The Joy Guide: Keys to Happiness, Health, and Prosperity
By Linda Anderson and Seth C. Anderson
()
About this ebook
Enrich your life with the information, anecdotes, and humor found in The Joy Guide: Keys to Happiness, Health, and Prosperity, written from a Christian perspective by Linda Slaton Anderson and Seth C. Anderson. Explore such topics as happiness, friendship, love, forgiveness, health, and finance; and discover how they can help you to find a full and rewarding life. The Andersons have also included the results of intriguing yet practical research, such as the effects of church attendance on longevity, the health benefits of laughter, the impact of money on happiness, and much more.
By making the Scriptures come alive with practical applications for daily living, the Andersons have developed a great resource for group discussions, such as Bible study programs, book clubs, Sunday school, and Christian formation classes. A suggested format for group discussion is included in the last chapter of the book.
In weaving the Christian wisdom of the ages with the findings of modern research, The Joy Guide seeks to enhance the quality of your daily life and provide you with tools necessary to build a joyful future for you and your family.
Linda Anderson
Allen and Linda Anderson are speakers and authors of a series of twelve books about the spiritual relationships between people and animals. Their mission is to help people discover and benefit from the miraculous powers of animals. In 1996 they co-founded the Angel Animals Network to increase love and respect for all life through the power of story. In 2004 Allen and Linda Anderson were recipients of a Certificate of Commendation from Governor Tim Pawlenty in recognition of their contributions as authors in the state of Minnesota. In 2007 their book Rescued: Saving Animals from Disaster won the American Society of Journalists and Authors Outstanding Book award. Allen and Linda's work has been featured on NPR, the Washington Post, USA Today, NBC's Today show, The Montel Williams Show, ABC Nightly News, Cat Fancy, Dog Fancy, national wire services, London Sunday Times, BBC Radio, Beliefnet, ivillage, Guideposts, and other national, regional, and international media and news outlets. The Andersons both teach writing at The Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis. They share their home with a dog, two cats, and a cockatiel. They donate a portion of revenue from their projects to animal shelters and animal-welfare organizations and speak at fundraisers. You are welcome to visit Allen and Linda's website at www.angelanimals.net and send them stories and letters about your experiences with animals. At the website you may enter new contests for upcoming books and request a subscription to the free email newsletter, Angel Animals Story of the Week, featuring an inspiring story each week.
Read more from Linda Anderson
Saying Goodbye to Your Angel Animals: Finding Comfort after Losing Your Pet Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Angel Animals Book of Inspiration: Divine Messengers of Wisdom and Compassion Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Angel Dogs: Divine Messengers of Love Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Angel Cats: Divine Messengers of Comfort Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Dogs and the Women Who Love Them: Extraordinary True Stories of Loyalty, Healing, and Inspiration Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Ignited: Guide to Personal and Shared Healing Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsAngel Horses: Divine Messengers of Hope Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Animals and the Kids Who Love Them: Extraordinary True Stories of Hope, Healing, and Compassion Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Rescued: Saving Animals from Disaster Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Horses with a Mission: Extraordinary True Stories of Equine Service Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Secrets of Sadie Maynard Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWhen Night Falls: Finding Peace Can Be Deadly.... Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsAngel Dogs with a Mission: Divine Messengers in Service to All Life Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Angel Animals: Divine Messengers of Miracles Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Miracle Letters of Love: An Intimate Glimpse of God Turning Two Hearts into One Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Related to The Joy Guide
Related ebooks
The 4:8 Principle: The Secret to a Joy-Filled Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Beyond Happiness Is A Choice Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Awakened Life: An 8-Week Guide to Student Well-Being Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings52 Ways To Feel Great Today: Once-a-Week Tips to Energize Your life Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHow's Your Soul? Bible Study Guide: Why Everything that Matters Starts with the Inside You Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Happiness Handbook Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsAbundance of Joy: How to Live a Joy-Filled Life Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsStrong, Sane & Sassy: Eight Proven Powerful Lifestyle Habits That Transform You From The Inside Out Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDevotions for Dating Couples: Building a Foundation for Spiritual Intimacy Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Peace with the Psalms: 40 Readings to Relax Your Mind and Calm Your Heart Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPeace, Be Still: Prayers and Affirmations Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHealing for Damaged Emotions