By Zina Saunders, The WSJ

A few days ago, The Wall Street Journal published a jaw dropping interview with Mosab Hamas Yousef, the son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef – a founder and leader of the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas.

Mosab is debuting his book “Son of Hamas” this week.  He is stepping onto the world stage — by professing he became a Christian, while spying for Israel’s counter intelligence agency, Shin Bet.

Mosab was

- born into a Muslim, terrorist family,
- converted to Christianinty,
- spied on the Palestinians,
- for the Jewish nation…

How’s that for a big reveal?

When God Is Silent

When I first started working out of college, my first boss was an Israeli.  This was back in the day, when I was seriously clueless about political correctness in the workplace.

God took advantage of the green-behind-the-ears.  The big cheese and I became good enough friends, for me to actually share the Gospel with him one day.

We ended up at a divide over God’s goodness.    He turned to me, with brows knitted and eyes tinged with honesty and anger, and said,

“Bonnie, I wish I could have faith like you.  You just believe…

Me?  I can never believe in a God who would allow millions of Jews to be killed by Hitler…

Where was God when innocent women and babies were raped, murdered and burned?”

I treaded carefully.  Even though the Holocaust was a result of evil in the world, his enigma wouldn’t be solved by a Sunday School answer.

He wanted to know why God — if He was good and powerful — didn’t stop the evil from happening.

I gave the best answer I could.  But, he wasn’t satisfied.

How can God stay silent, during a time He could have taken action?

We ask this same question, when we find ourselves huddled under the weight of troubles and trials.

Which God Will We Choose?

My friend is right — it ultimately comes down to a matter of faith.

Do we believe that god is deity, aloof and ruthless random with his actions?  Then, we can select experiences that point to existence of such a god.

Or –

Do we dare believe that God is ultimately good?   Then, we can believe there must be more to the bigger picture.  We remember how Jesus heaped everything wrong and evil on Himself, when He died on the cross for us.

In the darkness of our greatest fears, we hold onto our snapshots of God’s love, forgiveness and grace — even as we hurt.

Liberated From God

The story of Mosab’s double conversion – from terrorism to Christianity and allegiance to Israel – stunned me to the core.

Mosab said,

“I converted to Christianity because I was convinced by Jesus Christ…

I loved him, his wisdom, his love, his unconditional love.

I didn’t leave [the Islamic] religion to put myself in another box of religion…

It’s a beautiful thing to see my God exist in my life and see the change in my life.”

If God could reach this man, He can reach me, where I am afraid and confused. When life doesn’t make sense.

When asked what could change the tide in Middle Eastern terrorism, Mosab did not mince words:

“The problem is with their God.
They need to be liberated from their God.
He is their biggest enemy.
It has been 1,400 years they have been lied to.”

Don’t Give Up On God

Mosab’s story teaches me to never give up on the power of God’s love.  He can reach anyone, no matter how dire the situation.  No matter how high the stakes are.

I tend to write off the improbability of a situation.  I notice how impenetrable a heart can be.  All the while, God has moved into the heart of a most unlikely candidate to speak His love and power.

The article ends with a breath-taking testimony of Mosab’s life changing faith:

These are all dangerous words. Of the threats issued to his life by Islamists, [Mosab] says,

“That’s not the worst thing that can happen to you. I’m OK with it, I’m not afraid. . . . Palestinians have reason to kill me. Some Israelis may want to kill me.

My goal is not to defeat my enemy. It is to win over my enemy.”

God may appear silent.  But, watch out.  He is very good at big reveals.

“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror;
then we shall see face to face.
Now I know in part;
then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
1 Cor.13:12

Is God silent in an area of your life now?

What are your snapshots of God’s personal goodness to you?  Doubt and faith can co-exist.

“And we know that in all things,
God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28

Today's post is a third write-up on the topic of trouble and how it fits into God's plans for us.

