Recently, my daughter was watching a reality show on TV about little girls participating in "beauty" pageants. After watching these little girls be spray-tanned, manicured, primped and fluffed until they were no longer recognizable as children, looking more like miniature prostitutes in some cases, one mother seemed to have a "lightbulb moment". She said she didn't want her daughter to grow up thinking her value was based on her looks, and said, "This is her last pageant."
As the mother of a young daughter, I am painfully aware of the lack of decent role models for young girls. Well, I should qualify that statement by saying the good role models aren't as easily viewed as the bad ones. Every magazine one the stands at the grocery checkout have a headline about losing weight, sexy styles for summer, makeovers or all of the above. Magazines -- and not just fashion magazines -- are obsessed with women's appearance. And as a rule, that appearance, according to the world, should be as sexy as possible.
Years ago, there was an ad for a woman's cigarette that said, "We've come a long way, baby!" But have we? Have we really? From women being respected and cherished by their husbands as instructed in Ephesians 5:28 - 30, to a time when women are encouraged to freely display their bodies to strangers? I suppose that is a long way to go, but is that the direction we wanted to take?
As the mother of a teenage son, I am also aware of the "long way" we've come. On a daily basis, my husband and son are subjected to numerous visual challenges and temptations. Is this what women wanted for themselves, to become stumbling blocks to men?
The world accuses the people of God of being backward or behind the times. I challenge that. I say, the women of God have as examples women like Deborah, who told Barak she'd go to battle with him, but that God would give the battle to a woman (Judges 4). The women of God have as example women like Rahab, who literally risked her life for the Lord; she was rewarded not only with the lives of herself and her family (Joshua 6:25), but the greater reward of being included in the genealogy of Christ (Matthew 1:5)! We have as example Lydia, who was a business owner (Acts 16:14), long before women came to be considered chattel.
I could go on with numerous examples of strong, capable women of God. But until the world sees not how far we've come, but how far we've gone, these examples will fall on deaf ears. I can only pray, and continue to point my daughter toward strong, godly women in the Bible and in her life as role models.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Following the Rules
I have to admit, I sometimes question rules. It's not that I question authority, not at all. If someone who has authority gives me an order, or tells me about a rule, I'm going to obey. But I'm the kind of person who wants to know why that rule is in place. Is it for safety's sake? Is it based on efficiency? Is it part of a bigger picture? Or is it just because "that's the way we've always done it"? I just like to understand why I'm doing something a certain way.
I don't always like to follow the rules, especially those I don't understand. Again, it's not so much about questioning authority as just wanting to know the reason behind a certain rule. And yes, I am a bit of a free spirit.
But even I understand that I can't question God's rules. Oh, sure, I can ask someone more knowledgeable than I am to help me understand them. I believe that kind of questioning is not only acceptable, but should be expected of all Christians (Acts 17:10 - 12). But I still need to follow His rules, whether I understand them or not.
So it gives me a certain sense of peace to realize, it all boils down to one thing: Be like Jesus. I don't see as many WWJD bracelets as I used to, and it makes me a little sad, because how much easier can we make things? Have a choice to make? What would Jesus do? Receive an invitation to a party where the parents are absent? What would Jesus do? I know it's not always easy, I'm not saying that. I just think it makes our lives a little easier if we ask ourselves that question.
“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me.” (Psalm 119:30)
I don't always like to follow the rules, especially those I don't understand. Again, it's not so much about questioning authority as just wanting to know the reason behind a certain rule. And yes, I am a bit of a free spirit.
But even I understand that I can't question God's rules. Oh, sure, I can ask someone more knowledgeable than I am to help me understand them. I believe that kind of questioning is not only acceptable, but should be expected of all Christians (Acts 17:10 - 12). But I still need to follow His rules, whether I understand them or not.
So it gives me a certain sense of peace to realize, it all boils down to one thing: Be like Jesus. I don't see as many WWJD bracelets as I used to, and it makes me a little sad, because how much easier can we make things? Have a choice to make? What would Jesus do? Receive an invitation to a party where the parents are absent? What would Jesus do? I know it's not always easy, I'm not saying that. I just think it makes our lives a little easier if we ask ourselves that question.
