Monday, March 2, 2015

Smile!


As I looked for pictures of smiley faces,
this one struck me as really true for
Christians. We should be the happy, joyful,
smiling ones in this world full of
sorrow, pain, and sadness.
"Smile! Because Jesus loves you and so do I!" This was my "motto" as of a little while back—that is, until it was used on me. To start at the beginning, several months ago I got this jingle stuck in my head so, whenever anyone in my family was upset, discouraged, or sad, that is what I told them. Well, once when I was upset, my little sister told me the same thing. It didn't help. It practically only made me madder for some reason. Anyways, I didn't use that saying with anyone again for a long time.However, the next time she told me that, I stopped. And I thought. I realized that, because I am a Christian, I have every reason to be happy, and I should let that joy show through. Wow, Jesus loves ME. The creator of the entire world cares enough to love a sinful girl like me. That meant a lot to me. It's not easy to be smiling and keep this in mind, but from now on, I'm going to try to let that joy show through me. I have every reason to smile, to be joyful—I am loved. And you know what? So are you! No matter who you are, what you've done, or what you are going through, Jesus loves you and is waiting for you to run into His open arms. So, smile! Jesus loves you and so do I!

16 comments:

  1. This was a great reminder this morning! Thanks Bethany!!!! I think when Christians are out in public people should be able to tell were different.

    Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. (‭Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ KJV)

    I think I saw on your dad's blog that he is a pastor? My dad is too!;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, they should. That is really important that we be different from the world and "let our light shine." What a true verse! How cool that we both are pastor's kids! How did you know about my dad's blog? We should connect some more! God bless!

      Delete
    2. I think I had somehow "lost" the website (your blog) and I Googled "A Great God and Good Cocoa" and found this blog again and found your dad's! We so should should!
      What's your favorite Bible verse?

      Delete
    3. Oh, ok! Cool! I'm not sure that I really have a favorite—what about you?
      Btw, do you read my Dad's posts? Are you subscribed to his blog? Just wondering!

      Delete
    4. Yes. I'm subscribed to your dad's blog. My favorite is probably 1 Peter 5:7 and Acts 4:13 and I can't think of the other one at the moment...

      Delete
  2. This is so true, Bethany!

    ~Skylar

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you Bethany. I needed this today. :')

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yes! This makes me smile! Literally, I automatically smiled after I read this. You are right. I actually have a hoodie that has a big smiley face and SMILE on it.
    Thank you so much Bethany.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How fun! I should look for a hoodie like that!

      Delete
    2. Btw, your comment made me smile!

      Delete
    3. That is good! :)
      Thanks for visiting my blog! I added you to the Blogs I Suggest thing on the side of my blog. I enjoy your blog a lot.

      Delete
  5. Oh! Have you read my short story on my blog yet? The Servant And The Protector?
    One last question. LOL. How old are you?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not yet, but I will! I'm looking forward to it! Tell you what, since I am not allowed to post my age publicly, I'll send you a comment on your blog with my age. Just please don't publish it. Thanks!
      Oh, cool! Thanks for doing that! I glad that you enjoy it!

      Delete

Thanks for reading and commenting on my blog! I really appreciate feedback—your thoughts are what keep me blogging! I always reply to comments, so be sure to check back!

Please be considerate of others and please keep all comments God-honoring. Your comment will be visible after I approve it. Thank you!

Blessings,
Bethany R.