I had the honor of sharing a devotional with my friends at church the other night. I focused the devotional on Happiness. I’ve thought a lot about Christianity and Happiness, over the years. Sometimes it seems there are many things that seem to get in each other’s way. But, I, for one, have decided to let them mutually exist. Here’s some scriptures and other wise sayings that lead me to believe I can have both.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. – Apostle Paul, Galatians 5: 22-23

Love Joy Peace. It’s the Christian trifecta. God wishes us to have love, joy, and peace.

8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. – Apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 9:8

God blesses abundantly. He has given us many many blessing. Be grateful. Be thankful. We have ALL we need, ALL the time, in ALL things. We will abound in EVERY good work. He is for us.

“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” – Aristotle

Every man and woman needs a purpose in life. His and her passion will lead them to pursue happiness in their life.

“We must exercise ourselves in the things which bring happiness, since, if that be present, we have everything, and , if that be absent, all our actions are directed toward attaining it.” – Epicurus

The pursuit gives the purpose and meaning in their life. Each of us feels more purposeful, when we’re on a mission to do something good, something that brings us happiness.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” – Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence

The pursuit of Happiness, not just Happiness. The journey is the essential ingredient that is special to America. We can each pursue Happiness and we have the Right to do so.

Contemporary research shows that happy people are more altruistic, more productive, more helpful, more likable, more creative, more resilient, more interested in others, friendlier, and healthier.  Happy people make better friends, colleagues, and citizens. I wanted to be one of those people. – Gretchen Rubin

I want to be one of those people. Definitely.

Happiness is a choice. You are the only person who can make you happy. You’re as happy as you choose to be. – Rick Warren

In 2008, I decided I was tired of being cynical and grumpy. I needed new friends and new habits. I decided to be happy. I followed Gretchen Happiness Project Blog as she assembled her book the Happiness Project. I joined the Pasadena Triathlon Club and bought a bike and new running shoes.

In 2010, I started several side businesses. In 2013, I started to blog about happiness and triathlon.

For a refresher, here’s My Rules: Joe’s Rules

• Choose Happiness. This is where it starts. A decision and commitment.
• Enjoy today, right now, right here. This is contentment.
• If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. This keeps you nice. This is humble.
• Rephrase everything until it’s positive. No complaining. No whining. Ever.
• Do what you can; only concern yourself with what you can do. No stress. No worries.
• Live in the box; thrive in the box. Life has constraints. Make the most of it and embrace the constraints. Balanced Life.
• Bring out the Best in people. Live them the benefit of the doubt. Grow them. People are more important than stuff.
• Hug
• Smile