If you want to be happy, believe in Jesus Christ. What a marvelous opportunity we all have to light the world through celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. I mean it when I say, believe in Him! Learn of Him and know him! Enjoy the most beautiful video depicting His birth, and share it with others who could use more joy and happiness in their lives. Watch it over and over and share it with your children, your family and friends to light their way this Christmas. If you truly want to be happy, then believe in Him. Enjoy, “The Christ Child” a new video about the birth of Jesus Christ. The Christ Child
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Monday, September 30, 2019
If you want 2 be happy, then give something away.
When I first heard the term, "If you want to be happy, give something away," my first, knee jerk reaction was .... it would make a person happier to keep it instead of giving it away. You'll have to understand that I was about 8 years old, and my Grandmother shared this story at Thanksgiving during our family Thanksgiving program. It became a family story that we would use for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but for many years, I really didn't quite understand the concept of giving away.
Years passed, and I grew up, got married and began having children of my own. I wanted to instill in my children, traditions and especially holiday traditions. When Thanksgiving rolled around, I drew on my childhood memories of my Grandmother telling the story of how an old man made the entire town happy by giving something away, and by doing so, it made him happy as well as all the people who caught his vision and passed on the giving.
For years and years, I had thought that someone should write this story into a book, so finally in 2013, I took the message from my Grandmothers story, and elaborated on it, and wrote a Family/Children's book called, "If you want to be happy give something away". A publisher snapped it up and the rest was history. Unfortunately for me, the publisher went out of business, and that was the end of that. Everyone who read the book expressed that they thought the message was great and how they were going to incorporate it into their own family traditions.
This little book inspired this blog you are reading right now, and I want to share the rest of the story. My story, like I said is an elaboration of an old English Story that my grandmother had clipped out of some magazine in her childhood. There is a lot more history behind the story, that I won't elaborate on but as a grown-up, I came to love it just like my Grandmother. Its all about living a life and growing to understand just how happy serving others or giving away things, can make.
Since writing this book, I have come up with what would be a fabulous Hallmark movie or even a Downtown Abby type British Drama, that would really interest those of us who like to step back in time, to where things were much different, and where the aristocracy reigned. Its fun to look into the homes of the romantics where the women wore long flowing dresses, and had maids to clean their homes, and even attendants to dress them and do their hair. A time of hosting grand occasions, balls, and marrying into Aristocratic families. Anyway, my book is set in that time period, and it
tells the whole story of the main character as a child, born into a wealthy and titled family, yet because he was born with a physical disability, he was ignored, even by his own mother, and eventually his brother gained the birthright that should have been his. He survived, tolerated his childhood however his life wasn't the happiest until he had grown into a young man. He was in need of a new suit of clothes, so went into the village tailor's shoppe and noticed the tailors daughter working behind the partially drawn curtain.. This moment was what turned around his miserable and unhappy life. She was who set him on a course that lead up to the events in my book. This was his beginning of a new life of learning the true source of happiness, which he wasn't privileged even comprehend, living in his family home.
There's a lot more to this story, and I have the whole story, even the title... I just need to find someone who is interested to make it into a movie or mini series.
My life has been molded by giving parents. Parents who didn't have much but what they had they gave. My mother gave her children music, talent, and taught each of us, important life skills. My father worked hard to provide for our family, and we never knew how humble we were because we were rich in the things that mattered the most. Every year for Thanksgiving, my father would take the money he had saved up and buy 10 Turkeys to give away to widows, and families who needed them. We didn't know that we needed them because there was always a 24+ lb turkey dressed and baked, sitting on our Thanksgiving Table along with all the fixings. The same for Christmas, we weren't without. We were happy and I know that my mother and Father were happy too, for all they were able to give to those who were in more need than we were.
My father died in 2001, and my mother died just this past year of 2018, just after Thanksgiving. Little did we know that their frugal living provided an unexpected inheritance that they were able to pass on to their children. It wasn't insignificant for them, but beyond that, the best inheritance they passed on was the gift of happiness, and knowing from how happiness is gained. It's not from the getting but from the giving. I could go on and on, but will close with, "If you want to be happy, give something away."
For years and years, I had thought that someone should write this story into a book, so finally in 2013, I took the message from my Grandmothers story, and elaborated on it, and wrote a Family/Children's book called, "If you want to be happy give something away". A publisher snapped it up and the rest was history. Unfortunately for me, the publisher went out of business, and that was the end of that. Everyone who read the book expressed that they thought the message was great and how they were going to incorporate it into their own family traditions.
This little book inspired this blog you are reading right now, and I want to share the rest of the story. My story, like I said is an elaboration of an old English Story that my grandmother had clipped out of some magazine in her childhood. There is a lot more history behind the story, that I won't elaborate on but as a grown-up, I came to love it just like my Grandmother. Its all about living a life and growing to understand just how happy serving others or giving away things, can make.
Since writing this book, I have come up with what would be a fabulous Hallmark movie or even a Downtown Abby type British Drama, that would really interest those of us who like to step back in time, to where things were much different, and where the aristocracy reigned. Its fun to look into the homes of the romantics where the women wore long flowing dresses, and had maids to clean their homes, and even attendants to dress them and do their hair. A time of hosting grand occasions, balls, and marrying into Aristocratic families. Anyway, my book is set in that time period, and it
tells the whole story of the main character as a child, born into a wealthy and titled family, yet because he was born with a physical disability, he was ignored, even by his own mother, and eventually his brother gained the birthright that should have been his. He survived, tolerated his childhood however his life wasn't the happiest until he had grown into a young man. He was in need of a new suit of clothes, so went into the village tailor's shoppe and noticed the tailors daughter working behind the partially drawn curtain.. This moment was what turned around his miserable and unhappy life. She was who set him on a course that lead up to the events in my book. This was his beginning of a new life of learning the true source of happiness, which he wasn't privileged even comprehend, living in his family home.
There's a lot more to this story, and I have the whole story, even the title... I just need to find someone who is interested to make it into a movie or mini series.
