The Secret of Happiness

The Secret of Happiness

by Steve Brunkhorst
http://www.AchieveEzine.com

The Secret of Happiness. (C) AchieveEzine.comThe old man shuffled slowly into the restaurant. With head tilted, and shoulders bent forward, he leaned on his trusty cane with each unhurried step.

His tattered cloth jacket, patched trousers, worn out shoes, and warm personality made him stand out from the usual Saturday morning breakfast crowd. Unforgettable were his pale blue eyes that sparkled like diamonds, large rosy cheeks, and thin lips held in a tight, steady smile.

He stopped, turned with his whole body, and winked at a little girl seated by the door. She flashed a big grin right back at him. A young waitress named Mary watched him shuffle toward a table by the window.

Mary ran over to him, and said, "Here, Sir. Let me give you a hand with that chair."

Without saying a word, he smiled and nodded a thank you. She pulled the chair away from the table. Steadying him with one arm, she helped him move in front of the chair, and get comfortably seated. Then she scooted the table up close to him, and leaned his cane against the table where he could reach it.

In a soft, clear voice he said, "Thank you, Miss. And bless you for your kind gestures."

"You're welcome, Sir." She replied. "And my name is Mary. I'll be back in a moment, and if you need anything at all in the mean time, just wave at me!"

After he had finished a hearty meal of pancakes, bacon, and hot lemon tea, Mary brought him the change from his ticket. He left it lay. She helped him up from his chair, and out from behind the table. She handed him his cane, and walked with him to the front door.

Holding the door open for him, she said, "Come back and see us, Sir!"

He turned with his whole body, winked a smile, and nodded a thank you. "You are very kind." he said softly.

When Mary went to clean his table, she almost fainted. Under his plate she found a business card and a note scribbled on a napkin. Under the napkin was a one hundred dollar bill.

The note on the napkin read...

"Dear Mary, I respect you very much, and you respect yourself too. It shows by the way you treat others. You have found the secret of happiness. Your kind gestures will shine through those who meet you."

The man she had waited on was the owner of the restaurant where she worked. This was the first time that she, or any of his employees had ever seen him in person.

Author's Note: This story is based on actual events experienced by a friend from St. Paul, Minnesota. The note is the exact wording on the napkin that she has kept in her scrap book for fifteen years.

© Copyright 2004 by Steve Brunkhorst.
All rights reserved worldwide.

About the Author: Steve is a professional life success coach, motivational author, and the editor of Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration, a popular ezine bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve more in your career and personal life. Get the next issue by visiting http://achieveezine.com.

Learn from me…and you will find rest for your souls.’ Matthew 11:29 NIV

Learn from me…and you will find rest for your souls.’ Matthew 11:29 NIV

Learn to live like Jesus You’ll notice that unlike us, Jesus didn’t suffer from the fear of failure. That’s because He never entertained the thought that He couldn’t do something His Father had already assured Him He could. And He didn’t suffer from a fear of lack either. Even though He lived a simple life He was responsible for supporting Himself and a team of others. How did He do it? He prayed a lot, and stayed in sync with His heavenly Father. Consequently He knew how to catch fish when they weren’t biting, or find tax money in a fish’s mouth when He needed it (yes, Jesus paid His taxes!). Now God may not provide for you in similar fashion, but He’s promised to take care of you (1 Peter 5:7). Today Jesus is saying to you, ‘Come to me…learn from me…and you will find rest for your souls [emotions and mind].’ Version? Stress is brought on by our need to know everything ahead of time; to be in control. Even after we pray and supposedly turn the situation over to God, we develop a ‘backup plan’ in case He doesn’t handle things the way we think He should. Do you do that? You don’t put your money into a bank then stay awake all night worrying about it, do you? Have at least that much confidence in God. Each time you begin the downward spiral of ‘How? What? When? Where?’ stop and give it back to God. Not the little God of your understanding, but the big God whose track record speaks for itself, whose faithfulness never fails, and who has earned the right to ask you, ‘Is any thing too hard for [me]?’ (Genesis 18:14). In other words; learn how to live like Jesus.

