International Day of Happiness?

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 (ESV) ~~ I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man.

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by Carley Cooper

Today, March 20th, is International Day of Happiness.  It’s also the first day of spring.  Hmmm, I wonder if there’s a connection there? 

The whole idea of a holiday about happiness really started me thinking ‘why do we need this day?’

What is International Day of Happiness

Wikipedia says about this day that It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012.  It goes on to say “The General Assembly,[…] Conscious that the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal,[…] Recognizing also the need for a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes sustainable development, poverty eradication, happiness and the well-being of all peoples, Decides to proclaim 20 March the International Day of Happiness, Invites all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system and other international and regional organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and individuals, to observe the International Day of Happiness in an appropriate manner, including through education and public awareness-raising activities[…]”

It seems that we are in need of a day to remind us that we should be happy.  Is this really necessary; to have a holiday for this purpose?  But then, the same could be asked for any day of celebration.  Do we need Thanksgiving Day to remind us to be thankful; like it’s the only day of the year we need to do so?  Do we need Christmas to remind us to celebrate Jesus, and to be kind and loving to our fellow human beings? 

The more I read on Wikipedia about International Day of Happiness, the more my mind started to wonder where have we wandered in today’s society?  There are actually organizations and institutions who’s purpose is to help people in their pursuit of happiness.  One gives free seminars to help people increase their happiness.  Another provides an online portal for people to share their ideas and plans on how to celebrate this new holiday about happiness.  There’s even one organization that provides access to a science-based happiness planner.  Planner?  Really?  We need to pre-plan to be happy?  Finally, another institution provides a free workbook to individuals to help them in their pursuit of happiness.  

There’s Only One Way to True & Lasting Happiness

The one thing I noticed in all this research was that not one of them mentioned God.  In all our search for that never-ending blissful feeling, no one remembered God.  We look to science, other people, institutions, holidays, material things, money, and even our pets to make us happy.  When the truth is that following God’s instruction for our lives is the only path to true and lasting happiness. 

Paul’s secret to happiness is this “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.  But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” ~~Colossians 3:12-17 (NKJV)

If we expect to be happy we have to treat others with love and forgiveness as God treats us.  And, we have to do this with a true heart; in all we do, say, and think.  We are entering into a new season and the earth will be transformed once again into something beautiful and fresh.  Why don’t we enter into a new and fresh attitude of keeping God at the center focus of our lives.  That’s when true and lasting happiness will happen. 

Let’s Pray

Dear God ~~ Wonderful, loving Father; so often we turn to worldly things and people in search of happiness and peace.  Thank You that Your love is perfect and true.  Help me to remember this always, and to look only to You for that happiness.  I pray in Jesus name, AMEN

Now It’s Your Turn

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God’s Promises: About Serving Him

Colossians 3:23 (NIV) says "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

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by Carley Cooper 

This winter has been long and very cold here in Canada.  Even though we are the land known as “The Great White North”, many will agree that we’ve had way more than our fair share of the white stuff this year.  Every time we think we have had the last storm, another one happens.  When will it come to an end?  Where’s summer?! 

Oh Those Winter Blues!

Winter is a very depressing time of year for so many people.  It’s really hard to be cheerful about much of anything when the days are so dull all the time.  However, God’s word says that we are to be cheerful in all that we do.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 (ESV) says “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  Do not quench the Spirit.”  Not only that, but Colossians 3:23 (NIV) says "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

I know what you’re thinking “God doesn’t get it!  It’s impossible to stay happy all the time.  And in everything we do, serve God?  That sounds like I’m supposed to be in church worshiping every day.  I don’t have time for that.  I have a busy life to lead.”  So with all this in mind, how do we deal with long depressing times like winter?  How do we circle our life and activities around God?

