brokenness

I'm just trying to write my club talk for this Friday.
I need to make a confession.
I don't feel like I should be telling other people about God.
I feel like I would be a hypocrite.
not that I don't believe in Him and love him. I do. I'm just hardly ever praying or reading my Bible except to do a club talk. That doesn't seem good enough.
it's not good enough,
I know I'm not good enough.
the funny thing is i felt this way two weeks ago for my first club of the year. but God in his grace still blessed the evening, the leaders and my talk.
i'm just not feeling it lately
i'm not living out my faith
i'm not on fire for God right now
but i also can't do anything without Him,
so its kinda leaving me a mess.
i don't know what's wrong with me i just dont' feel like it, don't feel like praying, don't feel like reading the bible.
but i still think God is teaching me something.
that it's not up to me, it's up to Him.
it's not how much i try or read or pray, it's his only his strength
even when i'm being a "bad kid" giving my daddy the silent treatment He still turns to me with love, patience and grace. It's unbelievable.
I'm so thankful that He doesn't give up easily

"A bruised reed he will not break and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out" Matt. 12:20

God thank you so much that you don't snuff out smoldering wicks. thank you that you still use imperfect, messed up people to tell others about you. please help me not to pretend i'm perfect, but to be honest about my struggles and maybe someone else who feels the same way will be encouraged that they're not alone. God i want to shine brightly for you, but thank you that when the light is dim You are still there and can work things together for your glory. In my weakness you are strong.

Belief

"You can't be mad at God and not believe in Him at the same time"
- from "House"

great quote, thought I'd share it.

Yay Fall!

So happy it's the fall season,

my favourite because of:

birthdays (also sad)
leaves
perfect temperature
blackberries, apples, pears
fall fair
"harvest time"
the colours
routines!
school (even though I'm not going anymore)

I'm really happy that this morning Bible study thing I go to started up today. I don't realize how important community and connecting with others is until it's gone for awhile. We also had a discussion about church recently at the young life leaders meeting. Most of us agreed church was more about connecting with people than going to a certain building every Sunday. Church on Sunday is great, but it sure helps when it's supplemented by a smaller Bible study or group. You can actually get to know people better in a smaller group.
I love it too because Bethany gets to play in the nursery with some other kids and babysitters during the study and before the study we walk the dike.
So if you are free Wednesday mornings and would like to check out this study let me know!
we walk at 9 and the study starts at 10 at the CRC church!

christian

I got this email the other day and found it encouraging. I think it reminds Christians to be humble about who they are in Christ and give all credit back to God...


"When I say that 'I am a Christian', I am not shouting that 'I am clean living.
I'm whispering 'I was lost, but now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.


When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.


When I say 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.


When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow! "

counter cultural kindness

My sister was in town this weekend and it was so great to see her! She was telling me that her and her friend rented a movie at Video Network and there were people outside making hotdogs. The smell instantly made them want one so they asked how much it was. The response was FREE!!! They didn't believe the guy, it can't be free! They tried to give him $2 but the hotdog makers refused to take it. They even had cookies, watermelon and bottled water free for anyone! My sister and her friend were so blown away and impressed by this. Turns out they were from a church in town that does this the last Sunday of every month. So they ate their hotdogs and chatted with the people there.
I absolutely loved hearing this. As a believer in Christ I often hear of people who do not show the love and kindness of Jesus and I feel ashamed, so it was refreshing to hear this story.
What great way to give back to the community and share not only food and nourishment, but share in a real way the selflessness and kindness of God.
Hope God blesses these people and everyone else that does these random acts of kindness! Such an encouragement :) :) :) :)

Peace, Perfect Peace

*This is an excerpt from a devotional*

"I will give you assured peace in this place.
Jeremiah 14:13
'Worry,' says Vance Havner, 'is like sitting in a rocking chair. It will give you something to do, but it won't get you anywhere.' Worry and anxiety have hounded the human race since the beginning of time, and modern man with all his innovations has not found the cure for the plague of worry.
What is the answer? Imagine in your mind a ferocious ocean storm beating against a rocky shore. The lightning flashes, the thunder roars, the waves lash the rocks. But then imagine that you see a crevice in the rocky cliff - and inside is a little bird, its head serenely tucked under its wing, fast asleep. It knows the rock will protect it, and thus it sleeps in peace.
God promised Moses, 'I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand.' (Exod. 33:22). That is God's promise to us. Christ is our Rock, and we are secure in His hands forever. The storm rages, but our hearts are at rest."