Workbook Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Resilient: Hope for Healing from My Journey to Yours Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5God's Word for You: An Invitation to Find the Nourishment Your Soul Needs Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Few Words of Encouragement: Series #1 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Rejuvenation Process Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings77 Heart: Habits for a Transformational Life of Discipleship: Habits for a Transformational Life of Discipleship Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsIs Your Teen Stressed or Depressed?: A Practical and Inspirational Guide for Parents of Hurting Teenagers Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSpiritually Strong: The Ultimate 6-Week Guide to Building Your Body and Soul Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Finding Happiness Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Heart of Happiness: Restoring Happiness with Heart-Centred Healing Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPure Emotion Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBetter Than You Feel: Making Your Emotions Work For You Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSecrets of Wisdom: Awaken to the Miracle of You Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Joyful Letter: Paul's Epistle to the Philippians Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFully Devoted: Living Each Day in Jesus' Name Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHow to Keep Spiritual Jour Revised: A Guide To Journal Keeping For Inner Growth And Personal Discovery Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Faith-Full and Fit: The Christian’S Guide to Becoming Spiritually and Physically Fit Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Personal Growth For You
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Big Book of 30-Day Challenges: 60 Habit-Forming Programs to Live an Infinitely Better Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Four Loves Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Self-Care for People with ADHD: 100+ Ways to Recharge, De-Stress, and Prioritize You! Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Unfu*k Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and into Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Unfuck Your Brain: Using Science to Get Over Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Freak-outs, and Triggers Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Personal Workbook Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Think and Grow Rich (Illustrated Edition): With linked Table of Contents Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High, Third Edition Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High, Second Edition Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Changes That Heal: Four Practical Steps to a Happier, Healthier You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 5AM Club: Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Outsmart Your Brain: Why Learning is Hard and How You Can Make It Easy Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Mastery of Self: A Toltec Guide to Personal Freedom Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Reviews for The Joy Guide
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
The Joy Guide - Linda Anderson
Copyright © 2012 Linda Slaton Anderson and Seth C. Anderson
Photographer for author photo on back cover: Bob Sanders © Image House 2012
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
Inspiring Voices books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:
Inspiring Voices
1663 Liberty Drive
Bloomington, IN 47403
www.inspiringvoices.com
1-(866) 697-5313
Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.
Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.
Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.
ISBN: 978-1-4624-0112-3 (sc)
ISBN: 978-1-4624-0113-0 (e)
Library of Congress Control Number: 2012936895
Inspiring Voices rev. date: 5/11/2012
Key to Biblical References
All biblical references were accessed online. Unless otherwise noted, all biblical references are to the New International Version Bible. The key below provides abbreviations of other versions used:
ESV English Standard Version
KJV King James Version
NAB New American Bible
NLT New Living Translation
Disclaimer: The Joy Guide: Keys to Happiness, Health, and Prosperity is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it is not a replacement for the medical counsel provided by your personal physician.
Contents
Preface
Section I: Happiness
Chapter 1 Happiness: Finding Joy in Daily Living
Chapter 2 Love: A Many-Splendored Thing
Chapter 3 Friendship: The Spice of Life
Chapter 4 Worry Less and Enjoy Life More
Chapter 5 Keys to a Positive Attitude
Chapter 6 Kindness Is a Boomerang
Chapter 7 Something to Smile About
Chapter 8 How to Deal with Difficult People
Chapter 9 Words of Wisdom
Chapter 10 Finding Comfort during Times of Loss
Section II: Health
Chapter 11 Keys to a Long, Healthy Life
Chapter 12 Discovering the Fountain of Youth
Chapter 13 Laughter: The Best Medicine
Chapter 14 Music: A Prescription for Health
Chapter 15 Techniques for Improving Memory
Chapter 16 Living Conscientiously
Chapter 17 Good Night, Sleep Tight
Chapter 18 Sunshine Brightens Your Day!
Chapter 19 The Healing Power of Forgiveness
Section III: Prosperity
Chapter 20 Budgeting Your Money
Chapter 21 Investing for the Future
Chapter 22 Sharing Your Financial Resources
Chapter 23 Providing for Others after Your Death
Section IV: Tying It All Together
Chapter 24 Conclusion
Chapter 25 Format for Group Discussions
About the Authors
Endnotes
To our children,
Lela, Frank, and Richard
You can have peace of mind, improved health
and an ever-increasing flow of energy.
