Living Proof Live notes: Taking Happy Back

(Tuesday morning)

I promised that I would post my notes before the weekend ended, but it didn't happen. Sorry. Yesterday was full to the brim and it's only now that I have some time to sit down and get my notes on paper (or screen, I suppose!). My physical therapist is on vacation so I am home this morning before going downtown for my massage (on Tuesday this week to accommodate my massage therapists need to help her dear mama tomorrow on my usual massage day of Wednesday).

Mom and I drove up to Greeley on Friday afternoon and checked into our hotel before heading to the venue about 6 to find seats before the event began at 7. Despite the crowd of 5,000, the venue was huge and there were plenty of empty seats from which to choose...

Here are my notes from the whole event (both Friday night and the two sessions on Saturday morning).

TAKING HAPPY BACK

 

The conference in a nutshell --

I have the biblical right and responsibility to fight for a happy heart in Christ!

Beth taught through six main points in the lessons--

1. Happy is not bad in the Bible
   
   In fact, most of what is translated as blessed in the Bible is literally happy--about 2,000 times!
   The gospel is the good news of happiness ( Isaiah 52:17). It's a good message of great joy ( Luke 2:8-11)
   Beth recommended two books: Happiness by Randy Alcorn and The Sacrament of Happy by Lisa Harper
   
   
2. We have a gospel responsibility to rebel against our misery (which is more than sadness due to circumstance) and the misery that surrounds us both in the church and in the world.
   When faced with misery and without access to a happy heart, we as Christians can go in one of two directions--we can become carnal or  curmudgeonly. Our testimony and witness is at stake because the good news will fall on deaf ears if it's coming from miserable people.
   
   
3. We are on our way to happily ever after  and can reach forward in that hope to borrow happy for today and today's circumstances.  This is anticipatory joy and never subtracts from the balance of that future joy and happiness.
   
   
4.  Many of the obstructions to happiness are ours to move by the power of Jesus in us.
   Other obstructions are ones we cannot move on our own and require ministry, such as grief and lament. We need to grieve and lament when it's necessary and appropriate. Jeremiah and Lamentations both give good direction here. And I think the Psalms do an excellent job of expressing the gamut of human emotion. It's always good to read the psalms!
5. No happiness on earth is like the happiness of God and man when the feeling is mutual--mutual joy and happiness found in relationship together. Never forget I am completely loved!
   
   
6. A heart predisposed to happiness knows how to cry and how to laugh.
   
   

I have lots more Scripture references and notes scribbled around the edges of my notes, but I was so focused on listening well, that it's a bit jumbled. If you were there and want to add anything I missed, please comment! It's difficult to write quickly enough and still listen well to all that is being said.

It feels good to give my blog some new material and to say hello; I have more to share about life in general, so stay tuned!

Have a happy day! With love,

Joanne
xoxo

 

Comments

[Sybil]

Yeah. Thank you for posting this! Just what I needed to hear...
Would you care to expand from your perspective on these points after you have let them process a bit? I think you would have a unique experience and thoughts that would accent this.... waiting! Hey can I just say I am so thankful that things are so full that you don't have time to blog!! What a praise that is!

[Linda Thompson]

Good stuff! Needed these words. Thank you Joanne.

[Laura]

Just wanted to say thank you so much for sharing your notes. I particularly love the point that a happy heart knows how to cry and laugh. Reminds me so much of the point that fullness of the Gospel has BOTH lamentation and praise! My whole goal for life now is to integrate both sides of the continuum, because hanging out at only stationary point omits the other possibility. Blessings to you!