Happiness - Day 3 continued...

     The pages of my book, The Be Happy Attitudes, written by Robert H. Schuller, are yellowed and fragile probably because I bought this book over 20 years ago.  I don't save a lot of books, but this is one I have not been able to discard or give away.  I purchased it at a time in my life when I was going through a bad situation and had lost my joy in life.  The book uses the Beautitudes to provide eight positive attitudes that can transform your life.
     I searched Amazon and found that The Be Happy Attitudes book is still available, and I do recommend it to anyone looking to maintain joy in their life.   I am not good with book reviews and could not do justice for all the valuable information provided.  However, I would like to share a few of his ideas.  First let me start out with the Beatitudes given by Jesus in His "Sermon on the Mount."

1. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
2. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
3. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
4. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."
5. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."
6. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
7. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God."
8. "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Schuller tells us that "blessed literally means happy."  I particularly like one of his quotes, "What is the cross?  It is a minus turned into a plus!"  In his introduction, Schuller starts out by telling us that happiness is elusive.  "How often have you thought:  If only I had that car...then I'd be satisfied!  If only I could find someone truly to love me ...then I'd be happy!  If only I wasn't under so much financial stress...then I'd be content!  If only...If only..."  Then he states, "All the 'If only's' in the world- even if they all came true- still could not guarantee your happiness."  He quotes Karl Menninger, "Attitudes are more important than facts."

     Just sharing the first of this book has made me want to find a cozy, comfortable  corner in "A Friendly Shade" and read the book one more time.  I hope the pages do not fall apart from age.  If so, I will be forced to order a new one. 
     Below is an easy link to assess the book if you want some good solid advise on learning to be happy using 8 positive attitudes.  Trust me! the book is not boring.

https://www.amazon.com/Be-Happy-Attitudes-Positive-Transform/dp/0553264583/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1475481086&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Be+Happy+Attitudes

New Day Dawning

     I decided to start my day in A Friendly Shade reading Philippians 4:8 since I had a night in which I had not slept well.  Sadly the lack of sleep leaves most of us expecting a bad day, but our days do not have to be that way.  I believe our attitudes control our day.  

     "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

      If I apply Philippians 4:8 and think on lovely and good things, have good thoughts, apply just behavior, and praise others, or in other words, keep a positive attitude while letting God direct my course, my days can all be good ones, because I am looking for and being joyful. 

     To sum it up, here is my rhyme.



New Day Dawning 

 

Woke up this morning

groaning and yawning.

Another day was dawning.

I had not slept well,

my eyelids fell.

What would the day foretell?

Surely, not dreary or grey.

Joy abounded, just needed to pray;

Let God direct my way.

"Lord!" I shout your name out,

Please, remove my doubt.

Rid negative thoughts whirling about.

This is the day the Lord hath made!

Every step before me laid.

Lead me! guide me! I earnestly prayed.

Be my shield

should I enter the battlefield.

To you alone, my spirit yield.

Hope and joy to usher in,

 with God! With Him!

Till the day does end. 

                                       Mary Crisp Jameson

 

 



Goliath And The Stone

     Goliath was a very big giant of a man. He was so big even the mighty men of war trembled in his presence. According to scripture Goliath was “six cubits and a span.” The interpretation I found shows this to be 9 to 10 feet. We are also told that Goliath wore a coat weighing “five thousand shekels of brass.” I looked this up and found it to be 125 pounds. The weight of this along would put most men to the ground.  Can you imagine a small boy in his youth fearless enough to stand up to this huge giant with only a few stones?
     Just what makes some men and women tremble or get sick and depressed while others, going through similar troubling situations, meet people with a smile, never displaying their problems?  Why can some people face their problems in order to find solutions and embrace life while others hide themselves in self-pity?  How can we all strive to eliminate anxiety and worry?  I would like to believe it is sincere faith in a God who promises to walk with us through the trials of life.    
     The way I would like to spell F-A-I-T-H is like this:

“ Fear that has said its prayers”

  Abort self-pity
  Implant the positive
  Trust in God with all your heart
  Hydrate yourself in His Word

     When David went out to meet Goliath, he showed great faith.  David said, “The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine.”  There was no doubt in David’s mind that he would kill Goliath that day as he shouted, “Thou cometh to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel…” 

     When faced with problems so huge we see no way to overcome them, it would be good to remember the slogan I saw on a billboard recently, “For every Goliath, there is a stone.”