Deep Happiness

Illumination Award Winner ~ 2017, Self Help/Recovery Category Positive psychology is telling us what the Bible has said for 2,000 years. The keys to becoming a deeply happy person come down to 8 key qualities. Study after study shows that the happiest people... Are grateful, teachable, and humble Have processed their mistakes, wounds, pain, and losses Have developed impulse control and use their emotions to fuel and enjoy life Pursue their dreams and positive purpose with diligence Are forgiving, non-judgmental, and gracious Think positive, beneficial, constructive thoughts, rejecting unethical and selfish thoughts Savor each day, harmonize with the people around them, and don't attack others Set boundaries for themselves and others and sacrifice to protect those boundaries The problem with the above list is that people don't believe the studies, and they don't really want any of these qualities. They still think that the key to happiness is money, power, popularity, fame, self-rule, and pleasure. But true, long-lasting happiness comes from the inside out. God wants our best even though we may not agree with Him, so He enrolls us in "classes" to develop these missing ingredients. We can either cooperate with Him or fight what He is trying to teach us. He gives us that choice, called free will. This book will help you know which "class" God has enrolled you in and can help you pass the quizzes, tests, and finals He is giving. If you do not pass the exams, then you stay enrolled in the same course until you get it right. But you don't have to do that anymore! I know people who have been enrolled in anger management class for thirty years and still haven't passed the final. God knows that your ultimate joy and happiness will be in the development of the eight qualities listed above, so He constantly gives you opportunities to work on these qualities. There is a huge difference in the lives of people who begin cooperating with God on these qualities rather than fighting Him. Remember. the happiest people have the above qualities. Learn how to get there.