Neighbor to Neighbor Woman Presents:
 Thursday

For Lent Only on St. Patrick's Day 

 

Bible Verse Memorization Plan & Reflection.  

Walks with you through the 40 days of Lent.  

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HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY! 

 

 

 

 
Greetings!

 

By the time you receive this, St. Patrick's Day will have been well celebrated.  I don't want to miss the opportunity though to highlight the inspirational man that St. Patrick was and to take advantage of the HAPPY  in "Happy St. Patrick's Day" which will lead us into the next Lenten reflection.

St. Patrick was brave as he broke away from slavery and found freedom.  He listened carefully to the inspirations God sent His way and followed those inspirations when he entered "into life" by finding his vocation, returning to Ireland and bringing faith to many thousands of individuals.  He was humble, unassuming, and connected to the common sinner.  Patrick was a man who prayed and knew the mercy of God in his own life.  It mystifies me how "drinking till you drop" ever got connected to St. Patrick's Day,  but it is as it is.  At least his name is on many tongues, and may God take this as our prayer of "hidden intention" and bless each and every one of us this St. Patrick's Day.

 
Proverbs 3 vs. 5                                                         John 10 vs. 10

Proverbs 3:5 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on  your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make straight your paths."

 

 

John 10:10

"I come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly."   

Reflection for Friday and Saturday

When I think about having life more abundantly, I think about being awfully happy.

One day I wrote down a list of things that I do that make me happy.  I surprised myself.  I realized that I truly feel happy when my wash is all done and put away and I leave the wash room orderly.  I feel happy when I do the dishes right away and get to "pass through" an orderly kitchen.  I am happy when I write.  I am happy when I make out a menu and grocery list and invite people over.  I am happy when I take a walk with my neighbors, when I sew with Maeve, garden with the boys, when I laugh with Bob, visit my children, and when I eat a good meal.  I don't feel that "happy" after playing computer games, or eating salty and starchy foods or when I postpone the things that I should do and just do the things that I want to do.

We all choose what we think will make us happy. It's the way we're made. We don't "choose" something that we think is going to be bad for us.  But sometimes we opt for a quick fix.  We opt for something that looks like happiness and the abundant life, but leaves us feeling as though our cup is half full, lonely, anxious, disillusioned, or maybe even wondering if there is any real good ahead for us.

It is our privilege as humans, vs. animals, to be able to hear that quiet voice of God that will help make our paths straight and direct us in making choices that are at a higher level of love and good and happiness.   
  • Try making your own list of the things that truly make you happy.
  • Make a list of the things that you enjoy but that don't leave you feeling very happy or fulfilled or clean inside.  
  • Start walking toward the things that make you feel really happy.  Listen to His instructions, listen to His word, and the abundant life that He has always intended for you will become your reality.
  • Lent is a time of denial, but denial takes on a new perspective when you realize that what you are denying yourself is truly the path toward a greater happiness.  
  • So, is it really denying yourself, or is it just finding the real HAPPY in HAPPY St. Patrick's Day?   O Happy Lent! 

     

     

    •  
    Review your 1st and 2nd Scripture at least once a day.

    Memorize Your Two New Scriptures. 

    Make Your Happy List.

    Oh, and if you still find it hard to do what brings you to a higher level of happiness, try motivating yourself by positive rewards...i.e.  Leave a small piece of your favorite dark chocolate down in the wash room, and when you are finished doing the wash, have your chocolate!  God seems to enjoy us even with our human limitations. He's out for our success, not our failure. Draw closer to Him. Talk to Him often. You will like Him and He already likes you.



     

    Contact Information:  sharon.morris7@gmail.com

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