Happiness in Jesus

PC: Rudi Roels

Have you ever just been going throughout your day, and suddenly a song pops into your mind for no reason in particular? It could be one of your favorite songs, something you heard as a child, or perhaps it could even be that really annoying jingle from that one commercial that repeats itself over and over and over in your head for days... 

Well, recently as I have been going throughout my days at work and at home or while driving my car, encouraging lines from songs or hymns have been popping in my mind (or verses I memorized as a child and haven't read for a while). As I sat in my living room this evening, reading about improving aspects of physical health, the song "Happiness is the Lord" came to my mind. I had forgotten some of the words so I looked it up and it really encouraged me. I'll share it with you in case you don't know the song:

- Happiness Is the Lord - 

Happiness is to know the Savior,

Living a life within His favor,

Having a change in my behavior,

Happiness is the Lord.

Chorus: 

Real joy is mine, 

No matter if teardrops start;

I've found the secret- 

It's Jesus in my heart.

Happiness is a new creation,

"Jesus and me" in close relation,

Having a part in His salvation--

Happiness is the Lord.

Happiness is to be forgiven,

Living a life that's worth the livin',

Taking a trip that leads to heaven,

Happiness is the Lord.

Sometimes I think we all question why we can't be happy like everyone else? I think when we question this it is easy to become perplexed as to what is wrong with us when the answer is actually really simple. I can't be happy like everyone else because I am not everyone else. I can't be happy like everyone else, because unfortunately in this sin-sick world, many people are actually not that happy (ever heard 'fake it til you make it'?). I can't be happy like everyone else who has everything because materialistic things and my own efforts cannot make me happy. I can be happy like Jesus wants me to be though, and the truth is that my happiness and joy needs to come from Him alone. 

Let me break it down further for you:  Me + me/stuff = not happy. Me + Jesus = really happy. 

But back to the song...the message is so wonderfully, amazingly true, and something I wish everyone could internalize. Happiness is not found in what we do each day, what we wear, what accessories or gadgets we have, how popular we are, what school we went to, what car we drive, or who we know...happiness is only found in Jesus and having a close relationship with Him. Of course, I am a Christian and I have known this all my life, right? False! I've known this "in theory" for a while now but oh if I had really realized that and had it ingrained to my core as a child or teenager, I could have skipped out on many a difficult time and heartache. Only now, in January 2016, now as an almost-25-year-old, am I starting to really grasp what true happiness in Christ is. Is my relationship with Him perfect and am I happy all the time? Not at all. But it's a work in progress and thankfully God never gives up on me. I will never be happy without Him, I will only be sad and feel empty. 

  

But it's not all about me, it's about you, too. You can have hope, joy, pure happiness, contentment, and feel meaning and fullness in your life also--you can't do it yourself of course, and your worldly treasures will never bring these gifts to you, but God can help you gain and maintain these wonderful, meaningful life-long, everlasting treasures. This is how some people in bad situations can be happy despite the circumstances. Basically, you + Jesus = really happy! He will be your best friend, but you also have to make an effort to be His friend. Take time for Him and I assure you He will bless you in wonderful and extraordinary ways. 

May we all strive to know the Savior more. <3

There Will Be Joy

Pain. It comes in varying forms, but in recent times, mental and emotional pain are what come to the forefront of my mind. These are inflicted by the evil one—the devil—satan. Pain can be draining and it clouds the lenses through which individuals view life. As a result, life can seem hopeless, and people can feel helpless. The question is all to often asked, “How can things ever get better?”
 
The beautiful thing is, things can certainly get better, and there is always hope. The most wonderful hope of all, the joy that we can experience as we learn to trust God. He is a loving Father, a faithful Friend, a kind Companion, full of grace and all things good. How His heart must be saddened as He sees His beloved ones suffering, dejected, and hurt by the harsh conditions of this sinful world. He loves us and wants to make us happy, healthy, and whole again.
 
