He Who Laughs...Lasts---Where Has All The Laughter Gone?

I love to watch people at airports, malls and evenat our church. I wonder, what got them here? Whatattracted those two people to be together at thistime? What makes that one tick or that one overthere work so hard? And sadly, I wonder where hasall the laughter gone?

Studies show that children laugh approximately 400times per day while adults laugh as little as 15times a day. Studies also show that laughter helpslower blood pressure, strengthens immune systems,and helps lower stress hormones. There are noknown studies of negative side effects tolaughter. No wonder we have a health crisis on ourhands. But, my question is, "What does it do tothe Spirit?"

I may be wrong here in my observation, but itseems that Christians are the unhappiest of themall. Mad at God, life and the dog it seems. Atthe very least are not accustomed to wearing asmile. Dave Stone talked last week in his sermonthat based upon what we are taught about eternityand what it will bring us, believers should be thehappiest people on earth. Can you remember thelast time you laughed so hard your stomach achedand you just couldn't stop? Can you remember whenyou even laughed at all?

I consider myself to be a happier person thanmost. I have endured many hardships in lifewhether of my own demise or just life. I chose topull myself each time back up from the gutter.Mostly, because God has blessed me with a gift ofencouragement, discernment and the ability tomotive myself and others. Here are fivesuggestions I have for making your life filledwith more laughter and happiness in a negativeworld.

Watching TV less or not at all. TV is ameaningless habit of filling your brain with tonsof negative information. Read a book or start a"creative" hobby instead. Be very selective on who you spend quality timewith outside your family. Whether you realize itor not certain people can bring you down, we dobecome like those we hang around. Join an ABFclass or an activity at the center. Force yourself to get out of your boat of dailyhabits. We tend to go to work the same way, eatthe same foods, park in the same parking lot atchurch, and sit in the same section to. Try newthings you'll be surprised how it will affect you.

Have a career not a job. Do something you love todo in life for money. You may say, this is not mychoice or easier said than done, but I disagree. Iget paid a good living motivating people toexercise. How silly is that? I created my careerfor me, you can to. I laugh everyday going to workbecause I love what I do so much. You can starttoday by asking God for help.

The last one, yet most important of them all thatwill bring more peace and laughter to your lifeis; Turn the "control" of your daily life over toJesus Christ. We put all the pressures of life onourselves and for what. Jesus died for us and boreall our burdens. As believers we should be thehappiest people on earth. We don't have much timedown here left make the best of it. Jesus Christwants us to be happy and have laughter in ourhearts. Studies will also show you that peoplelive longer and healthier with great attitudes soremember, "He who laughs??.lasts!"

Father,Thank you so much for bearing all of our burdensfor us by your death on the Cross. Help us fatherto be happier people. Encourage us to spend ourtime and efforts wisely and enjoyably while we areon this earth. Also Father we pray that you willgive us peace and happiness during this up-comingholiday season. We pray this in your will andname. Amen

Greg Ryan is a best selling author of the Changing from the INSIDE OUT series. A powerful five step plan to better your life, get healthier, and have more energy! For FREE mini Course click here! http://www.resolutions.bz