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We should never lose our joy and zeal for life. Many times we allow our
circumstances to change how we see life and we lose our appreciation for
the simple things that are all around us. What we must realize is that
all of the joys of life come down to the simple things. It is not a big
event that will fill us with joy, but many small happenings that if we
allow them will fill us with a joy that is unspeakable. Doing simple
things like spending time with your children, your spouse, your family and
friends can do so much to show you that life is beautiful. If we only
focus on the problems around us, it is very easy to have a pity party and
be tempted to murmur and complain about our woes. That is all the more
reason that we should focus on our blessings. See the good that surrounds
you and make an extra effort to relive those childhood memories that
brought so much happiness.
Doing simple things like taking walks in the park, going for ice cream,
playing board games, and simply doing things with those who mean the most
to you can reignite your zeal for life and show you how much you have to
be thankful for. It is in looking at what we possess that we become
appreciative for life. Be encouraged to do the simple things again. Do
not fall for the rat race of life, but rather take it easy, smell the
fresh air outside and look around you to see how abundantly blessed you
really are.
I hope this message encourages your heart to never think it foolish to slow
down and take a moment to be a kid again. Acting like a kid even when we
are adults can do so much to fill one's heart.
JUMPING IN THE LEAVES
Whenever the bare trees and grey skies of mid November start to get me
down and I start to mope about how Autumn always ends too early, I go to a
special place in my mind. This place holds a beautiful memory that I
cherish to this day.
It was many years ago when my grown children were still young. A warm
Indian Summer had blessed us with a beautiful Wednesday. It was the day
before Thanksgiving and the temperature was in the seventies with a gentle
breeze in the air. My wife was baking pumpkin pies to take to her Mom’s
house for Thanksgiving dinner, so I decided to take the three kids to a
local park for the afternoon. Mighty Oak trees throughout the park had
laid down a blanket of dry leaves on the ground. I found an old fallen
tree branch nearby and decided to make some good use of it. Using it as a
rake I slowly made several huge piles of leaves on the side of a hill.
Then I called my children over. They knew just what to do.
The next hour was spent jumping, sliding, running, and playing in the
leaves. We took turns burying each other. We played hide and seek. We
pretended to be leaf monsters. And we saw who could make the biggest
splash in the dry and crunchy piles. It was a magical time full of smiles,
laughter, and the simple joys of childhood. After that day too we made
many more happy trips to the park to play in the leaves.
Happy memories of loving times are a lot like those fallen leaves in
November. They nourish the soil of our souls and bring forth new life
inside of us whenever we think of them. They give us the strength to keep
on creating fresh joy and a new Springtime everyday of our lives. This
Thanksgiving and Christmas give a special “Thank You” to God for all of
your happy memories and loving times. And also whenever you get the
chance, jump in the leaves!
By Joseph J. Mazzella
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Deuteronomy 30:19 “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore
choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”
Psalm 3:4-8 “I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and He heard me out of
His holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD
sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have
set themselves against me round about. Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God:
for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast
broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: Thy
blessing is upon Thy people. Selah.”
Isaiah 26:3-4 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed
on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for
in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.”
Romans 12:15-18 “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them
that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things,
but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of
all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with
all men.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today's Selected Poem: APPRECIATE WHAT YOU HAVE
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem2.htm
Today's Selected Testimony: OUT OF DARKNESS
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony103.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
