Showing posts with label happiness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label happiness. Show all posts
Sunday, November 15, 2020
Sunday, June 14, 2020
Sunday, March 31, 2019
Sunday, July 29, 2018
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Three Things: That Make Me Happy
Well, once again, my post for yesterday didn't get published. If you're counting, that's twice in less than a week. What is with me and getting "Publish" goin' on time? I apologize for the late post.
LOTS of things make me happy. It would be simple to fill this list just with immediate family members alone. The Man of the House makes me happy. The offspring make me happy. And the grand baby makes me happy. They are the top 4 on my "Things That make Me Happy" list. Without question. And if you've been reading this blog for any amount of time now, you can probably guess that, Yes, reading makes me happy. Coffee makes me happy (and awake) Knowing all of that - let's just move on to some other things that make me happy.
1) Living in the Mountains - Here in western North Carolina, I am constantly surrounded by so much natural beauty. God's artwork at it's best. We get a definite distinction between all four seasons (usually) The summers are hot. The winter's aren't too cold (again - usually). And the autumn is just spectacular! I don't think a week goes by when I don't have my breath taken away from a view along my daily travels.
2) The Sound of a Child's laughter - You know the one... that full, hard belly laugh of a child. You don't? Go to YouTube right now and search for "baby (or babies) laughing" Seriously... it's the BEST. I challenge you to listen to a child's uninhibited, joyous laughter and not end up laughing yourself. Or at least wearing a huge grin on your face.
3) Sleep - good sleep. Restful sleep. Or maybe I'm just thinking it would make me happy because I have been waking myself up coughing which has prevented a good night's sleep for the past 2 nights. Nope. Even without the cough... I just love a good, deep sleep. Or, more precisely, the rested peaceful feeling I have the next day makes me happy.
You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups
Life of Meg: Monday Mingle
The Chicken Chick: Clever Chicks Blog Hop
A Proverbs 31 Wife: Living Proverbs 31
A Life in Balance: Motivation Monday
The WellSpring: Playdates with God
Tell Me A Story: True Stories
The Beauty In His Grip: Sharing His Beauty
Salt & Light: Beautiful Ashes
LOTS of things make me happy. It would be simple to fill this list just with immediate family members alone. The Man of the House makes me happy. The offspring make me happy. And the grand baby makes me happy. They are the top 4 on my "Things That make Me Happy" list. Without question. And if you've been reading this blog for any amount of time now, you can probably guess that, Yes, reading makes me happy. Coffee makes me happy (and awake) Knowing all of that - let's just move on to some other things that make me happy.
1) Living in the Mountains - Here in western North Carolina, I am constantly surrounded by so much natural beauty. God's artwork at it's best. We get a definite distinction between all four seasons (usually) The summers are hot. The winter's aren't too cold (again - usually). And the autumn is just spectacular! I don't think a week goes by when I don't have my breath taken away from a view along my daily travels.
2) The Sound of a Child's laughter - You know the one... that full, hard belly laugh of a child. You don't? Go to YouTube right now and search for "baby (or babies) laughing" Seriously... it's the BEST. I challenge you to listen to a child's uninhibited, joyous laughter and not end up laughing yourself. Or at least wearing a huge grin on your face.
3) Sleep - good sleep. Restful sleep. Or maybe I'm just thinking it would make me happy because I have been waking myself up coughing which has prevented a good night's sleep for the past 2 nights. Nope. Even without the cough... I just love a good, deep sleep. Or, more precisely, the rested peaceful feeling I have the next day makes me happy.
You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups
Life of Meg: Monday Mingle
The Chicken Chick: Clever Chicks Blog Hop
A Proverbs 31 Wife: Living Proverbs 31
A Life in Balance: Motivation Monday
The WellSpring: Playdates with God
Tell Me A Story: True Stories
The Beauty In His Grip: Sharing His Beauty
Salt & Light: Beautiful Ashes
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
What If Today
What if today...
You smiled at everyone you saw
You thought only positive things about yourself
You told someone "Thank you"
You paused to be thankful for something... anything
You treated everyone as if they were the most important person you were going to speak to all day
You looked at your To-Do list in terms of "Get to" instead of "Have to"
You took 5 minutes to do something you truly enjoy
You told someone you love them
You really listened
You let someone go in front of you - either in a line or in traffic
You cut yourself some slack
You did something silly
You did a chore for someone else?
You smiled at everyone you saw
 |
| photo: publicdomainpictures |
You thought only positive things about yourself
You told someone "Thank you"
You paused to be thankful for something... anything
You treated everyone as if they were the most important person you were going to speak to all day
You looked at your To-Do list in terms of "Get to" instead of "Have to"
You took 5 minutes to do something you truly enjoy
 |
| photo: publicdomainpictures |
You told someone you love them
You really listened
You let someone go in front of you - either in a line or in traffic
You cut yourself some slack
You did something silly
You did a chore for someone else?
Be sure to visit my giveaway HERE for a chance to WIN a
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
The Full Life
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." ~ John 10:10
Everyday, we have a choice to make:
* Will we let the enemy steal our joy and destroy our happiness?
*Or will we enjoy life to the full?
I want the full life promised by Jesus!
I want to laugh more, love more, risk more.
I don't want to look back in regret. I want to only glance forward occassionally in anticipation.
And focus on the right now with joyfulness, getting full to the point of overflowing.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Reality Rewind: I Could Be Happy If...
Revisiting a favorite post from my past... Enjoy!
On the surface there is nothing wrong with wanting things. We've all been there. I've been there. I want things. New things. Pretty things. Shiny things.
Here's the problem: Happiness from stuff is temporary.
You're happy for a short time with your shiny new thing. And then you start craving and aching for that next, newer, better thing. It's a never ending chase. A constant cycle of ups and downs. Always seeking what you believe will bring happiness, only to soon feel empty and need something else to fill the void.
