November 30

November 30, 2011 ~

“Pin your faith on no man’s sleeve, have faith in God.” ~Unknown

Each new day, I am on an adventure. I cannot tell what may happen in this potpourri of life. But I can decide what may happen on the inside. I believe what really counts, in the end, is how I choose to respond to each new situation. How I take the disappointments, stresses, joys, sadness, and accomplishments in this life, and turn them all into something of worth and beauty, is the real test of living. This is where faith comes in- turning my life into an adventure of faith! Yes, life is an adventure of faith! Faith plus hope can brighten any day no matter how difficult.

“Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death.” ~Unknown

It was suppose to be a day I could stay home, get all kinds of things done around the house, visit with Ron, and relax. Well, the best laid plans went flying out the window this morning when I realized I’d forgot to pick up La’Quon’s medication and get it mailed to him, upon my return from Tennessee. Well, nine days later, I got it done! Oh, me, oh my! Now that is something to be happy about!  

Happy For A Reason Reasons:

1.       I remembered I had a prescription waiting to be picked up at the doctor’s office! Better to remember nine days late, than never!

2.       After picking up La’Quon’s prescription, I choose to go to the pharmacy just a few blocks from the doctor’s office! Good thing, because the doctor had forgotten to sign it and I had to return to the office. I usually go to one 20 minutes from the office.

3.       The doctor was in, making it possible to get the prescription signed.

4.       Pharmacists!

5.       The rain has stopped and I could go for a walk with Ron, and there was no need for an umbrella!

**I believe it is time to get back on schedule. I still have many posts to post before I am caught up. Today I think I'm ready to get back to posting my current posts, while also working backwards as I work at getting caught up. As I post the older blog posts, I'll make a note of it at the end of the current post, so you can go back and check out the post and pictures if you'd like.

November 29

November 29, 2012~

“God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, or sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it!” ~unknown

 

Happy For A Reason Reasons:

1.     That God can bring wonderful things out of pain!

2.     For the gift of laughter! It is healing to the soul!

3.     A God who comforts!

4.     Light from above!

5.     A God who will bring me through whatever He allows to come my way!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I don’t pray for God to take my problems away, I pray only for God to give me strength to go through them.” ~Jose Lozano

.

 

November 28

May 28, 20211~

As I thought about what I wrote yesterday, I began to think more about the way God puts the right people and situations in my life each and every day. He even puts some in my life who I think don’t do me any good! Looking back over the years, I realize that from each of those situations, I learned special lessons, and each one in part helped me to become the person I am today. From some I learned patience, tolerance, endurance, and gain a different perspective that I would never have had. Here I will begin my Happy Reasons.

Happy For A Reason Reasons:

1. The lessons learned in my life because of “difficult”people!

2. I know I have also had my moments of being a “difficult” person, and I’m thankful for the tolerance and patience of others.

3. Situations that come my way challenging me to go beyond my comfort zone!

4. People that God puts in my life who help and encourage me as I go through difficult situations.

5. Nothing happens by chance! The future rests in God’s hand and will be made beautiful in His time!
    ~Check out 2 Thessalonians! Paul shares encouraging promises for those who remain faithful through difficult trials, pointing them to the great reversal at the second coming of Jesus! Whatever happens here and now, I may know by these promises that God will use his divine justice to make everything right. Everything that "wasn't fair," will be made right in the end!

 

November 27

November 27, 2011 ~ 

Thanksgiving is past and Christmas is coming. There are so many reminders this time of year to give thanks! Is Giving thanks just for holidays? I don’t think so. Giving thanks is something I can do each and every day of the year.  What if I stopped every day and took inventory of all the blessings that God has bestowed on me?  

 This year, particularly the last two months, I have come to an even greater realization that I cannot take for granted all that is around me, be it my work, my possession, family, or friends. One day I may have them and the next I may not. So as long as God has placed them in my life I want to give thanks. I’m not just grateful for what I have, but I am grateful to God for what I have! Especially for each and every moment I can share with those I love!  

Sometimes I need reminded of the fact is that God is the one “from whom all blessings come.” Maybe I need to sing the song I learned as a child, more often!  

“Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.” 

I believe that living a grateful life makes for a happy life!

 

Happy For A Reason Reasons:

1.      The benefits God has given me when I practice living a grateful life! Happiness makes life so much more enjoyable!

2.     The memories of special times spent with family and friends. Yes, a precious gift from God that can’t be taken from me!

3.     God has given me a home in the country, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

4.     God didn’t just give me a home in the country, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but along with it He gave me wonderful neighbors!

5.     God has blessed me! For this and more I am thankful and will always praise His name!

November 26

November 26, 2011 ~

Paintings of Irish Life
by Martin Driscoll

“Look at a stone cutter hammering away at his rock, perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred-and-first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not the last blow that did it, but all that had gone before.” ~Jacob A. Riis  

Wow! I got all of my September postings done! At least the printed part, pictures to come! Never dreamed it would take me this long to get them posted. Better late than never, so the saying goes!