The Struggle

The Struggle

By Tony Masiello
http://www.WhispersFromTheUniverse.com

What do butterflies have in common with the human spirit? Meet Maggie, a middle aged wife and mother who was about to find out.

Maggie wasn’t rich like a millionaire or poor in a manner of being homeless. She was living an average comfortable life. It was made even better when a beautiful baby girl came her way. Her and her husband made sure their daughter had her needs met and they were still able to take a yearly vacation by the beach.

Maggie was a partner in her husband’s business. They both had a different set of duties which kept everything in balance. One day a devastating blow came to her husband’s business, and over a three year period the business dropped out of site. Her husband had to totally reinvent himself and was yearning to fulfill a dream with a new vocation. She was happy for him and supported him fully, but still the money was not coming in.

Maggie began to feel guilty that she wasn’t contributing with any kind of income. It had been a long time since she had worked outside the home and had to work for someone else. Needless to say she was scared but still had faith that everything would be OK. She began job hunting and found it somewhat difficult in filling out applications, especially the part asking for job references. Keep in mind that she was self-employed with her husband for almost 20 years. It felt as though that didn’t count for anything as she was never called for an interview.

At the time she was job hunting her mom became more ill than she had been and ended up in the hospital for a week. Once Maggie’s mom returned home she became her mom’s helper one day a week. She did the shopping, changed sheets, vacuumed and did other things that her mother was not able to do anymore. Of course her mom would pay her for her time and labor but she still felt she needed to find another source of income.

One of the first applications she had filled out finally came through. She passed the interview with flying colors and was told she was “exactly” what they were looking for. Although it was only part time it was exactly what she wanted. It was important for her to be home when her daughter arrived home from school. She was told they would be in touch when the schedule was ready. Knowing she had the job made her feel contented and productive again.

Within a few weeks though, she received an e-mail saying that the company had changed the job into a full time position and she was not qualified. Maggie was devastated. She felt betrayed and felt she had been lied to. That evening she was alone as her husband and daughter had gone out for the night. She welcomed the aloneness and wanted to drown her sorrows in a hot tub of bubbles.

As she knew she would, she began to cry, softly at first just from the sheer pain of being rejected. Three long years of struggle had finally caught up with her. Then she became angry; angry at everything from the circumstances that got her there, to God himself. She cried harder and yelled, “What do you want me to do”? She really felt that God had abandoned her.

When she was able to cry no more, she became exhausted and gave up. It was at that moment that a silent idea came to her to offer other elderly people home care assistance.

Using another talent for computers she printed off some flyers and cards and distributed them to her church, grocery stores and even placed a small ad in the newspaper. Within a week she had procured two new clients.

Now, even though she’s not a CEO of a major company or a power player she feels happy and productive again. So, had God really abandoned her? Let’s look at nature for the lessons and the answer.

Before a butterfly can emerge out of it’s chrysalis it has to go through a lot of struggling. Yes, struggling. Each time it lunges out to escape, acids are being removed from its wings. If someone were to come along and break the chrysalis open for it then the butterfly would die from those acids. In essence the struggle is necessary for the butterfly to survive. Then in the stillness, when the struggle is over, the butterfly can come out and share its beauty with the world.

We as humans are not any different. There are times that we need to struggle, to rid ourselves of the acids that make up sadness, fear, and anger. It is only at this time when we are exhausted and still that we begin to hear the Universe whisper to us.

Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold.’ Genesis 26:12 NKJV

Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold.’ Genesis 26:12 NKJV

Be wise with your money Where money is concerned, the Bible teaches us that we are to: 1) Save for a rainy day. ‘There is…treasure…in the dwelling of the wise. But a foolish man squanders it’ (Proverbs 21:20 NKJV). Learn to live within your means and teach your children to do the same. Instead of over using your credit card remind yourself that you can live happily without most of the stuff advertisers are peddling. Before you make another purchase, pray. Just because your banker approves the loan doesn’t mean it’s wise, or that God approves the expenditure. All boats rise with the tide; they also go down with it. Joseph instructed Pharaoh to ‘gather all the food of those good years…Then that food shall be as a reserve for…seven years of famine’ (Genesis 41:35-36 NKJV). Live by ‘the Joseph principle,’ and save. 2) Sow in the time of famine. The Bible says, ‘Whoever sows generously will also reap generously’ (2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV). You say, ‘But things are tight for me right now.’ Don’t withhold because you are afraid of not having enough. Give God a seed to work with and He’ll make sure you have a harvest when you need it. God’s ability to provide is not limited by the world’s economy. Do what Isaac did: ‘There was a famine in the land…Then Isaac sowed…and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him’ (Genesis 26:1, 12-13 NKJV). Who blessed Isaac? The Lord! When God tells you to give, give in faith, confident that at the right time, in the right way, and in exactly the right places, you’ll receive!

Go to the ant…consider its ways and be wise.’ Proverbs 6:6 NIV

Go to the ant…consider its ways and be wise.’ Proverbs 6:6 NIV

Succeeding on the job (2) When it comes to having a work ethic, ‘Go to the ant, consider its ways and be wise.’ These tiny giants of industry teach us valuable principles for living. Observe three things about them: 1) The ant ‘has no commander, no overseer or ruler’ (Proverbs 6:7 NIV). Nobody has to get it out of bed in the morning or coax it to get moving. Nobody supervises its work or enforces quality standards on it. Nobody needs to micromanage its time on the job or make sure it starts punctually, puts in a full day, pulls its weight and doesn’t quit early. It’s self-motivated and driven by its own high standards, not by rules, regulations or the fear of being fired. 2) It ‘stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest’ (Proverbs 6:8 NIV). While everybody else is complaining about the heat (the weather, the economy, politics, etc.), the hard-working ant just keeps preparing for the future. Later, in the more moderate temperatures of harvest time, it continues gathering. Disregarding the conditions, it works. Then while others are struggling to survive it feasts on the fruit of its labour. ‘Watch and learn,’ is God’s counsel. 3) The ant is no haphazard, disorganised drifter wandering around aimlessly, looking for something to do. He knows exactly what he’s there for and where and how to do it. He’s goal-directed, focused, determined and unstoppable. You can’t keep a good ant down! ‘Consider…and be wise.’ ‘But my job’s a dead end,’ you say. As long as you’re in this job do it ‘heartily, as to the Lord’ (Colossians 3:23). Prove yourself where you are and God will promote you to better thing

‘The wicked…earns deceptive wages.’ Proverbs 11:18 NIV

‘The wicked…earns deceptive wages.’ Proverbs 11:18 NIV

Succeeding on the job (3) If you want to succeed in life practice honesty! One poll cited by Paul Harvey stated that 40% of workers admitted stealing on the job, and 20% felt justified! Their rationalising includes: ‘Everybody’s doing it, why shouldn’t I?’ ‘The boss can afford it, he won’t miss it.’ ‘It’s only small stuff, it won’t make any difference.’ ‘The company owes me, I’m just taking what’s mine.’ ‘I deserve it, I’ve worked hard and never been acknowledged.’ What does God’s Word say about this? ‘The wicked…earns deceptive wages.’ God says deceiving your employer by stealing time and materials, or delivering an inferior product and service, is ‘wicked.’ That’s strong language! Of all people, employers and customers should be able to trust followers of Christ to be honest, work for their wages and provide the highest quality service. And for the record, it’s not smart to steal, even if you don’t get caught. ‘Ill-gotten gains do not profit’ (Proverbs NAS). You may take it but you won’t benefit by it. ‘Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles’ (Proverbs 13:11 NAS). You can’t do the wrong thing and get the right result. Not only will you have trouble, you’ll bring trouble on those who love and need you most. ‘He who profits illicitly troubles his own house’ (Proverbs 15:27 NAS). The job loss, damaged reputation, humiliation, legal costs and consequences are a ‘bill’ the whole family pays for, often ending in shame and divorce and affecting several generations. Your spouse deserves an honest partner. Your children deserve a role model they can emulate; confident the path you walk is safe for them to follow.

