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live to be happy

Discussion in '2000-02 Archive' started by massdak, Dec 20, 2002.

  1. massdak

    massdak Active Member
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    this was a comment that a nurse made, who helps with a therapy session i receive a few times a week for my hands. she explained a hardship that her and her husband went through several years ago, it entailed him being diagnosed with prostate cancer in which he was operated on just in time, later that year he had a severe heart attack, the lesson that she said was that to be happy and do not take life for granted and live to be happy while one can. she explained that she was a devout catholic, well me being the coward that i am said nothing to support salvation in Christ only. i seem to have a problem with knowing how to speak of Christ and it not seem awkward. but i do know that it is not a true life ambition that one just live to be happy. any comments?
     
  2. Thankful

    Thankful <img src=/BettyE.gif>

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    I think it depends on a person's definition of happy. Many people think of it as being selfish, but it doesn't have to be selfish.

    One can be happy serving others, worshiping our God, praying, studying, doing God's Will.

    I think happy is important. I think we should be happy in life, enjoy life, trust God and not WORRY.

    I think that God wants His children to be happy, just as we want our own children to be happy.
     
  3. Helen

    Helen <img src =/Helen2.gif>

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    Hi, massdak -- in the public women's forum there is a discussion of happiness vs. joy. See what you think. Comments are welcomed there -- men are allowed to post! God bless (and please don't worry about not knowing what to say at any one time, please just get closer to God through your life and simply follow His lead in whatever situation you find yourself. He knows what to say and when to say it. All we have to do is keep our eyes on Him. Maybe one of the lessons He was teaching you at that point was just that -- keep your eyes on Jesus!)
     
  4. Johnv

    Johnv New Member

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    Well, we certainly don't live to be sad!!!

    I agree with the statement. Unfotunately, true happiness is often confused with what feels good. Any former drug abuser can tell you this ain't so.

    For the Christian, happiness is, of course, serving the Lord and enjoying the nenefits thereof.
     
  5. Deacon

    Deacon Well-Known Member
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    We live in the wealthiest country, during the richest and most prosperous time in history. Its easy for me to say, “happiness is serving the Lord and enjoying the benefits thereof.”
    What about the martyrs of today and in times past? Helen says it well, “just get closer to God through your life and simply follow His lead in whatever situation you find yourself.” Happiness/joy will follow. One of my favorite verses is in Matthew 7 says something like that; ‘Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and lowly of heart, and you shall find rest for your soul, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’Even in tough times we can rest in the Lord and enjoy His benefits. [​IMG]
     
  6. Wisdom Seeker

    Wisdom Seeker New Member

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    I think that nurse was just using a commonly accepted generic word for "don't take life for granted, appreciate it now...There is no promise of tomorrow" Carpe Dium.

    And as to not being confident enough to share the gospel with her..... I have a problem in this area too. Fear is the devils personal weapon isn't it? Next time, submit to the Lord, surrender to his will...pray, and take a deep breath and blurt! [​IMG] If it's God's will...He will make an opportunity arise ...even when it's not your nature to be so forward. What I usually do with Catholics...is get them talking about what Catholics believe...I honestly only know what I see portrayed on T.V., they talk, I talk, we compare...opportunity. ;)

    I don't think personal happiness is the objective of life...I think it's an effect of living it rightly.
     
  7. Gwyneth

    Gwyneth <img src=/gwyneth.gif>

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    I`
     
  8. Gwyneth

    Gwyneth <img src=/gwyneth.gif>

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    I`m a great `blurter` ;) Wisdom Seeker [​IMG] it works [​IMG]
     
  9. Gwyneth

    Gwyneth <img src=/gwyneth.gif>

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    See 2 posts ago - what happens when we hesitate ( or press the wrong key :confused: ) we say nothing [​IMG]
     
  10. bilogotaysan

    bilogotaysan Guest

    "I honestly only know what I see portrayed on T.V., they talk, I talk, we compare...opportunity".
    I say this is the best way to witness to someone. I let them say what they believe, I listen and then tell them the gospel and they listened. Through this I avoided heated argument but a great opportunity to share the gospel without any interruption.
     
  11. jcrowe

    jcrowe New Member

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    I think you should read Disiring God by john piper. It deals with this subject.

    You can find it online &gt;&gt; HERE &lt;&lt;.
     
  12. Gina B

    Gina B Active Member

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    Don't live to be happy, be happy to live and the rest starts falling into place. ;)
    Witnessing to strangers can be odd, but maybe an opening line could have been to ask her more about what she believes and go with the discussion that follows. Perfect opening for both of you to have a discussion on it. [​IMG]
    Gina
     
  13. jimslade

    jimslade Guest

    Happiness is contentment in Christ.

    Sometimes its hard to say things to "nice" people that you know may offend them, so just count to three and like the NIKE slogan says "JUST DO IT"
     
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