Here are two posts you'll want to check out -- the comments that readers posted
prompted today's thoughts:

1.  Anyone Seen My Blueprints? How Trouble Fits In With God's Plans
2.  Why Following Faith Is Tough

I'm going to be ordering a copy of Mosab's book --
Son of Hamas:  A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue and Unthinkable Choices.  

If you happen to read it too, lemme know.  Would love to know what you think about it.

SUBSCRIBE NOW to catch these updates from FaithBarista hot and fresh directly in your mailbox
via email (click here) or RSS (click here) news reader.

Does God intentionally throw trouble on us to make us stronger — or does God work in our lives in spite of them?

I apparently touched on a controversial question when I wrote “Anyone Seen My Blueprints?“.  It triggered some pretty awesome conversation in the comments.

One blogger’s response especially caught my eye.

“While I agree completely with the thought that God would not bring affliction to us, I think he does ask us to make difficult choices and to pass through hard times as a result of them.

I don’t know how that all works out exactly, but Paul, for instance, was told point blank that he would be arrested in Jerusalem, but he also knew he had to go.

In other words, God asks us to pass through hard times even if he’s not necessarily the source of the hard times, and he will not abandon us.”

Writer friend, Ed Cyzewski, theologian and author of Coffeehouse Theologyadvanced the ball in this topic of trouble versus trials.

In response, Ed wrote up a post on In A Mirror Dimly, and I cheered.  He did an excellent job delineating two things that are often scrunched together.

Are You Going Through Troubles or Trials?

Encountering troubles is as common as catching a cold.  It’s a by-product of living.

We’re vulnerable to our bad choices and the ones others make.  This is where God works in spite of trouble.  He’s promised to make good out of bad in our lives, since we belong to Him.  Unconditionally.

If we are following after God’s plan for our lives, we will also be sure encounter trials.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2,3

We can take comfort clearing one thing out of the equation:  God does not inflict pain to accomplish His purposes.

We can also add one important point on this:  Jesus carries our pain, so we don’t have to suffer alone and He will be with us always (Isaiah 53:5, Matthew 20)

Either way, God is with us in all our troubles and trials.  This is in God’s plan.

“If anyone would come after me,
he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and
follow me.”  Jesus, Luke 9:24

Could God be prompting you to make a tough decision by faith?

What encourages you to keep going?

Be sure to hop over now to Ed's place and read "The Storms of Life:  God, Hard Times, and the Cost of Discipleship".
It's a good one.

SUBSCRIBE NOW to catch these updates from FaithBarista hot and fresh directly in your mailbox
via email (click here) or RSS (click here) news reader.

Tinseltown’s buzzing with their Who’s Who List, hoping to get some applause and credit.  It’s guaranteed, many will be down in the dumps by the end of the night.

I’m not just talking about the people who’ll be driving home without a golden statue.

Since the 1990’s, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences started a tradition of airing a montage of actors who’ve passed away the previous year — as a “Memoriam” to their life and contribution to the art of film.

“It is the single most troubling element of the Oscar show every year,” says Bruce Davis, executive director of the Academy. “Because more people die each year than can possibly be included in that segment.” 

According to the AP article that quoted Davis, there are hundreds of names who could be included in the show’s memorial.  Only thirty or so make the final cut.

The family members who watch the show and see their loved ones missing from the tribute are heart broken. As a result, the show gets barraged with upset phone calls every year.

Keepin’ It Real

We may also get left out, if we step out and take a chance to be real.  We risk being cut from someone’s (unrealistic, incomplete) image of us.

It hurts.  If you’ve been misunderstood, you get me when I say it’s easier to go back to living in a box and live safe, rather than real.

It gets kinda lonely though.  And stale.

After all, real life is about the good and the bad.

Are You A Faith Barista, Too?

This week, I celebrated a personal milestone of hitting the 100th Faith Barista post — with an article about Becoming Real:  Why We All Have Dots.

I couldn’t have picked a better topic to blog about because of the amazing stories you shared in the comments.

I was touched by the authenticity of your experiences.

It underscored my conviction that real stories are what puts us in touch with ourselves, others and God.