My life has been molded by giving parents. Parents who didn't have much but what they had they gave. My mother gave her children music, talent, and taught each of us, important life skills. My father worked hard to provide for our family, and we never knew how humble we were because we were rich in the things that mattered the most. Every year for Thanksgiving, my father would take the money he had saved up and buy 10 Turkeys to give away to widows, and families who needed them. We didn't know that we needed them because there was always a 24+ lb turkey dressed and baked, sitting on our Thanksgiving Table along with all the fixings. The same for Christmas, we weren't without. We were happy and I know that my mother and Father were happy too, for all they were able to give to those who were in more need than we were.
My father died in 2001, and my mother died just this past year of 2018, just after Thanksgiving. Little did we know that their frugal living provided an unexpected inheritance that they were able to pass on to their children. It wasn't insignificant for them, but beyond that, the best inheritance they passed on was the gift of happiness, and knowing from how happiness is gained. It's not from the getting but from the giving. I could go on and on, but will close with, "If you want to be happy, give something away."
Thursday, September 26, 2019
If you want to be happy, then learn how to forgive
A friend of mine gave me some what she called "unsolicited advice." I wish I could remember the circumstance for this advice, but it was something I have never forgotten. She said, "God made our shoulders round, so things could roll off, and not have to stack up." This has gotten me through a lot of challenges that life has offered to me. The more we let problems, hurts, and more stack up, the more we are weighted down. It is so much better for us to learn how to forgive and forget, because it is the only way to live and be happy.
So my friends, if you want to be happy, then learn how to forgive. Enjoy!
Katie G
If you want to be happy, SMILE... even if you have wonky teeth!
A few years ago, I made up a cute poster and post titled, "If you want to be happy, then Smile." I thought about this just today and revisited that poster, and I wanted to add a little dialogue to it.
There are a lot of reasons why people don't smile. My own husband, as he aged, didn't want his teeth to show, because they had begun cracking and chipping, and he didn't like to show them. When he'd smile, it would look like a half hearted effort to smile, with a closed mouth. I missed his smile, and I realized he was hiding his teeth. I could commiserate with him because all while I was growing up, especially during Junior High and High School, I would do my best to smile and hide my very crooked teeth.
I had a very wonky tooth, and it was right in the middle of my mouth. My parents were of humble means and couldn't provide braces on my teeth for me, so I did all I could to not show them. I remember in my older years in grade school, a friend and neighbor of mine, got braces on her teeth. Then another got braces on her teeth, yet I needed them more than both of them put together, and never got them. I remember at times pretending I had braces, by twisting a wire paper clip into the arch shape of braces, and putting it in my mouth, pretending I had braces. This is how badly I wanted and needed them.
When I got into Junior High, I was pretty shy, but eventually I got over that shyness, and nobody seemed to be focused on my crooked teeth but me. Then High School came, and I tried out for Cheerleader and made it, and nobody said a word to me about my crooked and wonky tooth. I still figured out a way to smile, without my teeth showing to the point that my crooked tooth wasn't noticeable. I smiled that way in all my class photos, and all was well until my mother entered me into the Miss Teenage Utah Pageant. I just knew that I would be judged negatively for my crooked teeth, so I spent hours and hours practicing how to smile, looking head on, turning my head to the side and worked hard at disguising the fact that I had a very wonky tooth. All went well the
days of the pageant, until about 10 minutes before I was to go into my judges interview. I was ready, until one girl came up to me and asked me why I never got braces. She said that she got them when she was younger, and it really helped and her teeth were much more wonky than mine. She went on and on, totally destroying the confidence and good energy I had built up, about being in front of the judges, and ran into the bathroom to have a good cry. It only took her few thoughtless words to destroy my confidence. I knew I should have had braces and would have had so much more confidence in myself, if I felt my smile looked better.
I guess fate played a dirty trick on the girl who made me cry, because she didn't even place in the Miss Teenage Utah contest, but I did. I won first runner up to Miss Teenage Utah, and First runner up in the Speech contest... "What's right with America". You should have seen my dad's face when it was only myself and the queen, standing up in front of the spectators and supporters. He said he didn't know how in the world he and Mom would make it to the Miss Teenager USA in Georgia, if I had won. I came home with a trophy almost as tall as myself and I have to say that this gave me a confidence boost. I did enter a couple other contests, and consistently won 1st runner up.
Two of the contests, I was given a copy of the Judging sheets, and I will never forget what I read from one of the Judges. He said, "If she had straight teeth, she would have been queen." Another contest, the comments were..."Teeth need straightening, but only two more votes would have made her queen. I knew it was true, but I had no control of getting my wonky teeth fixed. My hopes were that one day, I would get my teeth fixed, and would live happily ever after.
Some years later, I met and married the man of my dreams, my Prince Charming, and my knight in shinning armor. A few years later, he told me that I should make an appointment with the orthodontist for braces for my teeth. You'd think I had won the lottery, and he knew how much it meant to me to get my teeth fixed, even though he loved me in spite of them. I got braces, as a married woman, when I had several children. I had to wear them for about 5 years, but I wore them proudly, as a badge of honor and was so happy when it was finally time to take them off.
One of the first things I realized was that I could smile a full smile, and not have to cover up my teeth. I also realized that it was a big sacrifice for my husband to make so I could rebuild my own self esteem. I also realized that beauty is only skin deep, and instead of focusing on what got me to win 3 contests, my inner beauty was what was being judged and not my teeth.
Now to wrap this up.... and back to the beginning of my story, my dear husband had much more issues with his worn out teeth. He'd joke and say his teeth were horse teeth, and through he joked, I knew he was disguising how he really felt, because I had been there, and done that. It was time, and he needed to smile a big smile and feel good about himself too. We made an appointment and to make a longer story shorter, he got 12 of this teeth crowned, and they look great. He feels so much better about himself too, and I have noticed a definite change in him. She smiles a whole lot more.
It wasn't just about teeth in both of these stories. Both of us overlooked the imperfections in each other and loved each other, no matter how wonky or worn our teeth were. This made our love grow even stronger, because we each put a smile on the others face, one that wasn't disguised, but a big toothy smile.
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
If you want to be happy, learn and study your Ancestry.
