The word "Happiness"

(see the January 18th post)

HAPPINESS is....enjoying; marked by great pleasure. (according to the dictionary).

How many of the things in life do we thoroughly enjoy? What value do we give to each of these things that we enjoy? I am using the word things in a very broad sense. Do we feel that these things bring us happiness? And what level of happiness do they bring....momentary, for a day or week or a month, or longer.. say years? And here is the big test of happiness....will it bring Eternal joy and happiness? What could possibly bring us this Eternal (forever.. without end) joy and happiness? I will let you think about that and ponder and meditate on it.

Maybe you could make a list of all the things that bring you joy and happiness...then rate each one on a scale of 1-10. Ten being the most happiness. I expect “family” to be on your list!

What I value and treasure most in my life

I have never desired tons of money....only to have sufficient for my needs (and a few “wants”). I have never coveted those large fancy homes (can’t even keep clean the very small place I have now)....or the shiny new cars (I don’t like payments).

I have never been out of the United States...never craved to. And I have only been to maybe less than a dozen states (either because I lived there or near there or my children live there).

Thought only briefly about taking a cruise a few times....but only very briefly. I would sooner visit the rest of the U.S. first.

I have been fortunate that I have not had to work most of my life (just a stay at home mommy)...so I have no “career path” that is driving me.

My interests are very simple and basic....I am more of a homebody and not even a “party-type” person. I am sure I sound very dull and un-interesting. But everyone is different in their needs, desires, wants, abilities, personalities, and interests.

So, ruling out all of the above as far as what I value and treasure in life....what IS it then that is so terribly important, precious and valuable to me? What brings contentment to my soul? What is it that I deem as my greatest treasures in my life?

My family...My faith...My Church...My belief and trust in God

That’s it in a nutshell....very simple, basic, down to earth, and extremely rewarding, peaceful, and fulfilling above anything else that I can ever imagine, or desire, for myself and my life.

New Beginnings

“Today is the Beginning of the Rest of Your Life”

For many, many years I could not figure out what that statement meant. Maybe I did not ponder it hard and long enough. Then a few years ago it hit me!! I understood its meaning very clearly.

To me, it means that TODAY... or any new day...I can begin to make good and right changes in my life. These new changes, if held steadfastly to, can in effect be the beginning of a new life for me and carry through for the rest of my life. In essence, it is putting away the old and heralding in the new.

Christmas

Dove of peace




Christmas is a special time. But it can also be a hard time for some people. It shouldn’t be, but it seems to be that way in many cases. During this time of year there can be more depression, more sadness, more debt, more stress, more loneliness, and way too much busy-ness. This type of Christmas is not what it was meant to be like. Sometimes there is not enough love, peace, contentment, happiness, simplicity, and spirituality!! Think about how you could make it this kind of Christmas.

One word stands out for me….SIMPLICITY.