Happiness is...
Great words of wisdom. Today at church, talking about the importance of trusting God to fulfill needs instead of bumbling through life solo: "After all, sin is when you have a legitimate need, but meet it in an illegitimate way."
Sigh.
Amazing.
Thank you and goodnight.
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Answered prayers
Happiness is...
Answered prayers.
If He answers prayers, He's increasing faith.
If He delays, He's increasing patience.
If He doesn't answer, He has something better for you.
Well, I'm the lucky one who got my faith! My life is yours, Lord.
Answered prayers.
If He answers prayers, He's increasing faith.
If He delays, He's increasing patience.
If He doesn't answer, He has something better for you.
Well, I'm the lucky one who got my faith! My life is yours, Lord.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
The Potter's Hands.
Happiness is...
The potter's hands. Today church was super amazing. They brought a guest preacher/potter in and he actually throws a huge vase during his talk so he can walk us through this sweet metaphor. God always said we are the clay but now I feel like I see that whole concept from a brand new set of eyes. You see, we start out as a hunk of ugly piece of earth and it's not until we actually are centered in the lord that we can begin to become something beautiful... I'm not sure how much you know about pottery, but if the pot starts off wobbly it just gets worse and worse until it flies off the wheel... Then he brought up how the potter has this great intent for us and starts to work on us from the inside. No one else can really see this work from sitting in the audience, but it is the most important step to becoming a vase because it hollows the bottom and sets the foundation to pull up the cylinder. When you watch a potter do this it really is spectacular, seeing a small mound become a tall, cylindrical mass. However, this cannot happen unless it's under pressure from the hands of the potter. Even once it's there, there are bigger plans too (though it looks great, it isn't the best piece of work yet). The potter swells the vase to create a piece of art. And only then is it fired. Imagine the process of the kiln, putting pieces in and bricking up the entrance, they endure high high temperatures and it seems dark and lonely but the potter is not far away, just outside the door adjusting the levels, watching the pots strengthen to the perfect amount. Do you follow that whole process? Can you picture the vase? Now imagine that as us, in our process of life. The end product is a solid vase, beautiful and ready to withstand the weathers. That is what I experienced this morning. Total mind blow. That was true happiness, sitting right there.
The potter's hands. Today church was super amazing. They brought a guest preacher/potter in and he actually throws a huge vase during his talk so he can walk us through this sweet metaphor. God always said we are the clay but now I feel like I see that whole concept from a brand new set of eyes. You see, we start out as a hunk of ugly piece of earth and it's not until we actually are centered in the lord that we can begin to become something beautiful... I'm not sure how much you know about pottery, but if the pot starts off wobbly it just gets worse and worse until it flies off the wheel... Then he brought up how the potter has this great intent for us and starts to work on us from the inside. No one else can really see this work from sitting in the audience, but it is the most important step to becoming a vase because it hollows the bottom and sets the foundation to pull up the cylinder. When you watch a potter do this it really is spectacular, seeing a small mound become a tall, cylindrical mass. However, this cannot happen unless it's under pressure from the hands of the potter. Even once it's there, there are bigger plans too (though it looks great, it isn't the best piece of work yet). The potter swells the vase to create a piece of art. And only then is it fired. Imagine the process of the kiln, putting pieces in and bricking up the entrance, they endure high high temperatures and it seems dark and lonely but the potter is not far away, just outside the door adjusting the levels, watching the pots strengthen to the perfect amount. Do you follow that whole process? Can you picture the vase? Now imagine that as us, in our process of life. The end product is a solid vase, beautiful and ready to withstand the weathers. That is what I experienced this morning. Total mind blow. That was true happiness, sitting right there.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Still hoping and praying.
Happiness is...
When you tell someone your issues and they literally stop what they're doing and pray... right there, right then. Sometimes we get so caught up agonizing or sympathizing that we forget to just stop and send out some words of encouragement, to put it back in God's hands.
I need a reminder to trust in God, especially right now. Only he can make things work. Right now it may seem like things just aren't, but that's what faith is all about.
p.s. for any of you on the interwebs who actually read this blog, someone ran into me and totaled my car on Friday. You can feel free to gift me one at any moment. Or send out a little prayer on your end, I need them all!
When you tell someone your issues and they literally stop what they're doing and pray... right there, right then. Sometimes we get so caught up agonizing or sympathizing that we forget to just stop and send out some words of encouragement, to put it back in God's hands.