“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me.” (Psalm 119:30)
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Shout for Joy
I love the Psalms! I simply cannot read them without feeling better -- even if I was already feeling great! But even the Psalms that are cries to the Lord for mercy or refuge end with the assurance that God will hear our cries. He will answer our cries with a show of grace and mercy that only He is capable of, grace and mercy completely beyond my comprehension.
I tried counting the number of times the word joy appears in the Psalms. Before I got very far at all, however, I was sidetracked by actually reading the verses in which the word is contained. They are, for me, irresistible. I love knowing that God does, in fact, want us to be happy, to be joyful. Filled with joy.
In spite of the name of my blog -- The Happy Heart -- I do realize life isn't always fun and games. Sometimes life is hard. Within about fourteen months' time, I lost both of my parents, my husband lost his job and I made the difficult decision to leave the company I had worked for for five years. There were other problems, minor illnesses, the day-to-day concerns of being a mom. There were members of my church family who also lost loved ones, or had hardships; I hurt right along with them. And I know there are times to be sober and serious.
But at the end of the day, I know that the Lord holds me, and all my loved ones, in His loving hand. He cares for us, provides for us and loves us. He blesses us with joyous gifts each and every day. And one of my favorite passages reminds me, "Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." (Psalm 30:5b)
I tried counting the number of times the word joy appears in the Psalms. Before I got very far at all, however, I was sidetracked by actually reading the verses in which the word is contained. They are, for me, irresistible. I love knowing that God does, in fact, want us to be happy, to be joyful. Filled with joy.
In spite of the name of my blog -- The Happy Heart -- I do realize life isn't always fun and games. Sometimes life is hard. Within about fourteen months' time, I lost both of my parents, my husband lost his job and I made the difficult decision to leave the company I had worked for for five years. There were other problems, minor illnesses, the day-to-day concerns of being a mom. There were members of my church family who also lost loved ones, or had hardships; I hurt right along with them. And I know there are times to be sober and serious.
But at the end of the day, I know that the Lord holds me, and all my loved ones, in His loving hand. He cares for us, provides for us and loves us. He blesses us with joyous gifts each and every day. And one of my favorite passages reminds me, "Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." (Psalm 30:5b)
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Fear Not
I've never counted how many times the phrase "fear not" appears in the Bible. But I have to admit, I'd like to know. How often do we tell our children, "Don't be afraid"? I know when mine were younger, that was a fairly common phrase. But as an adult, my fears are, as a rule, much larger than fear of the dark or monsters under the bed. As an adult, my fears seem to be about others, for the most part: will my children be safe for a week away at camp? Will my husband be safe on his drive to work each day? Will my brother get a job in a foreign country, where the government may or may not be stable? Will my sister's job get better so she won't be so unhappy?
And then I remember what God has told me: "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone." (Psalm 91: 11 - 12) I know there are people who have angels all around them -- or at least our representation of angels, pretty little ethereal beings with shiny wings. And that's fine. It gives them comfort. But how many times did angels appear and say, "Fear not"? Based on the Bible, I'd imagine angels are pretty ferocious beings, able to go to battle for the Lord. That actually gives me more peace of mind than thinking they are little fluttery fairy-like beings.
But that isn't even the best part. All the angels in the heavens can't compare to Isaiah 41:10, when God says, "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." God is always with us. God is so much larger than any of my fears and worries and concerns. That doesn't mean I'll never worry or be concerned about people and events in my life. But at least I know, whenever I feel that fear, that worry, I can turn it over to God; He doesn't want me to be afraid, and He is with me.
And then I remember what God has told me: "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone." (Psalm 91: 11 - 12) I know there are people who have angels all around them -- or at least our representation of angels, pretty little ethereal beings with shiny wings. And that's fine. It gives them comfort. But how many times did angels appear and say, "Fear not"? Based on the Bible, I'd imagine angels are pretty ferocious beings, able to go to battle for the Lord. That actually gives me more peace of mind than thinking they are little fluttery fairy-like beings.