-Billy Graham "Hope for Each Day-Words of Wisdom and Faith"

I just wanted to share this with you because I found the image of the little bird so perfect. Usually though, if I'm the bird I'm sitting in the crack in the rock looking out at the storm trembling, shaking and wincing at each lightning flash. All because I fail to acknowledge how strong and big God is compared to any storm. Anyways I really liked the imagery :)

Last full day at camp

Well i've been at Rockridge Canyon the last 4 days. It was beautiful on the weekend so I was able to swim in the pool. Today is an inside day. It's quite cold. 
I have really enjoyed the community, the worship, the learning and the rest in this gorgeous place. It's been great to get to know John and Avonne Elley who will be moving to Port Alberni to do Young Life. They are wonderful people that I look foward to getting to know better and work with. 
    I really miss my little sweetie and my big sweetie. I get to see them again tomorrow !!!
    I've been getting some great reminders not to try to do it all on my own, I need God and I need people around me to lean on as well. 
     God is good as always, and I thank him for this beautiful place and for the people he has called to serve in this mission.  

Bring the Rain

I was looking back at my blog and found an entry I wrote about when I first heard about the Audrey Caroline blog. I can't believe how things tie together. If you'd like to read that entry here it is...

June 6 2008 Entry about blog

here is the next RADIO PROGRAM
LINK

SO GOOD!

At the end Angie reads a letter that she wrote to her baby Audrey that is so beautiful.

I love these programs and Angie's thoughts because they remind me that even if a baby doesn't live very long it can still have a purpose and impact in the world.

It's amazing how her faith shines through in such a difficult and painful situation.

other blog

I listened to a really amazing broadcast today that was weird because someone had sent me the blog awhile back and I had read some of it.
It's sad, but encouraging and hopeful at the same time.
I think it's good timing because of the new baby and just remembering Caleb and being able to think through those emotions and experiences and know that lots of other people go through these things. Also being reminded that God is the same throughout it all.

here is the broadcast if you'd like to listen to it...

Radio Link

and here is the blog....

Blog Link

...

I feel so busy and I've been nauseous randomly which sucks.
I feel like I'm just going, going, going and need to take some time to recharge.
I heard on the radio a program that was talking about busyness and how it can steal your joy so easily. I totally can relate to that.
I'm going to try to slow down this week a little. try. that's the key word, we'll see how it goes.

OK I just need to vent here.
I love YOung Life so much. I love the kids and their enthusiasm and getting to share my life and faith with them. But I seriously need people to step up and give me a hand. It's so worth doing and makes such a different in the kids lives. I don't understand why more people don't do this. I know it can be tough, but the rewards outweigh any negatives. ANd there's always reminders that it's work worth doing. I got an email the other day from a girl who was in Young Life a couple years ago saying that it was so great having someone to help her through the tough times in her life, and now she's going to college and has some amazing plans for the future and is just on the right track. It's so encouraging to hear these things and know it's all worth it!

I put this out in church bulletins last week, hoping and praying I get some response!!!!