I need a reminder to trust in God, especially right now. Only he can make things work. Right now it may seem like things just aren't, but that's what faith is all about.
p.s. for any of you on the interwebs who actually read this blog, someone ran into me and totaled my car on Friday. You can feel free to gift me one at any moment. Or send out a little prayer on your end, I need them all!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Great start to the day
Happiness is...
When you turn on the car and the first thing on the radio is a song that makes you smile. It's God's little way of saying, "Good morning, have a great day!"
And I will.
When you turn on the car and the first thing on the radio is a song that makes you smile. It's God's little way of saying, "Good morning, have a great day!"
And I will.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Harmony
Happiness is...
Harmonizing. It's a gift for very few people out there, but it makes music an amazing experience.
Tonight's worship: excellent.
Harmonizing. It's a gift for very few people out there, but it makes music an amazing experience.
Tonight's worship: excellent.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Easter
Happiness is...
A relaxing holiday with the whole family.
The day started with a cup of coffee and a quiet morning on the porch. Church was warm and welcoming, as usual. Our Easter dinner included pineapple glazed ham, salad, potatoes, green beans, rolls, jello salad, AND orange poppyseed cake.
And yes, I got to eat the cake. TGIEASTER! Lent is over and chocolate is back <3
Oh yeah, and we got to sit around and catch up and play games. Watch a movie and cuddle up. Spend some time just plain sitting around. What an afternoon.
Happy Easter... He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
A relaxing holiday with the whole family.
The day started with a cup of coffee and a quiet morning on the porch. Church was warm and welcoming, as usual. Our Easter dinner included pineapple glazed ham, salad, potatoes, green beans, rolls, jello salad, AND orange poppyseed cake.
And yes, I got to eat the cake. TGIEASTER! Lent is over and chocolate is back <3
Oh yeah, and we got to sit around and catch up and play games. Watch a movie and cuddle up. Spend some time just plain sitting around. What an afternoon.
Happy Easter... He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Good Friday
Happiness is...
A peaceful, pensive, powerful Good Friday.
We concluded with a service that had activities, readings, and reflections as according to the stations of the cross: There are presently Fourteen Stations of the Cross on the Via Dolorosa, some with chapels or places to pray and meditate.
1. Christ condemned to death;
2. the cross is laid upon him;
3. His first fall;
4. He meets His Blessed Mother;
5. Simon of Cyrene is made to bear the cross;
6. Christ's face is wiped by Veronica;
7. His second fall;
8. He meets the women of Jerusalem;
9. His third fall;
10. He is stripped of His garments;
11. His crucifixion;
12. His death on the cross;
13. His body is taken down from the cross; and
14. He is laid in the tomb.
Imagine that. What kinds of burdens did you have to bear today?
A peaceful, pensive, powerful Good Friday.
We concluded with a service that had activities, readings, and reflections as according to the stations of the cross: There are presently Fourteen Stations of the Cross on the Via Dolorosa, some with chapels or places to pray and meditate.
1. Christ condemned to death;
2. the cross is laid upon him;
3. His first fall;
4. He meets His Blessed Mother;
5. Simon of Cyrene is made to bear the cross;
6. Christ's face is wiped by Veronica;
7. His second fall;
8. He meets the women of Jerusalem;
9. His third fall;
10. He is stripped of His garments;
11. His crucifixion;
12. His death on the cross;
13. His body is taken down from the cross; and
14. He is laid in the tomb.
Imagine that. What kinds of burdens did you have to bear today?
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Good News!
Happiness is...
Good news, at last.
The multitudes of pieces in graduate school astound me.
God has been great lately. I have been in the process of interviewing with assistantships that would help fund graduate school, because without them it would have to be all loans (my current job is not salaried). I thought that was what God was telling me, that it'd be easy. It wasn't. I wasn't sure how I was expected to continue life as is when I would be trying to pay for grad school. But I thought one of the assistantships would come through, so I continued walking where I thought he was leading me. When it got to the last week I still had no answer, and wasn't sure when I would get one. I took a leap of faith.
There was still no hope... but I felt at peace, and I think that's a God thing. I'm glad to say that I got the call at last today---I got an assistantship with an office on campus that will fund my studies! ...I learned from the last few months. I finally understand putting my trust in God instead of only half believing he has control. I learned patience, perseverance, obedience, and the most faith I could have ever dreamed of. I learned that things don't have to go your way for you to know they're going. He has his hand in my life, and I couldn't be more blessed!
Good news, at last.
The multitudes of pieces in graduate school astound me.