Today is the day that Utah, USA celebrates the day the Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley and their leader, Brigham Young, said that this was the place that they should settle and live. So they did, and since then, July 24th has been celebrated as Pioneer day.
I have been pondering for several days prior to this celebration, my own Pioneer heritage. I have many men and women ancestors who traveled by handcart and wagon, as well as walked, to get to Utah to settle. I have been studying their lives and the stories that have been shared by them or others, about the difficulty that they experienced on their arduous journey.
One of my Ancestors was near 60 years of age, and on her own, she walked almost the entire distance to Utah, across the dusty plains. One story of her was told that she was badly bitten by a rattlesnake on her lower leg. She had the forethought to wrap a her leg tightly to prevent the snake venom from traveling to the other parts of her body. When the leaders of the wagon train reached her, one was able to cut open her leg, and remove as much venom as possible, and she had to ride in a wagon thereafter while she healed. Her 60 year old friend, who took the journey with her, and walked beside her, went to see her friend in the wagon, and somehow fell, and the heavy wagon rolled over her hips. One Pioneer man was able to pull her from the back set of wheels, however not soon enough as the wagon wheel rolled over her ankle and crushed it. Miraculously, no bones were broken, though she too had to ride in a wagon until she healed. It wasn't long and both women were back walking the rest of the way on their journey to Utah.
This is just one of the many stories I have in my family history, that amaze me on the fortitude and strength of my ancestors. Can you imagine a snake bite, being run over twice by a heavy wagon, and of starvation and death, and so many more challenges these Pioneers faced and experienced, yet they still remained faithful and moved forward. Imagine even further, having to till the soil, and plant and water all the crops to sustain yourself throughout the winter, doing it all from scratch, including the harvesting, and all the preparation for cooking on a campfire, or living in a home made from what is available. Then to consider keeping warm in the winter without insulation, furnace and keeping cool in the scorching summer heat without air conditioning... well all I can say is that I am so grateful to be living in this day and age that these comforts of life are available and for some, an afterthought.
Moving forward when difficulties and obsticles block our progress, seem to stack up and bring down our spirits, it would be easy to lose faith, or to fall into a deap depression. For some who are troubled or hearts and spirits are aching, turn to drugs and alcohol. I wonder in these times for the Pioneers, what did they turn to?
Thoughts of leaving a child, wrapped only in a blanket because the ground was too frozen to bury, or waking up one morning to see your beloved spouse had passed on, how in the world could you think of moving forward.... bit they did. What was it that kept them going, and turning their sorrow to joy and moving forward through all their trials? I believe it was their faith. It was faith that they knew that they were sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father, and that they knew that their faith would get them through.
When I personally have a trial, heartache or difficulty given to me, I like my Pioneer Ancestors, look toward God to heal me, to take away my pain and hurt and give me peace to move forward. I like my Pioneer ancestors am given the strength to move forward, and to make the best and feel blessed for what I am given. I like , count my blessings, and take courage and have so much gratitude for my ancestors, who suffered so much for me. I take great pride in what they accomplished and have given me and to others who followed their family lines.
If you want to be happy, study your Ancestry, and know your heritage. Learn of the great difficulties your ancestors before you went thought, which should bring you gratitude and love and happiness for their gifts to the future. We are the future and if you want to be happy, learn and remember, and pass on to your own posterity, the very same kind of character and devotion that they shared with you.
I want to share a few pictures of my own ancestors whom I honor this day.
I have been pondering for several days prior to this celebration, my own Pioneer heritage. I have many men and women ancestors who traveled by handcart and wagon, as well as walked, to get to Utah to settle. I have been studying their lives and the stories that have been shared by them or others, about the difficulty that they experienced on their arduous journey.
One of my Ancestors was near 60 years of age, and on her own, she walked almost the entire distance to Utah, across the dusty plains. One story of her was told that she was badly bitten by a rattlesnake on her lower leg. She had the forethought to wrap a her leg tightly to prevent the snake venom from traveling to the other parts of her body. When the leaders of the wagon train reached her, one was able to cut open her leg, and remove as much venom as possible, and she had to ride in a wagon thereafter while she healed. Her 60 year old friend, who took the journey with her, and walked beside her, went to see her friend in the wagon, and somehow fell, and the heavy wagon rolled over her hips. One Pioneer man was able to pull her from the back set of wheels, however not soon enough as the wagon wheel rolled over her ankle and crushed it. Miraculously, no bones were broken, though she too had to ride in a wagon until she healed. It wasn't long and both women were back walking the rest of the way on their journey to Utah.
This is just one of the many stories I have in my family history, that amaze me on the fortitude and strength of my ancestors. Can you imagine a snake bite, being run over twice by a heavy wagon, and of starvation and death, and so many more challenges these Pioneers faced and experienced, yet they still remained faithful and moved forward. Imagine even further, having to till the soil, and plant and water all the crops to sustain yourself throughout the winter, doing it all from scratch, including the harvesting, and all the preparation for cooking on a campfire, or living in a home made from what is available. Then to consider keeping warm in the winter without insulation, furnace and keeping cool in the scorching summer heat without air conditioning... well all I can say is that I am so grateful to be living in this day and age that these comforts of life are available and for some, an afterthought.
Moving forward when difficulties and obsticles block our progress, seem to stack up and bring down our spirits, it would be easy to lose faith, or to fall into a deap depression. For some who are troubled or hearts and spirits are aching, turn to drugs and alcohol. I wonder in these times for the Pioneers, what did they turn to?
Thoughts of leaving a child, wrapped only in a blanket because the ground was too frozen to bury, or waking up one morning to see your beloved spouse had passed on, how in the world could you think of moving forward.... bit they did. What was it that kept them going, and turning their sorrow to joy and moving forward through all their trials? I believe it was their faith. It was faith that they knew that they were sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father, and that they knew that their faith would get them through.
When I personally have a trial, heartache or difficulty given to me, I like my Pioneer Ancestors, look toward God to heal me, to take away my pain and hurt and give me peace to move forward. I like my Pioneer ancestors am given the strength to move forward, and to make the best and feel blessed for what I am given. I like , count my blessings, and take courage and have so much gratitude for my ancestors, who suffered so much for me. I take great pride in what they accomplished and have given me and to others who followed their family lines.