But that isn't even the best part. All the angels in the heavens can't compare to Isaiah 41:10, when God says, "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." God is always with us. God is so much larger than any of my fears and worries and concerns. That doesn't mean I'll never worry or be concerned about people and events in my life. But at least I know, whenever I feel that fear, that worry, I can turn it over to God; He doesn't want me to be afraid, and He is with me.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Till We Meet Again
I told someone yesterday how hard it is to watch people growing older. I said I realized we all grow older, and we're all going to die unless Christ returns before that happens, but it's hard, nevertheless. I see people -- my parents' peers and friends -- who are, in my mind's eye, still tall and strong, leading our congregation in song, prayer, Bible studies, and so on...but in reality, they are gray-haired, stooped, voices growing weaker. Some of them are in the announcements on a fairly regular basis, in the hospital or home sick. They are old. It's hard to watch, because I love these people. Many of them have been members at church since I was a child -- or even before that! As I was thinking about those people, a passage came to my mind.
"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord,[d] that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord." (I Thessalonians 4:13 - 17)
I have always loved that passage! Hope! We have hope! I simply cannot imagine going through my life thinking I'd never see some of my loved ones again. That they're just gone! But no! I have hope, I have the assurance that I will see them again! And not only see them, but will be together with them "with the Lord"! I will once again hear my father's sweet baritone voice singing praises to his God. I will see the smile on my mother's face as she stands before the throne of the Lord, worshipping Him.
So yes, I still miss my father's gruff words of wisdom, and my mother's gentle warmth. I miss all that I lost when they died. But I remind myself that I didn't truly lose them forever, and I take comfort in that. I rejoice in knowing I'll see them -- and so many others -- again someday. I rejoice in knowing they have already met the Lord. I rejoice in knowing I will be with them again, but forever this time.
So I ask, "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" (I Corinthians 15:55) Death, you have no power over me or my loved ones, praise God!
"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord,[d] that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord." (I Thessalonians 4:13 - 17)
I have always loved that passage! Hope! We have hope! I simply cannot imagine going through my life thinking I'd never see some of my loved ones again. That they're just gone! But no! I have hope, I have the assurance that I will see them again! And not only see them, but will be together with them "with the Lord"! I will once again hear my father's sweet baritone voice singing praises to his God. I will see the smile on my mother's face as she stands before the throne of the Lord, worshipping Him.
So yes, I still miss my father's gruff words of wisdom, and my mother's gentle warmth. I miss all that I lost when they died. But I remind myself that I didn't truly lose them forever, and I take comfort in that. I rejoice in knowing I'll see them -- and so many others -- again someday. I rejoice in knowing they have already met the Lord. I rejoice in knowing I will be with them again, but forever this time.
So I ask, "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" (I Corinthians 15:55) Death, you have no power over me or my loved ones, praise God!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Crying Out for God
In the Psalms, we read again and again the phrase "hear my cry". And again and again, God does, in fact, hear our cry. I know He has heard me in my own life, and I've seen the result of Him hearing others. Doesn't that just send chills down your spine? You and I -- pitiful little creatures that we are -- have the right to cry out to our very Creator, the One who breathed time and all things into existence! And He will hear us!
The power of prayer...such a simple phrase, and yet what an incredible truth it is. I have seen so many answered prayers -- prayers for healthy babies, prayers about financial concerns, jobs, school, you name it! And they are all answered. Oh, they may not be answered according to my will, at the time; but so many times, especially now that I'm older, I look back and can clearly see that God answered my prayers according to His will, and that it was always for the best!
God heals hearts and bodies in answer to our prayers. He puts opportunities before us. He blesses us with material blessings -- homes, clothing, food, and with most of us, a lot of "extras", as well. He answers prayers for guidance and wisdom. He hears all of those requests. Amazing!
