Sunday, September 16, 2012

Greener Pastures




“Happiness isn't something that depends on our surroundings...It's something we make inside ourselves.” Corrie Ten Boom

Just how happy are you with the place you are in right now? Are you always wishing for more or waiting to start living your life to the fullest before you are truly happy? I think that many of us think that there is always something better just around the corner; “if only I had so and so”, “if only I had a different job”, or “if only I had more money”, etc…the list goes on and on. We may even feel that we have missed opportunities and joys that can never be recovered. Often we fall short, and even if we arrive at a desired location, on arrival, we still feel that there is more. This is referred to as the “Greener Pasture Syndrome”; a feeling of deficiency, envy, and persistent desire. And if we feel we are not in the right place, we may find ourselves in a bottomless pit. It can seem like a lifelong task to find out where we really belong, and how we are going to reach that perfect place in our lives.

…happiness is just right around the corner…we are almost there but just need one more thing…

“God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:40)

The problem is that many times our happiness is based on the false idea that we are missing something, that we need something more. But God desires for us to walk in His plan; He has not left us by ourselves but has called for us to remain in that place where He has brought us. Now, I don’t think that this means we shouldn’t have goals or not want to do our best, but no matter where we have been or where we are right now, it’s all about being content and grounded with what we have and where He has us.  He wants us to be where we are right now because He has a purpose and when we walk in His will He will prosper us and make sure our needs are met. He has a plan for us to follow from this day forward that is absolutely perfect, and If God wants us where we are right now, there are no greener pastures!

"Wherever you are, be all there! Live to the hilt of every situation you believe to be the will of God."--Jim Elliot

Even when things are looking bad, there are still so many positives in our lives, so instead of focusing on what our lives are missing, we have to be grateful for what we do have. We should never look back with regrets, or always be looking for greener grass on the other side. Preoccupation with previous mistakes or desires for more, more, more will only contribute to future failures. We can’t let the past deprive us of present blessings. We should follow the example of the Apostle Paul: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

“In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” (1 Peter 5:10)

Following  Charlotte and Joan on: 



Beauty in His Grip Button

22 comments:

  1. Love the Jim Elliot quote- a keeper for sure. Your blog looks like it has had a makeover! Have I been away that long? I love all of your art journal page images. This post is so sweetly encouraging. I need to re-read again as I have been feeling melancholic all week. I think part of it is it is the first week of full service ministries starting up...My first week of leading Moms In Prayer and Sunday School class...you know who keeps trying to distract me from God's beauty and blessing. Thanks for the post Denise. ;) In His GRace, Dawn

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    1. Thanks Dawn; I have been working on it a bit lately! :) Blessings and prayers as you face the challenges of your busy week...God is in control! :)

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  2. Such a lovely post, as usual, Denise. Contentment is what I believe we all strive for...and, if we would, like the quote says "water our own grass" and pursue our Heavenly Father, he promises contentment. Thank you for the reminder. It is ALWAYS needed!!! I always love your encouragement. Thanks friend and blessings,

    Erin

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    1. Thanks Erin, and blessings to you! You are a dear and special lady who offers great encouragement too! :)

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  3. A lovely encouragement on this sweet Spiritual Sunday. ANd what lovely artwork. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. Thank you Kaye; just visited your post on Spiritual Sunday and was very blessed! :)

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  4. So inspiring Denise! Only when we learn to be fully purposeful in life and walk in His leading, will we be able to live life to the fullest and enjoy the journey with Him! God bless ya! :D

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    1. Sending blessings your way Joy! You are an inspiration too my friend! :)

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  5. "Be all there." Love that encouragement. God's plans ARE the best. A beautiful post.

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  6. God indeed knows what is best for us. I agree with this very insightful post. No matter where we are and what we do, we can be happy if we choose to :)

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    1. True Lea...being happy and having joy is a personal choice that each of us makes; we choose how we react to all that happens in our lives and the attitude that goes along with it. :)

      Blessings!

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  7. Hi Denise! I don't think my comment came through before...so, I'll try it again!

    I've heard it said that we will never quite feel totally at home here on earth, because, as you know, we are just travelling through. Our true home is in heaven. However, you are so right. It is a waste of time to get so caught up in dissatisfaction that we don't enjoy today. God has us right where He wants us. I have dreams for my future, of course, but I am learning to not let my dreams overshadow the joy of today.

    Blessings, Joan

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    1. Thanks Joan! So true; we have to savor all of life’s little victories and not let our ambitions take away from our joy! :)

      Blessings!

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  8. There was a time when I was looking forward to "greener pastures" but I have learned a few things along life's highway and right now I am more than content with the "pasture" the Lord has placed me in even if it is in the desert that I never in a million years would have thought I would want to live in. God has a wonderful way of working out things for our good.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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    1. What a blessing when we finally reach that time in our lives and get it! It takes a lot of Christian maturity and faith. :) thanks Charlotte!

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  9. a beautiful sermon!!! can you come to my house and explain this perspective to my kids?!!!

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    1. Ha ha...it takes time, doesn't it? Not something taught, but something learned through trust and faith! :) It will come; you are such a perfect role model!

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  10. Wonderful post Denise. Our true green pastures will be in Heaven. But for now, what He provides in pastures is just our preparation for heaven. Blessings.

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  11. Hi Denise - its all about attitude right?! Great post my friend
    God bless
    Tracy

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  12. So very true and well said Denise.

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  13. I've been wandering around your blog, entranced. So beautiful! i totally agree with you, we should always be thankful in everything. One time I had a thyroid problem which i did not know about and i was unusually depressed because of it. I just kept repeating Philippians 4. Blessings, Patsy from
    HeARTworks

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