Happiness

From http://beautifulillustratedquotations.blogspot.com/2009/06/how-do-you-realistically-get-happiness.html “How we feel about ourselves, the joy we get from living, ultimately depends directly on how the mind filters and interprets everyday experiences. Whether we are happy depends on inner harmony, not on the controls we are able to exert over the great forces of the universe.” – Mihaly Csikszentmihaly

Denny had a blog page with a question: How Do You Realistically Get Happiness? I posted a response and was suggested to post it here as well.

Here's my response:

Happiness!!

Have
A
Powerful
Playful
Imagination
Never
Ending
Smiling
Soul!!

Laughter exercises the soul.
Smiling Lightens the Spirit.
Hugs bring Love to heart.
Play brings togetherness.
Fun brings sunshine, giggles and grins!

How did the song go...."don't worry, be happy!!!!"

Love and Light,Nina P.

Smile

Thought for Today: Smile

Of all the things you wear, your smile is the most important. (from
www.thoughtfortoday.org.uk )

My Smile goes out to each of you today....

How Simple yet important; smile! Have you ever walked into a room of frowns or stern faces? Did it immediately affect you and your mood? Even if the room is quiet and serious, have you ever caught that one person that smile's at you? A genuine, hello, how are you, don’t worry its OK smile. Didn't you immediately feel calmer? Wasn't your spirit just a little lighter?

There are many smiles. That smile of support, of friendship, of letting you know you’re not alone, of love, of pure silliness and laughter, a smile of TGIF, etc…. A smile can illuminate the soul. It can brighten someone else’s day more than you may know. A smile is like a rainbow, it brightens the day, lifts the spirit, and brings a sence of Joy, Peace and Hope.

A Smile can also brighten your own day. If you’re a little down, smile anyway and it won’t take you long to see people smiling back. Your mood will lighten as you see your smile returned.

So SMILE Today. Spread a warm blanket over someone’s soul. Illuminate the darkness; Spread that feeling of support, joy, acknowledgement of another….. Just SMILE it costs nothing but does SO Much!! Smile its contagious!

May the Light of a Smile brighten your soul today; May the warmth of a smile warm your heart today; And May the Spirit of a smile lift you today to heights you never knew were possible.

Love, Light and a Smile to you today and always,
Nina P. (3/27/09)
Written in honor of my nephew Richard. Who's Smile would light up a room, and who's Giggle was contagious. Thank You Richard for the love and joy you brought us all. We still feel the Joy, Warmth and Hope of your smile in every rainbow....

Nina P's musings over :Thought for today....

"The BestThe best ornament is Humility; The richest wealth is Wisdom; The strongest weapon is Patience; The best security is Faith; The best tonic is Laughter " (3/1/09 Thought for Today/ www.thoughtfortoday.org.uk)

How true this thought for today is:
All these things are found deep inside ourselves, our soul. It is said we are born in Gods image. For me that means that deep inside, if we listen to that inner voice from above, we have a connection. A connection to Gods Light, and all the gifts that are freely given. We must go to the quiet place inside, Talk to God, Listen to the Light; that is where Peace will be found, that is where answers lie. It is the outside influences that create fear, doubt, uncertainty, things that test and challenge our faith. When we are down, troubled, hurting, etc... we can look outside for the answers; for guidance. That is also good if we are careful in choosing the "who" and "where" we go for the answers. Not every church is holy, not every person is pure of heart: too many are influenced by the human need for power, control and money. If you can look beyond the human additives, you will find at the core, most, at their core, are holy and pure of heart. When you listen, read, hear messages and advice given in Gods name, deep inside you will know, if it truly a message of Gods Love and Guidance for you, a Message of Hope for the future, a message of the Light of the Son freely given to all that ask and believe.

If we are uncertain, how then do we know where to turn? Find a quiet place, a place that is peaceful and comforting to you. For me it's sitting on a fallen tree in the woods looking over the valley with the sun shinning down twinkling through the leaves, the wind gently blowing across my face, the Son warms my soul there. I can ether go there physically or if I'm unable to travel there, I can go there in my mind. I can sit in the Light, feel the warmth of the Son in my soul. This is where I find Peace, this is where I find Unconditional Love, this is where I find Hope, this is where I find Truth. I believe God talks to us in many ways, we just have to listen. That warm, soothing feeling inside is Gods arm around you. That tear on your cheek is God saying "I know you are hurting/sad/overwhelmed, but I am here for you, come find me." The lightness of laughter is God letting you know life is wonderful and joyful. When God shows us the hungry, the poor, the diseased, the hurt, the angry, that's God saying: "Share my Light, my gifts. Show them your kindness. Give them my Hope and Love. Reach out and show them there is a better way." God gives us challenges, things that test our faith every day. We must then go inside for the answers from above. Humble ourselves before God and listen to Light from the Son. Change happens in Gods time not ours; we must have patience. Wisdom lives, in us, with us, through us we must only listen, believe and follow with Light and Love.

May you find Peace, Love, Joy and Hope today and always.
Love and Light,
Nina

Life and Rainbows (inspired by an e-mail)

The rainbow pictures are the only ones I took. The others were in the e-mail that was sent around a few years ago.... I hope you enjoy!

I had to write this poem below; a Hand touched mine, so here it goes:

Life and Rainbows:

When you look at life with hateful eyes
all you see is fear and lies
If you look at life with eyes of fear
bleak and hopeless are always near
So look at life with Faithful Love
the Son shines on you from above
Your fear will fade and so will hate
look around and you'll see your fate
For on the bleakest of your days
you'll find something to be amazed

With one special moment or maybe event
like a family of ducks is what He meant

To look at life with Forgiving Grace
the wave you missed, the dolphins raced

When angered over catastrophic things
you survived because of Angels wings

So turn your stresses inside out
helping others is what it's all about

Look around when you're lost and alone
many new friends are near your home

Luck comes from love and those you touch
your life will change I know that much

When some look on and laugh and point
stand strong in Faith for He anoints

With Power and Grace you'll carry on
His strength you can always rely upon
His Rainbow is there we just have to look
after each hardship as He wrote in His book
So when life's been hard and you’re feeling down
that "Rainbow's" for you just look around

It may be a smile, some food, or His great art
a feeling of warmth that fills your heart.
Look at life with open eyes
a rainbow's there, it's His surprise
So let your breath be taken away
look for His Blessings in every day.
Written by Nina P. Ploetz 12/9/2006