Does God Want You to Be Happy?

I was recently reading something that said it is God’s will that I experience happiness in my life. I took the time to reflect on that for a few minutes. I’ve been lucky that I’ve experienced mostly happiness over my lifetime, so this wasn’t too difficult to believe. However, one would think about this further and possibly question this statement. After all, there is so much unhappiness in this world. There is a global pandemic, crime and terror is on the increase, and generally, especially in the United States, people are more stressed and unhappy than ever before. So is this God’s way of showing who’s boss, and is this possibly His will instead of happiness?

Regardless of all the negativity we hear about, and some may experience, I strongly believe God wants us all to be happy. Here are some Bible quotes that back this up. Ecclestiastes 3:12-13 says, “so I concluded there is NLT. Psalm 35:27 says that the Lord delights and takes pleasure in the well-being, success, and prosperity of His servant.  Galatians 5:22-23 lists all of the fruits of the spirit. One of those is joy which is the root of happiness. Since God’s spirit lives in you, joy and happiness are an inherent part of your being! I don’t think God would include joy as one of those fruits if He didn’t want you to experience it.

I do understand that we all face situations and times in our lives that are not happy. However, God did say we would face trials. What some people miss when these occur is that God allows these trials to occur in order to help us grow. And I’ve learned that growth through these difficult and unhappy circumstances ultimately brings more happiness into my life!

To conclude, I will share what I Thessalonians 5:16-18 says to Rejoice always, pray continually, and be thankful in all circumstances, and that this is God’s will for you. When it says it’s God’s will that means it’s His intention. He created us with a happy, rewarding life in mind, even though He knew parts of this life would be difficult for us. The information I’m presenting here is a bit simplified. However, I believe some of you that read this may think that happiness is not what God intended for you in this life. I am hoping these verses prove that it is indeed His will that you ARE happy far more often than not. God is on your side, and your happiness brings Him happiness. And I can’t think of anything better than putting a smile on His face. Enjoy the blessings 🙂

A Quick and Easy Way to Increase Your Joy

If you haven’t already noticed, there seems to be a severe lack of joy in today’s world. In some ways, it’s understandable. There is a global pandemic going on that has really stood this world on its head. Jobs have been lost, as well as the ability to socialize and do things that we are so used to doing. I will say though, that this drought of joy has been happening since well before the pandemic. In many cases and many places, people just aren’t happy.

Why is this the case? And what can we do about it? I believe I have a fairly simple solution. You may even think I am oversimplifying this, but I don’t believe I am. Just hear (or should I say read) me out, and you may ultimately see that what I am saying makes sense. Hopefully, especially if you’ve been lacking joy in your life, you can see that it’s very easy to get it back.

The words I share with you are not my own. They come from the Bible, and Psalm 16:11. The verse says, “in your presence is fullness of joy.” One version says “your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure forever.” That’s it. What’s the way to true joy? Simply remaining in the presence of God.

As I reflected on this, I found several examples of its truth. First, it shows why meditation and prayer are so powerful. When you meditate, you are deliberately bringing yourself and keeping yourself in the presence of God. In prayer, you are actually communicating with that presence. I was also reminded of this by some powerful memories. When I was in my mid-20s, I was the co-leader of a youth group in my church. We often had retreat weekends. These times were amazing, and I experienced emotional highs that would carry over for days after these events were over. That’s because, for the entire weekend, myself and a group of about 40 people were all completely focused on the presence of God. When you have a group like that where everyone is completely focused on God, deep, positive emotions run even higher. After those retreats, I felt like I could accomplish anything because I was so aware and confident of God’s presence.

