Happy people are more attractive

[Mitspa]

I'm sorry you feel like this, Witness... I really am... and if what I said seemed wrong and simplistic and offended you somehow, I'm sorry, too...



I see your point, Jsr... and I do understand it... but I still think it is wrong for people to come at others like that... I don't like rudeness... I've had to deal with depression myself, and I've had to deal with friends and family with that kind of problem and I offered all the help I could... I've seen people at their worst and held their hand...

If I see someone who's hurting and I can reach to them, I will... but I do have a problem when people come at people with agressive behaviour and it makes me close myself up to them...

If that makes me a bad person or a bad christian, well... then I'll have to deal with it with the Lord when the time comes...

Im sorry Carol you was attacked by these people for (God forbid) being happy...and my point is that your probably more happy than some because you do care and help others.... That's how Gods joy works.

 

[Olerica]

Look Jsr...some folks on this forum are always negative and bitter...and it seems many of them like to chat the singles area...even if they was drop-dead gorgeous no one would want them because of their horrible attitudes.

I hope you are praying for them that God soften their hearts... and maybe that he gives you insight into what may have caused those people pain that they feel like they need to be negative and bitter. What a ministry you would have.

 

[Mitspa]

I hope you are praying for them that God soften their hearts... and maybe that he gives you insight into what may have caused those people pain that they feel like they need to be negative and bitter. What a ministry you would have.

I know who im supposed to pray for Olerica....have two outreach ministries to those who suffer...don't really need you or anyone else telling me how to help others...maybe those who are miserable should be taking advice from those who have the Lords Joy...ever think of that?

 

[seoulsearch]

I Probably spend more time than anyone on this forum reaching out to hurting people in REAl LIFE ...that's probably why I have the joy I do? so to pop on a thread and just blast folks for being what God desires just builds upon your own misery.

I have a suggestion for some of you ...go visit the sick, feed the poor...give and it will be given back to you. Until you do that you will never know the joy of the Lord .

Well of course... It shouldn't just be assumed that we don't...

I didn't enjoy volunteering at a soup kitchen quite as much as I liked corresponding with and visiting prison inmates, including a 27-year-old who wrote candidly about the crime that gave him LWOP (life without parole)--shooting both his parents when he was 20 years old. Most people won't understand this, but I found this openness, shocking as it was, a lot more refreshing than being surrounded by people in "everything is wonderful because of Jesus" masks all the time.

I remember working in the kid's ministry and after reading the same story for about the 4th time, I told God, "Lord, I'm ready to go back to the prisons!"

But for reasons of safety, it's no longer something I participate in.

Though of course, if God calls you to something... You just can't shake it. I've been searching for a ministry to join but haven't liked any in the area because it's so one-way--preaching at participants instead of actually letting them tell their own stories, too. But I keep looking, and just work at my church and its various community projects in the meantime.

Am I filled with overwhelming, bounce-off-the-ceiling joy? Not always. But at the very least, I'm honest about that, and I'm up front with people about whatever my feelings are, whether happy or not.

 

[Mitspa]

Well of course... It shouldn't just be assumed that we don't...

I didn't enjoy volunteering at a soup kitchen quite as much as I liked corresponding with and visiting prison inmates, including a 27-year-old who wrote candidly about the crime that gave him LWOP (life without parole)--shooting both his parents when he was 20 years old. Most people won't understand this, but I found this a lot more refreshing than being surrounded by people in "everything is wonderful because of Jesus" masks all the time.

I remember working in the kid's ministry and after reading the same story for about the 4th time, I told God, "Lord, I'm ready to go back to the prisons!"

But for reasons of safety, it's no longer something I participate in.

Though of course, if God calls you to something... You just can't shake it. I've been searching for a ministry to join but haven't liked any in the area because it's so one-way--preaching at participants instead of actually letting them tell their own stories, too. But I keep looking, and just work at my church and its various community projects in the meantime.