God’s Promises are Good

We do it by focusing on His promises to us, and keeping an eye on serving Him.  Working for the Lord with all that you do doesn’t mean just doing “religious stuff.”  I have many things that I do that are intended to be for God in my heart.  I volunteer in the church office one day per week.  I enjoy it, I love my church, and I really want to do this work for Jesus to help create an atmosphere filled with the Holy Spirit for us to worship and fellowship in. 

Granted that is a church thing, but it doesn’t have to be.  For example, once per year, during tax season, I go help my friend who is a tax consultant.  That’s where I am right now.  He is a disabled man with a home-based business.  During the months of February to April each year he is swamped with work.  So I go out of town to Scarborough and I stay with his family for a week or two to help dig him out of the pile of paperwork he’s buried under.  I do this because he’s my friend, I know the work and I can help him without being trained, he needs an assistant, and I need the extra income.  However, despite all this, I do it for God.  I keep a cheerful heart under the workload, and I do it because it is also a ministry to God. It is a form of worship when I do it for no other reason than I love God and He wants me to do it. 

Spring is indeed coming!

The Bible tells us that we cannot serve two masters.  We cannot serve both God and the world (Matthew 6:24 NIV).  We are to serve God only (Matthew 4:10 NIV).  God gave Moses the Ten Commandments as the rules we are to follow if we want to serve Him fully and effectively; and He expects us to do it whole heartedly (Joshua 22:5 NIV). 

Doing things with a whole heart can be hard though.  It can seem like those long, cold, dreary winter months.  Those difficult periods will no doubt show up in our life, but that’s the enemy telling us lies.  I could go with that and let myself believe those things.  However, I could just as easily believe God.  I can help my friend out with his tax clients for the money; or even for the fantastic Portuguese food that I get while I’m there.  But that wouldn’t be right.  My focus wouldn’t be on God then.  The money and the cuisine are bonuses.  I like to think of them as blessings for doing the work. 

Our whole lives; body, mind, and soul are to be given to God as a living sacrifice to Him.  When we live our lives as such, our minds are renewed and we will find what is good, acceptable, and the perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2 NIV).  Whether we are volunteering in our church office, helping out a friend, or simply going about our regular daily lives, focusing on God will bring happiness.  So when times look down and dull,just remember long, cold winters have come and gone many times throughout history.  This one, will come to an end soon as well. 

Let’s Pray

Dear God ~~ Wonderful, loving Father.  Even though it’s hard for us to see sometimes You created everything in this world to be a blessing to us in some way… even winter!  Thank You for that.  Please help me do everything with a whole heart, focusing You and Jesus.  I pray in Jesus name, AMEN

Now It’s Your Turn

Thoughts?  Questions?  Want to share your story?  Ask for prayer? Please share in the comments section.

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What Makes a Happy Disciple?

~~ Matthew5:1-12 (NIV84) ~~  The Beatitudes.  (Click the scripture link to read the full passage.)

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by Carley Cooper

The word ‘Beatitude’ comes from the Latin word ‘beatitudo’ meaning ‘blessedness’. The dictionary defines it as ‘supreme blessedness or happiness’.

Oh Happy Day! 
A couple of years ago God used my biggest trauma to give me a wonderful blessing. When I was in the midst of these terrible times, I certainly didn’t feel blessed. I felt far from God. When I want to feel close to Jesus, I picture myself sitting by a cozy fire laughing and drinking cocoa with Him. How awesome it must have been for the disciples to be able to sit with Him and learn.

We are to Give Thanks 
When we hear the words ‘blessings or happiness’, our minds do not conger up pictures of being poor in spirit, mournful, or meek; and certainly not persecution. However, that’s what Jesus tells us that it takes to reach that supreme level. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) says, "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

Getting the Blessings 
If we are to ‘know’, ‘grow’, and ‘serve’ as disciples we need to be like Jesus. We need to:

• Humbly recognize our need for God
• Mourn for our sins
• Submit to God
• Have a deep enthusiasm for righteousness
• Show mercy through forgiveness, kindness, and compassion
• Be pure in heart
• Be at peace with God through Jesus
• Be daring enough to be open about our love for Jesus, despite the consequences.