Our vulnerabilities make up the perfect conditions for faith.

As people of faith, our lives can stand out.  It’s not that we’re on So-and-So’s list.  We can afford to  take risks relationally and with our dreams. We can dare to be real, because we are never cut from God’s list.

I’ve met quite a few faith baristas, since I opened up the bar here at Faith Barista.

I started blogging because I wanted to  find people who are on the same journey to keep faith hot and fresh.

Is that you, too?

If so, you are a faith barista!

Calling Faith Baristas

*** BLOG WITH ME!  JOIN ME NEXT WEEK, FRIDAY, 3/12 ***

Serve up your shot of faith by writing about:  Rejection

1. Write 300-700 words about the topic of rejection.

2.  Keep it real.

3.  Share how it affected or influenced your faith walk (relationship with God, others, or yourself).

Next week, I’ll have MckLinky up — which means you can type in the url of your blog post & we can all read your thoughts on rejection.

I’m looking forward to how we’ll encourage each other in our unique experiences.  I know we’ll end up sharing new ways to keep faith hot & fresh!

Comment below and lemme know if you’re game!

A.  Naw.  I’ll just read.

B.  Maybe.  We’ll see.

C.  Probably.  I’ll try.

D.  Plan to do it!

* Psst… By the way, if you don’t have a blog, you can comment your thoughts on this topic too next week!

** Double psst… To sweeten the deal, I’m going to have a special Faith Barista giveaway, for the faith barsitas who participate!

“He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white.
I will never blot out his name from the book of life,
but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.”
Revelations. 3:5

Years ago, I had a chance to manage a project to build a computer lab for the engineers at our company.

I was an engineering program manager and knew zilch about building a standing structure – I still need reminding whether to turn left or right to loosen a screw — but, the higher ups thought I could get a team from point A to B decently.

So, one day, I walked out of my boss’ office, with marching orders to meet with the lead architect and contractor to talk shop.  I returned to my desk, struck with fear, and took my quarters to the vending machine for some chocolate relief. 

At my kick-off meeting with an all male team of contractors, electricians, manufacturing vendors, and architect, I was petrified.  As I sat there, at the table, all five feet of me sitting up as straight as I could, I unrolled the set of master blueprints and dove in with a prayer.

I had to laugh and chuckle at jokes I had no idea what they were about.  I’m sure I provided plenty of entertainment for everyone that day.  There was little pride left in me by the time we were done.

But, we got ‘er done. 

As long as I returned to the blueprints, the guys were with me.

Where’re My Blueprints?

If only my life had a blueprint like that.  Sure, I know God has the blueprint.

But, I don’t.

Every time I think I got it sorta figured out — what I’m supposed to be doing and how I can do it with a degree of joy, peace, and trust — it eventually comes.

Trouble.

Don’t get me wrong. I totally live it up and squeeze out the good times when they come my way.  But, I know, life doesn’t stay that way.  At least, not on this side of heaven.

The Trouble With Trouble

Some say part of God’s blueprints includes trouble, that God uses trouble to grow us and make us stronger.  I do understand that to some extent.  God says His strength in us grows when we tire and grow weak.

Maybe I’m splitting hairs when I say this… I don’t totally think that God puts trouble into our plans.

I think God does His work in spite of the trouble.

When God designed us and our lives, I believe He accounted for the problems we’d come across — whether they come from us, others or events that happen to us.

I view trouble, not so much as an ingredient in the blueprint. 

Trouble is in the list of risks and environmental life factors that God took into account, when He constructed our blueprints.

His plan for us is to succeed, so that we can can stand up to the weight and fall of natural “life” disasters and stresses.

We are hard pressed on every side,but not crushed;
perplexed, but not in despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed.
2 Cor 4:8,9

God has the blueprint for my life.  But, I think it’s more of a blueprint for who He wants me to become, rather than what I’m actually doing.

Sometimes what I do matches with who He wants me to be, but it doesn’t always happen.

