#100HAPPYDAYS

I came across this challenge on Facebook where you post a picture a day over 100 days of things that make you happy.  People who have completed the challenge claim to have started noticing what makes them happy on a daily basis, it improved their mood every day, started receiving more compliments from people, realize how fortunate they are to have the life they are blessed with, become more optimistic, and fall in love during the challenge.  That last one made me laugh a little as I paused to think about that.  But I think it could happen on many different levels - falling in love with oneself and the new optimism, fall in love with your life as you stop to count your blessings, and fall in love with others as you begin to see them in a more positive and happy light.  I am beginning this challenge today and would love to have you join me!  #100HAPPYDAYS

Link to register:
http://100happydays.com/

So the first picture I posted today is this:

This picture needs a little explanation as it will lead me to another challenge that I would love for you to join me on...interested?

Yummy French toast with strawberries and whipped cream, a side of bacon (okay only two pieces pictured but I ate more than two - just not telling how many), and Starbucks.  Makes me happy to start the day with a delicious breakfast like this.  But my day was made happier with the quiet time I had in devotion.

My devotion this morning was a challenge from Gwen Smith.  Gwen is a Christian who describes herself as being an "unashamed, imperfect worshiper of Jesus Christ."  She is a recording artist, author, and co-founder of Girlfriends in God (a fabulous devotional website that I follow daily).  She  set a challenge out this week and I am a little late - reading the book of James (James is only 5 chapters long).  This leads me to my second challenge for you - join me in reading James.

Here is Gwen's blog where you can begin:
http://www.gwensmith.net/challenge-james-1/

I would love to hear that you have started these challenges along with me and hear feedback from you as we are challenged together!

Since I have already started, I will share some of what spoke to me from James 1.  I have always tried to face trials and difficulties with strength - not my own, but His, knowing that this testing produces perseverance and helps develop a maturity of our faith (V2-4).  It is so comforting to know that we can always go before the throne and seek God's wisdom when we are lacking wisdom (V5).  I find that wisdom is something that I pray for regularly, especially in the raising of my children but also in making life decisions as I want to follow His will for my life.  This isn't always as easy as it sounds as sometimes we have a plan and want to take our own course in life.  Verses 9-11 are a good reminder that riches and position don't mean much in God's eyes and that God is God no matter what - He doesn't change even though our situation may change.  My biggest takeaway from James 1 was the promise found in verse 12, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." ~James 1:12

I also appreciated the words reminding me to be grateful for all that I am blessed with.  "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." ~James 1:17  Again I was reminded through these words just how omnipotent our God truly is.  Our God is unchanging, despite life's sometimes difficult circumstances.

When I found this on Pinterest, they quoted the rest of it but from a different version than NIV that I always use.  "...comes from the father of heavenly lights who does not change like shifting sands."  A powerful verse to show God's power and His blessings on us.

The rest of James finishes by telling us how we should live - a life of love for HIM.  I was reminded of how a childhood friend of mine who would always end her letters to me by signing, "In His Light, Life, and Love."  So applicable here and such a way to live our lives.

Thanks for reading today and allowing me to share my thoughts with you.  I hope you will join me in these challenges and allow them to change your life.