That’s what makes a happy, and richly blessed, disciple.

Let’s Pray 
~~ Dear God ~~  , loving and merciful Father, so very often we forget to look to You when we are going through tough times. We want to be Jesus’ disciples, and we want the blessings, yet we don’t follow the rules He gave us. Thank You for Your Word, and for never giving up on us. Please help us to be like Jesus more and more every day. In Jesus name, Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn 
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas

~~ John 14:27 (NIV84)~~ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

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by Carley Cooper

Carley - Christmas 2011
Photo by M. Cooper

The new year is here Worshipers.  Have you made any resolutions?  Are you sticking to them?  Have you cheated on that diet, skipped a workout, or watched just one more episode of that TV show for old times’ sake?  I’ve been sticking to mine so far, but I’m pretty stubborn most of the time.  When I really set my mind to something I tend to hold on to it like a dog with a bone.  The fact that I made any resolutions is probably a step forward.  The only resolution I ever made before was that I would never make any resolutions!  I try to think of it more as ‘Goals’ instead of ‘Resolutions’.  It seems a little more solid somehow. 

Don’t you just hate it when you try so hard to hold on to something, only to get so weak because of the fight that you have no choice  but to let go; only to come to the realization “Wow, I really wish I didn’t hold on so long!”  Sometimes it’s even hard to remember why you were holding on so long in the first place.  It feels a little like someone told you that you’re wrong, or having to admit you were wrong.  Just based on that alone, I feel like I should hold on longer.  Now that Christmas is over that’s how I’ve been thinking... wishing that I hadn’t held on for so long.  If you read my last blog “Sliding on the Ice”, you’ll know that holidays are always very difficult for me; with Christmas being the worst.  It’s been almost two decades since I had a truly happy Christmas.  That is, until this year.  I was telling my doctor about this the other day.  He said “so what was different about this Christmas”.  Honestly, I had to say, “nothing”.  It was the same Christmas that my family has had every year since... well, always. 

Tigger Christmas-Tree
(The topper was accidentally cut off
in the shot... it was an angel Tigger)
Photo by Carley

We carted all our Christmas gifts and stockings to my brothers house.  After we piled them all around their Tigger Christmas-Tree, we practically filled up his living room.  Yea... the tree.  Well, my nephew, who’s 26 now (the baby of the family) has collected Tigger’s his whole life, so they decided to do a whole tree dedicated to Tigger and put all his little stuffed Tigger’s on the tree as the ornaments.  Well, except for a 6 foot inflatable one wearing a Santa hat, which had to sit outside the front door.  It’s a very happy tree actually.  I mean, have you ever seen a sad Tigger?  Anyway, I’m getting side tracked.  We have Christmas at my brother’s house because he has the biggest place.  His home can actually fit us all, along with all the stuff.  Well, I went to church on Christmas morning and had a wonderful time with my Church Family.  Then, I went to spend the rest of the day with my ‘other’ family at my brothers house.  By the time we got around to starting our gift-opening it was noon.  It’s a good thing we don’t have any little kids anymore... ‘cause it took us four hours to get them all open!  My first thought after it was done was “Wow, we really are in a society with way too much stuff”.  Anyway, we finally got around to eating my Mom’s Christmas Quiche for breakfast in the middle of the afternoon.  It was really yummy!  Then we finished off the feast with an awesome turkey dinner, a glass of wine, and way too many treats.  Also, really yummy!  I gained 10 lbs through December because of Christmas baking and Christmas eating (refer back to the resolutions section!)  The family spent the day laughing together, loving the family-time, listening to Christmas music, and watching a fake fireplace burning on my brothers big screen TV (which sits on top of the real fireplace).  Oh, yea, I almost forgot.  We also spent some time watching the 3 doggies learn to use their new little staircase that my dad built so they could get up on the bed by themselves!  Some Chihuahua’s are fast learners; others, not so much.  Anyway, I was on top of the world all day, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that we were celebrating Jesus’ birthday.  I had a truly happy Christmas.