I’ve had to do things that are a part of putting food on the table or taking care of life.  These activities don’t have to change who I am inside.  There is life outside of our day jobs and even outside our troubles.

It takes place with our loved ones, our friends, and those we help.  And don’t forget those wonderful everyday hobbies and pleasures we take comfort and joy in.

They are part of God’s blueprint, too.


How do you see God’s blueprint taking form in your life?

How do you view trouble or conflict in everyday life — and God’s plan for you?


[Today's post was inspired by Laura Boggess' wonderful Blueprint post at High Callings Blog ].

100th FAITH BARISTA POST GIVEAWAY!
I’m giving away a one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted Studio JRU Art!
It’s one of my favorite reminders of everyday faith –
~ Everyday Faith Cross~
One of you will get to enjoy it!

** 100th FAITH BARISTA POST CELEBRATION GIVEAWAY **

By Friday 3/5/10, Midnight — Click here to read my 100th Faith Barista post – Becoming Real – for a chance to win Studio JRU’s Everyday Faith Cross!

Becoming real is something we can experience… if we dare.

“Why are there dots?” TJ asked, with his nose scrunched and voice pitched whiny.

“What are you talking about?” I  walked over, gulping my bite of banana.  “All food has dots.  Dots are normal.  Just eat it.”

By afternoon, my four year old son has splattered Legos and thrown books on their backs to construct a pain-inducing, slippery land mine.  That’s when I plop on the floor and wave the white flag.  Snack time.

Instead of eating, I meet resistance.

Every day, TJ and I have the same conversation.  Marks, black-stuff, something-yucky, I-don’t-want-to-eat-that.  TJ whips out his invisible super-microscope to whatever I put in front of him and can always find something wrong with it.

My explanations for food blemishes ring hollow to my little spiky-haired boy. Until one day, God has mercy on me.  I come up with the answer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

100th FAITH BARISTA POST GIVEAWAY!
I’m giving away a one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted Studio JRU Art!
It’s one of my favorite reminders of everyday faith –
~ Everyday Faith Cross~
One of you will get to enjoy it!

To read the rest of the story — head on over to Dayspring’s (in)Courage website, where today’s post is published.

** 100th FAITH BARISTA POST CELEBRATION GIVEAWAY **

Becoming real has been a wonderful journey here at Faith Barista, one post at a time.

Today’s post marks the 100th Faith Barista post published – which means I’m celebrating the special day with you – the ones who keep me company here!

One Faith Barista reader will be randomly chosen to receive Studio JRU’s beautiful reminder: Everyday Faith Handmade Cross. I enjoy Jennifer’s artistic inspiration for faith in my home — I’m excited for this giveaway!

ENTER TO WIN:  1 Winner will be chosen!

BY FRIDAY 3/5/10 – Midnight

1.  Go to (In)Courage and enter a comment to the post there.  You’re entered!

Click here and go to the (In)Courage site to comment.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

2.   Go on Twitter and send the tweet below out to your peeps.  Comment here at Faith Barista to let me know you’ve tweeted.  You’re entered – again!

Becoming Real http://bit.ly/dmZ1vB Comment & win a StudioJRU Designed Artwork via @TheBonnieGray

(You can share this post on Facebook, if you’re not on Twitter.  Just click the “Share” icon below.)

3.  Subscribe to Faith Barista by email (click here) or via RSS reader (click here).  Comment here at Faith Barista to let me know you’ve subscribed. You’re entered – again!

ONE WINNER:

Thank you to EVERYONE for making this incredible experience of authenticity.  You’ve blessed me with the amazing stories shared in the comments – and guess what?

You inspired me to invite all of you to blog with me next Friday! (Click here to join me!)

Now, the winner… Congratulations to Bev McDougal!

Thank you for making Faith Barista an awesome community of faith voices. You’ve made me love being here!

The Everyday Faith Handmade Cross is a part of an exclusive Studio JRU collection.  To see the entire collection, visit the (In)Courage Gift Shop.