I had a lovely Thanksgiving meal today with my Mother and some of my extended family. I think that is a perfect place to start my happy reasons!

Happy For A Reason Reasons:

1.      A lovely Thanksgiving meal!

2.      Time to be with my family!

3.      A beautiful day for a walk with the kids!

4.      Nice to have Aunt Darlene here!

5.      Fun time playing table games!

November 25

November 25, 2011~

Here I am, the day after Thanksgiving, and this is my seventh day of blogging Happy Bible verses. I do believe I could go on another week or more. There are numerous text in the Bible about happiness and joy! Since the Christmas season is officially here, I believe that is the theme of my verses today, for without the reason for Christmas, the hope of eternal life would be nonexistent.

Happiness For A Reason:

1.      “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” ~Matthew 2:10. When I think of that star I am overjoyed!

2.      “He will be a joy and a delight to you, and many will rejoice because of His birth.” ~Luke 1:14. Isn’t that the truth, 2000 years later people are still rejoicing!

3.      Mary’s song, “and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,” ~Luke 1:47, can be my song!

4.      “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” ~Luke 2:10, Good news indeed!

5.       “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” ~1 Peter 1:8. Yes, He is the reason for my inexpressible joy!

November 24

   Happy Thanksgiving To One And All

November 24, 2011 ~ Thanksgiving Day

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name. 
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations."
~Psalms 100:4-5

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” ~Colossians 3:15

Happy For A Reason Reasons:

1.      Good health

2.      Family

3.      Friends

4.      Work for both Ron and I

5.      Breakfast with my girls and their friends before I had to go off to work.

November 23

November 23, 2011~

The cream of the Bible is never found by skimming the surface.

Happy For A Reason Reasons:

1.      “Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” ~Psalm 32:11

2.      “I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise with the harp, O God, my God.” ~Psalm 43:4

3.      “I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.” ~Psalm 119:14

4.      “I delight in Your decrees; I will not neglect Your word.” ~Psalm 119:16

5.      “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:5-6

November 22

November 22, 2011 ~

“My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you—I, whom you redeemed.” ~Psalm 71:23

This is day five, of seven, finding “happy” verses in the Bible. It has been quite enjoyable. Here are five more reasons I have to be happy!

Happy For A Reason Reasons:

1.      “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,” ~Psalm 30:11

2.      “The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name’ … ‘However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” ~Luke 10:17 & 20

3.      “Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in His salvation.” ~Ps 35:9

4.      “ ‘Surley God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.’ With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” ~Isaiah 12:2-3

5.      “But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, ‘The Lord be exalted!’” ~Psalm 40:16

November 21

November 21, 2011 ~

“When we are powerless to do a thing, it is a great joy that we can come and step inside the ability of Jesus.” ~Corrie Tine Boom

“But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You.” ~Psalm 5:11

Happiness For A Reason Reasons:

1.      “I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to your name, O Most Hight.” ~Psalm 9:2

2.      “Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in His salvation.” ~Psalm 30:5

3.      “Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings.” ~Psalm 63:7

4.      “Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the fain.” ~Philippians 1:25

5.      “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~Romans 15:13

November 20

November 20, 2012 ~

 “The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” ~Psalm 19:8

A little more than a month left in the year. In spite of the ugly things that life has thrown out at me, I still believe that I have more reasons than I can number, to be happy! These happy reasons have helped me continue living a joyful life by embracing happiness in the midst of my ordinary and sometimes not so ordinary life. God so graciously fills me with hope, strength and joy as I carry out the responsibilities that He has given me to do each day.

His Word is such an encouragement to me. It is full of many examples of how he wants me to be happy and full of joy. I want God to shine through me with a beauty that brings honor and glory to Him, and thinking about these verses, helps me keep that goal in focus.

Happy For A Reason Reasons:

1.       “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be no advantage to you.” ~Hebrews 13:17 Now this one really gets me thinking. If I can make the life of my boss easier, by doing what she asks, I can make her work a joy, instead of a burden and I will reap the benefits of having a happy boss.  Sounds like a double blessing to me!

2.      “We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests” ~Psalm 20:5

3.      “In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.” ~Psalm 33:21

4.      “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~John 16:33

5.      “But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.” ~1 Peter 4:13  Oh, yes, the promise of a better day, and that will be for eternity!

November 19

November 19, 2011 ~

 “Be joyful always;”  
~1 Thessalonians 5:16

I am actually enjoying the challenge of finding verses in the Bible that talk about joy and happiness. It is amazing how many verses there are in the Bible that mention happiness, in one way or another. Yes, my happiness and the happiness of others is of concern to my God! Here again, I share five “Happy” verses, which in turn are my happy reasons for today!