Buy Your Copy! A Gospel of Smiles

Buy Your Copy! A Gospel of Smiles
Victor Borge said,
There once was a monk who travelled from village to village, smiling. His name was Ananda, which translated means "joy" or "bliss". He had no home, no money and no possessions to speak of. He wore a saffron robe, some beads, and a wonderful smile which he gave away to everyone he met. So warm, so loving and so infectious was his smile, everyone would smile in his presence.

One day the monk met a boy, also called Ananda. The boy walked beside the monk along a winding path. He asked the monk, "Are you a holy man?" The monk smiled, "I am as holy as you are". The boy smiled. "Why do you not own anything?" he asked. "My smile is my own," the monk replied. "But what about money, a home, a horse?" asked the boy. "The world cannot give me my smile - my smile is between me and God," said the monk.

The boy and the monk walked along in silence. Eventually the boy asked, "Who are you, monk?" "I am the smile that went around the world," explained the monk, "and my gospel is a gospel of smiles."

"Tell me more of your gospel," said the boy.

"Happiness is heaven. And heaven is in your heart. You are born in heaven and you are born to be happy. Happiness is your gift to the world. When you are happy you glow. You live. You give. You are generous and kind. You find love. You give loving. You are love.

Above all, when you are happy you give all the things that appear to be missing whenever you are distressed," said the Monk.

The Monk went on, "Happiness suits us all. It brings out the best in us. Happiness is creative. You can create a whole new world out of joy. Happiness is attractive. You draw to you wonders of the world when you smile and mean it. Happiness is miraculous. It inspires love. It brings everything it touches to a full bloom."

"Do you always smile?" asked the boy. "Yes, even when I am asleep," laughed the monk. "How do you manage to smile always?" asked the boy. "Smiling is easy because I believe in happiness and I also believe in you," replied the monk. Now the monk and the boy were both smiling.
Told in Happiness Now! - New Hay House Edition

Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings.’ Proverbs 22:29 NIVDo you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings.

Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings.’ Proverbs 22:29 NIV

Succeeding on the job (6) Nothing contributes more to job success than skilfulness. Skilled workers excel by study, practise and hard work. Second best is unacceptable. Such people are ‘always in demand… they don’t take a back seat to anyone’ (Proverbs 22:29 TM). Skilfulness isn’t genetic; you don’t inherit it, you work for it. You burn the midnight oil, stretch to your limits and refuse to ‘settle.’ Watch a skilled craftsman; your esteem rises at their attention to detail, refusal to cut corners, patience, dedication and pride of product. They inspire confidence, respect and trust. There’s no more practical demonstration of genuine Christianity than being a skilled worker. When they speak people listen. If you doubt that try sharing your faith with those who see you being dishonest, shoddy and careless. Better to be silent till you earn the right to be heard! Whatever your work, ‘Do it…in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him’ (Colossians 3:17 NIV). We should be ‘raising the bar’ because we’re Christ’s representatives. We should set the industry standard for excellence. Knowing we follow Christ should give employers and customers confidence they’ll get nothing but the best. The skilful worker can’t lose, because God promises that their work will inevitably attract the attention of people who’ll promote them and reward them. ‘Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings’ (Proverbs 22:29 NIV). They may start at the bottom of the ladder, but their destination is a rung higher up.

inspirational messages

Give thanks in all circumstances.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