As I reflected on this, I was reminded that I don’t need a retreat weekend to experience this same joy that being in God’s presence creates. I can take the time at any part of the day just to reflect on God’s presence. The more I do this, the more comfort and joy I feel. The same is true for you. If you are lacking joy or looking for more of it in your life, simply seeking the presence of God as often as possible can enable you to experience that joy. I understand that even being close to God doesn’t guarantee all negative situations will magically disappear. Sometimes God brings trials and difficulty into our lives for a reason. However, I can tell you from experience that if you increase the amount of time you spend in God’s presence and deliberately focus on Him and His wonderful love and promises, you will also increase the amount of joy in your life. As I look back I see that the times of greatest joy throughout my life were also the times where I was closest to God and consistently focusing on and living in His presence.

The great thing about this is that, as your level of joy increases, it’s contagious! As your joy level and positive energy increases, it positively affects the energy around you. That means as you are more joyful, it automatically brings greater joy to those around you! You don’t have to say or do a thing. It just happens. I see it in my own life all the time. If I am down and in a negative mood, I seem to get the same negative emotions back from everyone. However, when my joy and overall vibration is positive, I receive so much positivity and joy from other people. They enjoy my company and want to be with me. They laugh at my stupid jokes. They are willing to go out of their way to do things for me. All kinds of positive things happen. And it’s simply because my level of joy is at a high level. And that is a result of quality time spent in the presence of God.

Yes, I believe it is that simple. Again, spending as much time as possible in God’s presence won’t automatically make all of your problems go away. However, it will bring your joy to such a high level that you will look at those problems differently. You will be much less likely to allow them to depress you and instead will help you find the solutions that will ultimately help them disappear much more easily. More importantly, you will enjoy the great things in life so much more, and add a great deal of joy that this world desperately needs. Enjoy the blessings 🙂

Joy is Your Natural State

It is very true that people are always looking for more joy in their lives. Millions of dollars are made on books and programs that show people how they can be happier and more joyful. In fact, we have our greatest desires not so we can feel more accomplished or successful. We have our greatest desires because we believe they will bring us greater joy and a more rewarding life experience.

The problem with this is that we are searching in all of the wrong places for our joy. I’m not saying it’s wrong to read books or do things that we believe will make us happier. Nor am I saying we shouldn’t have the dreams and desires that we do. What I am saying is that we don’t have to go looking on the outside for the joy we are so desperately craving. Instead, we need to realize that joy is at the essence of our being. It is one of the fruits of the spirit that we are all part of. Joy is not something we need to go out and find. If we can spend enough time to meditate on who we really are, and realize that love, joy, peace and the other fruits of the spirit are our true, intended states of being, then we won’t have to seek joy. It will automatically manifest because, again, joy is our natural state. Sadness, anger, and negative emotions are NOT natural. They are only emotional states that we bring upon ourselves.

I understand that things happen in our lives that make it difficult to experience joy. People or experiences hurt us, or we lose people in our lives because of disagreement, break-up, or death. I’m not at all saying that we shouldn’t feel sad in those circumstances or angry at an injustice. At the same time, I am saying that we shouldn’t let any circumstance determine the level of joy we experience in our lives.

The question that may be asked now is, “how do I allow this joy that is my natural state to manifest in my world?” There are several ways you can do this. These work for me, so I share them with you. First, as I mentioned earlier, take breaks throughout the day in meditation, reflection, prayer, or whatever you want to call it. Reflect upon the fact that the spirit of God lives in you. It is part of your essence. Remember again that joy is one of the fruits of that spirit. The Bible also says that when you seek that spirit first, above all else, you receive all else (all else shall be added onto you)! That includes joy.

Another helpful hint is to actually do things that make you feel joyful. Whenever you can find time during the day, do something that makes you happy. Listen to your favorite music. Take a nature walk. Play a game. Talk to a friend. Anything you can do that will increase your level of joy.

It is also said that emotions follow the action. That’s why I always recommend smiling as much as possible. When you carry a smile on your face, it automatically brings more joy. This never fails!! Even when I’ve been in the worst of moods, and I’m forcing the fake smile on my face, it always gets me out of the funk, and the smile becomes real, and the level of joy increases. Sticking with this theme, it’s also true that the more you focus on joy, the more reasons in life you will be given to be joyful.

