Want to be happy? (James)

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12

Blessed: happy (In congratulations, the reason why one is to be pronounced blessed is expressed by a noun or by a participle taking the place of the subject)

Endureth: to endure, bear bravely and calmly

Temptation: specifically, the trial of man's fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy

When he is: become, come about, happen

Tried: properly, accepted, approved

Shall receive: to gain, get, obtain absolutely

Crown: the eternal blessedness which will be given as a prize to the genuine servants of God and Christ

Life: real and genuine

Promised: to announce that one is about to do or to furnish something

Love: love to a master, God or Christ, the word involves the idea of affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, grateful recognition of benefits received

Want to be happy? Start loving God — with reverence, prompt obedience and grateful recognition of all God gives. Following Christ doesn't come with a promise of "easy street". There will be hardships along the way. But through it all, God remains faithful! 

Blessed—happy because no matter what happens, I choose to love God and obey Him with a thankful heart. 

Pursuits and Purpose (James)

For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. James 1:11

Fade away: equivalent to to have a miserable end

Ways: purpose, pursuit, undertaking

What will I be remembered for when I die? When I am no longer around, what will last? All the stuff we accumulate is that —stuff, no real lasting value. And as the old saying goes, "You can't take it with you."

What legacy am I creating now? The pursuits and purposes for earthly gain while can be enjoyable on earth, have no lasting value. Just as a spring flower withers and dies in the heat of the day, pursuits that have no eternal value will also have a miserable end. 

So, are my pursuits and purposes like a flower? Or am I like a tree planted by the waters? 

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. Psalm 1:3

If I want to be like a tree rather than a flower than my pursuits must be following God's Word.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2

What is my pursuit? Am I after things that will have a miserable end? Or am I pursuing a life that will prosper by God's standards? 

Proverbs 10:1: A Screaming Child

A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the grief of his mother. Proverbs 10:1

Wise: ethically and religiously; of the mind

Glad: cause to rejoice

Foolish: stupid, he hates knowledge, it is his sport to do mischief

Grief: afflict, cause grief, grieve, sorrowful, vex

Attitudes and actions have an effect on others. 

Often we think that we that our attitudes and actions will only effect us personally. Yet, that is not the case. Each action causes a reaction in others. Whether is be parents, friends, neighbors, co-workers, or any others that are in the vicinity—they are either blessed or grieved. 

Really? What I do effects others? 

Yes, really.

Don't believe me? Just think of the last time you were shopping and a little kid started screaming. You immediately bristled. You looked around to see where the parent was and if anyone was taking care of the situation. You began to make judgements as to why the kid was screaming, and what you would do if that was your child. Your posture changed. You became upset and uncomfortable. You started to become angry. You became agitated and grumpy. Am I right? 

The same is true for adults. Our attitudes and actions do effect others. We may not find ourselves in the middle of a store screaming, but we may find ourselves acting foolishly and ignoring God's wisdom. And when we act foolishly, we become that screaming child—and those around us are effected. 

How do we make sure that our attitudes and actions are wise? Start at the beginning—the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. A heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), will translate into wise attitudes and actions. 

So, are you a screaming child? Or are you acting wisely? 

Proverbs 8:32-36: The Happiest Place on Earth

“Now therefore, listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord; But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death.” Proverbs 8:32-36

Blessed: O thy happiness!

Keep: observe, celebrate

Be wise: be or become wise, act wisely

Disdain: neglect

Blessed: how happy!

Watching: of man watching for admission

Obtains: to secure

Favor: acceptance, good will, delight

Sins against me: the one missing me (Wisdom) is one wronging himself

Wrongs: treat violently, both physical and ethical

Hate: enemy, foe, detestable, highly offensive, repugnant, disgusting

Love: beloved like, friend

"The happiest place on earth." That phrase has been linked to a place not far from my home, Disney World. Anytime you go, there are LONG lines of people waiting to enter, get on rides, or take part in any of the other activities. They will wait for hours to ride a 1.5 minute ride or the longest (Hall of Presidents) 22 minutes 48 seconds. 