Gratitude In order to have a grateful heart you must learn to be grateful for flawed people and imperfect gifts. Be grateful when your child attempts to make the bed, even though they make it imperfectly. Be grateful when your spouse expresses affection, even if they do it awkwardly. Be grateful that your body still moves around, even if it’s more wrinkled and lumpy. Don’t wait to feel thankful. The thinking and the doing – leads to the feeling. ‘Give thanks in all circumstances’ calls for a decision and an act of your will, not an emotional response. It’s why Americans call their annual holiday Thanksgiving – not thanks feeling. James Dodson wrote a moving book called Final Rounds, in which he talks about the last months of his father’s life. They were both avid golfers, and when his father had been diagnosed with a terminal illness James took him to Scotland so they could play golf together at some of the world’s most celebrated courses. At one point James’s dad asked him about his marriage and family. James’s answer was evasive; he was so consumed by his work that there was little time left over. These were the words of a dying father to his son: ‘I wish I could slow you both down…The danger of great ambition is that you work so hard, you may some day wake up and find that the things you really wanted, were the things you had all along.’ Paul writes, ‘Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you’ (Ephesians 5:14 NIV). Every once in a while we do wake up. And when we do, what we wake up to is gratitude for the things we take for granted.

…NOTHING CAN GET BETWEEN US AND GOD’S LOVE…’ ROMANS 8:39 TM Secure in God’s love!

…NOTHING CAN GET BETWEEN US AND GOD’S LOVE…’ ROMANS 8:39 TM Secure in God’s love!

Opinions are powerful things! They either build us up or tear us down. They create a ceiling above which we cannot rise. That’s why it’s important to get God’s opinion of you and stick with it. If others disagree, so what? You wouldn’t be so critical of yourself or so conscious of the opinions of others if you really knew how God felt about you! He made up His mind about you before you sinned. So when you sin, repent. Then dismiss the guilt for guilt is the product of doubt; it denies you the benefits of God’s grace. Stop running from person to person looking for love. Just open your Bible; it’s a living love letter, a statement of intent from a Father who wants nothing but the best for His children. If you doubt that, read this: ‘Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture…None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that… nothing can get between us and God’s love…’ (Romans 8:35-39 TM). ‘But I fall so far short,’ you say. We all do! Yet nothing you’ve done has changed God’s mind about you, and nothing ever will! His love remains; it’s unconditional, constant and guaranteed: ‘…His mercy endures forever’ (Psalm 136:1 NKJ). God’s love for you is set in concrete; it has no cut off point! And that’s the foundation you can build your life on!

HOW GREAT IS THE LOVE THE FATHER HAS LAVISHED ON US…’ 1 JOHN 3:1 NIV God loves you – He really does!

HOW GREAT IS THE LOVE THE FATHER HAS LAVISHED ON US…’ 1 JOHN 3:1 NIV God loves you – He really does!

Nothing could make God love you more than He does right now: not greater achievement, greater beauty, greater recognition; not even greater spirituality. And nothing could make Him love you less: not your character flaws, your past failures and regrets. The irony is, we spend our lives trying to earn a love that can only be received by faith when we acknowledge that within us there’s an emptiness only God can fill. And He will. But the truth is, learning to live in the love of God is the challenge of a lifetime. Many of us grew up with parents who withheld their love as an expression of their disapproval. And we think God does that too. But He doesn’t. ‘How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!’ (1 John 3:1 NIV). C S Lewis wrote: ‘God, who needs nothing, loving into existence wholly superfluous creatures in order that He may love and perfect them. God did not make us because He was bored, lonely, or had run out of things to do. He created us to be the objects of His love! Sometimes our actions make us unlovely, but we are never unloved. And because God loves us – we have value. And nobody can take that value away. God’s love revealed at Calvary fastens itself onto flawed creatures like us, and for reasons none of us can ever quite figure out, makes us precious and valued beyond calculation. This is love beyond reason. And this is the love with which God loves us.’

…YOU HAVE LEFT YOUR FIRST LOVE.“ ’ REVELATION 2:4 NAS Do you love God?

…YOU HAVE LEFT YOUR FIRST LOVE.“ ’ REVELATION 2:4 NAS Do you love God?

