I am writing a blog (Monday to Friday) on preparing spiritually and physically

to lead a Pilgrimage of 100 miles in September.

for details of the Pilgrimage, click on the dropdown Cotswold Pilgrimage bar at the top of this page.

LIFE LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS : an inalienable right?

Thomas Jefferson thought so .The phrase is meant to exemplify the "inalienable rights" with which all human beings are endowed by their creator and for the protection of which they institute governments. (quote taken from Wikipedia)

But there is another thought.

In pursuit of happiness we lose contentment.

I reposted a photo on Facebook (I don't know where it originated, if you know please let me know!) - and it has been 'liked' and reposted by more people than much of what I put there! It seems to resonate with them:

Five simple rules for happiness:

- free your heart from hatred. Anita Mathias has been blogging on this. It's a powerful thought - forgiveness, freedom from hatred, yes - but more, actually praying for the strength to love in place of that hatred.

- free your mind from worries. Easier said than done? I have learnt that actually I have a choice. I can choose to worry - or I can choose not to. I can choose to

Cast the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. 1 Peter 5:7 (Amplified Bible)

- Live simply. My daughter's friend, Alice (not her real name) had always wanted a large family home, plenty of space, a large garden - and a couple of years ago her dream was realised. She and her family moved into a beautiful home further out of town, with everything she had always wanted. After 10 months Alice finally plucked up the courage to tell her husband that she wanted to move. It felt so unnecessarily luxurious and was taking every last penny of their money - so they had less to give away to others. He was much relieved for he had thought the same. So they prayed; and within 24 hours of going on the market, the house was sold. They moved - to a much smaller but very pleasant townhouse. Her happiness levels soared: once again they had money to give away to those who had so much less, both at home and abroad. Alice is living simply so that others may simply live. She is radiantly happy; I know - I've met her.

- Give more. Of yourself. Your time, your talents, your treasure, your testimony. Whatever you share will be given back, pressed down and running over. God is no ones' debtor. Yes it's costly and sometimes hurts. In more ways than one. But as David said, "I will not give the Lord what has cost me nothing." (2 Sam 24:24)

- Expect less. My grandmother used to say Blessed is he who expecteth nothing for he shall not be disappointed. It's somewhat tongue in cheek. But what RIGHT do I have to anything? All is gift, given in love. What if tomorrow you had only the things you gave thanks for today?

Five simple ways to true happiness.

Might they work for me? For you? Shall we try?