However, that "happiness" is often very short lived, as you leave one ride and start the wait for another. The hot sun, crowds, and hunger, soon make everyone fussy and irritable. They have forgotten that "fun ride" they just enjoyed a few minutes ago. 

Wisdom on the other hand, provides long lasting happiness. We are to be waiting in anticipation for all that Wisdom has to offer us! That excitement of knowing and learning and yes, even being corrected, so that we can enjoy life to the fullest. 

And not only can we enjoy happiness, we secure delight from God! That is a great reason for happiness! 

The happiest place on earth, isn't an amusement park, rather it is found in anticipation and acceptance of Wisdom. When a heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God, the anticipation of getting Wisdom grows stronger. 

The happiest place on earth—the anticipation and acceptance of Wisdom!

God blesses. I am to bless.

Ruth 2:18-23

After a day of hard work, Ruth returned home to Namoi and shared all that had happened. I love Naomi's responses. First, she blessed the man who noticed Ruth, and was kind to her. Then she said,  "Blessed be he of the Lord who has not ceased his kindness." Then she asked where Ruth had gleaned. 

I wonder the look of astonishment on Naomi's face. Boaz, the nearest kinsman, who rightfully was to care for Naomi and her family. Out of all the fields, Ruth could have ended up in—she was in one that belonged to Boaz. That was not by luck, rather it was purely designed by God. 

As I look back over my life, I am so thankful for God's leading and direction. He made sure that I was in the "right place" at the "right time". I'm so thankful for the people He introduced me to, that have blessed me along the way. And I'm so thankful that those people acted in accordance with God's will. 

I have been blessed by God, by people who have been wiling to be blessings.

It makes me stop and think:

• Am I willing to be used by God to bless others?

• Am I acting on those promptings from God, when He wants me to help or encourage someone?

• Am I first of all thanking God for His goodness, and then thanking those who are sharing God's blessing with me? 

God blesses. We in turn are to bless others. We are to be thankful to God, for His blessings. We are to be thankful to those who bless us. 

When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), I will be ready to accept God's blessings, and in turn I'll be ready to share those blessings with others. My prayer is that I'll be a blessing and encouragement and that I'll never take for granted the blessings God has given me. 

Positive Names

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my study of Ruth.

Ruth 1:20-22 Naomi and Ruth reach Bethlehem, Naomi's home. As the people greet them, they are excited that Naomi is back home. However, Naomi says, "Do not call me Naomi, rather call me Mara for the Lord has dealt bitterly with me." The name Mara means bitter. 

I have always liked to learn the meaning of names. My name means strong and powerful. That can be good or bad. Being strong in some areas is a virtue, but being strong-will and stubborn—is not a good thing. I all too often have a "do it myself" mentality. Yes, that of a 2-year-old. I want to do it myself, my way—and sometimes God lets me so that I'll learn that I do not know best. Other times, He in His graciousness stops me quickly, reminding me to allow Him to have control. 

God gave me a great object lesson. My computer has been crashing. And I did all the recommended things to fix it, but it still keeps crashing. Yesterday it crashed and no matter what I did, the computer would NOT turn on. This morning, I tried again. Nothing. I read Ruth and thought about names. 

As much as I am "powerful", I lacked the power to fix my computer. It was/is totally out of my control. 

After reading Ruth and thinking through the meaning of names, I tried again—the computer turned on! It then crashed again. But then once again, it came back on. I have NO control over the computer and do not know what is wrong with it. I have NO POWER over getting it to work—Powerless.

As I thought of Naomi and her changing her name to Mara, as a statement of how she viewed her life, I wonder what name I would pick to represent how God has and is dealing with me. 

First off, I'd say a very positive name would be "Blessed". For God has and is blessing me abundantly. 

"Rookie" comes to mind, as I have much to learn in trusting God and giving Him complete control. Thankful, that God continues to train and teach me. 

