ARE YOU HAPPY?

On Sunday, we had a guest speaker, Kim Klaudt.  It was wonderful.  I remember hearing him when the oldest two girls were younger and in high school.  He and his family minister to the Indian Community.  I was not even aware that the Indian men don't live long , mostly due to alcohol and that their young people rate the highest on the suicide rate.


Well, yesterday, his topic was "Are You Happy?"


Most people would answer yes, but when we really think about it are we really?  Would we be happier if we could only look like that other person, have that new car, a bigger home, kinder children?    Americans have been so programed that we need more and more.  You go to Hollywood and all you see are people that are always looking for that next face lift, newer exercise CD.  I could go on, but I think by now, you should have the idea.


Kim gave 4 steps for us to find that happy place, and I would like to share it with my readers.


1.  Realizing that I am created in God's image.
      Genesis 1:26
      Psalm 139 - I so love verse 14  "I will praise You,     
                         for I am fearfully and wonderfully
                         made.  Marvelous are Your works."
                       
      Jeremiah 1:4 -10


2.   God has a plan for you.
       Jeremiah 29: 11 - "For I know the thoughts that I            
                                    think toward you, says the
                                    Lord, thoughts of peace and
                                    not of evil. to give you a
                                    future and a hope.


Now, here, Kim mentioned that although the Lord has a plan for my life, I can rob myself of my 
       DESTINY, by my mouth.


3.    Your sin has separated you from His plan.


4.    God has built a bridge made out of blood - JESUS


Coming home and meditating on the message, I realized that due to some of the choices that I had made,  probably had closed doors that I could have walked down.  Now, does this sadden me, yes, but I can honestly say that God loves me so much, that He didn't just drop me off on the side of the road.  


Today, I might not have the greatest or biggest home, wardrobe, car or loads of material wealth.  But I can say this, I have learnt that my happiness doesn't come from those.  Having a daily walk with the Lord and choosing to do my best to listen to His voice, I am happy.


WHAT DO I THINK OF MYSELF? Blessed going in and Blessed coming out.  I can't go back in time and redo my mistakes, but I can start today to allow the Lord to guide my life in the direction that He has for me.


WHAT ABOUT YOU?  It is never too late to allow God to take over the reigns of your life.