Happy For A Reason Reasons:

1.       “To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy.” ~Jude 1:24 I don’t think there is any better reason to be happy! Which brings me to the next verse

2.       “I rejoice in Your promise like one who finds great spoil.” ~Psalm 119:162

3.       “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” ~Romans 5:11

4.      “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” ~Romans 12:12

5.       “Being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” ~Colossians 1:11-12

Oh, yes, I have more reasons than I deserve to be happy!

November 18

November 18, 2011~

“Happiness is excitement that has found a settling down place. But there is always a little corner that keeps flapping around.” — E.L. Konigsburg

This quote reminds me of my dad! That happiness couldn’t be kept in, the smile, or just the twinkle in his eyes revealed the happy side of “Pops!” He knew the true meaning of happiness which comes from God. Here are five more “happy” verses from the Bible.

Happy For A Reason Reasons:

1.      “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.” Ps 16:19

2.      “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” Psalm 16:11

3.      “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.” Ps 28:7

4.      “The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.” Pr 10:28

5.       “Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains…” Joel 2:23

November 17

November 17. 2011~

"You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence." ~Acts 2:28

'You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’ - Acts 2:28

The question of the day:
Is success the key to true happiness, or is happiness the key to success?
My answer: Success is not the key to true happiness. Happiness is the key to true success. If you are happy you can be successful no matter what you are doing!

Happiness For A Reason Reasons:

1.      The grass has stopped growing for this year! A good thing because I don’t have time to mow it!

2.      Things to keep me busy! (Even if it seems to be more busy than I’d like, it is better than being idle!)

3.      I am needed!

4.      Life is not boring!

5.      Success is possible!

November 16

November 16, 2011~

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”  ~ Psalms 119:105

It was one month ago today, that we had Daddy’s memorial. As I was going through some things I came across this bit of trivia for October 16^th: October 16^th is Dictionary Day. How fitting that we had his memorial on Dictionary Day because he truly was a sesquipedalian, a lover of words!

Happy For A Reason Reasons:

1.      Words! They make communication so much easier!

2.      A father who loved little words, big words, rare words, any words!

3.      Memories of playing word games!

4.      A husband who loves words!

5.      God’s Word, which is a lamp to my feet.

November 15

November 15, 2011~

 “When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” ~Helen Keller

Happy For A Reason Reasons:

1.      I can always find something to happy about!

2.      The blessings that come because of closed doors!

3.      My good health!

4.      My family’s good health!

5.      Work!

November 14

November 14, 2011 ~

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” ~Philipians 4:19, NKJV

Happy For A Reason Reasons:

1.      Yeah, Clarissa got a call and has at least a weeks worth of work!

2.      My laundry room project is all done!

3.      A reorganized laundry room with modern appliances!

4.      A spick and span laundry room!

5.      The great feeling of accomplishment!

November 13

November 13, 2011 ~ “So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” ~Galatians 4:7, NKJV

There is a story told about a new Christian who was very discouraged because no matter how much he would pray and no matter how hard he would try, he simply could not seem to be do what was right. He thought he was losing his salvation. He went to talk with a Chinese Christian Watchman Nee. Upon hearing his dilemma, watchman Nee said, “Do you see this dog here? He is my dog. He is house-trained; he never makes a mess; he is obedient; he is a pure delight to me. Out in the kitchen I have a son, a baby son. He makes a mess, he throws his food around, he fouls his clothes, he is a total mess. But who is going to inherit my kingdom? Not my dog; my son is my heir. You are Jesus Christ’s heir because it is for you that He died.” ~Adapted from Lou Nicholes, Hebrews: Patterns for Living (Longwood, Fla.: Xulon Press, 2004), p. 31 Praise the Lord, I don’t have to be a slave to sin anymore! No, I am an heir to the Kingdom, and it is my  privelage to live and act as an heir, with all the rights and privileges that come along with it! As a mother and father work with their young child, so God works with me!  I don’t need to become discouraged and loose my way. He promises “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13, NKJV His promises are sure! Happy For A Reason Reasons: 1.       I’m an heir to the Kingdom! 2.       Philippians 4:13! 3.       Alissa came over to work with me on special projects! 4.       Andrew came over for supper! 5.       Fun time just “hanging out” as they say with Alissa and Andrew!

November 12

November 12, 2011 ~

“My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.” ~Psalms 57:7-9

Blessed Sabbath Day! Today, I enjoyed visiting Rockwood SDA Church. Alissa’s high school choir sang, and she had a beautiful solo part! I think that is a perfect place to start my Happy For A Reason Reasons.

