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Tuesday
Feb092016

Is Anyone Happy?

By Donna Martin

“Is anyone happy?  Let him sing songs of praise.”  As our pastor read this verse from the book of James yesterday during his sermon, it brought back pleasant memories of my mother singing around the house.  Mother didn’t think she had a pretty voice, so she never sang in the church choir.  However, my sisters and I thought she had a beautiful voice.  She sang as she dusted, swept, folded clothes, baked or performed any other daily chore.  She did not have any electrical device with which to sing along.  She wore no headphones.  She sang solo and a cappella from her heart.  She sang the old hymns, praising God, oblivious to her small audience of little girls, as she worked from room to room.  Her songs brought a peace to our daily lives.  But she was not singing for our benefit, she was praising God from the joy He had placed in her heart.  My grandmother did the same thing and so did my mother-in-law.

 The Bible is filled with verses instructing us to praise God.  Sadly many people only praise God at church, but as Christians, praise should be our lifestyle.  We should praise God often throughout our day.  It is only by his grace that we are able to take each breath, so even through hard times there is still a reason to praise God.

Our praise does not have to be pretty or perfect.  Just a “joyful noise” (Ps. 98:4) is all that is required.  Perhaps your home is already filled with praises.  If so, keep it up.  Share your testimony of praise with us.  If you have fallen short on the praise side, then today is the day to start your habit of praise.  If you feel uncomfortable singing, then turn the TV to the Christian Music channel, turn the radio to the Christian music station, or play your favorite tunes on your phone or computer.  Sing along in your mind, and before you know it you may be singing aloud.  You may be surprised at how your praises will lift your spirits because you will be thinking about God’s goodness and not your trials.

Think of the impact the praises may have on your family.  When parents exhibit peace and joy, the whole house is filled with peace and joy.  Praise might replace worry or depression.  Wouldn’t it be a tremendous legacy for your children and grandchildren to remember the praises you sang whenever they were in listening distance?  It’s a win/win activity, so get those vocal chords warmed up and “Come let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock our salvation.” (Ps. 95:1 ESV)

The Martins currently present “Happy Together” Marriage Enrichment Events for churches and organizations.  To schedule an event call Michael at 940-735-1515. They are certified “Prepare/Enrich” Facilitators and are available to work with couples on an individual basis using the “Prepare/Enrich Assessment.”  They publish a weekly “Happy Together” Blog about family and marriage issues.  You can order copies of their new books Dancing With Death and 366 Tidbits We Have Learned in 14,610 Days of Marriage, read, and subscribe to their “Happy Together” Blog by logging onto the Martin’s website at www.happytogethermarriages.com.

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