For some people it's not only things. It's a belief that if circumstances were different, they could finally be happy. A better job. Moving to a different home/city/state. Having a boy/girlfriend, finding a spouse, or getting a divorce. Having a child. Losing weight.
And what happens if we don't get that item or circumstances we believe will bring us joy? We find ourselves feeling angry, resentful, frustrated, and lost.
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 (NIV)
Paul had "learned the secret". True happiness isn't found in stuff. Or based on the circumstances we are in.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." ~ Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
Real, lasting happiness comes in knowing the grace and glory of God and accepting all the treasures and gifts He has in store for those willing to accept it.
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." ~ 2 Corinthians 4:18
Not to say that as Christ followers we don't know sadness, difficulties, or times of trouble. But during those times there is a faithful, eternal, loving God watching over us, comforting us, and ready to bring us back to a place of joy and happiness.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." ~ Romans 8:28 (NIV)
"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." ~ Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)
God wants good things for us. He wants us to know joy. He wants our happiness. We just have to place our trust in him. And look to Him for our joy. Once we manage to start doing that, we will find an even deeper happiness in the things, people and circumstances in our life.
Originally posted on October 17, 2012: http://reallyreallyrealhousewives.blogspot.com/2012/10/i-could-be-happy-if.html
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Content: A state of peaceful happiness
I had my morning shower. Makeup applied. The man of the house and the male offspring were out and about to their days of work and school. Dog, cats, and chickens were fed. Beautiful eggs were gathered. The sun was shining, making it look deceptively warmer outside than the actual temperature.
As I cut potatoes and carrots to start a crock pot roasted chicken for dinner this evening, I almost glowed with a sense of happiness and peacefulness.
And that's when it hit me - I feel completely content! And I smiled to myself.
Contentment.
Oh, sure... there are other words that could be used to describe my mood. Peaceful. Fulfilled. Satisfied. Glad. Happiness. I was all those things. But I think contentment wraps it all up in to one joyous little bundle.
I found myself thinking over the concept of contentment. How many people chase after it, trying to find it or manufacture it - from people, things, success, financial security, fame and recognition, etc. But I thought to myself that perhaps contentment isn't something you can find by searching or building. Maybe it's just a place you find yourself once you realize that all those other things just aren't that important. Maybe contentment can only truly be found once you stop searching for it and look for the joy right where you are at any given moment, in any given circumstances.
As I cut potatoes and carrots to start a crock pot roasted chicken for dinner this evening, I almost glowed with a sense of happiness and peacefulness.
And that's when it hit me - I feel completely content! And I smiled to myself.
Contentment.
Oh, sure... there are other words that could be used to describe my mood. Peaceful. Fulfilled. Satisfied. Glad. Happiness. I was all those things. But I think contentment wraps it all up in to one joyous little bundle.
I found myself thinking over the concept of contentment. How many people chase after it, trying to find it or manufacture it - from people, things, success, financial security, fame and recognition, etc. But I thought to myself that perhaps contentment isn't something you can find by searching or building. Maybe it's just a place you find yourself once you realize that all those other things just aren't that important. Maybe contentment can only truly be found once you stop searching for it and look for the joy right where you are at any given moment, in any given circumstances.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
I Could Be Happy If ...
On the surface there is nothing wrong with wanting things. We've all been there. I've been there. I want things. New things. Pretty things. Shiny things.
Here's the problem: Happiness from stuff is temporary.
You're happy for a short time with your shiny new thing. And then you start craving and aching for that next, newer, better thing. It's a never ending chase. A constant cycle of ups and downs. Always seeking what you believe will bring happiness, only to soon feel empty and need something else to fill the void.
For some people it's not only things. It's a belief that if circumstances were different, they could finally be happy. A better job. Moving to a different home/city/state. Having a boy/girlfriend, finding a spouse, or getting a divorce. Having a child. Losing weight.
And what happens if we don't get that item or circumstances we believe will bring us joy? We find ourselves feeling angry, resentful, frustrated, and lost.
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 (NIV)
Paul had "learned the secret". True happiness isn't found in stuff. Or based on the circumstances we are in.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." ~ Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
Real, lasting happiness comes in knowing the grace and glory of God and accepting all the treasures and gifts He has in store for those willing to accept it.
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." ~ 2 Corinthians 4:18
Not to say that as Christ followers we don't know sadness, difficulties, or times of trouble. But during those times there is a faithful, eternal, loving God watching over us, comforting us, and ready to bring us back to a place of joy and happiness.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." ~ Romans 8:28 (NIV)
"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." ~ Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)
God wants good things for us. He wants us to know joy. He wants our happiness. We just have to place our trust in him. And look to Him for our joy. Once we manage to start doing that, we will find an even deeper happiness in the things, people and circumstances in our life.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Pure Bliss
Pure bliss is sitting quietly while a grand baby sleeps on your chest.
The warmth and weight of his little body.
The rise and fall of his breaths.
The occasional quiet baby noises.
The soft fuzz of baby hair against your cheek.
Tiny fingers splayed along your collarbone.
The sweet baby smell.
True contentment. I think I could sit like that all day and be happy. Of course, part of the joy is that once the baby smell is not so sweet, or the breaths turn to cries - he has a mommy you can hand him over to and not stress over it.
The warmth and weight of his little body.
The rise and fall of his breaths.
The occasional quiet baby noises.
The soft fuzz of baby hair against your cheek.
Tiny fingers splayed along your collarbone.
The sweet baby smell.
True contentment. I think I could sit like that all day and be happy. Of course, part of the joy is that once the baby smell is not so sweet, or the breaths turn to cries - he has a mommy you can hand him over to and not stress over it.
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