I woke up Sunday morning, after a rough night of little sleep, not feeling like going to church. I am a big believer in going to church because it lifts my spirits and centers me with teaching from God’s word to face the week.

Not this day, though.

This day I wanted to stay home so bad. But I’ve learned when I feel this way that I’m always glad when I push through and go. This Sunday was no different.

The worship was so moving and the message was both challenging and inspiring.

Later, as I sat and watched Hallmark, I realized how much better I felt than when I woke up; I’m so glad I made the effort to go to church.

It’s definitely one of my happiness practices.

You know what, though?

As much as I believe in finding what makes you happy and DOING it, for the sake of your well-being, I believe MORE in the power of knowing Jesus. He is the foundation of all happiness and joy, it all starts and ends with HIM.

We need to be armed with the tools (tools being the practices that make us happy) to protect our happiness in the culture we live in today; there are so many things vying for our attention and many of those things are scary and depressing. Accepting Jesus into our heart and spending time with him each and every day is a happiness practice that supports all the others.

We simply cannot have a deep sense of well-being without the presence of Jesus in our heart.

Nothing else compares.

So, yes, DO the things that make you happy, they matter.

But start with Jesus, He matters MOST.

Pretty Place, North Carolina