The Bible is filled to the brim with promises and stories of how God has given humanity hope and the opportunity for happiness. His sacrifice and death on the cross for us is perhaps the deepest and most profound example of how He desires to fill us with hope and give us joy and peace.  He saw humanity’s condition even before its existence, and He made a way for His loved ones—you and me—to experience hope, joy, and an abundant life (John 10:10). 

To the hurting ones: Don’t despair, and don’t give up. Pain is only temporary. The Bible promises that joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).  People will fail us, and they will hurt us, but God never will. He is constant in goodness and He never changes. He loves without exception and He wants to give each one good things without holding anything back (Matt. 7:11).
 
Talk to Him about what is on your heart; be encouraged today. <3

Happy Birthday To Me...

Today is my 23^rd birthday. 

It’s been a quiet day, which has gotten me thinking about my life over the last few years. I look back and see just how far I have come in the last year of my life, never mind the other 22 years before that.

I’ll admit it, there have been times I have felt alone, confused, discouraged, and times I have wanted to give up. There have even been some times that I truly questioned God and His plan for me. I sometimes wondered why He has put a plan in place that doesn’t suit my particular tastes or desires.

I may see Him clearly leading, but sometimes it’s just easier (in theory), to put up a fight and see if I can get my own way.

But you know what? I realized something…that’s not easy, and it doesn’t work. It just exhausts one—spiritually, mentally, emotionally, even physically. There’s no saying I’ll never do it again, but I surely can see it’s not the easy way out.

  

Today is a new day of life, however, in more than one way I suppose.

  

I’m thankful to God that He has brought me through some very difficult things to the place where I am today. I still may not find ultimate joy all the time, and I still have a lot of growing to do, but I want to trust that as I go into my 23^rd year of life that God will continue to go with me and make His plan clearer. I hope that I will gain strength and courage and be a blessing to others.

I guess I could be reminded of these things any other time of the year, but a birthday is a good opportunity, and especially to remember God’s love for me, as well as the others around me! 

Trusting His Plans

If God leads you to it, He will lead you through it.

I have to keep reminding myself of that reassuring fact as I push my way through my nursing classes each quarter. It is easy to get stressed, discouraged, and want to give up at times. I experienced this recently, but God wasn't willing to let me give up that easily. I realized that I wasn't the one who worked things out to be able to be in the position I am in--it was all God's doing, up until the very last detail, and therefore I needed to trust His plan for my life. I am just a weak human, how do I know what is best for me? I never knew why He brought me to Walla Walla, but He has me here for a reason, and I think I am starting to catch little glimpses of what that might be. It's exciting! 

It's only recently that I embraced this thought, however. Just a few weeks ago, my agenda seemed to be quite the opposite. 

I tried escaping. God closed the doors before I could.
I made excuses. God brought me conviction.
I was confused. God put the right people in my path at just the right moment, to ask me questions that ultimately cleared things up in my own mind. 
I contradicted myself. God opened my eyes to the reality of my situation.
I had forgotten why I began in the first place. God reminded me. 

Without the reassurance of His guidance, it is sometimes easy for fear to grip the very heart. But why fear when He is so indubitably involved? I have decided and determined in my own heart and mind that what I am doing is ultimately for God and His greater glory. If I can become a nurse and just impact one person's life, I think it will all be worth it. 

I am excited to see what He is going to do, and how He will prepare me to work for Him as a nurse, or wherever He leads beyond that--this is not just for me, I submit that it is His career. "Whatever is to be done at His command may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings" (COL p. 333).

Rest

John 3:30

It's Friday evening...Sabbath...rest....

It's thanksgiving break...rest....

At this moment I am overwhelmed with the greatness, kindness, love, mercy and patience of my precious Jesus. This quarter at school has been rough, but even though it has seemed unbearable at moments, God is seeing me through, ushering me all the way through. 

God is just so amazing and I don't know how I could live without Him. 

Thankfully I don't have to. 

Be blessed this weekend and as thanksgiving is coming up, remember all that God has done for you and all the ways (even if not obvious) that He is working in your very life.

Happy Sabbath! 

