Theory for happiness...Albert Einstein ...

Theory for happiness...Albert Einstein ...

A note written by the late Albert Einstein read, "a calm and modest life brings more happiness than the constant pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness".

This quote appeared amongst my mail this am ....okay, I thought, what am I to learn from this today?
A reminder to calmness, contentment, and not the constant pursuit of the illusive "success".

Calm-adjective
* 1.
(of a person, action, or manner) not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other emotions: 
"keep calm, she told herself"
synonyms:
serene, tranquil, relaxed, unruffled, unperturbed, (Oxford dictionaries)
*
* Contentment- • happiness and satisfaction: 
"he found contentment in living a simple life in the country"
synonyms:
contentedness, content, satisfaction, gratification, fulfillment, (Oxford dictionaries)

* restlessness- characterized by or manifesting unrest especially of mind  restlesspacing;  also  :changeful, discontented ( Merriam Webster )
*
* The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
* Proverbs 19:23
*
* I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
* Philippians 4:11-12
*
* Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
* Proverbs 29:11
*
* If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest.
* Ecclesiastes 10:4
*
* He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
* Proverbs 2:7-8 

Thank YOU for the thoughts, the reminder to put aside the restlessness and pursue the calmness of the soul, the contentment of the mind and pursue You above all else...
*

Coffee cans...

Coffee cans...

There is a current advertisement about a dad saving his change in a coffee can...he has his own goal written on the side of the can and then changes it to a goal for his son instead as the son watches...it touches my heart...

My husband had a similar can when we met. It was filled with change and he used it for a variety of purchases as well as laundry. the summer before we became engaged and were married, he worked in the proposed wilderness areas in Idaho, camping all week, while looking for minerals.  He came out to the town of McCall, once a week to replenish supplies, laundry,and he called me using the change from that can which he stored in his little Volkswagen bug...

He had that can for many years, continuing to drop his loose change in it...as we added children, one project held once a year, the kids would sort the coins, count them and then divide the change into their own piggy banks...I can remember those children hunched over the table with their dad counting the pennies,nickels, dimes and quarters...intently scrutinizing the division of the funds, making sure each got an equal share...plus amazed at the accumulation of "wealth" in that can...a small meaningful gift each year..

This time of year we, as Christians, have the same opportunity to give a small gift of a shoe box to a child somewhere in the world...it could lead to a life change, a family change and even a community change ...for an eternity change...

Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes are being filled, collected, processed and will be sent around the world to 12-13 million children who need to know that God loves them...a simple box goes a long way...

Thank YOU for the opportunity to give back a portion from which You so generously give to us...

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
1 Timothy 6:17-19

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:7-9

It is the assurance...

It is the assurance...

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:19-25

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him—
1 Corinthians 2:9

It was that last verse in Corinthians that was my assurance of my salvation...I grew up going to to church...a fundamental church at the time, which has changed. I always believed that Jesus was the Son of God, the life and the resurrection...but the words, "saved" or " salvation" were not words I heard in that denomination...later when my husband and I made a commitment to find a church, attend regularly...we chose one that we felt  a peace that that was one we were to become involved in...those words were used regularly...
I knew what they meant and felt that I was...but one night we were watching a movie, "left behind" And I thought, "if I haven't said the "right " words or really made that commitment to Christ---I am doing it right now..."

Reading those words soon after that, I knew beyond a shadow of doubt that they were for me...

We each come to that assurance in different ways, different times, different circumstances....it can be earth shattering, or a calm assurance, but knowing beyond a shadow doubt that when we meet Christ face to face, we can claim his promises because He said so is beyond description ...it is a peace that passes understanding...

It is not belonging to a church, it is not growing up in the right or wrong family, it is not a nebulous being,....God is real....He is who he says He is...the Creator, the First and Last, the Mighty, The I AM...the Eternal...and He wants/desires that we know him...personally...He waits/ desires fellowship with each one of us...He loves us and has loved us before we know  or knew Him...

Thank YOU...

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:16-17

As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one;
Romans 3:10

for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:13

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9

24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
John 5:24

"The land of the in between"

"The land of the in between..."

I heard a "new to me" phase yesterday, "the land of the in between".

The pastor was speaking about the Israelites when they were in the desert, having left the slavery of Egypt or the known, moving toward the promised land or the unknown... I did hear the rest of the sermon, but my mind still camped on that phrase...

How much time in life are we in the "land of the unknown"?
- pre teens, we are waiting to be a big "teen"
- As a four year old waiting to be old enough to go to school  as a five year old
- As a teenager waiting to be old enough to get that coveted driver's license
- Waiting to become an adult
- Waiting to get married
- Waiting to go to college
- Waiting for that first child
- That first promotion
- The first house
- Anticipatory grief...
- Moving into a new area..
- A doctor's diagnosis...
- Sitting in a hospital, waiting...
- Taking care of the home bound or being home bound...
"The land of the between". There are dozens, hundreds, thousands of that "in between"...where we are moving from the known to the unknown...

The waiting, the anticipation...the moving at times, the not knowing the outcome....sometimes with joy and other times with dread...the promise ahead of good or bad...life changing events...