Once again I will say it. Joy is your natural state. You don’t have to seek it anywhere else but inside of you. Make it a point to focus on the joy that is a part of you, and you will experience it.

It was certainly a joy to write this. I hope it is equally joyful for you to read it. Have an excellent day 🙂

Proof That a Simple Smile Can Make You Happy

A smiling face is a beautiful face. A smiling heart is a happy heart – Dr. T.P Chia.

I am continuing a series of articles today from the top life-changing attitude attributes from Jeffery Gitomer’s book “The Golden Book of Yes”. These are habits that, when developed, will keep your attitude at its most positive, and enable you to be the confident, capable you are intended to be.

Today’s attitude attribute is one I firmly believe in. It is very simple, yet many of us ignore its amazing benefits. The command (if you can even call it that) is to smile. It is amazing how much power a smile has. Its benefits to you and to those around you are very much underestimated, especially in today’s fast-paced, stressful world.

I find the significance and power of a smile so important, I made it the first chapter of my book, “30 Days to a More Powerful Life”. I share this chapter with you here….

How much power does a smile have? Think about holding or watching a baby. What happens when that baby innocently smiles at us? Well, I cannot think of one human being that would not smile back at the baby, regardless of the mood they are in. If the smile of an infant only several months old can have such a positive effect, can it be the same with older kids and adults? I am a firm believer in the power of a smile. In his book “How to Win Friends and Influence People”, Dale Carnegie notes that a smile is a simple way to make a great first impression.[i] Based on what I have read and my own observations, here are several powerful effects of a smile:

• It makes us feel good about ourselves. I’m not an expert on psychology, but it is said that not only do our actions follow our emotions, but it can work the other way around. When we smile, positive emotions follow. By smiling and remaining positive, we have a better outlook on all aspects of our life.
• We receive positive reactions from others. Think of the baby and how we smile back. In most cases, if we smile at someone, they will smile back.
• It is a sign of confidence. Think of those who constantly have smiles on their faces. Doesn’t it seem like they have everything totally under control?
• It can solve a negative situation. I’ve dealt with angry customers and upset students. When I approach them with a smile and gentleness, they are much more willing to listen and cooperate.

Smiling is also known to have several health benefits. I read an article online by Dr. Mark Stibich. He lists 10 ways that smiling affects our health, stress level, and attractiveness:[ii]

1. Smiling makes us more attractive.
2. Smiling improves our mood.
3. Smiling is contagious.
4. Smiling relieves stress.
5. Smiling boosts your immune system.
6. Smiling lowers blood pressure.
7. Smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and Serotonin. It’s a natural drug!
8. Smiling lifts the face and makes you look younger.
9. Smiling makes you seem successful.
10. Smiling helps you stay positive.

I love the test Dr. Stibich includes at the end of his article. He challenges us to smile, and then try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It is very difficult to do because the smile sends the message that all is well in our worlds, and it conflicts and actually repels any negative thoughts.

As you can see, there are plenty of other benefits to a smile. It is such a simple concept, yet how many of us fail to do this? I do my best to keep a smile on my face, but sometimes still end up doing so much less than I should. Smiling is contagious. Starting from just one person, it can spread joy very quickly, and have powerful impacts on everyone in the office, classroom, household, or whatever environment. Why not help ourselves and those around us stay positive and enjoy life simply by smiling often? It is a challenge that I am willing to take, and I suggest it to you too.

Action Plan: As mentioned, smiling is a very easy thing to do. Even when things are not going as well as we would like, we can make a conscious effort to smile, and it can make a difference in our circumstances. Whenever you think of it throughout the day, allow yourself to smile. The more you do it, the more natural it becomes. Eventually, you begin to experience the many benefits mentioned above. The result is a happier and more beneficial life for you and for those around you.

[i] Carnegie, D. (1936) How to Win Friends and Influence People, 95. New York. Simon and Schuster.