If you want to be happy, study your Ancestry, and know your heritage. Learn of the great difficulties your ancestors before you went thought, which should bring you gratitude and love and happiness for their gifts to the future. We are the future and if you want to be happy, learn and remember, and pass on to your own posterity, the very same kind of character and devotion that they shared with you.
I want to share a few pictures of my own ancestors whom I honor this day.
Thursday, June 1, 2017
If you want to be happy, you must forgive
This morning, I arose late, and as I walked into the kitchen, there was my husband having breakfast. He greeted me, and told me he had made me breakfast too, and then said that he had a story to read to me. I had a feeling I knew what kind of a story he wanted me to hear, because I had been going through a lot recently with family issues, and I had felt torn apart, and very sad by what was happening. This story was perfect for me, and reminded me of things I already knew, but I needed to be reminded once again. I also knew that this story would help give peace to a family member of mine, who is suffering, broken and in great pain.
I share this story with you too, because if you want to be happy in your own life, then you too must forgive. Parts of this story was taken from a talk by James E. Faust and the whole talk can be found at this link: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/the-healing-power-of-forgiveness?lang=eng
I share this story with you too, because if you want to be happy in your own life, then you too must forgive. Parts of this story was taken from a talk by James E. Faust and the whole talk can be found at this link: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/the-healing-power-of-forgiveness?lang=eng
Story of the Amish Tragedy
"In the beautiful hills of Pennsylvania, a devout group of
people, live a simple life without automobiles, electricity, or modern
machinery. They work hard and live quiet, peaceful lives separate from the
world. Most of their food comes from their own farms. The women sew and knit
and weave their clothing, which is modest and plain. They are known as the
Amish people.
A 32-year-old milk truck driver lived with his family in their Nickel
Mines community. He was not Amish, but his pickup route took him to many Amish
dairy farms, where he became known as the quiet milkman. Last October he
suddenly lost all reason and control. In his tormented mind he blamed God for
the death of his first child and some unsubstantiated memories. He stormed into
the Amish school without any provocation, released the boys and adults, and
tied up 10 girls. He shot the girls, killing five and wounding five. Then he
took his own life.
This shocking violence caused great anguish among the
Amish but no anger. There was hurt but no hate. Their forgiveness
was immediate. Collectively they began to reach out to the milkman’s suffering
family. As the milkman’s family gathered in his home the day after the
shootings, an Amish neighbor came over, wrapped his arms around the father of
the dead gunman, and said, “We will forgive you.” Amish
leaders visited the milkman’s wife and children to extend their sympathy, their forgiveness,
their help, and their love. About half of the mourners at the milkman’s funeral
were Amish. In turn, the Amish invited the milkman’s family to attend the
funeral services of the girls who had been killed. A remarkable peace settled
on the Amish as their faith sustained them during this crisis.
One local resident very eloquently summed up the
aftermath of this tragedy when he said, “We
were all speaking the same language, and not just English, but a language of
caring, a language of community, [and] a language of service, And, a language
of forgiveness.” It
was an amazing outpouring of their belief in the Saviors teachings in the
Sermon on the Mount: “Do good to them
that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.”
The
family of the milkman who killed the five girls released the following
statement to the public:
“To our Amish
friends, neighbors, and local community:
“Our family wants
each of you to know that we are overwhelmed by the forgiveness, grace, and
mercy that you’ve extended to us. Your love for our family has helped to
provide the healing we so desperately need. The prayers, flowers, cards, and
gifts you’ve given have touched our hearts in a way no words can describe. Your
compassion has reached beyond our family, beyond our community, and is changing
our world, and for this we sincerely thank you.
“Please know that
our hearts have been broken by all that has happened. We are filled with sorrow
for all of our Amish neighbors whom we have loved and continue to love. We know
that there are many hard days ahead for all the families who lost loved ones,
and so we will continue to put our hope and trust in the God of all comfort, as
we all seek to rebuild our lives.”
How could the whole Amish group show such an expression
of forgiveness? Hearing of this tragedy, many people sent money to the Amish to
pay for the health care of the five surviving girls and for the burial expenses
of the five who were killed. As a further demonstration of their discipleship,
the Amish decided to share some of the money with the widow of the milkman and
her three children because they too were victims of this terrible tragedy.
Forgiveness is not always instantaneous as it was with
the Amish. When innocent children have been molested or killed, most of us do
not think first about forgiveness. Our natural response is anger. We may even
feel justified in wanting to “get even” with anyone who inflicts injury on us
or our family.
“Forgiveness is
freeing up and putting to better use the energy once consumed by holding grudges,
harboring resentments, and nursing unhealed wounds. It is rediscovering the
strengths we always had and relocating our limitless capacity to understand and
accept other people and ourselves.” -
Dr. Sidney Simon-
Most of us need time to work through pain and loss. We can find all kinds of reasons to postpone
forgiveness, waiting for the wrongdoer to repent before we forgive them, but
delaying causes us to forgo the happiness and peace that could be ours,
because we waited.
Some people hold grudges for a lifetime, not realizing
that forgiving others who have wronged us is therapeutic and liberating. Forgiveness enables people to look beyond
themselves, and withstand the worst and ugliest of humanity.
If we can find forgiveness in our hearts for
those who have caused us hurt or injury, we will rise to a higher level of
self-esteem and well-being. Studies show that people who forgive, are
“less angry, more hopeful, less depressed, less anxious and less stressed, and
understand that forgiveness is a liberating gift that people can give
themselves.”
A woman who was going through a painful divorce received
some really good advice. It was to “Keep
a place in your heart for forgiveness, and when it comes, welcome it.”
We all need to acknowledge our angry feelings, and realize it will
take a great deal of humility to ask God to help us be able to forgive. It takes even more humility to ask God to
forgive ourselves of all those things we did to deserve what we are feeling, as
a result of our own past bad behavior or bad choices. Since the Lord requires
us to forgive everyone, He knows that this will rid our own lives of the hatred
and bitterness that comes through harboring anger. We cannot be responsible however, if others
do not forgive, and sadly their lives will be consumed with anger, guile and
bitterness, which certainly takes more effort to keep those feelings going,
than to just forgive, move on, and find peace once again. Some people may never
forgive, but those who do, will be able to find once again, the happiness that
was missing from harboring all those negative feelings.