To find out more about the artist, Jennifer, and read her story,  stop by Studio JRU – Guided & Inspired by HIM www.studiojru.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

No, I’m not daydreaming about a married man.  I’m just mulling over what Drew Brees said about his faith in Christ, in an interview he gave to online Christian website, Tangle.

I’m an annual football fan, which means I tune in every year to watch the Super Bowl game. In fast-forward motion.  On Tivo.

When I see the scoreboard change, I stop the recording, to back it up and watch how the points got scored.

I was crunching on my microwave popcorn during a slow-mo replay, when something the sports announcer said caught my attention. 

Four years ago, Brees was still nursing a bad shoulder injury when he was deciding between two-time Super Bowl champion Miami Dolphins or the New Orlean Saints.  Although the New Orlean Saints had never won a title in any professional sport at the time, Drew signed with them instead of Miami.

From an article in Yahoo! Sport by Chris Chase, I learned why Drew made that deicsion.

“I just felt that energy in New Orleans. From the very beginning, there was a genuine feeling that they wanted me there. They believe I can come back from this shoulder injury and lead them to a championship. They were as confident as I am, and that meant a lot.”

It was amazing Drew had the confidence to choose the underdog team over a team with a winning history.

What was the personal story behind that choice? I wondered.

I found the answer in Drew Bree’s interview in Sharing The Victory:  Faith and Sports –

When asked what it means to be one of the “few good men” for Christ, Drew revealed a personal belief –

“It means you’re gonna trust that He’s never gonna put something in front of you, that is too hard for you — or else He wouldn’t put it in front of you.

So, no matter what comes your way, you’ll be able to overcome it.  It’ll make you stronger…”

Wow.  I wish I had that kind of confidence when I’m nursing an injury with the potential to cripple my dreams.

We all sustain injuries, if we play the game of life.  The curious and powerful deciding factor whether we give up or keep going is what we truly believe about our faith, in those hard times.

What do we say to ourselves when we are facing overwhelming setbacks or challenges?

What is it that we really believe about God and His plan for us in those moments?

I think Drew’s words and example have caused me to really think hard about what I base my choices on.

And make the right decisions by faith.

“God is faithful;
He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.

But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out
so that you can stand up under it.”

1 Corinthians 10:13

What caught your attention in Drew Brees’ interview about his faith in God?

What helps you take a faith perspective when bad things happen?

“Many things I have tried to grasp, and have lost.  That which I have placed in God’s hands, I still have.”
~ Martin Luther

The idea of fasting has often appealed to the part of my Type B personality that leans a little towards Type A.

Fasting sounds like a sure fire way to get God’s attention, doesn’t it?

I figure if I deprive myself of food or chocolate (oh, no!), God will really know I’m serious about something.

The thing is, fasting something the body craves to eat pales in comparison to fasting a dream or a desire.

Yes, sometimes, that is exactly what God has called us to do — fast a dream. 

When Life Throws A Wrench

Before last year, I never saw my life as the thing God wanted me to fast.

Previously, I had a practice of fasting regularly, to ask God to help me through the rough seasons in my life. I often used fasting as a way to strengthen and calm myself, when I faced challenges that were too big to handle.

One of the big burdens I had been carrying for a many years, was the struggle to find purpose in everyday life.

I felt my life didn’t seem to match up with my passions.   Life seemed to chuckle at me, whenever it threw a wrench into my plans to pursue my dreams.

I figured I had been pretty patient, but my turn seemed to take too long.   I felt I had been pretty faithful, considering everything I’d gone through and how long I’d been waiting.

When was God gonna come through for me? I wondered.

A Lifegiving Fast

Thank God, one day, He revealed a greater meaning of fasting, that took me to a new level of looking at my life.

I was reading Tammy Maltby’s book, “Lifegiving”, when my heart stopped at this line –

“You may need to fast a dream or a desire during a given season of your life.  Immediately, you might be wondering how you can fast something you love for a season of your life.”

Tammy got my attention!