Life can be full of joy and satisfaction.
~ Norman Vincent Peale¹
Preface
Your job is to make us happy!
These words were spoken to me one day by a participant in a counseling program I was leading, and, in a nutshell, this directive reflects my objective in writing The Joy Guide: Keys to Happiness, Health, and Prosperity. Although I can not make you happy, God can. The chapters that follow will provide you with suggestions that promote a joyful future for you and your family.
Do you know that God’s plan is for us to be joyful? In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, we are told, Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
This mandate leads us to the awareness of the joy that comes from God’s loving presence within us, regardless of what is happening around us.
As part of my work as a counselor, I present talks on self-improvement topics. This book is a compilation of the research I have done for many of these talks. Written from a Christian perspective, sections I, II, and IV include suggestions on techniques that can enhance our spiritual, psychological, and physiological well-being. My husband, Seth, generously contributed his expertise as a finance professor and consultant in writing about prosperity in section III. Each chapter in the first three sections is self-contained and independent of the others, so you may read the chapters in any order you choose.
Seth and I hope you will find all four sections of The Joy Guide to be helpful in enriching your own joyful journey. Of course, considering the vastness of the subject matter, this book is not comprehensive. We hope the material presented will be as enjoyable and interesting for you to read as it was for us to write.
By making scriptures come alive with practical applications for daily living, The Joy Guide is a reader-friendly resource for group discussions, such as book clubs, Bible study programs, Sunday school, and Christian formation classes. A suggested format for group discussion is included as the last chapter.
Throughout our marriage, I have provided editorial support for Seth’s academic publications. However, this time the tables are reversed, and he has helped to edit my own writing. I am forever grateful to him for sharing his insights, wisdom, and time with this endeavor. I also appreciate the helpful suggestions offered by our daughter, Lela.
Many thanks to Ryan Carlberg, Amanda Parsons, Lisa Worman, and the entire publishing team at Inspiring Voices for their guidance. It has been a pleasure working with them.
Depression and mental health issues may be caused by factors beyond the scope of this book. In such cases, consultation with a physician or therapist may be helpful.
It is our hope that your spirits will be uplifted by the information, anecdotes, humor, scripture, and words of inspiration that await you in this book. In weaving the wisdom of the ages with the findings of modern research, The Joy Guide will enhance the quality of your daily life and will provide you with tools for finding joy.
We welcome your feedback. Please contact us at thejoyguide@yahoo.com with your comments. We look forward to hearing from you.
Linda Slaton Anderson
April 6, 2012
Section I: Happiness
88366378.jpgChapter 1
Happiness: Finding Joy in Daily Living
Rejoice in the Lord always; I will say it again: Rejoice!
~ Philippians 4:4
Happiness has been pursued throughout the ages, though some have found it to be elusive. Authentic happiness is not a state of mindless bliss, for it is perfectly normal to experience a range of emotions over the course of our lives. Rather, it is the attainment of balance in life, characterized by inner peace and joy. It is an awareness of God’s loving presence within us, not the absence of life’s difficulties.
Learning to appreciate the simple pleasures of each day can help us discover God’s plan for living abundantly. The suggestions that follow may enhance our quest for joy.
Nurture Relationships: Comedian George Burns quipped, Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.
² Yet, in reality, the quality of our relationships with our family and friends is a significant predictor of happiness.³ Research indicates that the cultivation of satisfying interpersonal relationships is a key component of happiness.
Go to Church Religiously: Numerous studies show that people who are religious are healthier and happier than those who are not.⁴ In fact, churchgoers are about twice as likely to report being very happy
as those who do not attend religious services.⁵ Spiritual people suffer significantly less depression and have lower incidences of substance abuse and suicide than do secularists.⁶
During the first two decades of my marriage, I thought of myself as a Sunday widow.
My husband, Seth, was supportive of my own spiritual journey, and although he encouraged me to take our children to church, he rarely attended church with us. However, once