"Say Cheeese"

There is often a perception that pastor's wives are bestowed a special kind of grace that makes it easy for them to look happy... always.

I wish.

My son and his friend at a past carnival school function: strong men. "We are so strong, we can hold these dumbbells like their light as feathers" ;-) 

I can attest that this is SO not true. Right now, I am going through a difficult personal battle and my life is a constant tension between opposites. 

Often, my heart breaks inside because of decisions others make. 

Often, I feel a total sense of hopelessness and utter failure.

But what's the point of looking like death warmed up? (attention?!) Would it help if I became anxious and freak out? (Ok, truthfully, I have tried this option.)

No. It helps no-one. Least of all, me.

In Proverbs 24:10 it says "if you faint in the day of adversity; your strength is small."

And my strength is NOT small because Christ is my strength! Therefore, I shall chin up and smile. I shall continue to carry the convictions Christ gives me and fight the good fight of faith and I shall conquer!

When you see me look like the happiest person in the world, it is not because my life is void of sadness and stumbling blocks but because, despite of this, I surrender all to Christ and trust Him.

My body, my smile, my attitude shall serve the purposes of God!

May my happy be loud!

So loud that people will realise my joy is not of the human kind (sorry, Pharrell Williams, happiness ain't the truth). My joy is a deep rooted sense of peace. My source: His happiness. "The joy of the Lord is my strength" Nehemiah 8:10

What does this mean: The joy of the Lord is my strength?

This is such a well known phrase, easily quoted, but have you ever thought about what it means? 

I believe it means that when we "hang out" with Christ- call it prayer, communication, relationship, delighting ourselves in Christ, chatting to Christ, being in His presence, reading His Word, meditating on His Word, thanking Him, crying out to Him, living with a constant awareness of Him and so forth... When we hang out with Christ, His face shines upon us... I can actually picture Christ smiling and laughing at all our ridiculous requests and rationale. And when we have the favour of the King; then we also have His support. All of a sudden, its not just little ol' me that has to face the giants, but me and the King's army!

Pro 16:15  In the light of a king's face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain. 

Wow. 

Couldn't have explained it any better myself. This verse carries deep meaning for us South Africans as we are suffering a severe drought  in our country at this moment.

So... What or who makes you smile?

JESUS makes me smile.

JESUS makes me want to smile!

....now, lets go slay some giants!