Be Considerate Of Others

“Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourself.”  Phil. 2:3b

Can you imagine what kind of world this would be if people would treat others better than they would treat themselves? It would change all relationships within our community, the church and our nation.

Instead we disrespect, mock and treat each other as if we do not value each other. When I hear someone make fun of another person (especially if it is towards one of my kids) my heart grieves. I have made it clear that I HATE sarcasm and the excuse I get from people is.....oh, it's just their way of joking, it doesn't mean anything or my favorite reply, "don't be so sensitive." My answer is, what gives you the right to treat me or someone else with such lack of respect? It's no one's right to criticize or humiliate another person for a laugh!

 This is a picture I took of the water from our backyard fountain.

Joy Killer or Builder

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 

Each day we have the opportunity to either be a "Joy" killer or builder to those around us. For some of us it will depend on our personalities and for others it will depend upon the circumstances. Romans 8:28 tells us that everything will work out for the good if we give it (the problem) and us (doing His will). 

Joy can be killed in us and in others around us by negativity, criticism and bad behavior. Joy can be built in us and in others around us by being positive, building each other up and trusting God in all our circumstances.

The scriptures are full of God's promises that no matter what is said to us or no matter what the circumstances that He (God) is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think within us according to Ephesians 3:20.

Joy comes when I let go of control for my life and give God the control. 

My prayer: Lord, please forgive me for killing any "JOY" in myself or those around me with my attitude or words and please help me to always be a "JOY" builder instead. 

This picture was taken by our office.

Happiness or Joy

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

What is the difference in happiness and joy? ~ Happiness comes when circumstances are good and joy can come in good and difficult circumstances.  It is God who gives us joy even in the midst of something difficult. 

How often have I heard someone say, "I just want to be happy!" They begin to pursue what they believe will make them happy but most of the time pleasure seeking in the wrong places.  Some pursue sports, hobbies, traveling, dancing, shopping, home improvements, wealth, status, alcohol, food and drugs. These will fail except for a brief moment!

We cannot find true joy just by seeking pleasurable excitement. The best and longest sustained joys come from pursuing things God's way and His working in our life.

Jesus slept in the boat during a terrible storm. 

We need to learn how to sleep in the storms too. 

God wants us to let Him take control during our storms of life!

This picture I took of my sons youngest daughter at a festival November 
2012 as she watched her sister and cousins riding the swings.