[ii] Stibich, M. Ph.D, Top 10 Reasons to Smile. About.com. Updated February 4, 2010.

I certainly hope this information convinces you to smile more today. As you will see, the more you do so, the better you will feel and will help others do the same. Enjoy the blessings 🙂

What’s Right With You?

What’s wrong with me? Have you ever asked yourself that question? If you are like almost all human beings, you have. Unfortunately, many people ask the question all too often. When we are struggling to find the desired partner,lose weight, break a habit, keep a job, or whatever, we tend to focus on what is wrong with us.

The problem is that as we keep our focus on what is wrong with us, the Law of Attraction says we ultimately cause more of it to appear in our lives. How do you turn this around? Spend time as often as possible thinking about what is right with you. No one is perfect. Yet even if you have many negative qualities (all of us have at least some) there is at least something that you are good at and some positive quality you can share with the world. Everyone also has at least something they can be thankful for. Even if things in your life aren’t going well, there is at least something you can thank God for, even if it’s simply the ability to breathe and drink clean water.

The bottom line is that, according the same law mentioned above, we receive in life what we focus on. If we focus on what is right and good about ourselves and our lives, we will see more of it. Ultimately, our positive qualities grow even stronger, and we are able to make more of a difference in the world.

I strongly suggest you change your focus to what is right with you. What do you have to offer the world? What are your most proud of about yourself? What do you have to be thankful for? The more you focus on that, the happier you will be. And it’s amazing how those negative qualities tend to naturally disappear! If you look closely enough, there is a lot that’s right with you. Focus on that “rightness” and goodness, and it will be a greater part of your life. Enjoy the blessings 🙂

A Thanksgiving Reflection

Here in the U.S. we celebrated Thanksgiving on November 28. It’s a day to pause and give thanks for all of the blessings we have in life and enjoy the day with people we are thankful to have in our lives.

I always reflect on things to be thankful for on this day and the ones after it. Many other people do the same. However, this year I am doing some extra thinking about things to be thankful for. This is because I have learned more than ever before about gratitude this year, mainly due to a book I read by Rhonda Byrne called, “The Magic”. The book takes the reader on a 28 day journey on being grateful for all of the blessings in all areas of life now, and those yet to come. The goal is that it becomes a regular habit to be thankful each day.

For me, the book has for the most part accomplished that purpose. Sure, there are days where I forget to thank God for my blessings, and others that I complain about injustice or what I don’t have. For the most part though, gratitude has become a regular part of my life, and  I am thankful for that in itself.

I have come to realize that the more we appreciate the small things in life, the bigger blessings we receive, and the more reason we have to be thankful. I especially reflect on that this Thanksgiving season.

I share this to portray my own thinking, but also challenge anyone else to strongly consider the blessings you have in all areas of your life. As I mentioned before, this will not only add more joy and happiness to your life now, but will provide more reasons to be thankful as you continue to make gratitude a regular habit.

As long as I am being thankful, I will thank all of my wonderful readers from the bottom of my heart. I have received a far greater response in this space than I could have ever imagined, and I thank you all for visiting, spreading the word, and sharing your input. It means the world to me. Have an excellent day : )

Powerful Advice That Will Serve You Well

If you want love you’ve got to give a little

If you want faith just believe a little

If you want peace turn your cheek a little

You’ve got to give, you’ve got to give to live.

The above lyrics come from one of my favorite 80s songs, “Give to Live”, by Sammy Hagar. I share it because I have been reminded of this message on several occasions lately. Again, I take that as a sign that God is trying to tell me something.

What is He trying to tell me? I believe the message is that if you want something really bad, He expects you to give it away first. Give to others what you are seeking yourself.

It makes sense according to the law of sowing and reeping (or the Law of Attraction). In essence, you get what you give. If you think positive thoughts, you receive positive results. This takes it a step further in saying that when you take positive actions, you receive positive outcomes and responses.