“Perhaps, you must fast a dream you long to see fulfilled, a loving marriage relationship, the priviledge of becoming a parent, or a ministry you have always desired to have.

No matter what the fast may be, it is always connected to what we secretly desire and deeply love.“

I learned that God’s bigger picture of fasting, went beyond what I wanted to get out of it.

God was letting me know, fasting with my life is sacrifice He was asking me to trust Him with.

My season of waiting suddenly took on a powerful significance that gave my everyday life meaning and purpose. 

A Fresh Pair Of Eyes

The kind of fasting God has in mind is very different from how we often see it used.  It’s not an act of deprivation, to send a message to the top, in an effort to bend a powerful deity to notice or care about us.

Fasting also wasn’t given to us as a means to show off piety and restraint — although those might characterize some who do it.

God’s intention of fasting helps us let go of ourselves more — out of a trust that He cares and values our precious dreams — so that He can take hold of us more.

Fasting is an oxymoron – a ceasing of our own activity, to increase God’s activity in us.

Once I saw my dreams in waiting as an opportunity for God to use me, I fasted, out of trust.

I saw my everyday life with a fresh pair of eyes.

I found joy knowing my fast will end one day, when God says it’s time. I haven’t been forgotten.


How is God asking you to fast your life and trust Him?

How has God used you, as you fast for a season?

I know God is doing great things with our lives!  The results of fasting isn’t a sad face, but a powerful passion that will touch and make a difference in the people around us, as He works in us!

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:

to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,

to set the oppressed free

and break every yoke?

Is it not to share your food with the hungry

and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter –

when you see the naked, to clothe him?”  (Isaiah 58:6-7)

Shared also on:

“It is a safe thing to trust Him to fulfill the desires which He creates” — Amy Carmichael

Do you remember the last time you felt butterflies in your stomach?

With all this talk about romance, love, and passion this month, one word stands behind it all:  desire.

Desire as a mysterious hunger is often depicted between two people who want to be with each other.  That is only part of the equation.

By the time desire shows up, it’s already a petal on a bloom.

Desire is the seed, that is planted and grows — before things get physical.

Desire is a heart longing.

The seeds of desire are found inside each of us.  If we are to experience passion in life with others, we have to begin with ourselves.

By the time I hit my early-thirties, I found myself still single.  I started to wonder if I had the gift of singleness.  I’ve always been a social butterfly and love being with people.  So, it wasn’t like I was shutting myself indoors.  I simply couldn’t find a love connection.

I didn’t have the winning formula for finding “the right one”, but I knew I wanted to stay passionate about life.  In my quest for passion apart from romance, I learned how to develop a relationship with desire and keep it alive.

I still tap into those valuable lessons of keeping desire alive.  Today, I’d like to share them with you, in hopes of getting you to share some of yours.

We often think that desire is an on or off switch.  It’s more like the volume control on our iPods.

The more we learn how to dial up those knobs, apart from physical romance, the more easily we can light that flame when, and if, the time comes.  Married life with kids, sickness, and daily stresses don’t have to handicap our love lives — just like not having a romantic partner didn’t spell doom for me as a single. 

I was still full of passion for life, God, self and people.

My Top 10 Questions To Keep Desire Alive — Whether Single or Married.

1.  Do I say “I want” more than “I should”?

2. Do I take time to smell the roses or find myself more indoors with the windows shut?

3. Is my approach to enjoyment “a little bit of this or that is great” or “all-or-nothing”?

4. Do I pay attention to the Positives or the Negatives?

5.  When’s the last time I took time to read a book, listen to live music, or visited a museum?

6.  When’s the last time I tried something new?

7.  How can I take a small step outside my comfort zone?

8.  Who can I call to just hang out for coffee?

9.  When’s the last time I laughed?

10.  Am I taking steps to try something I’ve always wanted to do?

Okay, how did you do with my Top 10 Questions?  I continually go through this list, whenever I feel myself getting stale in my heart longings.