I think I'm going to continue thinking of names that represent how God has and is dealing with me. But no matter what name I choose, I know that the greatest is "Child of God", for that depicts my relationship with Him. I am His Princess! And that is an amazing name—a Princess of the King of kings! 

If I want to continue to have "positive names", then my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Met some Heroes

I had the opportunity to accompany my Dad to a VA Clinic today. I created some "Thank You" cards to give to some of the Heroes while there. 

It was an honor to meet and talk with the Heroes throughout the day. I enjoyed hearing their stories and getting to know them a bit. 

If you want to meet some amazing people visit a local VA Clinic. There are long waits, and the Heroes sure could use some encouragement as they wait (often for hours).

I was blessed in many ways by talking with some of our Heroes today. 

Creating a positive day, isn't very hard, when you are in the company of Heroes! 

Very Blessed!

His Generosity!

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 13. Here is what I learned.

I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me. Psalm 13:6 (KJV)

I will sing to the Eternal, for He is always generous with me. Psalm 13:6 (VOICE)

I sing to the Lord because he has taken care of me. Psalm 13:6 (NCV)

I do sing to Jehovah, For He hath conferred benefits upon me! Psalm 13:6 (YLT)

I will sing unto the Lord,.... In prayer faith is encouraged, through believing the heart is filled with joy; and this joy is expressed by the lips, in songs of praise to the Lord, ascribing the glory of salvation to him, and giving him thanks for every mercy and blessing of life;

because he hath dealt bountifully with me; both in a way of providence and grace, granting life and preserving it, and supporting with the comforts of it; blessing with spiritual blessings, and crowning with loving kindness and tender mercies; all which is generous and bountiful dealing, and affords a just occasion of praise and thanksgiving. Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

Dealt bountifully, always generous, taken care of, conferred benefits upon me...... so often, when we hear those words, our minds toward the things we don’t have, rather than what we do have. 

If God is so generous, why don’t I have more... money, nicer things, etc? If God is so generous, why am I in pain, or sick, or ......? The lists continue. 

But I think that often we forget that God does not owe us anything. God in His mercy and grace first gave us the greatest gift, and that was His Son, Jesus, who died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. God gave us the gift of salvation, we only have to accept it. 

Secondly, God does give us many blessings, but with a specific purpose and plan in mind. He created us that we would bring Him glory and honor. And we each do that in different ways. Some sing, some preach, some through friendships, some.... yes, even because of their pain and illness. 

I know that in my own life, God has used my pain to introduce me to people I never would have met otherwise. And I have met many because I use crutches. God in His goodness, has provided me with a ministry to encourage others who live with chronic pain or illness. Now, I would not have chosen this ministry on my own...but God chose it for me. He knew that for me to serve Him best, I’d need to be in pain. Now, just because I am in pain, doesn’t mean that God has forgotten me, for He continues to bless me beyond measure! I am amazed daily at God’s generosity and love. 

To create a positive day, I only need to start counting the blessings God has generously given me, for in counting the blessings, I praise God for His generosity!

Counting the Blessings

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 67. Here is what I learned.

God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall reverently fear Him. Psalm 67:7 (AMP)

God is the source of our blessings; may every corner of the earth respect and revere Him. Psalm 67:7 (VOICE)

God shall bless us,.... The Holy Spirit blesses with regenerating and renewing grace; with faith, comfort, joy and peace, by shedding abroad in the heart the love of the Father and the Son; by applying precious promises; by testifying adoption; by making meet for heaven and happiness, and working up for the selfsame thing eternal glory. Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible 

God shall bless us - He shall ever be speaking good to us, and ever showering down good things upon us. Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Being blessed by God provides an overwhelming sense of peace. Since surgery, I have to say that although my body is in extreme pain, and I can’t get comfortable, I find myself smiling. For God has blessed me with not only His love, but He continues to send gifts along the way to remind me of His love and that He “knows what I like”. 

