Happiness

 

 

 

What is Happiness to you? 

To me, happiness is waking up in the morning and finding there is no one else sleeping in the park bench beside me. 

 

Happiness to me is getting home and finding a piece of cheese in the mousetrap. This is double happiness because it means we have no mice. And also I can have some cheese and biscuits for supper.

Money may not buy you happiness; but I guess it can rent it for a while. 

 

Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family, that lives in another town far away.

Happiness is the interval between disappointments.

Happiness is when your dentist says it won't hurt, then he cuts his hand on the drill.

I never really knew what happiness is until I got married; by then it was too late! (I hope my wife does not read this).

 

 WEBSITE HERE

Happiness

 

Happiness is a transitory state of being or of feeling. No one can be happy all the time. Happiness is also dependent upon one's circumstances at a particular point in time; and it is comparative between one person and another. What is happiness to someone may not be happiness to someone else.

To me, happiness is getting home of an evening and finding a piece of cheese in the mousetrap. It is happiness on two counts: first it tells me I have no mice in the house, and second it tells me I have something for supper.

True happiness consists not in the multitude of friends but in their worth and choice. I hope you consider me as your friend. If so, can I borrow your lawnmower?

People try to find happiness in many ways; by pursuing wealth, fame, power, influence, possessions, food and drink. 

When we consume drink, especially spiritual drink like whisky, vodka, wine and beer and the like, it goes down our asparagus and into our stomach where it is dispersed into the blood streams and makes us happy. But not always. In some people it makes them sad, or sick, or even violent; and in others it makes them vomit ... over someone's wedding dress; which at the time I thought it was funny and it made me laugh.

Laughter can be a sign of happiness. It is a feeling that originates from the stomach and rises up the asparagus and comes out of the mouth as a loud noise. If it comes out from anywhere else you're in real trouble.

Laughter is good for us. It releases dolphins into our blood streams which tickle us from the inside and makes us feel happy.

Laughter and happiness are related in some respects. Happy people often laugh. Making people laugh, however, does not always mean people are happy. They may be hiding their sadness through laughter.

Whatever your reason for laughter make sure it declares itself from the right orifice.

FATHER FRANCIS MAPLE

WEBSITE    

Pursuit of happiness and money

 

Why should you be happy?

 

 I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 

John 10:10

 Look folks, this is going to be a hard talk. Are you happy in life, or just getting by? Be honest now.

There are so many people who are not really satisfied with life. They just get along from day to day as best they can but not really living life to the full and enjoying it everyday. And would you believe it; a lot of these people are Christians. Or so they think.

I believe that by having such a poor attitude to life they are doing Christ a disservice. They are making Him out to be a liar about the quotation above. Read it again at John 10:10. 

Christ came into this world so that we may have a good life, an enjoyable life, lived to the full. Not endured and tolerated until death becomes a relief.

Now don't misunderstand me folks.

I know full well there are many people suffering ill health with constant pain and suffering. I also know there are many in poverty, in bad or wrong marriages and with several other problems in their lives. Many in great difficulties are an example to us by the way they live and inspire us. I am not making light of their conditions or circumstances.

I knew an old man who was very ill and in constant pain. Whenever I asked him how he was he always used to say, "there are so many much worse off than me!" He is now in Heaven and telling me, "See, I told you I'd be OK!"

Many years ago I was discussing the state of the world with another friend of mine. Nothing new in that. It seems the world has always been in a bad state one way or another. He said to me, "You don't have to live in this world!"

What he meant is that we can live happily and be satisfied in our own private world in full knowledge that God is close at hand to protect us and look after us. 

Sure, the world around us may be in bad shape, but generally we have little influence on the world and how to change it personally. But ... but ... we have a lot of influence when we pray to God about what is happening and ask Him to take care of what we are all doing to this world and each other.

There are many people today living life in dissatisfaction with their job, their marriage, their state of being, their family, neighbours and so many other things. People are not happy, and many are angry. I've never seen so much anger in the world.