God has been great lately. I have been in the process of interviewing with assistantships that would help fund graduate school, because without them it would have to be all loans (my current job is not salaried). I thought that was what God was telling me, that it'd be easy. It wasn't. I wasn't sure how I was expected to continue life as is when I would be trying to pay for grad school. But I thought one of the assistantships would come through, so I continued walking where I thought he was leading me. When it got to the last week I still had no answer, and wasn't sure when I would get one. I took a leap of faith.
There was still no hope... but I felt at peace, and I think that's a God thing. I'm glad to say that I got the call at last today---I got an assistantship with an office on campus that will fund my studies! ...I learned from the last few months. I finally understand putting my trust in God instead of only half believing he has control. I learned patience, perseverance, obedience, and the most faith I could have ever dreamed of. I learned that things don't have to go your way for you to know they're going. He has his hand in my life, and I couldn't be more blessed!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Blink
Happiness is...
When your blinker synchronizes perfectly with the song on the radio. Let it go, and start bobbing along as well. It's God's little way of jamming out. Or Saturn's... who knows.
In any case, it's finally time to roll the windows down to boot. Bring on the good summer music!
When your blinker synchronizes perfectly with the song on the radio. Let it go, and start bobbing along as well. It's God's little way of jamming out. Or Saturn's... who knows.
In any case, it's finally time to roll the windows down to boot. Bring on the good summer music!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Gentleness
Happiness is...
Gentleness
[jen-tl]
-tler, -tlest, verb, -tled, -tling.
–adjective
1.kindly; amiable: a gentle manner.
2.not severe, rough, or violent; mild: a gentle wind; a gentle tap on the shoulder.
3.moderate: gentle heat.
4.gradual: a gentle slope.
5.of good birth or family; wellborn.
6.characteristic of good birth; honorable; respectable: a gentle upbringing.
7.easily handled or managed; tractable: a gentle animal.
8.soft or low: a gentle sound.
Soothing. Tender. Merciful. Temperate. Tame.
At the moment I have no reaction other than to believe this is God's will in my life. Less worry and more calm. Peacemaker among friends and community. Counselor.
Gentleness
[jen-tl]
-tler, -tlest, verb, -tled, -tling.
–adjective
1.kindly; amiable: a gentle manner.
2.not severe, rough, or violent; mild: a gentle wind; a gentle tap on the shoulder.
3.moderate: gentle heat.
4.gradual: a gentle slope.
5.of good birth or family; wellborn.
6.characteristic of good birth; honorable; respectable: a gentle upbringing.
7.easily handled or managed; tractable: a gentle animal.
8.soft or low: a gentle sound.
Soothing. Tender. Merciful. Temperate. Tame.
At the moment I have no reaction other than to believe this is God's will in my life. Less worry and more calm. Peacemaker among friends and community. Counselor.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Faithfulness
Happiness is...
Faithfulness
[feyth-fuhl] Show IPA
–adjective
1.strict or thorough in the performance of duty: a faithful worker.
2.true to one's word, promises, vows, etc.
3.steady in allegiance or affection; loyal; constant: faithful friends.
4.reliable, trusted, or believed.
5.adhering or true to fact, a standard, or an original; accurate: a faithful account; a faithful copy.
6.Obsolete . full of faith; believing.
The recent development in my church is a plan for a food shelf. When I first heard the idea, I discounted it as impossible. Where did I miss the message that nothing is impossible with God? It is our duty to lift up our neighbors and heal the community, and I am finally on board.
I have been thinking about what my place is in the whole matter. I want it to be significant but I have no idea how significant my role could possibly be. Lately, happiness is the resolve to make a difference, no matter how small. I'm ready. Are you?
Faithfulness
[feyth-fuhl] Show IPA
–adjective
1.strict or thorough in the performance of duty: a faithful worker.
2.true to one's word, promises, vows, etc.
3.steady in allegiance or affection; loyal; constant: faithful friends.
4.reliable, trusted, or believed.
5.adhering or true to fact, a standard, or an original; accurate: a faithful account; a faithful copy.
6.Obsolete . full of faith; believing.
The recent development in my church is a plan for a food shelf. When I first heard the idea, I discounted it as impossible. Where did I miss the message that nothing is impossible with God? It is our duty to lift up our neighbors and heal the community, and I am finally on board.
I have been thinking about what my place is in the whole matter. I want it to be significant but I have no idea how significant my role could possibly be. Lately, happiness is the resolve to make a difference, no matter how small. I'm ready. Are you?
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Goodness
Happiness is...
Goodness
[good-nis]
–noun
1.the state or quality of being good.
2.moral excellence; virtue.
3.kindly feeling; kindness; generosity.
4.excellence of quality: goodness of workmanship.
5.the best part of anything; essence; strength.
