Showing posts with label happiness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label happiness. Show all posts

January 08, 2013

Why be Happy when I can NOT be? {guest post} by Miranda H.

I think that people have a misconstrued view of happiness.
people who are actually happy- whats up with them? Everyone has their own story, and I know that sometimes it's hard not to compare your story to someone else's you know- even Edgar Allen Poe had a longstanding rivalry with Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (a poet) back in the day. Sometimes the people who are unhappy take out that unhappiness on those who are happy. But hold on a just a second, that's a whole lot of happy and unhappiness going on right there- so what IS the definition of happy?

HAPPY: 
1. delighted, pleased, or glad, as over a particular thing.
2. characterized by or indicative of pleasure, contentment, or joy 

So there you have it folks, happiness in a nutshell, right? Every single person on this revolving planet has different difficulties, tragedies, sorrows, hardships, challenges and joys. but we all have one thing, life. referring back to the definition of happy- the first example is joy over a particular thing- life is a thing. you can't argue that fact. if your alive you have something to be happy, pleased, glad and delighted about. the definition doesn't say: 

"Happy- being characterized by joy and gladness but only if your past and present circumstances allow you to be and you have a great life which enables you to feel so." 

      no one would be happy if that's what happiness was, thank the Lord that it isn't! What some people don't seem to realize is that it's much harder to have a good attitude and be happy than it is to be depressed all the time. Gee, I just get depressed when I don't feel like I have the energy to do anything else. That sounds pretty lazy right? believe me I know. But before you start getting frustrated about me not knowing what I'm talking about- I also know this isn't the case for everyone. Some people have things going on in their lives that it seems no one should ever have to go through, and those people have reason to be depressed all the time (or most of the time)... Um, no. sorry, maybe that sounds like the right answer for a lot of people today but it's not the truth, it would be a lot EASIER if it were, but it's not
      Look, my mom and dad aren't divorced, I love my brothers and sisters (though we all go through rough patches- okay, sometimes cactus-like patches, but still) and I have friends that I would truly die for, not just as a figure of speech. I've still been through plenty, I've cried myself to sleep sometimes, I've had to leave the house just to get away from what was going on inside, I've felt like screaming or kicking something, I've felt helpless and many more things. But you know what differs between two people who go through hard things and come out either woebegone or actually happy? the choice TO BE HAPPYHappiness doesn't just come skipping up the road and decide to make it's home inside you- ppphhht. Its a decision, a really, really,really,very, incredibly important choice. No one controls it but you. Not the Jerks, not the pessimists, not the hurt, not the gossipers, not the judgmentals, not physical or psychological things,not your girlfriend/boyfriend, not the betrayers, not your parents, not where you are in life, not how many times you feel like giving up,not even other happy people, or anything else that comes to mind. you do. That makes it a lot harder now doesn't it? though some people would tell you otherwise, when we are unhappy we use these exact things as crutches to be such. Its your happiness, so don't blame other people's sinfulness or contentedness with the state of it. 
      Like anything in life, it comes with time. a priceless treasure doesn't happen over night, it happens with time. Happiness is a treasure. NO ONE is happy all year: 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8,765 hours, 525,949 minutes, 31,536,000 seconds. Just try being happy on a hard day- you know how hard it is. But nothing worth having comes easily. I'm not just talking about the happiness that shows, but the happiness that is a part of who you are. because, lets face it, it's not as if while our parents are fighting or our friends are hurting us we walk around with a smile on our face all happy. No, I'm also talking about the kind that is still there while going through the trials we all face. The kind that still gives us hope and helps carry us through those times of loneliness- if you keep reading, I'll tell you how you can have this kind of hapiness. 
      Other then some other things going on in my life, here's the quote that sparked this blog post: 