Leaders Needed

“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Matt. 9:37

There is an amazing opportunity right now to reach teens for Christ, not on a missions trip, but right in your own town! As wYLdlife leaders we go to Dunn and Neill once a week at lunch time and meet new kids, kids that may have never heard of Jesus or been to church. As I walk through the halls I see more kids than I could ever talk to on my own, with different stories and different trials, but they all need Christ.
As we get to know some kids some start attending wYLdlife club on Friday where we have games, snacks and fun and share our faith in Christ.
If this is something that you’re passionate about PLEASE consider volunteering with me as a leader. I can’t do it on my own! The requirements to be a leader are a love to share the good news of Jesus, a reference from your pastor and a criminal record check.
The most valuable way you can use your time is investing in relationships, investing in people and encouraging others to know Jesus. There are so many kids in Port Alberni who are waiting for someone to talk to them, someone to take an interest in them and care about them enough to tell them about Jesus.
If you are interested I’d love to talk to you more. You can contact me at 250 723 2854
Thank you!
Becca Roosma :)

PS. Also a huge THANK YOU to everyone who continues to make Young Life possible with their financial support and prayers!!!!

The world and it's desires pass away...

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world- the craving of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boastings of what he has and does- comes not from the Father but from the world.
The world and it's desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."
1 John 2:15-17

"world" is defined as things that distract from God, things that we desire instead of God; wealth, popularity, affluence, new stuff...

SO if I want to do something today that matters, that counts, that will make a difference I will seek to do the will of God.

I love going to Bible studies because I need to be reminded every day that it's about God and not about me. Because left on my own, it's my nature to ignore God and turn away from him. I need constant reminders of His love and His work in my life and His work in the people around me. If I don't have reminders I forget that I need him so desperately, that I am so lost, broken and depraved without his light in my life.


"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you; God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from sin."
1 John1:5-7

All Creation Calls

Found another cool video, we sang this song in church this morning.
I love being reminded of how we can see God in everything around us, in all creation! Even if no one had ever heard of God they could look around and see the beauty in nature and ask WHO made all this, who designed it, who planned it so perfectly!

Joy of the Lord!!!!

"We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken, struck down, but not destroyed"
2 Corinthians 4:8-9

I have a Bible study/coaching time with a couple girls after school on Tuesday and we're going through some tough issues including Bad Habits, Demons, Depression, Drug Abuse, Enemies, Fear, Loneliness and a few more. We're discussing them and reading what the Bible says about them. Today we're looking at depression, the book I have goes as far to say that

"Depression is possibly responsible for more pain and distress than any other affliction of mankind."

One key point I came across is that when we're depressed we usually just want to feel better rather than actually finding out the reason why we're depressed.

Another great quote from Billy Graham:
"Discouragement is the very opposite of faith. It is Satan's device to thwart the work of God in our lives. Discouragement blinds our eyes to the mercy of God and makes us perceive only the unfavourable circumstances."

When I think of any time I was depressed I was most definitely focusing on the bad things and ignoring anything good. I was usually very caught up in my own feelings, what was happening to ME and how I felt. Stuck in selfishness.

Depression may very well be the most common felt symptom of a broken and hurting world in need of saving.
BUT even in the midst of suffering we can look to a loving God, give all our sorrow and pain to Him and ask Him for joy instead!!! How Great is our GOD!!! :D

...fighting for joy in God

Another quote...

The difference between desire for God and delight in
God is important mainly to make clear that finite creatures like us, who
have a spiritual taste for the glory of God, will always want more of
God than we presently experience—even in eternity. There will always
be more of God to enjoy. Which means there will always be holy
desire—forever.

In this age that is frustrating. We kick ourselves that our cravings
for lesser things compete with God as the satisfaction of our souls.
Rightly so. This is a godly grief. We do well to be convicted and penitent.
We know that we have tasted pleasures at his right hand, and that
our desires for them are pitifully small compared to their true worth. It
is helpful at this point to be reminded that our desires—no matter how
small—have been awakened by the spiritual taste we once had of the
presence of God. They are an evidence that we have tasted. It is also
helpful at this point to be reminded that our desires are only a tiny part
of what is to come. The strength of our desire is not the measure of the
strength of the final pleasure. That truth can rescue us from despair and
keep us fighting in this fallen world for all the joy possible in God.
When I don't Desire God: Fighting for Joy -John Piper

There is so much competing for my attention.
No wonder I get so easily discouraged and drained. This is a fallen world, not the way it's supposed to be. So when I'm just living in this world and not coming back to the hope that God gives us as we long for perfection, no wonder I get down. Without God life sucks, read Ecclesiastes if you don't believe me, everything is meaningless.
God gives life meaning, purpose, passion, excitement and joy. Not that everything is perfect now, but we know and trust that one day it will be because there won't be anything between us and God anymore.
I'm saying this as much to remind myself as to encourage you. I hope it's some encouragement.

