Laughter, life and being yourself in the moment

Bring laughter into your life and know that you deserve it. God wants His children to be happy and by following His teachings you are following the best guideline to achieve this goal.
Laughter really is the best medicine. I would much rather have laugh lines on my face than frown wrinkles that represent a lifetime of constantly disapproving of everything in life.
We are loaded with foolish thoughts, our minds are framed with self-pity and we block our happiness because of not accepting the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We waste too much time on what we think other people think about us. Trying to please others will destroy the very soul of happiness.
Studies show laughter boosts heart rate, increases blood flow, improves overall energy, raises the level of infection-fighting antibodies, lowers blood sugar levels, increases relaxation, enhances sleep and burns additional calories.
All of us can find something of humor in our lives. We need to take note of this to enjoy the moment. I have former classmates who add so much joy to my life and I take every opportunity I can to spend time with them for my enhancement of pleasure.
The stories of my grandsons definitely fill my heart with joy and laughter during a big part of the journey as they are growing. It feels great to laugh so hard that you think you will fall over or that your heart will burst. These are people who enjoy the reward of bringing happiness to your being.
According to Psalm 34:8, God Himself is good. James 1:17 says that He is the source of every good and perfect gift. Giving blessings from His storehouse is in God's nature, but He wants His children to seek Him most of all.
When our vision of what is truly good clears, we are ready to understand how to receive God's blessings. Smiles and laughter will ultimately appear with enjoyment. Just watch how laughter can become contagious as we try to bring joyfulness to others. Some people have a laughter that is so warming to the soul that you can hear the pleasure of their life purpose. Be happy to hear of others' good fortunate and blessings. Don't block your own blessings because you can't be glad for others; remember, God don't like ugly.
My mother taught me that the secret to enjoying life is not found in gaining recognition, success, wealth, power, fame or social position. These positions mostly add a sense of temporary accomplishment and the true feelings never last.
Life changes quickly. People grow older, loved ones die, priorities change and the degree of our thinking changes also. The greatest challenge is to come to the realization of how to remain happy and soak up every ounce of joy for a more balanced level of living for laughter in your life.
Most people sense a lack of joy because something else is at work in their lives. Many people view themselves as having little and focus on what they don't have instead of what has been given to them as a blessing from God.
God does not want us setting goals or dreaming for the future. We should be content with what God has given us at this very moment.
Seriously, just take inventory of your gifts and I believe you will surely smile and burst into a big laugh of joy. Say, "Father I cannot thank you enough for the special way You have taken care of me and my love ones. Amen."
Look for common interests, habits and individuality that fit into your daily life. Renew old friendships and tap into the reason you and a particular person had so much fun together.
Do something you enjoyed as a child – something that brought laughter to your life. Walk in the rain, read one of your best childhood books and spend your alone time remembering the family and friendhood events that expressed your best side. Be open to possibilities, be honest and be yourself.
It is human nature to view the good things in life as being the ones that are pleasant, gratifying and fun, but not everything that comes our way will feel good. Be thankful for all things given to us by our Father and He will give much more than we can imagine and it all will be good.
I am hopeful. You be also.

Loretta Thomas-Whiteside is a neighborhood news columnist for The News Herald.