The Law of Happiness #womenoffaith

What makes people happy?

Only 10% of happiness comes from circumstances.

We have a setpoint of who we are as a person. Life and growth are about changing that setpoint, that thermostat.

Secular research doesn't call their recommendations "God's ways", but everything the researchers recommend is in God's Word. A life pursuing God's ways brings happiness.

Happy people are givers to those in need.

Happy people are connected.

Dr. Henry Cloud teaches from his book, The Law of Happiness.

Find Peace In God's Amazing Grace #womenoffaith

When Sheila Walsh sings in that high soprano colored by her Scottiah brogue, tears spring into the eyes.

Sheila said, "We're walking on a broken road...God never intended for any woman to have her breast cut off, to bury a child, or to lose her home. We're on a detour."

Find peace on this road in the unfailing, amazing grace of God!

How Do You Start Your Day? #womenoffaith

Ps 143:8 Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. 

How do you begin your days? What's the first word you hear and receive into your spirit? 

Speaker Sheila Walsh began hers remembering "a cockroach the size of a hamster" for which she wanted a Marine, not housekeeping. But this is her start of the day Scripture.

New Friends

This is my new friend, Gina from Sarasota. This is her 2nd year. She came equipped with blankets. Our seats are over the ice rink of the Tampa Bay Lightening. Hope my toes don't get cold! #womenoffaith

Women of Faith at St. Pete Times Forum

I'm blogging today from the Women of Faith conference at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa.

The doors are open and small groups of women are on their way in. Lots of smiles and laughter. A quiet but palable energy. Given the huge buses that were lining the streets surrounding the Forum, I expect a nice crowd.

Wednesday Worship: You Hold My World

You hold my world in Your hands, 
You hold my world in Your hands, 
And I am amazed at Your love, 
I am amazed that You love me. 

You hold my world in Your hands, 
You hold my world in Your hands, 
And I'm not afraid, 
My world is safe in Your hands, 
In Your hands. 

I first heard this Israel Houghton song shortly before my brother passed away earlier this year. He was alone when he died, in pain and suffering.

I think about him a lot. I wish I'd been a better sister. We were so close and he knew I would do anything for him, knew that I loved him. I just wish I could have done more.

We used to talk about the things of God some times. He wasn't where I am, not quite as sure that his Heavenly Father cared about him or loved him the way I know that Jesus did. He believed in Christ as His Savior, but organized religion, church, wasn't his thing. To my knowledge, his relationship hadn't deepened but perhaps stagnated over the years.

In truth, I don't really know.

Oh, I wish I could have done more. But when I hear this song, as tears stream down my face, I always imagine Daniel hearing these words, almost as if the Holy Spirit was whispering them to him as confirmation, in his final minutes:

You won't let go of me,
You won't let go of me, 
You won't let go of me. 
Never let go. 

You will take care of me, 
You will take care of me, 
You will take care of me, 
You will take care, 
Always take care.

It's such a strong image, with him sitting in a particular chair in the living room, facing the picture window in the house where we grew up. It's almost as though God burned that image in my head to comfort me. It's the same image every time I hear this song.

I'm glad I know that God holds my world and that my world is safe in His hands. Do you know who holds your world?

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Wednesday Worship: Lord, How I Love You

Lord, my heart is yours
It all belongs to you
I give you all the glory,
Yes, I love You.
I worship and adore
I'm gonna tell you more
Oh oh, Lord, how much I really do love You.

I must have really been going through.  Because I completely missed Fred Hammond's Love Unstoppable CD. I frequently heard and bopped to one song, They That Wait, but considering Hammond is one of my all-time favorite gospel artists, I'm not sure how the rest of the CD slipped by me.  I didn't buy it and I'm not sure why. But I'm listening now and as always, I'm in awe of Hammond's talent.  He's great in a live performance, but he's at his best when he's writing and singing contemporary worship songs.

Lord, How I Love You sings to my soul.

If you're a Fred fan, have a listen and lets cyber-worship together.  If you're not, well, you just might be after hearing this beautiful song.

You are worthy,
I love You...


Peace & Blessings,

Patricia