Monday, June 28, 2010

Happy Dance

"The happiest people in the world are those who feel absolutely terrific about themselves, and this is the natural outgrowth of accepting total responsibility for every part of their life." - B. Tracey.

Shouldn't this describe us. People in love with Jesus. Overflow with joy. Marked by happiness in our hands. Feeling absolutely terrific about ourselves because we know who we are in Him. Accepting total responsibility for our thoughts, actions, words, every part of our life knowing that we will be held accountable regardless.

As a family, returning to the US after serving in missions, worn and weary, stuck in the muck, desiring a happy dance. How does a frazzled family learn the happy dance? Step by step.

We laid it all down. Began to listen to His music over our lives. We have been radically transformed. Our marriage restored beyond imagination, children bubbling with all of God's promises ripe for harvest, depression out the window, favor overtaking past failures, standing tall in my identity and beauty. Step by step.

Many have asked after I shared from my heart. Would you share more? Opening my heart and putting it to words, writing with pen, typing with passion, reading this ...

"But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." - Jesus

I'm ready.

As I continue to learn step by step, join me in this dance. And as I open my life transparent before you, would you share something that makes you happy.

66 comments:

Lori said...

Fasntastic word today Sara!! Very encouraging as always!! Have a wonderful week. ((BIG HUGS))!!

Cindy Bultema said...

As always, a very inspiring post, dear Sara! Embracing who God has made me to be and living out His calling makes me very happy!
Blessings to you and your family!!

Denise said...

I loved this post sis. What makes me happy is dancing with my dear lovebug through this world, and the music of our live is provided by our Father God.

Anonymous said...

I love your transparency. Music makes me happy!

Leah Adams said...

Isn't God good to meet us right where we are with exactly what He knows we need. He's never too early and never too late. So thankful for His provision in your life. So thankful.

Leah

Unknown said...

What makes me happy?

Stories just like this!
Lives transformed by our God!
The power of His love to heal and bring us out of the myrrh and dirt - the mess we make out of our lives and what does He replace it with?

LOVE PEACE JOY GRACE MERCY AND MORE LOVE!

Now that my friend makes me one happy girl!

Love you! Dancing to the same music!
Jill

Missie said...

Beautiful! This fits so well with twirling!

Andrea said...

I love how you share your heart. What makes me happy? Remembering to see how very much God has blessed me... many days I feel like I should pinch myself because I cannot believe the way He has chosen to live in My life.

He's amamzing!!!

Looking forward to sharing in your journey with you.
Blessings
Andrea

Andrea said...

AMEN...very convicting post, today!
I needed this...
Hugs,
andrea

Theresa said...

Hi Sara. I enjoyed your post today. I am happy this morning thinking about God's mercies and how they are new every morning. (I did not have a good day yesterday).

Joan Davis (Jo) said...

Thanks, Sara, for stopping by my blog today! I loved your comment =). I also love the picture that comes to mind when you describe the "happy dance"! I've got a literal little happy dance that I do when something especially makes me happy...so I had to laugh when you mentioned it in your blog! I so agree with your reasons for the dance! And the best part is that God loves us, even knowing where we have come from. I'm looking forward to reading more on your blog.

Living for Him, Joan

Alison said...

Thanks for sharing more. I'm looking forward to hearing more as you blog a/b what's transformed your walk with the Lord!

What makes me happy today? Answered prayer from the Lord and seeing Him move in mighty ways after 1 year + of prayer.

Runner Mom said...

Sara, what an awesome post! I clicked on your other one and saw the video....wow!!! Livng your faith out loud! What a blessing you all are to others!

GOd is so good and faithful...He just melts my heart when I see a photograph of His creation. Happy dancin' with tears of joy and amazement streaming down my face! Amen!
Hugs!
susan

Sharon said...

Hello and thanks for visiting my blog! It makes me happy to *meet* other bloggers and especially those who are upbeat and encouraging. I look forward to reading more of your posts!

Linda said...

Hi Sara,
Beautiful post-so inspirational!
What makes me happy? Where do I begin? So many many things! I am thankful for God's mercy and grace!Thankful and happy that God is ever faithful in His promises!
Blessings.

mle said...

Thanks for stopping by today! Looking forward to getting to know you - joining you in your happy dance & splashing in God's goodness! : )

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Oh...I sooooooooooo love this!!! So my heart and could so be my words. I will be moving through your blog today and enjoying the dance in my spirit....thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such a sweet comment.
Janette

Beth in NC said...

I love your blog! Thanks so much for visiting me today.

I am your newest follower #337. If you come follow me, you'll be #337 too. Ha. I hope you'll grab my button. I am taking yours.

