How to Have a Happy Birthday every day!

Recently, I spoke with several friends about happiness. We talked about our attempts to be happy and our hopes for our children to be happy. We ultimately decided that we didn't want to be happy after all. What we all really desire is joy. Joy is not determined by the things "happening" around you. It is not dependent upon your control of your circumstances, your spouse, your kids, your job, your bank balance, your weight, or your fill-in-the-blank. Joy doesn't depend, it transcends. Joy is a deep, abiding connection with the one who you were created to live for and live with. Joy is bound by thanksgiving and cradled with hope. I had a great birthday yesterday. What made it great? It was a true thankfulness for being alive and able to celebrate the beginning of another year of life. Another year to love my family, pass my values to my children, achieve new goals, make new friends, and serve my Lord. I am full of hope for the future because I truly believe Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."