To: ST.LOUIE1; Billie; dutchess; DollyCali; GodBlessUSA; Mrs Mayor; Mama_Bear; Aquamarine; JustAmy; ...

December 17, 2007

Forever Joyful

Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you . . . might become rich. —2 Corinthians 8:9

Wall Street Journal columnist Jonathan Clements offered his readers “Nine Tips for Investing in Happiness.” Interestingly, one of his suggestions was precisely the same as that given in the favorite old hymn by Johnson C. Oatman, “Count Your Many Blessings.” Clements urges us not to brood over the riches of our neighbors but to focus on the many blessings we actually do possess. That’s wise counsel, provided that we realize our spiritual wealth in Jesus is immeasurably more valuable than any material possessions.

God didn’t give us the Bible as a guidebook for happiness. Yet it tells us how we can be eternally joyful and how we can experience joy on our way to that eternal happiness. So it’s enlightening to compare biblical truth with common-sense advice.

“Godliness with contentment is great gain,” Paul wrote to Timothy (1 Tim. 6:6). The apostle wanted his protégé to understand that being grateful for the basics of life would help keep him from the trap of covetousness.

So let’s focus on the wonders of God’s grace, training ourselves to make a spirit of gratitude pervade our lives. That’s the way to experience joy today and to be forever joyful.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven nor your home on high. —Oatman

Count your many blessings and you’ll soon lose count.

Bible in One Year: Amos 7-9; Revelation 8

21 posted on 12/17/2007 4:41:16 AM PST by The Mayor ( A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.—Proverbs 16:9)

Good Morning The Mayor
Thank you for Military Tribute! Looks like you have so much snow! We had freezing rain, little ice and very windy. Still very windy.

Love the shot of the falls! :)

22 posted on 12/17/2007 4:42:02 AM PST by GodBlessUSA (US Troops, Past, Present and Future, God Bless You and Thank You!. Prayers said for our Heroes!)

It went well, thanks! How was yours?

23 posted on 12/17/2007 4:42:05 AM PST by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3rd Bn. 5th Marines, RVN 1969. St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!)

To: ConorMacNessa; GodBlessUSA

Good Morning..Thank you! ((HUGS)))

24 posted on 12/17/2007 4:43:01 AM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)

Luv, that is so beautiful...that picture with “I’ll be home for Christmas” will do me in this morning. So precious!

25 posted on 12/17/2007 4:43:41 AM PST by jaycee ("God's love still stands when all else has fallen.")

Beautiful post , Luv! and the Michael Buble version is wonderful...Of course this song always gets me.

26 posted on 12/17/2007 4:46:53 AM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)

Thats adorable, Dolly!! Stay warm...it is so cold here, about 19 but it was down to about 10 during the night. At least we don’t have the snow the Mayor does. We have a light covering and I have so much running around I need to do today and tomorrow....whew~~~~~~

27 posted on 12/17/2007 4:46:56 AM PST by jaycee ("God's love still stands when all else has fallen.")

Mr. Mayor, thank you for our Military thread and nice Pledge this cold Monday morning.

28 posted on 12/17/2007 4:48:55 AM PST by jaycee ("God's love still stands when all else has fallen.")

To: ConorMacNessa; Aquamarine; beachn4fun; Billie; Diver Dave; DollyCali; dutchess; GodBlessUSA; ...

A Happy and Blessed Christmas to the Finest

Madonna and Child - Raphael (1483-1520)

29 posted on 12/17/2007 4:48:55 AM PST by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3rd Bn. 5th Marines, RVN 1969. St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!)

Thanks for the Daily Bread, Mayor.

30 posted on 12/17/2007 4:50:16 AM PST by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3rd Bn. 5th Marines, RVN 1969. St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!)

Lovely, Meg! Good Morning~~~~

31 posted on 12/17/2007 4:50:32 AM PST by jaycee ("God's love still stands when all else has fallen.")

To: ConorMacNessa

Hi Conor, hope you have a great day today.....is it cold where you are...it sure is here!

32 posted on 12/17/2007 4:52:19 AM PST by jaycee ("God's love still stands when all else has fallen.")

33 posted on 12/17/2007 4:58:08 AM PST by GodBlessUSA (US Troops, Past, Present and Future, God Bless You and Thank You!. Prayers said for our Heroes!)

To: ConorMacNessa

Beautiful image!

It was a good weekend. Too fast of course. :)

34 posted on 12/17/2007 4:58:58 AM PST by GodBlessUSA (US Troops, Past, Present and Future, God Bless You and Thank You!. Prayers said for our Heroes!)

To: The Mayor; Finest FRiends

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY, EVERYONE!

35 posted on 12/17/2007 5:01:54 AM PST by jaycee ("God's love still stands when all else has fallen.")

To: MEG33; GodBlessUSA; Mrs.Nooseman; LUV W; DollyCali; The Mayor; ConorMacNessa; Jack Deth; ...

Good morning, y'all.
Meg, that picture is absolutely gor-ge-us!

36 posted on 12/17/2007 5:02:02 AM PST by beachn4fun (With the holidays fast approaching, remember the deployed troops. A care package shows you care.)

Very sweet, Beachie!

37 posted on 12/17/2007 5:03:24 AM PST by jaycee ("God's love still stands when all else has fallen.")

This is lovely Beachn!
Good Morning! :)

38 posted on 12/17/2007 5:04:25 AM PST by GodBlessUSA (US Troops, Past, Present and Future, God Bless You and Thank You!. Prayers said for our Heroes!)

Amen to those words....thanks G.B. for this lovely picture!

39 posted on 12/17/2007 5:05:12 AM PST by jaycee ("God's love still stands when all else has fallen.")

Lucky find! Thank you, beachy. I love your little drummer boy.

40 posted on 12/17/2007 5:08:05 AM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)

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