Tag: happy

Acting Like It

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The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him; all the upright in heart will glory in him! Psalm 64:10

Do you ever observe your life as an actor?

Maybe the phrase “fake it til you make it” comes to mind?

I’m not talking about times when you’re genuinely smiling.

Like really enjoying life.

Because that’s when it’s as easy as falling off a log to act happy. Because you are.

But what about the times when you’re not?

Can you choose joy even when you’d rather be anywhere else?

Can you choose love even when you feel anything but?

Yep. Know why? Because God’s strength in you is bigger than your weakness.

Bigger than the flesh that covers you.

Picture yourself in a situation where you really should be nice to someone undeserving.

Approach it as an actor would in their starring role. You can do it, I promise.

And after your performance, you might even feel a bit happier, too.

Yes, we must not pretend everything is always hunky dory.

Yes, we must not let horrible people run over our lives.

But generally in life, if you are needing to keep that fresh face forward, act like it.

Often removing yourself and becoming a happier version keeps relationships humming.

And before you know it, God may help your happy mood become your genuine reaction.

Until then, ask God to fill you with His strength, and jump into that loving actor self.

And give yourself an Oscar! I’ll applaud you!

Now you’re smiling!

Photos by Jon Tyson, Avel Chuklanov, & Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Known

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Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8

God sees you when you’re ill.

When you’re a lump buried under blankets on the couch, hacking loudly.

God sees you when you’re healthy.

At the top of your game, running this way and that at full speed.

God sees you when you’re sad.

He sits with you, drying your tears with His hand on your shoulder.

God sees you when you’re happy.

He smiles when you break out into hearty laughter, filling the room with joy.

God sees you when you’re afraid.

He walks beside you, covering you with His protection.

God sees you when you’re fearless.

He stands beside you, shielding you from the enemy’s fire.

God sees you every moment of every day.

He sees you in every mood, whim, feeling, or ability.

While we tend to fluctuate wildly, God never does.

His steady hand is always there to bring you peace.

To bring you His peace, strength, and hope.

Healing you when you’re less than and rejoicing with you when you’re good.

Nothing we can do is away from His sight.

How precious it is to be known by God.

Photos by Daiga Ellaby, Travis Grossen, chen lei, & David Beale on Unsplash

Slaps and Hugs

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A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.  Proverbs 15:13

Life can bring you stress or peace.

Stomach cringes or smiley fill up your bucket type of moments.

You know – slaps or hugs.

Do you have things you do every day you cannot stand?

Or have gotten really old?

Can you forget them?

If you’re honest, some of them you could.

You could throw away the plants that need water.

You could give away the dog.

You could get off that one committee.

You could stop being everyone’s maid.

Make a list.

Then decide if you can honestly stop any of them.

And if you still have some stomach cringing stressful “slap you downs” on your list, move them over to the hug side.

Now, what about your pick me ups? Your hugs? Things that make you smile?

Things in your life you would rather do for as long as humanly possible.

Picking up a book and becoming lost in the adventure.

Tickling the ivories as your fingers fly over the keys.

Lacing up your running shoes to take in a much needed breath of fresh air.

List what makes you smile.

Helps when you need that pick me up. That hug.

Now, remember your slaps you listed? The ones you need to keep in your short life?

Hopefully you moved them over to the good side. The side that makes you happy.

You know – your hugs.

What?

Yes. Change the focus, showing their positive side.

Watering my flowers? Boy, they sure are beautiful!

Creating healthy meals for my family? I am helping us stay our freshest and best, honoring our bodies God created.

Make sense? There’s a positive side to anything.

In our life, there are many stressors. Many slaps so to speak.

So don’t let it slap you down. Don’t let anything steal your peace.

Get rid of extra things you don’t need to bother with anymore.

But all the rest? Look at them in a positive light.

God gives you things. Use your talents and abilities to glorify Him.

And stop slapping yourself silly!

Photos by Andrew Neel, Joshua Clay, Ekaterina Shakharova, & Joice Kelly on Unsplash

Looking Glass

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Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Ever look back at life, admiring it’s beauty?

Memories in the past can look perfect.

Our brains usually remember only the good.

In fact, often we glorify it. Our memories can even become glamorized to the point of embellishment.

At least they do when you compare yourself to today.

Grass was greener, yes?

Actually, it was full of weeds, too, just different kinds.

You complained back then, too, you just don’t remember.

Instead of comparing yesterday to today, concentrate on the good with both.

Yes, back then I had the snuggles of little ones, but now I have friendship.

Back then I looked forward to a few moments of peace and quiet.

Now I wish they’d come over more often.

Be happy with wherever you are in this short life.

Remember with fondness your yesterdays, but smile at your todays.

And as you anticipate your tomorrows, place all of your hope in God.

He will walk with you through it all.

The good, the bad, and even the ugly.

Photos by Ryan Parker, Alfonso Scarpa, Fred Moon, & il vano on Unsplash