Life's Simple Guide to Happiness: Inspirational Insights for Experiencing True Joy (Hardback)

Chapter One

Since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20

Our heavenly Father has given us a big, bright, wonderful world with an infinite number of opportunities for happiness. All we need to do is take a break from the frenetic business of life and look around.

Just to illustrate this point, glance outside your window at the trees in your yard. See them in a way you haven't before-as unique creations, boasting of God's artistic talent and constant care. Notice the lines of the trunks and the configurations of the branches. If your trees are wearing flowering buds or promising fruit, allow yourself to rejoice in the miracle of life begetting life. If your tree is soaking up the rain-each leaf grabbing hold of the drops-rest happily in the knowledge that God continues to sustain His handiwork. If your tree is covered with a fluffy blanket of snow, remind yourself that God has covered all His creation with His love.

When you've tired of studying the trees, move on to the flowers, plants, birds, animals-both great and small-oceans bright and mountain splendor. Lift your eyes to the sky to see white puffy clouds dotting a tranquil blue canopy or rolling gray-black in a powerful display of God's sovereignty. It's a never-ending God-scape, just waiting for your eyes to behold it.

Happiness is not something that happens to you. It's something that surrounds you every day of your life. Happiness is being able to see God's artwork whenever you want. Open your eyes and take it all in. It's His gift to you.

SIMPLY SPEAKING

Think of the number of trees and blades of grass and flowers, the extravagant wealth of beauty no one ever sees! Think of the sunrises and sunsets we never look at! God is lavish in every degree. Oswald Chambers

LIVING THE HAPPY LIFE

Try spending some time outdoors today, soaking in the beauty of God's creation.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY.

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 John 2

In an average day, your body spontaneously performs-give or take a little for age, size, and gender-all of the following tasks:

- You exercise 7 million brain cells.

- Your heart beats 103,689 times.

- Your hair grows .01717 of an inch.

- Your blood travels 168,000,000 miles.

- Your nails grow .000046 of an inch.

- You move 750 major muscles.

- You inhale 438 cubic feet of air.

- You speak 48,000 words.

- You eat 3.25 pounds of food.

- You turn in your sleep 25?30 times.

- You drink 2.9 pounds of liquids.

- You give off 85.6 degrees Farenheit of heat.

- You perspire 1.43 pints!

Add to that remarkable list the things you will your body to do each day. No doubt about it, your soul is being housed at present in magnificent surroundings. How well do you take care of this gift God has given you? Your happiness quotient depends on your doing all you can.

Remember that when you're tempted to break your diet, forego your exercise program, skip your doctor's visit, or place yourself in harm's way. A strong, healthy body can provide a lifetime of happiness. Make sure you take care of your greatest earthly asset.

SIMPLY SPEAKING

The body is matter, but it is God's creation. When it is neglected or scoffed at, God himself is insulted. Michel Quoist

LIVING THE HAPPY LIFE

If you haven't done so in a while, make an appointment for a complete physical. You won't regret it!

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