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True Happiness

Is there a secret to true happiness? Probably not. There are, however, some steps that each of us can take to experience joy. I can’t say that I always experience joy, but I feel most at peace and most joyful when I practice a few simple steps:

1. Give God the best part of your day. Begin your day in prayer, mediation and praise.
   
   
2. Think on positive things.
   Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. - Philippians 4:8
   
   
3. Stop fretting. Worrying about money, relationships, possessions, etc. is a waste of time and energy.
   Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. - Philippians 4:6
   
   
4. Take time to smell the roses. Carve out at least 30 minutes of each day to do something enjoyable. If you enjoy reading, read. If you enjoy preparing gourmet meals; cook. Just do something for yourself.
   
   
5. Surround yourself with positive people.
   He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. - Proverbs 13:20
   
   Do not be misled. Bad company corrupts good character.
   - 1Corinthians 15:33
   
   
6. Determine what your spiritual gifts are. Try the spiritual gifts analysis at www.churchgrowth.org. If possible, try to find employment that makes the best use of your gifts. When you volunteer in the body of Christ, use your spiritual gifts to benefit others.
   
   
7. Give of your time, talent and treasure. There will always be someone with less than what you have: less education, less confidence, less money, less faith. There is someone whom you know that you can be a blessing to.
   He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses. - Proverbs 28:27
   
   
8. Choose happiness. Slow down and savor life. Sit on that new couch and really enjoy it. Stop and really listen to music. Enjoy a meal; don’t just eat. Admire God’s handiwork. Watch a beautiful sunset; listen to the rain. If you decide to be happy, it will be reflected in your speech. What you say determines how you behave.
   
   The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. - Proverbs 18:21
   

In Christ,

Connie Clay Woodard,
Editor & Publisher