"The intensity of our pleasure and our desire bear witness of his worth to the
world, especially when we are freed by this (present and hoped for) pleasure
to leave the pleasures of this world for a life of sacrifice and love
for others." Piper

I love it, because when I find joy, delight and pleasure in God, not only am I bringing glory to God and a joyful and happier person myself I am also able to show others that God is real and He's the reason for my joy.
That's actually an area that lately I've been disappointed in myself. I say I'm a Christian to my friends and family, but if they only see me moping around, lethargic and grumpy, God is not going to look very attractive to them. That scares me because I want more than anything for my family and friends who don't know God to have Him come into their life. I know it's up to God and not me, but I could still shine a little brighter than I have been.
Ok I'm starting to rant. If you read this, thanks for taking the time to read it and hopefully taking some time today to spend with the One who made us and makes life worth living.

Desiring God

"Out of the blue, as it were, I realized that the bar had
been raised. Manageable, duty-defined, decision-oriented, willpower
Christianity now seemed easy, and real Christianity had become impossible.
The emotions—or affections, as former generations called them—
which I was now free to enjoy, proved to be beyond my reach. The
Christian life became impossible. That is, it became supernatural.
Now there was only one hope, the sovereign grace of God. God
would have to transform my heart to do what a heart cannot make itself
do, namely, want what it ought to want. Only God can make the
depraved heart desire God. Once when Jesus’ disciples wondered about
the salvation of a man who desired money more than God, he said to
them, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are
possible with God” (Mark 10:27). "

This is from a John Piper book, I thought it really helped get to the heart of our Christian lives.
It shows the two types of Christianity, the "do the right things, say the right things" kind and the kind where God is given permission to work in our hearts and make us who we can't be on our own.
But it's so hard to give God my heart and leave it with Him and not take it back. I keep attempting to be a Christian on my own, even though I know it won't work.

I'm still struggling with joy and finding it. It's so easy to blame external factors: lack of sleep, business etc. but I know it's deeper than that.
It's a reflection of my heart and where I'm at with God. But I keep trying harder instead of just letting God.

The book "When I don't Desire God: How to fight for joy" caught my attention, so I just started reading it online. That's where that quote is from.

“Restore to me the
joy of your salvation” (Ps. 51:12)

Easter

A Sacrifice...

Here is an amazing video that gives us a look at Easter and how God sacrificed his Son for us...





Some questions to think about...

How is this clip like God saving us?

How is it different?
-One thing is that Jesus didn't accidentally die for us, he willingly gave his perfect life for ours.

Do the people on the train know what happened?
If someone told them would they care?
- Would they want to talk to the man who saved them, thank Him?

the next thing

Why is it so hard to be happy where we are? I'm always looking to the next thing. It's so hard for me to just be content where I'm at.

I've been looking forward to this weekend and having some time to catch up on cleaning and relax since Bethany is in Victoria at the Roosmas. Now she's there and I miss her and I'm looking forward to her coming back!

I know it's ok to look forward to things, just as long as it doesn't get in the way of enjoying the present.

Life is all about re-evaluating and adjusting. I notice these things, which is the first step, then I have to practice a new habit. Like slowing down and enjoying the moment.

I keep coming back to my quote

a foolish man seeks happiness in the distance
a wise man grows it under his feet

ultimately I know it's God who lovingly points out adjustments I need to make and helps me make them!

