Finding My Sense Of Humor
A sense of humor… is needed armor. Joy in one’s heart and some laughter on one’s lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life.
Hugh Sidey
Image via Wikipedia
I totally agree with the above quote. Ever know someone who wasn’t on the same page with you – as far as humor goes? Instead of smiling, or laughing and seeing the joke – they criticize and try to “correct” you?
Ah – the value of seeing the lighter side of life! Sometimes the ones that have the best sense of humor are those that have been through much in their lives. I’m reminded of stand up comedians – and very funny entertainers. Usually there is a story there that propelled them into channeling hurt and frustration into laughter and making people laugh. And usually it is those that have been through the most in life – that have the best grasp on it.
I don’t know why we are made the way we are – we all have different personalities, work ethic, family traditions and backgrounds – and yet, somehow we all have the ability to laugh and feel joy. And when we lose that ability to laugh – especially at ourselves, we lose real meaning and our lives become very heavy indeed.
I believe that God created each of us with that special gift of laughter and conversation – unique to human beings – so that we could express and experience His nature to the full.
Do you ever find yourself losing your sense of humor?
If so – you are not alone.
There are MANY things in this life that will rob you and me of that joyous laughter and appreciation for the little things.
Life is hard. There are bills. And worries. And illness. And teenagers. And aging parents. And more bills. And relationship problems. And on and on and on and on it goes.
We can’t change them. They just are.
But true joy comes from knowing Jesus as your personal Savior. We were hopelessly lost in sin and death – and then Jesus…
That’s enough to bring a smile and a laugh – but if it’s not enough for you – try taking a walk today and looking around at the trees and nature. Take a deep breath and whisper a prayer, “Thank you Lord – for all of this BEAUTY today – thank you for providing a release from stress and the burdens of life – and help me to find that laughter and deep joy that only comes from you – help me to find that laughter again – help me to find that much-needed humor that YOU created for me”
It may not change any of your circumstances – but it will change YOU!
I am praying for you today.
Laugh at something or someone today. Take a chance. Have a belly laugh. Laugh down deep – laugh until you cry. You will be glad you did.
God Bless
Related articles
- God Definitely Has a Sense of Humor! (gracedesired.com)
- Master’s Sense of Humor (girlslavejournal.wordpress.com)
- Laughter IS The Best Medicine! So What Are You Waiting For? Laugh! (lightworkersgifts.wordpress.com)
I Will Remember You
One of the best love songs from Amy Grant. Set to this video with a military theme – priceless.
Enjoy and God Bless
The Perfect Storm
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Last week was miserable in the Pacific Northwest with all the snow, ice and then the warmer temperatures and high winds – melting all that snow on trees and caused significant damage and power outages all over the state. There was a night and day that were LOUD as snow and ice would fall on our roof and branches of trees would snap, crack and gyrate, hitting our roof and sides of our home. It looked like a war zone in our yard – and the noise was constant. Our 4 month old puppy, Daisy – did not like it one bit – and we couldn’t explain to her what was going on – or that it was just something normal that happens as things warm up and melt. She was just FREAKED OUT.
But like any storm, and melting thereof, it soon passed. Things returned to “normal” around here – at least for her. Then last night, just before bed – a strong wind-storm swept in and rattled things around AGAIN. Instead of just ‘hunkering down’ and going to sleep, every little burst of wind and rattle against the sky light and window would cause her to jump to attention and bark – then cower and whimper. Soon she jumped from the bed and paced from room to room crying and would NOT be consoled – no matter what I did.
Greg was gone, doing windows at his night job. Finally when he did come home after finishing his work – he found a very frightened but excited puppy – and his presence seemed to comfort her enough that she was able to snuggle up next to him and finally go to sleep for the remainder of the night.
I was reminded of something while she struggled last night during her ‘perfect storm’ – being distracted and frightened by gusts of wind and rain pounding against our house – that I too often struggle against the ‘noise’ of this world – things I can’t comprehend and things that ‘freak me out’ because they are loud, or feel funny, or just scare me. How often am I distracted by things that are really just ‘normal’ in the big scheme of things. Is it a reminder of how BIG God is – and how small I am – and I am not meant to understand everything? Is my “perfect storm” really just a way of coming to Him, like a frightened puppy does when her daddy finally comes home?
There’s safety trusting in our Heavenly Father – who made the wind, rain and storms. And He has ultimate control, not only of the physical universe – but of the spiritual realm as well – and can calm my own personal storm by just a whisper.
I’m reminded of the storm in the Bible where the disciples and Jesus were on a boat. Jesus was tired and had gone down below to sleep and a storm whipped up and the disciples were FREAKED OUT thinking they were going to die. When they awakened sleepy Jesus they said, “Don’t you care that we’re all going to die” He simply spoke to the storm, “Peace, Be Still” and it was quiet again. And they were all amazed.
This same Jesus is here to calm the storms in my life and yours. What seems difficult for us to understand or wrap our minds around – Is NOT too difficult for Him.