"I like living. I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing."
-Agatha Christie 
      Anyone and everyone is capable of doing something great in this world, I don't care what anyone else has told you out of seeming good-will or out of anger. The Greatest things done are made up of the smallest of things. A war isn't won by an army, it's won by individual, courageous soldiers that chose to be a part of something greater than themselves or their past. I know we are kinda getting onto a different subject, but how would any of the accomplishments that helped change the world happen, if everyone involved decided to just get bogged down in the sorrows of their life and never reach outside of that? So you see, Happiness isn't just what one feels but what one DOES and how one LIVES.  
      And outside of knowing Jesus Christ, this isn't possible. You can have the perfect life, or maybe not, and just try to be happy- but something will always be missing. That hole you feel in your very being? that can't be filled with the plastic, fragile, worldly happiness. It can only be filled with the happiness that comes with a new heart and soul that lives, breaths and longs to do everything to the glory of the one who changed it. This entire post is useless without the working of the Holy King, GOD. So, if you want the kind of happiness that never leaves you, even in the times when the world seems to shrink in on you and the darkness of the evil in this life caves in on top of you: pick up your Bible, drop to your knees and HE will save you. God will give you the Happiness you seek, when you seek HIM.  
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." 
-John 16:33

"It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness."-Charles Spurgeon 
"If you’re going through hell, keep going."
-Winston Churchill 
"The three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love and something to hope for."
-Addison 
"Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open." 
 ~John Barrymore


About Miranda:
First and foremost I’m a daughter of the King, Jesus Christ. He gave me a new heart and mind that yearns to live and breathe for His glory. I always talk about my family first: I come from a relatively large family, eight (including myself) to be precise. The fact that four of those siblings are older brothers definitely has helped shape me into who I am today, though, my only younger brother has probably shaped me the most. Thankfully, I was blessed with two younger sisters as well; one of them (second to youngest) has Down-syndrome. And let me tell you, she is the most caring, loving, and sweet-hearted person I know. We adopted quite a few years ago, but it became a terrible situation and we had to dissolve the adoption. Those years were really hard.
I’ve enjoyed many things through the years, starting from swimming, to dance, to horseback riding, to track, to photography, to volunteering at animal rescues, all of which were/are amazing. I’ve always been able to find beauty and wonder in the small things in God’s creation, maybe that’s how I manage to be happy the majority of the time, because how can one be depressed surrounded by it? Coming to the end of my high-school days, I’ve had to learn to keep my attitude how I want to feel and not let it be controlled by the situation I’m in or others attitudes. I hope this blog post is a blessing to you and I pray that with God’s help you will be able to as well. 
Thanks so much Miranda for sharing your writing talent!  Miranda is my great friend, and one of the kindest people you will ever meet! Hop on over to her super-fun blog, "Adventures are Funny Things", and leave her some comment love!

April 08, 2012

Easter Happiness



{Dress: Old Navy-Sandals:Target- Bolero:Kohls-Headband:Cato- Bracelets + Ring :Kari Jobe}







 For Easter, my entire family loves dying eggs. It is one of our {favorite} traditions





About two years ago, I discovered how to "batik" eggs- and since then, me and my sisters love doing them! {we use tape and dye :) }



I think this is one of my favorite traditions! I am known as the "Egg Jedi"  because my eggs are always take the longest, and I usually try and eat my sisters' eggs so that I will not have to crack mine.






My Easter was so great. We went to church, and many people gave their testimonies. We then went to my grandparent's house, and ate ham, scalloped potatoes, and about 546 different forms of sugar. I ate a lot of Peeps. Which are mi favorito. I am so blessed.

What was the best part about your Easter?


August 01, 2011

Heavenfest 2011

Heavenfest + one Libbi +3  1.5 liter bottles of water (4.5 liters total) - 97.7 degrees Fahrenheit + meeting KJ52 = One very good day! This year I went with my (newly) 13 year old sister Abby, her Friend Abby B. , and my cousin Victoria. Though we saw a few people from church, it was mostly us! We had an awesome time, I mean, corn dogs and kettle corn always help! My favorite part of the day was when I was about to go to the VOX tent, and I noticed a golf cart by the side. In the golf cart was none other than KJ52! I went up to ask for a picture and an autograph, and instead I got to talk to him for about ten minutes! It was wonderful. Really. It was much more fun...er...Funner this year than it was last year. I would encourage any of you Coloradans to go next year if you are able to!

Sincerely,
Libbi H.

February 17, 2011

Keeping it Classy Modest Fashion Week Day 5! My Birthday!

Yay! I have to post this video!

Lol :) I had a great birthday! I went to Rock Bottom Grill, and had a great day!