Last week, a person sent me a book which she thought I’d enjoy. Now, this person did not know I was having surgery when the book was sent, but God knew that having a new book to read would be perfect following surgery. 

The afternoon, I arrived home from my surgery, I had an email waiting telling me that I won a contest. I won a Larry Dixon Al-Anabi 2010 Champ 1:24 Autographed Top Fuel Dragster NHRA Die cast. It will look great on my Sports Wall. 

Then the past few days, my Ponder Morsels for each day have been awesome for what I needed to focus on and remember. God blessed me with truths to keep my soul refreshed. 

God blesses me in so many ways, and as I think about each blessing, I can easily smile in spite of the pain I feel. 

Counting the blessings God sends my way is not only an easy way, but it’s the best way to create a positive day! 

Heaped up in Happiness

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The thirteenth of each month, I'm studying Psalm 146. Here's what Treasure I found today.

Blessed are those who receive help from the God of Jacob. Their hope rests on the Lord their God. Psalm 146:5 (GW)

Happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) is he who has the God of [special revelation to] Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God. Psalm 146:5 (AMP)

Blessed: be blessed, happy, how happy!

God: the Almighty, power, strong, God of thy fathers.

Jacob: a son of Isaac.

Help: Protect or aid.

Hope: expectation—hope, by implication (of watching) to expect (with hope and patience).

In: according to, after.

Lord: of deity Yahweh.

God: Elohim, supreme God, mighty God.

Think of what this verse is saying: The almighty God, the supreme God, the all-powerful God, is my protector and helper, my hope is secure in the one-true God and that fact creates an overflowing abundance of happiness and joy.  

"Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help." Heaped up is his happiness. He has happiness indeed: the true and the real delight is with him. He is happy in help for the present and in hope for the future, who has placed all his confidence in Jehovah, who is his God by a covenant of salt. Happy is he when others are despairing! Happiest shall he be in that very hour when others are discovering the depths of agony. We have here a statement which we have personally tried and proved: resting in the Lord, we know a happiness which is beyond description, beyond comparison, beyond conception. O how blessed a thing it is to know that God is our present help, and our eternal hope. Full assurance is more than heaven in the bud, the flower has begun to open. We would not exchange with Caesar; his sceptre is a bauble, but our bliss is true treasure. The Treasury of David

I like that phrase, “heaped up in His happiness”. Happiness piled so high.... well there is no end. Reminds me of a pile of leaves... as you run and jump in and the leaves fly everywhere, and anyone nearby enjoys a deep belly laugh. That’s one thing about being “heaped up in his happiness”— those around you want to enjoy the happiness too!

But unlike that pile leaves, the source of true happiness is God, and He is eternal, so our happiness doesn’t depend upon the Season, or upon ourselves. Rather, our happiness and joy is from the Almighty, Eternal, Supreme God!  

O for a heart full of joyful gratitude, that we may run, and leap, and glorify God. The Treasury of David

When my heart is full of joyful gratitude, when I’m heaped up in happiness, that creates a positive day indeed!

Blessings Celebration Day!

Just wanted to let you know about my Blessings Celebration! I started the day thanking God for His goodness and all the blessings He has sent and continues to send my way. Then I spent time writing notes and emailing people to let them know that they are blessing in my life. I also was able to attend 100 Years of Broadway at Paramount Theater in Aurora, IL.

 When I arrived at the show, I learned that I was given complimentary tickets! The staff wanted to me enjoy my Blessings Celebration!! How cool!! The show was very good. The performers had all worked and sung on many stages, including Broadway. There was a good mix of songs from a variety of shows. And the performers could sing! The Ushers were all so kind. Since, I had to stand during the entire show the Ushers wanted to make sure I was as comfortable as possible. At intermission, one Usher even got me a "booster seat" so I could rest my foot on it. It was just what I needed to make standing easier. After the show I was able to get the performers autographs on the program. To top it all off I was given a CD of the singer I enjoyed most!

