Friday, September 27, 2013

Think Happy!



“Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!” (Psalm 144:15)

Have you ever noticed that for many people (maybe you have even been one of them), happiness can be an elusive thing? But the definition is clear; happiness is our emotional and mental state characterized by our reactions and attitudes which can range from contentment to pure joy! And what about our physical state? Just as studies have shown, our happiness not only influences how we feel today but can have a powerful impact on our health for years to come. Having a happier disposition, being positive and optimistic, living with hope and faith, are key components of health and longevity. When in the mental state of joy and happiness, our bodies release endorphins and chemicals that repair and heal us on its own. Evidence has shown that happier people have fewer health problems, have more energy, and a better quality of life.

…and one thing we know for sure; we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day…

“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” Psalm 5:11)

Virtually everyone wants to experience true happiness; we spend a good part of our time and energy seeking fulfillment and eternal joy. Sometimes our problem is that we just can’t seem to grasp it! However, God provides us with a roadmap to happiness, and when we are living in accordance to His will we can free ourselves from the need to seek it out. According to the bible if we seek to know Him, we will find the happiness that has eluded us for so long. We will never find true happiness until He is the main focus and counselor of our lives. Rather than asking Him to give us more, we need to ponder on the abundant blessings and opportunities He has poured out on us and be grateful. God designed us to seek Him to find our fulfillment and joy in a relationship with Him. Happy are the people whose God is the Lord; He brings joy to the life of the believer!!

“Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! (Psalm 118:15)

Another way to gain happiness and joy in our lives is to help make others happy. We are often so concerned on how to make ourselves happy, but ironically when we bring joy and laughter to others, it cultivates happiness that’s contagious! One of the very best ways to bring joy into our lives is to make the effort to spread joy wherever we go; a little extra time out of our day and a few kind words is all it takes to enhance our lives as well as the lives of others. Once we start spreading happiness to others that’s contagious, it becomes addictive, and we are filled with continuous joy!

“But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.” (Psalm 68:3)


Our positive attitudes in life allows us to maintain happiness in every stage of our life; we can see the good in the bad and the light in the dark when we fix our gaze on God and acknowledge His role in our lives. It can change everything we do and everything we say when we find something good and positive in every situation. Our faith in God is a constant reason for joy and thanksgiving no matter what temporary situation we are in; it sets us free from the past, gives us faith for the present, and hope for a glorious future!

Linking up this week with:



USE this for BLOG



37 comments:

  1. it's hard not to be happy with Him in my corner.That's what makes me really happy...knowing He's there, that I'm not alone....and that He's got everything under control. Denise...have a great Friday and an awesome weekend.

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  2. Love this does of happiness Denise. You vibrant photos always bring a sense of joy when I visit.

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    1. Thanks Wanda; blessings and love dear friend!

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  3. Hi Denise! Yes, I shouldn't ask for more, but I do all the time! You are so right that I should concentrate on what is good in my life. It will make me happier! And it's so important to help others, good point. It gets me out of thinking about myself all the time.

    I am pretty boring. Much better to concentrate on those in need.
    I always love your posts, Denise. And the art work is such a bonus.
    Blessings :)
    Ceil

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    1. Boring is good when we think of it in those terms Ceil; ha! Yes; less of us and more of Him! Wishing you bunches of happiness!!

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  4. Thank you, Denise, for these beautiful thoughts on joy. You know, sometimes it's so easy for me to base my joy on earthly things and I soon find disappointment in them. But what joy we have in Jesus - everlasting joy and happiness :) What a blessing! Have a lovely weekend. Hugs to you!

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    1. Everlasting; yes! Thoughts on that brings so much hope and happiness! Lots of hugs to you too Stephanie!

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  5. I was encouraged by your great post today! I'm gonna do more of what makes me happy!! Bless you.

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    1. Yay; blessings for more happiness!! :) Thanks Karen!