Am I filled with overwhelming, bounce-off-the-ceiling joy? Not always. But at the very least, I'm honest about that, and I'm up front with people about whatever my feelings are, whether happy or not.

Well what are you doing now ....besides being a internet bully?

 

[Olerica]

Oh wow. Well, thank you for showing your heart, Mitspa. God bless you.

 

[Mitspa]

Oh wow. Well, thank you for showing your heart, Mitspa. God bless you.

What do you do Olerica? you ever go out and actually do what God tells us to do?

 

[seoulsearch]

Well what are you doing now ....besides being a internet bully?

It looks like you didn't read all of my post.

Well of course... It shouldn't just be assumed that we don't...

I didn't enjoy volunteering at a soup kitchen quite as much as I liked corresponding with and visiting prison inmates, including a 27-year-old who wrote candidly about the crime that gave him LWOP (life without parole)--shooting both his parents when he was 20 years old. Most people won't understand this, but I found this openness, shocking as it was, a lot more refreshing than being surrounded by people in "everything is wonderful because of Jesus" masks all the time.

I remember working in the kid's ministry and after reading the same story for about the 4th time, I told God, "Lord, I'm ready to go back to the prisons!"

But for reasons of safety, it's no longer something I participate in.

Though of course, if God calls you to something... You just can't shake it. I've been searching for a ministry to join but haven't liked any in the area because it's so one-way--preaching at participants instead of actually letting them tell their own stories, too. But I keep looking, and just work at my church and its various community projects in the meantime.

Am I filled with overwhelming, bounce-off-the-ceiling joy? Not always. But at the very least, I'm honest about that, and I'm up front with people about whatever my feelings are, whether happy or not.

To be honest, participating in ministry also burns us out and sometimes we need times of taking on "lighter work" in order to recover. But it doesn't mean that we won't get back into the game.

It also doesn't mean that we are any less valuable to God when we do so.

 

[Mitspa]

You guys are miserable ...because you don't do what the Lord Commanded is my guess. Go out and serve others for a while and then you might understand the peace and Joy God intended?

 

[Hellooo]

Well what are you doing now ....besides being a internet bully?

That's uncalled for, seoulsearch was opening up about the very suggestion you brought up.

You bring up some valid topics, but it often seems like you aren't truly looking for honest answers

 

[Olerica]

What do you do Olerica? you ever go out and actually do what God tells us to do?

I will respond here because you asked so kindly, but I fully intend this to be my last direct communication to you.

Yes, to answer your question, I do.

I would like to say this as well: Your assessment of me as a bully and bitter just absolutely floors me. I have been patient and asked questions instead of accusing you on multiple occasions, because I want to understand where you come from, and why you think the way you do. After having been verbally slapped by you a number of times, I'm going to give you a very wide berth. I do mean it when I say, "God bless you".

Now, goodbye.

 

[Mitspa]

It looks like you didn't read all of my post.




To be honest, participating in ministry also burns us out and sometimes we need times of taking on "lighter work" in order to recover. But it doesn't mean that we won't get back into the game.

It also doesn't mean that we are any less valuable to God when we do so.

All right Seoul l might not have been fair to you....im sorry but I really believe my service to others is my source of Joy...I believe that's what the bible clearly teaches. If you have been feeling burnt out...im sorry...if you ask I would be glad to pray for you...

 

[Mitspa]

That's uncalled for, seoulsearch was opening up about the very suggestion you brought up.

You bring up some valid topics, but it often seems like you aren't truly looking for honest answers

This is based on more than this post Hellooo so please reserve your outrage for someone else.

 

[Hellooo]

Perhaps the thread should have been named 'only post happy ideas here' instead of inviting a discussion on happy being more attractive. In your first post you ASKED for everyone's thoughts, mitspa

 

[seoulsearch]

What do you do Olerica? you ever go out and actually do what God tells us to do?

