PRAYER CORNER "GIVING UP IS NOT AN OPTION" DAY 12

SMILE!

Proverbs 15:13 (NIV)---A happy heart makes the face cheerful but heartache crushes the spirit.

My dad would always encourage people to smile. He would always say, "If you can't show your teeth, then show your gums.  Just smile!" It takes more muscles to frown than to smile.  Once when my daughters and I went to help the homeless in Downtown Dallas, we were surrounded by people who had nowhere to go, nothing to eat, and no family to take care of them.  Some were even our veterans who had fought for our country.  Looking at them it appeared that their countenance would be sad or depressed.  But as each one of them approached us, they had the biggest smiles.  Of course, they were not happy with their situations, but they smiled because they were alive and someone had come to help and love on them.  My daughters were moved to the point of tears by this experience.  Through this experience, they learned to smile even when they cannot get the things they want and sometimes need. Your smile can change the dynamics of someone's day.  Smile through your tough time.  Smile when everything looks dark. Find a reason to smile. Return the smile when someone smiles at you.  The smile on your face will cause you to have hope.  Your hope says, "I believe everything will be okay."  The smile on your face may not indicate a change in your situation, but it is a clear indication of your happy heart!

Reflection:  Reflect on moments, people or places that make you smile.

Impartation:  The Smile Test:  Smile at someone you do not know and see if he or she smiles back.

Meditation: Proverbs 15:13;  A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance ; but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Communication:  Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for a heart of cheer and joy.  Thank you that I have learned to smile even when experiencing the most difficult moments in my life.  I smile because I trust you and know that your are in control. Amen. (Now look toward Heaven and say "cheese")