Scripture: 2 Nephi 2:25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.
Article One Fun and Happiness by Elder Claudio R Costa
There is no such thing as true happiness-only happy moments according to his friend. Many try to find happiness by having fun.
Fun = play, pleasure, gaiety, merriment, source of enjoyment, amusement, to behave playfully, playful, often a noisy activity, and teasing.
Happiness = contentedness, joy, delight, satisfaction. We can be part of the great plan of happiness that Christ has prepared for all of us, His sons and daughters. As we keep His commandments, we are blessed and come to know true happiness. We learn that true happiness lies in doing small things that build us up, that increase our faith and testimony. We can feel happiness every day in our lives through little things we do and we are fully happy as we keep the commandments of a loving God who cares about us.
One of the factors that greatly increases our happiness is listening to the counsel of the living prophets who teach us in this church. The Book of Mormon is the word of God and it can lead us to the pathways of happiness.
Article Two President James E Faust
The many hours I have spent listening to the tribulation of men and women have persuaded me that both happiness and unhappiness are much of our own making.
Joseph Smith: "Happiness is the object and design of our existence and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God."
The Savior of the world taught us to seek that inner peace which taps the innate happiness in our souls.
The enemies of progress and fulfillment are such things as self doubt, a poor self image, self pity, bitterness, and despair. By substituting simple faith and humility for these enemies, we can move rapidly in our search for happiness.
The assurance of supreme happiness, the certainty of a successful life here and of exaltation and eternal life hereafter, come to those who plan to live their lives in complete harmony with the gospel of Jesus Christ-and then consistently follow the course they have set.
Article Three Happiness Now and Forever Elder Richard G Scott
Satan's program is to turn our interest to self. He wants us to become so engrossed in the attempt to satisfy personal appetites and desires that we lose the ability to distinguish truth from error. Such a course of life does not cannot, will not ever bring happiness.
God did not put us on earth to be victimized by circumstances. He gave us a plan for assured success- his gospel-the perfect plan for happiness.
We must learn to judge ourselves not by what we are, but by what, under the influences of the Lord, we may become, we do not have to measure our potential for success by our known capabilities alone. We can count on the power of God and its expanding influence on our lives. We can know that our ability and strength can be magnified to meet any challenge that confronts us.
We always see guideposts in our life more clearly after we have passed them and have reached a higher vantage point. If we were more alert to the promptings of the Holy Ghost we would see them before we reach them and thereby be guided more effectively. This process requires self-master, self-control a, and a heart willing to change.
Salvation is an eternal goal we gain by a process of constant upward gain. Doubt is spiritual poison that stunts eternal growth.
We prove ourselves by making numerous correct decisions without being absolutely sure; then come a greater knowledge and assurance, not before.
Happiness is created. Love is at its center, its principle ingredients are sincere faith, true repentance, full obedience, and selfless service.
Interview One Amanda Jo Hoopes My daughter. child number 3. Lifelong member.
On a scale of 1-10 Amanda rated herself as a 7.
What she believes makes her happy:
1. Being sealed to her husband Stephen. When Mand and Stephen were married, Stephen was not a member of the Church. He was baptized and a year later they were sealed in the Mesa Temple.
2. When she is laughing. No specifics other than the circumstances allow her to be laughing. Manda has always been a happy child.
3. Any time she is spending time with family...no specific family member was mentioned.
Times when she has been the most happy:
1. She mentioned the birthday where she received a new bike. She followed clues in a treasure hunt and the bike was the prize at the end of the hunt. We captured her expression with a picture and it is priceless. She was so surprised and happy!
1. Body image holds her back. She would like to accept her size and appearance with less negativity.
Interview Two: Harvey Farrimond My only brother, older than me by 5 years. Baptized at 8, Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. Less Active
On a scale of 1-10 Harvey rated himself a 10.
Three happiest events in his life:
1. After being totally blind for 4.5 months, Harvey underwent surgery to repair eyesight in one eye. After slow recovery his eyesight improved. He began counting the new items he was able to see each day. One day he called a friend and while on the phone telling her he was up to 35 new things he could see he saw another and another. At 37 he yelled out "Yippee, thank the Lord." He was on his way to improved sight.
2. After living his entire life in the beautiful, but rainy and overcast state of Washington he discovered he did not have Seasonal Affect Disorder. Last winter during his blindness, he realized he was not depressed during those winter months.
3. He has come to the realization that he is the richest man on earth. Not with financial success, but because of the many friends and people that love and care for him. He was told in a discussion with a psychologist that many rich people are miserable as they are concerned about their fortune being taken or stolen from them.
Asked if he has always been happy:
His answer was a drawn out, "Noooo." He then said after being married to his second wife, 15-18 years into it, he realized he was married to the wrong person. He said he was remodeling their home, trying to build their assets and realized his wife had a serious spending habit and he grew disenchanted. He quit working on their home.
Asked what he does to change or increase happiness in his life:
Harvey said when he was married he would have to get away. He would walk his way through it.
He also took the advice of a friend that suggested he make a five year plan. He made the plan. It has taken longer than 5 years to implement, but he is moving towards those goals.
Harvey has dealt with some depression and sought counseling for a period of 6 months. Linda his second wife passed away in November of 2012. He said the period of time he was most depressed was after Linda died he spent time in the VA hospital in connection with the loss of his eyesight. While in, they would not let him smoke. With so many other losses, his smoking is something he believed he had control of. The nurses would not allow him to smoke and he had a change of demeanor. The nurses mentioned to the psychologist and the psychologist made a visit to Harvey's room. In spite of all the issues, Harvey is a friendly person, always ready to make a new friend. During the conversation with the doctor, he was asked if he thought about hurting himself. Harvey had previously promised a friend that he would not commit suicide. His answer to the doctor was, "No, suicide is not an option."
Harvey also told me why he never had children with Linda. Harvey was married to Pam, while she was still in high school and he had graduated. They had two children. After a bitter divorce and giving up his rights to the kids, he did not want to have any more children. He told me Linda had an abortion in high school and the doctor told her she should never get pregnant. Something in connection to the abortion would cause her to loose her life if she ever had a pregnancy. This was the first time he explained their childless marriage.
This has been a tough week, I am looking forward to the upcoming week as I am nearly over this cold and cough. I enjoyed the reading this week and continue to find gems as to what I need to work on to increase my happiness. The interviews have been interesting conversation with people in my life. At the end of this week, this semester will be halfway through. I can do this!
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