Sometimes, it might be tempting to just forget about desire and just let it die.  The problem with that is, life gets muted, and it’s not what God had in mind for us.

After all, God didn’t create us for the sole purpose of marriage.  He created us for the purpose of love.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But desire fulfilled is a tree of life.”  Proverbs 13:12

Okay, Faith Barista Peeps —

What are your tips? Share how you dial up desire and keep it alive!

And remember, one litmus test is that it would apply to whether we are single or married!

Chinese New Year "Lai See". A red envelope given for good fortune.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

If you are Chinese, you have probably heard this the umpteenth time this week.  While couples were injesting chocolate candy on Valentine’s Day, Chinese families were wearing red for a different reason.  The lunar calendar turned a new page on February 14 — Happy Chinese New Year!

Actually, the words — Gung Hay Fat Choy! — literally means, “Wish you mega wealth!”

As I kid, I loved getting money in “Lai See” (translated “fortune favor”).  Chinese tradition claims that grown-ups who give away red packets of money will trigger a movement of moola in the new year for themselves and family members.

Eureka! We’d scream and holler with visions of cavity-creating candy, dancing in our heads. 

The Problem With Happiness

As an adult now, I look back fondly on those memories.  Life was simple when good fortune could fit into a red envelope.

Happiness is a lot more complicated.

We all want to be happy today, not tomorrow.  At the same time, we are all hoping for something different or new somewhere in the future.

We are restless creatures, aren’t we?  Always wanting more?

Some may offer killing the want and saying there is no more.

Somehow, I don’t believe that is what Jesus meant when He said,

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
John 10:10

or when Paul, the apostle said,

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think”  Ephesians 3:20

I Got Humble

I have been asking God a question recently.

How can I hope for a better tomorrow, while being content with today?

I’d keep trying new ideas to affect changes, but I’d soon end up discouraged, seeing myself trip up over old thought patterns or just plain bad habits.

God gave me an answer a week ago that surprised me.

To do the things I wanted to do — to be the person I know God wants me to be this year — I needed to stop trying to change my way.

I needed to confess my inability to change.  I can’t make myself better inside, even if I improved the way I did things or said things.

I needed humility.

I’m not talking about the kind of humility that makes you feel like a worm.  Being humble doesn’t mean being driven by guilt, thinking of yourself as a nobody.

No.  God wanted me to become love-worthy humble.

Jesus, said Himself —

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  Jesus, Matthew 11:29

I Got Grace

This kind of humble results in motivation that won’t quit, optimism that’s real about where I’m at.  It sits opposite to blind fanaticism in positive thinking.

God wants to give me grace.  Undeserved happiness.

I received grace the moment I went down on my knees and said, “I need you more.”

“But He gives a greater grace.
Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud,
but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

I humbled myself and I asked for the grace –

– to stand up to the pressures of discontentment, and

– to be free from the fear of failure.

“It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace…” Hebrews 13:9

I’m experiencing this new heart-strengthening during my day. When a difficulty appears, I ask God to give me the grace to get me through it. I am learning He is faithful to answer that prayer.

It doesn’t matter how many times we have to start over, every day.  God’s blessings are always within our reach to experience — not because we’ve earned it, but simply because we are His.

This is our good fortune – Grace Everyday.

How can you extend God’s grace to yourself today?

What does happiness mean to you?


Shared also on:

“Love is of all the passions the strongest…”
~ Voltaire, French philosopher

Were we destined to simply be friends or could there be more?

I couldn’t help it, but first impressions in dating were hard to shake. For better or worse, God knew how important this first date was to me.

I first met him at a church gathering.  He sent me an email.  What started as a trickle began a steady current of daily emails for a month, with each delivery growing longer, delving deeper.

Never has someone written me so many letters. Never had I felt so enamored.

Still, there was the question of chemistry…

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To read the rest of the story — head on over to Dayspring’s (in)Courage website, where today’s post is published.

Keep me company at (In)Courage and drop me a comment there! Comments have been turned off here, so we can meet up there.

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