What is the secret?

What is the secret to happiness?
Many times, happiness comes from being content.
When everything is going our way, we find joy.

But what about on the days when joy is hard to find?
Most days, we fall short...short on time, patience, money, strength.

In Philippians, we find Paul's secret to happiness...
"For I have learned to be content in all circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."~(4:11-13)


Paul found the secret to living a happy life came from the One who gave him strength. Strength to endure harsh conditions; even writing letters to encourage others, while imprisoned in chains. Chains which advanced the Gospel.


Although, most of us aren't physically chained, we are imprisoned.
Imprisoned by our grief, disappointment, jealousy, bitterness, addictions, love of money.
"Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things." ~Philippians 3:19

Although the Earth is our home, it is not our permanent residence.

Paul reminds us that "our citizenship is in heaven." (3:20) As Christians, we must "press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus." (3:14)

If we allow God to work through us, "he who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (1:6)

God can break the chains that burden our souls.
He wants to work through us "to will and to act according to his good purpose." (2:13)


Paul found joy while in prison. The word "joy" is mentioned over 13 times in the
short book of Philippians, written by Paul as a letter to the people of Philippi.
If Paul found contentment and joy in prison, why can't we?
As he said in chapter 3, verse 16 "let us live up to what we have already attained."

What have we attained?

Life.

If we have life through Christ, we have eternal life.
Nothing else we gain on this earth will compare.


"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ---the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith."~ Philippians 3:7-9

I Love You, I Honestly Do

Isn't it nice to know that God's love is unconditional!
In fact, He loves us so much, that "He gave his only begotten Son,
so that whoever believes in Him would not perish, but have
everlasting life." ~ John 3:16

As parents, when we show our children unconditional love, we are providing an example of the love our heavenly Father bestows on us.

Good or bad.
Right or wrong.
Dirty or clean.

Two years ago, I wrote the following poem to illustrate the love I have for my sons. No matter where they may go or what they may do, my love remains the same....
Unconditional.

I Love You, I Honestly Do

I love you.

I honestly do.

Even if you leave hand prints,

Finger-paint the wall blue,

Paste popsicle sticks,

On the table with glue.

Remember I love you,

I honestly do.

Even if you spill milk,

Stain your shirt that's brand new.

Tear a hole in your pants,

Step in gum with your shoe.

Remember I love you,

I honestly do.

Even if you are sick,

Home in bed with the flu.

Wipe your nose on me,

Instead of a tissue.

Remember I love you,

I honestly do.

Even if you study hard,

But forget what you knew.

Make a bad grade,

Don't pass, or fail the test review.

Remember I love you,

I honestly do.

Even if you strike out,

Miss the ball that was threw.

Lose the game, the race,

Or don't speak on cue.

Remember I love you,

I honestly do.

Even when you are grown,

And my lap you've outgrew.

No matter where you may go,

Don't forget this---it's true.

Are you BUSY?

I hate being busy.

Corrie Ten Boom said, "If the devil can't make you bad, he will make you busy."

B-U-S-Y stands for...

-Being
-Under
-Satan's
-Yoke

Lord, please forgive me for being so busy that I lose focus on You.
Please help me to be a Mary in a Martha world. ~Luke 19:42