"God please help me to actually be content with where I'm at and take time to find joy in the little things"

Mother hen

Such a good sermon today about Jesus being a mother hen. It's based on this verse...

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!"
Luke 13:33-35

When we think of an animal that represents Jesus, it's often a lion or something strong, but Jesus compares himself to a mother hen.
Sid was saying how there have been records of when hen houses catch on fire they will find the mother hen scarred and burned and underneath her are the baby chicks alive and well, saved by the devoted mother.
Just like Jesus sacrificed himself to save us.

Jesus wants to gather us under his wing and protect us and care for us... are we willing?
...are we willing to let go of our own plans?
...are we willing to trust that Jesus will protect us from troubles?

Jerusalem wasn't willing and often we are rebel chicks running away from our mother's loving care and warm safe wings.

For me it seems like each day it's a struggle to just trust.
To not worry,
not stress,
not try to do everything on my own.
I feel like I keep wandering away from the safety of the mother hen when I put the weight of everything on myself instead of trusting God to be my strength and trust that he's taking care of everthing.

Jesus gives us such a lesson by calling himself a mother hen. He humbles himself to a female fowl, totally opposite of what a strong leader is expected to be. But also asking us to humble ourselves to be willing to be baby chicks who don't need to find all their own food or venture out on their own, but just need to be gathered under loving wings.

The Fear of the Lord...

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:7

To fear the Lord is to hate evil... Prov. 8:13

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom Prov. 9:10

He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress,
and for his children it will be a refuge. Proverbs 14:26

The fear of the Lord leads to life:
then one rests content, untouched by trouble. Prov. 19:23


Just reading through Psalms the last few weeks and there are so many verses about "the fear of Lord" and what is wise and foolish. It's interesting because one of my friends was asking me about fearing the Lord. It doesn't seem to make sense to be scared of God, like He might hurt us or is scary. But reading these verses it's definitely a different fear than just being frightened. It's a respectful fear. It makes sense that we should reverently fear the all powerful God who made us and everything around us.
It also reminds me of something I heard at a Young Life conference about fearing the Lord. When we fear God when don't have to fear anything else. The speaker, Hal Merwald, explained it using the song "Amazing Grace."
It says, "Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved."
The first fear is the fear of the Lord and because we fear the Lord all other fears, of sudden ruin, of bankruptcy, of disaster, of evil, are gone.

I liked the last proverb, but I know it doesn't mean that those who fear the Lord don't experience trouble. They are untouched by trouble. Kind of like stainless steel isn't actually stain free, it just stains LESS. They are touched LESS by trouble. When we fear the Lord and troubles come they don't hit us as hard and even small troubles can hardly touch us because we don't fear and fret over them, we fear the Lord.
It's amazing that we can be content when troubles come, but God is bigger than any problem or situation that arises. He is even bigger than death.


Paul writes...
"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." Philippian 4: 12-14

The Road Less Traveled

This phrase came up this morning and last week at church.

The Road less traveled...

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
Matthew 7:13-15

It's hard to take a different road than everyone else. You could get made fun of. People might look at you funny, question you, challenge you. But the road less traveled leads to life.

If we're on the narrow, less traveled road our lives should be different than those on the wide road.
But what if you don't know what road you're on or how to get there?

Here`s a great explanation:

“Ever lie awake at night worrying whether or not you're really right with God? Have you committed too many sins? Have you done enough good to balance the scales? Is your faith strong enough to hang in there for a lifetime? Will Judgment Day drag you before an angry God who shakes his head in bitter disappointment at your performance and who sentences you to an eternity of indescribable suffering in hell?

If you have worried about that... congratulations! It`s a sure sign that God`s Holy Spirit is working in your heart, prodding you to ask the really important questions in life.

So how would the Bible answer your questions?

