Happiness Information

Happiness - Not Something To Pursue


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


MORE RESOURCES:

ABC News

Excerpt: 'O's Big Book of Happiness
ABC News - 14 hours ago
Oprah Winfrey has released the third volume of "O's Big Book of Happiness," which has more than 100 articles straight from the pages of O magazine, ...


Happiness is a warm remote
Globe and Mail, Canada - 20 hours ago
Toronto -- In Reflections On The Big Owe Of '08 (Oct. 11), one of your interviewees says "... you aren't any happier when you get that big-screen TV. ...


Money can't buy happiness
UM Maneater, MO - 1 hour ago
In this country, we're supposed to believe in this ambiguous American dream that definitely involves happiness and probably involves making money. ...


Here Is The City

Happiness and its Causes
Here Is The City, UK - 7 hours ago
During the three days of the conference, happiness was 'attacked' from all sides, examined in great detail, pulled apart, then finally reassembled into a ...


Road to Happiness: Paintings by Harianawalla
Daily Times, Pakistan - Oct 12, 2008
The series titled ‘The Road to Happiness’ comprises paintings glazed with coats of nonchalance that give off a feeling of lightheartedness, as if there is ...


Harvesting happiness at the 13th annual Harvest Festival
Lake County Record-Bee, CA - 36 minutes ago
By Tiffany Revelle -- Staff reporter Milo Powers, 9, eats banana cream pie with no hands in a contest Saturday during the 13th annual Harvest Festival held ...


Hartford Courant

Lucinda Williams (DANNY CLINCH / September 9, 2008)
Hartford Courant, United States - 8 hours ago
In concert last year, though, she spoke in near-giddy tones about her fiancé, and her newfound happiness seems to have spilled over into the songs on ...


Sun-Sentinel.com

Happiness shows how far UM has fallen
Sun-Sentinel.com, FL - Oct 12, 2008
University of Miami quarterback Jacory Harris is hoisted into the air by teammate Orlando Franklin after scoring a two point conversion against the ...


Daily Mail

An affair could be my only route to happiness
Daily Mail, UK - 15 hours ago
I don’t think an affair would be the answer, but it could be the only way for me to achieve happiness until our teenage children leave home and I can end my ...


TheMedGuru

Parenting kids to health and happiness
TheMedGuru, India - Oct 12, 2008
According to a recent survey, children’s health is significantly related to household income as well as the parents’ education level. ...

Happiness - Google News

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