Lemons and Dill Pickles?

If you're happy and you know it clap your hands!
If you're happy and you know it clap your hands!
If you're happy and you know it then your face will surely show it,
If you're happy and you know it clap your hands!

Are you clapping? Are you happy? Christians should be the happiest people on earth! That doesn't mean that we don't have pain and sorrow, but geniunely, we should be happy. Why? Because we belong to Christ!! We are children of God!

A friend taught a ladies Bible class several years ago and mentioned a phrase her mom used to say when she and her siblings were frowning or looking down: "You look like you were weaned on lemons!" Tonight in a conversation with my niece's husband, I mentioned this phrase to him. He said his dad, a minister, would say, "You look like you were weaned on dill pickles!". Either one gives a graphic description of our facial expressions.....neither of which is becoming to a Christian, is it?

But may the righteous be glad
and rejoice before God;
may they be happy and joyful.
Psalm 68:3

So, are you happy? Just like the children's song at the top says - if you are happy, then your face will surely show it! Let your face show it!

Joy, Happiness, and a New Puppy

Tomorrow night our youngest child, Tyler, will graduate from Kindergarten. He has wanted a puppy for quite a while (the other three kids have, too). So, as a surprise, for his graduation gift, we got him a puppy. Of course, the little puppy will be for all of us to enjoy.

After school we took the kids out in the backyard and one of them spotted the little fur ball, then the others noticed him. They were all so happy to have this new little puppy for a pet!

Pets can make children happy. Things can make children happy. In fact, pets and material things can make adults happy, too! But pets and material possessions can not bring joy to our lives. True joy comes from inside us because of our relationship with Jesus.

I really like these quotes about happiness versus joy. I found them in a book, but can not remember which one, or I would give the lady credit for it! But, her thoughts about joy are great:

Happiness or Joy?
Happiness is feeling good because of what happens to you.
Joy is a delight coming from within you.
1. Happiness is external. Joy is internal.
2. Happiness is based on chance. Joy is based on choice.
3. Happiness is based on circumstances. Joy is based on Christ.

The happiness that a new pet or a new possession brings will go away. It will not last. It is something that will have a beginning and an end. But, our relationship with Jesus never has to end. We can choose to turn our lives over to Him and become Christians. We can have the true joy that is internal, the true joy that is based upon the choice we make to become a Christian, and the true joy that is based upon Jesus, our Savior.

So, for this Gratituesday (visit HeavenlyHomemakers.com to read more about Gratituesday at the link), I am grateful for the happiness the new little puppy has brought to my children, but I am especially grateful for the joy that Christians can know, which is based upon knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Recipe for a Happy Christian

RECIPE FOR A HAPPY CHRISTIAN
By Lori Waugh
September 2006

Take one unhappy Christian.
First, get rid of the following ingredients:
1 c. complaining
1 c. comparing
1 c. complacency
1 c. conceit
1 c. conniving

Then, add the following ingredients:
1 c. contentment
1 c. commitment
1 c. caring
1 c. control of self
1 c. compassion
1 c. concern
1 c. charity
1 c. chastity
1 c. cooperation
1 c. citizenship
1 c. character

This recipe is good for one happy Christian. Serves everyone.