Happy For A Reason Reasons:

1.       It is Sabbath!

2.       Young people who love to make beautiful music!

3.       Dedicated choir directors who help me the beautiful music happen!

4.       Composers who write beautiful music! Truly a gift from above!

5.       I could hear Alissa sing!

November 11

November 11, 2011 ~

"Better by far you should forget and smile, than that you should remember and be sad" ~Christina Rossetti

Life can be tough at times! When those times come and the road is rough and bumpy, I feel the need for a bit of joy in my life! Turning to the Bible I read instructions on how to live my life and warnings how not to live. But there is something there, as well, that I often need to be reminded of. The Bible also tells me I need to enjoy life a bit! As I read, I realize that God does not  mean for me to be sowrrowful, depressed,  and of a melancholy spirit all the time. Nor, does he mean for me to be overserious. No there are plenty of examples that tell me I need to look for the joy in life and get out and have a little fun! Here I will start my Happy Reasons with what I call my “happy” Bible verses to add a bit of sunshine to what could otherwise be a very gloomy day! I bet if I keep looking I can find more than five, but that is a good place to start!

Happy For A Reason Reasons:

1.       “You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.” ~Psalm 4:7

2.       “But I trust in Your unfailing love: my heart rejoices in Your salvation.” ~Psalm 13:5

3.       “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness;come before Him with joyful songs.” ~Psalm 100:1-2

4.       “Then the Lord God provided a vine and made it grow up over jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy.” ~Jonah 4:6

5.       “You will go out in joy and be lead forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” ~Isaiah 55:12, NIV

November 10

November 10, 2011~

"Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name." ~Psalm 97:11-12, NIV

Sunshine in November! I love these kind of days!

Happiness For A Reason Reasons:

1.      A beautiful sunshiny day!

2.      There is nothing like a brisk walk in the sunshine on a crisp fall day!

3.      I could pick Clarissa up and give her a ride home.

4.      Glad Clarissa has at least a little work! Her temp position had come to an end, so any work is good! Hope she is able to find something steady that isn’t as hard on her as the night shift and has better transportation options!

5.      So glad that I have a car! Walking 30 miles to work seems daunting!

November 9

November 9, 2011~

”Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their hard work. For if one of them should fall, the other one can raise his partner up. But how will it be with just the one who falls when there is not another to raise him up?” ~Ecclesiastes 4:9,10

Happiness For A Reason Reasons:

1.    I experience firsthand the principal “two are better than one!”

2.    Judy, Mother, and I could work together sorting and reorganizing boxes from the recent unexpected and hurried move.

3.    I have a great sister!

4.    I have a terrific and wonderful Mother!

5.    Alissa’s help today when she came over to my house and helped me with many undone things on my To Do List! Thank you, Thank you!

November 8

November 8, 2011~

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” ~Romans 8:18, NIV

There are just some days where everything seems to go wrong, I don’t get the things I want, or need to get accomplish done, traffic is hectic, the cost of gas, not to mention everything else is going up and up. Stress seems to be pushing in from every direction becoming my daily companion. Could Romans 8:18 be the solution for today’s stresses?

As I ponder what these words from Paul really mean, I ask, what was going on in Paul’s life? What was going on in the early Christian church? It is clear to me that Paul was speaking from personal experience. He already had experienced many painful experiences by the time he wrote these words, and suffered much for Christ and the truth that he loved.

I believe Paul was looking ahead, to what was to come. In light of eternity, what he was suffering was but a very small and temporary thing as he mentions in 2 Cor. 4:17, “Our light affliction….is but for a moment.”

When Paul wrote these words, I really don’t think that he, or the Christian’s he was writing to, were worried about the cost of gas or traffic, instead they were counting the cost of their lives. Many had lost their lives because of what they believed. Now, that is what I call real stress! Paul was trying to encourage them and bring to their attention what is really important! These things are only for a moment, but eternal glory will be exactly that, eternal! They will soon pass away, but eternal glory will never dim or diminish forever!

The message he gave the early Christians is just as real for Christians today. Yes, compared to eternity all our sufferings, “stresses,” become insignificant.

Happy For A Reason Reasons:

1.      A letter from God, the Bible.

2.      God’s promises are sure!

3.      The promise of an eternity with no stress!

4.      The example of Paul’s life.

5.      “Our light affliction….is but for a moment." Just think, ...how wonderful Heaven will be! Eternity with Jesus!

November 7

November 7, 2011 ~

I known my Redeemer lives. I know my Redeemer cares about every little detail of my life and the lives of my family. I leave them in His capable hands!


Happy For A Reason Reasons:

1.      When I don’t know what to say, or pray, God still knows what is needed. He hears my heart cry.

2.      God is a God of love who gives strength to anyone who needs physical or emotional strength.

3.      God is a God of comfort, comforting me when I am sad, or may be overwhelmed.

4.      God gives me hope!

5.      The end is not yet!