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HDM Echoes

Happy Day Moment Echoes: 5.15

There will be blossoms.

More than likely, you’re experienced deep, hard moments. Maybe you’re like me and are in the middle of them right now. Moments of emptiness loneliness bleakness.

And yet. (Those two words are a promise.)

And yet, for all the struggles, questions, hard times, there is gratitude.

Gratitude that shines a light in every dark, desolate place. Gratitude that remembers a summer, a fruitful place.

That season of minimal color, stark branches, when the world feels forsaken, will become a season of blossoms.

And I will be grateful.

For every season holds something of value. The buried seed blooms.

As Echoes of the May posts on my Happy Day Moment Facebook page,

As one who strives and yearns and (sometimes) blooms to live with gratitude, I make these statements as blossoms to you:

Pink blossom (Explore 2014-05-09)

It’s not happy moments that make us grateful, but gratefulness that makes happy moments.

Be profoundly, crazily, completely, utterly you.

Life is too short to live even one day without celebrating and expressing love for others.

Let the next chapter of your story be a story of love and rescue.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. #happydaymoment

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Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.

Don’t be defeated by hatefulness, but defeat hatefulness with love.

We all make mistakes, but let’s forgive one another, covering offenses with love when we’re wronged or hurt.

When you see others in a hard season, love them well.

 

It’s good to believe that anything is possible.

God’s grace can never fail. ‪

People will always judge or misjudge you; live with kindness and forgiveness anyway. #happydaymoment

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People will always judge or misjudge you; live with kindness and forgiveness anyway.

Love covers over all wrongs.

Essential to living a life with joy, confidence, faith, and hope is remembering to be grateful.

 

Let’s pause before we speak and understand the weight of our words.

Don’t let the voices of guilt or inadequacy whisper negativity into your moments.

Stop judging; start accepting. Stop rejecting; start embracing. Stop withholding; start giving.

Be hopeful. Share hope. Because in the end God wins.

Nobody is better at being you than you. Say yes to being who God made you.

 

May these words be as a hand upon your shoulder: “Despite everything, you belong to God.”

The key to being happy is to make kindness a fundamental pursuit in your life. #happydaymoment

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The key to being happy is to make kindness a fundamental pursuit in your life.

We can always choose kindness — a most excellent expression of love.

Nothing much matters if we don’t have love. Love others extravagantly.

 

Help others in ways small and large and put aside a “payback” mentality.‪

We are equally important and we all have different gifts for doing things well. Be you!

Embrace new opportunities. Enter new relationships and new situations with courage.

Each and every passing day, we are the beneficiaries of a myriad of mercies. ‪

Faith helps us live with the unanswered.

 

Be deliberately encouraging to others and see what happens.

There is always something more important than our feelings, and that is God’s love.

Shift your focus to thankfulness and all the ways you are blessed.

Choose to make time for the sweetness of intimacy that comes from investing heart time with those we love.

P.S. – If you enjoyed this post and think it may be helpful for others, please share it by using the social media buttons! Thanks! Or post a comment and let me know what blessed  you. 🙂

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June 5, 2015

Happy Day Moment Echoes: 4.15

Don’t attach your self-worth to someone else’s opinion of you. Nourish yourself with what God says you are.

You wouldn’t think an inspirational reminder would come in the middle of watching a Cubs game on TV. But that’s what happened. I was “resting” my eyes (what my Dad called being on the verge of slipping into a nap) when the thought floated through my near subconscious: what happens when a grain of sand finds its way into an oyster? A pearl happens.

The birth of a pearl is truly a miraculous event. Gemstones or precious metals are mined from the earth, but pearls are grown by live oysters far below the surface of the sea. Gemstones must be cut and polished to bring out their beauty. But pearls need no such treatment to reveal their loveliness. They are born from oysters complete – with a shimmering iridescence, lustre and soft inner glow unlike any other gem on earth.

Layer upon layer of nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl, coats that grain of sand until the iridescent gem is formed.