You guys are miserable ...because you don't do what the Lord Commanded is my guess. Go out and serve others for a while and then you might understand the peace and Joy God intended?

Have you even read any of Olerica's posts?

First of all, she is recovering from the loss of a spouse. Secondly, she writes many posts here ministering to other people. Just recently she wrote a series of extremely compassionate posts to someone else who has gone through a life tragedy of their own.

It must also be remembered as well that the Bible says we are not to rely on just our works as well. Works ARE important, but some of the advice Jesus gave us was (Matthew 6:3), "When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing."

Now, I definitely think there is a difference between sharing what you do for the Lord and relying on it as your worth (or possibly believing that more works makes makes one more valuable to God.) Personally though, I like hearing about others' ministries because I find it inspiring and motivational.

However, my point is, many people here just might not want to tell you what they're doing for the Lord--whether in the past or present--because they prefer to keep it between God and themselves.

 

[Mitspa]

You guys couldn't post anything on the beauty of joy...but if you get a chance to be upset or beat somebody up...you guys come out of the woodwork..... well im tired of hearing some of you and some of you make this forum miserable for others...and need to really just get right with God in my view.

 

[MissCris]

You guys are miserable ...because you don't do what the Lord Commanded is my guess. Go out and serve others for a while and then you might understand the peace and Joy God intended?

I don't think any of the people you just called miserable are ever as callous towards others as this single post was.

Why do you constantly provoke people? You know what type of response is going to follow certain things you say and certain attitudes you present. And it's completely fair for the folks you take jabs at to defend or explain themselves. But when they do, you act like they're being unreasonable or mean...so honestly, what's your goal here? Just to stir the pot so you can then act like a victim? For sympathy? Or for your own entertainment? A lot of people have extended a lot of grace towards you, yet you just keep swinging at them and throwing it back in their faces.

How exhausting it must be to always be looking for a fight.

 

[PeacefulWarrior]

All blessing and honor are His
All glory and power are His
Let all wisdom and strength
Be the Lord's in this place
Let all glory be given to Him


There is joy in the Lord
There is love in His Spirit
There is hope in the knowledge of Him
There's a fountain that flows
Like a river from heaven
Abounding in love to my soul


There is joy in the Lord
There is love in His Spirit
There is hope in the knowledge of Him
There's a fountain I know
Ev'ry time I am near it
My heart overflows to the Lord


1992, 1993 Sparrow Song (a div. of EMI Christian Music Publishing)

Praying for you all...

 

[Mitspa]

Have you even read any of Olerica's posts?

First of all, she is recovering from the loss of a spouse. Secondly, she writes many posts here ministering to other people. Just recently she wrote a series of extremely compassionate posts to someone else who has gone through a life tragedy of their own.

It must also be remembered as well that the Bible says we are not to rely on just our works as well. Works ARE important, but some of the advice Jesus gave us was (Matthew 6:3), "When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing."

Now, I definitely think there is a difference between sharing what you do for the Lord and relying on it as your worth (and trying to convince other people that you have more worth than they do because of it.) Personally though, I like hearing about others' ministries because I find it inspiring and motivational.

However, my point is, many people here just might not want to tell you what they're doing for the Lord--whether in the past or present--because they prefer to keep it between God and themselves.

I can tell by the very nature of people, if they are obedient to love and serve others...by their fruits you shall know them. Love, Joy, peace...etc I have lost a loved one like she has not very long ago...yes they was some tears, but the Lords Joy sustained me and so...we all have burdens to bear...but we are called to do it in the joy of the Lord. That's our strength!

 

[seoulsearch]

All right Seoul l might not have been fair to you....im sorry but I really believe my service to others is my source of Joy...I believe that's what the bible clearly teaches. If you have been feeling burnt out...im sorry...if you ask I would be glad to pray for you...

I do thank you for this, Mitspa.

I think praying for each other is a great (and dare I say, happy? ) suggestion.