So why was this year so different, when the past 18 years were so overwhelmingly painful?  Well, in a “nut shell”, the difference was that this year I let God join me for Christmas.  The very slightly longer version is this... I prayed for God’s peace to be with me for Christmas; then, there was a very timely sermon about God’s peace by Pastor Jenn, and I topped it off with a talk with Pastor Henry about it.  All this helped me learn to be open to the idea of having a good Christmas.  I allowed my heart to be open to let the Holy Spirit do His work within me. Boy, that was a long time to learn that lesson!

But wait, my lesson wasn’t over yet!  In the lobby of my apartment building there is an awesome Nativity set as part of the seasonal decorations.  I have one of my own that I sit on top of my fireplace and it’s very charming, but I love looking at the one in the lobby because it really is an incredible scene.  It makes me feel good when I look at it and think about the awesome gift that God gave us in Jesus.  Sometime during Christmas week, following Christmas Day, some Grinch stole the baby Jesus figurine from our lobby Nativity set.  Since then, I’ve thought about that fact many times.  I think, it’s obvious that someone wanted to show some sort of symbolization that Jesus doesn’t belong to Christmas.  The only thing that I can get out of my brain about the idea of this Grinch attempting to steal Christmas is “sad”.  That is, it’s just so very sad that someone could steal the baby Jesus.  Over and over this kept running through my mind. 

Then, it hit me.  That’s exactly what I did to my own Christmas’ for such a long time.  I wouldn’t let go of the misery that I needed in order to keep the focus on myself instead of Jesus.  I stole my own happiness, and refused to let God give me His peace.  So who’s the bigger Grinch?  Now, I just have to think “Wow, I really wish I didn’t hold on so long!”

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~~ Dear God ~~    Thank You for the awesome Christmas celebration of Jesus’ birthday.  Thank You, also; for the gifts, family time, fun, food and laughter.  Mostly Thank You for the most incredible gift of all when You gave us Your Son so that we may be saved from ourselves.  Please don’t ever let me hold on to any more pain that will steal Your peace from my heart on any holiday; or any day of the year.  Father, please let the person who stole the baby Jesus figuring also be open to seeing and receiving Your peace.  Please make them an awesome servant for Jesus.  Oh, and Lord; Thank You also for Tiggers and Chihuahuas.  In Jesus name, AMEN.

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How God Led Me Home

~~ 1 Corinthians 12:12 (NIV84) ~~  The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body.  So it is with Christ. 

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Photo by Google Maps

One day when I was about 3 years old I got lost in the supermarket.  I was likely only an isle or two away from my Mom but, at that time, it felt like hundreds of kilometers.  I remember feeling so alone and so terrified.  The world suddenly seemed big and scary.  This very nice man talked to me and asked me some questions, and then he helped me find my Mom.  Since I was so young I do not remember all the details, but I do remember feeling so very happy when I saw my Mom again.  It was like going home after a long time away. 
Many years later when I first started to look for a church to attend, I had no idea which one to pick.  At that time in my life I was not Christian in the true sense of the word.  Granted I believed in the basic facts, like the virgin birth, Jesus lived a perfect sinless life, His death on the cross, and His resurrection.  I also knew that the Baptism and Holy Communion are important in choosing a church.  I did not have a relationship with Christ, nor did I have any concept of what could possibly mean.  Neither did I know or understand the Holy Spirit.  I had no idea that they are an absolutely vital part of the Christian life.  The one thing I did know though was that I could feel the pull within me to find a church.  I prayed for God to “help me find a church home, like a family where I can fit in, that will become the center of my world”.  I was not even sure I understood what this meant, or why I prayed this prayer so often because I had never heard the terms ‘church home’ or ‘church family’ before.  I had been to a lot of churches in my life and none talked about these things, or this kind of ‘belonging together’.  I only knew that I felt the need for it, that I had never known the feeling of fitting in, and that we are called to attend church regularly just as Jesus did (Luke 4:16 (NIV84) - He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom.).  But to find that church... I mean, there are so many denominations; all with their own ‘rules’; and each one claiming their rules are the ‘right’ rules.  How does one know which one to choose?  Does it matter?  I just wanted a church that did not care about ‘set rules’ but instead followed the bible without leaving parts out, changing it, or twisting anything to suit their needs.