How something so wondrous emerges from an oyster’s way of protecting itself is one of God’s loveliest surprises. For the nacre isn’t just a soothing substance; it’s composed of microscopic crystals of calcium carbonate, aligned so perfectly with one another that light passing along the axis of one crystal is reflected and refracted by another to produce a rainbow of light and color. Way cool.

All starting with that grain of sand. Now some may have an opinion that you are as a grain of sand, or I am a grain of sand – an irritant, an aggravation, a pain and botheration.

But you know what? We can be covered and covered by layers of God’s love, nourished with what God says about us.

Just as layer upon layer of nacre coats the grain of sand until the iridescent gem is formed.

And what happens?

You become a pearl! I become a pearl!

Something rare, fine, admirable and valuable. Way cool.

And how about some more inspirational reminders? These are the daily posts from my Happy Day Moment Facebook Page … the Echoes from April 2015.

What others say and do to us is much more about them, than us.‪

Let God’s compassion cover our failures. Let His mercy wash over our mess.

You can’t have a healthy relationship without abundant forgiveness.

When the ground crumbles beneath your feet, let hope in God be your rescue and stability. #happydaymoment

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Look closely. You will see God’s presence in the dark cloud.

We ought to exchange our self-serving heart for one that carries a passion to serve others.

The injustices of our world don’t change when we choose anger. They only change when we choose love.

We may be uncertain of how to go forward, but we can be certain in God. #happydaymoment

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You’ll have a hard time ever being happy if you aren’t grateful for what you already have.

Let’s remain confident of this: there is goodness in every day.

Refuse to recognize that any problem is anything less than an opportunity to see God.

May we choose this above all other choices: let all we do be done in love. #happydaymoment

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Show kindness, to everyone. Especially be kind to the unkind, because that’s how God has treated me.

Don’t let the negativity of the world discourage you from sharing joy.

Take time for little gestures of love.

Let grace redeem and rebuild your life and your community.‪ #happydaymoment

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Love is not silent. That’s not its treatment.

There is no occasion that justifies hatred. We should always choose love. #happydaymoment

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Instead of nursing our pain, we can find freedom in choosing to cling to our hope in God.

Use your voice for good – to inspire, to encourage, to educate, to spread more love and understanding.

Talking about hard things with someone who’s supportive can be so healing.

Remember to say these simple words that will lift another’s heart: I’m thinking of you. #happydaymoment

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Be the friend who pours kindness and compassion into those who are running on empty.

Be the one who walks beside another, who shares their burden, who says, “I love you. Let me help.”

Safe relationships involve grace, forgiving each other and overlooking offenses. ‪

Let love be your compass. Not rejection. Not disappointments. Not sorrows.

When God’s kindness and love appeared, he saved us, not because anything we had done, but because of his mercy. ‪

No suffering you go through is suffering God will not carry you.

Don’t let worry steal your peace. #happydaymoment

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P.S. – If you enjoyed this post and think it may be helpful for others, please share it by using the social media buttons! Thanks!

Better yet … post a comment 🙂

May 6, 2015

Happy Day Moment Echoes: 3.15

These words I post, these words I put out there, these words fill me up. Lift me. Inflate me. And I seemed to need some major boosting this winter. {Hallelujah for Spring}

May these words lift you up, too. Help you rise above.

Our lives can change in an instant. Love and forgive often and always. You may not have that chance again.

Let every promise broken, every painful word, every hurtful word be covered with God’s love.

Don’t give up when you’re surrounded by brokenness and selfishness. Forgive those you hurt you. 

Peace comes from looking at what you have, not what you’ve lost.

Love never ever gives up and never ever fails and light always always breaks through any darkness. #happydaymoment

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When you’re hurt by others, neglected or overlooked or taken for granted, choose to give them the benefit of the doubt. Offer grace.

Remember the blessings and forgiveness we’ve received and reflect those in the way we treat each other.

