A Morning with Joyce Meyer . . . and finding Happiness

Yesterday morning I had the pleasure of hearing one of my "girl crushes" speak.  I've told you about some of my Girl Crushes HERE.  Well, Joyce Meyer was speaking in Atlanta and I'm so glad I took the time out of my weekend to go.  Joyce Meyer is a complete no nonsense, no excuse, impassioned Christian speaker, author and bible teacher.  She is down to earth and funny and real.  And she always, always hits a nerve with her real life stories, examples and teachings.  While I was looking forward to hearing her, I didn't know the topic or what to expect.When we stepped through the doors into the Gwinnett Arena, we were greeted by an auditorium FULL of people, all standing to amazing music by the band, Highlands Worship.  It was really rocking!  I hadn't expected that but the musicians were amazing, the music incredible and the energy surrounding the entire place was fabulous.Yesterday was the third day of her conference and she talked each day on Happiness.  She had twelve points to follow leading up to her main point on how each of us can be happy each and every day.  Of course she didn't really share any magic formula - just well placed reminders to use to enjoy every day.As she spoke, one thing resonated with me that I wouldn't have thought about 10 years ago.  She spoke to every single person in the auditorium, understanding that each person had problems, issues, hurts, and pain in their life.  I get that now.  No one has a perfect life without "stuff".  We all have our own stories and stuff going on in our lives.  I think I used to think that there were people out there who were bypassed in the area of life's hardships or issues.  I have reached that point in my life where I realize that we all do have "stuff" and we all need to just be there for each other, appreciate that everyone has a hurt and know that even with life's trials, there's still happiness to be found every single day.  I'm definitely in no position to "preach" any of these points, but did want to share Joyce's teaching.I've always thought and said that the biggest battle of hour health and wellness is our attitude.  Our health is not just how well and fit we are physically - the condition of our mindset, attitudes, and souls go a long, long way in determining how healthy we truly are.  I think Joyce's points can help us remember that our happiness makes up a huge part of health.She began her talk at the bottom of her list and made her way to her top point.  I'll share her points in that order.  Some points were elaborated on a little more, and scripture added and  at the end she ran out of time to go into depth on the last points, but I think they are self explanatory!Joyce's Points on Happiness:12.  Decide to be Happy  IN SPITE OF YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES.** Expect Good Things to Happen**11.  Live ONE DAY AT A TIME - and Enjoy it.10.  Find Peace - she did not elaborate here and I really wished she had!9.  Give Your Life Away - meaning the more you give of yourself the more you will receive in return.  **Be a Blessing to Others**Begin each day asking God how you can bless SOMEONE ELSE.  And remember, SELFISH PEOPLE ARE NOT HAPPY PEOPLE.Matthew  6:24  No man can serve two masters:  for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will  hold to the one,and despise the other.   LIVE AND GIVE, Joyce says!John 12:24-26  If a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone; but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.1 Timothy 5:6 But she that liveth in pleasure is deal while she liveth.2 Corinthians 8:5  And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord . . .8.  Don't Let Others Run Your Life.Who is making decisions about what you do, what you wear, what you drive, what music you listen to, what you think?**WHO DO YOU SEEK TO PLEASE?**7.  Understand the Grace of God and know that the Right Doors Will be OpenedGod may not remove that thorn in your side but know that His Grace is sufficient for you.  He will give you the strength to succeed.2 Corinthians 12:7-96. UNDERSTAND PEOPLE1. We Need Them2. People are NOT easy to get along with!3. Most people are NOT like us4. Do Not be Touchy and Do be generous with forgivenessShe elaborated here on how we need to try to get along with the folks around us. It's not always easy, but we are all here together and just have to make the best of it! She said something here that I'd never thought of when having to deal with people and our differences.Basically, we are born with our temperament. There's not much we can do to change that. If you are a type A person, if you are relaxed and laid back, if you are quick with your tongue, that's your temperament and you have to learn to understand that about yourself. Your personality, though, is different. Your personality CAN change based on maturity, life events, environment and other factors. I thought about this and it really made sense. I know I am a certain way through and through. Maybe that part of my temperament came from my Mom, my Dad, my grandmother or some other relative. However, I have seen certain changes in my personality other the years and have honestly worked hard on trying to change some parts of my personality! At least now I know I can really make some good changes!THIS IS WHERE SHE RAN OUT OF TIME, AND I WAS TRYING TO SCRIBBLE REALLY FAST!3. LEARN THE POWER OF PRAYER2. BE OBEDIENTNow, drumroll . . . THE Number One Way to Be Happy . . .1. DECIDE TO BE HAPPY . . .(and my addition, and Just Do It)  Every day wake up and make a choice.  It is our choice to make.I really wish I could do here justice here!  Her facial expressions, stories about getting along with her husband, Dave, her constant battle to curb her tongue, her real life way of looking at how we should live our life.One of her great examples about getting ready to take on big things in life in God's way is to take on the small things first.  So, if you can't take the grocery cart back at the grocery store, how do you think you can handle the big stuff?  So True!Are you familiar with Joyce Meyer?  Like her?  Enjoy her real life way of looking at God's teachings?  Real life, no excuses, way to handle life?  Do you have your own way of finding and keeping your happiness?Enjoy Your Day!