September 11, 2012 Issue #078

Can you create joy?

Most of us are convinced that a spouse would be the answer. Maturity teaches us, though, that it would be unfair to dump that big a burden on a mate. It would only lead to disappointment.

So we turn elsewhere: work, vacations, hobbies, busyness, buying, "romance." I suspect many of the pathetically unhappy celebrities who go in and out of rehab work their way through that list before they hit bottom.

The sad part is that these Hollywood types are too sophisticated for their own good. Their egos won't let them see that joy comes not from accomplishments, possessions or fame, but from a person: Jesus Christ. Only when we humble ourselves and go to him can we know this rare experience.

This month we explore what happens when single people try to create joy.

There's more going on

There must be more to it
you cannot deny
There's more going on
than meets the eye.

There's a heavenly home
that no one can see.
There's a place in this kingdom
for you and for me.
We'll get all the answers
the moment we die.
There's more going on
than meets the eye.

There's more going on
than what we can see.
The Savior and angels
are calling to me.

I hear with my heart
and respond with a cry.
There's more going on
than meets the eye.

There's a heavenly home
that no one can see.
There's a place in this kingdom
for you and for me.
We'll get all the answers
the moment we die.
There's more going on
than meets the eye.

There's a place of rejoicing
where tears are unknown.
Where everything's good
and you feel right at home.

It's a heartbeat away
just as close as the sky.
There's more going on
than meets the eye.

There's a heavenly home
that no one can see.
There's a place in this kingdom
for you and for me.
We'll get all the answers
the moment we die.
There's more going on
than meets the eye.

~ Jack Zavada, 2012 ~

For the geek in all of us

Sue is the Graphics Software Guide at About.com and has a brand new blog called www.geekintheforest.com where she writes about technology and rural living with her husband Russ near the Ocala National Forest in Florida.

You'll find articles on Geek in the Forest about the latest gadgets, reviews, tips, and musings on the challenge of living in the country while trying to stay connected.

Not only is this blog informative, but it's also entertaining. Sue has a f'ree monthly newsletter called the Beanie Beacon you can sign up for too. Check it out at www.geekintheforest.com.

September Quotoroonie

There's an irony in life: The things we can see seem more real, but they don't last. Those things we can't see seem less real, but in fact they are the things we can count on. They do last.

There's been much talk about success recently. Some people try to find joy in their worldly success, but when their success fades, so does their joy--because it was never true joy to begin with. Go against the obvious. Live for Jesus. Love Jesus. In your highs and your lows he will stick with you. The joy he gives is real, and it never fades.

It starts with understanding why you spend

The answers are in my ebook, How to Master Your Money.

You'll learn what motivates impulse buying, the arch-enemy of budgeting. You'll also learn inside information I reveal from my years of writing advertisements and commercials. Yep, this is stuff that stores and businesses don't want you to know. Why not? Well, 'cause then you'll be smarter than they are.

How to Master Your Money is an easy, nontechnical read. It's aimed at helping you understand yourself and how advertising tries to manipulate you. An informed consumer can master their money.

Even better, this PDF ebook is only $4.97 and comes with a money back guarantee backed by Clickbank, the Web's leading distributor of electronic information products.

Find out how you can save enough money through this special offer to earn back the cost of How to Master Your Money.

Journey to Joy Town!

So here are some nuggets I hope will make you go "Aha!" and "Ha ha!"

Life's a voyage that's homeward bound.
Herman Melville

It's so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and then don't say it.
Sam Levenson

The more a man knows, the more he forgives.
Catherine the Great

Commitment leads to action. Action brings your dream closer.
Marcia Wieder

If you want to test your memory, try to recall what you were worrying about one year ago today.
E. Joseph Cossman

Never put a sock in a toaster.
Eddie Izzar

Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.
Dennis P. Kimbro

If god meant for people to talk into cellphones, he would've put our mouths on the side of our heads.
Devon Sampson

My one regret in life is that I am not someone else.
Woody Allen

Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
Robert Brault

I love Huey Lewis, but not the News, because the News is too depressing.
Jarod Kintz

Opera is when a guy gets stabbed in the back and, instead of bleeding, he sings.
Robert Benchley

The first time I sang in the church choir; two hundred people changed their religion.
Fred Allen

All the candy corn that was ever made was made in 1911.
Lewis Black

I may be a living legend, but that sure don't help when I've got to change a flat tire.
Roy Orbison

Never miss a good chance to shut up.
Will Rogers

When life gives you lemons, squirt someone in the eye.
Cathy Guisewite

Why you're not going it alone

It's one of the everyday challenges of being single. It's offset, however, by the fact that we singles can talk to Jesus any time we like, without being interrupted. We can even talk to him out loud in our home. I find that helps when I try to pray. I can't see Him, but I know he's listening.

Christ is the Great Physician, healing wounds visible and invisible. No problem is too trivial for him, and no problem is too great for his powers. Jesus loves you, whether you can feel it or not.

As always, you can drop me an email on this newsletter or the single life in general, by using our fungus-free contact form.

That's our September issue. Thanks for reading, fellow singleton.

Until October, remember: You're not going it alone!

Jack Zavada