Pusuit of Happiness

Imagine actually living the life of which you have always dreamed. This is possible. The most wonderful life you can imagine can be yours. To obtain this wonderful & happy life, you may need a guide—A Guide To a Happy Life. Happiness really begins by engaging in worthwhile activities. Here are a list of ten suggestions to guide your way.
1. Live by the golden rule
"Do for others as you would like them to do for you." (Luke 6:31)
"For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”" (Galatians 5:14)
2. Forgive quickly
"’In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." (Ephesians 4:26-27)
"... Forgive, and you will be forgiven." (Luke 6:37)
3. Take care of yourself
"Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you." (1 Timothy 4:16)
Stay spiritually, mentally (emotionally), physically strong.
You cannot help others unless you are strong.
Get proper care when you are ill—Jesus said, “The sick need a physician.”
Wash your hands often.
Eat properly.
Get plenty on rest.
Make sure there is plenty of humor in your life.
4. Be temperate
"And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown." (1 Corinthians 9:25, NKJV)
Temperate: Marked by moderation: as
a: keeping or held within limits : not extreme or excessive: mild
b: moderate in indulgence of appetite or desire
c: moderate in the use of intoxicating liquors
d: marked by an absence or avoidance of extravagance, violence: restrained
Uncontrolled appetites and emotions will bring great stress to your life and to those closest to you.
5. Love and help children
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. " (James 1:27)
"Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”" (Matthew 19:13-14)
6. Be generous
Proverbs 22:9 (NASB) 9He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.
Be a giver, not a taker. Takers are never happy or satisfied. Givers are blessed and happy.
Proverbs 11:24-25 (NASB) 24There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, and there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want. 25The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.
7. Don’t break the laws of man
There are a multitude of Scriptures exhorting believers to obey rulers and authority.
"Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king." (1 Peter 2:13-17, NIV)
It is very liberating to live free from the fear of getting caught!
8. Mind your own business
"This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before." (1 Thessalonians 4:11, NLT)
I have more than enough to mind, trying to keep myself and my immediate family well off—spiritually, mentally, emotionally, financially, and physically.
When I take on responsibilities that are not God-given, I become stressed out without cause.
9. Build and value highly strong relationships
We should know many people and be friendly with nearly everyone.
However, each of us needs a few close friends that we can talk to about anything, who will challenge us to be the best we can be, and will challenge us to grow.
Everyone needs “safe” people in our lives.
We all need someone who believes in us, and encourages us.
Be a person worthy of the trust of others
Keep your word, once given.
Don’t break confidences.
The key to having great friends is to be one!
Become a good listener.
Bring joy to others.
Send cards, write notes, make phone calls.
Don’t be promiscuous
Be faithful.
The urge of the moment can become the sorrow of a lifetime!
10. Have a grateful heart
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Answers come in a positive mindset much easier and faster than to a negative, hopeless mind.
Every great story includes great struggle, some suffering, even temporary defeats. AND every great story includes individuals overcoming such trials.
Be that kind of person!
It starts with a grateful heart.