Be Of Good Cheer

copyright Millie Plastaras 12/06/07


Good Morning Everyone,


I have told you these things so that in Me you may have perfect
peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials
and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer -- take courage,
be confident, certain, undaunted -- for I HAVE OVERCOME the world --
I have deprived it of power to harm, and conquered it for you.
John 16:33

There is a commercial on tv, that has struck me lately,
and given me pause for thought. There is a singer singing:

Are you havin' any fun?
What y'gettin' out o' livin'?
What good is what you've got
If you're not havin' any fun?

Are you havin' any laughs?
Are you gettin' any lovin'?
If other people do,
So can you, have a little fun.
written by Sammy Fain / Jack Yellin

I sat and thought about myself and others, who have seemed
at times to have forgotten how to have fun and enjoy life.
Every day is full of worries or fears, and really it just saps our
strength. Sometimes we are so weary with our problems
and dread of life, we cannot even give or receive love.

Is this what God intended life to be like?

What a great thing to laugh. To sit and watch a funny movie,
or listen to friends tell good stories, or just get out of the house
and do some volunteer work, that you see brings a smile to someone's
face.

Take time to refresh your spirit.
Have some fun, do something you enjoy. Laugh more, worry less,
things always worked out before, and they will now. Just enjoy life
while you have it! Don't plan on having fun later, don't think life
lasts forever, seize the moments you have each day and make
them special. Then you can look back with accumulated days
that were purposeful, and enjoyable.

There is a balance to this life. A season for everything. Sometimes
we work, sometimes we rest, sometimes we play.

What good is what you got, if you are not having any fun?

All the money in the world does not bring happiness,
all the possessions you could buy do not bring lasting happiness,
they are so momentary, that the thrill wears off.

Happiness is a choice!

My precious friend, your life is a gift. Look at it like that,
take a fresh look, a new perspective. Take time today
to laugh, and enjoy the beauty of life, it will refresh your spirit
and restore your joy. Don't let life pass you by and miss
out on some great experiences, because you chose to live
life in despair rather than breaking out of that mold and JUST LIVING!

A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart
the spirit is broken.
Proverbs 15:13

All the days of the desponding (despairing) afflicted are made
evil (by anxious thoughts and forboding), but he who HAS A GLAD
HEART, HAS A CONTINUAL FEAST!
Proverbs 15:15

A happy heart is a good medicine and cheerful mind works healing,
but a broken spirit dries the bones.
Proverbs 17:22

Make a choice to be a cheerful person. This is a sign of true faith.
Just trusting in Christ to work out things, enjoying life, and bringing
cheer and joy to those you know. Don't you love being around
cheerful people? Be one. Be a blessing, for your own sake
and others.

Love
millie


ps..I used to suffer from severe depression. I remember once when
going through some very heavy things, that someone told a joke
and made me laugh so hard, and suddenly it was as if dark clouds
had lifted and the sun came out. It was such a stark contrast,
I realized how I had chosen to dwell in fear and depression
and that while I was doing that, there were still great things going
on in life I was missing by feeling sorry for myself and my circumstances.

What a waste of energy and time. Never let negative feelings control
your thinking. Take every thought captive, and enjoy the precious
life God has given you. Plan on making a difference in this world.
One for good, and not evil, One for joy and not despair, one for faith
and not fear. Be a Light!!