People are always looking forward to the next best thing in their lives like an illusive dream that is forever just that little bit out of reach ... ... ... a new job, a promotion, a better house, a new car, a great vacation, a happier marriage or whatever else would give them temporary respite from their unhappiness.

Chasing dreams based on self rather than focussing on someone else's well-being and faithfully relying on God to provide for all our tomorrows and have it to the full.

There once was an old man who could not longer live alone and look after himself. His family decided the quickest way, (for them), was to despatch him to a care home for the elderly. They convinced him "it was for the best!"  

He did not put up much of a fight. The day came when he was driven to the care home and left there. The matron in charge helped him with his luggage and showed him to his room. 

"It's a small room," she said on the way there, "not as big as your house, I would imagine!"

"It will be OK," he said as he followed her.

"It's at the back of the care home," she said, "along this long corridor!"

"Oh, that's OK," he said.

"Sorry about the noise from the kitchen," she said as they walked along the corridor.

"That's not a problem," he said.

When they reached the small room she looked out of the tiny window. It overlooked the back yard and car park; and the area where service trucks came to unload various goods. "Sorry about the view," she said, "it's not exactly great scenery, is it?"

"Oh it's lovely," he said.

"You seem to have been positive about everything I have said," she told him, "Even before you saw the room you said it will be all right. I'll admit it is not the kind of place I'd like to stay, or where I would put my parents; but that is all one can expect at the economic charges for this place. Yet you seem to have been happy before you even entered this place!"

"That's because I made up my mind to be happy regardless of the circumstances," he replied, "this place may be sparse, and a little noisy, and without a good view, but I know for certain that there are people living rough in the streets, under bridges and in parks tonight and every night. My life is a luxury compared to them!"

 I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 

John 10:10

Happiness

 

DEAR FRIENDS

AS WE COME TO THE END 

OF ANOTHER YEAR

LET US LOOK FORWARD TO

2023

WITH HAPPINESS IN OUR HEARTS

Sung by Father Francis Maple

WEBSITE

Happiness

 

Happiness is a song written by American Country singer whispering Bill Anderson. I don't think it was a success in the US; but British comedian Ken Dodd made it famous in the UK as his signature tune and always ended his shows with it.

Here you will see Bill Anderson talking about the song and Ken Dodd singing it. Enjoy.

 

Let's be cheerful

 

 

OK folks ... let's cheer up. There's enough gloom and doom in this world. So for the next few minutes I'd like you to cheer up with me. Let's forget our troubles, worries, and washing our underpants for a while. Just sing along with me and tap your feet, hands or whatever else you wish to tap.

Let's start with an easy one. I've put up the words for you so you can join in.

This next song is just as cheerful and should make you happy for a while. Let's sing along.

Now this last offering is just a famous happy tune. Just sit back, relax, and learn how to keep calm, cool, and collected ... and focussed no matter what happens in the background around you ... 

 

FATHER FRANCIS MAPLE

FATHER FRANCIS MAPLE

Happiness

It seems to me everyone is in pursuit of happiness to the detriment of everyone else. "As long as I'm happy then that's OK" seems to be the unspoken motto imprinted on some peoples' minds.

But what is happiness? And how long does it last? Once you have happiness does it stay with you for ever? Or does it run out like the last drop of coffee in your cup?

Remembering my managerial days at work, I recall that happiness is a transient state of being. If an employee is, (or believes), he is not well paid he would be unhappy. He may demand more money; or even strike with other employees and bring the work to a stand-still.

If he is then given more money commensurate with what he feels he is entitled he is no longer unhappy. But that does not necessarily, or always, mean that he is happy. He may remain in this state of being no longer unhappy until such a time when he desires more remuneration; at which point he would revert to being unhappy and start the process all over again.

So it could be said that happiness is a state of not being unhappy, and it comes and goes for varying periods of time depending on the circumstances and the individual involved.

In other words, happiness is different things to different people.

For me, happiness is waking up in the morning and finding there is no one else sleeping in the park bench beside me. I often lose my way home when I've been out with friends to the pub late at night. So we walk to each other's homes and drop each one to his home in turn. I'm often the last one to get home, and I lose my way, and end up in the park.