‎"Remember this. If you have made mistakes, you certainly gain a victory if you see these mistakes and regard them as beacons of warning. Thus you turn defeat into victory, disappointing the enemy and honoring your Redeemer." {COL 332}

✝ ✝ ✝

Sabbath Sweetness

Sab·bath [sab-uhth] noun - 

The seventh day of the week, Saturday...a day of rest.

This week was crazy, and stressful, and tiring...and just when I feel as if I can't take it anymore, I find myself blessed with a day of REST, the sweet Sabbath! May you each feel God's presence particularly near to you on this day (and always, but Sabbath is extra special)!

Genesis 2:2-3, "And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made."

Get close to God first before getting close to anyone else. God without man is still God, but man without God is nothing.

Cooking Fun

I have to say, much to my delight (really, who would have thought?), I have been enjoying cooking as of recent. I have never been particularly interested in cooking, but I rather like the feeling of success as a dish I try turns out to be really good! 

I thought I'd share some pictures and recipes of some of the things I made last week, as well as today. 

  ---x---

Scalloped Potatoes.

So delicious, and really easy to make, too! 

Scalloped Potatoes:
Serves 4
- 4 cups thinly sliced raw potatoes, peeled
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup clean, raw cashews
- 1/4 cup chopped onions, or 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika

1. Process cashews in about 1 cup of the water in a blender until very smooth.
2. Add remaining water and other ingredients, except paprika, and continue blending until smooth. 
4. Place a layer of sliced potatoes in the bottom of your sprayed baking dish.
5. Pour a small amount of your blended mix over the potatoes to cover them, and keep layering and pouring until finished.
6. Cover with tin foil and bake at 375 F for 1 hour.
7. Remove cover, sprinkle with paprika, then return to oven and continue baking until browned (about 10-15 minutes). 

Side note: Doubling the recipe will fill a rectangular baking dish like pictured above. 

 ---x---

Vanilla Pudding Pie

I used just a vegan pudding mix we had over here for the filling, but you can probably use anything you like. 

The crust was a graham cracker crust, really easy and quick to make, as well.

Homemade Graham Cracker Crust:

- 1 ½ c. graham crackers – 1 package of 9-10 crackers

- 1/3 c. sugar

- 6 Tbs. butter, melted

- ½ tsp. cinnamon

1. Crush your graham crackers until really fine. You can put them into a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

2. Mix all the ingredients together. 

3. Using a the back of a spoon, press your mix into a pie pan. Make sure to press it up the edges as well, making it nice and even all across.

4. Bake your pie crust for 7 minutes in a pre-heated oven of 375°.

  ---x---

Same pie, but with a really yummy strawberry sauce! The filling ended up being a little bland, so this was perfect to add to it!

Berry Sauce:

Ingredients:

- Berries of your choice (+/- 3 cups)

- 1/4 cup of sugar

- 1/3 cup of water/juice

- 2 Tbs Corn starch

Defrost berries in a saucepan, and when they are warm, add the sugar. The berries should form their own juice as they defrost, but you can add a little extra juice or water if you wish. Mix the cornstarch in a little bit of water/juice in a separate cup until dissolved, and then add it to the berries once they reach a boil. Stir until thickened and remove immediately from heat to cool. 

  ---x---

Finally, today's quick throw together! Potato Poppers! These things are surprisingly easy to make, considering I had no idea what I was doing initially. They are super yummy though!

Potato Poppers:

- 1 cup mashed potatoes

- 1 cup cooked brown rice

- 1 cup whole grain bread crumbs

- 1/4 cup chopped onion

- 1/2 tsp. salt (or more if potatoes are not salted)

- 1 Tbs. tomato sauce

1. Simmer onion in a small amount of water

2. Combine all ingredience and form into 1.5 inch balls

3. Bake at 375 F until browned--roughly 15 minutes. 

Hope you enjoy!! =)

God's Love

Proverbs 8:17 

I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me diligently, find Me.

He loves us. May that love always be mutual! ♥

Happy 4th of July to all of you Americans! 

