What makes you happy?

public hermit · Oct 8, 2019

Bella,

LaBèlla said:
I have a subscription to The Great Courses Plus.

That looks wonderful! I just scanned the options and may have to indulge myself.

LaBèlla said:
Thank you for blessing me with your kindness.

It was sincere. You have a remarkable way about you.

LaBèlla said:
True generosity is not confined to pecuniary instances: it is more than politeness: it is more than good faith: it is more than honour; it is more than justice; since all of these are but duties, and what a worthy mind cannot dispense with. But true generosity is greatness of soul.

A truly inspiring quote. The word "magnanimous" comes to mind.

LaBèlla said:
Where would I find her wisdom in our culture? It would be a lengthy search for certain!

One need search no further than the person who posed the question.

But, I agree. We live in strange times, indeed.

LaBèlla said:
You found a rich store of spiritual nourishment! Have you progressed on the theory or is it in the works?

I still have the papers I wrote, but I haven't worked on it since. I have spent the last couple years finishing a book on Christian love. I'm now working on the book proposal (Which is backwards. In non-fiction one usually writes the proposal first and then fishes for bites, but I'm always backwards). I promised myself I would finish the proposal and start searching for an agent by the end of this winter. I have been putting it off. My heart and soul is in this book and I hesitate to go through the process of rejections. But, I'm getting more annoyed by my procrastination at this point, haha. It will happen.

LaBèlla said:
That’s my city slicker rearing her head.

I love going to the city for food and fun. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is having an Edward Hopper exhibit this fall. I am so excited to see it! He's one of my favorites. You can't find that kind of thing in the country.

You strike me as someone who might appreciate the fine arts. Do you have a favorite?

Edit to include link to Hopper exhibit:Edward Hopper and the American Hotel - Exhibitions

bèlla · Oct 8, 2019

Chadro,

If you decide to get it let me know before you purchase. There is a deal for $10 per month but I’m uncertain they noted it on the site. You can view the courses through multiple devices. I watch on my tablet and Roku.

Chadrho said:
It was sincere. You have a remarkable way about you.

Thank you. I know you were. I felt it. :blush1:

A truly inspiring quote. The word "magnanimous" comes to mind.

Ooh, nice one! We don’t hear that word too often.

One need search no further than the person who posed the question. But, I agree. We live in strange times, indeed.[

You’re too kind.

These are strange times. But the pull of holiness is always present. We can be remarkable despite its failings.

I have spent the last couple years finishing a book on Christian love. I'm now working on the book proposal (Which is backwards. In non-fiction one usually writes the proposal first and then fishes for bites, but I'm always backwards).

Congratulations! Completing a book is no easy feat. I will pray the Lord leads you to the right agent. I like your topic. Its been in my thoughts all year. What have you discovered about Christian love?

I promised myself I would finish the proposal and start searching for an agent by the end of this winter. I have been putting it off. My heart and soul is in this book and I hesitate to go through the process of rejections. But, I'm getting more annoyed by my procrastination at this point, haha. It will happen.

Look at the denials as holy no’s instead. Honor Him in your efforts. You needn’t fear rejection. The message will go forth. :234:

I love going to the city for food and fun. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is having an Edward Hopper exhibit this fall. I am so excited to see it! He's one of my favorites. You can't find that kind of thing in the country.

Wow! What a blessing its in your backyard. It looks really nice. Do you have a favorite piece?

You strike me as someone who might appreciate the fine arts. Do you have a favorite?

Absolutely! I enjoy many mediums as an appreciator and creative. I haven’t adopted the artist label yet.

I like music (classical, opera, and jazz), performing arts (opera, theater, symphony, and dance) painting, drawing, sculpture, architecture, design, and photography. I soak up culture like a sponge.

Edit to include link to Hopper exhibit:Edward Hopper and the American Hotel - Exhibitions

Thank you for the link. I’m looking around.