A Sister in Christ!
Beth

jenmom said...

Thanks so much for your sweet comment at my blog!
It is very nice to "meet" you as well! Looking forward to getting to know you and learning from your life of faith!!

Kelli said...

Thanks so much for stopping by and splashin' around my blog =) I love yours!!! I am your newest follower, and I can't wait to get to know you better, what a powerful testimony you seem to have!! Beautiful family =)

LeeBird3 said...

Hi Sara! Thanks for leaving such a cheery, splishsplashy comment in my prayergifts blog! I enjoyed reading your Happy Dance post very much! What makes me happy? Hearing God's voice first thing in the morning, hearing my boys call me momma, hearing my hubby call me Sweetiebird...hmm lots of happiness by hearing for me today!

Together We Save said...

Thank you for sharing your happiness!!

April said...

Hi Sara!
So glad you dropped by my blog :o) I see you're the mom of boys - isn't it amazing?! I had NO IDEA what God had in store for me, and I can't wait to see what else He brings me with my two. I look forward to reading your blog and splashing around :) So glad to have crossed paths

His,
April

The McClain's said...

water makes me happy- dancing in the rain, splashing in the ocean, sitting beside a beautiful lake, fishing pole in hand, exploring tide pools, barefoot walking in a sandy creek bottom...brings me great rest and peace, which fills me up with joy

the deep, belly laugh of my girls and the high pitched one of my son (seemingly backwards, but so true)

and seeing sisters and brothers in Christ take root in their faith, learn to spread out and grow with Jesus, like you are doing my sweet friend. these things make me happy :)

He & Me + 3 said...

So glad to hear how well your family is doing. Serving the King brings Joy & happiness always.
You are a marvelous writer. Keep posting.
Hugs,
Mimi

Connie Arnold said...

Thank you for sharing the post. It made me happy! Thinking about God and the many blessings I've received brings me much happiness.

gmontalvo13 said...

we should absolutely live live that way!
thanks for sharing, loved reading this post.

Rachel @ Finding Joy said...

Lovely, lovely post Sara. Thank you for sharing such beautiful truth.

I was blessed by your kind comment on my blog. Thank you.

I'll be back!

Rachel

Susie said...

I love that concept! I feel like that is the way that I look at the world:-)

More Than Words said...

Hi Sara! It's true. As Christians (believers), we SHOULD be the happiest people on this earth because we KNOW where we are going!!

rachel@thecupcakesprinklesinlife said...

Thanks Sara-

I love the splashin going on here! :) Makes me want to go swimming...... and sandcastle making!

Debbie Petras said...

Sara, I don't know why I keep missing your posts. I'm so sorry about that. I've much catching up to do my friend.

I miss seeing your sweet face. I need to call you soon.

I so want to do a happy dance ...soon.

Love you,
Debbie

{amy} said...

Thanks for stopping by today! I appreciate your comment! I've looked around here a little bit, too! I currently have a friend serving as a missionary in Costa Rica. Something that makes me happy is the sound of my children laughing together! :D

S Club Mama said...

Thank you so much for splashing around my blog, I think I'll take my shoes off and soak over here for awhile. :)

Butterfly Works said...

Thanks for the visit today and your very sweet words....
Your blog is so encouraging and so filled with the love of the Lord...
You have a precious family...love all the pictures...

Hugs and blessings

GodsOwn/Bernice said...

Well well Sara " i splashed around " at your blog for an long-time...I can't remember coming before.......but it was worth splashing because i'm leaving TOTALLY drenched in the water of encouragement....and your style of writing was an enjoyment to read...

Blessings and thanks you came over to my place
Bernice

Gwen T said...

God does great and amazing things - even, or perhaps especially, during the hardest, most difficult times of our lives. It's encouraging to find another like-minded person - including one that has a heart for missions.

Thanks for sharing & may God continue to bless your family as you serve Him!
ToliversToTexas.blogspot.com

Alex Maria said...

Very sweet post! Thanks for stopping by my blog, too! ^^ I'm super glad you like it {Would you mind following, please?}

TheSmellyArmpit said...

Thanks so much for following and visiting!!! :) I'm following back and am excited to read more. :)

Dorcas said...

I am so glad you stopped by my scrappin blog. You put a smile on my face with your wonderful comment. I am looking forward to the many more wonderful words you will be sharing

~blessings

Dorcas

4sweetangels.blogspot.com

denise said...

Hey! Your blog is great - I had to check it out after you left a comment on mine.

I noticed on your profile that you like the book "If Jesus were a Parent." I hope you don't mind my asking, but I wondered how you came across the book? The author is a family friend.

