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How to have a happy New Year

1/6/2012

By Bishop James King

Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia!

One of the common well wishes exchanged during December and January of each year includes the phrase “Happy New Year.” It is a wonderful expression of goodwill. It conveys to the recipient an implied hope that the future will be good. A happy New Year is a terrific hope but how do you have one? What would be among your list of ways to have a happy New Year? Would your list include good health, a job, family wellbeing, more money, good friends, or a dream vacation?

When I think about what would make for a happy New Year I pondered what Jesus would say to those who believe in him. Below are a few suggestions that come to mind when I think of how Jesus would instruct us to have a happy New Year.

  1. Live one day at a time.
  2. Keep in mind that God made you, loves you and wants to bless you so don’t worry.
  3. Happiness is an inside job … the way you choose to think about your situation determines your happiness.
  4. Love God completely and you will be filled completely with the love of God.
  5. Love - Love – Love.
  6. Rest.
  7. Laugh.
  8. Cry when joy leads you to do so or sorrow carves a path in your heart.
  9. Pursue your passion and offer the results as your contribution to the world family.
  10. Count your blessings and start giving.
  11.  You cannot please everyone so focus on what is most important.
  12. Enjoy the things of life but do not worship them, for happiness comes from within.
  13. Stay close to people who support your greatest values and your noblest hopes.
  14. Forgive yourself and others just as God forgives you.
  15. Love discipline which permits you to sow that you may bear the fruit of your heart.
  16. Adjust.
  17. Pray all the time.  
  18. Say Hallelujah anyway!

These are some of the suggestions I hear from Jesus as I listen to him through Matthew Mark, Luke and John. What do you hear him saying to you as you listen to the word of God?

Have a Happy New Year and let’s grow a Christlike world. See you next month at the Disciple Covenant Conference.

Until next time, remember – God’s will for us is good. We must do the rest.

With love,

Your Bishop,
James R. King, Jr.

Bishop James King

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