My first choice was a church that I remembered being only 10 minutes walk from the new apartment I was about to move in to.  Convenient, since I do not have a car.  The new apartment was in a different city.  I was moving back home and was so very excited about that!  They say ‘home is where the heart is’ and I took the opportunity to move back to the place that my heart says is home, after my life took a huge unexpected turn.  I arrived in town, and that church I remembered being just a hop and a skip down the street... wasn’t!  They had moved.  It seems during the years I had lived elsewhere they outgrew their building.  The old building was now the new location of my dog’s veterinary hospital.  Great... we got our old vet back just down the road, but no church!  This meant that I would have to find another church; and that I would have to get connected with someone who could help me with transportation.  This problem for me was in the same category as the chicken and the egg.  I need transportation to get to church, but I need to go to church to meet people who could help me with transportation.

At this point, the thought occurred to me that since I have to find a church elsewhere, I might as well find one that I felt had the same beliefs as I have.  I figured, if I am to spend my life attending services every Sunday with this group, whoever they may be, than being comfortable with their belief system would make things much more enjoyable.  There are those out there that are not necessarily Christian, though they claim to be.  Then there are those that have beliefs and practices that are just... well, down-right ‘weird’.  I started to do some research and began with the church that I had originally planned on going to; in their new location.  I read their doctrine, statement of faith, beliefs, and core values.  I very much liked what I saw.  They had all the ‘good stuff’ I was looking for and none of the ‘bad or weird stuff’. 

However, I felt that I should keep researching just to make sure I knew all my options.  I checked out many other churches in the area; looking at the same information, mainly through their websites.  There were a few that did not have this information listed; so I emailed them and asked some questions.  Most were more than willing to share about themselves.  There were also a few that did not want to share so willingly.  I saw this as a ‘red flag’ and crossed them off the list right away.  In all my research, I found none that I liked as much as the first one.  Eventually, that first church became like a measuring stick that I used to evaluate others.  One day I said to myself “if that’s the church you want, than just make your decision and go”!  So I did... make the decision, that is.  Getting there was still a problem. 

Then one day my cousin said that she wanted to start going to church as well.  Wouldn’t you know it, she chose the same one I had picked!  So we went together in her car.  However, she changed her mind a short time later and stopped going.  I was so very disappointed.  I had enjoyed the services and the people more than I expected.  There was a certain warmth among them that I had never felt in church before.  There was also something special within their sermons that touched my heart and shed some light in ways that I had never experienced before in church.  Plus their music was a wonderful mix of old and new, which I so very much appreciated!  Nevertheless, I felt I had not been going there long enough to know other people well enough to request a ride on Sunday’s.  So, with no transportation any more, I would have to go back to Sunday morning TV services as my church time, hoping that one day soon I would find a solution.  So I waited for an answer to show up.... for about 2 years. 

Then one day I got an email in response to an advertisement I placed looking for a new roommate.  Without someone to share my apartment with, expenses were just too high to live alone.  This reply came on the last possible day before I would have to move again.  It turned out that this person not only showed up just in the nick of time, but is Christian and is a member of the church I had waited so long to join!  I saw this as a sign from God that this was the person I was to accept as my new roomie.  I felt this so strongly that I before I even replied to the email I called my Mom to tell her the good news that I had found my roommate!  During this time in my life I was very social-phobic.  This new friend ended up bringing me to church, introducing me to people; and helping me feel comfortable.  Since then my heart and my life have changed drastically as a direct result of being part of this church.  I am a whole new person, with a whole new life.