I will post my birthday outfit pics tomorrow :) These are yesterdays :)  {I always take them a day ahead of time lol :)












Cerulean Sweater: Old Navy
Obsidian Shirt: Gift
Scarf: I am not quite sure,  maybe walmart?
Skirt: Thrifted!
Peacock hair clip: Claires
Bracelet: Costa Rica :)
Shoes: Hand me downs!

This has been so much fun! My birthday was great!

Sincerely,

February 15, 2011

The Funner Sweet 16 Giveaway day 14! and 15, and 16! {3 winners!}

Hi Everyone! I am doing three prizes today! Since tomorrow is the last day to enter them all, Here are the links to every day:

Day 1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day6
Day7
Day8
Day9
Day10
Day11
Day12
Day13

I will be hand making each of the prizes according to the request of the winner :)
First prize is:
an Apron! Depending on your favorite color, I will make you a custom full apron! Yay!
Second Prize: I will get my lovely sister to make you some lovely earrings in the color of your choice! She is extremely talented in the earring making area, alas, I am not.
Third Prize: A Feather hair-clip :) I love making these! I have a ton of feathers at home, {which I buy from Hobby Lobby}! Of course, the winner gets the color of her choice!



I will draw ALL THREE WINNERS Tomorrow!

Here's how to enter:
Tell me how many chocolates you ate yesterday {lol} I ate...6 I am so ashamed. Haha
                                                                         Extra Entries:
  1. Follow my blog via GFC *2 entries
  2. Put one of my blog buttons on your blog {click here}*2 entries
  3. Blog, Tweet, or Fabcebook about this giveaway, and leave me the link * 1 entry each
  4. Email your friends and get *1 entry for every 3 people {9 people, 3 entries}
  5. Follow one of the blogs on my blog roll and let me know which one it is! *1 entry
  6.  Contact me here with a question or a comment :) *1 entry
    This giveaway {like the others} will end tomorrow at 9 o'clock GMT -7, or Mountain time. It is only open to the US {sorry everyone else!}


    Well! Enter enter enter!!!


    February 14, 2011

    The Funner Sweet 16 Giveaway day 13!

    Sorry this is late! Lol I totally forgot to post it yesterday!

     Happy Valentines Day! I will have a valentines outfit a bit later for ya :) Here is a new button for you all! It's my Valentines day button :)






    Enjoy!



    Today's sponsor is:
    Dive Students!

    Dive Students just starterd their etsy. They are a group of crafty homeschoolers who like to be creative :) They are sponsoring this giveaway with these lovelies:
    What are these might you ask? Well, they are button-dresses. Yes I did name them :)  What you do is take them and slide them onto any buttons you have, and loop the yarn around your button and voila! You just used a button dress!

    I think these would look lovely on this shirt:
    This womens' shirt is from Amazon, and It would be so cute to hook the flowers onto this shirt, and then wear a brightly colored skirt or  pants :)
    Anyways, here's how you can enter:

    Mandatory Entry:
    Tell me your views on Courting/Dating { You can make it as long or short as you like :)
    Extra Entries:
    • Tell Me what your favorite love story is{Mine is either Pride and Prejudice or While You Were Sleeping}*2 entries
    • Follow my blog *2 entries
    • Add my blog button { go up:)}to your blog! {Or just a specific blog post :) *2 entries


    Well, Happy Valentines Day!


    BTW Make sure and check out this giveaway, and click the button right under the word under to check out my other 12 giveaways :)

    February 02, 2011

    The Funner Sweet 16 Giveaway day 2!

    How are you all this lovely day? Well I'm doing great! If you haven't already, scroll down to read My interview with Natasha Atkerson! Here is my baby picture...
    So are you all excited for the next giveaway? I know I am!
    Today's giveaway sponsor is...





    Danimals19 has a lovely array of hair accessories; Which I must say, I truly adore.
    Here are just a few of her awesome designs...
    I love feathers. I really do!

    Who would've thought to use buttons as a hairclip! I love this idea!
    Aren't they all lovely?

     Danalee has kindly agreed to give the winner a Surprise gift :) Not even I know what she is to give :) {Whoever wins you should post a picture of the item...I so want to see it!

    So what can you do to enter this fabulous giveaway?



