Opening Litany Right: My joy comes from knowing I am a child of God. I was not promised nor do I expect an easy life. I was promised that my Savior would never leave me so…

Left: I walk with confidence knowing I am never alone. I delight in the glorious kingdom created for me. I anticipate sun and rain, some sweet days and some bitter. That is life.

Right: I am on an exciting journey with God and God’s people. I am in love with all creation. Left: Tomorrow may knock me down, but I will rise. Not on my own power, no, not with my own feeble might,

Right: but with the power Peter and John gave the lame man at the Beautiful gate; with the faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; with the confidence of David over his foe Goliath;

Left: with Mary, Martha, Mary Magdalene, Salome, Joanna, Susanna and many others who journeyed with Jesus supporting his risk-taking mission.

All: For with God I am mighty, equipped for the journey ahead, clothed in righteousness, and strong. Roger A. Hopson, used by permission

My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

Great is thy faithfulness, O God, my Father; there is no shadow of turning with thee; thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not; as thou hast been thou forever wilt be. “Great is Thy Faithfulness”

Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed thy hand hath provided; great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide; strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed thy hand hath provided; great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me! UMH #140

Matthew 5:1-11

"I Love You, Lord" I love you, Lord And I lift my voice To worship You Oh, my soul, rejoice!

Take joy my King In what You hear Let it be a sweet, sweet sound In Your ear Laurie Klein, CCLI License #25266

Parker Palmer Center for Courage and Renewal A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life Circle of trust is described as “a space between us that honors the soul.”

Session Two Happiness is… What the “Good Book” says about being happy. (Chapters 3 & 4)

Media (print, film, TV, Internet, social media) influence on us as individuals, families, churches, communities, nation, world: - Immediacy - celebrity worship - culture of desire - exposure to violence/adult material - false reality - skewed gender and race representation

How much does happiness cost?

Happy: The Movie Chapter 8

Happy: The Movie Directed by Roko Belic

Biblical Understanding of Happiness Happiness in the Law (46-48) Happiness in the Psalms (48-50) Happiness in the Gospels (50-53) Happiness in Paul’s Epistles (53-54 )

Small Group Questions (pgs ): 1) What is your understanding of happiness from these Bible readings? 2) How is happiness both inner-directed as well as other-directed? 3) Which biblical understanding from these readings can enrich your spiritual journey? 4) Which one seems hard to follow?

Closing Prayer Lord, peace and happiness are yours to give and ours to graciously receive. We thank you. We thank you for our families, for our friends, for food and shelter, all the sources of joy you bless us with daily.

Remind us Lord to share your joy and your peace with all those we meet. Let the world see you at work in our lives—enrich them for your glory. Amen.

“The Joy of the Lord” The joy of the Lord will be my strength I will not falter I will not faint He is my Shepherd I am not afraid The joy of the Lord is my strength

The joy of the Lord will be my strength I will not falter I will not faint He is my Shepherd I am not afraid The joy of the Lord is my strength

The joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord Is my strength

The joy of the Lord will be my strength He will uphold me all of my days I am surrounded by mercy and grace And the joy of the Lord is my strength

The joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord Is my strength

The joy of the Lord will be my strength And I will not waver walking by faith He will be strong to deliver me safe The joy of the Lord is my strength

The joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord Is my strength

Twila Paris, CCLI License #801765