Went downtown chattanooga with some family friends this evening, to watch fireworks. It was a short display, but still pretty nice. =)

I recently picked up the book "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" by Joshua Harris. I know many have premonitions about this book, fearing that it will condemn them for dating and/or having relationships in general, and I think like most people, I perhaps felt a little bit like this for a while (alas never picking it up until now). Upon paging through the first, second, and third chapters, however, I have to say, it has been a blessing and a very encouraging book. 

More than just a book about our human "relationships" (or...the lack thereof?), it's really showing me that our focus should be on developing a relationship with our Heavenly Father. The author isn't about bashing relationships, but rather he encourages the relationship we have with God as a precursor of sorts for our friendships and relationships with others. That's just from the first three chapters though, and I'm excited to read the rest of it! 

In other news, my weekend was kind of nice and relaxing. I went to Chattanooga First SDA Church on Sabbath, which was a blessing. The young man who spoke was really good and made some profound points in his sermon entitled "I'll believe it when I see it". One thing that really stuck out to me was the fact that the blind men that Jesus healed couldn't see him, yet they followed Him and had faith that He could heal them. 

Sometimes I wonder to myself...do I follow Christ the way I should, even though I can see everything He has done for me throughout my life? Why do I doubt Him so often? He is God after all. I could probably work on that a bit, but only by His wonderful grace.

Anyhow, after church, I went for a drive up to what they call "Raccoon Mountain" over here in TN. I have to say, it is SO beautiful out here! Where I go to school in Walla Walla, Washington, it is just so dry and one big farmland in comparison. We have so many trees and rivers and nature out here in Tennessee and it's wonderful, I'm totally enjoying myself! God is really a wonderful creator and artist... 

Every New Day

I think it's been more than long enough since I have posted on my somewhat-abandoned blog! I am now at home for the summer, enjoying a bit of a slower pace after a year in Washington. I am still doing school, however, taking Applied Statistics and Jewish-American Literature online. It's not all easy stuff, but I will be glad when it's done. Anyhow, I will leave you with a thought before I go to bed.

Each day we are given is a gift courtesy of our loving Heavenly Father, and a new opportunity to live to our fullest potential! 

                                               Make the most of it!  =)

Becoming A Woman Of Excellence

A woman of excellence

Is what I long to be

Filled with your godly wisdom

So it is part of me

A woman of integrity

No matter what I face

Standing up for righteousness

And for your saving grace

A woman of destiny

Living out your plan

Knowing where you’d have me walk

Being guided by your hand

A woman of promise

Standing on your word

Holding on to all the truths

While carrying out your work

A woman of compassion

For the ones in the dark

Those that do not know your love

And have darkness in their hearts

A woman that will never

Compromise the faith

With what the world may offer

But will keep the narrow way

A woman who loves Jesus

And will only follow Him

Gladly to give up the world

So His light can shine within

Lord this is my earnest prayer

As a daughter by your grace

Grow in me these qualities

As I walk with you in faith

~ M.S.Lowndes

Life in True Color

Life is a journey, and sometimes it appears black and white. One would think that this should make things more simple, yet often it just makes them more complicated, more gloomy, more frustrating. Where has the color gone?

So often, we focus our eyes on the world…and the things in this world that discourage us, frustrate us, bring us down. We have school that is hard, work that is harder sometimes, friends who disappoint us and hurt us, and sometimes family who we don’t get along with. There are these, and other countless things that have the opportunity of bringing us down into a pit of despair. These are what create a black and white world for so many.

You may sometimes wonder if you’ll ever be happy again…but the truth is that you can be happy and if you want to be, you will be. A large part of it is the first step, making the choice. It’s not really about the world being black and white after all; it’s mostly about finding color in the black and white of every day life! It’s about allowing God to paint you a beautiful picture full of color and vibrancy and life! That’s the thing though, you have to want it enough to allow Him, because He doesn’t force His will upon you.