It has been a little more than 2 years since attending my first service there.  My first reasons for choosing a church were simply due to location and convenience.  I did not even include God in the decision process.  For that matter, during those days I did not know I could or should include Him.  He used this to lead me on a journey that would bring me full circle, but this time I would know without a doubt that God led me to this place.  It is His decision where my home church should be.  God is the one who places us in each and every position in our lives; to fulfill His purposes.  If we keep Him in our focus we will complete that purpose; His glory will shine and we will have many blessings bestowed upon us.  Today, I can understand that it is important for me to know God led me here because it leaves me no doubt that this is where I belong.  When we are in a position to see that it is His calling or our lives, we have no reason to doubt or rethink the decision.  We know that no matter what the present circumstances may appear to be, that the future is very bright. 

Since then, the church really has become the center of my world.  I have learned what a church family is and what a church home is.  I have also been introduced to the Holy Spirit, and have developed a relationship with God.  I am growing closer to Him with each and every lesson I learn.  My views on certain portions of my life went from a completely worldly perspective to one that God’s Word calls to live.  I volunteer on a regular basis, I attend bible studies, Adult Christian Education courses, I work at the Welcome Centre sometimes on Sunday’s, and any other areas where I may be useful.  I do all of this because I just love Jesus so much that my heart longs to do these things for Him.  I am part of something bigger.  I have a place and a purpose.  I am part of the Body.  I am part of a group; and I feel I belong there.  I have never had that before in my whole life.  This is a whole new experience for me.  They have welcomed me into their midst, made me a member of their family and they have shown me love like I have never known.  I in turn made a commitment to them when I was enrolled as a member.  Sunday’s are my favorite day of the week because it is worship day.  I get to sing ‘Worship Melodies’ to Him.  There is no doubt in my mind that I am where I was meant to be.  I am no longer lost.  Just like that day when I was 3 years old, I have finally come home. 

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~~ Dear God ~~  Your ways, Your plans, Your purposes are all perfect.  Thank You for leading me home to You, and for the incredible position that You have blessed me with in Your divine plan for the world.  Thank You for bringing me closer to You with each and every lesson I learn and every ‘Worship Melody’ that I sing to You.  Even when circumstances are upsetting from my point of view, I know that You have a wonderful ending planned for me.  I do not have to question if I have made any wrong decisions or choices.  Those that I have made You will erase.  As long as I follow You and I will never again be lost.  In Jesus name, AMEN.

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Wanna go for a Tin Roof Sundae?

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Photo by M. Cooper

I have had another blog for about 3 years now where I write about all sorts of things.  It is one that is shared with my healthy living / weight loss community.  I get very good response from it among the members there.  As a matter of fact, just recently, I was voted, by other members, to be a Motivational Member.  It is very exciting for me.  I am so very honored by this and the overwhelming support that they give me.  It is this support that inspires me to keep writing.

I so very much enjoy writing and sharing with these people.  However, it is rather limited. I wanted a place I can write about other things that are not necessarily devotional messages, yet be a more public forum.  So, I have launched another blog website.  I view it like it is bits and bites of fun and curious things that you might find in an ice cream sundae!  I hope that you will just want to dig in and see what the next spoonful will hold for you.

The new blog site is called Tin Roof Sundae.  You can also sign up to follow by email on that site, as you can here on Worship Melodies.  Pleaseeee.... leave me some comments.  The feedback is very motivational for me. 

So grab some sprinkles, your chocolate sauce and a spoon; we're about to have some fun together!

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Big Dreams

~~Acts 16:31~~ Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved.