The Church in Ephesus was the kind of church you’d have wanted to attend: ’ “I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot endure evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false” ’ (Revelation 2:2 NAS). So far so good. Who can argue with orthodoxy? But all was not well: ‘ “I have this against you,“’ says the Lord ’ “…you have left your first love.“ ’ John Stott writes: ‘They had fallen from the early heights of devotion to Christ which they had climbed. They had descended to the plains of mediocrity. In a word…the hearts of the Ephesian Christians had chilled.’ This word ‘chilled’ puts a shiver up your spine. What a horrible way to describe the heart of a Christian! Stott continues, ‘Their first flush of ecstasy had passed. Their early devotion to Christ had cooled. They had been in love with Him, but they had fallen out of love.’ How much had changed since Paul penned his last letter to that church ‘Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with a love incorruptible’ (Ephesians 6:24 NAS). Then Stott concludes ‘they toiled with vigour, but not with love. They tested their teachers with orthodoxy, but had no love in their hearts.’ Wow! You can go to church, read your Bible and pray daily, yet not truly love God. Loving God is a commitment, an attitude resulting in action, a focus, a daily decision to acknowledge Him in all you say and do. So, do you love God?

YOU ARE PRECIOUS TO ME. YOU ARE HONORED, AND I LOVE YOU.’ ISAIAH 43:4 NLT

YOU ARE PRECIOUS TO ME. YOU ARE HONORED, AND I LOVE YOU.’ ISAIAH 43:4 NLT

Are you able to look in the mirror today and say, ‘Thank You Lord, You did a good job?’ If you can’t you’ll settle for anyone who can give you what you’re incapable of giving yourself – a sense of worth! You can’t become arrogant, but you’ve got to find a healthy balance somewhere between martyrdom and narcissism. Until you do everybody else’s needs and opinions will be more important than yours. When that happens you end up resentful, living without things you don’t have enough self-esteem to ask for because you don’t think you deserve them. If you don’t believe in yourself and respect your own opinions you’ll finish up living to please everyone else. One wrong look or one critical word from them and you’ll say, ‘I’ll never do that, say that, or wear that again.’ Talk about feeling worthless and insecure! Thank God you don’t have to live that way. Peter writes, ‘The God of all grace…[will] make you perfect, establish, strengthen, [and] settle you’ (1 Peter 5:10 NKJV). God wants to give you a sense of self-esteem – built on His esteem. Will you let Him? Once others have heard you sing confidently they’ll want to hum along. Just make sure they’re in harmony when they do. You train others to treat you by how you treat yourself. The buyer will pay no more than the seller demands. So go to God today, ask Him to tell you who you are and what you’re worth. He will say, ‘You are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.’ That’s God’s opinion – make it yours!

DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD…’ 1 JOHN 2:15 NAS Change your world

DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD…’ 1 JOHN 2:15 NAS Change your world

John writes, ‘Do not love the world…’ But what does that mean? First, let’s look at what it doesn’t mean. It doesn’t mean being so heavenly minded that you’re no earthly use. Loving the Lord more doesn’t mean loving those around you less; or feeling awkward around them; or losing touch with them; or not knowing how to communicate with them; or alienating them by giving off signals that you are somehow spiritually superior to them. If ‘…we have the mind of Christ’ (1 Corinthians 2:16 KJV) shouldn’t we be as attractive to a lost world as Jesus was? As the world of finance, politics, education and entertainment, etc gets more off track, we have two choices: condemn it or influence it! Become what we’re supposed to be, light! Isaiah the prophet spoke into the lives of kings. The three Hebrew children changed the politics of Babylon. Joseph the economist saved Egypt from famine. Yes, satan is at work taking Christ out of Christmas, prayer out of schools, and God out of government. But he won’t win, and he knows it. His strategy however, is to convince you that he can win. He doesn’t want you to see the real battle between light and darkness. He doesn’t want you to feel a sense of urgency and personal responsibility. But the God who promised to ‘…crush satan under your feet…’ (Romans 16:20 NKJ). is raising up an army of spirit-empowered believers who will demonstrate what it’s like to live in a different kingdom. Will you be part of His army?