And like a puppy who simply can’t comprehend when it is imaginary or real danger - so we are prone to get distracted by wind and rain in our own world – thinking that it is the BIGGEST STORM we’ve ever had – when all it is – is just noise.
What is your perfect storm? Are you in one right now? Does God speak peace to you through the noise and confusion – or are you TOO FREAKED OUT to hear His voice saying, “Peace Be Still” in your own situation? If you trust Him and know He is in control of the winds, rain and bad storms in your life – then what bad thing can happen?
Dear Lord – help me to hear your voice through the distractions and noise of my own personal storms. Help me to see you reaching out your protective arms of peace and strength. Help me to be soothed by your very presence – drawing me in to snuggle up beside you and just simply trust.
Amen
Return To Me
Definition of a good movie? One that makes you laugh and cry. At least for me. This is probably one of the most underrated comedy/love stories of all time. Directed by the very funny Bonnie Hunt – this story will move you and have you laughing all the way through. Great supporting cast including Jim Belushi, Carroll O’Connor and Bonnie Hunt – it has many surprises and delightful moments that make this movie a classic and one you will want to keep in your library to pull out and watch over and over.
Grace, played by Minnie Driver has a heart transplant, only possible because a woman dies in a car accident, the wife of Bob – a builder and architect, played by David Duchovny. The two of them meet one year later at the Italian restaurant that belongs to Grace’s grandfather and friend, Angelo. After their chance meeting they begin to date and fall in love – never suspecting that her new heart once belonged to Bob’s wife.
The scenes with the older men playing poker and listening to old Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin records are PRICELESS! And I LOVE every scene with Jim Belushi – who plays Bonnie Hunt’s husband.
If you have never seen this little gem – you need to see it!
Below is the trailer from the movie – Enjoy!
God Bless
Love Song
The following song sung by the legendary Elton John, is one of my favorite love songs. Somebody put together this wonderful video of couples in love – it is really beautiful and timely as we approach Valentine’s Day.
Enjoy and God Bless
The words I have to say
May well be simple but they’re true,
Until you give your love,
There’s nothing more that we can do.
Love is the opening door
Love is what we came here for
No one could offer you more
Do you know what I mean?
Have your eyes really seen?
You say it’s very hard
To leave behind the life we knew,
But there’s no other way
And now it’s really up to you
Love is the key we must turn.
Truth us the flame we must burn.
Freedom the lesson we must learn.
Do you know what I mean?
Have your eyes really seen?
A Touch Of Nostalgia
Yes that’s me. My senior picture taken in the summer of 1978 for my year of graduation – 1979.
This morning I received an invitation on facebook from a former high school class mate – to join “schoolFeed” a website somewhat like “Classmates.com”. Naturally I was curious and was surprised to see many people I recognize (well, at least I recognize their names) from high school. It is a website that allows you to post pictures, interest, bio and stats, including a senior photo – so others can tell it’s really you.
I’ve never been too interested in this kind of stuff before – because frankly – I keep in touch with those I want to and have never sought out the others I did not have relationship with past high school. Usually for most of us, high school is a time of dark murky waters of self-consciousness and humiliation – mixed in with some of the best times of our lives. For me – an old boyfriend or two has a tendency to pop up on sites like this and although amusing – it’s sometimes better to leave the past in the past. Heartbreaks and relationship issues – especially in high school are dicey at best.
My good times in high school revolve around my musical and dramatic involvement – NOT the academic arena. In fact – I can hardly remember what I learned back them – don’t remember ever having homework but managed to pull “A’s” and “B’s” in most classes. But I remember almost every play I was involved in and every piece of music I sang in our concert and Jazz choir.
But when I look back on high school - it is not with all fondness. It was an age of awkwardness, not being sure enough of myself – to really be myself and mostly a time of great regret for me personally. As one of the few Christians in my high school – I know I could have spoken up more – and tried to make more of a difference, but I didn’t. I know I did not handle a couple of situations in the right way. Who really acts in a grown-up way before the age of 18? But still – it is something I think about.
I have this weird recurring dream too. I’m back in high school – can’t remember my locker combination – can find my class, etc. When I finally do find a schedule for classes – I’m in one (after roaming the halls forever) too late in the quarter and don’t have any idea what they’re talking about – and there’s a real possibility I won’t graduate. Now in the light of day this is a silly dream (if there really is such a thing) I not only graduated, but went on to be a college graduate as well.
The only explanation that Greg and I have ever been able to come up with is this:
Somewhere deep down – I have the feeling of “unfinished business”. And this is something I have never been able to shake.
So finding some of these people online whom I have not had a face-to-face conversation since 1979 – is surreal. Gotta love facebook for bringing past people back into our present. What we do with them is our choice.
And because we can never go back – I have to believe that those circumstances, pain and regret have made me who I am today. Without them – I would not have learned how to handle heartbreak and regret, or to be able to find a long-lasting relationship – and know the difference.
