Happy Days and Sockhops

Tonight I have a sock hop. In other words, a 50s dance. It's like our prom, except it's not. One of the great downfalls in being home schooled.
But it's gonna be fun! I can't wait for it! :) We get to wear poodle skirts, saddle shoes, red lipstick, and just have a crazy night full of fun. :)

Anyways, to go along with my dance tonight, and because it's all we've been talking about in church the last month, I'm going to talk about "Happy Days." Not the show, although I do have to admit that I love that show! And am completely addicted to watching it daily. You should try it out, it's captivating.

Happy Days

Here are some ideas about what people think it means to be happy:

Some people live for future happiness and never learn to be happy at the present moment.
Ya know, those people who are like, when I get a job, then I'll be happy. Or when I leave my parents house, then I'll be happy. If only I could get married, then I'd be happy.
The complainers. The people who are never happy with their present state in life.

Some think happiness is getting what they want, but after that they need something else to make them happy.
The people who get married, get a job, move away from their parents house, and still, not happy! Those are the kinds of people that really drive me crazy!

Now I'm going to tell you what happy really means.
Psalm 144: 15
"Blessed is the people of whom this is true; blessed is the people whose God is the Lord."
Happy is revealed in someone who has great contentment and joy.
These are the people who are like, what a great day it is today, when it's pouring rain outside and the street is flooding.
The people who always find the positive even when all that you can see is the negative. The optimistic. The people who kind of drive you crazy because they are always happy. But they are filled with Joy. An everlasting happiness.
The pleasure principle is adjusting your mental activity to think about pleasure, joy, and gratefulness; instead of pain.

Happy people are graceful people.
The regular practice of grateful thinking can increase happiness levels by over 25%.
Just by thinking positively you can increase your happiness by a fourth!
Grateful people show higher levels of life satisfaction, vitality, and optimism and lower levels of depression and stress.
Dude! Want to make you life less stressful, and keep your full head of hair a few years longer, be grateful for your lot in life.
Gratefulness is effective in overcoming sickness, disability, and death of a loved one.
By being grateful you can stay alive longer.
Gratefulness energizes, inspires, and gives meaning to life.
Grateful people have a feeling of being cared for and close to God.
Grateful people have higher levels of positive emotions and life satisfaction. They don't deny or ignore negative aspects of life, but they focus on the greatness of God.
No one can take your happiness. Only you can give it away.
If your car stalls, thank God for legs.
Right now I'm at the library, and two of the computers locked up. Thank God mine wasn't one of them, but the guy sitting next to me was typing out a very important paper. And I don't think it saved it. :(
Perfect example! Stay positive!
People who read their Bible daily, pray, and attend church regularly are more grateful.
I cannot stress how important it is to do these things daily! (Not church daily, just two or three times a week) It is your life saver, your buoy in the middle of shark infested waters. Hold onto it, and never let it go.

As Christians, we need to be happy in our relationship with Jesus.
Happiness comes when there is liberation from oppression and victory over the enemy.
1 Corinthians 15:57
"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

John 8:34-36
"Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has  no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

Amen! We are sons the most high God. We are no longer dead to sin, and we are no longer slaves. We are sons and daughters of the SON.
Happiness comes when you get a revelation of the love of Jesus for you.
Happiness comes when you experience His freedom from condemnation and guilt of the past.
Jesus gives us victory to overcome in life.

 John 5:4
"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith."
Through our faith in Jesus we are no longer born in the world. We are born of God. Therefore we have overcome the world. We have the Victory.
Rejoice! Throw your hands up right now and thank Him who gave His life for you. Just say "Thank you Jesus!"
You will feel so much better if you do. :) Trust me.


Something Extra!

One last thing and I'll sign out for today.
BUCKET LISTS!
You guys better be working on yours still. I know that I said that in the last post too, but I just really want you to do it. LOL
Here's my next two:
#5: Ride a tiger into battle while taking back our Canadia lands.
This is my personal favorite on my whole list! I know, I know, it makes absolutely no sense! But that's what so ingenious about it. I will never probably be able to do this, but I can dream can't I?

#6: Put a whole bar of ivory soap in the microwave.
Again, this probably sounds stupid as well. But go and buy a bar of ivory soap, it HAS to be ivory, any other kind and this will not work and then you'll be super disappointed. Put it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. It's hilarious! A perfect April fools joke. Don't worry, it's not dangerous and it's not messy, even though it looks like it is. Have fun!


Happily,
Ms. Optimistic