Mama Mimi said...

Hi Sara! Nice to "meet" you...thanks so much for stopping by my blog today. I'm curious how you stumbled upon my little blog? Looking forward to getting to know you more in the blog world!

Holly said...

People who are in love with Jesus should be happy people!!!

Fiona said...

Thanks for dropping by my blog and leaving encouraging words! I am just new to blogging, but loving it. I have been purusing your posts and you have a similar worshipful, desperately in love with Jesus Heart! xx

aspiritofsimplicity said...

Wonderful post. What makes me happy is a day at the beach watching the waves and sand. Watching the people playing.

Joan Hall said...

This is a beaautiful post, Sara. One thing that makes me happy is sitting outdoors at the end of a hot, summer day in the cool of the evening. I reflect upon His grace and glory while observing the sights and sounds of His creation.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you found something that encourages you and that you will visit again.

Blessings,
Joan

Foxglove said...

Hello Sara,
Thank you for splashing around my site,and the lovely comments you left. I hope you enjoyed your time. I have had little journey into your world and was very inspired and will take another journey hear again soon.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog and coming to visit! I'll certainly be back to yours too!

Buckeroomama said...

Beautiful post. What makes me happy, truly happy is seeing my children love on each other.

Thank you for stopping by my blog. :) Do visit again!

Debra Kaye said...

I remember the words of David when he danced and said "I'll become even more undignified than this"! He was so jubilant before his King! I'm feeling a little lost now but I
know I'll dance before Him again! Thank you for your kind words!

myletterstoemily said...

thank you for splashing over to my
place. you are welcome any time.

i have found a treasure here.

blessings,
lea

Cindy said...

Thanks for visiting my blog so I could find yours. I especially appreciated this post and look forward to visiting more.

Rebecca Ramsey said...

Nice to meet you, Sara! Making new friends makes me happy-that's one thing. And a lovely sunny day that doesn't break 90 degrees! Oh, and God's grace, of course!
Hugs to you, new friend!

Danae Hudson said...

Sara, it is nice to meet you! Thank you for stopping by my blog! :) Something that makes me happy...I love to pick raspberries and blueberries.

I'm still working on finding how much God loves me...I've never felt good enough for God. It's a long journey I think.

Chris Meirose said...

Thanks for visiting my blog Sara! Splash around any time you please!!

Chris Meirose
Because I said so blog

Unknown said...

Sara, I'm so thankful you stopped by my blog. And yes, you are certainly welcome to look around a while. I hope you did! I just posted some pictures of our flowers here in Arizona. They remind me that God blesses with sweet-smelling, lush, colorful and vibrant blooms even in the desert times of our life. He is so good. That is what makes me happy!

Lisa said...

Hi Sara
I am glad I stopped by today, what an uplifting post. I am a very happy Christian, content, blessed, excited to share Christ with others. It will be fun getting to know you.

Susan DiMickele said...

Great to meet you, and thanks for stopping by! Love your blog.

Unknown said...

Sara, silly me, I didn't even notice that you live in Arizona when I first looked at your profile! Howdy neighbor!

Right now we have geraniums, vinca, and a few other random little things in our pots - not really sure of the names. The geraniums will last a long time and one of mine is still a hang over from last year, so I'm really going to try to keep them all alive this year.

Also, lantana will live all year or at least come back in the spring. It's very hardy and they come in purple, yellow, and a couple of variegated brands. I love them. And of course, the roses do well.

Where do you live in AZ? YOu can send me an e-mail through the contact Kay button on my blog if you want to share more.

Nice to meet you!

L.L. Barkat said...

Sometimes I like to do a happy dance. Just because.

Glad to meet you as you were doing yours...

Debbie said...

What makes me happy!? Well having you visit my blog made me very happy and I am happy to be splashing in the Goodness of God!! GOd bless,
Deb

Laura said...

I'm glad you stopped by the Wellspring today because I sure have been blessed by my visit here. I hope your explorations turned up all the wonderful things about HCB! It's a very special Community, and I you would be most welcome there. Visit for a while and see...

Doing a happy dance right now!

Amy Sullivan said...

First time here-
Enjoyed your post and really loved the header of your blog and the pics of your family "splashing around"...creative!

Jennifer @ JenniferDukesLee.com said...

Hi Sara! It's always a joy to hear how God has been working in your life.

Laura and I are thinking alike here (two comments up) ... I also want to extend an invitation to the community of High Calling Blogs. You'd love "splashin'" around in the network.

Dip your toes in. Test the waters. And jump right in. Water's just right ....

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Step by step is a great way to live :)

S. Etole said...

Thanks for the visit and leading me here.