My encouragement would be this: When times get tough, turn to Jesus! He is hope, He is Love, He is Joy, and He is LIFE! He is this and so much more. Without allowing Him to be involved in our lives from day to day, we have no real chance of finding true happiness in life, because He IS the source of true happiness and without Him, we’ll just be running down a road that leads to a dead end.

Never give up, just look to Jesus and the beautiful, amazing things He wants to do in your life if you allow Him in. He is something to live for. Without Him we are nothing.

May this week be a week of happiness for you as you find your true worth and meaning in a God, who loves you unconditionally. Forget about the things in this world that bother you and bring you down – only look to Jesus, because He is there for you and is waiting with arms wide open! 

Happy Sabbath

God is Love. {1 John 4:8} 

 
I am so thankful that God has provided us a day to rest and relax and spend time with Him and others close to us without the distraction of homework and other weekly things.

May you bask in God's great love for you today and always. It is so broad, so unconditional, so amazing, so generous...and we are so unworthy...yet made worthy because we are children of the King. Sometimes I can't wrap my mind around how big His love really is! It's so incredible!

Think about it. Just ponder. Let it sink in...

God loves you. Now.

Always. 

Happy Sabbath! Rest in His love. It will never fail. 

Arms of Love

Whatever may have been your past experience, however discouraging your present circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are, weak, helpless, and despairing, our compassionate Savior will meet you a great way off, and will throw about you His arms of love and His robe of righteousness. He presents us to the Father clothed in the white raiment of His own character. He pleads before God in our behalf, saying: I have taken the sinner's place. Look not upon this wayward child, but look on Me. Does Satan plead loudly against our souls, accusing of sin, and claiming us as his prey, the blood of Christ pleads with greater power. {MB 8.2}

Out With the Old, In With the New

2011 is now just about gone. I have some mixed feelings about this last year. It was rough in some places, and peaceful in others, and though it was hard at times and I wondered if life would ever be normal again...God was always there, leading me and my family all the way through. If we but put our trust in Him, He will never let us down. He, after all, knows what is best for us. 

I am so thankful I am not where I was a year ago. God has brought me so far even though sometimes I don't realize it. If we look back, things always come to us in a different light. We just need to be courageous and keep looking up even when things are hard, and in the end it will be worthwhile. 

Sometimes we may think we have things figured out already, and we may make new resolutions and set out to stick with them, but of our own we will utterly fail. That failure then may lead to despair...just what Satan wish is for our  new year, but if we start out with God and His help, we will succeed and prosper and do well.
 
May Christ be reflected in our lives from day to day and may He change us into the people we need to be. Let us leave behind the old self and take on the new! 2 Corinthians 4:17 says, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is anew creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new." That includes you if you want to accept God's gift of a clean heart and fresh start! 

He is so good and I want to walk with Him in this new year! Don't you want to do that, too? =) 

Happy New Year! 
Blessings! Remember to keep your focus [on Jesus]!

Jesus

In His great fullness, I have all I need. ♥

Let Fear Go

How many times have you found yourself in a situation that makes you feel feelings of utter anxiety?

Anxiety can be caused by all number of things, but most commonly because an individual feels that their self will be negatively affected in some way and that the result will be "terrible" and unbearable! Does this ever usually end in "the end of the world," however? I think not. 

I was just reading a book called "Telling Yourself the Truth" - the chapter was on anxiety and it got me thinking. One thought/quote in particular that I wanted to share is this....

"Christ wasn't devastated by what others thought of Him because He kept His eye on the Father and doing His will. He lived to please His Father in heaven." {Telling Yourself the Truth p. 68)

I thought that was just a neat little idea...or big idea. We ought to take Christ's example - He is, after all, the perfect example. He was so often not socially accepted and if anyone had a good reason to "worry" about what would happen or how they would be treated, it's Christ. Yet as the quote said, He kept His eye on the Father and did His will, living to please God.

Perhaps if we stop thinking of ourselves and look to our Father in heaven, and learn to trust in Him through all things, we won't have to feel as anxious anymore either. He is God, all things are possible through Him, and He is more than capable to take these unhealthy feelings from us and give us a fresh start.

Won't you let Him help you today?