Happiness to a Catholic like me is a resisted temptation. But then, also when yielded to, it gives greater happiness.

Happiness to me is getting home and finding a piece of cheese in the mousetrap. This is double happiness because it means we have no mice. And also I can have some cheese and biscuits for supper.

The other day I experienced a lack of happiness when I caught my tongue in the mousetrap as I was licking the remainder of some Brie or Camembert. We use expensive cheese in our traps to attract a higher class of mice. None of those common riff-raff mice around here.

Happiness to some is being recognised, loved and appreciated. The other day a man in the street recognised me. This did not make me happy because I did not recognise him. He said, "Don't you remember me?"

I looked at his face for a while, then looked at the pretty lady he was with for a longer while, but still did not recognise her. There was something vaguely familiar about her curves, but I could not put my finger on it in case he hit me.

He interrupted my admiration and said, "Do you still not recognise me?"

I replied, "I make a point of never forgetting a name or a face. But in your case I'll make an exception. Who are you?"

He said, "I'm the plumber who fixed the leek in your house three years ago! Don't you recognise my face?"

I replied, "When you look at the mirror every morning, you see your face and you recognise it. But when I look at the mirror every morning, I don't see your face. How do you expect me to recognise you? I remember the bill you sent me though!"

I doubt he was happy after that. And neither was I, remembering how much I paid him to fix the leek.

People say money can't buy happiness; but I guess it can rent it for a while. Does love bring one happiness? I tell you, happiness is when you marry a beautiful woman and then discover she has money too.

Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family, that lives in another town far away.

Happiness is getting home and not finding a broomstick in the lounge; and mother-in-law is not here.

Happiness is the interval between disappointments.

Happiness is when your dentist says it won't hurt, then he cuts his hand on the drill.

I never really knew what happiness is until I got married; by then it was too late! (I hope she's not reading this).

I'd better stop here ... but why don't you join me in a song about happiness.

Happiness

Thank you Lord

For Happiness

There are times

I feel happy

However fleeting

However short

I feel happy

Knowing all is well

All will be well

No fears or worries

At these times

When I am happy

I know then

You've touched my soul

Happiness

It has been said that past generations who did not have all the technological advancements and gadgets that we have today, were happier than us. This is pure conjecture. We have no way of knowing for certain. In their case, the slightest illness or injury could prove either life-changing or fatal. Whereas today with medical advancements we manage to be saved and live longer.

But are we happier?

In fact, let us ask, what is happiness?
 
Are you happy? On a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being mildly happy and 10 being ecstatic with excitement and joy; where are you right now?

Humour me and just right down a number on a piece of paper.

You see, happiness is not a binary YES/NO switch whereby we are happy or not. It is relative to a point in time, and a situation in time.

Right now when you write down your number you may be at ease in your mind and body. No great worries or physical pains. On the other hand, you may be concerned about your job, your financial situation or your health or that of a loved one. These factors will affect your happiness score.

If I asked you for your score tomorrow or the day after your score may well be different.

When we are in a bad place in life, and our happiness scale is sliding down perhaps into the minus figures, what do we do then? Where is our God on Whom we profess we rely?

Personally, I believe He is still there, caring and loving us as He has ever done. The fact that we are in negative figures does not mean that He has turned away or is busy with someone else's problems.

As best we can, through gritted teeth even, we should turn to Him in prayer and ask for His help; and be patient in awaiting His response.

The fact that we are still praying, despite perhaps our diminishing faith, proves that we believe that there is Someone out there somewhere listening to us. Our faith is strengthened in such situations rather than diminished.

So, let me ask you again. On a scale of 1 to 10, how happy are you right now? Is the figure different from the one you wrote earlier? Why? 

Happiness

Join me as Father Francis Maple sings this song.

Happiness

In a previous post, Jan left a comment on my blog saying, "there is so little happiness in our world at times."

By the way, visit her blog HERE. You will enjoy it.

