Ecclesiastes 3:12 (erv)

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Recently, I read an analogy about happiness, and our individual decision on whether or not to actually experience it. It was talking about the different between a thermometer and a thermostat. A thermometer simply reports on the conditions, but a thermostat changes them. Did you know that you can choose to be a thermostat, even if you’ve been a thermometer up to this point?

If you’re reading this and already a little angry that I used the word decision, I get it. I used to HATE when people said things like that. I thought that the decision to be happy or not happy was made for me; it was pre-determined. But what I found was that I had total control over how I chose to see each day. Life might determine circumstances, but it does not determine happiness. You can take charge of your own life. This isn’t about controlling situations, it’s about taking what you’ve been given and using it for positivity, for change, for influence; for something great.

When you set the thermostat for a certain temperature, that doesn’t mean it changes instantly. Think about the first time you turn the A/C on during that first really hot day. It doesn’t go from 80 to 70 in an instant. It’s a process of work and energy! But each moment that passes, you get closer to the outcome you desire. And sometimes, life helps out by giving you a cool night, which makes the process easier and quicker. But other times, the temperature outside skyrockets and someone leaves a window open. That doesn’t change the desired outcome, does it? The thermostat doesn’t quit striving for the goal because of a setback, right?

Choose happy. Choose to work toward it. Choose not to give up. Choose to allow your happiness to be a part of your soul, not your circumstances. And if you’re looking for help on the transition between a thermometer and a thermostat, don’t forget to lean into Jesus, and rely on His promises along the way.

Write

Do you feel that happiness is a choice? Why or why not?

Pray

For the Lord to make a change in your mindset as your pursue living out a joy-filled life for Him.

4-5 Pancakes

Japanese Hot Cakes

8 minPrep Time

20 minCook Time

28 minTotal Time

Serves 8-10 Pancakes

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Ingredients

• 1 cup flour of choice
• 1 tablespoon granulated sweetener
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 t teaspoon baking soda
• dash of salt
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened apple sauce
• 1 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• maple syrup (optional)
• round, metal cookie cutter

Instructions

1. Combine almond milk and lemon juice and whisk
2. Allow to sit for 5 minutes
3. Add egg and applesauce to almond milk and whisk again
4. In a separate bowl, mix flour, sweetener, salt, baking powder, and baking soda
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients and whisk together just until combined
6. Heat an electric skillet or griddle and spray with non-stick cooking spray
7. Spray the inside of the cookie cutter with non-stick spray
8. Using clean fingertips, spread cooking spray around, ensuring the entire inside is covered
9. Place cookie cutter on skillet and fill 3/4 of the way with pancake batter
10. Cook for 4-5 minutes and carefully flip (it's normal for some batter to spill out during flip)
11. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until both sides of pancake are cooked through
12. Using a potholder, remove cookie cutter from skillet and allow to cool for a minute
13. Gently tap cookie cutter so that pancake loosens and slides out of cookie cutter
14. Repeat until all batter is cooked
15. Serve with fruit or syrup (optional)

7.8.1.2

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