Being Happy Doesn’t Mean Everything’s Perfect….

I saw this quote on a sign from The Country House.

“Being happy doesn’t mean everything’s perfect.  It means you decide to see beyond the imperfections.”

How true is that?  I’m absolutely amazed at how happy I am overall in spite of our circumstances.  I guess I’m reaching a level of contentment day by day.  Some days are better than others, of course.  My ideal is certainly to pay all the bills on time and even to get out of debt.  I’ve grown to hate debt with a passion.  Getting a call from a bill collector who hasn’t read the notes about how long your husband has been out of work can be discouraging.  Lowell and I have been listening to Dave Ramsey, a Christian financial advisor.  He says to take care of house, utilities, food and transportation first.  He is so right.  A few years ago, we didn’t pay bills in that order.  We were worried about credit and really messed up things.  We’re going to get it right this time.

God has been good to us.  We are living day to day, depending on the Lord, instead of paycheck to paycheck like most people.  I actually think it’s been good for our faith.  It’s been sobering.  I don’t think that we’ll ever view money and things in quite the same way again.  I know that this is temporary.  I thank God that we live in a country of many opportunities. 

God bless you all as He has blessed us and more,

Laura

Happy When Everything’s not Perfect

Thanking and Trusting God

Dear Readers,

I received a question about my post, “Thank God for what you have. Trust God for what you need,” this morning.   The question was about where I found the quote.  Honestly, I don’t remember where I heard or read it. I may have seen it on a wall plaque or something. It’s not a direct quote from scripture.  However, I do know that it’s true from reading the Word of God and through the miracles He’s done in my family’s life.

I wrote the post back in Feb. last year. My husband did find work; but, he is now doing temporary work again. It encourages me to read how God got me through last time my husband was out of work; because, God’s Word and His provision are timeless.

I encourage you to pray, read His word, and be thankful. Thanking Him for every little thing changes your focus. You can do all things through Christ who Strengthens you!  I spent a lot of time in the book of Philippians, especially chapter 4, during the time that I wrote that post. It has some great truths…

“4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Take a look through my posts both at Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage and Harvest Lane Cottage. I’ve written a lot about hope, trusting God, and faith in hard times. It’s been how I have been living life for the last five years.

 You might also like to read my husband’s blog for the Kingdom Business Journal. You can also find the steps to peace with God, as explained by Rev. Billy Graham, here.

 May God bless you with hope, peace, and eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

God bless you,

Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

Celebrating and Enjoying Today

What’s life without celebration?  We celebrate Christmas, New Year’s Day, Easter, Independence Day, weddings, births, so many things.  All these times are special, set apart, times for celebrating.  What if we were to celebrate ordinary days, ordinary things that make our lives richer?

I’m just beginning to realize how much my children would love more celebration.  Our family has been going through very hard times over the last several months.  My husband has been unemployed since the beginning of November.  Praise God in Heaven, He has miraculously supplied rent, gas, utilities, food, etc.   Our life has been hard.  I want to spice it up a bit with little celebrations.  I tend to be more on the serious side, which has tended to mean worrying.  God forgive me; I’ve got to change.  Our children don’t have a lot of toys; they don’t get to go and do many things (unless they’re free-wink); but, there’s no reason we cannot look for things to celebrate and enjoy.  I’d love to hear your thoughts about this, especially if that’s your thing, or you have some ideas. 

I think what it comes down to is living in the present, enjoying and being thankful for what and where God has us now.  Just something to think about….

 

Laura

Thankful to be at Home