orlando, Florida.

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 in 1902, rayon was patented.

Rayon was the first man-made manufactured fiber. Developed in France in the 1890s, it was originally called “artificial silk.” Although it was patented on this day in 1902, it wasn’t until 1924 that the term rayon was officially adopted by the textile industry.

Unlike most man-made fibers, rayon is not synthetic (that is, made up of chemical compounds like nylon.) Instead, rayon is made from wood pulp, a natural material. For that reason, rayon’s properties come closer to those of other natural fibers such as cotton or linen than those of synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester.

At first, rayon was manufactured for decorative uses. But as its properties and relatively inexpensive cost became more desirable, clothes manufacturers began to blend rayon with other fabrics such as cotton and wool. Today, rayon’s many desirable properties make it a popular choice among some designers, and it appears in more high-end apparel than before.

As good a fiber as rayon has become, it still pales in comparison to natural fibers, such as silk, wool, linen, and cotton. These remain the most reliable and most used fibers in high-end clothing because natural fibers last longer, and the fabrics breathe and are more comfortable to wear than man made.

When it comes to man-made versus God-made, nothing truly beats God’s natural creation. And no one on this earth can add an ounce of creativity or wisdom to what God already possesses. God is the source of all wisdom (Proverbs 2:6). He makes the smartest, most intelligent humans seem foolish when compared to him (1 Corinthians 1:20). God does not rely on us to help him run the world (thankfully!). We are nothing compared to his greatness (Psalm 8).

While it is good for man to use the creativity and intelligence to create, invent, and design new things, we need to remember the source of all wisdom, creativity, and intelligence—our creator God.

Everything else pales beside him.

Can a person’s actions be of benefit to God? Can even a wise person be helpful to him? (Job 22:2).

To Do

Read Psalm 8 aloud. Reflect on God’s greatness and our position before him. Thank him that he has “crowned us with glory and honor.”

Also on this day

1787—The ship Columbia left Boston and began the trip that would make it the first American vessel to sail around the world.

1861—Chewing gum tycoon William Wrigley Jr. was born.

1947—The World Series was televised for the first time.

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 1989, Bruce Springsteen overheard a woman talking about her financial problems and medical bills. A week later the woman received a check from Springsteen for $100,000.

It was totally unexpected. Rock star Bruce Springsteen stopped in a small salon in Prescott, Arizona, and played a few songs with the band there. That alone must have been a treat for the unsuspecting patrons who happened to be in the salon at the time. But the story doesn’t end here.

While sitting around after playing with the band, Springsteen overheard a woman talking about her financial problems that stemmed from some very large medical bills. A week later, the woman received a check in the mail from Springsteen for $100,000.

Imagine how that woman must have felt, opening the letter and seeing this totally unexpected check: amazed, shocked, surprised? And likely she felt deep gratitude for the generous nature of this gift. The woman did nothing to earn that check. She was merely the recipient of Springsteen’s generosity and compassion. It was a gift.

Imagine. We are the recipients of God’s undeserved favor, grace, on a daily basis. We do nothing to deserve it. In fact, in some instances, we have even turned away from God and are actively disobedient to him. We can do nothing to earn God’s grace, love, or forgiveness. It is a gift.

God’s gift of grace doesn’t depend on how good we are (we aren’t), or on how much time we have spent in study and prayer (although that’s good). It is not given to us because we deserve it. God’s gift is freely given out of the abundance of his love, kindness, and compassion toward all his creatures.

The only thing left for us to do is accept it with thankfulness and praise.

And if they are saved by God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s wonderful kindness would not be what it really is—free and undeserved (Romans 11:6).

To Do

Think about it. How has God shown his undeserved kindness and love to you today? Take time to thank him right now.

Also on this day

Today is National Goose Day and National Pumpkin Day.

1951—The first network football game was televised in color by CBS-TV. The game was between the University of California and the University of Pennsylvania.

1983—”A Chorus Line” became the longest-running show on Broadway.

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.