We all need to remember that if we want to be forgiven,
we first must forgive, and let the healing power that comes through
forgiveness, set our hearts free.
If you are reading this, I want you to know
that as a mother, I have had to forgive like the Amish, my own family members whose
choices have hurt me in the past. Strong
words, bad behavior and deeds, could have made my heart hardened and destroyed important
relationships with my family. An old
friend once said something that has stayed with me
for years. She said, “God made our
shoulders round, so things could roll off them.” The longer we let the boulders
of hurt stack up, the more weighted down we become, until ultimately we are so
bogged down, we cannot even walk. As we
let them go, and “roll off” one by one, that weight and burden becomes lighter
and turns into a liberating force for us, and once again, we can feel peace. This is the peace that comes from asking for
forgiveness for our own mistakes in life we had made, as well as asking for the
Lords help to enable us to forgive others.
If you want to be happy, no let me rephrase that, 'If you want to be truly happy, then you must forgive. First, Forgive others, and second, ask for forgiveness from God for your own issues. If you will do this, then you can find peace in your soul, your hardened heart will soften, and you will truly be a happier person.
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
If you want to be happy you can, even when the lights go out!
Recently, I was in my office at home, and without any notice, wind or weather elements going on outside, the power went out. The first thought in my mind was... so now what do I do? My mind instantly began churning, and I remembered all the fun that my kids and I had during cold winter evenings when the power would go out because of the snow or outside elements. I looked forward to the lights going out, so we could enjoy family time together.
One of the first things that we do when the lights go out is to run to find a flashlight, candles or some other way to bring light into the room. I knew where the candles and candle holders were, so I was usually the one to get them out, light them, and place them in strategic areas of the house, to help my family see.
A strange phenomenon happened when we were sleeping or almost there, when the lights went out. Everyone would wake up and say, "What do we do with the lights out?" If my reply of, "Go back to sleep", didn't excite them, because they were in the dark before the lights went out, it seemed like everyone would instantly go to the light. So why is it that we have to have light, when the lights are out? Well I can't answer that for you but I know why my family has always flocked to the light during a power outage..... because it means fun. I love it in the dark of night, and have made a list of 10 things we have done to be happy during a power outage, or a self imposed power failure.1. Light candles! Who doesn't have fun striking a match and lighting a candle? For kids, it is one of the few times that a parent will let them light a match so what fun it is to see who gets to strike the match to light the candles.
2. Roast Marshmallows. Those lit candles do more than just light the room with a flickering glow. Those candles, put together in a little cluster make a great option for roasting marshmallows. Just grab some long bamboo skewers or even forks work well, and get out the marshmallows. I remember one time only having mini marshmallows available, so we put 4-5 on the stick and proceeded to roast. There is just something about roasting marshmallows on a stick that makes them taste like the best treat you have had in a very long time! 
3. Heat up some soup or food for dinner. Yes you can even do this, though it does require a little more to be creative about the heating process. Make a buddy burner using a can. Open the can top and set the can up on something that will elevate the can from the flame, and not on top of it so it will go out. If you empty a can, rince and dry it out, and open the bottom end of a can, you can set it on top of a lit candle to hold your can of soup yet to be heated up from the flame. If the flame goes out, using a pop top can opening to punch a few holes in the sides of the can, to let some air in. If you have a contest with the kids as to how to cook over a flame, they can become pretty creative in coming up with a set up to make this possible. Some kind of a tripod, that will hold the soup can over the flame. Have some fun and by the time the soup has been heated enough to eat, the lights will probably go back on, but who says they have to stay on? Turn them back off, and Finnish your fun dinner! You can even have a side of toast by toasting your bread over a flame. (I should mention that if you have a propane BBQ that has a side cooking unit, you can cook your dinner on that much easier, but probably it won't be as much fun!)4. Tell stories! Cozy up on the sofa with just enough candles on the coffee table to light the room, and tell stories. Spooky stories seem to lend themselves well to when the lights are out, but with little kids, having the lights out is spooky enough.
5. Sing songs! Yes, I did say sing songs! There is nothing like singing around a campfire at a camp out to make that good feeling come into your heart. So why not sing around the candles, songs of comfort for the little ones, or silly songs for the older ones. Songs like, My gals a corker, she's a New Yorker...., The ants go marching two by two, hurrah, hurrah and I am pretty sure you can come up with the Jello song, and others to make the lights out time together fun.
7. Plan a family vacation. Kids for some reason will talk around a fire easier than they do around the table or anything else, so as a family, plan your next family vacation. Talk, talk, talk, and talk some more about what fun times you can have, things you can do, foods you can eat and bring with
you, whether you drive, take the train or a bus, but let everyone in on the action of planning.
8. Snack time! Don't you know that snacks taste better in the dark, and what a better time to pull out the snacks you have in your cupboards than when you only have candle light. Pull out your bingo game, and M & M's or other small candies, and play bingo. With each bingo, they earn the right to eat their M & M's. Packaged popcorn... yum, yum, pull out your iPad, and find a family movie, and munch on popcorn while you are watching an iPad movie on that tiny little screen. This means you will all have to cozy up, sitting close, and piling on the blankets to be able to watch it, but close family fun is to be had when the lights are out.
9. If you happen to be alone, without family or friends around you, you can always make a phone call on your cell phones. Have a nice chat until your batter runs out. Don't forget also that your cell phone can turn into a really great flashlight, and that is probably the easiest thing to find to light your way first, until you can find your candles or flashlights. It sure runs the battery down fast, but when the power is restored, you can always plug it in to charge up again. (OR - do you have one of those already charged power packs, you can use and have been saving for this very kind of a situation? Get it out and finally use it!)