6.a euphemism for god: Thank goodness!
I particularly like the fifth definition. Goodness means that essence to me, and it is something that deserves gratitude. I hope, one day, to be described with goodness. There is a long way to go to be like Jesus but for now I strive.
Goodness
[good-nis]
–noun
1.the state or quality of being good.
2.moral excellence; virtue.
3.kindly feeling; kindness; generosity.
4.excellence of quality: goodness of workmanship.
5.the best part of anything; essence; strength.
6.a euphemism for god: Thank goodness!
I particularly like the fifth definition. Goodness means that essence to me, and it is something that deserves gratitude. I hope, one day, to be described with goodness. There is a long way to go to be like Jesus but for now I strive.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Galatians
Happiness is...
The fruits of the spirit.
Love.
Joy.
Peace.
Patience.
Kindness.
Goodness.
Faithfulness.
Gentleness.
Self-control.
This evening when I asked for prayer it was for a healing of my attitude. A friend prayed the fruits of the spirit upon me, and for some reason they just spoke volumes. I am making it a personal goal to practice them.
Starting today.
More to come.
The fruits of the spirit.
Love.
Joy.
Peace.
Patience.
Kindness.
Goodness.
Faithfulness.
Gentleness.
Self-control.
This evening when I asked for prayer it was for a healing of my attitude. A friend prayed the fruits of the spirit upon me, and for some reason they just spoke volumes. I am making it a personal goal to practice them.
Starting today.
More to come.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sunday Goody Sunday,
Happiness is...
The right blend of chocolate, sugar, milk, and coffee... a fresh homemade mocha, try and beat that.
My favorite thing about Sunday mornings is that I get to wake up to eggs and bacon before church. My dad cooks, consistently, for a good start to the week. It never fails, and it's comfort food in its finest.
My second favorite thing is my own perfect concoction. I have come to truly appreciate coffee + cocoa + milk + sugar. With the strength of a hearty breakfast and the perfect cup of coffee, I go through my morning and rejuvenate myself to take on a brand new week. Thank God for Sunday mornings; and the best part is, Sunday was made to thank God. Take that, Monday.
The right blend of chocolate, sugar, milk, and coffee... a fresh homemade mocha, try and beat that.
My favorite thing about Sunday mornings is that I get to wake up to eggs and bacon before church. My dad cooks, consistently, for a good start to the week. It never fails, and it's comfort food in its finest.
My second favorite thing is my own perfect concoction. I have come to truly appreciate coffee + cocoa + milk + sugar. With the strength of a hearty breakfast and the perfect cup of coffee, I go through my morning and rejuvenate myself to take on a brand new week. Thank God for Sunday mornings; and the best part is, Sunday was made to thank God. Take that, Monday.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Babies!
Happiness is...
A baby's smile. The entire reason I will take care of them. They are God's most precious gift and their smile is pure and wonderful.
Get them to smile, giggle, play, babble, and then give them back to their rightful parents when they get unruly. If only everything was that easy.
A baby's smile. The entire reason I will take care of them. They are God's most precious gift and their smile is pure and wonderful.
Get them to smile, giggle, play, babble, and then give them back to their rightful parents when they get unruly. If only everything was that easy.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Sunrise
Happiness is...
Driving to work in the sunrise. There is something magical about sunrises, the colors that splash across the sky, the sun as it gently peeks more and more above the horizon. Sunrises remind you that there is still beauty in life, that there is still hope with God, that there is still a reason to get up and actually head to work.
Likewise, sunrises are a mark of something better. Though you are still heading to work at the same crack of dawn time, it is a huge improvement from the age when you were going in the dark and coming in the dark. Knowing that the sun is rising makes the day seem worth living. And watching the sun rise is happiness in its purest form.
Try it. Get up early and head out of your house to enjoy the colors of awe, excellence, thankfulness, graciousness, love, peace, purity, wonder, and serenity. Those are some great colors.
Driving to work in the sunrise. There is something magical about sunrises, the colors that splash across the sky, the sun as it gently peeks more and more above the horizon. Sunrises remind you that there is still beauty in life, that there is still hope with God, that there is still a reason to get up and actually head to work.
Likewise, sunrises are a mark of something better. Though you are still heading to work at the same crack of dawn time, it is a huge improvement from the age when you were going in the dark and coming in the dark. Knowing that the sun is rising makes the day seem worth living. And watching the sun rise is happiness in its purest form.
Try it. Get up early and head out of your house to enjoy the colors of awe, excellence, thankfulness, graciousness, love, peace, purity, wonder, and serenity. Those are some great colors.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)