    MANDATORY ENTRY: Follow my blog via GFC {or let me know you already do so} and then Head on over to Danimals19 and leave me the link to your favorite item! 
      Extra entries
    1. Heart Danimals19 on Etsy *1 entry
    2. Put one of my blog buttons on your blog {click right here}*3 entries
    3. Blog,Tweet, or FB about this giveaway *1 entry each
    4. Make a purchase from Danimals19, and put my blog address somewhere in the feedback.{So I know it was you  who purchased the item :)}  *15 entries
    5. Order a FREE blog button for your blog {click right here}*2 entries



    So, like the 1st giveaway, you have until FEB 16, 2011 to enter! 

    Enter away!

    February 01, 2011

    The Funner Sweet Sixteen Giveaway, day 1!

    Yay! I have only been waiting to post this for like, a MONTH. Yay! I am so excited to start! So the 16 days leading up to my sweet 16th {the 17th} I will post a giveaway! 16 giveaways, 16 days, 16th Bday!!! Yay! Happy day!!! Before I talk about the giveaway, I must post a picture of myself like, 3 days after I was born :)




    I am super excited to announce the first giveaway sponsor...
    SweetHeart Studio!

    Sweet Heart Studio has some amazing items, including these:

    Ok, so here is what you can win:

    This Fabulous set of bobby pins!
    So how many of you want this? I know I do! So cute!

    Here is how you can enter:


    Mandatory entry: Make sure you are a follower on my blog, and then head over to Sweet Heart Studio and pick your absolute favorite item!


    Extra Entries:
    1.  Put my button on your blog{ for more choices, click here}*2 entries

    2. Heart SweetHeart Studio on Etsy *1 entry
    3. Blog, tweet, or Facebook about this Giveaway *1 entry each
    4. Make a purchase from Sweet Heart Studio, and leave positive feedback with my blog address in it {so that I can verify you made a purchase :)} *25 entries 
    5. Tell me what you did/are going to do for your sweet 16*1 entry




    The last day you can enter will be February 16th, 2011 {The Day Before My Birthday}!
    Enter away!

    December 11, 2010

    Merry Almost Christmas!

    As I sit here, on December 11 of 2010,  I am wondering what it would be like if the world remained as it was when Jesus was born. There would be no electricity, no telephones, no ipods,  no computers, and I wouldn't be writing this blog.  Imagine what the Nativity Story would have been like if Jesus would have been born this year?
    December of 2010, Jesus's birthday? Many people have portrayed this, some as a comedy, but all of them really make you think. Nowadays, we don't take literally how impactful  the story was until we put it under our own terms. She rode a donkey? This one is hard to come to understand unless we think of it like this: Imagine a teenager, 9 months pregnant, riding a horse from Greeley to Grand Junction. AUGH! That would be incredibly hard, and strenuous.
    I was thinking I may write a small fiction on my blog about the Nativity story in A.D. 2010.

    Weekend Question; What would you do in Mary or Joseph's Shoes, In A.D. 2010?

    November 24, 2010

    10 things I am thankful for :)

    As it is only 4 1/2 hours from thanksgiving, I think I will post the 10 things I am most grateful for :)

    10) I am thankful for blogs. I could probably read them for three hours a day (especially the ones on my suggested blogs on the right :)
    9)Converse. No, not conversation, I am talking about the original Chuck Taylors, the krim-de-la -krim of sneakers. What would the world be with out them?
    8) Marshmallow creme. 'Nuff said.
    7) Books. Oh glorious books. Not only can you read them, but if you were in an emergency situation, then you could make a shelter out of them, a fire, or even a blanket!
    6) Hair accessories. What would I do without them?
    5) Macadamia nuts. The only nut that tastes good in Mauna Loa candies...
    4) A house. There are a ton of people out there who don't have homes, I do, so I am really grateful.
    3) Friends. I am thankful for all my friends who live on this humble planet I call home. Sorry Zorkon241, I am not really grateful for you...
    2) Family. I love my family, if it weren't for them, I wouldn't be here. Literally.
    1) Jesus! I love Jesus, and I hope you do too! He is the only reason we exist! We should adore Him!


    If you are reading this, then you should also post the 10 things you are most grateful for :)