The Israelites, at times, wanted to go back, even though they were enslaved, to the known of Egypt...instead of moving ahead to the promised land, the land reported as filled with milk and honey...their land...

As we get older, sometimes, we think back on life, wanting to turn back the clock for a "do over", having more wisdom for decisions, take back an action or word...but we move ever closer to our promised land...we may not like the path, or the trials getting there, but we are really in the "land of the in between"... Waiting for our promised land...with so many lessons along the way...trusting the God who goes ahead and prepares the way...thanking Him for the daily provision of sustenance...our journey ...

Thank YOU...

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.
I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord , “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”
Jeremiah 29:11-14

On that day I swore to them that I would bring them out of Egypt into a land I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the most beautiful of all lands.
Therefore I led them out of Egypt and brought them into the wilderness. I gave them my decrees and made known to them my laws, by which the person who obeys them will live. Also I gave them my Sabbaths as a sign between us, so they would know that I the Lord made them holy.
Ezekiel 20:6,10-12

The heavens praise your wonders, Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness.
For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn. Indeed, our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel.
Psalm 89:5,14-18

Watching and listening...

Watching and listening...

" if you'll consider Him throughout the day, even when it's a busy one, He'll weave it all together so that you can know His  will and ways--as long as you're actively listening" Priscilla Shirer, Discerning the Voice of God...

I have been involved with this Bible study for a few weeks...daily lessons, readings...soaking up the words she has put to paper, watching, "listening", reading the scriptures...my former church Bible study was going to do it and I decided that even though I couldn't be present as I have moved, I could still "participate".   I could picture the women getting together each week, talking, discussing through the lessons...but I could decide to hear what God was speaking to me  through the written words even though I wasn't part of a "group".

I have just finished the study and it was well worth it even by "myself" ...this week they will have a fellowship time before starting a new one...sitting around discussing how they can go forward with this "new" or deeper information...I will be driving back ( Lord willing) to a former home town where years of growth through legalism,  church abuse, child rearing, church splits,  financial ups and downs, teen rebellion , good health and very bad health, mountain highs, women's ministry took place...memories both bad and much good are there...long time friends are there...homes built, lived in and left are still there...and God was faithful through all those times...he taught my husband and I through provision of much and little, parenthood, music, sermons, emotional upheaval...He was there all the time, weaving our lives, knitting together His love with foundations for the future...with His will and ways....

Thank YOU

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Psalm 121:1-8

Test me,  Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;
for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.
Psalm 26:2-3

Verses of encouragement and consequences...

Verses of encouragement and consequences...

The following verses need no explanation..they just hit me in the heart as I read....the questions jumped out---what will I do with them...will I listen.. Will I heed...which path will I take ....thank YOU for your wisdom, your words to my soul...

This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
I appointed watchmen over you and said, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But you said, ‘We will not listen.’
Therefore hear, you nations; you who are witnesses, observe what will happen to them.
Hear, you earth: I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their schemes, because they have not listened to my words and have rejected my law.
Jeremiah 6:16-19

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.
Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.
Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!
Psalm 32:8-11

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
Psalm 1:1-6

The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away.
Isaiah 50:4-5

I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” - Psalm 40:8

Daunting ....

Daunting...

Moving to a new area has been challenging, daunting, scary and exciting all rolled up into one big adventure...it is one thing when you have someone to share it with, (who had a secretary), but quite another when you are by yourself....I have been sooooo very thankful for my children, their friends and the movers...

Now, comes the daily changes, the doctor, lawyers, the DMV, the dentists, the shopping, the new roads and routes, insurance workers, hairdresser, new church hunts, new neighbors, yard care workers, etc,,,everything new...

When I read through this Devo in "Jesus Always" this morning, I had to thank  God again for his watch care through this ordeal....I have tried multiple times to put the "I get to" spin on the new adventures instead of the "I have to"...

The perspective does change my attitude...my outlook on the day....which is helpful...I smile more, look for ideas, feel better, and am less stressed and tired...because I am relying on the Holy Spirit to help me be content...to listen to truth, to wait...

Thank YOU....


October 20
WHEN THE TASK BEFORE YOU looks daunting, refuse to be intimidated. Discipline your thinking to view the challenge as a privilege rather than a burdensome duty. Make the effort to replace your “I have to” mentality with an “I get to” approach. This will make all the difference in your perspective—transforming drudgery into delight. This is not a magic trick; the work still has to be done. But the change in your viewpoint can help you face the challenging chore joyfully and confidently.
As you go about your work, perseverance is essential. If you start to grow weary or discouraged, remind yourself: “I get to do this!” Then thank Me for giving you the ability and strength to do what needs to be done. Thankfulness clears your mind and draws you close to Me. Remember that My Spirit who lives in you is the Helper; ask Him to help you when you’re perplexed. As you ponder problems and seek solutions, He will guide your mind. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart—as working for Me.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.—COLOSSIANS 4: 2

"I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever.”—JOHN 14: 16 NKJV

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.—COLOSSIANS 3: 23