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  6. Seeing your art work this morning brought me happiness. That is what they each displayed! May He continue to use you & bless your creativity. It is an amazing blessing to see these each & every time.
    Have a great Saturday!
    Joanne

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    1. Thanks Joanne; you are always such a blessing with your comments. Have a wonderful week! :)

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  7. Dear Denise
    Oh, when we learn to live in Jesus, joy is one of the fruits of His life. I have found no matter how many trials and tribulations we go through, His joy is always constant.
    Much love XX
    Mia

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    1. Agreed my friend! We can always see joy (though at times it isn't easy!) regardless of the circumstances because of His grace and strength... :)

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  8. "We have a choice." Oh yes, that's my mantra. That's why I try to begin my day with praise to my Heavenly Father. I'm speaking this week on joy. Choosing joy really does matter!

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    1. That's how I start my day too Pamela, especially when it starts out as a challenge! :) Blessings sweet friend!

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  9. This post made me smile! Your artwork is so beautiful! Thank you for linking up with The Weekend Brew!

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    1. My pleasure as always Barbie, and thank YOU for hosting!

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  10. What a wonderfully inspirational post! The artwork is vibrant and beautiful. Thank you, for this wonderful reminder of real JOY~

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    1. Love hearing from you Cynthia; I hope you have a wonderful week...blessings!

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  11. My instinct when reading your post was to get out my highlighter and start underlining things!! LOL But, of course, I can't do that on the computer... You brought up some great points. We have a choice in what attitude we choose and by making our main focus God, we can't help but feel joy and happiness! Also, by encouraging others, we also encourage ourselves...Thanks for the encouragement today, Denise! I already feel better!

    Blessings, Joan

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    1. Oh I love that! Yes a computer highlighter would come in very handy-ha! Thanks Joan; have a blessed week!

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  12. Very, very, true what you said about the best way to be happy is to make others happy...There is no better feeling than to see a smile on someone's face, especially knowing that you put it there!
    ~God bless~ Lisa

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    1. You bring a smile to my face Lisa! Thanks for stopping by sweet friend!

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  13. Hi, Denise! This is truly a timely post for me to read! I usually an a very upbeat and happy person, but have struggled with joy the past couple of weeks. As you had read from my recent blog post (by the way, thanks so much for stopping by!) my reasons are very circumstantial...but like you wrote, " Our faith in God is a constant reason for joy and thanksgiving no matter what temporary situation we are in!" Thanks for the reminder! Also, I love all the artistic and colorful word images you posted!
    Blessings, Ann @ Christ in the Clouds

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    1. I know how hard it is to reach for happiness when I am suffering too Ann; it takes every bit of energy and disciplined prayer! The enemy surly likes to get in the way and steal our joy! So glad you stopped by too! Blessings!

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  14. The pursuit of happiness is in the United States Constitution, but I agree that if left to my interpretation on how and where to pursue it, I'd be looking in all the wrong places. When we feed that pursuit with temporary attempts in persons, places and things, its like a bottomless glass that never gets filled. Then when we accomplish one pursuit looking for happiness down the wrong road and don't find it, we go for another wrong road. It's like a cycle of "what have you done for me lately, over and over. I love the Bible verse in Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” You are so correct when you said: "We will never find true happiness until He is the main focus and counselor of our lives." There is where true happiness, contentment & satisfaction is found. Great post sister.

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    1. Thanks Todd; you always bring new thoughts and great inspiration in your comments. I love reading what you have to say! Blessings dear friend!

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  15. I absolutely love this post!

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    1. Thanks for dropping by Ren; I hope you are finding lots of joy and happiness friend!

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  16. THis is just so lovely!! I always love taking in your scripture, your beautiful art and creative ways, along with your profound message. What a gift!

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    1. Thanks Chris; it always brings me joy to add some color and pretty art to emphasize points and scripture! :) Blessings!

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  17. Hi Denise!! So true my friend! We can search all over and find temporary happiness in people and things, but our true source of joy is Christ! The joy of the LORD IS OUR STRENGTH!! Thanks for sharing and thanks for linking up...have a blessed rest of your week my friend! Btw...congrats to you and your family...hope your son had an awesome wedding!

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    1. I have found that to be true too Mitchell; I am often disappointed when I rely on other people, places, or things to bring me joy...I have learned over and over that my joy is in the Lord! :) Blessings sweet friend!

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  18. The joy of the Lord is our strength. Thanks for the reminder, Denise! We all need that hunch every now and then.

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