But if that isn't enough for you, how about this: "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:26 - 28)
Have you ever been so overwhelmed by something in your life that you didn't even know what to say to God? And isn't it a comfort to know the Holy Spirit intercedes for us? When I was so distraught over my father's health, and later my mother's, I took great comfort in knowing the Spirit was willing and able to step in on my behalf. When my husband or I have been looking for a job, and I've reached the point where I don't know how else to ask for God's help and guidance, I know the Spirit has stood with me. When I've been so happy that my own inadequate words couldn't express my joy and thanksgiving toward God, the Spirit was there.
I wonder how many people feel like they are alone because they don't know what to pray. But always remember, when you cry out to God, He hears you. And when you're so discouraged or troubled that you can no longer even cry, know this: you are not alone. If that doesn't make your heart happy, nothing will!
The power of prayer...such a simple phrase, and yet what an incredible truth it is. I have seen so many answered prayers -- prayers for healthy babies, prayers about financial concerns, jobs, school, you name it! And they are all answered. Oh, they may not be answered according to my will, at the time; but so many times, especially now that I'm older, I look back and can clearly see that God answered my prayers according to His will, and that it was always for the best!
God heals hearts and bodies in answer to our prayers. He puts opportunities before us. He blesses us with material blessings -- homes, clothing, food, and with most of us, a lot of "extras", as well. He answers prayers for guidance and wisdom. He hears all of those requests. Amazing!
But if that isn't enough for you, how about this: "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:26 - 28)
Have you ever been so overwhelmed by something in your life that you didn't even know what to say to God? And isn't it a comfort to know the Holy Spirit intercedes for us? When I was so distraught over my father's health, and later my mother's, I took great comfort in knowing the Spirit was willing and able to step in on my behalf. When my husband or I have been looking for a job, and I've reached the point where I don't know how else to ask for God's help and guidance, I know the Spirit has stood with me. When I've been so happy that my own inadequate words couldn't express my joy and thanksgiving toward God, the Spirit was there.
I wonder how many people feel like they are alone because they don't know what to pray. But always remember, when you cry out to God, He hears you. And when you're so discouraged or troubled that you can no longer even cry, know this: you are not alone. If that doesn't make your heart happy, nothing will!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Promises, Promises!
I spent several hours yesterday cleaning my daughter's room. She's away at camp, so this was my opportunity to really clean, if you know what I mean, without anyone saying, "Mom, you can't throw that away!" In between cleaning, I was trudging up and down the stairs with laundry; dirty laundry down, clean laundry up, dirty laundry down, clean laundry up. Tedious and tiresome stuff.
Anytime I'm doing housework like that, I'm reminded of Robert Tilton, the old televangelist; he was one of many who was caught in some scandal or other back in the day. I was flipping through the channels on TV one day and ran across his show. He was gazing intently at the camera -- well, not actually gazing, as his eyes were squeezed tightly closed. He said something to this effect: "I see a woman. (pause) She is ironing clothes. (pause) She is unhappy with her life!" Mr. Tilton went on to encourage said unhappy Iron Lady to call his "ministry" and ask for prayer, and oh, by the way, your prayers sure do get answered more quickly and abundantly if you happen to also make a "love offering" while you're at it.
My first thought -- and I still think this when I remember that show -- was, "Well, she's ironing! Of course she's unhappy with her life, you idiot!" My second thought was, exactly what was this woman supposed to pray for? As I recall, Mr. Tilton was pretty heavily into the belief that righteousness was equivalent to earthly wealth. So I assumed one of his "prayer warriors" would help the Iron Lady pray for, oh, I don't know, a maid to do her ironing? But is that one of God's promises?
God made so many promises to His children. He started with promises to Adam and Eve, and every promise He made was fulfilled, right up to sending a Savior. There were promises of children, promises of land, promises for salvation...but did He promise us riches and people to serve us? Oh, sure, God promised He would provide for us, but does that mean untold wealth?
How about this, instead? "Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?" (James 2:5) We're told right there that some of us will be poor in the world. But oh, that promise! The promise of eternity with Christ! Is there anything better than that?