~Bella

Sophrosyne · Oct 8, 2019

Beautiful flower gardens
A cool breeze on a hot day
The sound of a waterfall in spring
Time with good friends laughing
When a mess is all cleaned up that has been there too long
Hearing stories about people suffering that God miraculously heals.
Finding a bargain while shopping.
Helping people that truly appreciate it.
Sunlight after days of cloudiness.
Someone doing something nice for me when I didn't expect it.
A smile from an attractive woman.
A cat purring in my lap on a cold day outside.
A jaw-dropping nature scene.
God blessing me unexpectedly when I need it the most.

public hermit · Oct 8, 2019

Bella,

LaBèlla said:
We can be remarkable despite its failings.

Amen.

LaBèlla said:
I like your topic. Its been in my thoughts all year. What have you discovered about Christian love?

Where to begin? My main premise is that Christian love always seeks to bring about what is truly good. I argue for this in a number of ways, including that God brings about what is truly good for us. The first half of the book is theological/philosophical and the second more practicle. One of the practical points I try to make is that Christian love should be obvious and unmistakable. People can't see my heart, except in terms of what do. I can feel all kinds of warm, fuzzy feelings towards people, but they won't know my love except by how I live in relation to them, the good I intend (and do) in relation to them. The book will probably go well with a nightstand, so when you're unable to sleep you can read it, haha. But, it was a catharsis to work on and complete.

Why has that topic been in your thoughts all year?

LaBèlla said:
Do you have a favorite piece?

Oh my, I should probably just list a few favorites:
Compartment C, Car 293
High Noon
Summer Evening

This is going to sound cliché, but it's his use of light. I don't have a large visual art vocabulary, but I know I like his use of light. They have his House at Dusk at VMFA.

LaBèlla said:
I soak up culture like a sponge.

Of course, you do!

Why did I even ask that? I am sure you've forgotten more about culture than I will ever know, haha.

bèlla · Oct 8, 2019

Chadrho,

Love won me to God and Christ. It has always been the foundation of my closest friendships. Not garden variety declarations. But those with tooth that echo deep expressions of togetherness and love. We articulated them openly without shame.

Chadrho said:
My main premise is that Christian love always seeks to bring about what is truly good.

In deference to His will and what is best. Even if we lose in the process. True surrender is a lessening. We deny ourselves for the greater good.

People can't see my heart, except in terms of what do. I can feel all kinds of warm, fuzzy feelings towards people, but they won't know my love except by how I live in relation to them, the good I intend (and do) in relation to them.

That’s a beautiful message. I believe the spoken word has power. Our expressions should exceed the greatest poets. I’ve always enjoyed Gibran and Rumi.

These lines from On Love echo my heart:

To know the pain of too much tenderness.
To be wounded by your own understanding of love;
And to bleed willingly and joyfully.

That is the form of love I’ve known.

The book will probably go well with a nightstand, so when you're unable to sleep you can read it, haha. But, it was a catharsis to work on and complete.

The alabaster was tenderly broken and bore good fruit. Morsels are best. You can’t devour the subject. You must reach a point of nakedness and remove the layers that impede the core. When you meet your essence and see your holiness face-to-face; you’re ready to love.

Unselfishly. Unresignedly. Divinely free.

Why has that topic been in your thoughts all year?

I don’t know. I’m loving fearlessly until the answer comes.

This is going to sound cliché, but it's his use of light. I don't have a large visual art vocabulary, but I know I like his use of light.

No it doesn’t. I read a biography on Thomas Kinkade two years ago. When I saw his work that was the lone word I could say. His utilization of light took my breath away.

Of course, you do! Why did I even ask that? I am sure you've forgotten more about culture than I will ever know, haha.