But I do want to reconnect with those from my past that make me smile. Those I’ve forgotten about, as they went on their way to “do life”. Share wonderful memories of fun things we did – remember teachers and events and talking about how old and mature we thought we were. But most of all – I would love to take what I know now about people and life in general – and walk those high school halls again, find those people whom I hurt and who hurt me – and make things right in person.
What are your best and worst high school memories? Do you like connecting with others from your past? What would you do if you could go back with what you know now?
God Bless
One More Time
These lyrics go so perfectly with my post the other day, “What is Your Door”? And when I heard it today again, I just had to post it. We all need to hear this – but there is especially one person who needs it more. And for that one person, this is for you.
God Bless
There always seems to be a door that you can’t open
There always seems to be a mountain you can’t climb
But you keep on reaching
You just keep on reaching
When your destiny is out there in the distance
But the road ahead’s a mine field in disguise
And you keep on moving
You Just keep on moving
You will make it through this
Just give it time
You gotta give it time
This is what you’re made for
Standing in the downpour
Knowing that the sun will shine
Forget what lies behind you
Heaven walks beside you
You got to give it one more try
One more time (time)
You just keep on reaching
You just keep on, you keep on moving (hey)
When the shadows fall on everything you’re dreaming
When the promises turn out to be a lie
You just keep believing (yeah)
You just keep believing
Oh, don’t stop your dreaming
It’s gonna be alright
It’s gonna be alright
This is what you’re made for
Standing in the downpour
Knowing that the sun will shine
Forget what lies behind you
Heaven walks beside you
You got to give it one more try
This is what you’re made for
Standing in the downpour
Knowing that the sun will shine
Forget what lies behind you
Heaven walks beside you
You got to give it one more try
It’s gonna be alright
One more time
You got to keep on reaching
Keep believing (yeah)
It’s gonna be alright (oh, yeah)
Shine On Us
This song is my very favorite from “Phillips, Craig and Dean”. It’s been around for several years now – and I never get tired of its simple beauty.
Image via Wikipedia
When I think about “God’s Light” shining down on me – I am reminded of how very dark it is without any light, especially walking along at night with no street lights or moon. And away from the city it seems even darker – pitch black and still. But with a little light as dawn starts to break – everything suddenly appears as it is lit up and things you did not know were right there beside you – are suddenly seen.
So it is with “God’s Light” shining down on us personally – illuminating some very dark places in our heart – exposing them for what they are – so that we may live and be saved.
His Light, Grace and Love shining down on us – forever guiding the way – saving us from ourselves, freeing us from the darkness that threatens to drown us in troubled times. And staying with us when those troubled times are dispelled by His great light.
I am forever grateful for this – the beauty and majesty of His Light.
Have you experienced this in your own heart and life? When was the last time you recognized His great Light shining down on you?
Psalm 4:6 says this: Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.
The video I posted below uses ‘sky time lapse’ photography while the song is playing and lyrics are shown. It is breathtaking and very emotional. Hope you enjoy it!
God Bless
What Is Your Door?
I love this scripture passage. It is hopeful and gets me ‘outside of myself’ and own ability to solve my problems. Often though, I do not ask, seek or knock.
What stops me from asking? It is my own self-sufficient pride? My own elevated self-worth?
What stops me from seeking? My highly educated mind? My ability to solve the answer on my own?
Do I think I know more than God does? Simply because nothing has driven me to the point of giving up entirely? Is it more than sheer desperation that God requires from me?
And if I knew that all I had to do was gently knock – and not bang the door down – would I not knock? Or is it the fear of what is behind the door prevent me from even going there?
Sometimes I think it’s all of the above – sometimes I think it’s none of them. Sometimes my greatest fear is the unknown, of the silence and the pain that may come to me by really pressing in.
If asking, seeking and knocking were really that simple – wouldn’t everyone that believes – just do it? Not think about the end result?
And yet – this scripture tells me that everyone who does it – will receive.
Do we always receive an answer when we ask? Yes. Sometimes silence is an answer.
Do we always find when we seek? Yes. Scripture promises that He is near us when we seek Him.
What about that closed-door? Does my knocking really open it? I believe that God reveals different open doors to us – as we are ready to receive them. Those doors may look nothing like I imagined – or ‘prayed’ them to be. It may be completely different – but that may be God’s plan for me.
The question is: Can I handle that?
What does your door look like that you are knocking on? Is it the right door? Does God have something different for you that He will open – when you are ready to knock? Are you ready?
Dear Lord – help me to accept the “doors” that you have for me to open. Guide me to your plan for my life – not the plan that I have in mind for me. Help me see your heart and mind for me – help me see things the way you see them. Help me trust you completely with all the “closed doors” of my life. And when you say they have to stay shut – help me to leave them alone, turn and walk away. Give me those “doors” to walk through that just my gentle knock will open. I want what you want for me. Amen.
Cannons
This morning it snowed in Seattle for the first time in quite a while. As the day progressed everything was soon covered in a beautiful blanket of white.
We sang the following worship song this morning in church – and because of the wintry whiteness, it seemed appropriate – the lyrics are awesome. Hope you like the amazing video 
Enjoy and God Bless!
