Where does happiness come from?

Does it come from inside, from the heart, the soul, the mind?

Or does it come from the struggles of life?

Where does joy come from?

Does it come bubbling up, from deep, deep inside?

Or does it come naturally to some, and not to others?

Where does laughter come from?

Does it come from joy? Happiness?

Or does it come from pure excitement?

Some ask, what does it mean to be happy?

What does it mean to be joyful?

What does it feel like to laugh so hard you can't breathe?

Happiness is right there in front of you, don't be afraid to grab onto it for dear life.

Joy stems from whether you choose to live, to truly live life to the fullest.

And laughter, laughter will be there when you want it too. 

© Julia Bethany

This is my heart crying out, this is me, on my knees.

I think people who continually seek things with their whole heart have life.

I think someone who stands there in complacency doesn't. 

I think people who believe in something, but are willing to listen and change, get it. 

I think people who stick to the same old beliefs without listening are blind and foolish. 

I think people with open hearts, who stand under an open heaven, understand how beautiful God is.

I think people who judge others, count themselves as holy, and refuse to see the heart or the soul don't. 

I think that people who believe in and have seen hope will continue to have everlasting joy.

I think those that can't or won't see hope don't. 

I think that people who hunger and thirst for more have seen, and will see favor.

I think people who think they have it all, don't see favor.

I think servants understand the love of God.

I think the self righteous don't. 

I think that atheists have a better understanding of God than many Christians.

I think that many Christians think they know, but don't really.

I think that people who love others whole heartedly understand grace.

I think that people who look at the outside rather than the inside don't. 

but.

I think that despite all our failings, grace and mercy will follow us for the rest of our lives,

despite my failings, grace and mercy will follow me for the rest of my life.

and.

it brings me to tears every time.

© Julia Bethany

Laughter

I think that sometimes we hide in laughter. Laughter is an incredible cover because people think that we are joyful, happy, content. But really our insides are churning, our thoughts are elsewhere, and we have to keep chanting to ourselves: just keep smiling, just keep smiling, just keep smiling. Laughing has a numbing effect, and eventually, if you become good enough at it, you can even tell yourself that you are happy by laughing. Laughing also has many healing powers, smiles can bring hope, laughter brings joy. Coming from the perspective of a very joyful vivacious person, laughter is the perfect cover for me, because its normal. I am always smiling, but the trick for you people to tell the difference is the eyes. If someone is grinning from ear to ear, but their eyes are sad, somethings up. If a person is laughing and smiling, and their eyes are twinkling and bright, at that moment joy is bubbling out. Eyes are like windows into the soul. Sometimes all I see is hurt, pain, confusion, self doubt, anger. The list goes on. But sometimes I see love, kindness, gentleness, genuine warmth, and laughter. So to conclude my rambling thoughts, try not to hide in laughter. I find it only makes you feel worse. And if you hide in bitterness and hurt, try to laugh, really really laugh at something that brings you joy. It does miracles for the soul. And next time someone smiles, look into their eyes. Depending on what you see, encourage them!

© Julia Bethany

poetry

now really, i can't write poetry. but i would like to introduce you to a fellow blogger who can. her blog is one of the brightest spots in my day. i didn't ask her, but i'm sure she won't mind me posting a link to her blog. i hope. i encourage you to read the poem she posted today. let it sink in.
http://afterthoughtcomposer.blogspot.com/