Reality

The human brain can’t tell the difference between that which is real and that which is vividly imagined. Therefore, when we continually run a sequence of events through our thoughts, we’re choosing to re-create the same realities over and over again. The internal world is more important than the external world because it’s where we spend most of our time and because it’s what makes us who we are. So, if you don’t like the person you've become or the circumstances in which you find yourself, the only way to change them is through changing the thought processes of your brain.

Happiness

Happiness is not a direct result – of obtaining a particular object, experiencing a certain pleasure, or achieving a desired social status, but rather a by-product of making a wise choice. The pursuit of happiness is a delusion, fooling a person into a continuous state of depression by conditioning the individual to rely upon circumstances as a basis for determining personal contentment. Also, when happiness is seen as a future event or goal to achieve, the ability to enjoy the present moment is diminished. Therefore, my admonition is to focus on enjoying each moment as it arises and believing for the ability to make wise choices now that will result in desirable consequences later.

Obey

There is a four-letter word in the English language that no one wants to say and fewer want to hear. It's more socially unacceptable than the "F" word, more formidable than "shit," and less desirable than "work." The word is "obey." I cringe at the very sound of it.

In our modern, American society, where self-sufficiency and independence are among our highest values, the very thought of obedience evokes a particularly defensive reaction. Everyone wants to be the boss. No one wants to be the servant.

But our Christian faith calls us to a life of service, beckons us to obedience, and promotes a sacrificial love in the place of self-serving. However, the only way we can serve others instead of getting caught up in our own needs and our own affairs is to continually focus on improving our level of obedience to God, to His Word, and to the promptings of His Holy Spirit.