Even amid the trials and struggles we all face, there are beautiful things that should remind us that God is good.

Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. ‪

Happy people express gratitude, cultivate optimism, and practice kindness.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.

Finding ways to help others will push away our self-centeredness.

Compassion is the key. Encourage the hurting, help the weak, be patient with everyone. #happydaymoment

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Today, share hope with those who are weighed with heavy and fearful hearts.

Today is a gift. It’s the only gift that you have right now.

It’s the first day of Spring. Let your heart thaw; let the river of love flow.

If you feel you’re on the periphery, or you’re treading water, believe that even in those tender places, God is there. #happydaymoment

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Let’s not use our words as a weapon or to get our way, but let’s weigh the consequences before we speak.

When we view our situation through the lens of gratefulness, instead of a self-centered mind-set, we have the potential to be happy in spite of circumstances.

Let’s acknowledge that others are bigger than the wrong things they sometimes say and do and that we’re more than the sum of a single mistake.

The caliber of your life is measured by your kindness to others, your compassion, your empathy. #happydaymoment

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Always believe that each day carries a hope for happy.

It’s a discipline, this gratitude thing, and it’s essence is an understanding that every moment is precious.

Practicing gratitude trains us to look for the positive in all situations.

Differences of opinion don’t destroy relationships. It’s how we deal with them that counts. Choose compromise, forgiveness, compassion.

Kindness and compassion not only require forgiveness, but also help us to do it.

Seek a perspective that allows you to see hope in the midst of pain.

Forfeit your interest in judging others and adopt a passion for kindness.

If you don’t step forward, you’ll always be in the same place.

You can be strong by keeping quiet and trusting God.

Be strong trust God

Your Turn

Thanks for reading, and as always, I would love to hear from you. Post your comments below!

What I’m reading:

Praying Upside Down by Kelly O’Dell Stanley

Windigo Island by William Kent Krueger

What I’m watching:

Call the Midwife on PBS

 

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April 16, 2015

Happy Day Moment Echoes: 1.15

Living with gratitude will change your perspective.

In January 2013 I began the Happy Day Moment Facebook Page, so every day for two years I have posted some words of encouragement, inspiration, motivation, hope  … a fragment of comfort, cheer, charity, wisdom…… #happydaymoment

And since I’ve deemed myself the Happyologist-of-the-internet, I’m going to always cheerlead the idea that we can choose to live with gratitude, that we can choose to be happy, no matter where we are in our journey, no matter what chapter of our story.

Gratitude is a life-changer. It does something to the human heart.

Even when I close my eyes at night and the day spills over my soul like a dark stain. Even when my heart is parchment. Even when the space between where I am and where I desire to be is a vast valley, and way too dry.

Even when……

So I breathe. I pray. I anchor myself to gratitude. I gather my words and share them with you.

Compassion isn’t waiting; it’s doing. Compassion isn’t watching; it’s helping. #happydaymoment

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Most of all, let love be our guide.

Surrender the vain idea that you can please everyone. It can’t be done.

When external circumstances whip you around and threaten your joy, God’s love for you still abides.

When we care deeply for others, we will live along side them by bearing some of their pain and agony.

The commitment to love, forgive, and motivate others results in enriched and joyous relationships.

When there is a deep schism with those you loved, keep believing for harmony and understanding.

Let’s not just say we love each other, but let’s show it by our actions. Let’s do good to others.

Today, tell someone you’re proud of them, that they matter, that you think they’re awesome. #happydaymoment

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Be gracious when you’re right. Be even more gracious when you’re wrong.

Think about apologizing – not as a matter of right or wrong – but simply to start over.

You don’t need anyone else’s permission to be happy.

Every day gives us a new story. A new beginning.

View your work as a chance to help others and to change the world. No matter what your work is.

Be more intentional about lifting up others rather than criticizing.

Be that friend who nourishes the goodness in others.

Pursue connection and friendship, and happiness will happen.