Like this:
- No, you`re not right with God . (Roman`s 3:10-12)
- Yes, you have committed too many sins. (Ephesians 5:5-6)
- No, you haven`t done enough good to balance the sales. ( Isaiah 64:6-7)
- NO, your faith isn`t strong enough, not without God`s help. It doesn`t have to be...Jesus is powerful enough to save us.
- When you believe in Jesus he becomes your own defense lawyer, on the judge`s bench! You`ll be given full pardon because Jesus paid the penalty for you. You are justified.
Jesus says, `I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand` (John 10:28)”
(R. De Moor)


I hope if you haven`t made this decision that you`ll think about it.

I just watched a movie called “Fireproof” where a husband is trying to fix his marriage before his wife files for divorce. He tries everything and cannot believe or understand her coldness and lack of caring. He wonders how he can keep showing love to her when she basically throws it back in his face.
We are like that wife that keeps turning away from a husband trying to win us back. God shows his love over and over and over, and a lot of times even people who say they are Christians turn away from that love and are ungrateful. But He keeps loving us no matter what. He keeps giving us good things and He won`t give up on us.

Turning to God, trusting Jesus to save us and following Him puts us on the road less traveled.

The road that leads to life, now and forever!

Discipline

This is my New Year's resolution, to be disciplined. Pretty vague, but basically to take different areas of my life and pay closer attention to them, plan and be consistent.
One thing I'm trying to do is read my Bible everyday. Another one that I just figured out will help be more disciplined in all areas is to get up earlier, before Bethany, and get stuff done. My Bible reading has actually helped encourage me in my waking up early.
It's really hard to wake up early when you have a warm bed to snuggle in and the baby's still sleeping and there's not anything pressing to wake up for. The Bible will still be there to read later, the laundry will still be there to fold later. So a couple mornings I really struggled setting my alarm numerous times and never actually getting up out of bed.
Then I read this verse a couple days ago and it really encouraged me...

" Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider it's ways and be wise!
It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest." Proverbs 6:6-8

This verse is about discipline. It puts me to shame that even the smallest dumbest creatures are disciplined enough to work hard and be diligent. Great reminder that I CAN get up a little earlier, I CAN make time to read my Bible each day, and I CAN make time to do all my housework and other work.

The rest of the verse is just a kick in the butt to get me on my way...

" How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest- and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man." Prov. 9-11

When will I get up from sleep each morning? When the baby starts to cry?
John gets up early everyday for work, so as part of disciplining myself I'm trying to get up at 6. (sometimes he gets up at 5 and I haven't been able to do that yet)
I got up at 6 this morning and it was WONDERFUL! I had time to read my Bible, pray, clean the bathroom and do some exercises all before 8:00!
When Bethany woke up I was way happier and ready to see her and get her ready to start our day together.

I have found that a small sacrifice of sleep and time can have huge benefits!
I hope this encourages you to look at areas of your life that you might want to practice more discipline in and ask God to help you be successful.

A little more in depth...

I just created this blog because I love having a family blog with pictures and updates about John and Bethany, but I don't feel like it's the place to go off on tangents about other random things. So I have this blog for my random thoughts and insights and the Roosma blog for pictures and family updates.

Lately I've been confronted with the idea of joy and happiness. I have been feeling lacking in that department especially when I look back five years ago and see a more energetic, joyful "out of my shell" me. Where is the "fun me" going? Is that just what happens when you have a kid? I hope not!
I started looking up some verses about this topic and found:

"Be joyful always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thess. 5:16-18

There is a verse worth remembering! I know that when I pray and give thanks for the good things that I am automatically in a more joyful and content frame of mind. The problem might then be forgetting to pray and forgetting to be thankful for all the good things I have.

another verse:

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries the bones" Prov. 17:22

I love this one because the whole world is trying to be healthy, eat right, exercise right, diet, pills etc. but what does the Bible say is good medicine? A cheerful heart! So simple, yet proven over and over. And the opposite is true the crushed spirit people often are the ones that get health problems, or at least complain. Not always true, but how much difference does attitude make!

I'll leave you with one final quote that is found on a magnet on my fridge...

A foolish man seeks
HAPPINESS
in the distance

A wise man grows it under his feet.