No, I think I'll just keep lugging laundry up and down stairs, waiting for God's ultimate promise to be fulfilled. And if I have to iron the occasional wrinkled garment till that time, so be it.
Anytime I'm doing housework like that, I'm reminded of Robert Tilton, the old televangelist; he was one of many who was caught in some scandal or other back in the day. I was flipping through the channels on TV one day and ran across his show. He was gazing intently at the camera -- well, not actually gazing, as his eyes were squeezed tightly closed. He said something to this effect: "I see a woman. (pause) She is ironing clothes. (pause) She is unhappy with her life!" Mr. Tilton went on to encourage said unhappy Iron Lady to call his "ministry" and ask for prayer, and oh, by the way, your prayers sure do get answered more quickly and abundantly if you happen to also make a "love offering" while you're at it.
My first thought -- and I still think this when I remember that show -- was, "Well, she's ironing! Of course she's unhappy with her life, you idiot!" My second thought was, exactly what was this woman supposed to pray for? As I recall, Mr. Tilton was pretty heavily into the belief that righteousness was equivalent to earthly wealth. So I assumed one of his "prayer warriors" would help the Iron Lady pray for, oh, I don't know, a maid to do her ironing? But is that one of God's promises?
God made so many promises to His children. He started with promises to Adam and Eve, and every promise He made was fulfilled, right up to sending a Savior. There were promises of children, promises of land, promises for salvation...but did He promise us riches and people to serve us? Oh, sure, God promised He would provide for us, but does that mean untold wealth?
How about this, instead? "Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?" (James 2:5) We're told right there that some of us will be poor in the world. But oh, that promise! The promise of eternity with Christ! Is there anything better than that?
No, I think I'll just keep lugging laundry up and down stairs, waiting for God's ultimate promise to be fulfilled. And if I have to iron the occasional wrinkled garment till that time, so be it.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
So Great a Cloud
I dreamed about my parents last night. I do that on a fairly regular basis. We lost Daddy in March of 2010, and we lost Mom this April. But in my dreams, Mom and Dad are both strong and healthy. We are going places and doing things together. Now they live in my heart and, apparently, in my dreams.
I spoke at both of my parents' funerals. Afterward, so many people came to me and said, "I don't think I could've done that! You're amazing!" I told them, "I'm not amazing, but my parents were, and people should know about people like them."
This is where I get to the cloud referred to in the title. One of my favorite scriptures is Hebrews 12:1 - 2; "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." This passage is always a comfort to me, reminding me that we -- make that I -- can make it.
I can be strong and faithful to my God. I can finish this race we call life, no matter how discouraged I may sometimes get. Furthermore, I don't have to bring any baggage! I can "lay aside every weight and sin"! Every weight, every worry, every burden...I just lay them down at the feet of Christ, and He will carry them for me! And sin? I can ask forgiveness, and they're behind me! No begging or pleading, no promising God I won't do it again. Just ask, and those sins no longer cling to me! How awesome is that?
But the last reason I love this passage is that "great cloud of witnesses". Abraham, Sarah, David, the prophets! They are all in that cloud! How many others joined them after the Hebrew writer passed on? Paul, John, all the apostles. Dorcas, Phoebe, Lydia.
I realize the word in this context refers to these lives being a witness for faith. But what a providential coincidence that the English word also means "to watch, to see". So all my life, I've also thought that passage was telling me those people -- Moses, too, how amazing is that thought! -- are watching over me, cheering me on to keep going and finish the race! And you know who else is there? My Mom. My Dad. Buddy and Ruth McGowan. Judd Strother. My Aunt Margaret. Hubert Moreland. If I tried to name all of them, like the Hebrew writer, I'd run out of time!
So how can I not take comfort in knowing what an amazing cheering section I have? So every time I get discouraged, each time someone hurts me, every single time Satan throws some hurdle in my path, I stop, be still, and think of that cloud of witnesses. Then I move on with a renewed spirit, knowing they are all pulling for me. Who's cheering for you today?
I spoke at both of my parents' funerals. Afterward, so many people came to me and said, "I don't think I could've done that! You're amazing!" I told them, "I'm not amazing, but my parents were, and people should know about people like them."