So, as I was saying, there seems to be little happiness in the world these days. Whenever you switch on the TV or radio, or buy the newspapers all you hear is bad news. I don't know about you, but after a while all this bad news tends to wear me down. I have bad news overload. The hard-drive in my memory banks can't take any more bad news. My brain tends to switch off to the point where I become immune to bad news and sad events that are happening all over the world. And that in itself is bad. When we become immune to someone else's suffering we become less human. I dare say, we become less Christian. How can we obey Christ's message of loving one another if we no longer care about some sad event the other side of the world because we've heard too much bad news.

I suppose that's why over the years I've developed a sense of humour. It is not to shut out bad news and become immune to it, but to restore some balance in my brain and to seek a tiny bit of happiness, albeit at times short lived.

My sense of humour has not always helped me at work. When others wrestled with a serious managerial problem I often said something I thought funny to defuse the tension; and gain me the displeasure of my boss.

I remember once the boss gathered a team of "experts" to resolve an impending crisis. He started the meeting by asking what skills we had and wrote them on the board. Some said they were expert at economics, marketing, sales, financial management and all that. When it came to my turn, and my boss asked for my skill, (he knew it anyway, for Pete's sake ... I worked for him), I don't know why, but the devil in me said, "I wrestle crocodiles!"

To his credit, without batting an eye lid, he wrote "wrestles crocodiles" on the board.

Anyway, this is a long winded way to ask what is happiness? What is it to you? How would you define it in your case?

For me, happiness is getting home and finding there is still a piece of cheese in the mouse trap. I could then have cheese and biscuits and a glass of port. Well ... not actual port ... vinegar diluted with water. Now I'm sure some of you would be disgusted at what I've said. But I challenge anyone to tell me the difference between port, or a fine wine, and water and vinegar. For extra sweetness I dissolve some sugar in the water before adding it to the vinegar. It makes a fine rose wine from Château Victor!

Just had a thought ... it's been a while since I posted any videos. So here are two: about Happiness. Please humour me and spend a few minutes listening to the lyrics, and perhaps joining in the songs.

Let me know what you think. I made both videos.

The first song is sung by Father Francis Maple. A priest I have known for years.

   

 The second song is sung by the Monks of Weston Priory in Vermont USA.

Are You Happy?

Are you happy? On a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being mildly happy and 10 being ecstatic with excitement and joy; where are you right now?

Humour me and just right down a number on a piece of paper.

You see, happiness is not a binary YES/NO switch whereby we are happy or not. It is relative to a point in time, and a situation in time.

We may be young and healthy, or middle-aged, or getting old and suffering the ailments brought on by age. We may be fit in mind and body, or we may be ill with many pains and forebodings. We may be in a good well-paid job, or just about managing, or unemployed.

There are many aspects that affect our scale of happiness at any given point in time in our lives. And indeed the scale is not just 1 to 10 but it could be at 0 or indeed a minus number up to -10 when we are downright miserable and in despair.

An elderly man I know, suffering from many ailments in life, whenever I contact him to check on his health he says: "there are many people worse off than me!" This is a laudable and generous attitude to have but it would not help a sick person if you told them there are others worse off than them.

When we are ill, or suffer other difficulty like unemployment or bankruptcy or marriage breakdown, our main focus in life is on ourselves. Quite naturally. The fact that there is someone else somewhere in the universe worse off does not lessen one's pain; and the fact that we are all in the same boat does not bring much consolation. Misery does not like company, I find.

So when we are in a bad place in life, and our happiness scale is sliding down perhaps into the minus figures, what do we do then? Where is our God on Whom we profess we rely?

Personally, I believe He is still there, caring and loving us as He has ever done. The fact that we are in negative figures perhaps, does not mean that He has turned away or is busy with someone else's problems. As best we can, through gritted teeth even, we should turn to Him in prayer and ask for His help; and being patient in awaiting His response. The fact that we are still praying, despite perhaps our diminishing faith, proves that we believe that there is Someone out there somewhere listening to us. Our faith is strengthened in such situations rather than diminished.

A few years back, whilst sitting on a bus, two ladies sitting behind me were chatting loudly. I was miserable about something or other. One woman behind me said to the other, "We should count our blessings, shouldn't we?"

