|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Perhaps the most sought after thing in the world is happiness. Our constitution even provides freedom for the pursuit of happiness. People seek out many things in that pursuit . . . power, money, love, sex, food, etc.
Happiness is not something to pursue. It's a decision we make for ourselves. Will Rogers may have said it best. He said, "Most folks are about as happy as they decide to be!" You have to decide to be happy. You may be amazed how everything else then falls into place!
My wife and I made that decision years ago. It works! But, you have to decide to be happy every day and regardless what happens. That's not always easy. Sometimes it can be a decision you have to make every other minute. You can always come up with "reasons" to be down, if you let yourself. Know what? You can learn to take even bad times in stride! As one 70 year old man said* concerning what he had learned in his lifetime, "Don't sweat the small stuff . . . and it's all small stuff!" It takes practice, but it can be learned. Try it! Make that decision right now!
The Lord can help. You can go to Him in thanksgiving and prayer anytime. Prayer works! It really does. For many people, the problem isn't believing in God, or that he can help. The challenge is believing that he will help. "Why should He help li'l 'ole me?" "I'm not important enough for Him to help." "That's such a little thing. Why would He help with that?" "Isn't He too busy with more important things?" "That's too much to ask!" The fact is . . . He is always there, like a loving parent, to help in any way, at any time. All He asks . . . is that you ask, with faith. Then miracles can happen!
When you decide to be happy, several things occur. The world suddenly seems like a better place to live in. People seem so much easier to deal with. They seem happier. Why weren't they like that before? Smile, and the world smiles with you? Your job becomes easier. Everything becomes easier! Dreams begin to come true.
Of course, there will always be some who will try to bring you back down to their level. Misery loves company? Perhaps. You may need to distance yourself from these people, if not physically, then at least emotionally. Something else to learn. Above all . . . BE HAPPY! Pray about it. He will help!
*as recalled by the author from one of the 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' books
© 2004 David M. Butcher
Dave Butcher works a musical ministry with his wife, Carolyn Richards. They are full time and travel the USA presenting their programs at churches, gospels sings, revivals, RV campgrounds, fairs, festivals, and other events. Carolyn is the #5 "Most Played Overseas Gospel Artist" according to a chart published in the Oct & Nov, 2004 issues of Glory Train Express. Carolyn was in the top three percent "Most Played" of mainstream and indie country artists in early September according to a chart compiled by Western Heart Promotions of Phoenix, Arizona WORLDWIDE MAINSTREAM "MOST PLAYED "MAJOR & INDIE" ARTISTS CHART" 01-15 Sept.2004 According to the chart, she got more airplay in that time period than Tim McGraw, Brooks & Dunn, and Loretta Lynn. She had at least one song on the charts every month in 2004. Dave & Carolyn ask that you remember this: The Lord is gonna see that Everything's Alright! Trust Him! http://CarolynRichards.net
How Laughter Can Reduce Stress and Improve Your HealthA merry... Read More
Imagine discovering a way to get rid of your fears... Read More
If you're an employer or a manager then work place... Read More
Hugs have a long and honorable tradition, going back to... Read More
1. roll around in the grass, and don't brush the... Read More
I want to share with you today one of those... Read More
Your karmic number interpretation tells you what you need to... Read More
"Circumstances are the rulers of the weak; they are but... Read More
In pursuit of happiness, what will we do as women?... Read More
Can money buy happiness? It's easy to say no, and... Read More
How do we smile at each other? Is there a... Read More
When I left England in 2000 there did not seem... Read More
Yes, it might feel great to win the lottery. Money,... Read More
In Key Reason #1 we looked at how you are... Read More
We can all be confident when we are sure of... Read More
What if I told you that you have the ability... Read More
It is now 5 years since I passed out of... Read More
Since the mission of this newsletter is to help you... Read More
A friend once said to me, "There is no meaning... Read More
Many ask me this question: "Did moving to Mexico make... Read More
The quality of your life has a strong connection with... Read More
Did you know that according to research, children laugh about... Read More
Ever notice how some people just seem to be able... Read More
Happiness is a state of mind, so your state of... Read More
Gratefulness brings a great fullness to life. The choice to... Read More
Many of my clients are working harder than smarter. This... Read More
This month I'm going to talk about something I've never... Read More
If you have a very low self esteem or a... Read More
If there was ever a principle that was responsible for... Read More
You can be as happy as you want whenever you... Read More
The title I chose for this article makes me smile.... Read More
Is there any necessary connection between our actions and the... Read More
Aromatics which include essential oils, perfume, centred candles and incense,... Read More
Since wisdom is the art of coping with suffering, it... Read More
Can you remember a time when you became a little... Read More
So you're stuck in a rut, bored with how your... Read More
In preparation for a class I taught today, I spent... Read More
Our sense of smell elicits strong emotional reactions and triggers... Read More
Long-term success and happiness follows hand-in-hand with strength of character.As... Read More
Your reaction to the events around you determines how you... Read More
One of my favorite songs is Bobby McFerrin's refrain, "Don't... Read More
Where does happiness fit on a scale of 1 to... Read More
I have decided to declare 2004 as the YEAR OF... Read More
Boiled down to all of our essence, all we really... Read More
What is happiness? The dictionary defines it as "a state... Read More
You have the power to attract and repel anything in... Read More
Most people look outside of themselves as the cause of... Read More
Chocolate delays reality. When I am eating chocolate, everything is... Read More
Don't Let Life Happen To You ... Read More
I just read an installment from another self-improvement course that... Read More
Finding Happiness Finding Happiness |