Happiness quiz

Exactly what is happiness and where does it come from?

If it is missing can it be found just by changing  perspective?

If so then, is it really a choice, a way of  DECIDING how to view things, or what things to view?

Is it denial?

Like Nightline is saying tonight, can you become happier, nicer and more peaceful just by learning how to meditate?

If a person is happy, are they ignoring all of the suffering and sadness in the world? Are they clueless?

Can I cry in sadness one moment and be happy the next?

Why is happiness something I want so badly?

Can I make it for myself, or is it given to me?

Do I have to wait for it to find me?

Is it in little things or big things?

Can happiness be found amid pain?

Why do different things make different people feel happy?

Is happiness better when shared?

I believe we were made by God to be happy and full of joy. I believe the world we live in now is fallen and full of sin and suffering, but while we are here we can learn to trust God and His goodness and His plan for our future and forever happiness.

John 16:33 says, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

God doesn't want us to remain focused on the problems of this world. We are told in Philippians 4:8, "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

And Hebrews 3:13 tells us to help each other so that we do not become bitter and hardened- "But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."

I believe that here on earth, no matter what happens, happiness can be found by choosing. Choosing to trust in Jesus. Choosing to be grateful and focus on good things, encouraging each other, until "today" becomes tomorrow- when Christ rids the world of sin and pain, and fills our hearts with only happiness forever.

Gratitude/ Mine

I made a list of things I am grateful for.

I am grateful for:

1.  My children  
2.  My husband 
3.  My home 
4. My time
5. My family  
6. My friends 
7.  My garden and yard 
8. My health 
9. My food
10.  My church
11. My Savior

Hmmmm....really, none of these things are MINE. Not one thing belongs to me.  If they are taken from me I have no right to anger, having no real possession of them.

Rather, I am grateful for:

1.  The children God has allowed me to raise and how they have taught me to love and to live.
2. The husband to lean on, that God is shaping with His love.
3. The temporary home I am living in, that provides shelter until I am truly home in heaven.
4.  The moments God allows me to have today, to live and glorify Him.
5. The family I am a part of, that helps to shape and support me.
6. The friends God has blessed me with, to share the journey.
7. God’s growing things, to enjoy and cultivate. 
8. Energy and strength, enough for fulfilling God’s plans.
9. The gift of a satisfied stomach.
10. A place, to worship God and learn more about Him.
11. Jesus, who has released me from sin and given me hope and a new life.

WAIT!!

 He is MY Savior, because He has said He will not leave me or forsake me. I cannot ever be without Him now that I am His. All else belongs to Him, but He also belongs to me! This is because He has made it so. Yes, Jesus is MINE.  That is what changes everything. I have no need to possess anything because I have Him and He has me.