Not a chance. I’m adding to my mental stores just like you. :study:

Rigatoni · Oct 11, 2019

Cold weather
Working on hobbies
Delicious food stuffs and unique cuisines
Relaxing / meditation
Spending time in nature
Fellowship with friends and family
Seeing hard work pay off, solving problems and seeing vision become a reality
Music
Organizing
Comedic videos / movies
Positive comments and feedback
Staying active
Learning new things and mastering new skills
Salsa

bèlla · Oct 12, 2019

Love

I shared this earlier:

There was one in my life that inspired the deepest sentiments. We would say, there are none below or above. Forsaking all others. From this life until the next. With every breath. We will be. Ever one.

You don’t pull that out of a Cracker Jack Box. That’s a holy bond. It epitomizes my conception of love and the depth of relating I’ve known.

Love makes me happy. Not superficial sentiments or casual declarations. But the sort that traverses the soul and spirit.

Perhaps that’s the reason I connected with heart warriors who experienced love on the same frequency. Maybe our heart songs were the result of unbridled souls loving and giving unselfishly.

Maybe He was there guiding our steps all along.

MehGuy · Oct 12, 2019

A good film or videogame..

Having some new insights into human psychology, especially my own.

bèlla · Oct 16, 2019

Success...

Anthony2019 · Oct 16, 2019

I am at my happiest when I am walking along a lonely beach, especially when the sun is rising or setting.

It is a great time of prayer and reflection, and a place you can feel you are truly alone with God, surrounded by outstanding natural beauty.

It is easy to feel you are the only person walking on earth. And that wonderful experience that God is watching over you, sharing that moment with you, and accompanying you on your journey in such a beautiful place.

Lost4words · Oct 16, 2019

A nice juicy bone in front of the fire!

Anthony2019 · Oct 16, 2019

Lost4words said:
A nice juicy bone in front of the fire!

And chewing the odd slipper maybe?

Lost4words · Oct 16, 2019

Anthony2019 said:
And chewing the odd slipper maybe?

Ewwwwww

VMaeLove · Oct 16, 2019

I am most happy when I am with my family, and with my pets, with friends, listening to music, and in nature.
Simple things I am blessed with keep me happy

Well buying new clothes is a happy time as well

bèlla · Oct 17, 2019

I love capsule collections and style legends. They inspire me!

~Bella

public hermit · Oct 17, 2019

I am happy doing something that completely engulfs my attention, so that I am no longer conscious of myself doing it. It happens when I read or play guitar. Sometimes it happens working with my hands, e.g working on the truck, fixing something around the house, gardening. When I was younger it happened playing sports, but they don't get played by me as much these days. I try capture that experience in other things but it's not always as easy.

bèlla · Oct 17, 2019

public hermit said:
I am happy doing something that completely engulfs my attention, so that I am no longer conscious of myself doing it.

Ditto. That sounds like flow or the zone.

~Bella

SarahsKnight · Oct 17, 2019

Anthony2019 said:
And chewing the odd slipper maybe?

Lost4words said:
Ewwwwww

Didn't you know, @Anthony2019 ?

THIS puppy has taste!

HisGraceAbounds · Oct 18, 2019

I get little moments of happiness from an unexpected song on the radio, a funny joke somebody shares on Facebook, getting green lights the entire drive to work or home, feeling the early morning sun warm me up as I stand out on my porch and drink my coffee, watching the squirrels fuss and fight over food

brinny · Oct 18, 2019

the fall....

when the leaves get to dancin' n' playin' with each gust of wind...

and this quote:

"I still get wildly enthusiastic about little things...I play with leaves. I skip down the street and run against the wind." ~Leo Buscaglia
...
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...
...
...

What makes you happy?

social troglodyte

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Let Your Light Shine.. Matt 5:16

social troglodyte

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Redeemed Resident Italian

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A member of the less neotenous sex..

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Pax et bonum!

Jesus I Trust In You

Pax et bonum!

Jesus I Trust In You

Selbst ist die Frau

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social troglodyte

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Jesus Christ is this Knight's truth.

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everlovin' shiner of light in dark places

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