10. Now for my last idea, I have picked something that everyone doesn't get enough of, that would be a wonderful activity to do when the lights go out. Pretend it is bedtime and go to sleep if it is close to bedtime. Get some extra Z's and wake refreshed in the morning. But... if you do want to take advantage of the dark in this way, be sure to turn off the light switches that you had on before the power went out, or you will wake up when the power goes on, to a fully lighted house. Then try getting back to sleep aftet that! JK, actually not!
If you want to be happy even during circumstances that are not always perfect, then make them fun by the things you choose to do. Enjoy life and be happy, no-matter the condition.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
If you want 2 be happy: If you want 2 be happy... then give something away...
If you want 2 be happy: If you want 2 be happy... then give something away...: I am so happy today, because I found a wonderful home made recipe for cleaning my windows outside, and it worked so well, and saved a step,...
If you want 2 be happy... then give something away, and I am.
I am so happy today, because I found a wonderful home made recipe for cleaning my windows outside, and it worked so well, and saved a step, and I am so happy. So I wanted to share this recipe with you and make you happy too. I found it on Pinterest and included the link to the recipe, and you should go to that link and see how pretty the windows are. Mine look just like those too. I have full length windows at my home, and lots of them, and when they aren't clean, it makes my whole room inside look.... just not so clean. Not today folks, my windows are clean and sparkly and it just makes me smile to see such clean windows. So here you go, the recipe and link, and I hope that you will be happy too... oh and the best part is you don't have to squeegee the windows, just rinse them with water from your hose, and they have sheeting action and dry beautifully all by themselves.
I did list a little disclaimer, and that is, if you have calcium or hard water deposits on your windows, this won't clean that off. You will need to do that before you clean your windows, but if you don't have hard water deposits, your windows are in for a sparkling experience, and yes, the satisfaction of having such pretty windows, does make you smile. BE HAPPY!
I did list a little disclaimer, and that is, if you have calcium or hard water deposits on your windows, this won't clean that off. You will need to do that before you clean your windows, but if you don't have hard water deposits, your windows are in for a sparkling experience, and yes, the satisfaction of having such pretty windows, does make you smile. BE HAPPY!Sunday, February 21, 2016
Get ready for Easter!
If you are thinking ahead and getting ready for Easter, be one of the first to go to learn what Easter is really about at this link: https://www.mormon.org/easter2015?cid=6610173 It's all about Jesus Christ, and because He Lives, you can live too. It's all about who He was, and what He did for us. Learn more about why your understanding of Jesus Christ can truly make you happy. And once you understand, you can share!
Make His way, your way! https://www.mormon.org/easter2015?cid=6610173 Learn about Him, and know him, and be like Him.
Here is a great video I found that will make you happy because it's all about Him, Jesus Christ. Just don't forget to go to this link too! https://www.mormon.org/easter2015?cid=6610173
Here is a great video I found that will make you happy because it's all about Him, Jesus Christ. Just don't forget to go to this link too! https://www.mormon.org/easter2015?cid=6610173
Thursday, February 4, 2016
If you want 2 be happy, then share your story
There is just something about a good story to make you smile. Everybody does it, and it works. Recently I listened to some cowboy poetry, which I truly didn't even know existed intil recently, and I smiled the whole way through. When we share our talents and stories, we can not only make ourselves happy, but others to. NOW.. I want to share with you, what happened to my husband and I this very evening. Hope it makes you smile. It made us laugh, however only after we had time to sit down and try to figure out what just happened. ENJOY!!!Saturday, January 16, 2016
If you want 2 be happy, know where
you stand!
 |
| click on image to enlarge |
If you draw
a circle around yourself, where do you stand?
There are always opposite
personalities, and others who do not think the way you do. There are givers and takers, and I would like
to pose the question…”Where do you stand?”
Are you a giver or a taker?
I have drawn
up an image to illustrate this for you.
I drew two circles, and put two people inside the circle. These people represent you and someone else
close to you. Then, I have placed a word
balloon coming out of each circle that says two different things.
- Humm… what can they do for us?
- What can we do for others?
Some people
will, like the famous quote(1) draw a circle around themselves and not let anyone else inside their
circle. All of their focus is directed
to what is inside that circle, and unfortunately they are only thinking about
themselves, but become so self-absorbed
and selfish, all they can think about is #1, which represents what others can
do for them, to make them happy, or successful.
Unfortunately for them, they miss out on the more important things in
life that makes people truly happy. They
think so much about what they can get from others, never considering that they
could contribute, pay back or pay it forward, because they are the single most
important people in their world. Nobody
else matters, except for those who they can get something from, to improve
their lives.
On the other
hand, there are other people, who are the polar opposite of the ones we just
described. These are the Givers,# 2
circle, the unselfish, who don’t ask what others can do for them, but ask, “What
can they do for others.” These are the
people who look outside their circle, and will draw others in to join them, expanding
their circle to including others, make true friendships, and look outwards
instead of inward. They are not selfish,
but generous with all they have, helping the poor and needy, others who are burdened
with trials, and grief. They are the
lifters, the givers, the unselfish and are indeed true friends. As time goes by, their circle expands to fit
all who would want to join them, and these people are the happy ones.
Quite a
difference between these two circles talked about. My suggestion is to look at your own circle,
and determine which of these two examples best illustrates or fits you. Then ask yourself… “Am I happy?” If your answer is No, then you and only you
have the ability to change your world, your destiny and your life’s
outlook. The key here is to not make
your whole focus on yourself and your own self-interests, but to enlarge your
circle to draw others in, reaching out with service, friendship and
charity. When you do this, you will feel
so different, and understand that people need people, and the only way to be
happy is to go outside of yourself, and genuinely let others in, and with no
strings attached. It isn’t what others
can do for you that will make your life happy, but what you can do for others
that will bring you true joy and happiness.
So, to sum
it up… If you want to be happy, know where you stand, and enjoy a richer and
happier life! If you would like to see another great way to be happy, please go to this link:
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Sunday, October 25, 2015
If you want 2 be happy, then Let it go
If you want to be happy, then let it go! I am talking about things that have pulled you under, hurt like the dickens, and weighed you down. Yes, I am talking about those things people have said or done to hurt you. LET IT GO! I'm also talking about offences they have done to your children, pain they have inflicted because they are just mean... I say, "Let it go!" I am talking about the things that keep you up at night, the things that keep you addicted to numb the pain, and all other things you can think of. Just let it go!