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Photo by Carley

Well, it is finally here.  The first day of summer!  Yea!!!  I love summer.  If God let me run the world, the first rule I would make would be ‘No more winter’.  The second rule would be ‘No more need for long pants’... or shoes.  I am not a huge fan of long pants.  I like living in shorts, skirts and tank tops as much as possible.  It feels so much less restrictive; and I love feeling so feminine.  Some may think that this is a silly dream, but I think that is a fun dream.  Summer is a great time for dreaming.  What do you dream about?  I think about romance, drive-in movies, long walks along the beach at dusk, water-balloon fights, and pansies (because they were my Grandmother’s favourite).  The whole world just seems lighter, happier, and freer in the summer time. 

I had a chance recently to write about one of my dreams.  The requested topic was to write about a place that I would like to travel.  Well, that was not something I had to sit and think about for more than half a second.  Italy.  La bella Italia.  Just the sound of it is romantic.  I have dreamed most of my life of going to Italy.  In a perfect world, I would go on an extended tour, taking maybe a couple years to take in the culture and beauty of Italia.  Then maybe I would buy an old villa in the Tuscan country side that I could fix up, where I could spend some time.  I am not sure why I have always had such a passion for Italy, I just now it is there. 

A perfect day would be to wander through city streets chatting with fascinating people and having lunch at some small bistro.  Then I would go on to spend the afternoon picking through old treasures at a flea market.  One of a kind items that I could never find anywhere else.  Things that I could bring home and use to decorate my house in Canada to look like that old Tuscan villa.  Another afternoon might be spent posing for a slightly risqué portrait painted by a fine-looking ‘starving’ Italian artist.  Or maybe, I could go to a vineyard and experience a wine and cheese tasting, Italian style.   Then, to accept a dinner invitation to a big Italian party from a handsome gentleman who speaks to me with such romance, yet I have no clue what he is saying; and it does not matter because we are having so much fun together.

As I did some research on this topic so I could write about it, I found myself being led to biblical resources about faith.  I was surprised, but as I thought about it; that is exactly what a dream is all about.  It is faith in God that the dream He has put into your heart will indeed come to be reality one day.  When you have a dream that is a passion you cannot explain and it never seems to die; it is then you know that your dream is from God.  If God put it there, it is there for a reason.  Our pastor tells us all the time that “God does not waste anything”.  It is by the gift of grace from God that, because we have faith, He will save us (Ephesians 2:8).  What is faith?  “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1 – Emphasis mine).  If all it takes for God to do the amazing undertaking of saving us from spending eternity without Him is for us to simply believe in Jesus, then surely He will have no problems with a dream or two while we are here on earth. 

What are your dreams?  Travel?  A big home?  Missions trips around the globe?  A marriage and a family?  A fulfilling career?  Or maybe, it is simply just to have a vacation for a couple of weeks in a serene place where you can just escape the reality of the world, and focus on Him.  Whatever your dreams, have faith; and it just may become a certainty.  I do suggest, though, that you keep it to something realistic, and never let anyone else take your dream away from you.  For example, I do not expect God to put me in charge as much fun as I am assuming that would be.  Nor do I expect to escape the winter cold, long pants or shoes.  Through prayer and listening to His voice you just may find that the dreams you thought were ‘too crazy to be real’ just may become your world!  Do not be afraid to dream big.  God can handle big dreams!  Maybe I will get to travel to Italy one day.  I have faith.

If I still believed in past lifetimes, as I did before I was a practicing Christian, I would think that in a past lifetime I was Italian.  I feel like I miss it.  I think if I went there today I would want to stay.  I can honestly see that happening.  Well, until next time 'Ciao Baby'.

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~~Dear God~~ Your ways are so amazing.  You give us dreams so that we can hold on to faith in You.  Please help me to always hold on to my big dreams because as long as I have them I will know that I have big faith and that You are forever with me.  In Jesus name, AMEN.

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