Prompted by the conversation behind me, I started to count my blessings, and pretty soon ran out of fingers and toes on which to count.

So, let me ask you again. On a scale of 1 to 10, how happy are you right now? Is the figure different from the one you wrote earlier? Why?

HAPPINESS

HERE'S A HAPPY SONG FOR YOU

SING ALONG AND ENJOY

SONG SUNG BY

FATHER FRANCIS MAPLE

The ball of wool

Once upon a time there was a little boy of about ten going home from school. As he crossed through the woods he met an old lady who stopped and talked to him. He told her that he was sad because he was unhappy at school. She gave him a gift of a ball of wool.

"Whenever you're unhappy" she said, "just unwind some of this wool and your unhappiness will pass away!"

For a few days he did nothing with his new gift. But one day he got home really upset because he was being bullied by the other children. He took out the ball of wool and unwound it a few turns to see what would happen.

Suddenly, he was a couple of years older, still at the same school, but no longer bullied.

He was a young teenager now, enjoying school, but he wished he could go out late in the evenings and at weekends with his friends. His parents would not let him do so however out of love and parental caring.

"If only I was a bit older" he thought, "then my parents would allow me to go out whenever I want!"

He unwound a few more turns of the ball of wool and he was soon nineteen years old; a young man able to drive and go out with friends. 

He got to like a particular young lady he met at college and wished they could date. But he was still a student, he did not have a steady job and money to buy her all the gifts he thought she deserved; and go on holidays together and enjoy themselves.

A few more turns of the ball of wool and he was in his late twenties.

Married to the girl of his dreams and with a young family. A good job and a beautiful house. But the young children were a bit of a problem. The baby up all night, the older toddler wanting to play all the time, teething problems, childhood sickness, and all the difficulties one has with a young family that obscured his real happiness and joy. He was always tired in the mornings not having slept all night because of the baby crying. His wife tried her best to raise the family and keep home, but somehow life was difficult for all of them with all the chores one has to do.

"If only the children were a bit older" he thought; and a few more turns of the ball of wool and the kids were about eleven and nine. But sadly at this time his father became very ill and died.

The young man was totally distraught and could not get over his father's death. He lost all interest in family, work, and life in general.

"Make the pain go away" he cried as he unwound a few more turns of the ball of wool.

The children were much older now and studying at University. His hairs had gone grey a little and he struggled to go to work every day, having to drive long distances and cope with ever increasing responsibilites. He also suffered from a few minor pains and aches one gets as one gets older. His mother had grown older too and was frequently unwell. As a good son he often took her to the doctor's and for frequent hospital visits. This added to his ever increasing workload.

He felt sorry for his mother in old age, he felt sorry for his wife also getting older and struggling a little with daily life, he worried about his children having left the nest and taking their first steps into adult life. He became concerned as to how much longer he could keep working with his many ailments.

He unwound the ball of wool a little more to get out of his meloncholy.

As he did so, his mother grew ever so older and eventually died.

This tragedy broke his heart more than losing his father. His children had grown up and moved away with families of their own. His wife was grey haired too and ever lovingly by his side. His minor pains and aches had developed into painful ailments and illnesses requiring constant care and medication. It was now his turn to visit doctors and hospitals for frequent check-ups.

He became ever so sad at having lost his parents and children so far away from home that he rarely saw them. He longed to be with his grandchildren but they lived so far that he could not manage the travelling involved.

Every day became a struggle as he stayed at home nursing his many ailments and being looked after by his loving wife. He regretted his state of affairs and the fact that life could not be better.

One night, sitting in his room, he held the ball of wool now no bigger than his thumb in his trembling weak hands, and wondered where all the years had gone. He cursed the old lady who gave it to him as a gift all that long ago.

In his tiredness he fell asleep and the ball of wool fell to the ground and unwound itself completely. With a last gasp of breath he died.

The little boy of ten had lived all his life in a matter of weeks.

MORAL OF THE STORY

Know when you are really happy and thank God for it.