Yesterday, I spent my birthday crying over something someone had said, who severely misjudged me. I was innocent of all the allegations they were making against me, but they had determined otherwise, and set out to defame, spew guile, and to just plain hurt me. I thought we were friends, which was another hurt that beset me, because obviously this person did not like me, one little bit. I cried until my eyes were red and swollen. I could barely breathe, I was so stuffed up from crying. I was a sad mess, and to make it even worse, all this happened on my birthday.
That afternoon, I logged on to Facebook and read from a friends page, that had posted the best possible quote, that helped lift my spirits, and help me to realize just how unimportant this hurtful situation was in my life. This is what the quote said:
"So many of us make a great fuss over matters of small consequence. We are so easily offended. Happy is the man who can brush aside the offending remarks of another, and go on his way." This quote was written by Gordon B. Hinckley, in a talk he gave called, "Slow to Anger." I read this talk and it helped me so much, that I wanted to include the link to help others. Here is is: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/slow-to-anger?lang=eng
Isn't it amazing how something so small as a short quote can completely straighten out what you have been worrying over, and shedding far too many tears about? I have to say that it took a lot of what someone else did to offend me, but I made the choice to let it trouble me as it did. After reading this message the thought came into my mind, which is another famous quote, as of the past few years, and something that my little grand daugher sings all the time, and this is...."LET IT GO!"
I understand the atonement of Jesus Christ, and know that we don't have to suffer like we all do, because we can give away to Christ, our pains, and sorrows, afflictions, and torments. He has already suffered them for us and we just have to Let it go and He will make up the rest. It is true. After I let it go, I cannot tell you how much peace I felt. My burden was lifted and I was able to look around and see the things of life that truly matter, and make me happy.
I hope this short story will help you to understand that if you want to be happy, then let it go!
https://youtu.be/MD5bFCDfySc
P.S. I found the greatest talk that helps all of us to understand the full extent of the Atonement Jesus Christ made for us. It is a talk written by Elder Dallin H. Oaks, and it is called "Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ." I encourage everyone, everywhere to read this, and be able to fully understand what His Atonement can do for you to be happy again.
Yesterday, I spent my birthday crying over something someone had said, who severely misjudged me. I was innocent of all the allegations they were making against me, but they had determined otherwise, and set out to defame, spew guile, and to just plain hurt me. I thought we were friends, which was another hurt that beset me, because obviously this person did not like me, one little bit. I cried until my eyes were red and swollen. I could barely breathe, I was so stuffed up from crying. I was a sad mess, and to make it even worse, all this happened on my birthday.
That afternoon, I logged on to Facebook and read from a friends page, that had posted the best possible quote, that helped lift my spirits, and help me to realize just how unimportant this hurtful situation was in my life. This is what the quote said:
"So many of us make a great fuss over matters of small consequence. We are so easily offended. Happy is the man who can brush aside the offending remarks of another, and go on his way." This quote was written by Gordon B. Hinckley, in a talk he gave called, "Slow to Anger." I read this talk and it helped me so much, that I wanted to include the link to help others. Here is is: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/slow-to-anger?lang=eng
Isn't it amazing how something so small as a short quote can completely straighten out what you have been worrying over, and shedding far too many tears about? I have to say that it took a lot of what someone else did to offend me, but I made the choice to let it trouble me as it did. After reading this message the thought came into my mind, which is another famous quote, as of the past few years, and something that my little grand daugher sings all the time, and this is...."LET IT GO!"
I understand the atonement of Jesus Christ, and know that we don't have to suffer like we all do, because we can give away to Christ, our pains, and sorrows, afflictions, and torments. He has already suffered them for us and we just have to Let it go and He will make up the rest. It is true. After I let it go, I cannot tell you how much peace I felt. My burden was lifted and I was able to look around and see the things of life that truly matter, and make me happy.
I hope this short story will help you to understand that if you want to be happy, then let it go!
https://youtu.be/MD5bFCDfySc
P.S. I found the greatest talk that helps all of us to understand the full extent of the Atonement Jesus Christ made for us. It is a talk written by Elder Dallin H. Oaks, and it is called "Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ." I encourage everyone, everywhere to read this, and be able to fully understand what His Atonement can do for you to be happy again.
Monday, October 12, 2015
If you want to be happy, then spend time with your family
1. Have dinner together, around the table.
2. Have a chat!
3. Have family council.
4. Read together.
5. Hug each other, every single day!
6. Forgive each other daily, then forget about
what you forgave.
7. Take time to listen, without interrupting.
8. Laugh and cry together.
9. Be thankful and use your words of gratitude.
10. Be kind.
I could go on and share more of my thoughts, but the next step would be for you to think about why each of these ten things were listed. What difference would they make in a family? What needs do they fulfill in each family member? Then think about taking away each of these things, and how would it affect your family relationships?
If you want to be happy, then spend time with your family, building the relationships that will endure the test of time, trials, hurts, heartaches, pain and grief. Build character in your children by teaching them values through your own example as parents. Love, love, love your children, they simply grow up way too fast, and when their grown, they'll come back with their own little kiddies, to love you and do all those things you did for them. One big happy family.... and it's never too late to start.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Hokey Pokey Addiction
"You put your right foot in, you put your right foot out,
You put your right foot in and you shake it all about...
You do the hokey Pokey and you turn yourself around,
Thats what it's all about!"
The song doesn't end there, and in fact it goes on with more verses shaking your body and turning yourself around, and jumping in and jumping out. Oh I have great memories doing the Hokey Pokey at some Family Christmas Parties when I was a little girl. I don't remember very much about those parties, but I do remember doing the Hokey Pokey. I also remember that my Grandmother use to ask, after the dance ended, "Does anyone want to do it again?" All the grand kids would cheer and yell, "YES!" I don't remember how many times we did this dance over and over, but I remember it snowing outside, but because we were shaking it inside, I was sweating. I remember my Uncle Leo, really getting into this dance, and the smile on my own Grandpa's face, as he watched everyone buy him doing the dance.
