All posts by Joan Y Edwards

Joan Y. Edwards is author/illustrator of folktale Flip Flap Floodle, a happy little duck who never gives up on his song even in the Mr. Fox's belly. She is author of 4RV Publishing's Joan's Elder Care Guide. It is full of practical hints and resources to promote healing and make caregiving easier. She has published 80 Gospel-Based Crossword Puzzles for Year A, B, and C. She has a Master of Education. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and Charlotte Writers Club. She enjoys watching humorous mysteries, like Columbo and Monk. Time at home, beach and mountain with family and friends energizes her..
Health

If God Is Happy with You, You Don’t Have to Worry about Anyone Else

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woman in black jacket and stockings leaning against a tree
Thank you, Pixabay and Surprising Snapshots for letting me use this image.

“If God Is  Happy with You, You Don’t Have to Worry about Anyone Else” by Joan Y. Edwards

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=D68Bi0hCCBg

For Lent 2024, I wrote this reflection for St. Matthew Catholic Church in Charlotte, NC. I hope it brings you peace.

In elementary school I would lean up against a friend and say, “Thank you for being my PLP, My Private Leaning Post.”

What an awesome idea! You know who makes the best-ever Private Leaning Post? God does. Lean on him. He is available to help and protect you twenty-four hours a day. Ask him.

 If God is happy with you, you don’t have to worry about anyone else. You are not responsible for other people’s happiness.  You are responsible for your intentions. Why did you say it? Why did you do it? What did you want to happen? You are not responsible for how others react to your thoughts, words, and actions.

If someone takes offence at something you say or do, it hurts. They seem perturbed and unhappy with you. You are human. You care what those you love think about you. They might misunderstand you. You might not even understand yourself.

 Lean on God. Spend time talking with him. Tell him all about it. Let him filter your emotions, thoughts, words, and actions with his loving wisdom. Hand over your tough emotions to God. He will help you dive deep to uncover the source of your problems and ways to find peace. He will replace your ignorance with knowledge. He will transform your anger into patience and turn your hurt into compassion and peace. He will help you accept yourself and those you love with courage and trust.

 Remember this: If God is happy with you, you don’t have to worry about anyone else. These are joyful words. And they are good words to lean on.

Amen.

Scriptures to help you:
1. 1 Cor 13:5 “love does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not keep a record of wrongs;”
2. Proverbs 19:11 “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”
3. James 1:19 “Swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”
we become mindful of God.
4. Emily Cronkleton. Healthline. “10 Breathing Techniques for Stress Relief and More:” https://www.healthline.com/health/breathing-exercise
5. Sara Lindberg and Kerry Weiss. Healthline.com. “22 Ways to Calm Yourself Down:” https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-calm-down
6. Zen Habits. “32 Ways to Make Someone Happy:” https://zenhabits.net/ways-to-make-someone-happy-today/
Thank you for being here. I would be honored if you share this with those you believe will enjoy it. Please leave a comment. I really like hearing from you!

Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards, Author
Copyright © 2009-2024 Joan Y. Edwards

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 Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards, Author
Copyright © 2009-2024 Joan Y. Edwards

 Flip Flap Floodle Firebird Book Award Winner Will this little duck’s song save him from Mr. Fox?

Joan’s Elder Care Guide Practical ways to help you and your elder survive.