This is where I get to the cloud referred to in the title. One of my favorite scriptures is Hebrews 12:1 - 2; "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." This passage is always a comfort to me, reminding me that we -- make that I -- can make it.
I can be strong and faithful to my God. I can finish this race we call life, no matter how discouraged I may sometimes get. Furthermore, I don't have to bring any baggage! I can "lay aside every weight and sin"! Every weight, every worry, every burden...I just lay them down at the feet of Christ, and He will carry them for me! And sin? I can ask forgiveness, and they're behind me! No begging or pleading, no promising God I won't do it again. Just ask, and those sins no longer cling to me! How awesome is that?
But the last reason I love this passage is that "great cloud of witnesses". Abraham, Sarah, David, the prophets! They are all in that cloud! How many others joined them after the Hebrew writer passed on? Paul, John, all the apostles. Dorcas, Phoebe, Lydia.
I realize the word in this context refers to these lives being a witness for faith. But what a providential coincidence that the English word also means "to watch, to see". So all my life, I've also thought that passage was telling me those people -- Moses, too, how amazing is that thought! -- are watching over me, cheering me on to keep going and finish the race! And you know who else is there? My Mom. My Dad. Buddy and Ruth McGowan. Judd Strother. My Aunt Margaret. Hubert Moreland. If I tried to name all of them, like the Hebrew writer, I'd run out of time!
So how can I not take comfort in knowing what an amazing cheering section I have? So every time I get discouraged, each time someone hurts me, every single time Satan throws some hurdle in my path, I stop, be still, and think of that cloud of witnesses. Then I move on with a renewed spirit, knowing they are all pulling for me. Who's cheering for you today?
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Why Happy Heart?
Welcome to my blog! If you're here looking for some amazing celebrity-like tell-all, or some incredible "reality", you should probably check another blog. I'm a wife, mom, sister, aunt, child of God...in other words, nobody. If you found me, however, by looking for something uplifting, you've come to the right place!
When I was in high school, I had a Bible class teacher, Sandy Brackett. She told her class full of angst-ridden high school girls, "You choose to feel the way you feel." Such a simple concept, and yet, it resonated deeply in my heart. Think about it. Someone cuts you off in traffic; do you get furious and scream at some stranger, who, by the way, can't even hear you? Or do you take a deep breath and go on with your life? It's really that simple.
I have long associated peace with happiness. How often did Christ say to His followers, "Peace be with you"? In John 14, He doesn't want His apostles to be troubled by His leaving -- His death. In John 14:27, Jesus specifically says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
We can go through life being worried, frightened, hurt, angry and unhappy, or we can choose to have a Happy Heart. We can choose to be happy, peaceful, blessed, and assured of God's awesome grace and mercy. We can choose to look for the myriad blessings -- great and small -- God showers on us each and every day.
So there you have it. I don't claim to be Shakespeare, but from time to time, I like to think I have little nuggets of wisdom to share. I like to think I can make someone's heart happy.
When I was in high school, I had a Bible class teacher, Sandy Brackett. She told her class full of angst-ridden high school girls, "You choose to feel the way you feel." Such a simple concept, and yet, it resonated deeply in my heart. Think about it. Someone cuts you off in traffic; do you get furious and scream at some stranger, who, by the way, can't even hear you? Or do you take a deep breath and go on with your life? It's really that simple.
I have long associated peace with happiness. How often did Christ say to His followers, "Peace be with you"? In John 14, He doesn't want His apostles to be troubled by His leaving -- His death. In John 14:27, Jesus specifically says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
We can go through life being worried, frightened, hurt, angry and unhappy, or we can choose to have a Happy Heart. We can choose to be happy, peaceful, blessed, and assured of God's awesome grace and mercy. We can choose to look for the myriad blessings -- great and small -- God showers on us each and every day.
So there you have it. I don't claim to be Shakespeare, but from time to time, I like to think I have little nuggets of wisdom to share. I like to think I can make someone's heart happy.
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