If you want to be happy, during the holiday season, I would highly recommend you download a copy of the Hokey Pokey, and dance with your kids. Everyone will love it and you will be doing one of the greatest things to make yourself and other happy, and that is spending fun time with family, and making a memory that will last for a lifetime.
So if you have not figured out yet the links to the Hokey Pokey, here is the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_P9PU5FcMQ
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Thanksgiving invitation template (Free!)
I am posting this freebie printable invitation on several of my blogs, so more of you can find it and be able to use it for your Thanksgiving dinner invitation. Feel free to use it and enjoy. If you go to my other blog at here, you should be able to find my other invitation that I created a few years back that was so popular. I really have no idea just how many people use what I create and give away but it would be a nice little experiment if you would just post a tiny and short message as how you are going to use it and what your thoughts are about Thanksgiving. I found this adorable Turkey here:
I have a second little freebie/gift that I wanted to share too. It is a door hanger, that has a wonderful message on it. Read the message and then spend some time pondering how it impacts you. This isn't to make you feel guilty about anything, but more so to help remind you to become aware of those around you. Thanksgiving is a time of year when we can reflect on those blessings we have been given, and show our gratitude for the goodness of God in blessing our lives.
So why am I blogging about this on a "HAPPY" blog? It is because there is a secret that needs to be let out of the bag. I have actually written a book about it that is now out and selling all over the place. It is short, but has a great message. It's illustrated, so it isn't boring. I hope if you have a chance to get your hands on a copy (or make yourselves take the chance to get one) that you will apply the principles and learn the secret of being happy. My book is the name of this blog "If you want to be happy give something away." I am practicing what I preach and I am giving away to you these little gifts. I hope you will enjoy them and drop me a note to say "HI!" By the way, I am selling my book on Amazon and if you decide to get yourselves a copy, be sure to buy it from Discoveryshops, which is my store. Just type in the Amazon search bar, "If you want to be happy give something away" and click below the where it gives you a variety of sellers of my book. Please pick mine! It would certainly make me Happy if you did. ha, ha. Enjoy! Kathleen Gauger
I have a second little freebie/gift that I wanted to share too. It is a door hanger, that has a wonderful message on it. Read the message and then spend some time pondering how it impacts you. This isn't to make you feel guilty about anything, but more so to help remind you to become aware of those around you. Thanksgiving is a time of year when we can reflect on those blessings we have been given, and show our gratitude for the goodness of God in blessing our lives.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
The Launching of my new book!
Today is a momentous occasion in my life. After 3 long years of waiting, my book "If you want to be happy, give something away," launched today! I am truly excited and happy and know that once the message in the book gets around, many will want it for their own. I want to share with you the press release that was sent out today from my publisher:
Lehi author features the importance of sharing
Published January 20, 2014 | By Chuck Raagas
LEHI, Utah — “If you want to be happy, give something away”
is a social issues book that teaches children the art of giving. Author
Kathleen Gauger exemplifies that sharing is a major key in bringing joy in
everyone’s life.
The Christmas season is normally a joyous occasion, but not
for Old Gentleman Gray. He was sad and lonely and had lost hope of ever feeling
differently. It was Christmas Eve when he was visited by a beautiful, heavenly
messenger who filled him with warmth and joy as she shared with him the secret
of how to be happy.
The effect that this experience had on Old Gentleman Gray
not only changed him, but was also felt throughout the village, right down to
the tiniest of birdies who twittered, as if they could say, “If you want to be
happy, give something away.”
Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is
available through bookstores nationwide, from the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore,
or by visiting barnesandnoble.com
or amazon.com.
Gauger is an author of children’s books, and a contributing
writer for family focused websites. She is also an accomplished graphic design
artist, with her talents and skills featured on several popular blogs. She
lives in Lehi, Utah, with her husband Dennis, has 5 married children and 13
grandchildren.
Posted in Author Press
Releases
Now you know the reason behind this blog. I have had a passion about serving others, and know from many years of experience that when we give away to others, we become as happy as those we serve. It's a chain reaction that I want to pass on. My book is about this very message, told in a sweet story, that is heartwarming, wholesome and is truth! It is my message to share with the world that can really help individuals and families who struggle with challenges in life, and teach them the secret of being happy.
The main character in this book struggled for a whole year, was sad and lonely until one day when he was about to give up, like many of us do, the secret of how to be happy was shared with him, by someone very special. This message, lifted him to the point that he pulled himself out of his misery and rejoined life, by preparing for Christmas. As he did so, he was given opportunities to implement this secret of happiness, and when he did, it not only lifted him, but so many others as a ripple effect was felt throughout his entire village.
And even the little birdies twittered as if they could say, "Like old Gentleman Gray, on a Christmas day, if you want to be happy, give something away."
I hope you will take the opportunity to get your hands on one of my books, and read it and implement it's message into your own life. If you do, you too will find a renewed sence of happiness and joy come into your life, as you focus outward, instead of inward.
You can purchase my book from me, the author, on Amazon. Purchase it at "Discovery Shops," and spread the word. Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aag/main/ref=olp_merch_rating_2?ie=UTF8&asin=1625100728&isAmazonFulfilled=0&seller=A3810YE0RZDT4F
Monday, May 19, 2014
If you want to be happy, don't dwell in the past.
So many of us can't quite seem to get past our past. We hold on to things much longer than we need to, and they weigh us down, not allowing the progress toward our future unencumbered. When we are loaded with bricks on our shoulders, how can we be happy? I created for you a great printable of 10 quotes, that are very good, and will make you think about holding on to the past. Feel free to print them off for yourself, and share with others. (Right click on the image, and save as a file on your computer, then print from your computer.)I wrote a book, "If you want to be happy, give something away," is a great example of how a man had let his past load him down, but He makes a great turn around when he understands what he needs to do to be happy. The direct result was his level of happiness, as well as those in his village. I encourage you to buy a copy and read it. You can find my book at The Rosey Posey Printshop on Etsy.
How to not dwell int he past @momgaug http://t.co/dC42zc4Y5g
— Kathleen Gauger (@Momgaug) May 20, 2014
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