This law is so simple, yet how many people ignore it? I say this because even though I am aware of how this works, I still fall into the same trap. Sometimes the simplicity of it actually scares people away. Other times, we just get so caught up in doubt and negativity that it clouds our thinking from faith and positivity.

I ask you now…what is it you want most in life? Is it happines? Then go make someone happy. Is it more time for yourself? First spend some time serving someone else. Is it more money? Start by sharing some money with a charity or someone who needs it more than you.

Whatever it is you are most desperately seeking, find a way to serve and give it to someone else. Please don’t do it with the intent on receiving back, because that defeats the whole purpose. Instead, do it without even thinking about it. Do it for the great feeling you receive knowing you helped someone else in need. I have found from experience that when you give this way, it not only comes back to you, but it arrives in more and better ways than you can ever think of.

I challenge you to give away what you want most today. I promise that you won’t be wanting it for much longer because you will have it in abundance. Enjoy the blessings : )

11 Ways You Can Improve Your Life Practically Overnight

You can’t go wrong with these tips. If you follow them consistently, the desired changes in your life will occur immediately.

Have you ever been at a point so low in your life that you actually started doubting yourself or your faith? Have you ever felt like the world was against you- maybe you can’t find a job, your pockets are empty, your relationships are failing, you’re not getting anywhere with a diet, all your peers are moving on up in life while you’re stuck in a rut, or something similar? You know, where it seems like nothing is working out or you want something so badly but there just isn’t an opportunity for you to get it? I know I have. I’ve been at a point so low that even though I knew there was fun to be had, that things would eventually get better, that I was loved, that if I just believed and had faith my time would come, etc… I just didn’t feel it, and I let it…

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16 Signs You’re Happier Than You Think

This is too valuable to pass up the opportunity to share…

How Are You Like Dorothy From The Wizard Of Oz?

The Wizard of Oz is one of my favorite movies ever made. If you’ve never seen it or need a brief review, here’s the main idea: The main character Dorothy is blown from a tornado in her home in Kansas to a beautiful place called Oz. In this place she is provided with shoes that provide unlimited power. In fact, the power is so great that the wicked witch constantly tries to take them from her. Dorothy is a hero in Oz because her house landed on a previous wicked witch who had been terrorizing the place and kills her. She also finds great friendships, and wild adventures, all surrounded by unthinkable beauty.

Even though Dorothy is provided with many great things, she misses the people at home in Kansas, and all throughout the movie she expresses her desire to get back home. To fulfill this wish, she is told she needs to make a long journey to see the wizard of oz who can grant this wish. She finally makes this long and sometimes dangerous journey and gets to the wizard where he is about to grant her wish by taking her back to Kansas. However, there is a glitch in the plan and now she is still stuck in Oz. Then the good witch who provided the powerful shoes comes to her rescue.

Herein lies the most ironic part of the movie and the theme of this post. The good witch shows Dorothy how to use the powerful shoes to take her home. However, she says that Dorothy had the power to go home all along.

What is it you are wishing for today? Whatever it is, I would like to remind you that you already have the power. Whether you are seeking love, joy, peace, patience, self-control, they are fruits of the spirit that are already part of you. 

Even if you are seeking an external thing, such as more money, a job, a new home, or anything like it, please know that the same all-powerful energy that is part of you is part of the the thing you are seeking. When you focus on that power, you let the fruits of the spirit manifest through you. You don’t have to strive for happiness. It’s already a part of you! Just meditate on that fact and let it manifest through you. As far as a material item, keep focused on that item and on the power you possess. When you do this you attract it to you. Then be sure to take any inspired action to make it happen. In the movie, the good witch gave Dorothy the instructions and she followed them. You need to do the same to make it happen and make the power work.

I will remind you that the power you have is very strong. As a result, just like in the movie, the evil one will make every effort to take it from you. However, if you rely on God and meditate on His power that is a part of you, He will protect you from those evil influences.

I remind you again that you already have the power you are seeking. Use it with confidence and for good, and there’s no place it can’t take you. Enjoy its wonderful blessings : )