Most of you will ask, isn't your pain level high? Yes, it's unbearable. But in a few days..okay it will be more like a week or two....my pain level will settle back down. But the fun I had today will live on in my memory. Each time I listen to the CD, or think of today, I'll smile. I'll think of how God continues to bless me....even by allowing me to attend the show for FREE! That was an AWESOME blessing!!
So, the next year is about to begin......and I'm looking forward to counting all the blessings God has in store for me!!

Is it responsibility or lack of faith?

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19) Since God will supply, do I just sit back and do nothing? Or do I have a responsibility to do something? If I do something, is that showing a lack of faith, or just being responsible?
Now that I've got you thinking, I'll share my thoughts on the question. I think it's a combination of both trusting God and doing my part. God does expect me to act responsibly and use my resources well. I need to make wise decisions and be good stewards of my money, time, talent, and resources. Of course, God can do anything and meet any need without any help from me! God does not NEED my help—believe me!
Being on disability due to a back injury, I'm on pain medication. And each year, I hit the "doughnut hole" in coverage. (For those not familiar with Medicare Part D. When you hit a certain dollar amount, you become 100% responsible for the medication.) That means my medications cost over $400 a month, rather than just over $50. Since my pain medications contain morphine, I cannot stop cold turkey. Plus, the meds are necessary to just function each day. So they are a NEED.
This brings me to my original thought. With the increase in costs, do I sit back and wait for God to supply? I know He is ABLE. But, I personally believe that I have a responsibility too. What can I do being on disability and unable to work? I am more careful with using lights when I don't need them. I also unplug all my electronics at night. I never use the clocks on those things anyway! "But that's just pennies and you need dollars"....yes, but pennies do add up. And if I do watch my pennies, I know God can take care of the dollars.
What if God doesn't supply by the time you need to refill your meds? That's easy. I'll pay cash for what I can and charge the rest. Just because I have to buy the meds on that day; that doesn't mean God has to meet the need by that day. God is not limited by time. If I have to charge part of my meds, so be it. God knows that, and He can supply any interest added to the bill too. God is not limited by amounts either.
So, back to my original question. Am I being responsible or simply not having faith, if I do what I can to meet a need? My answer. I'm being responsible by doing my part while trusting God to supply my needs. There is still the faith that God can supply my needs, but God also has given me a responsibility to do what I can.
Now that I've shared my answer to the question, what's your answer?

Creating a positive day isn't just done when things are going "great". But creating a positive day is a possible every day, it's all a matter of "choice of focus". To create a positive day, you focus on the good things. Can't think of any? What about the fact that God loves you unconditionally? That is the most positive fact to focus on!

The Stars in my Life

The past few days, the news highlighted the deaths of two celebrities. People are lined up around former homes, various theaters, etc. During one news show, on person interviewed said "I wanted to meet him in person. He was like family to me". What? How can someone you've never met be "family"?
Personally, I'm not caught up with the movie stars, actors, singers, etc. I don't even know the names of actors who play the characters I watch on TV. I've never been "star struck". Yet, as millions of people spend time mourning the death of both these "stars", it got me thinking: Who are the real "stars" in my life?
Who are the people who have impacted my life....PERSONALLY? Who are the people with whom I interact, talk, laugh, and cry? Who are the "stars" who I care about and who care about me? As I started listing the "stars" in my life....I am blessed!
But it shouldn't stop there. Knowing that people in my life have blessed me, is only half. I need to let them know! Maybe knowing that they are "stars" in my life, will encourage them. Maybe it will get them thinking about the "stars" in their lives. We are all quick to share when someone does something wrong, or hurts us. But when they have a positive impact, we neglect to share that news.
Take a few moments and send an email, or make a phone call, or better yet, send a note to let someone know that they are a "star" and have a positive impact in your life. Those few moments will do two things: 1. Make you realize how blessed you are 2. Let others know they are a blessing.
Be positive. Share the positive. Multiply the positive!