…BEARING WITH ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE…KEEP THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT…’ EPHESIANS 4:2-3 NKJ Family matters (1)

…BEARING WITH ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE…KEEP THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT…’ EPHESIANS 4:2-3 NKJ Family matters (1)

When it’s easier to talk to outsiders than it is to your own family, something’s wrong. Your family should be a support system – a safety net to catch you when you fall. We like to visualise ‘family’ as a hard-working dad, a stay-at-home mum, two children, a dog, and a house with a fence. But for many people family means money problems, troubled kids and warring spouses. That’s why Paul writes: ‘…walk…with…longsuffering, bearing with one another in love…keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.’ (Ephesians 4:1-3 NKJ). It takes a big dose of grace to make it all work! So start praying for your kids, instead of just setting boundaries that create distance between you when you don’t see eye to eye. You won’t always agree, but you must learn to respect each other. When God said, ‘Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it’ (Proverbs 22:6 NIV), He didn’t say what qualifies as ‘old,’ or when your investment would start paying off. Every family has its ups and downs. And every family tree produces a few nuts! In fact, sometimes the best part is underground! But if you bail out when things get tough you would miss the rewards you’d have gotten by hanging on. Often the child that blesses you most is the one who didn’t reflect your views, married someone you didn’t like, and doesn’t invite you over to dinner! In the long run none of that matters because your family is a life-long investment. What’s important is to love and support one another unconditionally right now.

love story of God LOVE…ALWAYS HOPES, ALWAYS PERSEVERES…NEVER FAILS…’ 1 CORINTHIANS 13:6-8 NIV Shout ‘wonderful’

LOVE…ALWAYS HOPES, ALWAYS PERSEVERES…NEVER FAILS…’ 1 CORINTHIANS 13:6-8 NIV Shout ‘wonderful’

When you meet someone who needs encouragement, give it to them! Why? Because more people die of broken hearts than swelled heads. And that’s true whether they live in a mansion or a mud hut. The story is told of a little boy who wanted to play darts with his father. He said, ‘Come on, Dad, let’s play darts. I’ll throw, and you shout “wonderful!’’ You may smile, but we tend to become what the most important people in our lives think of us. So think the best, believe the best, and express the best toward them – for your words are helping to shape their destiny. And remember, change happens by inches, not miles! You didn’t get there overnight and they won’t either. Even when change seems simple, it’s rarely ever easy. The only way we can break old habits is to form new ones – and that takes time and practice – lots of it! You can’t tell people something just once and expect them to get it. No, they need to hear it over and over before they can make the adjustment. And how you tell them, the look in your eyes and the tone of your voice, can determine whether they freeze in fear or soar above the obstacles. It can also determine the coping skills they hand down to their children. So this is no small matter. Be persistent! Never give up trying to help them improve. Express gratitude for every step of progress they make. Flying off the handle doesn’t help them; or you. The way to get lasting results is through patience and love. Remember, ‘Love…always hopes, always perseveres… never fails…’

LOVE…IS NOT IRRITABLE OR TOUCHY…’ 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-5 TLB A ‘yes’ face!

LOVE…IS NOT IRRITABLE OR TOUCHY…’ 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-5 TLB A ‘yes’ face!

Chuck Swindoll writes, ‘The most significant decision I make each day is my choice of an attitude. When my attitudes are right there’s no barrier too high, no valley too deep, no dream too extreme, no challenge too great for me.’ If you believe that you will take charge of your emotions, begin to focus on what’s good, and reject anything that makes you a petty, bitter person. And your face will say ‘Yes.’ One day President Thomas Jefferson and a group of companions were travelling across the country on horseback. They came to a river that had overflowed its banks because of a recent downpour. The river had washed away the bridge so each rider was forced to cross it on horseback, fighting for his life against the currents. This caused a traveller who was not part of the group to step aside and watch. After several riders had plunged in and made it to the other side, the stranger asked if President Jefferson would carry him across. The President agreed without hesitation. So the man climbed on and the two of them made it safely to the other side. As the stranger slid off the horse onto dry ground, one of Jefferson’s companions asked, ‘Why did you select the President?’ The man was shocked and admitted he’d no idea that it was the President who’d helped him. ‘All I know,’ he said, ‘is that on some of your faces was written the answer “no,” and on some was written the answer “yes.” His was a “yes’ face.” A good attitude has a ‘yes’ face. Try to remember that today!