I believe that, as children of God, one of the greatest pitfalls we face is the constant pursuit of happiness. Make no mistake—desiring joy isn’t wrong—but when the advice we hear is simply, “Do what makes you happy,” we tread on shaky ground. Why? Because such advice encourages us to chase after fleeting feelings, prioritizing our flesh and emotions above everything else.

Let’s be honest: we often find ourselves running from our responsibilities—waiting for vacations, the weekend, or quitting time—just to feel a momentary lift. But living this way puts us in “self‑mode,” wrapped up in comfort and personal pleasure, often at the expense of peace and true purpose. Our society, in many ways, is steeped in this mentality.

This morning, I woke up at 2:30 a.m., unable to sleep, and I felt the Lord gently urging me to seek His heart. I realized that only Christ can truly fill what we need—He’s the one who mends, heals, delivers, and positions us where He intends us to be. But if we stay in “self‑mode,” simply following the crowd, we lose connection with the Father’s purpose for each of us.

Think about it: each of us was bought at a great price. We exist for a reason—not solely for our own pleasure, but for God’s plan and purpose. (Jeremiah 1:5) reminds us: “Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” And (Psalm 139:13–18) beautifully describes this divine design:

“For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother’s womb. … I praise Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Thy works. … My frame was not hidden from Thee, when I was made in secret…Thine eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed…In Thy book were written all the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was none of them.”

Also, “How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more than the sand.” When we awaken, He is still with us.

So today and every day, I pray we seek the heart of our Father—not only for our breathing and our living—but so we walk purposely in the plans He’s ordained. We each have a divine calling. What a tragedy it would be to waste it by settling for shallow happiness, never truly stepping over into the extraordinary life God has designed and created for us to live in and walk out. Amen.

“For it is in His name, Jesus’ name, that I do ask and pray..Amen and Amen..Be blessed today my dear sweet friends and remember wherever you go and whatever you do, Be a light for our Father, Much love to you all, Mandi ❤️