Love Notes for Teens: Happiness Is...

Friday, April 29, 2011

Happiness Is...

...2 kinds of ice cream, finding your skate key, telling the time....la, la, laaaaaa. This old song lyric floated through my mind this morning which prompted three more thoughts. 1. Where did that come from? (Answer: "Happiness" lyrics from the 70's Broadway show, "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" and FYI a skate key adjusted the size of an old-fashioned metal-only roller skate attached to shoes.) 2. Be careful what you get plugged into your brain. (Way too many 70's and 80's kids sang drivel in school plays.) 3. What is happiness?

Happy are the poor in spirit: for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Happy are those who are sad: for they will be comforted.
Happy are the gentle: for the earth will be their heritage.
Happy are those whose heart's desire is for righteousness: for they will have their desire.
Happy are those who have mercy: for they will be given mercy.
Happy are the clean in heart: for they will see God.
Happy are the peacemakers: for they will be named sons of God.
Happy are those who are attacked on account of righteousness: for the kingdom of heaven will be theirs.
Happy are you when men give you a bad name, and are cruel to you, and say all evil things against you falsely, because of me. 12 Be glad and full of joy; for great is your reward in heaven: for so were the prophets attacked who were before you.
Matthew 5: 3-12 (Basic English Translation)

Most translations of these Beatitudes use the word blessed in place of happy, to perhaps move the reader beyond thoughts of simple pleasure and contentment to more confidence and satisfaction. While I can be momentarily happy eating a treat of ice cream, deep happiness is a byproduct of having good purpose and right meaning in life.

Love,
Mom

You are loved.

God loves you. If you take nothing else from my love notes, know that you are loved beyond your imagination. If you know this, really know and trust this love in your mind and heart, then each day you live is full of purpose and meaning, and your choices will be positive. God loves you because He created you and you are His. You are alive to know, love, and serve Him. This is the most beautiful love story of your life!

The teen years are short - 7 years out of your life. The privilege and responsibility to choose well, increases rapidly. In this time you change from a child to a one-of-a-kind adult. This change is painful and purposeful. Let this not discourage you, but rather be reassured that your difficulties are life tests. With good information, encouragement, and support, you can pass these tests with flying colors! Who do you want to be? Who do you want to become?

Bloggkeeping

*Love Notes are written primarily with my 19 year old daughter, 16 year old son, and almost 13 year old son in mind. Plus I consider myself auntie to several special teens. Love you!

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