Don’t respond to unkindness with more unkindness. #happydaymoment

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When you assess your present circumstances, work to paint a vision of a breakthrough for all the obstacles you’re facing.

When some situations appear impossible, there are still miracles.

Today look for opportunities to bless others and let your actions speaker louder than your words.

Clear your vision to see the everyday evidence of beauty and goodness despite your feelings of weariness.

Don’t be too sensitive about inconsequential matters.

It’s threatening territory to allow the opinions of others to continuously shape you.

Let the symphony of your life be unceasing gratitude.

Don’t beat yourself up for a lack of willpower, but give yourself compassion and you can bounce back from failure.

Don’t live for tomorrow. Live for today.

It’s wiser to pray about your problems than to talk about them.

What if we all became more mindful that every moment, every breath, that absolutely everything can become a gift from God?

Lift your need for control, your need to have all the answers, and drop those things into God’s hands.

Your Turn

Thanks for reading, and as always, I would love to hear from you. Post your comments below!

What I’m reading:

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

II Thessalonians

What I’m watching:

Parenthood on Netflix

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February 4, 2015

Happy Day Moment Echoes: 12.14

Mostly I thought about love during December … and other words of grace …

Others were thinking the same thing.

On a recent shopping and dining trip with a couple of girlfriends, our discussion wound its way, not around clothes or food, but around the philosophical and spiritual approach to living. Said Rachel … 

“It’s about how you live, and more, about how you love.”

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“And it’s about giving grace,” Gail added.

“And it’s about forgiving,” I added.

“I just think we need to love like Jesus. To everyone.”

Amen.

Here’s a compilation of other stuff I’ve been thinking about, my postings from the Happy Day Moments Facebook Page, Echoes from December 2014:

May we start letting grace have the last word.

Grace...

  • Sometimes the hardest people to love are those who need it the most. Keep loving.
  • How others treat you is their issue, how you respond is yours. Love others anyway.
  • Love does not give up. Love does not lose faith. Love is hopeful. Love endures through all circumstances.
Loving others is more important than winning arguments.

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  • When you love God first, you love others better.
  • Where there is love, there is acceptance and forgiveness and grace and all good things.
  • Share your happy moments. Fill your world with what is good, what is lovely, what is true.
  • Live out of your strengths and passions and not out of your weaknesses and pains.
  • When your journey leads you through fog, God is still there.
  • If we have faith in God, we need to have faith in His timing.
  • Promise yourself to forget past mistakes and move forward to a better future.
  • Choose to let go of the stress that comes with constantly trying to prove your worth to others and to yourself.
  • May you be filled with such joy that you realize how rich you are.
  • You’re sparkly. I’m sparkly. We’re all sparkly.
  • Stay conscious of your blessings. Stay focused on what you have, not what you don’t.
  • Let’s choose to believe in the reality of redemption.
  • With each breath, let go of fear, expectation, anger, regret and frustration. Breathe in joy and peace and blessing.
  • Always remember that kindness is free.
  • If your circumstances seem to be shouting defeat, take heart and listen. You may soon hear, “victory is on the way.”
  • Examine the experiences in your life to find the wisdom and purpose they hold.
  • Let what you see, hear, taste, smell, and feel remind you of God’s love and provision.
  • Believe in yourself, and declare this attitude, not in loud words but kind deeds.
  • Contentment doesn’t mean we accept injustices, but it does mean that we trust God more than we trust circumstances.
  • Remember: words spoken can’t be unspoken.
  • Worry does nothing but steal your joy.
  • Choose joy. Every day choose joy. It’s the best way to live each day. Hands down.
  • In the middle of pain and disappointment, let’s actively expect God to do something.
  • When waiting makes you feel lonely and empty and worthless, breathe deeply and keep praying.
  • It is courageous to be vulnerable; it is not weakness.
  • Be patience when you have little; be grateful when you have more than enough.

It’s all about how we love.

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January 6, 2015